JP6516526B2 - Container cleaning device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a container cleaning apparatus for cleaning a plurality of containers stored in a pallet.

  DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART Conventionally, the manufacturing apparatus which manufactures several capsules intermittently as 1 unit is known. For example, an apparatus for manufacturing a capsuled product (capsule) described in Patent Document 1 supplies capsules (containers) to each of 50 capsule holding parts formed on the upper surface of a capsule delivery pallet. And cosmetic powder are filled in each capsule. And this manufacturing device is sealing the cosmetic powder to each capsule by sticking the lid material made from an aluminum film to the opening of each capsule. In other words, this manufacturing device intermittently manufactures 50 capsules as a unit for each capsule transport pallet.

  In this manufacturing apparatus, foreign matter such as dust adhering to the container is removed by blowing air before filling the cosmetic powder in the capsule, and these foreign matters are suctioned by the suction device.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-191593

  However, the manufacturing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 may cause the container contained in the pallet to fall out if the air blowing is increased or the suction is increased in order to reliably remove the foreign matter. There is a problem of being there.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a container cleaning device capable of reliably removing foreign matter without dropping a container stored in a pallet.

The container cleaning apparatus according to the present invention is a container cleaning apparatus for cleaning a plurality of containers contained in a pallet, and prevents the detachment of the plurality of containers by holding the opening edges of the plurality of containers contained in the pallet. The pallet is provided to the cleaning means by moving the pallet and / or the cleaning means by moving the pallet and / or the cleaning means. The container moving mechanism for moving the container relatively is provided, and the pallet is formed to be arranged in a grid point, and is provided with an accommodating portion for accommodating a plurality of containers, and the drop-off preventing means is each of the accommodating portions of the pallet Is held along the row direction or the column direction, and the pallet is moved relative to the cleaning means by the container cleaning moving mechanism. Comprising a plurality of rail portions formed on the rail-like extending along the direction to be moving, the interval of each rail section is characterized that you have been set to be substantially equal to the distance between the opening of the container.

According to such a configuration, the container cleaning device includes the detachment preventing means for preventing the plurality of containers from falling off, and the containers are accommodated in the pallet because the plurality of containers whose opening edges are pressed by the detachment prevention means are cleaned. Foreign matter can be reliably removed without dropping off the container.
Further, since the container cleaning device cleans the plurality of containers contained in the pallet by moving the pallet relative to the cleaning means, the case where all the plurality of containers contained in the pallet are simultaneously cleaned In comparison, the size of the cleaning means can be miniaturized.
Furthermore, since the detachment prevention means is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction of moving the pallet relative to the cleaning means by the container cleaning moving mechanism, the plurality of containers accommodated in the pallet are The opening edges of the plurality of containers housed in the pallet can be efficiently pressed without individually pressing the In addition, since the fall-off prevention means is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction of moving the pallet relative to the cleaning means by the container cleaning moving mechanism, the cleaning means is a fall-off prevention means. A plurality of containers contained in the pallet can be cleaned without interference.

  In the present invention, the cleaning means is a nozzle for blowing air to a plurality of containers whose opening edges are held down by the fall-off prevention means, and a container cleaning suction for sucking a plurality of containers whose opening edges are held down by the fall-off prevention means. It is preferable to have a machine.

  According to such a configuration, the container cleaning device blows air to the plurality of containers by the nozzles and suctions the plurality of containers by the suction device for container cleaning. The foreign substances such as dust adhering to the above can be removed, and these foreign substances can be sucked by the container cleaning suction machine. Therefore, the container cleaning device can reliably remove foreign matter without dropping the container housed in the pallet.

  In the present invention, preferably, the container cleaning moving mechanism moves the pallet relative to the cleaning means by moving the pallet.

  According to such a configuration, since the position of the cleaning means can be fixed, the configuration of the container cleaning transfer mechanism can be simplified as compared with the case of fixing the position of the pallet.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to provide container cleaning detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a plurality of containers cleaned by the cleaning means.

  According to such a configuration, the container cleaning device can check whether or not the plurality of containers cleaned by the cleaning means fall off, and therefore reliably prevents the plurality of containers housed in the pallet from falling off. be able to.

  In the present invention, it is preferable to provide a static electricity removing means for removing the static electricity of a plurality of containers accommodated in the pallet.

  According to such a configuration, the container cleaning device can remove the static electricity of the plurality of containers contained in the pallet, so foreign substances such as dust adhere to the plurality of containers cleaned by the cleaning means again. Can be suppressed.

A perspective view showing a capsule concerning one embodiment of the present invention Diagram showing a capsule manufacturing apparatus Top view of the main pallet used for the main conveyor Diagram showing the main conveyor Top view and cross-sectional view of dummy pallet used for container supply device Side view of the container supply device that supplies multiple containers to the dummy pallet Side view enlarging the vicinity of the hopper for container supply The figure which further expanded and looked at the hopper for container supply Diagram showing the relationship between the receiving portion of the dummy pallet and the guide member Side view showing a container storage tank and container conveyance means The schematic diagram which shows the state which looked at the periphery of the arrangement | positioning base of the container supply apparatus from the upper direction Enlarged view showing the area around the upstream pallet conveyor Enlarged view showing the area around the downstream pallet conveyor Functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the container supply apparatus Diagram showing multiple containers being loaded inside the bucket Diagram showing the bucket raised The figure which shows the state which rotated the guide member to the container holding position The figure which shows the state which moved the main-body part of the hopper for container supply along the rail member. A schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is transported from the dummy pallet unloading standby position A schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pulled out from the second placement table A schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is sent to the second placement table A schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pushed toward the first placement table The figure which shows the flowchart of the container conveyance supply process performed by a container supply apparatus The figure which shows the flowchart of the pallet conveyance processing performed with a container supply apparatus Top view and side view of container transfer device Top and side views of the circulating pallet conveyor Top view of container cleaning device A schematic view showing the positional relationship between the main pallet and the fall-off preventing means Top view of the filling device Side view of the filling device Cross-sectional schematic view of the weighing and filling mechanism and the hopper for filling Diagram showing the shutter of the weighing unit closed A diagram showing the state in which powder particles are filled in the measuring hole of the measuring plate Figure showing the container filled with powder Schematic diagram showing the filling check device Film feeding device, film die cutting device, and side view of film transfer device Film feeding device, film die cutting device, and top view of film transfer device The figure which shows the film cut by the film die-cut apparatus Sectional view showing the main part of the suction head Side view of seal device Side view of film separation device Enlarged cross sectional view showing the through hole of the bending plate Top view of film separation device A schematic view showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism Side view of scrap discharging device A perspective view showing the appearance of a scrap holder Top view of the capsule sorting device Perspective view showing capsule and case Top view of the case conveyor Side view of the capsule sorting device Functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the capsule sorting apparatus Diagram showing a flowchart of capsule assortment processing The figure which shows the state which each stopped the case between each stopper The figure which shows the state determined that the capsule was accommodated in the case in the 1st accommodation judgment part. The figure which shows the state which carries out the 1st case by the case conveyance conveyor The figure which shows the state determined that the 2nd storage judgment part stored the capsule in the case. The figure which shows the state which carries out the 2nd case by case conveyance conveyor

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described based on the drawings.
The capsule manufacturing apparatus according to the present embodiment manufactures a capsule in which the granular material is sealed in a container by filling the granular material as a content in a container and attaching a film-like lid to the opening of the container. Device. First, this capsule will be described.
In the present embodiment, the capsule manufacturing apparatus fills the container with the powder particles, but may be configured to fill the container with other contents such as powder and liquid.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a capsule according to an embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 1, the capsule C is provided with a container C1 for filling the granular material P, and a film-like lid member C2 for sealing the granular material P by being stuck to the opening of the container C1. ing.
The container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section and a flange C12 formed on the top so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. ing.
The lid material C2 has a hexagonal base C21 covering the opening of the container C1, and rectangular ears C22 formed on two opposing sides of the base C21.

  In the present embodiment, the container C1 has the body C11 having a hexagonal cross section, but may have a body having another cross sectional shape such as a square cross section. Moreover, although the container C1 has the flange C12, it does not need to have this. Furthermore, although the lid C2 has two rectangular ears C22, it may have one or three or more ears, and may not have ears. . In short, in the present invention, the container and the lid may have any shape.

FIG. 2 is a view showing a capsule manufacturing apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 viewed from the vertically upper side. In FIG. 2, the vertically upward direction is taken as the + Z-axis direction, and two axes orthogonal to the Z-axis are taken as X, Y-axes. The same applies to the following drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 is provided with a main conveyor 2 for transporting the plurality of containers C1 by transporting the main pallet MP containing the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction). ing.

Further, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 includes a container supply device 3, a container transfer device 4, a container cleaning device 5, a filling device 6, a filling check device 7, a film supply device 8, and a film die cutting device 9. , A film transfer device 10, a seal device 11, a film separation device 12, a scrap discharge device 13, and a capsule sorting device 14. These devices are directed from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main conveyor 2 It is arranged.
In addition, the main conveyor 2 and each apparatus 3-14 are accommodated in the inside of the area | region sealed by the flame | frame FL which inserted the glass plate. The worker can carry out maintenance and the like of the main conveyor 2 and the respective devices 3 to 14 by opening the doors respectively disposed in the vicinity of the main conveyor 2 and the respective devices 3 to 14.

The container supply device 3 supplies the plurality of containers C1 to a dummy pallet DP formed in substantially the same shape as the main pallet MP. The dummy pallet DP will be described in detail later (see FIG. 5).
The container transfer device 4 transfers the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 and stores the containers C1 in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP on which the plurality of containers C <b> 1 have been transferred by the container transfer device 4 is transported by the main conveyor 2.

The container cleaning device 5 removes foreign substances such as dust adhering to the container C1 by cleaning the container C1 contained in the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
The filling device 6 fills the granular material P into the container C1 from which the foreign matter has been removed by the container cleaning device 5.
The filling check device 7 confirms whether or not the granular material P is filled in the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2.

The film supply device 8 supplies the film die cutting device 9 with a film for cutting out the lid material C2.
The film die cutting device 9 forms a perforation for cutting out the lid material C2 in the film supplied by the film supply device 8, and cuts the film into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.
The film transfer device 10 transfers the film cut by the film die cutting device 9 onto the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2. At this time, the film transfer device 10 transfers the film so that the position of the lid member C2 formed on the film and the position of the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP are aligned.

The sealing device 11 seals and bonds the lid member C2 formed on the film transferred onto the main pallet MP by the film transfer device 10 and the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. , The granular material P is sealed in the capsule C.
The film separation device 12 separates the lid material C2 from the film after sealing and bonding the lid material C2 formed on the film and the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP with the sealing device .

The scrap discharging device 13 recovers and discharges the film (scrap) remaining after separating the lid material C2 by the film separating device 12 from the main pallet MP.
The capsule sorting device 14 takes out the capsules C after the lid material C2 is separated by the film separating device 12 from the main pallet MP, sorts them according to a predetermined number, and stores them in a case.
Hereinafter, each apparatus which comprises the manufacturing apparatus 1 of a capsule is demonstrated in order.

[Main conveyor]
FIG. 3 is a top view of the main pallet used for the main conveyor.
The main conveyor 2 conveys the plurality of containers C1 by conveying the main pallet MP accommodating the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction). First, the main pallet MP used for the main conveyor 2 will be described.
The main pallet MP is a metal pallet formed in a rectangular plate shape as shown in FIG. The main pallet MP is formed to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and has a plurality of storage sections MP1 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape for inserting and storing the container C1 from the upper surface side. In other words, the accommodation portion MP1 is a hole formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the trunk C11 of the container C1, and can accommodate one container C1 inside.

Specifically, the main pallet MP has ten storage portions MP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction), and five at equal intervals along the short direction (column direction) The accommodation part MP1 of is arranged. In other words, the main pallet MP has 50 accommodation portions MP1 in the form of grid points.
In the present embodiment, the main pallet MP has 50 receiving portions MP1 in the form of lattice points, but may have 2 or more receiving portions different from 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the accommodating part is arranged in the shape of a lattice point, it does not need to be arranged in the shape of a lattice point, and the arrangement may not have regularity.

Here, the outer diameter of the body C11 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the accommodation portion MP1. Further, the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion MP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is housed inside the housing portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, the flange C12 protrudes outside the housing portion MP1 and the body C11 is housed inside the housing portion MP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 in such a manner that the container C1 is positioned with the top vertically upward and the bottom vertically downward, and is opposite to this. As a result, it is not accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1.
And, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section which is formed to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. , It is easy to get into the accommodation part MP1.

  Further, the main pallet MP is formed at each of the longitudinal end portions, and at each of the two cylindrical pins MP2 projecting upward and the end portions on the lower left side and the upper right side of FIG. It has two through-holes MP3 of circular cross-section formed through the upper and lower surfaces. These sites will be described in detail later.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the main conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the main conveyor 2 as viewed from above in the vertical direction.
As shown in FIG. 4, the main conveyor 2 conveys the plurality of containers C1 by conveying the main pallet MP accommodating the plurality of containers C1 in a predetermined direction (+ X axis direction), and The main pallet MP is transported upstream of the forward conveyor 21 by transporting the main pallet MP, which collects the plurality of containers C1 in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction (−X axis direction), while being arranged parallel to the And a return conveyor 22 for conveying to the side.

  The forward conveyor 21 is rotatably provided around the Y axis, and has a plurality of rollers 21A provided so as to abut on both ends in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP, and a motor 21B for rotating the respective rollers 21A. Is equipped. The forward conveyor 21 conveys the main pallet MP placed on each roller 21A in the + X axis direction by rotating each roller 21A with the motor 21B.

  The return conveyor 22 is rotatably provided around the Y axis, and has a plurality of rollers 22A provided so as to abut on both end portions of the main pallet MP in the longitudinal direction, and a motor 22B for rotating the respective rollers 22A. Is equipped. The return conveyor 22 conveys the main pallet MP placed on each roller 22A in the -X axis direction by rotating each roller 22A by the motor 22B.

  Further, the return conveyor 22 is provided on the way of transporting the main pallet MP, and is provided with a pallet cleaning mechanism 22C that cleans the main pallet MP. The pallet cleaning mechanism 22C is provided with a pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1 (only the pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1 at the vertically upper side provided at two positions vertically above and below the main pallet MP so as to sandwich the main pallet MP. ) And attached to the inside of each pallet cleaning suction machine 22C1, and it is rotated by a motor (not shown) to rub off the granular material P or foreign matter attached to the upper and lower surfaces of the main pallet MP. And a brush (not shown). Then, the pallet cleaning mechanism 22C rubs off the powder particles P and foreign substances attached to the upper surface and the lower surface of the main pallet MP transported by the return path conveyor 22 with a brush, and the pallet cleaning suction device 22C1 The main pallet MP is cleaned by suction and removal.

  In addition, the main conveyor 2 sends the main pallet MP conveyed to the upstream side of the forward conveyor 21 by the backward conveyor 22 to the forward conveyor 21, and for the backward conveyor 21 by the forward conveyor 21. A return path delivery mechanism 24 for delivering the main pallet MP transported to the upstream side of the conveyor 22 to the return path conveyor 22 is provided.

  The forward path delivery mechanism 23 is provided rotatably around the X axis, and contacts a plurality of rollers 23A provided so as to abut on the central portion of the main pallet MP and the side surface of the main pallet MP in the + Y axis direction. It has a delivery plate 23B in contact and a moving mechanism 23C for moving the delivery plate 23B along the Y-axis direction. The forward delivery mechanism 23 causes the moving mechanism 23C to move the delivery plate 23B in the -Y-axis direction, thereby delivering the main pallet MP placed on each roller 23A to the forward conveyor 21.

  The return path delivery mechanism 24 is provided rotatably around the X axis, and on the side surface on the -Y axis direction side of the main pallet MP, with a plurality of rollers 24A provided to abut on the central portion of the main pallet MP. It comprises a delivery plate 24B which abuts, and a moving mechanism 24C for moving the delivery plate 24B along the Y-axis direction. The return path feed mechanism 24 sends the main pallet MP placed on each roller 24A to the return path conveyor 22 by moving the feed plate 24B in the + Y axis direction by the moving mechanism 24C.

  Therefore, after the main conveyor 2 conveys the main pallet MP in the + X axis direction by the forward conveyor 21, it is sent out to the return conveyor 22 by the return path delivery mechanism 24, and in the −X axis direction by the return conveyor 22. After being transported, since it is again transported to the forward conveyor 21 by the outbound transport mechanism 23, the main pallet MP is circulated and transported so as to rotate around the Z axis.

[Container supply device]
FIG. 5 is a top view and a cross-sectional view of a dummy pallet used for a container supply device. Specifically, FIG. 5 (A) is a top view of the dummy pallet DP, and FIG. 5 (B) is an AA cross-sectional view of the center of the dummy pallet DP taken along the longitudinal direction.
The container supply device 3 is a device for supplying the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP. First, the dummy pallet DP used for the container supply device 3 will be described.
The dummy pallet DP is, as shown in FIG. 5, a resin-made base DPB formed in a rectangular plate with four corners chamfered, and a stainless steel plate DPL screwed and attached to the upper surface of the base DPB. Have. Further, the upper surface of the plate DPL is subjected to a surface treatment for smoothing the surface. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP is subjected to surface treatment for smoothing the surface.

Here, Nidax (registered trademark) treatment can be adopted as a surface treatment for smoothing the surface, for example, but any other treatment can be adopted if it is a surface treatment for smoothing the surface. You may
In the present embodiment, the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP is subjected to a surface treatment for smoothing the surface, but the surface treatment may not be applied.

  The base DPB is formed to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and has a plurality of storage portions DP1 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape for inserting and storing the container C1 from the upper surface side. In other words, the accommodation portion DP1 is a hole formed in the same cross-sectional shape as the body C11 of the container C1, and can accommodate one container C1 inside.

Specifically, in the base DPB, ten receiving portions DP1 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction (row direction), and five at the same interval along the short direction (column direction). The accommodating part DP1 is arranged. In other words, the base DPB has 50 receiving portions DP1 in the form of lattice points.
In the present embodiment, the base DPB has 50 receiving portions DP1 in the form of lattice points, but may have 2 or more receiving portions different from 50. Moreover, in this embodiment, although the accommodating part is arranged in the shape of a lattice point, it does not need to be arranged in the shape of a lattice point, and the arrangement may not have regularity.

Here, the outer diameter of the body C11 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the housing portion DP1. Further, the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1 is formed to be slightly larger than the inner diameter of the housing portion DP1.
Therefore, when the container C1 is housed inside the housing portion DP1 of the base DPB, the flange C12 protrudes outside the housing portion DP1 and the body C11 is housed inside the housing portion DP1. In other words, the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodation portion DP1 so that the container C1 is positioned with the top vertically upward and the bottom vertically downward, and is opposite to this. As a result, it is not accommodated in the accommodation unit DP1.
Further, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross section formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom. , Into the accommodation portion DP1.

The plate DPL has a circular through hole DP2 formed in a position corresponding to the housing portion DP1 of the base DPB. Each through hole DP2 is formed to increase in diameter as it goes from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP.
Therefore, the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is provided with the through hole DP2, and the through hole DP2 functions as an expanding portion which is expanded toward the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP.
In the present embodiment, the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is provided with the through hole DP2, and the through hole DP2 is formed to increase in diameter from the lower surface side to the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP. May not be formed to expand in diameter.

  In addition, the dummy pallet DP is formed at each of the end portions in the longitudinal direction, and has two circular through holes DP3 having a circular cross section, which penetrate the upper and lower surfaces of the base DPB and the plate DPL. These sites will be described in detail later.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a container supply apparatus for supplying a plurality of containers to a dummy pallet. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a view of the container supply device 3 viewed from the -Y-axis direction side.
The container supply device 3 supplies the plurality of containers C1 to each of the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. As shown in FIG. 6, the container supply device 3 vibrates the dummy pallet DP by vibrating the container supply arrangement table 31 for arranging the dummy pallet DP and the container supply arrangement table 31. The small electromagnetic feeder 32 as a vibration means and a container supply hopper 33 (holding means) arranged above the container supply arrangement stage 31 (arrangement position of the dummy pallet DP) and holding a plurality of containers C1 33A, 33B).

In addition, the container supply device 3 is provided below the container supply hopper 33, and also includes a container storage tank 34 as storage means for storing a plurality of containers C1, and a plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34. The container conveyance means 35 is provided with the container supply hopper 33 to hold the container by conveying the container.
In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is adopted as the pallet vibrating means, but a vibration generator of another type different from the electromagnetic type may be adopted. In short, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the pallet vibrating means can vibrate the dummy pallet.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged side view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper. Specifically, FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the container supply hopper 33 from the −Y axial direction side.
As shown in FIG. 7, the container supply placement table 31 is inclined to descend as it approaches the container storage tank 34 side (left side in the drawing), and two dummy pallets DP are arranged along the short direction. The first placement table 31A and the first placement table 31A are provided on the upper side adjacent to the first placement table 31A, and are inclined so as to descend toward the container storage tank 34 side (left side in the drawing) And a second placement stand 31B for placing two dummy pallets DP along the lateral direction.

Specifically, each dummy pallet DP is disposed on the first placement stand 31A and the second placement stand 31B, with the front and back sides of the paper plane as the longitudinal direction and the left and right sides of the paper plane as the lateral direction. Therefore, the container supply arrangement table 31 has the first arrangement table 31A (first area) and the second arrangement table 31B (second area) provided adjacent to each other, and the first arrangement Dummy pallets DP are arranged on each of the table 31A and the second arrangement table 31B.
In the present embodiment, the first placement table 31A and the second placement table 31B are configured to place two dummy pallets DP, but one dummy pallet DP may be placed. It may be configured, and may be configured to arrange three or more dummy pallets DP.

  The small electromagnetic feeder 32 is disposed below the first placement table 31A, and has a second placement and a small electromagnetic feeder 32A that vibrates the two dummy pallets DP disposed on the first placement table 31A. A small electromagnetic feeder 32B disposed below the platform 31B and vibrating two dummy pallets DP disposed on the second placement platform 31B is provided.

  The container supply hopper 33 includes a container supply hopper 33A (first holding means) for dropping the plurality of containers C1 toward the dummy pallet DP disposed on the first placement stand 31A, and the plurality of containers C1. Parallel to the lateral direction of the container supply hopper 33B (second holding means) for dropping toward the dummy pallet DP arranged on the arrangement stand 31B of No. 2 and the dummy pallet DP arranged on the arrangement stand 31 for container supply And a rail member 33C disposed above the container supply placement table 31 in the same manner as the container supply placement table 31 is inclined.

  In the present embodiment, the container supply device 3 includes the two container supply hoppers 33 of the container supply hopper 33A and the container supply hopper 33B. On the other hand, the container supply apparatus may include one container supply hopper, and may include three or more container supply hoppers. In short, the container supply device may be disposed above the container supply arrangement table and may include holding means for holding a plurality of containers.

  The rail members 33C are provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP (not shown). The rail member 33C is attached to the lower end (left end in the drawing), and is a pallet delivery means 33C1 for delivering the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the first placement stand 31A to the second placement stand 31B. And a compressor 33C2 attached to the upper end (the right end in the drawing) and discharging air to the container storage tank 34 along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement stand 31. .

FIG. 8 is a further enlarged view of the container supply hopper.
As shown in FIG. 8, the container supply hopper 33 is provided with a slider 331 provided to be movable back and forth along the rail member 33C, a main body 332 attached to the slider 331 and holding a plurality of containers C1, And a guide member 333 attached to the portion 332.

The slider 331 includes a wheel (not shown) rolling on the upper surface of the rail member 33C, rotates the wheel by a driving force of a motor (not shown) provided therein, and moves along the rail member 33C. The main body portion 332 moves along the rail member 33C with the movement of the slider 331. Therefore, the rail member 33C and the slider 331 function as a container supply moving means of the present invention for moving the container supply hoppers 33A and 33B along the predetermined direction (the short direction of the dummy pallet DP).
In addition, in this embodiment, although the container supply apparatus 3 is provided with the movement means for container supply, it is not necessary to provide this.

The main body portion 332 includes a hopper conveyor 332A constituting a bottom surface, and covers 332B constituting three side surfaces excluding the side surface on the right side of the paper surface of the main body portion 332. Hold multiple containers C1.
The hopper conveyor 332A moves the conveyance path from the upstream side (left side in the drawing) to the downstream side (right side in the drawing) by the driving force of the motor 332A1 attached to the main body 332. As a result, the plurality of containers C <b> 1 accommodated in the main body 332 move from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main body 332.
Here, since the cover 332B does not constitute the downstream side surface of the main body portion 332, when the transport path of the hopper conveyor 332A is moved from the upstream side to the downstream side of the main body portion 332, After being conveyed by the hopper conveyor 332A, the sheet falls from the downstream side of the main body 332.

The guide member 333 is attached to the main body 332 rotatably around an axis in the front and back direction in the drawing, and is rotated by a driving force of a cylinder (not shown) provided on the main body 332. Specifically, the guide member 333 has either of two positions: a container holding position (two-dot chain line in the drawing) whose tip is positioned upward, and a guide position (solid line in the drawing) whose tip is positioned below Turn to heel and stop.
In the present embodiment, the container supply hopper 33 is provided with the guide member 333 but may not be provided. In short, in the present invention, the holding means only needs to be able to drop the plurality of containers toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet.

In the container holding position, the guide member 333 is inclined so as to ascend toward the distal end side, and thus forms a bottomed cylindrical space by cooperating with the hopper conveyor 332A and the cover 332B. The container C1 is prevented from falling from the lower end side of the main body portion 332. In other words, in the state in which the guide member 333 is rotated to the container holding position and stopped, the guide member 333 constitutes the downstream side surface of the main body 332.
In the guide position, since the guide member 333 is inclined to descend toward the tip end, the plurality of containers C1 are transported by the hopper conveyor 332A, and then slip on the upper surface of the guide member 333 to be a main body It will fall from the downstream side of the part 332.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 333 can be rotated and stopped at one of two positions, the container holding position in which the tip is positioned upward and the guide position in which the tip is positioned downward. Although it is comprised so that it can, it does not need to be comprised so that it can turn. In this case, the guide member 333 may be fixed at the guide position.

FIG. 9 is a view showing the relationship between the housing portion of the dummy pallet and the guide member. Specifically, FIG. 9A is a view of the dummy pallet DP and the guide member 333 viewed from the upper side, and FIG. 9B is a guide member along the left-right direction of the paper surface of FIG. It is a figure which shows the cross section which cut | disconnected 333. FIG. FIG. 9A is a view showing a state in which the guide member 333 is rotated to the guide position and stopped.
As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the guide member 333 is formed in a rail shape that is inclined to descend from the proximal end attached to the main body 332 toward the distal end on the dummy pallet DP side. The individual rail portions 333A are provided, and each rail portion 333A is integrally formed as one member.

  Each rail portion 333A is provided in correspondence with the ten housing portions DP1 arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP. Further, each rail portion 333A has a V-shaped groove portion 333A1 for guiding the container C1 by sliding it toward the center of each accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP. Specifically, each rail portion 333A is provided along a direction parallel to the short direction of the dummy pallet DP, and the groove portion 333A1 has its deepest portion positioned vertically above the center of the housing portion DP1. (Dotted line in the figure). Therefore, the guide member 333 guides the container C1 to drop toward the center of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

  In the present embodiment, the guide member 333 is formed in a rail shape which is inclined to descend from the base end attached to the main body 332 toward the tip end on the dummy pallet DP, and the dummy pallet Although V-shaped groove part 333A1 which slides container C1 towards the center of each accommodation part DP1 of DP and guides it, it may be formed in other shapes, such as tunnel shape, for example. In short, in the present invention, the guide member may be guided to drop the container toward the center of the receiving portion of the dummy pallet.

  Each rail portion 333A is provided protruding from the end of the dummy pallet DP along the direction of guiding the container C1, and includes a pair of projecting pieces 333A2 provided on both sides of the groove portion 333A1. The distance between the pair of projecting pieces 333A2 becomes wider toward the end on the dummy pallet DP side. And the space | interval of the front-end | tip is wider than the outer diameter of the fuselage | body C11 of the container C1, and narrower than the outer diameter of the flange C12 of the container C1.

In the present embodiment, the distance between the pair of protruding pieces 333A2 increases toward the tip end of the dummy pallet DP, but may be a constant distance from the base end to the tip.
Moreover, in this embodiment, although the guide member 333 is provided with a pair of protrusion piece 333 A2, it is not necessary to provide this.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a container storage tank and container conveyance means. Specifically, FIG. 10 is a view of the container storage tank 34 and the container transfer means 35 as viewed from the -Y axial direction side.
As shown in FIG. 10, the container storage tank 34 is dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the storage cover 341 which covers the opening formed on the vertically upper side to load the container C1 and the container supply hopper 33. Among the plurality of containers C1, the collection port 342 for collecting the plurality of containers C1 not stored in the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP, and the storage port 342 formed below the collection port 342 And an outlet 343 for unloading the container C1.

The container conveyance means 35 is provided on the right side of the paper surface of the container storage tank 34, and conveys the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34 to hold the container mechanism by the bucket mechanism 351; The belt conveyor 352 which conveys the several containers C1 from the storage tank 34 to the bucket mechanism 351 is provided.
In addition, although the container conveyance means 35 is provided with the bucket mechanism 351 and the belt conveyor 352 in this embodiment, you may be the structure different from this. In short, in the present invention, the container transfer means only needs to be able to be held by the holding means by transferring the plurality of containers stored in the storage means.

The bucket mechanism 351 includes a bucket 351A, an elevator 351B, a holding conveyor 351C, and a distribution unit 351D.
The bucket 351A is inclined in such a way as to move downward toward the container storage tank 34, and is formed in a bottomed rectangular cylindrical shape having a bottom portion 351A1 configured to be openable and closable. The bucket 351A stores the plurality of containers C1 in its interior by closing the bottom portion 351A1, and delivers the plurality of containers C1 stored in its interior by opening the bottom surface. Here, FIG. 10 shows a state in which the bottom portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A is opened.

  The elevator 351B lifts and lowers the bucket 351A along the vertical vertical direction, whereby the height position of the container storage tank 34 (specifically, the opening on the upper side of the bucket 351A with respect to the upper surface of the conveyance path of the belt conveyor 352). It reciprocates between the lower position) and the height position of the container supply hopper 33. Here, FIG. 10 shows a state where the bucket 351A is raised to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 by the elevator 351B.

The holding conveyor 351C places the plurality of containers C1 delivered by the bucket 351A in the transport path 351C1 and moves the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side (right side in the drawing) to the downstream side (left side in the drawing) The container supply hopper 33 holds the plurality of containers C1 by transporting the plurality of containers C1. Specifically, the plurality of containers C1 mounted on the conveyance path 351C1 drop toward the container supply hopper 33 from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C.
In the present embodiment, the bucket mechanism 351 includes the holding conveyor 351C, and the holding conveyor 351C is held by the container supply hopper 33 by transporting the plurality of containers C1. On the other hand, the bucket mechanism 351 may hold the container supply hopper 33 by another mechanism such as pushing out the plurality of containers C1, for example.

Further, the holding conveyor 351C is provided with a rectangular plate gate 351C3 provided vertically above the transport path 351C1 at a predetermined interval. The gate 351C3 is disposed across the entire width of the transport path 351C1. In other words, the holding conveyor 351C has an inlet with a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1.
Note that, in the present embodiment, the holding conveyor 351C includes the rectangular plate gate 351C3, but it does not have to have this.

The gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C by inserting the pin 351C4 at the upper end thereof along the Y-axis direction, so that it can freely swing around the Y-axis. Therefore, the gate 351C3 can swing its lower end when passing the plurality of containers C1.
In the present embodiment, the gate 351C3 is attached to the holding conveyor 351C so that the lower end can be oscillated when passing the plurality of containers C1, but the lower end can be oscillated. It may not be attached.

  The distribution means 351D is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the X-axis direction, and the plurality of containers C1 falling toward the container supply hopper 33 from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C is the container supply hopper 33A or The container supply hopper 33B is distributed and held. Specifically, the distribution means 351D is configured to hold the plurality of containers C1 on the container supply hopper 33B by projecting to the container supply hopper 33A side (solid line in the figure), and for supplying the container. With the second path for holding the plurality of containers C1 on the container supply hopper 33A by immersing in the hopper 33B side (two-dot chain line in the figure), switching the first path and the second path As a result, the plurality of containers C1 are distributed and held in the container supply hopper 33A or the container supply hopper 33B.

  In the present embodiment, the bucket mechanism 351 includes a sorting means 351D, and the sorting means 351D switches the first path and the second path so that the plurality of containers C1 can be fed into the hopper 33A for container supply. Alternatively, it is distributed to and held in the container supply hopper 33B. On the other hand, the distributing means divides the plurality of containers C1 dropped from the downstream side of the holding conveyor 351C toward the container supply hopper 33 by half and divides the containers C1 into the container supply hopper 33A or container supply, for example. Other mechanisms may be employed such as distributing and holding the hoppers 33B simultaneously. In short, the distributing means only needs to distribute and hold the plurality of containers in the first holding means and the second holding means.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing a state where the periphery of the container supply mounting table of the container supply device is viewed from above. Specifically, FIG. 11 is a view schematically showing a state in which the periphery of the container supply mounting table of the container supply device is viewed from the + Z-axis direction side.
Further, as shown in FIG. 11, the container supply device 3 is provided with a pallet conveying means 36 for carrying in and out the container supply arrangement table 31 by conveying the dummy pallet DP. The pallet transport means 36 is disposed on the upstream pallet conveyor 361 and pusher 362 disposed on the + Y axial direction side of the container supply disposition table 31 and on the −Y axial direction side of the container supply disposition pedestal 31. A puller 363 and a downstream side pallet conveyor 364 and a circulating pallet conveyor 365 disposed on the + X axial direction side of the container supply placement table 31 are provided.

The upstream pallet conveyor 361 conveys the dummy pallet DP to the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP provided adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31 and provided on the + Y axial direction side.
The pusher 362 pushes the dummy pallet DP transported to the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the container supply placement table 31.
The puller 363 pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the second arrangement table 31B to the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP provided adjacent to the container supply arrangement table 31 and provided on the -Y axis direction side .

The downstream pallet conveyor 364 transports the dummy pallet DP from the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP.
The circulating pallet conveyor 365 circulates the dummy pallet DP by conveying the dummy pallet DP arriving at the end position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to the starting position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361.

  The pallet conveying means 36 may have a configuration different from the above-described configuration including the upstream pallet conveyor 361, the pusher 362, the puller 363, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 and the circulating pallet conveyor 365. . For example, the pallet conveyance means may carry in and out the dummy pallet with respect to the arrangement position of the dummy pallet by the manual operation of the operator. In short, in the present invention, it is sufficient that the pallet conveying means can carry in and out the arrangement position of the dummy pallet.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 12A is a view of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 12B is a view of the periphery of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 in the + Y-axis direction side It is the figure seen from.
As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the upstream pallet conveyor 361 moves along a transport path 361A that moves toward the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP (in the right direction in the drawing), and the moving direction of the transport path 361A. A pair of guide rails 361B are provided in parallel and provided on both sides of the transport path 361A. The distance between the pair of guide rails 361B is set to be slightly longer than the length in the longitudinal direction of the dummy pallet DP. Here, at the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP, the transport path 361A is inclined in the same manner as the container supply placement table 31 (see FIG. 12B).

  As shown in FIG. 12, the pusher 362 includes an abutment portion 362A that abuts on the side surface of the dummy pallet DP, and an advancing and retracting mechanism 362B that advances and retracts the abutment portion 362A along the Y-axis direction. The pusher 362 advances the contact portion 362A toward the −Y-axis direction by the advancing and retracting mechanism 362B, whereby the dummy pallet DP is conveyed to the loading standby position W1 of the dummy pallet DP by the upstream pallet conveyor 361. Is pushed toward the first placement table 31A.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view showing the periphery of the downstream side pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 13A is a view of the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 13B is a view of the periphery of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 in the −Y-axis direction. It is the figure seen from the side.
The puller 363, as shown in FIG. 13, of the two through holes DP3 (see FIG. 5) formed in the dummy pallet DP, a pin 363A to be inserted into the through hole DP3 formed on the -Y axis direction side; An advancing and retracting mechanism 363B for advancing and retracting the pin 363A along the Y-axis direction. The puller 363 causes the pin 363A to advance toward the + Y axis direction side by the advancing and retracting mechanism 363B, and then inserts the pin 363 into the through hole DP3 of the dummy pallet DP. By moving backward, the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the second placement stand 31B are pulled out to the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP.

  The downstream pallet conveyor 364 is, as shown in FIG. 11 and FIG. 13, a transport path 364A moving from the delivery standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP toward the right in the drawing, and a delivery standby position for the dummy pallet DP A pusher 364B for pushing the dummy pallet DP pulled out to W2 toward the transport path 364A, and a pair of guide rails 364C provided parallel to the moving direction of the transport path 364A and provided on both sides of the transport path 364A ing. The distance between the pair of guide rails 364C is set slightly longer than the longitudinal length of the dummy pallet DP. Here, at the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the transport path 364A is inclined in the same manner as the container supply placement table 31 (see the lower figure).

Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the downstream pallet conveyor 364 switches between the state where the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP is inclined in the same manner as the container supply placement table 31 and the state where it is horizontal. A mechanism 364D is provided.
The switching mechanism 364D includes a pedestal 364D1 having a delivery standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, and a pedestal support portion 364D2 rotatably supporting the pedestal 364D1 around the Y axis. The switching mechanism 364D causes the pedestal 364D1 to rotate around the Y axis by the driving force of a motor (not shown), thereby inclining the state of the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP in the same manner as the container supply arrangement table 31 Switch between the normal state and the horizontal state.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the circulating pallet conveyor 365 places the dummy pallet DP and moves toward the + Y axis direction, whereby the starting point position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 from the end position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364 A conveying path 365A for conveying to the end, a plate 365B in contact with the side surface on the + X axial direction side of the dummy pallet DP arriving at the end position of the conveying path 365A, and an advancing and retracting mechanism 365C for advancing and retracting the plate 365B along the X axis Have. The circulating pallet conveyor 365 sends out the dummy pallet DP which has arrived at the start position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by advancing the plate 365B in the −X axis direction by the advancing and retracting mechanism 365C.

FIG. 14 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of the container supply device.
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 14, the container supply device 3 includes a container supply control means 37 that controls the entire container supply device 3.
The container supply control unit 37 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like, and executes information processing according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. The container supply control unit 37 includes a container conveyance unit 371, a container supply unit 372, and a pallet conveyance unit 373.

The container conveyance unit 371 includes a container loading unit 371A, an input stop unit 371B, and a container moving unit 371C, and controls the container conveyance unit 35 to convey the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34. To hold the container supply hopper 33.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 371A-371C which comprises the container conveyance part 371 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 15 is a view showing a state where a plurality of containers are inserted into the bucket.
After moving the bucket 351A to the height position of the container storage tank 34 (downward arrow in the figure), the container loading unit 371A closes the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A, as shown in FIG. Then, the container loading unit 371A loads the plurality of containers C1 transported by the belt conveyor 352 into the interior of the bucket 351A by causing the belt conveyor 352 to start moving the transport path (arrow in the right direction in the drawing).
Here, since the belt conveyor 352 has an inlet (a discharge port 343 of the container storage tank 34) of a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34, the belt conveyor 352 is charged into the bucket 351A. The amount of container C1 per unit time can be made constant.

  The input stop unit 371B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the transport path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the belt conveyor 352 starts the movement of the transport path. In other words, when the loading stop unit 371B loads the plurality of containers C1 of a fixed amount into the bucket 351A, the feeding stop unit 371B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the conveyance path, thereby moving the bucket 351A of the plurality of containers C1 Stop the injection of

  In the present embodiment, the input stop unit 371B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the conveyance path when a predetermined time has elapsed after the start of the movement of the conveyance path by the belt conveyor 352. The charging of the plurality of containers C1 into the bucket 351A has been stopped. On the other hand, for example, when the input stop unit detects that the plurality of containers C1 contact the floor surface of the bucket 351A with the sensor, when a predetermined time has elapsed, The feeding of the plurality of containers C1 to the bucket 351A may be stopped by stopping the movement. Also, for example, the input stop unit measures the weights of the plurality of containers loaded into the bucket, and when the predetermined weight is reached, causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the conveyance path, thereby the plurality of containers C1. You may stop loading the bucket into In short, in the present invention, the charging stop unit stops the charging of the plurality of containers into the bucket by stopping the movement of the transport path on the belt conveyor when the predetermined amount of containers are charged into the bucket. do it.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a state in which the bucket is raised.
After stopping the loading of the plurality of containers C1 into the buckets 351A at the loading stop unit 371B, the container moving unit 371C moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 using the elevator 351B as shown in FIG. Ascend (up arrow in the figure).

Then, as shown in FIG. 10, the container moving unit 371C places the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A on the conveyance path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C by opening the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A. .
The container moving unit 371C moves the conveyance path 351C1 from the upstream side to the downstream side by driving the motor 351C2 to convey the plurality of containers C1 and causes the sorting means 351D to protrude and retract. The plurality of containers C1 are distributed and held in the container supply hopper 33A or the container supply hopper 33B.

Here, since the holding conveyor 351C is provided with an inlet (gate 351C3) of a predetermined area for introducing a plurality of containers C1, the amount of containers C1 per unit time falling to the container supply hopper 33 is made constant. be able to.
In addition, since the gate 351C3 is disposed so as to be able to swing its lower end when passing through the plurality of containers C1, it is possible to suppress deformation of the plurality of containers C1.

  Specifically, the container moving unit 371C causes the distribution means 351D to protrude to the container supply hopper 33A side, and switches to the first path, whereby a plurality of conveyance paths 351C1 placed on the holding conveyor 351C. About half of the containers C1 are held by the container supply hopper 33B. After that, the container moving unit 371C immerses the distributing means 351D toward the container supply hopper 33B side and switches to the second path, whereby the plurality of containers C1 placed on the conveyance path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C. The remaining half is held by the container supply hopper 33A.

  As described above, the container conveyance unit 371 causes the container supply hopper 33 to hold the plurality of containers C1 stored in the container storage tank 34 by controlling the container conveyance means 35. Further, in the present embodiment, the container conveyance means 35 holds the container supply hopper 33 holding a plurality of containers C1 of a fixed amount.

The container supply unit 372, as shown in FIG. 14, includes a hopper drive unit 372A, a pallet vibrating unit 372B, and an air discharge unit 372C, and controls the small electromagnetic feeder 32 and the container supply hopper 33 to make the dummy pallet DP. The plurality of containers C1 are supplied to each of the plurality of storage units DP1 formed on the upper surface of the container.
Hereinafter, the function of each part 372A-372C which comprises the container supply part 372 is demonstrated in detail.

FIG. 17 is a view showing a state in which the guide member is rotated to the container holding position.
The hopper driving unit 372A rotates the guide member 333 from the guide position to the container holding position (upward arrow in the drawing) as shown in FIG. The plurality of containers C1 falling toward the position are held by the container supply hopper 33.
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the hopper drive section 372A rotates the guide member 333 from the container holding position to the guide position, and the transport path of the hopper conveyor 332A (see FIG. Move toward the lower end. As a result, the plurality of containers C1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and fall from the lower end side of the main body portion 332.

FIG. 18 is a view showing a state in which the main body of the container supply hopper is moved along the rail member.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 18, the hopper drive unit 372A moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33C while dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main unit 332, thereby the main body unit 332 is moved to the container storage tank 34 side along the rail member 33C.
Here, since the rail member 33C is disposed in parallel with the short direction of the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement stand 31, the dummy pallet DP is a main body portion by the rail member 33C and the slider 331. It has a plurality of accommodation parts DP1 formed to line up along the direction (predetermined direction) in which the movement 332 is moved.
Then, while moving the main body 332 by the rail member 33C and the slider 331, the hopper drive 372A causes the plurality of containers C1 held by the main body 332 to fall toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. There is.

The pallet vibrating unit 372B is a dummy by vibrating the container supply arrangement table 31 by the small electromagnetic feeder 32 while dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body unit 332 by the hopper driving unit 372A. The pallet DP is vibrated.
Therefore, when the dummy pallet DP is vibrated by the small electromagnetic feeder 32, the container supply unit 372 drops the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Here, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 is disposed on the container supply arrangement table 31 weaker than the first vibration condition and the first vibration condition in which the dummy pallet DP arranged on the container supply arrangement table 31 is vibrated. And a second vibration state in which the dummy pallet DP is vibrated.
The pallet vibrating unit 372B is configured to move the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration state to the second vibration state when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Switch to vibration state. In other words, the pallet vibrating unit 372B weakens the vibration of the small electromagnetic feeder 32 when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

  In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a first vibration state and a second vibration state in which the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement table 31 is weaker than the first vibration state. And the pallet vibrating portion 372B is configured to move the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the first vibration state when dropping the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Although it switched to the vibration state of 2, it does not need to switch like this.

The plurality of containers C1 dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 372 enter the respective housing portions DP1 of the dummy pallet DP while rolling due to the vibration of the dummy pallet DP.
On the other hand, since the container supply placement table 31 is inclined to descend as it goes to the container storage tank 34 side, a plurality of containers dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 372 A plurality of containers C1 which are not accommodated in the accommodation portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP among C1 freely fall into the container storage tank 34. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the container supply arrangement table 31 drops the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by inclining the dummy pallet DP so as to move downward toward the container storage tank 34. Act as a means.

  The air discharger 372C causes the compressor 33C2 to discharge the air after dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332 by the hopper drive unit 372A. According to this, among the plurality of containers C1 dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP by the container supply unit 372, the plurality of containers C1 not accommodated in the storage unit DP1 of the dummy pallet DP are blown away and stored. It will fall into the tank 34. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the compressor 33C2 functions as a drop means for dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging the air to the container storage tank 34 side along the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP.

Here, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a third vibration state in which the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement table 31 is weaker than in the second vibration state.
The pallet vibrating unit 372B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration state to the third vibration state when causing the compressor 33C2 to drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34. In other words, the pallet vibrating unit 372B further weakens the vibration of the small electromagnetic feeder 32 when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped to the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C2.

  In the present embodiment, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 has a second vibration state and a third vibration state in which the dummy pallet DP disposed on the container supply placement table 31 is weaker than the second vibration state. The pallet vibrating portion 372B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration state to the third vibration state when the plurality of containers C1 are dropped to the container storage tank 34 by the compressor 33C2. It is not necessary to switch in this way.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the container supply arrangement table 31 for dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by inclining the dummy pallet DP so as to move downward toward the container storage tank 34; The compressor 33C2 is used to drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by discharging the air to the container storage tank 34 side along the upper surface of the pallet DP, but only one of them is used. It may be adopted. In addition, the drop means may drop the plurality of containers into the storage means, for example, by vibrating the dummy pallet. In short, in the present invention, the drop means causes the storage means to drop the plurality of containers not accommodated in the storage portion of the dummy pallet among the plurality of containers dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet by the holding unit. I hope you can.

Thus, after the container supply control means 37 causes the container conveyance means 35 to hold the plurality of containers C1 on the container supply hopper 33, the plurality of containers C1 held in the container supply hopper 33 are dummy pallets The plurality of containers C1 are circulated and reused by dropping them toward the upper surface of the DP and dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 by the drop means.
Further, as described above, since the container transport means 35 holds the plurality of containers C1 of a fixed amount in the container supply hopper 33, the container supply hopper 33 in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1. Hold a plurality of containers C1 of a fixed amount.
In the present embodiment, the container conveyance means 35 holds the container supply hopper 33 holding a fixed amount of containers C1 in one cycle of circulating the plurality of containers C1. The container C1 may not be held.

As shown in FIG. 14, the pallet conveyance unit 373 includes a pallet delivery unit 373A, a pallet withdrawal unit 373B, a pallet delivery unit 373C, a pallet extrusion unit 373D, and a pallet conveyance unit 373E. By controlling and conveying the dummy pallet DP, the dummy pallet DP is carried in and out of the container supply placement table 31.
Hereinafter, the functions of the units 373A to 373E constituting the pallet conveyance unit 373 will be described in detail.

FIG. 19 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet has been transported from the unloading standby position of the dummy pallet.
When the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet unloading section 373A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the transport path 364A by the pusher 364B, as shown in FIG. Two dummy pallets DP are placed on the conveyance path 364A. Then, when the dummy pallet DP is placed on the conveyance path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet delivery unit 373A causes the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to convey the dummy pallet DP (arrow in the right direction in the figure).
The downstream pallet conveyor 364 guides the dummy pallet DP by the guide rail 364C to make the short direction of the dummy pallet DP parallel to the moving direction of the transport path 364A. Transport

  Thereafter, when the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the end position of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet delivery unit 373 A conveys the dummy pallet DP to the start position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the circulating pallet conveyor 365. When the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the start position of the side pallet conveyor 361, the dummy pallet DP is sent out toward the upstream side pallet conveyor 361 by the plate 365B.

FIG. 20 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pulled out from the second placement table.
As shown in FIG. 20, the pallet lead-out portion 373B pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the second placement stand 31B with the puller 363 to bring the dummy pallet DP to the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP. Place. Therefore, the pullers 363 and the downstream pallet conveyor 364 function as pallet unloading means for unloading pallets arranged in the second area.
In the present embodiment, the puller 363 and the downstream pallet conveyor 364 are employed as the pallet unloading means, but other configurations may be employed. In short, the pallet unloading means only needs to be able to unload the pallet arranged in the second area.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is sent to the second placement table.
As shown in FIG. 21, the pallet delivery section 373C delivers two dummy pallets DP arranged on the first placement table 31A by the pallet delivery means 33C1 to the second placement table 31B.
Specifically, the pallet delivery means 33C1 includes a plate that contacts the side surface of the dummy pallet DP disposed on the first placement table 31A on the -X axis direction side, and moves this plate toward the + X axis direction As a result, the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the first arrangement stand 31A are sent out to the second arrangement stand 31B.

  In the present embodiment, the pallet delivery means 33C1 adopts a configuration in which two dummy pallets DP arranged on the first placement stand 31A are delivered to the second placement stand 31B by moving the plate. However, other configurations may be adopted. In short, it is sufficient that the pallet delivery means can deliver the pallet arranged in the first area to the second area.

FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a state in which the dummy pallet is pushed toward the first placement table.
As shown in FIG. 22, the pallet pushing portion 373D pushes the two dummy pallets DP conveyed by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 to the loading standby position W1 toward the first placement table 31A by the pusher 362. As a result, two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the first arrangement stand 31A. Therefore, the upstream pallet conveyor 361 and the pusher 362 function as pallet loading means for loading the pallet into the first area.
In the present embodiment, the upstream pallet conveyor 361 and the pusher 362 are adopted as the pallet loading means, but other configurations may be adopted. In short, the pallet loading means only needs to be able to load the pallet into the first area.

When the dummy pallet DP is placed on the conveyance path 361A of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by the circulating pallet conveyor 365, as shown in FIG. The dummy pallet DP is transported to the carry-in standby position W1.
The upstream pallet conveyor 361 guides the dummy pallet DP by the guide rail 361B so that the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the moving direction of the transport path 361A are parallel to each other. Transport

FIG. 23 is a view showing a flowchart of container transport supply processing executed by the container supply device.
When a plurality of containers C1 are supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, the container supply control means 37 executes steps S1 to S4 as shown in FIG. 23 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. Run.
Hereinafter, the details of steps S1 to S4 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

First, as shown in FIG. 15, the container loading section 371A moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container storage tank 34, and then closes the bottom portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A. Then, the container loading unit 371A loads the plurality of containers C1 transported by the belt conveyor 352 into the bucket 351A by causing the belt conveyor 352 to start moving the transport path (arrow in the right direction in the figure) S1: container insertion step).
Next, the input stop unit 371B causes the belt conveyor 352 to stop the movement of the conveyance path when a predetermined time elapses after the belt conveyor 352 starts the movement of the conveyance path, thereby a plurality of containers C1. Stop the loading of the bucket 351A (S2: loading stop step).

  After stopping the loading of the plurality of containers C1 into the buckets 351A at the loading stop unit 371B, the container moving unit 371C moves the bucket 351A to the height position of the container supply hopper 33 using the elevator 351B as shown in FIG. To rise. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the container moving unit 371C places the plurality of containers C1 stored in the bucket 351A in the transport path 351C1 of the holding conveyor 351C by opening the bottom surface portion 351A1 of the bucket 351A. .

The container moving unit 371C moves the transport path 351C1 from the upstream side to the downstream side by driving the motor 351C2 to transport the plurality of containers C1 and causes the sorting means 351D to protrude and retract The plurality of containers C1 are distributed to and held in the container supply hopper 33A or the container supply hopper 33B (S3: container moving step).
At this time, the hopper driving unit 372A rotates the guide member 333 from the guide position to the container holding position as shown in FIG. The plurality of containers C1 dropped toward the hopper 33 are held by the container supply hopper 33.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7, the hopper drive section 372A rotates the guide member 333 from the container holding position to the guide position, and the transport path of the hopper conveyor 332A (see FIG. 8) Move from the to the lower end. As a result, the plurality of containers C1 slide on the upper surface of the guide member 333 and fall from the lower end side of the main body 332 (S4: container supply step).
Then, as shown in FIG. 18, the hopper drive unit 372A moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33C while dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main unit 332, thereby the main unit 332 is moved to the container storage tank 34 side along the rail member 33C.

As described above, when the pallet vibration unit 372B is dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332 by the hopper driving unit 372A, the small electromagnetic feeder 32 arranges the container supply placement table 31 by the small electromagnetic feeder 32. Vibrate the dummy pallet DP. Here, when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet vibrating portion 372B performs the second small vibration feeder 32 from the first vibration state. Switch to the vibration state of.
Further, as described above, the air discharger 372C causes the compressor 33C2 to discharge air after dropping the plurality of containers C1 from the lower end side of the main body 332 by the hopper drive unit 372A. Here, the pallet vibrating unit 372B switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration state to the third vibration state when causing the compressor 33C2 to drop the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34.

Finally, the hopper driving unit 372A stops the movement of the conveyance path of the hopper conveyor 332A, and moves the slider 331 along the rail member 33C to move the main body 332 along the rail member 33C to the bucket mechanism 351 side. Move to and restore.
Thereafter, the container supply control means 37 repeatedly executes steps S1 to S4 by executing step S1 described above again, and the container supply device 3 supplies the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP.

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a flowchart of pallet transport processing executed by the container supply device.
When carrying the dummy pallet DP by the pallet conveyance means 36 and carrying in and out the container supply arrangement table 31, the container supply control means 37 follows the predetermined program stored in the memory As shown in FIG. 24, steps S11 to S15 are executed.
Hereinafter, details of steps S11 to S15 will be described with reference to the above-described drawings.

First, when the dummy pallet DP is disposed at the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP, the pallet unloading portion 373A pushes the dummy pallet DP toward the transport path 364A by the pusher 364B as shown in FIG. As a result, two dummy pallets DP are placed on the conveyance path 364A. Thereafter, the pallet delivery portion 373A moves the pusher 364B away from the transport path 364A and returns it.
Then, when the dummy pallet DP is placed on the conveyance path 364A of the downstream pallet conveyor 364, the pallet delivery unit 373A causes the downstream pallet conveyor 364 to convey the dummy pallet DP (S11: pallet ejection step).

Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the pallet drawing out portion 373B pulls out the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the second placement table 31B with the puller 363 to bring it to the unloading standby position W2 of the dummy pallet DP A dummy pallet DP is arranged (S12: pallet drawing step). Thereafter, the pallet leader 373B moves the puller 363 away from the second placement stand 31B and returns it.
Next, as shown in FIG. 21, the pallet delivery section 373C delivers the two dummy pallets DP arranged on the first placement table 31A by the pallet delivery means 33C1 to the second placement table 31B (S13) : Pallet delivery step). Thereafter, the pallet delivery unit 373C moves the pallet delivery means 33C1 to the first placement table 31A side and returns it to the original position.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22, the pallet pushing portion 373D moves the two dummy pallets DP transported to the loading standby position W1 by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 toward the first placement table 31A by the pusher 362. The two dummy pallets DP are arranged on the first arrangement table 31A by pushing out (S14: pallet extrusion step). Thereafter, the pallet push-out portion 373D moves the pusher 362 away from the first placement table 31A and returns it.
Then, when the dummy pallet DP is placed on the transport path 361A of the upstream pallet conveyor 361, as shown in FIG. The dummy pallet DP is transported to the end (S15: pallet loading step).

  Thereafter, the container supply control means 37 repeatedly executes steps S11 to S15 by executing step S11 described above again, and the pallet conveyance means 36 conveys the dummy pallet DP.

Here, steps S11 to S15 are executed in parallel with the above-described steps S1 to S4 in time.
Specifically, steps S11 to S15 are performed at the timing before the container moving step S3 of the next cycle is performed after the container supplying step S4 is performed.
Therefore, when the container supply control means 37 arranges the two dummy pallets DP on the first arrangement stand 31A by the pusher 362, and the pallet delivery means 33C1 arranges the two arrangement on the first arrangement stand 31A. The upper surface of the dummy pallet DP is dropped by dropping the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when the dummy pallet DP of one sheet is delivered to the second placement table 31B The plurality of containers C1 are supplied to each of the plurality of storage units DP1 formed in the above.

  When the stop button (not shown) provided on the container supply device 3 is pressed, the container supply control unit 37 stops repeating the steps S1 to S4 and the steps S11 to S15 described above. The container supply control unit 37 initializes the container supply hopper 33, the container conveyance unit 35, and the pallet conveyance unit 36 when the reset button (not shown) provided on the container supply device 3 is pressed. Return to

Moreover, although the container supply apparatus 3 was provided with the small electromagnetic feeder 32 as a pallet vibration means to vibrate the dummy pallet DP in this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide this.
Further, in the present embodiment, the container supply device 3 includes the container storage tank 34, the container conveyance means 35, and the drop means, and after holding the plurality of containers C1 in the container supply hopper 33, The plurality of containers C1 held in the hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP, and the plurality of containers C1 are dropped into the container storage tank 34 by the dropping means, thereby circulating the plurality of containers C1. It has been reused, but it does not have to be reused.

[Container transfer device]
FIG. 25 is a top view and a side view of the container transfer device. Specifically, FIG. 25 (A) is a view of the container transfer device 4 from the + Z axis direction side, and FIG. 25 (B) is a view of the container transfer device 4 from the −Y axis direction FIG.
The container transfer device 4 transfers the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 and stores the containers C1 in the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP on which the plurality of containers C1 are transferred by the container transfer device 4 is transported by the main conveyor 2 as described above.

  As shown in FIG. 25, the container transfer device 4 transfers a container transfer head 41 for transferring a plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3 onto the main pallet MP, and the container transfer device 4 A vertical movement mechanism 42 for moving the loading head 41 in the vertical vertical direction, and a horizontal movement mechanism 43 for moving the vertical movement mechanism 42 in the horizontal direction are provided. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the vertical movement mechanism 42 and the horizontal movement mechanism 43 function as a container transfer and transfer mechanism for moving the container transfer head 41.

The container transfer head 41 is provided to correspond to each of the plurality of containers C1 supplied to the dummy pallet DP by the container supply device 3, and a plurality of suction cups for sucking and holding the plurality of containers C1. It has 41A.
The horizontal movement mechanism 43 moves vertically above the container supply device 3 and vertically above the main conveyor 2 by moving the vertical movement mechanism 42 in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 26 is a top view and a side view of the circulating pallet conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 26A is a view of the circulation pallet conveyor 365 from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 26B is a view of the circulation pallet conveyor 365 from the + X-axis direction side. .
The circulating pallet conveyor 365 is provided at the start position of the upstream pallet conveyor 361 as shown in FIG. 26 in addition to the above-described transport path 365A, plate 365B, and advancing and retracting mechanism 365C, and for dummy for arranging the dummy pallet DP. It has an arrangement stand 365D.
The dummy placement table 365D includes two pins 365D1 inserted into the through holes DP3 (see FIG. 5) respectively formed at the end of the dummy pallet DP in the longitudinal direction, and a cylinder 365D2 for raising and lowering each pin 365D1. ing.
Hereinafter, the function of the container transfer device 4 will be described in detail.

First, the container transfer device 4 is positioned vertically above the dummy placement table 365D by moving the container transfer head 41 by the horizontal movement mechanism 43.
Here, the container supply device 3 moves the conveyance path 365A of the circulating pallet conveyor 365 to arrange the dummy pallet DP on the dummy placement table 365D, and then lifts each pin 365D1 with the cylinder 365D2 so as to make the dummy pallet The dummy pallet DP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each through hole DP3 of DP.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the dummy placement table 365D has the plurality of pins 365D1 provided detachably for the plurality of holes (the through holes DP3) of the dummy pallet DP, and each pin 365D1 is a dummy pallet The dummy pallet DP is positioned by being inserted into each through hole DP3 of DP.

  In the present embodiment, the dummy placement table 365D raises and positions the dummy pallet DP by raising the two pins 365D1 in the cylinder 365D2 and inserting the two pins 365D1 into the two through holes DP3 of the dummy pallet DP. However, the dummy pallet may be elevated and positioned by raising the three or more pins and inserting the pins into the three or more holes of the dummy pallet. In addition, the dummy placement table 365D may be positioned without raising the dummy pallet DP, and even if the dummy pallet DP is positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for holding the dummy pallet DP stationary. Good.

Next, the container transfer device 4 lowers the container transfer head 41 by the vertical transfer mechanism 42, and then causes the container transfer head 41 to start suctioning of the plurality of containers C1, thereby making the dummy pallet DP Suction and hold the plurality of containers C1 stored in
Then, the container transfer device 4 lifts the container transfer head 41 by the vertical movement mechanism 42 to remove the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the dummy pallet DP from the dummy pallet DP.
Here, the container supply device 3 sends out the dummy pallet DP disposed on the dummy placement table 365D to the upstream pallet conveyor 361 by advancing the plate 365B in the −X axis direction by the advancing and retracting mechanism 365C.

Next, the container transfer device 4 is positioned vertically above the end point position (see FIG. 4) of the return conveyor 22 of the main conveyor 2 by moving the container transfer head 41 by the horizontal movement mechanism 43. .
Here, after the main conveyor 2 arranges the main pallet MP at the end point position of the return conveyor 22, two pins (not shown) are raised by a cylinder (not shown) to make each through hole MP3 of the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is raised and positioned in the same manner as the dummy placement table 365D by inserting into each (see FIG. 3).
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided so as to be insertable into and removable from the plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin is penetrated through The main pallet MP is positioned by inserting into the holes MP3 respectively.

  In the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins with a cylinder and inserting the two pins into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. The main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising and inserting three or more pins into three or more holes of the main pallet. Further, the main conveyor 2 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, or may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for holding the main pallet MP stationary.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return conveyor 22 are container transfer and placement in which the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP are arranged side by side along the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP. It functions as a deployment platform. Then, the vertical movement mechanism 42 and the horizontal movement mechanism 43 move the container transfer head 41 along the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP.

  Next, the container transfer device 4 lowers the container transfer head 41 by the vertical movement mechanism 42 to store the lower end portions of the plurality of containers C1 in the respective storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP, and transfers the containers. The suction of the plurality of containers C1 is stopped and released in the mounting head 41, and the plurality of containers C1 are dropped and the plurality of containers C1 are accommodated and transferred on the main pallet MP.

  Here, as described above, the container C1 is formed in a cylindrical shape with a bottom, and has a body C11 having a hexagonal cross-sectional shape which is formed so as to be slightly reduced in diameter from the top to the bottom Therefore, the diameter is reduced as it goes from the upper end side to the lower end side. Further, the size of the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the housing portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 4 can be easily accommodated when the lower end portion of the container C1 is accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

In the present embodiment, the container C1 is formed to decrease in diameter from the upper end side toward the lower end side, but may be formed in a shape different from this.
Further, in the present embodiment, the size of the housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is set to be larger than the size of the housing portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, but the size of the housing portion MP1 of the main pallet MP It may be the same or smaller than the size of the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

  Thereafter, the container transfer device 4 raises the container transfer head 41 by the vertical movement mechanism 42 and then moves the container transfer head 41 by the horizontal movement mechanism 43, thereby the dummy placement table 365D. Position it vertically above and restore it to its original position.

[Container cleaning device]
FIG. 27 is a top view of the container cleaning device. Specifically, FIG. 27 is a view of the outgoing path delivery mechanism 23 of the main conveyor 2 as viewed from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 27, the container cleaning device 5 includes a dropout prevention means 51 disposed vertically above the plurality of rollers 23A of the forward transfer mechanism 23 in the main conveyor 2, and a plurality of pieces housed in the main pallet MP. Of the plurality of containers C1 contained in the main pallet MP, and cleaning means 52 for cleaning the container C1 of the above, container detection means 53 for detecting the presence or absence of the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning means 52; And an electrostatic removing means 54 for removing.
In the present embodiment, the container cleaning device 5 includes the container cleaning detection unit 53 and the static electricity removing unit 54. However, these units may not be provided.

FIG. 28 is a schematic view showing the positional relationship between the main pallet and the drop prevention means.
As shown in FIG. 28, the dropout prevention means 51 includes six rail portions 51A extending along the direction (-Y axis direction) of sending out the main pallet MP to the forward route conveyor 21 by the forward route delivery mechanism 23. ing. Each rail portion 51A is disposed at a position slightly vertically upward away from the upper end of the container C1 accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and is predetermined along the lateral direction of the main pallet MP. It is arranged at intervals. The distance between the rail portions 51A is set to be substantially the same as the distance between the openings of the container C1. In other words, the dropout prevention means 51 prevents dropout of the plurality of containers C1 by pressing the opening edge of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the forward delivery mechanism 23 functions as a container cleaning moving mechanism that moves the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52 by moving the main pallet MP. In addition, the dropout prevention means 51 holds each of the storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP along the longitudinal direction (row direction), and the outgoing path delivery mechanism 23 makes the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52. It is formed in the shape of a rail extending along the moving direction (Y-axis direction).

  In the present embodiment, the container cleaning transfer mechanism moves the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52 by moving the main pallet MP. However, the container cleaning movement mechanism moves the cleaning means. The pallet may be moved relative to the cleaning means, or the pallet may be moved relative to the cleaning means by moving both the pallet and the cleaning means. In short, the container cleaning transfer mechanism may move the pallet relative to the cleaning means by moving at least one of the pallet and the cleaning means.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the dropout prevention means 51 presses each of the accommodation portions MP1 of the main pallet MP along the longitudinal direction (row direction) and causes the main pallet MP to be used as the cleaning means 52 by the outgoing path delivery mechanism 23. Although it is formed in the shape of a rail extending along the direction (Y-axis direction) to be relatively moved, it may be formed in a shape different from this. For example, the detachment prevention means may be formed in a plate shape having a plurality of holes for holding the opening edges of the plurality of containers accommodated in the pallet. In short, the dropout prevention means only needs to be able to prevent dropout of the plurality of containers by pressing the opening edge of the plurality of containers stored in the pallet.

  The cleaning means 52 is disposed between the respective rail portions 51A, so that five nozzles 52A for blowing air for each row to the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are held down by the detachment prevention means 51, and A container cleaning suction device 52B is provided to cover the rails 51A to suction the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edges are held down by the detachment prevention means 51. The cleaning unit 52 cleans the plurality of containers C <b> 1 whose opening edges are pressed by the dropout prevention unit 51.

  The container cleaning detection unit 53 is provided along the short direction of the main pallet MP, and includes five sensors 53A for detecting the presence or absence of the container C1 cleaned by the cleaning unit 52. Each sensor 53A is disposed vertically above the container C1 accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and disposed at a position corresponding to the container C1 of each row accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It is set up. In the present embodiment, each sensor 53A employs a transmission type laser sensor.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the static electricity removing means 54 is disposed vertically above the main pallet MP delivered to the forward conveyor 21 by the outbound delivery mechanism 23, and a plurality of pieces accommodated in the main pallet MP are provided. Remove static electricity from container C1. In the present embodiment, the static electricity removing means 54 adopts a blower type static electricity removing device.

[Filling device]
FIG. 29 is a top view of the filling device. FIG. 30 is a side view of the filling device. Specifically, FIG. 29 is a view of the filling device 6 as viewed from the + Z-axis direction side, and FIG. 30 is a view of the filling device 6 as viewed from the −Y-axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the filling device 6 includes a measuring and filling mechanism 61 provided on the downstream side of the main conveyor 2, a filling hopper 62 provided on the upstream side of the main conveyor 2, and a filling hopper. An advancing / retracting mechanism 63 for oscillating by advancing and retracting the main conveyer 62 along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2 and two filling suction machines 64 provided on both sides in the advancing and retracting direction of the filling hopper 62 are provided. The filling device 6 fills the granular material P into the container C1 from which the foreign matter has been removed by the container cleaning device 5.

FIG. 31 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a weighing and filling mechanism and a hopper for filling. Specifically, FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing a cross section obtained by cutting the measuring and filling mechanism 61 and the filling hopper 62 along the XZ plane.
Further, as shown in FIG. 31, the filling device 6 is provided on the vertically lower side of the measuring and filling mechanism 61, and is provided with a positioning mechanism 65 for positioning the main pallet MP at a predetermined position of the main conveyor 2.

  The weighing and filling mechanism 61 includes a weighing unit 66 disposed above the main pallet MP, and an extrusion unit 67 disposed above the weighing unit 66 and adjacent to the filling hopper 62. And have.

  The measuring unit 66 is a rectangular plate-shaped measuring plate 661 fixed below the extrusion unit 67, and a rectangular plate-shaped shutter 662 attached below the measuring plate 661 and slid by the driving force of a motor (not shown). And a rectangular plate-shaped guide plate 663 mounted below the shutter 662.

The measuring plate 661 has a plurality of measuring holes 661A formed so as to correspond to each of the accommodation portions MP1 of the main pallet MP.
The shutter 662 is slidably attached along a direction (Y-axis direction) orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the forward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2. The shutter 662 has through holes 662A formed to correspond to the respective measurement holes 661A of the measurement plate 661. The inner diameter of the through hole 662A is larger than the inner diameter of the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661.
The guide plate 663 has through holes 663 A formed to correspond to the respective measurement holes 661 A of the measurement plate 661. The inner diameter of the through hole 663A is substantially the same diameter as the through hole 662A of the shutter 662.

  Therefore, the weighing unit 66 is configured by overlapping the weighing plate 661, the shutter 662, and the guide plate 663. In addition, the weighing unit 66 slides the shutter 662 to open and close the shutter 662, thereby switching between the state in which the measuring holes 661A and the through holes 662A and 663A are in communication and the state in which the measuring holes 661A and 663A are not in communication. be able to.

  The extruding unit 67 includes a lift plate 671 provided to be able to move up and down with respect to the weighing plate 661 and a plurality of extruding pins 672 provided on the lift plate 671 to correspond to the weighing holes 661A of the weighing plate 661. And an extrusion cylinder 673 for moving the lift plate 671 up and down. The push-out unit 67 can lower the push-out pins 672 to a position passing through the respective measuring holes 661 A of the measuring unit 66 by lowering the lift plate 671 with the pushing cylinder 673.

  The filling hopper 62 is slidably mounted on the upper surface of the measuring plate 661 as shown in FIG. 29 to FIG. 31, and also has a rectangular tubular storage tank 621 for storing the powder P inside. A bottomed cylindrical input tank 622 having an opening on the vertical upper side, which is disposed on the vertical upper side of the storage tank 621, and has an opening for inputting the granular material P, and the vertical upper side of the filling hopper 62. And a filling cover 623 provided. In FIG. 29 and FIG. 30, the illustration of the filling cover 623 is omitted.

The input tank 622 includes a bottomed rectangular bottom cylindrical lower cylinder 622A formed on the vertically lower side, and an upper cylinder 622B formed on the vertically upper side of the lower cylinder 622A and having an opening on the upper side. The input tank 622 is made of an acrylic resin, and is transparent so that the powder particles P inserted into the inside can be viewed.
The lower cylinder 622A has a plurality of circular holes 622A1 in its bottom surface. Each hole 622A1 has a cylindrical protrusion 622A2 protruding toward the inside of the storage tank 621 (see FIGS. 29 and 31).

Specifically, in the lower cylinder 622A, five holes 622A1 are arranged at equal intervals along the longitudinal direction, and two holes 622A1 are arranged at equal intervals along the lateral direction. There is. In other words, the lower cylinder 622A has ten holes 622A1 in the form of lattice points.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the input tank 622 is in communication with the ten holes 622A1 formed in the bottom and each hole 622A1, and a cylindrical protrusion 622A2 protruding toward the inside of the storage tank 621. have.

  In the present embodiment, the lower cylinder 622A has ten holes 622A1 in the form of lattice points, but may have holes different in number from ten. In short, the input tank may have at least one hole formed in the bottom surface. Further, in the present embodiment, the holes are arranged in the form of lattice points, but the holes may not be arranged in the form of lattice points, and the arrangement may not have regularity. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the input tank 622 has a protrusion 622A2, and the protrusion 622A2 is formed in a cylindrical shape. On the other hand, the feeding tank may not have the projecting portion, and the projecting portion may be formed in a tubular shape having another cross-sectional shape such as a rectangular tubular shape.

The upper cylinder 622B is formed to be wider in the transport direction (X-axis direction) of the forward conveyor 21 of the main conveyor 2 as it goes vertically upward.
Here, as described above, since the filling device 6 is provided with the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 that causes the filling hopper 62 to move by advancing and retracting along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2, the opening of the filling hopper 62 The filling hopper 62 is formed so as to be wider in the peristaltic direction as it goes vertically upward.

In the present embodiment, the opening of the filling hopper 62 is formed to be wider in the peristaltic direction of the filling hopper 62 as it goes vertically upward, but it is not necessary to form in this way. Good.
Further, in the present embodiment, the filling hopper 62 is configured by stacking two reservoirs 621 and the input reservoir 622, and the input reservoir 622 has the hole 622A1 and the protrusion 622A2. On the other hand, the filling hopper may be constituted by one tank, and may not have a hole and a protrusion. In short, the filling hopper only needs to be able to store the powdery particles therein.

As shown in FIG. 31, the filling cover 623 is disposed so as to cover the opening of the upper cylinder 622B. The filling cover 623 is provided at a position always in communication with the opening of the filling hopper 62 when the filling hopper 62 is caused to move by the advancing and retracting mechanism 63, and is provided with a charging port 623A for charging the granular material P. ing.
In the present embodiment, the filling cover 623 is a glass plate fitted in the frame FL (see FIG. 2) described above. Moreover, the insertion port 623A has a lid (not shown) for closing the opening. The operator can load the granular material P into the filling hopper 62 via the inlet 623A by removing the lid.

As shown in FIGS. 29 and 30, the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 slidably supports the base 631 on which the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67 are placed, and the base 631 and extends along the conveyance direction of the main conveyor 2. And an extending rail 632 to move the base 631 along the rail 632 by a driving force of a motor (not shown).
Therefore, the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 advances and retracts the filling hopper 62 and the pushing unit 67 mounted on the base 631 along the transport direction of the main conveyor 2 by advancing and retracting the base 631 along the rail 632.

The suction devices 64 for filling are provided on both sides (the + X axial direction side and the −X axial direction side) in the advancing and retracting directions of the filling hopper 62 and the extrusion unit 67, and the powder particles P leaking to the upper surface of the measuring plate 661 Aspirate etc.
In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 includes two filling suction machines 64. However, one filling suction machine may be provided, and three or more filling suction machines may be provided. It may be In addition, the filling device may not have the filling suction device.

The positioning mechanism 65, as shown in FIG. 31, includes two pins 651 inserted into the respective through holes MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP, and a cylinder for raising and lowering the plate supporting the respective pins 651. And 652. Further, the positioning mechanism 65 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the vertically upper side, the side surface in the conveyance direction of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 There is provided a stopper ST1 (see FIG. 4) which abuts to make the main pallet MP stand still.
Hereinafter, the function of the filling device 6 will be described in detail with the state of the filling device 6 shown in FIG. 31 as an initial state.

  First, the filling device 6 lowers the pin 651 with the cylinder 652 and raises the lift plate 671 with the extrusion cylinder 673 to raise the plurality of extrusion pins 672 into an initial state. Further, in this initial state, the filling device 6 moves the extrusion unit 67 vertically above the measuring hole 661 A of the measuring plate 661 by advancing and retracting the base 631 by the advancing and retracting mechanism 63.

FIG. 32 is a view showing a state in which the shutter of the weighing unit is closed.
Next, when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2, the filling device 6 causes the stopper ST1 to project vertically upward. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts against the stopper ST1 and is disposed vertically above the positioning mechanism 65, the filling device 6 is pinned by the cylinder 652 as shown in FIG. The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being raised and inserted into the respective through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP (the upward arrow in the figure). As a result, the openings of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP approach the through holes 663A of the guide plate 663.

Next, the filling device 6 slides the shutter 662 to close the shutter 662, thereby switching the state where the measurement holes 661A and the through holes 662A and 663A are not in communication. Here, the concave space partitioned by each of the measurement holes 661A and the shutter 662 corresponds to the internal volume of the granular material P to be filled in the capsule C.
Thereafter, the filling device 6 moves the filling hopper 62 vertically above the measuring hole 661 A of the measuring plate 661 by advancing and retracting the base 631 by the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 (rightward arrow in the drawing). As a result, the powder particles P stored in the storage tank 621 of the filling hopper 62 are filled in the measuring holes 661 A of the measuring plate 661. Specifically, the filling device 6 drops the granular material P from the storage tank 621 and fills the measurement hole 661A as the filling portion.

Therefore, the granular material P stored in the inside of the storage tank 621 will be reduced by being filled with the measurement hole 661A. And the storage tank 621 stores the granular material P inside, when the granular material P injected | thrown-in to the input tank 622 falls via hole part 622A1 and protrusion part 622A2. Here, the horizontal position where the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 falls into the storage tank 621 is different from the horizontal position of the measuring hole 661A. In other words, the horizontal position at which the powder and granular material input to the charging tank falls to the storage tank is different from the horizontal position at which the powder and granular material is filled in the portion to be filled in the storage tank.
In the present embodiment, the horizontal position where the powder and granular material input to the charging tank falls into the storage tank is different from the horizontal position where the powder and granular material is filled in the filling portion in the storage tank, but the same. It may be a position.

FIG. 33 is a view showing a state in which the powder particles are filled in the measuring hole of the measuring plate.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 33, the filling device 6 moves the extrusion unit 67 again vertically above the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 by advancing and retracting the base 631 by the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 (left direction in FIG. Arrow). As a result, the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661 A of the measuring plate 661 is scraped off at the lower end of the storage tank 621 of the filling hopper 62, so the filling device 6 includes the respective measuring holes 661 A and the shutter 662. A certain amount of powder particles P can be filled in the concave space partitioned by the
Here, when the granular material P is dropped from the filling hopper 62, the filling device 6 causes the granular suction device 64 to suction the granular material P that has leaked without being filled in the respective measuring holes 661A (see FIG. 29 and FIG. 30).

  In this manner, the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 functions as a peristaltic means for oscillating the filling hopper 62 along the horizontal direction, and when the powder particles P are dropped from the storage tank 621 and filled in the measuring hole 661A, the filling hopper Make 62 beat.

FIG. 34 is a view showing a state in which powder containers are filled in the container.
Next, as shown in FIG. 34, the filling device 6 slides the shutter 662 to open the shutter 662, thereby switching between the measurement holes 661A and the through holes 662A and 663A. As a result, the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661A of the measuring plate 661 is dropped and filled into the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP.
Furthermore, the filling device 6 stores the powder particles P filled in the measuring holes 661 A of the measuring plate 661 by the plurality of extrusion pins 672 in the main pallet MP by lowering the lift plate 671 by the extrusion cylinder 673 It is pushed into a plurality of containers C1 (downward arrow in the figure).

  In the present embodiment, the filling device 6 extrudes the granular material P filled in the measuring hole 661 A of the measuring plate 661 by the plurality of extrusion pins 672. On the other hand, for example, in the case where the particle size of the granular material P is large, the filling device 6 may drop the granular material P into the plurality of containers C1 and pack it only by opening and closing the shutter 662 . In addition, for example, when the particle diameter of the powder or granular material P is small, the filling device 6 vibrates the plurality of extrusion pins 672 so that the powder or granular material P can be easily dropped into the plurality of containers C1 and filled. May be

  Thereafter, the filling device 6 causes the main pallet MP to be transported to the main conveyor 2 by lowering the pin 651 with the cylinder 652 and retracting the stopper ST1 toward the vertically downward side. Next, the filling device 6 raises the plurality of extrusion pins 672 by raising the elevation plate 671 with the extrusion cylinder 673, and brings them into the initial state again.

[Filling check device]
FIG. 35 is a schematic view showing a filling check device. Specifically, FIG. 35 is a schematic view of the filling check device 7 as seen from the + X axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 35, the filling check device 7 includes a CCD camera 71 that picks up an upper surface of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.

  The filling check device 7 has a mechanism similar to the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling device 6 described above. Specifically, the filling check device 7 raises and lowers two pins (not shown) inserted into the respective through holes MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP, and a plate supporting the respective pins. And a cylinder (not shown). Further, the filling check device 7 is provided so as to be able to protrude and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the vertically upper side, the side surface in the conveyance direction of the main pallet MP being conveyed by the main conveyor 2 , And a stopper (not shown) for holding the main pallet MP stationary.

  The filling check device 7 causes the stopper to project vertically upward when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts on the stopper and is arranged vertically below the CCD camera 71, the filling check device 7 raises the pins by the cylinder and the main pallet MP The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

Then, the filling check device 7 causes the CCD camera 71 to image the upper surface of the main pallet MP, and performs predetermined processing on the image picked up by the CCD camera 71 to powder the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP It is confirmed whether or not the particles P are filled.
Thereafter, the filling check device 7 causes the main conveyor 2 to convey the main pallet MP by lowering the pins with the cylinder and immersing the stoppers vertically downward.

[Film supply device]
FIG. 36 is a side view of a film supply device, a film die cutting device, and a film transfer device. FIG. 37 is a top view of a film supply device, a film die cutting device, and a film transfer device. Specifically, FIG. 36 is a view of the film supply device 8, the film die cutting device 9, and the film transfer device 10 as viewed from the −X-axis side direction, and FIG. 37 is a film supply device as viewed from the + Z-axis side direction. 8 is a view of the film die cutting device 9 and the film transfer device 10. FIG.
36 and 37 are also referred to in the description of the film die cutting device 9 and the film transfer device 10 described later.

As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the film supply device 8 includes a holder 81 for holding a sheet roll SR in which a sheet-like film (aluminum film) SR1 is wound around a paper tube, and a film SR1 drawn from the sheet roll SR. And a plurality of guide rollers 82 for guiding them. The film supply device 8 supplies the film die cutting device 9 with a film SR1 for cutting out the lid material C2.
Each guide roller 82 is disposed in order from the holder 81 to the film die cutting device 9 to guide the film SR1. Specifically, the film SR1 of the sheet roll SR held by the holder 81 is supplied to the film die cutting device 9 by being wound around and guided by the guide rollers 821 to 826 in order.

  As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the film die cutting device 9 includes a film table 91 on which the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8 is placed, and a press head 92 provided vertically above the film table 91. An elevator 93 for moving the press head 92 up and down, and an air hand 94 for drawing out the film SR 1 supplied by the film supply device 8 from the film supply device 8.

FIG. 38 is a view showing a film cut by a film die cutting apparatus.
As shown in FIG. 38, the film die cutting device 9 forms a perforation SR11 for cutting out the lid material C2 on the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8. Further, the film die cutting device 9 forms punch holes SR12 at positions corresponding to the two pins MP2 respectively formed at the end portions in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP. Then, the film die cutting apparatus 9 cuts the cut line SR13 along the short side direction of the film SR1 to cut it into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.

  The press head 92 includes a die cutting blade for forming the perforation SR11, a punch for forming the punch hole SR12, and a cutter for cutting the cut line SR13 (not shown), as shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, By pressing the film SR1 placed on the table 91, perforations SR11 and punch holes SR12 are formed in the film SR1, and the film SR1 is cut into a size corresponding to the main pallet MP.

The elevator 93 presses the press head 92 against the film SR 1 placed on the film table 91 by lowering the press head 92.
The air hand 94 is provided on both sides of the film SR1 in the short direction (X-axis direction), and a pair of holding portions 941 for holding the film SR1 and the holding portions 941 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the film SR1. And a moving mechanism 942 for moving on the rail.
Hereinafter, the function of the film die cutting apparatus 9 will be described in detail.

  First, the film die cutting device 9 causes the film SR1 supplied by the film supply device 8 to be held by the pair of holding portions 941 of the air hand 94, and then the holding portions 941 are moved by the moving mechanism 942 in the longitudinal direction of the film SR1. By moving along, the film SR1 is pulled out and placed on the film table 91. Specifically, the film die cutting device 9 draws out the length (the length in the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP) of one sheet of the main pallet MP.

  Here, the moving mechanism 942 moves each holding portion 941 at a predetermined speed to a position before the end point. After that, the moving mechanism 942 moves each pinching portion 941 to the end point at a slower speed than the speed to the position before the end point. In other words, in the vicinity of the end point, the moving mechanism 942 moves the pinching portions 941 at a lower speed than before. According to this, the moving mechanism 942 can easily perform alignment between the film SR1 and the film base 91.

  Next, the film die cutting device 9 presses the press head 92 against the film SR1 placed on the film table 91 by lowering the press head 92 with the elevator 93. Thereby, the film die cutting device 9 forms the perforation SR11 and the punched hole SR12 in the film SR1, and cuts the cut line SR13 of the film SR1.

  Here, the film SR1 which has been pulled out of the film base 91 by the pair of holding portions 941 of the air hand 94 is cut into a length corresponding to one sheet of the main pallet MP by cutting the cut line SR13. (Hereafter, the film SR1 processed in this state is referred to as a cut film CF). The cut film CF already has the perforations SR11 and the punch holes SR12 formed in the previous step.

  Then, the film die cutting device 9 causes the film SR1 to be released to the pair of sandwiching portions 941 of the air hand 94 and lifts the press head 92 by the elevator 93 and then moves each sandwiching portion 941 to the moving mechanism 942 of the film SR1. It is moved back to the vicinity of the film base 91 along the longitudinal direction.

[Film transfer device]
As shown in FIGS. 36 and 37, the film transfer device 10 sucks and holds the film (cut film CF) cut by the film die cutting device 9 and the suction head 101 in the vertical direction and the suction head 101. And a moving mechanism 102 for moving in the horizontal direction.

FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the suction head. Specifically, FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the suction head 101 cut along the YZ plane.
As shown in FIG. 39, the suction head 101 is inserted into a hole 101A and a hole 101A provided at positions corresponding to two pins MP2 respectively formed at the end of the main pallet MP in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the projection 101B is provided so as to protrude from the surface for sucking the cut film CF, and a spring 101C which is accommodated inside the hole 101A and biases the projection 101B downward in the vertical direction.
The protrusion 101B has a length that allows the tip to be sunk in the surface of the suction head 101 for sucking the cut film CF by pushing the protrusion 101B toward the hole 101A against the biasing force of the spring 101C It is set.
Hereinafter, the function of the film transfer apparatus 10 will be described in detail.

  First, the film transfer device 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 to position it above the cut film CF, lowers the suction head 101, and then starts suction by the suction head 101 to cut it. Hold the film CF. At this time, since the projecting portion 101B is inserted into each punched hole SR12 formed in the cut film CF, the suction head 101 can hold the cut film CF at a predetermined position.

Next, the film transfer device 10 moves the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 and positions it vertically above the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
Here, the film transfer device 10 has a mechanism similar to the positioning mechanism 65 of the filling device 6 described above. Specifically, the film transfer device 10 raises and lowers two pins (not shown) inserted into the respective through holes MP3 (see FIG. 3) formed in the main pallet MP, and a plate supporting the respective pins. And a cylinder (not shown). Further, the film transfer device 10 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the vertically upper side, the film transfer device 10 on the transport direction side of the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2 There is provided a stopper ST2 (see FIG. 4) which abuts on the side surface to make the main pallet MP stand still.

  The film transfer device 10 causes the stopper ST2 to protrude vertically upward when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts against the stopper ST2 and the film transfer apparatus 10 is disposed vertically below the suction head 101, the pin is raised by the cylinder to be the main pallet The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3 of the MP.

  Then, the film transfer device 10 brings the projecting portion 101B into contact with each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP by lowering the suction head 101. Thereafter, the film transfer device 10 pushes each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP into the hole 101A by further lowering the suction head 101 by the moving mechanism 102 (downward arrow in the drawing).

Next, in a state where the cut film CF and the main pallet MP are brought close to each other, the film transfer device 10 causes the suction head 101 to stop the suction to release the cut film CF. Thus, the film transfer device 10 transfers the cut film CF onto the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2.
Thereafter, the film transfer device 10 causes the main conveyor MP to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pins with the cylinder and immersing the stopper ST2 downward in the vertical direction.
Therefore, the film transfer device 10 transfers the cut film CF so that the position of the lid member C2 formed on the cut film CF matches the position of the opening of the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. be able to.

[Sealing device]
FIG. 40 is a side view of the sealing device. Specifically, FIG. 40 is a view of the sealing device 11 as seen from the + X axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 40, the sealing device 11 has a lid material C2 formed on the cut film CF transferred to the main pallet MP by the film transfer device 10 and an opening of the container C1 accommodated on the main pallet MP. A seal mechanism 111 for sealing and adhering to the unit, and a lifting mechanism 112 for positioning the main pallet MP at a predetermined position of the main conveyor 2 and pushing up the container C1 stored in the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP; The granular material P is sealed in a capsule C.
In FIG. 40, in order to simplify the drawing, the illustration of the pins MP2 of the main pallet MP and the cut film CF is omitted.

The sealing mechanism 111 includes a seal head 111A having a heat plate 111A1 whose lower surface is kept at a high temperature to seal and bond the lid material C2 to the opening of the container C1, and a sheet made of fluorocarbon resin covering the lower surface of the heat plate 111A1. A lift 111C is provided for moving the seal head 111A up and down.
The sheet 111B is provided with a pair of reels 111B1 for winding the both ends thereof, and the portion covering the lower surface of the heat plate 111A1 can be renewed by winding from one of the reels 111B1 to the other one of the reels 111B1.
The elevator 111C includes a slide shaft 111C1 slidably supporting the seal head 111A in the vertical vertical direction, and an air cylinder 111C2 sliding the seal head 111A along the slide shaft 111C1.

The lifting mechanism 112 is provided corresponding to each of the two pins 112A inserted into the respective through holes MP3 formed in the main pallet MP, and the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and also to the accommodating portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. On the other hand, by inserting from the lower surface side, the plurality of rod-like bodies 112B that contact and push up the container C1 accommodated in the accommodation part MP1 of the main pallet MP, and the plates supporting the pins 112A and the rod-like bodies 112B And a cylinder 112C for raising and lowering. Further, the lifting mechanism 112 is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the vertically upper side, the side surface in the transport direction of the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2 There is provided a stopper ST3 (see FIG. 4) which abuts on and causes the main pallet MP to stand still.
Hereinafter, the function of the sealing device 11 will be described in detail.

First, the sealing device 11 lowers each pin 112A and each rod-like body 112B with the cylinder 112C. Then, the sealing device 11 causes the sealing head 111A to ascend by the elevator 111C to be in an initial state.
Next, when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2, the sealing device 11 causes the stopper ST3 to project vertically upward. When the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts against the stopper ST3 and is disposed vertically above the lifting mechanism 112, the sealing device 11 raises the pins 112A with the cylinder 112C to make the main The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3 of the pallet MP, and the rod-like members 112B are raised to push up the container C1 accommodated in each accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP .

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 is provided on the lower side of the main pallet MP, and is a seal that pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-like body 112B from the lower surface side into the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It functions as a lifting mechanism.
Further, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 112 has a plurality of pins 112A provided detachably for a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin 112A corresponds to the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the lifting mechanism 112 lifts and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 112A in the cylinder 112C and inserting the two pins 112A into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. However, the main pallet may be lifted and positioned by raising the three or more pins and inserting the pins into the three or more holes of the main pallet. In addition, the lifting mechanism 112 may position the main pallet MP without raising it, or may position the main pallet MP by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for holding the main pallet MP stationary.

  Here, as described above, since each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP is inserted into each punch hole SR12 formed in the cut film CF, the movement of the cut film CF can be regulated. In other words, in the present embodiment, each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP functions as a sealing restriction mechanism that restricts the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP.

  In the present embodiment, the sealing device 11 adopts each pin MP2 of the main pallet MP as the sealing restriction mechanism, but, for example, a frame that presses the peripheral portion of the cut film CF against the main pallet MP May be adopted as a sealing restriction mechanism. In short, the sealing regulation mechanism only has to be able to regulate the movement of the film placed on the pallet, and may be provided in at least one of the pallet and the sealing device. Further, in the present embodiment, the sealing device 11 includes the sealing restriction mechanism, but the sealing device may not be provided.

  Next, the sealing device 11 brings the opening of the container C1 into close contact with the heat plate 111A1 via the lid member C2 by lowering the seal head 111A with the elevator 111C. Thereby, the sealing device 11 seals and bonds the lid material C2 to the opening of the container C1. Specifically, the sealing device 11 seals the lid material C2 at the opening of the container C1 by melting the heat melting adhesive applied to the lower surface of the cut film CF at a high temperature of the heat plate 111A1. And glue.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, after the container C1 is pushed up by the push-up mechanism 112, the sealing device 11 seals the lid C2 at the opening of the container C1 by lowering the heat plate 111A1 with the sealing mechanism 111. Glued.

  Thereafter, the sealing device 11 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin 112A and the rod-like body 112B with the cylinder 112C and retracting the stopper ST3 toward the vertically downward side. Next, the sealing device 11 causes the sealing head 111A to ascend by the elevator 111C and returns to the initial state again.

[Film separation device]
FIG. 41 is a side view of the film separating apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 41 is a view of the film separation device 12 as seen from the + X axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 41, the film separating device 12 is a capsule C by suctioning and holding the capsule C by a film separating mechanism 121 for separating the lid material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF And the capsule transfer mechanism 122 which takes out from the main pallet MP and transfers it to the capsule sorting apparatus 14.
In FIG. 41, in order to simplify the drawing, the illustration of the pins MP2 of the main pallet MP and the cut film CF is omitted.

The film separating mechanism 121 is provided on the vertically upper side of the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 and also includes a bending plate 121A (see FIG. 4) for bending the ear portion C22 of the lid material C2; The main pallet MP is positioned at a predetermined position, and the push-up mechanism 121B is provided to push up the capsule C accommodated in the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP to separate the lid material C2 from the cut film CF.
The bending plate 121A has a plurality of through holes 121A1 formed to correspond to the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP.

FIG. 42 is an enlarged sectional view showing a through hole of a bending plate. Specifically, FIG. 42 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A cut along the YZ plane.
The through holes 121A1 of the bending plate 121A are formed in the same hexagonal shape as the opening of the container C1. Further, as shown in FIG. 42, the through hole 121A1 has an inclined portion 121A2 that is expanded in diameter toward the capsule C side, and is formed to have an inner diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the opening of the container C1. There is.

  As shown in FIG. 41, the lifting mechanism 121B is provided corresponding to each of the two pins 121B1 inserted into the respective through holes MP3 formed in the main pallet MP and the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, and A plurality of rod-like members 121B2 that contact and push up the container C1 accommodated in the accommodation part MP1 of the main pallet MP by inserting the pallet MP into the accommodation part MP1 from the lower surface side, the pins 121B1 and the rod-like bodies 121B2 And a cylinder 121B3 for moving up and down the plate supporting it. Further, the lifting mechanism 121B is provided so as to be able to project and retract along the vertical direction, and by projecting toward the vertically upper side, the side surface in the transport direction of the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2 There is provided a stopper ST4 (see FIG. 4) which abuts on and causes the main pallet MP to stand still.

FIG. 43 is a top view of the film separating apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 43 is a view of the film separation device 12 as seen from the + Z-axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 41 and 43, the capsule transfer mechanism 122 is provided to correspond to each of the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP, and to the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2. A plurality of suction cups 122A for sucking and holding the housed capsule C, a plurality of transfer heads 122B for supporting the plurality of suction cups 122A, and a plurality of transfer heads 122B along the longitudinal direction of the main pallet MP. Vertically above the main conveyor 2 by moving the head holding mechanism 122C for holding the head holding mechanism 122C in the vertical direction and moving the head holding mechanism 122C in the horizontal direction. Horizontal movement mechanism 1 that travels vertically above the capsule sorting device 14 And a 2E.

FIG. 44 is a schematic view showing the shape of the transfer head of the capsule transfer mechanism. Specifically, FIG. 44 is a view of the plurality of transfer heads 122B as viewed from the + Z axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 44, the plurality of transfer heads 122B are provided to correspond to each of the capsules C accommodated in the main pallet MP, and are accommodated in the main pallet MP transported by the main conveyor 2 Among the capsules C, the three transfer heads 122B1 to 122B for supporting the suction cup 122A for sucking and holding 16 capsules C and the suction cup 122A for drawing and holding 2 capsules C are supported. One transfer head 122B4 is provided.

Then, as shown in FIG. 44A, the plurality of transfer heads 122B are brought close to each other by the head holding mechanism 122C, whereby the positions of the plurality of suction cups 122A are accommodated in the main pallet MP It can correspond to each.
Further, as shown in FIG. 44 (B), the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C (see the arrow in the figure), and 50 capsules C are divided into 16 groups. It is divided into two groups and transferred to the capsule sorting device 14.
Hereinafter, the function of the film separation device 12 will be described in detail.

  First, the film separation device 12 causes the cylinder 121B3 to lower the pin 121B1. Then, the film separating apparatus 12 causes the plurality of transfer heads 122B to approach each other in the head holding mechanism 122C, and moves the head holding mechanism 122C in the horizontal direction by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E, thereby bending the plate 121A vertically. Move it upward to set it in the initial state.

  Next, when the main pallet MP is detected by a photoelectric sensor (not shown) disposed on the side of the main conveyor 2, the film separating apparatus 12 causes the stopper ST4 to project vertically upward. Then, when the main pallet MP conveyed by the main conveyor 2 abuts against the stopper ST4 and the film separating apparatus 12 is disposed vertically above the lifting mechanism 121B, the pin 121B1 is lifted by the cylinder 121B3 to be main The main pallet MP is raised and positioned by being inserted into each through hole MP3 of the pallet MP, and the rod-like body 121B2 is raised to push up the capsule C housed in the housing portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B has a plurality of pins 121B1 provided detachably for a plurality of holes (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and each pin 121B1 is a main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by being inserted into each of the through holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the lifting mechanism 121B raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins 121B1 in the cylinder 121B3 and inserting the two pins 121B1 into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. However, the main pallet may be lifted and positioned by raising the three or more pins and inserting the pins into the three or more holes of the main pallet. Further, the push-up mechanism 121B may position the main pallet MP without raising it, or may position the main pallet MP by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for holding the main pallet MP stationary.

In addition, the film separating device 12 causes each suction cup 122A to start suctioning while simultaneously pushing up each capsule C by the lifting mechanism 121B, thereby causing the plurality of transfer heads 122B to pass through the through holes 121A1 of the bending plate 121A. Hold each capsule C. Thereby, the film separating device 12 separates the lid material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the push-up mechanism 121B is provided on the lower side of the main pallet MP, and pushes up the container C1 by inserting the rod-like body 121B2 from the lower surface side into the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. It functions as a lifting mechanism for separation that separates the lid material C2 from the cut film CF.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bending plate 121A is provided on the upper side of the main pallet MP, and a separation regulation that regulates the rise of the cut film CF by pressing a portion of the cut film CF different from the lid material C2. Act as a mechanism.
In the present embodiment, the separation regulating mechanism employs the bending plate 121A, but a mechanism different from this may be employed. For example, the separation regulating mechanism may regulate the film elevation by pressing the four corners of the film. In short, the separation restricting mechanism may be provided on the upper side of the pallet as long as it is capable of restricting the rise of the film by pressing a portion different from the lid of the film.

Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the transfer head 122B is provided on the upper side of the bending plate 121A, and suctions and holds the capsule C pushed up by the lifting mechanism 121B, whereby the capsule C from the main pallet MP It functions as a pulling up mechanism.
In the present embodiment, the transfer head 122B is provided on the upper side of the bending plate 121A, but may be provided at a position different from this. In other words, the transfer head 122B keeps each capsule C passing through the through hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A by causing each suction cup 122A to start suctioning while simultaneously pushing up each capsule C by the lifting mechanism 121B However, the suction cups 122A do not have to start suctioning at the same time as pushing up the capsules C by the lifting mechanism 121B.

Here, since the through-hole 121A1 of the bending plate 121A has the inclined portion 121A2 which is expanded in diameter toward the capsule C side, each capsule C has the ear C22 of the lid material C2 at the inclined portion 121A2. While passing through the through holes 121A1 of the bending plate 121A.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the bending plate 121A has a through hole 121A1 for bending the lid material C2 along the capsule C by passing the capsule C pulled up by the transfer head 122B.
In the present embodiment, the bending plate 121A includes the through hole 121A1 that bends the lid material C2 along the capsule C. However, the bending plate 121A may not have such a through hole 121A1.

Next, the film separating apparatus 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically upward by the vertical moving mechanism 122D, and then moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above the capsule sorting apparatus 14 by the horizontal moving mechanism 122E.
Then, the film separating device 12 separates the plurality of transfer heads 122B from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C, and moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically downward by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then to each suction cup 122A By stopping the suction, each capsule C is released and transferred to the capsule sorting apparatus 14.

  Thereafter, the film separating apparatus 12 causes the main conveyor MP to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pin 121B1 and the rod-like body 121B2 with the cylinder 121B3 and retracting the stopper ST4 vertically downward. Next, the film separating apparatus 12 moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically upward by the vertical movement mechanism 122D, and then moves the head holding mechanism 122C vertically above the plate 121A by the horizontal movement mechanism 122E, and then again It is in the initial state.

[Scrap discharge device]
FIG. 45 is a side view of the scrap discharging device. Specifically, FIG. 45 is a view of the scrap discharging device 13 as seen from the -Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIG. 45, the scrap discharging device 13 has a suction plate 131 for suctioning scrap SC (see FIG. 38) after separating the lid material C2 sealed by the sealing device 11 from the cut film CF, and a suction plate The moving mechanism 132 is configured to move 131 in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction, and a scrap holding base 133 for holding the scrap SC adsorbed by the suction plate 131.

The suction plate 131 has four suction pads 131A attached so as to correspond to the four corners of the scrap SC.
The moving mechanism 132 travels vertically above the main conveyor 2 and vertically above the scrap holding base 133 by moving the suction plate 131 vertically moving the suction plate 131 and moving the suction plate 131 horizontally. And a rodless cylinder 132B. In FIG. 45, the main conveyor 2 is not shown.

FIG. 46 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the scrap holder.
The scrap holding base 133, as shown in FIG. 46, is provided with two poles 133A that project vertically upward. The scrap holding base 133 holds the scrap SC by inserting the respective poles 133A into the holes SC1 formed in the scrap SC absorbed by the suction plate 131.
Hereinafter, the function of the scrap discharging device 13 will be described in detail.

First, the scrap discharging device 13 is moved in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism 132 to move the suction plate 131 vertically above the main conveyor 2 to be in the initial state.
Here, after the main conveyor 2 is disposed vertically below the suction plate 131, the two pins (not shown) are raised by a cylinder (not shown) and inserted into the respective through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. To raise and position the main pallet MP.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 has a plurality of pins provided so as to be insertable into and removable from the plurality of hole portions (through holes MP3) of the main pallet MP, and the respective pins are penetrated through the main pallet MP. The main pallet MP is positioned by inserting into each of the holes MP3.

  In the present embodiment, the main conveyor 2 raises and positions the main pallet MP by raising the two pins with a cylinder and inserting the two pins into the two through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP. The main pallet may be raised and positioned by raising and inserting three or more pins into three or more holes of the main pallet. Further, the main conveyor 2 may be positioned without raising the main pallet MP, or may be positioned by adopting another mechanism such as a holding mechanism for holding the main pallet MP stationary.

  Next, the scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically downward by the moving mechanism 132, thereby positioning the suction plate 131 in the vicinity of the cut film CF and suctioning to the suction pad 131A of the suction plate 131. By starting, the scrap SC after separating the lid material C2 from the cut film CF is held. The scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically upward by the moving mechanism 132 to separate the scrap SC held by the suction plate 131 from the main pallet MP, and then causes the moving mechanism 132 to move the scrap SC. By moving the suction plate 131 horizontally, the suction plate 131 is moved vertically upward of the scrap holding base 133.

Next, the scrap discharging device 13 causes the suction pad 131A of the suction plate 131 to stop suction, thereby releasing the scrap SC after separating the lid material C2 from the cut film CF and holding it on the scrap holding base 133.
Thereafter, the scrap discharging device 13 causes the main conveyor 2 to transport the main pallet MP by lowering the pins with the cylinder. Next, the scrap discharging device 13 moves the suction plate 131 vertically upward of the main conveyor 2 by moving the suction plate 131 in the horizontal direction by the moving mechanism 132, and returns to the initial state again.

[Capsule sorting device]
FIG. 47 is a top view of the capsule sorting apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 47 is a view of the capsule sorting apparatus 14 as viewed from the + Z axial direction side.
As shown in FIG. 47, the capsule sorting device 14 divides the capsule C transferred by the film separating device 12 and transports the capsule C, and the downstream side in the transport direction of the capsule splitting conveyor 141 And a case conveyer 142 for conveying the case CS for storing the capsule C, and a capsule shooter 143 provided between the capsule division conveyor 141 and the case conveyance conveyor 142. The capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C transferred by the film separating device 12 by a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS. Specifically, the capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C every 32 pieces and stores them in the case CS.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view showing a capsule and a case.
As shown in FIG. 48, the case CS has a storage portion CS1 formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape with an oval cross section, an elliptical lid portion CS2 closing the opening of the storage portion CS1, and the storage portion CS1. And a hinge portion CS3 for connecting the lid portion CS2 in an openable / closable manner. As described above, the case CS is formed in a size that can accommodate the 32 capsules C and close the lid CS2.

As shown in FIG. 47, the capsule division conveyor 141 places the capsule C and conveys the capsule C along a predetermined conveyance direction (downward direction in the drawing), along the conveyance direction 141A, and along the conveyance direction. The five guide rails 141B1 to 141B5 provided and the photoelectric sensor 141C provided on the downstream side of the conveyance path 141A are provided.
The guide rails 141B1 to 141B4 hold the sixteen capsules C held by the respective transfer heads 122B1 to 122B3 when the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separation device 12. It is provided to be wide enough to be placed on the conveyance path 141A.
Further, the guide rail 141B5 is the two held by the transfer head 122B4 when the plurality of transfer heads 122B are separated from each other by the head holding mechanism 122C of the film separation device 12 with respect to the guide rail 141B4. The capsule C is provided to be wide enough to be placed on the transport path 141A.

Therefore, the capsule dividing conveyor 141 divides the 50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP by the guide rails 141B1 to 141B5 to divide them into 16 groups and 2 groups. It can be transported. In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule dividing conveyor 141 divides the one unit capsule C (50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP) to form the first group (16 units). Group (1) and the first group function as a divided transport means for dividing and transporting into a second group (2 groups) different in number.
The number of capsules C in one unit, the number of capsules in the first group and the number of capsules in the second group, and the number of capsules C housed in the case CS may be different from those in this embodiment.

The head holding mechanism 122C of the film separating apparatus 12 has a plurality of portions (transfer heads 122B1 to 122B4) configured to be close to and separated from each other, and the plurality of portions are brought close to hold one unit capsule C. At the same time, by separating a plurality of portions and dividing one unit of the capsule C into a plurality of groups and releasing it, the unit functions as a sorting holding mechanism for sorting one unit of the capsule C into a predetermined number.
In other words, in the present embodiment, the capsule sorting device 14 is configured to include the capsule transfer mechanism 122 of the film separating device 12.

  The photoelectric sensor 141 C detects the first capsule C in the first row among the capsules C transferred by the film separation device 12 to obtain 50 capsules C corresponding to one main pallet MP. It detects whether it has been transported. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the photoelectric sensor 141C functions as a capsule detection unit that detects whether or not one unit of capsule C has been transported.

FIG. 49 is a top view of the case transport conveyor. Specifically, FIG. 49 is a view of the case transport conveyor 142 as seen from the + Z axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 47 and 49, the case transport conveyor 142 is provided with the case CS mounted thereon and the transport path for transporting the case CS along a predetermined transport direction (right direction in the figure) by being divided. The first lane 144 and the second lane 145, and a guide rail 146 provided on the upstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 and dividing the first lane 144 and the second lane 145 are provided.

In the case transport conveyor 142, among the five stoppers 147 provided on the downstream side, four pushers 148A provided between the respective stoppers 147, and the respective pushers 148A, the upstream side of the case transport conveyor 142. And three pushers 148B provided correspondingly.
Here, the case transport conveyor 142 is disposed vertically below the capsule dividing conveyor 141 at a predetermined interval, and transports the case CS along a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the capsule dividing conveyor 141. Are located in

Each stopper 147 is attached to the case transport conveyor 142 so as to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the first lane 144. Each stopper 147 contacts the case CS being transported by the case transport conveyor 142 by protruding with respect to the first lane 144, so the first lane 144 is against the movement of the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142. The case CS can be stopped at a predetermined position of In addition, each stopper 147 is not in contact with the case CS being transported by the case transport conveyor 142 by being retracted into the first lane 144, so that the case is moved along with the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142. CS can be transported.
In the present embodiment, the stopper 147 provided on the most upstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 is a stopper 147A, and the stopper 147 provided on the most downstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 is a stopper 147C. Will be described as the stopper 147B.

Each pusher 148A is attached to the case transport conveyor 142 so as to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the case transport conveyor 142. Specifically, each pusher 148A is configured such that the case CS, which is stopped by four stoppers 147 (stoppers 147B and 147C) provided on the downstream side of the case transport conveyor 142, among the respective stoppers 147 is used as a second lane. It is provided at a position where it can be pushed out toward 145.
In the present embodiment, the three pushers 148A provided on the upstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 will be described as the pushers 148A1, and the pushers 148A provided on the downstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 will be described as the pushers 148A2.

  Each pusher 148 </ b> B is attached to the case transport conveyor 142 so as to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the case transport conveyor 142. Specifically, each pusher 148B is provided corresponding to each pusher 148A1 and, by cooperating with each pusher 148A1, holds the case CS placed on the conveyance path of the case conveyance conveyor 142. It is provided at a position where it can. In other words, the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B are configured to be able to advance and retract along the holding direction of the case CS.

For example, the capsule sorting device 14 can hold the case CS placed in the first lane 144 by inserting the pusher 148A1 into the case transport conveyor 142 and projecting the pusher 148B.
In addition, for example, after the capsule sorting device 14 sandwiches the case CS placed in the first lane 144, the capsule sorting device 14 causes the pusher 148A1 to protrude with respect to the case conveyance conveyor 142, and immerses the pusher 148B. The case CS placed on the lane 144 can be transferred to the second lane 145. Thereafter, the capsule sorting device 14 can cause the case transport conveyor 142 to transport the case CS by inserting the pusher 148A1 into the case transport conveyor 142.

  In the present embodiment, the case transport conveyor 142 is provided with the respective stoppers 147 to be stopped at a predetermined position in the first lane 144, but, for example, the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142 may be stopped. The case CS may be stopped at a predetermined position by a method.

FIG. 50 is a side view of the capsule sorting apparatus. Specifically, FIG. 50 is a view of the capsule sorting apparatus 14 as viewed from the -Y axis direction side.
As shown in FIGS. 47 and 50, the capsule shooter 143 is attached to the capsule dividing conveyor 141 so as to incline vertically downward as it goes to the front end side. The capsule shooter 143 includes a guide portion 143A provided corresponding to each group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 (see FIG. 47).

  Each guide portion 143A corresponds to three guide portions 143A1 provided corresponding to each of the first group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141, and the second group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141. And one guide portion 143A2 provided.

Each guide portion 143A1 is a rectangular tubular member formed so as to reduce the cross-sectional area from the proximal end toward the distal end. Each guide portion 143A1 is set to make the opening area at the tip end smaller than the opening area of the case CS in order to insert the capsule C into the opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed on the case transport conveyor 142. ing.
As shown in FIGS. 47 and 49, the guide portions 143A1 are disposed adjacent to each other along the transport direction of the case transport conveyor 142, and are made stationary by the stoppers 147B of the case transport conveyor 142. It is disposed at a position corresponding to the three cases CS. Further, the tip of each guide portion 143A1 and the opening of the case CS are disposed at an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C.

The guide portion 143A2 is a rectangular tubular member formed to have the same cross-sectional area from the proximal end to the distal end. Each guide portion 143A2 makes the opening area from the base end to the tip smaller than the opening area of the case CS in order to insert the capsule C into the opening of the storage portion CS1 of the case CS placed on the case transport conveyor 142 Is set as.
Each guide portion 143A2 is disposed at a position corresponding to the case CS held stationary by the stopper 147C of the case transport conveyor 142. Further, the tip of each guide portion 143A2 and the opening of the case CS are disposed at an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C.

  In the present embodiment, the tip end of each guide portion 143A and the opening of the case CS are disposed at an interval smaller than the size of the capsule C, but are disposed at an interval larger than this. It may be

Therefore, the first group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 slips and falls on the capsule shooter 143 and passes through the tip of each guide portion 143A1 set to an opening area smaller than the opening area of the case CS. Then, it is dropped and stored in the case CS placed on the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142.
In addition, the second group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 slips so as to slide on the capsule shooter 143 and falls through the tip of the guide portion 143A2 set to an opening area smaller than the opening area of the case CS. It is dropped and stored in the case CS placed on the transport path of the case transport conveyor 142.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the capsule shooter 143 functions as a guiding unit that guides each group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 to the case CS transported by the case transporting conveyor 142.
In the present embodiment, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 includes the capsule shooter 143, but the guiding unit may have a different configuration. In short, the guiding means may be provided between the divided conveyance means and the case conveyance conveyor, and can guide each group conveyed by the division conveyance means to the case conveyed by the case conveyance conveyor. Also, the sorting apparatus may not have the guiding means.

FIG. 51 is a functional block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a capsule sorting apparatus.
The capsule sorting apparatus 14 includes a sorting control means 149 for controlling the entire capsule sorting apparatus 14 as shown in FIG. 51, in addition to the capsule dividing conveyor 141, the case transport conveyor 142, and the capsule shooter 143 described above. .
The sorting control unit 149 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a memory, and the like, and executes information processing according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. The sorting control unit 149 includes a first storage determination unit 149A, a second storage determination unit 149B, a carry-out execution unit 149C, and a vibration execution unit 149D.
In the present embodiment, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 includes the sorting control unit 149, but the sorting control unit 149 may not be included. In short, the sorting apparatus may be provided with a sorting holding mechanism.

Whether or not the first storage determination unit 149A stores 32 capsules C in a case CS (hereinafter referred to as a first case CS10) stopped at a predetermined position in the first lane 144 by each stopper 147B. Determine Specifically, the first storage determination unit 149A counts the number of times of detection that the photoelectric sensor 141C has transported the capsule C of one unit (50), and determines whether or not it has become twice. It is determined whether or not 32 capsules C have been accommodated in the case CS.
The second storage determination unit 149B determines whether 32 capsules C are stored in a case CS (hereinafter, referred to as a second case CS20) stopped at a predetermined position in the first lane 144 by the stopper 147C. judge. Specifically, the second storage determination unit 149B counts the number of times of detection that the photoelectric sensor 141C has transported the capsule C of one unit (50), and determines whether or not 16 times have been reached. It is determined whether or not 32 capsules C have been accommodated in the case CS.

  In the present embodiment, the first storage determination unit 149A and the second storage determination unit 149B count the number of times the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that one unit (50 capsules) has been transported. It is determined whether or not 32 capsules C are stored in case CS, but for example, 32 capsules in case CS by other methods such as measuring the total weight of capsule C and case CS. It may be determined whether C has been stored. In short, the first storage determination unit and the second storage determination unit only need to determine whether or not a predetermined number of capsules have been stored in the case transported by the case transport conveyor.

  When it is determined that the first storage determination unit 149A stores the 32 capsules C in the first case CS10, the discharge execution unit 149C causes the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B to cooperate with each other to form the first lane 144. The first case CS 10 placed on the second lane 145 is transferred to the second lane 145. Further, when it is determined that the second storage determination unit 149B stores the 32 capsules C in the second case CS20, the discharge execution unit 149C causes the pusher 148A2 to protrude, thereby loading the first lane 144. The placed second case CS 20 is transferred to the second lane 145.

The vibration execution unit 149D vibrates the first case CS10 by projecting and retracting the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B when it is detected that the capsule C of one unit (50 pieces) has been transported by the photoelectric sensor 141C. .
Hereinafter, the function of the capsule sorting apparatus 14 will be described in detail.

FIG. 52 is a diagram showing a flowchart of capsule assortment processing.
When the capsule sorting device 14 sorts the capsules C by a predetermined number and stores them in the case CS, the sorting control means 149 performs the steps as shown in FIG. 52 according to a predetermined program stored in the memory. S21 to S26 are executed.
Hereinafter, the details of steps S21 to S26 will be described with reference to the drawings.

First, the sorting control unit 149 retracts the pushers 148A and 148B with respect to the case transport conveyor 142 and retracts the stopper 147 with respect to the first lane 144 to make an initial state.
Then, as shown in FIG. 49, the sorting control means 149 causes the stoppers 147 to project relative to the first lane 144, whereby the plurality of cases CS carried in via the first lane 144 are displayed in the first lane. Rest at 144 predetermined positions. Specifically, the sorting control means 149 causes the stopper 147C provided on the most downstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142 to sequentially protrude from the stopper 147C provided on the most upstream side of the case conveyance conveyor 142. The case CS is stopped between the stoppers 147 respectively.
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the first lane 144 mounts the plurality of cases CS for storing the groups sorted by the capsule transfer mechanism 122, and the plurality of cases CS along the predetermined transport direction. It functions as a loading path for moving and loading.

FIG. 53 is a view showing a state in which the case is stopped between the stoppers.
In addition, as shown in FIG. 53, the sorting control unit 149 causes the pushers 148B to project relative to the case conveyance conveyor 142 after making the case CS stand still between the respective stoppers 147 as shown in FIG. The case CS placed at 144 is held.

  Thereafter, each group transported by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 slips so as to slide on the capsule shooter 143 and falls into the first case CS10 which is guided to the guide portion 143A and placed in the first lane 144. Be stored. Specifically, the first group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 drops the capsule shooter 143 in a sliding manner, and is guided to the guide portion 143A1 and placed in the first lane 144. 1 is dropped and stored in case CS10. In addition, the second group conveyed by the capsule dividing conveyor 141 slips so as to slide off the capsule shooter 143, and is guided to the guide portion 143A2 and placed in the second case CS20 placed in the first lane 144. It falls down and is stored.

  Next, the first storage determination unit 149A determines whether or not 32 capsules C have been stored in the first case CS10 (S21: first storage determination step). In other words, the first storage determination unit 149A determines whether or not the first case CS10 for storing the first group can be carried out.

FIG. 54 is a diagram showing a state in which the capsule is stored in the case by the first storage determination unit.
When it is determined that the first storage determination unit 149A stores the 32 capsules C in the first case CS10, as illustrated in FIG. 54, the discharge execution unit 149C causes the pusher 148A1 to move the case conveyance conveyor 142. Of the first case CS10 placed in the first lane 144 are transferred to the second lane 145 by projecting the pusher 148B and immersing the pusher 148B.

FIG. 55 is a view showing a state in which the first case is unloaded by the case transport conveyor.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 55, the sorting control unit 149 causes the pusher 148A1 to be inserted into the case transport conveyor 142 to carry out the first case CS10 via the second lane 145 (S22: Case export execution step 1). In other words, when carrying out the capsule C of one unit twice by the capsule division conveyor 141 (the first group of 16 is conveyed twice and the 32 capsules C are first The first case CS10 is unloaded via the second lane in the case of being stored in the case CS10). Further, the carry-out execution unit 149C carries out the first case CS10 via the second lane 145, and then immerses the stopper 147 in the first lane 144, whereby the first lane 144 is moved to a predetermined position. The one case CS10 is newly stopped.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the second lane 145 places the plurality of cases CS carried in via the first lane 144, moves the plurality of cases CS along the predetermined transport direction, and carries out the cases. It functions as an unloading path.
In the present embodiment, the first lane 144 and the second lane 145 move the plurality of cases CS along the same conveyance direction, but even if the plurality of cases are moved along different conveyance directions Good.

Further, in the present embodiment, the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B sandwich the first case CS10 placed in the first lane 144 and function as a sandwiching means to be transferred to the second lane 145.
In the present embodiment, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 transfers the case CS to the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B. However, for example, the case CS may be transferred by another configuration such as an air hand holding the case. You may make it

  Next, the second storage determination unit 149B determines whether or not 32 capsules C have been stored in the second case CS20 (S23: second storage determination step). In other words, the second storage determination unit 149B determines whether or not the second case CS20 for storing the second group can be carried out.

FIG. 56 is a diagram showing a state in which the second storage determination unit determines that the capsule is stored in the case.
When it is determined that the second storage determination unit 149B stores the 32 capsules C in the second case CS20, as illustrated in FIG. 56, the discharge execution unit 149C causes the pusher 148A2 to move the case conveyance conveyor 142. To transfer the second case CS 20 placed in the first lane 144 to the second lane 145.

FIG. 57 is a view showing a state in which the second case is unloaded by the case transport conveyor.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 57, the sorting control unit 149 carries out the second case CS20 via the second lane 145 (S24: second case carry-out execution step). In other words, when carrying out the capsule C of one unit 16 times by the capsule division conveyor 141 (the 2nd group is carried 16 times and the 32 capsules C are carried out The second case CS20 is unloaded via the second lane in the case of being stored in the case CS20). In addition, after carrying out the second case CS 20 via the second lane 145, the carry-out execution unit 149 C immerses the stopper 147 with respect to the first lane 144 to set the first lane 144 at a predetermined position. The second case CS 20 is newly stopped.

  Note that, as described above, when the capsule division conveyor 141 transports the capsule C of one unit twice, the unloading execution unit 149C unloads the first case CS10 containing the first group, and thus the second When carrying out 2nd case CS20 which accommodated group of 1st, it will carry out 1st case CS10 which accommodated 1st group simultaneously at the same time.

  When vibration execution unit 149D determines that 32 capsules C are not stored in second case CS20 in the second storage determination step S23, or after performing second case carry-out execution step S24, photoelectric conversion is performed. It is determined whether or not the sensor 141C detects that one unit (50 capsules) has been transported (S25: capsule detection step). When the vibration execution unit 149D determines that the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that one unit (50 capsules) has been transported, it causes the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B to protrude and retract, thereby performing the first operation. The case CS10 is vibrated (S26: vibration execution step). In other words, the vibration execution unit 149D conveys the capsule C of one unit by the capsule dividing conveyor 141, and holds the first case CS10 each time it is held by the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B. The case CS10 is vibrated (see FIG. 53).

In the present embodiment, the vibration execution unit 149D vibrates only the first case CS10, but may vibrate the second case CS20, and the first case CS10 and the second case CS20 may be vibrated. Both may be vibrated.
Further, in the present embodiment, when it is determined that the photoelectric sensor 141C detects that the capsule C of one unit (50 pieces) has been transported, the vibration execution unit 149D is pinched by the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B. The first case CS10 was vibrated. On the other hand, the vibration execution unit may vibrate the case if different from this.

Thereafter, the sorting control unit 149 executes steps S21 to S26 repeatedly by executing step S21 described above, sorts the capsules C by a predetermined number, and stores them in the case CS.
The sorting control unit 149 stops the repetition of the steps S21 to S26 described above when the stop button (not shown) provided on the capsule sorting device 14 is pressed. In addition, the sorting control unit 149 returns the stopper 147 and the pushers 148A and 148B to the initial state when the reset button (not shown) provided on the capsule sorting apparatus 14 is pressed.

According to such this embodiment, the following operations and effects can be achieved.
(1) When the dummy pallet DP is carried into the first placement table 31A by the upstream pallet conveyor 361 and the pusher 362, the container supply control means 37 uses the second pallet pallet DP by the pallet delivery means 33C1. After the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP when delivered to the placement table 31B, the second arrangement is performed by the puller 363 and the downstream pallet conveyor 364 The dummy pallet DP disposed on the platform 31B can be carried out. Therefore, since the container feeding device 3 can drop the plurality of containers C1 twice onto the upper surface of the same dummy pallet DP, compared with the case where the plurality of containers C1 are dropped once onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. The plurality of containers C1 can be easily inserted into the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

(2) The container supply device 3 includes the container storage tank 34, the container transport means 35, the container supply hopper 33, and the drop means, and circulates the plurality of containers C1 for reuse, so the dummy pallet DP Among the plurality of containers C1 dropped onto the upper surface of the container, the container C1 which has not entered the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP repeatedly falls onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. It is going to get in. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can automatically supply the plurality of containers C1 to the dummy pallet DP, and the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

(3) The container conveyance means 35 includes the holding conveyor 351C held by the container supply hopper 33 by placing and conveying the plurality of containers C1 in the conveyance path 351C1, the conveyance path of the holding conveyor 351C By adjusting the moving amount of 351 C 1, the amount of the plurality of containers C 1 to be held by the container supply hopper 33 can be adjusted. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can simplify the configuration of the container conveyance means 35.
(4) Since the holding conveyor 351C has an inlet with a predetermined area for introducing the plurality of containers C1, the transport amount of the plurality of containers C1 per unit time can be made constant. Therefore, the holding conveyor 351C can reliably adjust the amount of the plurality of containers C1 to be held by the container supply hopper 33.

(5) Since the container supply hopper 33 includes the container supply hopper 33A and the container supply hopper 33B, the plurality of containers C1 can be further easily inserted into the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.
(6) The container supply device 3 includes distribution means 351D for distributing and holding the plurality of containers C1 to the container supply hopper 33A and the container supply hopper 33B by switching the first path and the second path. Thus, the path for transporting the plurality of containers C1 from the container storage tank 34 to the distributing means 351D can be made common. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can simplify the configuration of the container conveyance means 35.

(7) The container supply device 3 drops the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP while the dummy pallet DP is vibrated by the small electromagnetic feeder 32. Therefore, the plurality of containers C1 dropped onto the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP roll into the respective storage portions DP1 of the dummy pallet DP while rolling due to the vibration of the dummy pallet DP. Therefore, the container supply device 3 can make the plurality of containers C1 easier to enter into the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP.

(8) The container supply device 3 causes the small electromagnetic feeder 32 to move from the first vibration state to the second when the plurality of containers C1 held by the container supply hopper 33 are dropped toward the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP. Since the plurality of containers C1 already in the receiving portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP can be made difficult to drop off.
(9) The container supply device 3 switches the small electromagnetic feeder 32 from the second vibration state to the third vibration state when dropping the plurality of containers C1 into the container storage tank 34 with the compressor 33C2, so the dummy pallet DP It is possible to make it difficult for the plurality of containers C1 which have already entered the container DP1 to fall off.
(10) The housing portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is provided with the through hole DP2, and the through hole DP2 is expanded as it goes toward the upper surface side of the dummy pallet DP, so that the plurality of containers C1 can be further easily inserted. be able to.

(11) The container transfer device 4 stores the lower end portions of the plurality of containers C1 in the respective storage portions MP1 of the main pallet MP, and causes the container transfer head 41 to release the plurality of containers C1. Since C1 is dropped and accommodated in the main pallet MP, the container C1 can be prevented from coming into contact with the accommodation portion MP1 of the main pallet MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 4 can suppress the deformation of the container C1, and can improve the manufacturing efficiency.
(12) Since each of the plurality of containers C1 is formed to decrease in diameter from the upper end to the lower end, the container transfer device 4 is configured to lower the lower ends of the plurality of containers C1 as a main pallet It becomes easy to accommodate when accommodating in each accommodating part MP1 of MP. Therefore, the container transfer device 4 can further suppress the container C1 from coming into contact with the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP.

(13) The horizontal moving mechanism 43 moves the container transfer head 41 along the short direction of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP, so that the container transfer head 41 can be extended to the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP. The moving distance can be shortened as compared with the case of moving along the direction, and the space required for the installation of the container transfer device 4 can be reduced.

(14) The end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return conveyor 22 position the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP by respectively inserting a plurality of pins into the plurality of holes of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP. Therefore, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP can be reliably positioned.
(15) The end point positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return conveyor 22 are raised by inserting the plurality of pins into the plurality of holes of the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP, respectively. As a result, the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP are supported by only a plurality of pins. Therefore, the end positions of the dummy placement table 365D and the return conveyor 22 can position the dummy pallet DP and the main pallet MP with certainty.

(16) Since the size of the storage portion DP1 of the dummy pallet DP is larger than the size of the storage portion MP1 of the main pallet MP, the plurality of storage portions DP1 formed on the upper surface of the dummy pallet DP in the container supply device 3 It can be made easy to supply when fitting and supplying a plurality of containers C1 to each. Therefore, the capsule manufacturing apparatus 1 can improve the manufacturing efficiency.

(17) The container cleaning device 5 is provided with the drop-off preventing means 51 for preventing drop-off of the plurality of containers C1, and the drop-off preventing means 51 cleans the plurality of containers C1 whose opening edge is held. The foreign matter can be reliably removed without dropping the accommodated container C1.
(18) The container cleaning device 5 blows air to the plurality of containers C1 with the nozzle 52A and suctions the plurality of containers C1 with the suction device 52B for container cleaning, so the air is blown with the nozzle 52A. Foreign substances such as dust adhering to the container C1 can be removed, and these foreign substances can be suctioned by the container cleaning suction device 52B. Therefore, the container cleaning device 5 can reliably remove foreign matter without dropping the container C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP.

(19) The container cleaning device 5 cleans the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP by moving the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52, so the container cleaning device 5 is accommodated in the main pallet MP. The size of the cleaning means 52 can be reduced as compared with the case where the plurality of containers C1 are all cleaned simultaneously.
(20) Since the forward delivery mechanism 23 moves the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52 by moving the main pallet MP, the position of the cleaning means 52 can be fixed. Therefore, the container cleaning device 5 can simplify the configuration of the container cleaning transfer mechanism as compared with the case of fixing the position of the main pallet MP.

(21) Since the dropout prevention means 51 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction of moving the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52 by the forward path delivery mechanism 23, the main pallet MP The opening edges of the plurality of containers C1 housed in the main pallet MP can be efficiently pressed without individually pressing the plurality of containers C1 housed in the.
(22) Since the dropout prevention means 51 is formed in a rail shape extending along the direction of moving the main pallet MP relative to the cleaning means 52 by the forward path delivery mechanism 23, the cleaning means 52 is formed. Thus, the plurality of containers C1 housed in the main pallet MP can be cleaned without being hindered by the dropout prevention means 51.

(23) The container cleaning device 5 includes container cleaning detection means 53 for detecting the presence or absence of the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning means 52, and the container cleaning device 5 drops off the plurality of containers C1 cleaned by the cleaning means 52. Since the presence or absence can be confirmed, drop-off of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP can be reliably prevented.
(24) The container cleaning device 5 includes the static electricity removing means 54 for removing the static electricity of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP, and can eliminate the static electricity of the plurality of containers C1 accommodated in the main pallet MP. Since it can do, it can control that foreign substances, such as dust, adhere to a plurality of containers C1 cleaned by cleaning means 52 again.

(25) Since the insertion port 623A of the filling cover 623 is provided at a position that always communicates with the opening of the filling hopper 62 when the filling hopper 62 is moved by the advancing and retracting mechanism 63, the filling hopper 62 The powder particles P can be introduced into the filling hopper 62 through the insertion port 623A of the filling cover 623 without stopping the peristalsis of the body.
(26) The opening of the filling hopper 62 is formed so as to be wider in the swinging direction of the filling hopper 62 as it goes vertically upward, so the filling device 6 uses the advancing and retracting mechanism 63 to measure each of the measuring holes 661A. The filling hopper 62 can be swung more than the width of the existing area of the. Therefore, the filling device 6 can improve the design freedom.

(27) The filling device 6 sucks the granular material P which is not filled in the respective measuring holes 661A when the granular material P is dropped from the filling hopper 62 by using the suction device 64 for packing. Since it can do, it can control that granular material P gathers around each measurement hole 661A.
(28) The storage tank 621 is filled with the measurement holes 661A because the powder particles P charged into the input tank 622 are stored therein by falling through the holes 622A1. The reduced granular material P is constantly replenished in the storage tank 621 as the granular material P charged into the charging tank 622 falls through the hole 622A1. Therefore, since the filling device 6 can always keep the bulk of the granular material P stored in the storage tank 621 constant, the filling pressure of the granular material P can be constant, and a certain amount of Particulate matter P can be filled in each measuring hole 661A.

(29) The sealing device 11 can stretch the fold of the lid material C2 formed on the cut film CF by pushing up the container C1 by the lifting mechanism 112 against the weight of the cut film CF. Thereafter, the sealing device 11 lowers the heat plate 111A1 with the sealing mechanism 111 to seal and bond the lid C2 to the opening of the container C1, so that the lid of the lid C2 is extended to open the container C1. Can be sealed on the part.
(30) Since the main pallet MP is provided with the respective pins MP2, the sealing device 11 is opposed to the respective pins MP2 for restricting the movement of the cut film CF placed on the main pallet MP to the lifting mechanism 112. By pushing up the container C1, it is possible to stretch the fold of the lid material C2 formed on the cut film CF. Therefore, the sealing device 11 can further extend the ridge of the lid material C2 and seal the opening of the container C1.

(31) The sealing device 11 positions the main pallet MP by inserting the plurality of pins 112A into the plurality of through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP, so that the main pallet MP can be reliably positioned.
(32) Since the main pallet MP is raised by inserting the plurality of pins 112A into the plurality of through holes MP3 of the main pallet MP, the sealing device 11 supports the main pallet MP by only the plurality of pins 112A. . Therefore, the sealing device 11 can position the main pallet MP reliably.

(33) The main pallet MP is formed to penetrate the upper and lower surfaces, and is provided with a storage portion MP1 for inserting and storing the container C1 from the upper surface side, and the film separation device 12 regulates the rise of the cut film CF. Since the bending plate 121A and the pushing-up mechanism 121B for pushing up the container C1 and separating the lid material C2 from the cut film CF are provided, the structure of the main pallet MP can be simplified, and the lid material C2 is separated from the cut film CF. can do.

(34) The film separating apparatus 12 can cooperate the push-up mechanism 121B for pushing up the container C1 to separate the lid material C2 from the cut film CF and the transfer head 122B for pulling up the container C1 from the main pallet MP. The lid material C2 can be reliably separated from the cut film CF.
(35) The film separating apparatus 12 moves up the container C1 by the lifting mechanism 121B to separate the lid material C2 from the cut film CF, and along the container C1 in the process of pulling up the container C1 from the main pallet MP by the transfer head 122B. Since the lid member C2 can be bent, the manufacturing efficiency can be improved.

(36) The capsule transfer mechanism 122 brings a plurality of portions close to each other to hold one unit of capsule C, separates the plurality of portions, and divides and releases one unit of capsule C into a plurality of groups. The capsule C of one unit can be sorted by a predetermined number. Therefore, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 can sort the capsules C efficiently without relying on a human even when storing a number different from one unit in the case CS collectively.
(37) The capsule sorting device 14 transfers the first case CS10 to the pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B without stopping the movement of the first lane 144 and the second lane 145, so that the capsule sorting device 14 can not move through the second lane 145. Since the first case CS10 can be unloaded, the structure of the first lane 144 and the second lane 145 can be simplified.

(38) Since the first lane 144 and the second lane 145 move the plurality of cases CS along the same transport direction, the first lane 144 and the second lane 145 can be used as a common transport path. Therefore, the capsule sorting apparatus 14 can simplify the configuration of the loading and unloading path.
(39) The pusher 148A1 and the pusher 148B are configured to be able to move forward and backward along the holding direction of the case CS. Therefore, the case CS can be held by holding the case CS and advancing and retreating along the holding direction of the case CS. It can be vibrated. Therefore, since the capsule sorting device 14 can level the plurality of capsules C stored in the case CS, the plurality of capsules C can be efficiently stored in the case CS.

(40) The capsule sorting apparatus 14 determines that the first storage determination unit 149A stores the predetermined number of capsules C in the first case CS10, and stores the first case CS10 for storing the first group. A carrying out unit for carrying out the second case CS20 for storing the second group when it is determined that the second case determination unit 149B stores the predetermined number of capsules C in the second case determination unit 149B. Since the 149 C is provided, the first case CS10 for storing the first group and the second case CS20 for storing the second group can be carried out independently. Therefore, the capsule sorting device 14 can carry out the case CS containing the predetermined number of capsules C prior to the case CS not containing the predetermined number of capsules C yet.

Modified Example of Embodiment
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications, improvements, and the like as long as the object of the present invention can be achieved are included in the present invention.
For example, in the above embodiment, the container cleaning device 5 is used for the capsule manufacturing device 1 that intermittently manufactures a plurality of capsules C as one unit, but may be adopted for other manufacturing devices. .

  As mentioned above, the present invention can be suitably used for a container cleaning device which cleans a plurality of containers stored in a pallet.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Capsule manufacturing apparatus 2 Main conveyor 3 Container supply apparatus 4 Container transfer apparatus 5 Container cleaning apparatus 6 Filling apparatus 7 Filling check apparatus 8 Film supply apparatus 9 Film die cutting apparatus 10 Film transfer apparatus 11 Seal apparatus 12 Film separation apparatus 13 scrap Ejection device 14 Capsule sorting device 31 Placement table for container supply 31A First placement table (first area)
31B Second deployment stand (second area)
32 Small electromagnetic feeder (pallet vibration means)
33 Hopper for container supply (holding means)
33A Container supply hopper (first holding means)
33B Hopper for feeding containers (second holding means)
33C1 Pallet delivery means 33C2 Compressor (dropping means)
34 container storage tank (storage means)
35 Container Transfer Means 36 Pallet Transfer Means 37 Container Supply Control Means 41 Container Transfer Head 42 Vertical Moving Mechanism (Container Transfer Moving Mechanism)
43 Horizontal movement mechanism (moving mechanism for container transfer)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 51 Falling prevention means 52 Cleaning means 52A Nozzle 52B Suction machine for container cleaning 53 Detection means for container cleaning 54 Electrostatic removal means 61 Weighing and filling mechanism 62 Hopper for filling 63 Advancement / retraction mechanism (sliding means)
64 suction device for filling 65 positioning mechanism 111 sealing mechanism 112 lifting mechanism 112A pin 112B rod-like body 121 film separating mechanism 121A bending plate 121A1 through hole 121B pushing-up mechanism 121B1 pin 121B2 rod-like body 122 capsule transfer mechanism 122B transfer head (holding for sorting mechanism)
141 Capsule Division Conveyor 142 Case Transport Conveyor 143 Capsule Shooter 144 1st Lane (Loading Path)
145 2nd lane (outlet path)
148A pusher 148A1 pusher (sandwich method)
148A2 pusher 148B pusher (holding means)
149 Assortment control means 149A first storage judgment unit 149B second storage judgment unit 149C unloading execution unit 149D vibration execution unit 351C holding conveyor 351D distribution unit 361 upstream pallet conveyor (pallet loading unit)
362 Pusher (Pallet Loading Means)
363 Puller (Pallet unloading means)
364 Downstream pallet conveyor (pallet unloading means)
Placement stand for 365D dummy (placement placement for container transfer)
621 storage tank 622 input tank 622A1 hole 623A input port C capsule C1 container C2 lid material CF cut film CS case DP dummy pallet DP1 accommodation unit MP main pallet MP1 accommodation unit MP2 pin (seal regulation mechanism)
MP3 through hole

Claims (5)

A container cleaning device for cleaning a plurality of containers stored in a pallet, comprising:
Anti-dropout means for preventing the dropout of the plurality of containers by pressing the opening edges of the plurality of containers housed in the pallet;
And cleaning means for cleaning the plurality of containers whose opening edge is pressed by the drop prevention means ,
A container cleaning movement mechanism is provided to move the pallet relative to the cleaning means by moving at least one of the pallet and the cleaning means,
The pallet is formed to be arranged in a grid-like manner, and includes a housing portion for housing a plurality of containers,
The drop-off prevention means presses each of the accommodation portions of the pallet along the row direction or the column direction, and moves the pallet relative to the cleaning means by the container cleaning movement mechanism. A plurality of rail portions formed in the shape of rails extending
The distance of each rail section, the container cleaning device characterized that you have been set to be substantially equal to the spacing of the container opening. In the container cleaning device according to claim 1,
The cleaning means is
A nozzle for blowing air to a plurality of containers whose opening edge is pressed by the dropout prevention means;
A container cleaning apparatus comprising: a container cleaning suction device for suctioning a plurality of containers whose opening edges are held down by the dropout prevention means. In the container cleaning device according to claim 1 or 2 ,
The container cleaning device, wherein the container cleaning movement mechanism moves the pallet relative to the cleaning means by moving the pallet. In the container cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A container cleaning device comprising container cleaning detection means for detecting the presence or absence of a plurality of containers cleaned by the cleaning means. In the container cleaning device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A container cleaning apparatus comprising: static electricity removing means for removing static electricity from a plurality of containers housed in the pallet.

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