JP6783186B2 - Input machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a loading machine in which a plurality of stick-shaped objects are stored in a packaging bag in an upright state.

Packaging bags containing a plurality of sticks (that is, sticks) are widely distributed. For example, a product in which a large number of stick-shaped packages in which powders such as sugar are enclosed are enclosed in one packaging bag is commercially available.

As an apparatus for manufacturing such a packaging bag, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic reversing discharge apparatus. This device has a horizontal pool conveyor that temporarily pools the containers containing the filling, a pushing device that delivers the containers on the pool conveyor one by one from the beginning to the next process device, and a container received via the pushing device. A vertical conveyor that lifts the container vertically and delivers it to the next process device, a supply conveyor that transports the containers received from the vertical conveyor to a predetermined position, and a reversing device that temporarily pools multiple containers on the supply conveyor and reverses them one by one. It is equipped with a feeding device to send to.

Further, Patent Document 2 discloses an aligning device for aligning rod-shaped articles in a vertical posture. Further, Patent Document 3 discloses a filling container reversing device that inverts a container containing a filling from an upright state to an inverted state and drops the filling into a packaging container.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 08-164909 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2003-128015 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2012-086918

When a plurality of stick-shaped objects are stored in a packaging bag in an upright state, it is preferable to put each stick-shaped object into the packaging bag so that the posture of each stick-shaped object is not disturbed in the packaging bag. If the posture of each stick-shaped object collapses in the packaging bag, the stick-shaped objects may overlap each other, the planned number of stick-shaped objects cannot be stored in the packaging bag, or the appearance of the packaging bag after the stick-shaped objects are enclosed. However, it becomes inappropriate as a product.

Further, a loading machine capable of flexibly responding to a change in the number of stick-shaped objects to be loaded into the packaging bag and a change in the shape (particularly the longitudinal length) of the stick-shaped objects is preferable.

For example, in the apparatus of Patent Document 1, when a plurality of stick-shaped objects are stored in a bag in an upright state, an appropriate amount of stick-shaped substances is contained in the can for the size of a can for transporting the plurality of stick-shaped objects. Then, the inner surface of the can appropriately supports the stick-shaped object in an upright state, and the stick-shaped object maintains a stable posture in the can. On the other hand, when the amount of the stick-shaped material is small compared to the size of the can or the length of the stick-shaped material in the longitudinal direction is short, the stick-shaped material may fall down in the can. It is conceivable to change the size of the cans to improve this situation, but in that case, the types of cans required will increase, and the set of parts for fixing each can will also be the type of cans. It is necessary to prepare accordingly. In addition, it is necessary to change each part such as a guide of the can throwing machine according to the size of the can to be used. In this way, in a device that needs to change the can according to the change in the number and size of stick-shaped objects to be stored in the bag, the number of parts that need to be stocked increases and the device switching work is required. Therefore, it takes cost and labor.

Further, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 2, the posture of the stick-shaped object is adjusted by swinging the hopper in the horizontal direction, but when the stick-shaped object is brittle, the stick-shaped object is damaged by such swinging. There are concerns. In the device of Patent Document 2, a plurality of stick-shaped objects are swung even in an oblique posture, but the posture of the stick-shaped objects once in the horizontal posture cannot be returned to normal only by such swinging. difficult. Further, if a stick-shaped object having an inappropriate posture is dropped downward, there is a concern that the stick-shaped objects may overlap each other up and down. Therefore, in the device of Patent Document 2, the stick-shaped object after being dropped is shaken again. And align.
As described above, in the device of Patent Document 2, since the impact due to the swing is applied to the stick-shaped object in two stages, if the stick-shaped object is brittle, the stick-shaped object is likely to be damaged.

Further, in the device disclosed in Patent Document 3, since the can discharge mechanism is provided above the hopper, the drop distance of the input material from the container to the hopper is large. Therefore, when the input is a stick-shaped object, there is a concern that the stick-shaped objects may overlap each other due to the difference in the falling timing and the falling speed of each stick-shaped object. The posture of the stick-shaped objects that are stacked on top of each other is difficult to return to normal due to rocking, and such stick-shaped objects may eventually fall sideways.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a throwing machine capable of appropriately storing a plurality of stick-shaped objects in a packaging bag in an upright state.

One aspect of the present invention is a loading machine for putting a plurality of stick-shaped objects into a packaging bag, a plurality of transport containers having an opening on the upper surface and accommodating the stick-shaped objects, and the bottom thereof is closed. It has a transport unit that sequentially transports a plurality of transport containers with an opening open upward, and a plurality of storage chambers that are provided below the transport container that has been transported to the loading position and have an open top and bottom. A first hopper drive unit for moving the first holding hopper and the first holding hopper to arrange one of a plurality of storage chambers vertically below the transport container transported to the loading position, and a plurality of storage chambers. A shutter portion provided at the bottom of each of the storage chambers for closing and opening the bottom of each of the plurality of storage chambers, and a loading container in which each of the plurality of transport containers is inverted to open the transport container transported to the loading position downward. Of the plurality of storage chambers, the transport container transported to the loading position with the bottom of the storage chamber arranged vertically below the transport container transported to the loading position closed by the shutter portion. The present invention relates to a throwing machine including a throwing portion for dropping a stick-shaped object in the transport container into a storage chamber arranged vertically below the transport container by turning the opening downward.

The shutter portion may open the bottoms of a plurality of storage chambers at the same time.

The axis extending in the vertical direction passing through the center of the downward opening of the transport container transported to the loading position is the vertical axis passing through the center of the opening at the top of the storage chamber arranged vertically below the transport container. It may coincide with an axis extending in the direction.

The diameter of the accommodating portion for accommodating each stick-shaped object of the plurality of transport containers may be equal to or less than the diameter of the opening of the top of each of the plurality of accommodating chambers.

The first holding hopper is a rotating body rotatably provided about a rotation axis, and has a rotating body that holds a plurality of storage chambers, and the first hopper driving unit rotates the rotating body. , Any of a plurality of storage chambers may be arranged vertically below the transport container transported to the loading position.

The throwing machine may further include a discharging device that conveys the transport container from the charging position to the discharging position and discharges the transport container to the discharging section provided at the discharging position.

The discharge device may have a pushing portion that pushes the transport container from the loading position to the discharging position, and a container guide portion that guides the transport container pushed by the pushing portion from the loading position to the discharging position.

The distance from the downward opening of the transport container transported to the loading position to the shutter portion provided to close the bottom of the storage chamber moved vertically downward in the transport container is stick-shaped. It may be less than twice the longitudinal length of the object.

The throwing machine further includes a second holding hopper arranged vertically downward in the plurality of storage chambers, and the shutter portion is provided in one or more storage chambers in which stick-shaped objects are housed among the plurality of storage chambers. By opening the bottom portion, the stick-shaped object in the one or more storage chambers may be dropped onto the second holding hopper.

The distance from the shutter portion provided so as to close the bottom portion of the storage chamber moved downward in the vertical direction of the transport container transported to the loading position to the bottom portion of the second holding hopper is the longitudinal length of the stick-shaped object. It may be smaller than twice.

The second holding hopper has a plurality of holding chambers, and any one or more of the plurality of holding chambers may be arranged below each of the plurality of storage chambers of the first holding hopper in the vertical direction.

Each of the plurality of holding chambers may be arranged vertically below at least one of the plurality of containing chambers of the first holding hopper.

The number of the plurality of holding chambers is the same as the number of the plurality of containing chambers, and different holding chambers may be arranged vertically below each of the plurality of containing chambers.

The throwing machine may be further provided with a partition that is arranged inside the second holding hopper and separates the space inside the second holding hopper into a plurality of holding chambers.

The second holding hopper includes a plurality of tubular bodies having a space inside, and the plurality of holding chambers may each be composed of spaces inside the plurality of tubular bodies.

The throwing machine may further include a pushing unit that presses the stick-shaped object housed in each of the plurality of storage chambers in a direction including a horizontal component.

Each of the plurality of containment chambers is provided with a notch, and the pushing unit may have a pressing bar that enters the notch and presses a stick-like object housed in each of the plurality of containment chambers.

According to the present invention, a plurality of stick-shaped objects can be appropriately stored in a packaging bag in an upright state.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the entire throwing machine as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the entire throwing machine as viewed from above. FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the first holding hopper arranged in the cover is viewed from above. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotation drive structure of the operating shaft. FIG. 5 is a plan view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion as viewed from above, and shows a state in which the shutter portion is closed. FIG. 6 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the direction of the arrow “A” in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion viewed from the direction of the arrow “B” in FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion as viewed from above, and shows a state in which the shutter portion is open. FIG. 9 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from the direction of the arrow “A” in FIG. FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the opening / closing unit, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit is closed. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the opening / closing unit, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit is closed. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the opening / closing unit, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit is open. FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing an operating state of the throwing machine. FIG. 20 is a plan view of the accommodation chamber of the throwing machine according to the modified example as viewed from above. FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of one storage chamber shown in FIG. 20 as viewed from the side. FIG. 22 is a plan view of each storage chamber according to the modified example as viewed from above. FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of one storage chamber shown in FIG. 22 as viewed from the side. FIG. 24 is a view showing one aspect of the second holding hopper, and is a plan view of the second holding hopper as viewed from above. FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second holding hopper shown in FIG. 24. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second holding hopper shown in FIG. 24 is seen through (a state in which the contour portion is shown). FIG. 27 is a view showing another aspect of the second holding hopper, and is a plan view of the second holding hopper as viewed from above. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second holding hopper shown in FIG. 27. FIG. 29 is a view showing another aspect of the second holding hopper, and is a plan view of the second holding hopper as viewed from above. FIG. 30 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second holding hopper shown in FIG. 29.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Although the size of each element and the size ratio between the elements do not always match between the drawings, those skilled in the art can easily understand each element and the relationship between the elements from each drawing. Further, in order to facilitate understanding, illustration of elements may be omitted in each figure.

[Overall configuration of device]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the entire loading machine 10 as viewed from the side. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the entire throwing machine 10 as viewed from above.

The loading machine 10 is a device for putting a plurality of predetermined stick-shaped objects 12 into the packaging bag 14. The throwing machine 10 includes a transport unit 20, a throwing section 30, a first holding hopper 24, a first hopper driving section 26 (see FIGS. 3 and 4), and a shutter section 28.

The transport unit 20 sequentially transports a plurality of transport containers 22 having an opening 22a on the upper surface and accommodating the stick-shaped object 12 (container transport step). The transport unit 20 of the present embodiment sequentially transports the transport container 22 in a state where the bottom is closed and the opening 22a is opened upward. Each transport container 22 is sandwiched between a pair of guides 51 and guided, and moves toward a stopper 63 arranged at the support position P0.

In the transport unit 20 shown in FIG. 1, each transport container 22 is mounted on an endless transport belt 52 wound around a transport roller 57, and each transport container 22 is moved in the horizontal direction (as the transport belt 52 travels). It is transported in the direction from right to left in FIG. The transport roller 57 engages with the transport belt 52 and is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown). As the transport roller 57 rotates, the transport belt 52 runs continuously or intermittently, and each transport container 22 is continuously or intermittently transported. The plurality of transport containers 22 transported by the transport belt 52 are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction, and the leading transport container 22 is received by the stopper 63 and the loading portion 30 (that is, the holding member main body portion 60).

Each transport container 22 contains a plurality of stick-shaped objects 12, and the number of stick-shaped objects 12 accommodated in one transport container 22 is the number of stick-shaped objects 12 finally accommodated in the packaging bag 14. Less than the number. The number of stick-shaped objects 12 finally stored in the packaging bag 14 is preferably an integral multiple of the number of stick-shaped objects 12 accommodated in one transport container 22, and in particular, the first holding hopper 24 It is preferably an integral multiple of the number of accommodation chambers 25 or less. In this case, the same number of stick-shaped objects 12 can be accommodated in each of the plurality of transport containers 22. It should be noted that each transport container 22 may contain only one stick-shaped object 12, or the same number of stick-shaped objects 12 may not necessarily be accommodated between the transport containers 22.

The charging unit 30 opens the transport container 22 arranged at the charging position P1 downward. The charging unit 30 of the present embodiment rotates (that is, reverses) each of the plurality of transport containers 22 so that the opening 22a is directed downward at the charging position P1. With the bottom 25b of the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically below the transport container 22 arranged at least at the charging position P1 of the plurality of storage chambers 25 closed by the shutter portion 28, the charging unit 30 is placed at the charging position P1. The transport container 22 arranged in the above is opened downward. As a result, the stick-shaped object 12 in the transport container 22 falls toward the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically below the transport container 22, and the stick-shaped object 12 is housed in the storage chamber 25.

The input portion 30 shown is a servomotor 61 fixed to a reversing portion frame 54 described later via a mounting plate 59, and a reversing shaft 84 connected to the servomotor output shaft 62 via a coupling 58. The holding member main body 60 is connected to the reversing shaft 84. When the servomotor 61 rotates the servomotor output shaft 62, the reversing shaft 84 rotates integrally with the servomotor output shaft 62, and the holding member main body 60 rotates (that is, turns) together with the reversing shaft 84. In particular, in the present embodiment, the holding member main body 60 can be swiveled from the support position P0 to the closing position P1 by rotating the servomotor output shaft 62 forward by 180 °. Further, by rotating the servomotor output shaft 62 in the reverse direction by 180 °, the holding member main body 60 can be swiveled and moved from the closing position P1 to the supporting position P0.

The holding member main body 60 has a shape suitable for receiving and supporting each transport container 22 at the support position P0. A pair of container holding air cylinders 55 are attached to the holding member main body 60. Each container holding air cylinder 55 extends the container holding member 56 and presses the transport container 22 received by the holding member main body 60 against the holding member main body 60.
As a result, the transport container 22 is fixedly supported by the holding member main body 60, and when the holding member main body 60 swivels, the transport container 22 also swivels integrally with the holding member main body 60. Therefore, the opening 22a of the transport container 22 facing upward at the support position P0 is directed downward at the loading position P1. In this way, the transport container 22 transported by the transport unit 20 (that is, the transport belt 52) and arranged at the support position P0 is supported by the holding member main body 60 and the container holding air cylinder 55. Then, when the servomotor output shaft 62 rotates by 180 °, the holding member main body 60 and the container holding air cylinder 55 rotate together with the transport container 22, and the transport container 22 is moved from the support position P0 to the loading position P1. ..

A reversing portion frame 54 (see FIG. 1) is attached to the cover 82 provided so as to cover the first holding hopper 24, and a pair of separation stoppers 53 are fixedly provided on the reversing portion frame 54. There is. Each separation stopper 53 expands and contracts the extrusion member 53a. When the pair of separation stoppers 53 extend the extrusion member 53a, these extrusion members 53a press the second transfer container 22 from the beginning, and the second transfer container 22 from the beginning is moved from the first transfer container 22. Pull apart (see Figure 2). As a result, while preventing interference between the two transport containers 22, the first transport container 22 can be smoothly rotated together with the holding member main body 60 about the reversing shaft 84.

The first holding hopper 24 shown in FIG. 1 has a plurality of storage chambers 25 (three storage chambers 25 in this embodiment) provided below the transport container 22 arranged at the charging position P1. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the accommodation chambers 25 are arranged so as to face each other with the rotation shaft 31 interposed therebetween for easy understanding. However, as shown in FIG. 3, 3 is actually shown. The two containment chambers 25 are evenly spaced around the rotating shaft 31. This also applies to FIGS. 13, 16, 18, and 19 described later.

The top 25a and bottom 25b of each storage chamber 25 are open. The top portion 25a functions as a receiving port for receiving the stick-shaped object 12 from the transport container 22, and the bottom portion 25b functions as an discharging port for discharging the stick-shaped object 12 toward the second holding hopper 40. The inner side surface of the accommodation chamber 25 has an inclined surface 25c, and the inclined surface 25c is inclined so as to be closer to the rotation shaft 31 toward a position lower in the vertical direction. Since the storage chamber 25 has the inclined surface 25c, the stick-shaped object 12 in the accommodating chamber 25 falls while being guided by the inclined surface 25c, and the stick-shaped object 12 dropped from the transport container 22 is collected on the rotation shaft 31 side. ..

The first holding hopper 24 of the present embodiment has a rotating body 32 rotatably provided around a rotating shaft 31, and a plurality of storage chambers 25 are held by the rotating body 32. The rotating shaft 31 is supported by the hopper support member 64, the hopper support member 64 is supported by the hopper support plate 65, and the hopper support plate 65 is supported by the cover 82. The rotating shaft 31 rotatably holds the rotating member 68, and the rotating member 68 rotates integrally with the rotating body 32.

A through hole 80 (see FIG. 2) is formed in the cover 82, and the through hole 80 is formed in the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 and the first holding hopper 24 (particularly, the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1). It is arranged between the accommodation chamber 25) arranged downward in the vertical direction. The opening 22a of the transport container 22 directed downward in the vertical direction at the loading position P1 faces the through hole 80, and the stick-shaped object 12 housed in the transport container 22 passes through the through hole 80 and enters the storage chamber 25. Fall inside. The through hole 80 has a diameter larger than the inner diameter of each transport container 22 (that is, the diameter of the storage portion 23 constituting the storage space for the stick-shaped object 12), and the cover 82 has a diameter from the transport container 22 to the storage chamber 25. It does not prevent the stick-shaped object 12 from falling inward.

The first hopper drive unit 26 (see FIGS. 3 and 4) moves the first holding hopper 24, and one of a plurality of storage chambers 25 is located vertically below the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1. To place. By rotating the rotating body 32, the first hopper drive unit 26 of the present embodiment arranges any of the plurality of storage chambers 25 below the transport container 22 arranged at the charging position P1 in the vertical direction. At this time, the axis extending in the vertical direction passing through the center of the opening 22a directed downward of the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 is the top of the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically below the transport container 22. It coincides with a vertically extending axis passing through the center of the opening of the portion 25a.
The details of the first hopper drive unit 26 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

As shown in FIG. 1, a shutter portion 28 is provided at the bottom portion 25b of each of the plurality of storage chambers 25. The shutter portion 28 closes and opens the bottom 25b of each of the plurality of storage chambers 25. The shutter portion 28 of the present embodiment can open the bottom portions 25b of a plurality of storage chambers 25 at the same time. The term "simultaneous" here does not necessarily mean strict simultaneity, and the opening of the bottom 25b of each storage chamber 25 causes the stick-shaped objects 12 housed in the plurality of storage chambers 25 to fall substantially at the same time. The degree of simultaneity at which the above is started is referred to as "simultaneous" here.
Therefore, it can be said that the bottoms 25b of the plurality of storage chambers 25 are opened at the same time even if the opening timings of the bottoms 25b of the plurality of storage chambers 25 are deviated by, for example, about 0.1 seconds or less (more preferably 0.05 seconds or less). The details of the shutter unit 28 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

A shutter portion 28 provided so as to close the bottom portion 25b of the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically downward of the transport container 22 from the opening 22a directed downward of the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1. The distance to (see sign "D1" in FIG. 13) is preferably less than twice the longitudinal length of the stick-shaped object 12 (see sign "D2" in FIG. 13). As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the stick-shaped objects 12 that have fallen from the transport container 22 from overlapping each other in the vertical direction in the storage chamber 25.

The throwing machine 10 further includes a second holding hopper 40 arranged vertically below the plurality of storage chambers 25. The shutter portion 28 opens the bottom 25b of one or more storage chambers 25 in which the stick-shaped object 12 is housed among the plurality of storage chambers 25, so that the stick in the one or more storage chambers 25 is opened. The object 12 is dropped onto the second holding hopper 40.

The top 40a and bottom 40b of the second holding hopper 40 are open, the top 40a functions as a receiving port for receiving the stick-shaped object 12 from each storage chamber 25, and the bottom 40b opens and closes the stick-shaped object 12 to the opening / closing unit 66. It functions as an outlet for discharging toward. The inner side surface of the second holding hopper 40 has an inclined surface 40c, and the inclined surface 40c is inclined so as to be closer to the radial center toward a position lower in the vertical direction. Since the second holding hopper 40 has the inclined surface 40c, the stick-shaped objects 12 that have fallen from each storage chamber 25 are collected at the center of the second holding hopper 40.

The distance from the shutter portion 28 provided so as to close the bottom portion 25b of the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically below the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 to the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40 ( The sign “D3” in FIG. 13) is preferably smaller than twice the longitudinal length of the stick-shaped object 12 (see the sign “D2” in FIG. 13). As a result, it is possible to effectively prevent the stick-shaped objects 12 that have fallen from the respective storage chambers 25 from overlapping each other in the vertical direction in the second holding hopper 40.

The throwing machine 10 further includes a discharging device 36. The discharge device 36 transports the transport container 22 from the charging position P1 to the discharge position P2, and discharges the transport container 22 to the discharge unit (shooter) 34 provided at the discharge position P2. As shown in FIG. 2, the discharge device 36 of the present embodiment has a push-in portion 38 and a container guide portion 39. The pushing portion 38 pushes the transport container 22 from the loading position P1 to the discharging position P2.

The container guide portion 39 is fixed on the cover 82 and guides the transport container 22 pushed by the push-in portion 38 from the loading position P1 to the discharging position P2. Specifically, the two container guide portions 39 are arranged in parallel with each other, each container guide portion 39 has a step portion, and the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 has two container guide portions 39. It is placed on the stepped part of. The distance between the stepped portions of the two container guide portions 39 is constant, and is the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the transport container 22. The stepped portion of the two container guide portions 39 regulates the movement locus of the transport container 22, and the transport container 22 is guided from the loading position P1 to the discharging position P2 between the stepped portions. In this way, the two container guide portions 39 support the empty transport container 22 so as to be slidable, thereby preventing the transport container 22 from coming off from the planned movement locus, and the transport container 22 is placed at the discharge position P2. It is discharged to the discharge unit 34 arranged in. Each container guide portion 39 is a portion corresponding to the loading position P1 and is cut out in the vertical direction above the through hole 80, and a stick-shaped object 12 that falls from the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 is provided. Does not interfere.

In the throwing machine 10 shown in FIG. 2, the planar shape of the pushing portion 38 is L-shaped. The drive unit of the pushing portion 38 has a first rotating body 77 and a second rotating body 78, and a shaft eccentric block 72 is connected to the first rotating body 77 via a central shaft 75, and the second rotating body 78. A shaft eccentric block 73 is connected to the vehicle via a central shaft 76. The shaft eccentric block 72 is connected to the pushing portion 38 via the fixed shaft 71, and the shaft eccentric block 73 is connected to the pushing portion 38 via the fixed shaft 74. The shaft eccentric block 72 and the shaft eccentric block 73 form a link mechanism, and the shaft eccentric block 72 and the shaft eccentric block 73 are rotatably connected to the pushing portion 38. On the other hand, the shaft eccentric block 72 is fixed to the central shaft 75 and rotates together with the central shaft 75, and the shaft eccentric block 73 is fixed to the central shaft 76 and rotates together with the central shaft 76. The first rotating body 77 is fixed to the central shaft 75 and rotates together with the central shaft 75, and the second rotating body 78 is fixed to the central shaft 76 and rotates together with the central shaft 76. Therefore, as the first rotating body 77 and the second rotating body 78 rotate around the central shaft 75 and the central shaft 76, the pushing portion 38 moves between the closing position P1 and the discharging position P2. The first rotating body 77 and the second rotating body 78 are rotated by an arbitrary driving device.

[Hopper rotation mechanism]
FIG. 3 is a view showing a state in which the first holding hopper 24 arranged in the cover 82 is viewed from above. FIG. 3 shows a state in which the first holding hopper 24 is cut in a horizontal direction perpendicular to the extending direction of the rotating shaft 31, and particularly, the first holding hopper 24 is cut at a position above the rotating body 32. The state is shown.

The rotating body 32 is provided in a disk shape, and each storage chamber 25 is provided so as to penetrate the rotating body 32. The outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 32 has a gear shape, and the operating shaft 86 is engaged with the outer peripheral portion of the rotating body 32. The outer peripheral portion of the operating shaft 86 has a gear shape that meshes with the gear shape of the rotating body 32, and the rotating body 32 is rotationally driven by the axial rotation of the operating shaft 86.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a rotational drive structure of the operating shaft 86. The operating shaft 86 is connected to the motor 88 via the speed reducer 87. The torque of the rotational power output from the output shaft of the motor 88 is increased by the speed reducer 87 and transmitted to the operating shaft 86. As a result, the operating shaft 86 rotationally drives the rotating body 32. As described above, in the present embodiment, the motor 88, the speed reducer 87, and the operating shaft 86 are provided as the first hopper driving unit 26 for moving the first holding hopper 24 (that is, each accommodation chamber 25). The rotating body 32 is intermittently rotated by the operating shaft 86, and each storage chamber 25 is sequentially arranged below the transport container 22 arranged at the charging position P1 in the vertical direction.

[Shutter opening / closing mechanism]
FIG. 5 is a plan view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion 28 as viewed from above, and shows a state in which the shutter portion 28 is closed. FIG. 6 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion 28 shown in FIG. 5 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow “A” in FIG. FIG. 7 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion 28 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow “B” in FIG. FIG. 8 is a plan view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter unit 28 as viewed from above, and shows a state in which the shutter unit 28 is open. FIG. 9 is a view of the opening / closing mechanism of the shutter portion 28 shown in FIG. 8 as viewed from the direction indicated by the arrow “A” in FIG. In each of FIGS. 5 to 9, some elements are omitted for ease of understanding. For example, in FIGS. 6 and 9, the actuator 96 is not shown. Further, the position of the accommodation chamber 25 shown in FIG. 7 is strictly different from the position of the accommodation chamber 25 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, two shutter portions 28 are provided, and each shutter portion 28 is connected to the rail 90 via a moving body 91. Each moving body 91 is slidably engaged with a rail 90 fixed to the cover 82, and each shutter portion 28 is provided so as to be movable along the rail 90 together with the moving body 91. A connecting block 92 is fixed to each moving body 91, and each connecting block 92 is connected to a connecting lever 94 via a connecting shaft 93. The connecting lever 94, each connecting shaft 93, and each connecting block 92 form a link mechanism, and a connecting portion between them is rotatably provided. A connecting shaft 93 is connected to both ends of the connecting lever 94, and a rotating shaft 95 of the actuator 96 is fixed to the central portion of the connecting lever 94. As the rotating shaft 95 rotates, the connecting lever 94 rotates together with the rotating shaft 95.

The shutter mechanism 69 for opening and closing the shutter unit 28 has the above-described configuration, and the shutter unit 28 can be moved by driving the actuator 96 fixed to the cover 82 to rotate the rotation shaft 95. As a result, the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25 forming the discharge port can be closed and opened by the shutter portion 28. That is, the position of each moving body 91 on the rail 90 is determined according to the rotational state of the rotating shaft 95 and the posture of the connecting lever 94. Therefore, by rotating the rotating shaft 95 to bring it into the state shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the shutter portions 28 that move together with the moving body 91 come into contact with each other, and the bottom portions 25b of all the accommodation chambers 25 are covered by the shutter portions 28. It is closed (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, by rotating the rotating shaft 95 to bring it into the state shown in FIGS. 8 to 9, the shutter portions 28 are separated from each other, and the bottom portions 25b of all the accommodation chambers 25 are opened without being covered by the shutter portions 28. (See FIG. 8).

For example, in a state where the bottom 25b of each storage chamber 25 is closed by the shutter portion 28 (see FIG. 5), the shutter portion 28 prevents the stick-shaped object 12 housed in each storage chamber 25 from falling. .. On the other hand, in a state where the bottom 25b of each storage chamber 25 is open (see FIG. 8), the stick-shaped object 12 housed in each storage chamber 25 falls downward.

[Hopper opening / closing mechanism]
FIG. 10 is a plan view showing the opening / closing unit 66, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit 66 is closed. FIG. 11 is a side view showing the opening / closing unit 66, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit 66 is closed. FIG. 12 is a side view showing the opening / closing unit 66, showing a state in which the opening / closing unit 66 is open.

The opening / closing unit 66 has a first opening / closing portion 66a and a second opening / closing portion 66b. The first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b perform an opening / closing operation and can cover and close the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40 (see FIG. 11), while opening the bottom portion 40b without covering the bottom portion 40b. Can be done (see FIG. 12).

The first opening / closing portion 66a is fixed to the first opening / closing portion 111 via two first fixing members 113, and the second opening / closing portion 66b is fixed to the second opening / closing portion 112 via two second fixing members 114. There is. The first opening / closing part 111 is rotatably connected to the shutter holding member 105 via the rotating shaft 115, and the second opening / closing part 112 is rotatably connected to the shutter holding member 105 via the rotating shaft 116. Further, the first opening / closing portion 111 and the second opening / closing portion 112 are connected to each other via a link mechanism 109. The first opening / closing part 111 and the second opening / closing part 112 are interlocked by the link mechanism 109, and the first opening / closing part 111 and the second opening / closing part 112 exhibit mirror-symmetrical behavior with each other. The first opening / closing part 66a moves integrally with the first fixing member 113 and the first opening / closing part 111 and turns around the rotation shaft 115, and the second opening / closing part 66b is the second fixing member 114 and the second opening / closing part 112. It moves integrally with and turns around the rotation shaft 116.

The second opening / closing portion 112 is connected to the cylinder shaft 67a of the opening / closing air cylinder 67 via the connecting member 108, and the opening / closing air cylinder 67 is fixed to the frame 101 via the air cylinder pedestal 107. The shutter holding member 105 is fixed to the frame 101 via the L-shaped frame 106. Further, a through hole 102 is formed in the frame 101, and the through hole 102 faces the top portion 40a of the second holding hopper 40.

According to the opening / closing unit 66 described above, the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b open / close according to the amount of protrusion of the cylinder shaft 67a of the opening / closing air cylinder 67. For example, when the protrusion amount of the cylinder shaft 67a is relatively small as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b are arranged at the closed positions, and the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40 is provided. cover. On the other hand, when the protrusion amount of the cylinder shaft 67a is relatively large as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting member 108 is arranged on the side of the first opening / closing portion 66a. In this case, the second opening / closing part 112 swings around the rotating shaft 116, and the force is transmitted from the second opening / closing part 112 to the first opening / closing part 111 via the link mechanism 109 so that the first opening / closing part 111 rotates shaft. It swings around 115. As a result, the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b are opened, and the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40 is opened.

[Opening diameter]
In the throwing machine 10 having the above configuration, the diameters of each storage chamber 25, the second holding hopper 40, and the opening / closing unit 66 are determined as follows. That is, when the opening / closing unit 66 (that is, the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b) is opened according to the size of the diameter of the opening (that is, the insertion port of the stick-shaped object 12) of the packaging bag 14 used. The size of the diameter (see FIG. 12) is determined. Specifically, the opening diameter of the opening / closing unit 66 is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the opening of the packaging bag 14 (preferably smaller than the diameter of the opening of the packaging bag 14). The bottom 40b of the second holding hopper 40 is set to be equal to or smaller than the diameter of the opening of the opening / closing unit 66 (that is, the insertion port of the stick-shaped object 12) (preferably smaller than the diameter of the opening of the opening / closing unit 66). To. The size of the diameter of the top 40a of the second holding hopper 40 is determined according to the size of the diameter of the bottom 25b of the storage chamber 25, and the bottom 25b of all the storage chambers 25 is the top 40a of the second holding hopper 40. The diameter of the top portion 40a of the second holding hopper 40 and the diameter of the bottom portion 25b of the storage chamber 25 are set so as to be covered by the second holding hopper 40. The diameter of the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40 is set to be smaller than the diameter of the top portion 40a.

Further, the size of the diameter of the top portion 25a of each storage container 25 is determined according to the size of the diameter of the opening 22a of the transport container 22, and the diameters of the storage portion 23 and the opening 22a of each storage container 22 are determined. It is equal to or smaller than the opening diameter of the top portion 25a of each storage chamber 25, and is preferably smaller than the opening diameter of the top portion 25a. As a result, when each transport container 22 is inverted at the loading position P1 and the opening 22a is directed downward in the vertical direction, the stick-shaped object 12 smoothly drops from the inside of the storage portion 23 of the transport container 22 into the storage chamber 25. Can be made to.

[Action]
Next, the operation of the loading machine 10 having the above configuration will be described.

13 to 19 are views showing an operating state of the loading machine 10.

The transport container 22 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) arranged at the support position P0 as described above is inverted by the charging unit 30, and the opening 22a is directed downward as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. It is arranged at the charging position P1. At this time, the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25 is closed by the shutter portion 28. As a result, the stick-shaped object 12 in the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 falls toward the storage chamber 25 arranged vertically below the transport container 22, and is housed in the storage chamber 25.

After the transport container 22 moves from the support position P0 to the loading position P1, the amount of protrusion of the container holding member 56 of the container holding air cylinder 55 is reduced (see FIG. 14), and each container holding member 56 is arranged in the retracted position. Then, the support of the transport container 22 by the charging unit 30 (that is, the holding member main body 60 and the container holding air cylinder 55) is released. Further, after the transport container 22 moves from the support position P0 to the loading position P1, a new transport container 22 is arranged at the support position P0. That is, the amount of protrusion of the extrusion member 53a of each separation stopper 53 is reduced, each extrusion member 53a is arranged at the retracted position, and the new transport container 22 advances toward the stopper 63.

Then, as shown in FIG. 15, the first rotating body 77 and the second rotating body 78 are rotated, and the empty transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1 is pushed by the pushing portion 38 and pushed into the container guide portion 39. It moves toward the discharge position P2 along the line. The pushing portion 38 connected to the first rotating body 77 and the second rotating body 78 via the link mechanism (that is, the shaft eccentric block 72 and the shaft eccentric block 73) has an contact angle with respect to the transport container 22. The transport container 22 can be extruded while maintaining the same value.

While the transport container 22 moves from the loading position P1 to the discharging position P2, the rotating body 32 is rotated by the first hopper driving unit 26, and as shown in FIG. 16, a storage chamber in which the stick-shaped object 12 is not housed. 25 is arranged below the insertion position P1 in the vertical direction. As described above, in the present embodiment, the three storage chambers 25 are provided at equal intervals. Therefore, the rotating body 32 is rotated by 120 ° about the rotation shaft 31, and is newly moved downward in the vertical direction of the insertion position P1. The accommodation chamber 25 can be arranged. When the rotating body 32 rotates, the shutter portion 28 maintains a state in which the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25 is closed. On the other hand, the servomotor output shaft 62 is rotated, and the holding member main body 60 and the container holding air cylinder 55 move from the charging position P1 to the supporting position P0.

Then, the empty transport container 22 that has moved to the discharge position P2 rolls down into the discharge unit 34 as shown in FIG. 17 (container discharge step). On the other hand, the container holding member 56 of the container holding air cylinder 55 is extended, and the new transport container 22 arranged at the support position P0 is sandwiched and supported by the holding member main body 60 and the container holding air cylinder 55. .. Whether or not the new transport container 22 is properly arranged at the support position P0 is detected by a sensor (not shown), and the detection signal of the sensor is sent to a controller (not shown) that controls each container holding air cylinder 55. .. This controller controls each container holding air cylinder 55 based on the detection signal of the sensor.

Then, the charging unit 30 moves the new transport container 22 from the support position P0 to the loading position P1 and drops the stick-shaped object 12 from the transport container 22 into the storage chamber 25 as shown in FIG. As a result, the stick-shaped object 12 can be accommodated in the accommodating chamber 25 arranged vertically below the loading position P1.

By repeating the above operation, the stick-shaped object 12 is accommodated in all the accommodation chambers 25. After that, the shutter portion 28 is opened and the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25 is opened.
As a result, as shown in FIG. 19, the stick-shaped material 12 drops from all the storage chambers 25 at the same time, and the stick-shaped material 12 is stored in the second holding hopper 40 (filling assembling step). At this time, the opening / closing unit 66 (the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b) is closed, and a large number of stick-shaped objects 12 are accommodated across the second holding hopper 40 and the opening / closing unit 66.

Then, when the opening / closing unit 66 (first opening / closing portion 66a and second opening / closing portion 66b) is opened, the second holding hopper 40 is directed toward the packaging bag 14 (see FIG. 1) arranged below the opening / closing unit 66. The stick-shaped object 12 inside falls. As described above, the stick-shaped object 12 is closer to the center due to the inclined structure of the second holding hopper 40 (particularly the inclined surface 40c) and the opening / closing unit 66 (the first opening / closing portion 66a and the second opening / closing portion 66b). A plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 can be easily and appropriately housed in the packaging bag 14 in a standing state.

As described above, according to the throwing machine 10 of the present embodiment, the plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 can be appropriately housed in the packaging bag 14 in an upright state. In particular, by bringing the size of the inner diameter of the transport container 22 (diameter of the storage portion 23) and the size of the opening diameter of the top portion 25a of each storage chamber 25 close to each other, the posture of each stick-shaped object 12 in the transport container 22 can be adjusted. It is possible to accommodate those sticks 12 in each containment chamber 25 while maintaining.

Further, among the plurality of (three in the present embodiment) storage chambers 25 included in the first holding hopper 24, the stick-shaped material to be stored in the packaging bag 14 is changed by changing the number of the storage chambers 25 for storing the stick-shaped material 12. The number of twelve can be easily changed. For example, when the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be stored in the packaging bag 14 corresponds to the number of stick-shaped objects 12 stored in the three transport containers 22, the three storage chambers 25 have the same number of stick-shaped objects 12 as described above. The stick-shaped material 12 from each transport container 22 may be accommodated for each. On the other hand, when the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in the packaging bag 14 corresponds to the number of stick-shaped objects 12 accommodated in the two transport containers 22, each of them is provided only for the two storage chambers 25. The stick-shaped object 12 from the transport container 22 is accommodated, and the stick-shaped object 12 from each transport container 22 is not accommodated in the other storage chamber 25. In this state, by opening the shutter portion 28 and opening the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25, the second holding hopper 40 corresponds to the number of stick-shaped objects 12 housed in the two transport containers 22. The stick-shaped object 12 to be used is housed. Then, by opening the opening / closing unit 66, the stick-shaped objects 12 corresponding to the number of stick-shaped objects 12 contained in the two transport containers 22 are accommodated in the packaging bag 14.

In this way, it is possible to change the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in the packaging bag 14 simply by adjusting the number of accommodating chambers 25 for accommodating the stick-shaped objects 12 from the transport container 22. Therefore, even if the specifications of the packaging bag 14 to be used are changed and the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in the packaging bag 14 is changed, it is possible to deal with the case without replacing the transport container 22 or the like. is there. When the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in the packaging bag 14 is changed, the second holding hopper 40 is held by another second holding hopper 40 having a size corresponding to the changed number of stick-shaped objects 12. It may be replaced with a hopper 40.

Further, when adjusting the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in one packaging bag 14 according to the number of accommodating chambers 25 actually used, the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in one accommodation chamber 25 is adjusted to the packaging bag 14. It can be smaller than the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated. Therefore, the number of stick-shaped objects 12 to be accommodated in one transport container 22 can be reduced, and a relatively small transport container 22 can be used. In particular, the inner diameter of each transport container 22 (accommodation portion). The diameter of 23) can be reduced. By using the transport container 22 having a small inner diameter, even a stick-shaped object 12 having a small longitudinal length can be stored in the transport container 22 in an upright state. Therefore, according to the throwing machine 10 of the present embodiment, the stick-shaped object 12 can be appropriately transported by the same transport container 22 even if the length of the stick-shaped object 12 in the longitudinal direction changes.

Further, by arranging the plurality of storage chambers 25 on a circular orbit, the stick-shaped object 12 housed in the storage chambers 25 is dropped while saving the installation space of the storage chambers 25. The stick-shaped objects 12 can be easily assembled in the second holding hopper 40.

Further, by inclining each inclined surface 25c of the plurality of accommodation chambers 25 toward the common rotation shaft 31, the stick-shaped objects 12 from each accommodation chamber 25 can be assembled in the vicinity of the central axis. As a result, the aggregation density of the stick-shaped objects 12 in the second holding hopper 40 can be increased, and the plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 can be easily put into the relatively tight packaging bag 14.

Further, by installing the discharge unit 34 at a position different from the charging position P1 in the horizontal direction, it is not necessary to install the discharge unit 34 between the transport container 22 arranged at the charging position P1 and each storage chamber 25. .. As a result, the transport container 22 and each storage chamber 25 can be brought close to each other, and the drop distance of the stick-shaped object 12 from the transport container 22 into each storage chamber 25 can be reduced.
Therefore, the impact applied to the stick-shaped object 12 at the time of dropping can be weakened to prevent the stick-shaped object 12 from being damaged, and the posture of the stick-shaped object 12 can be effectively suppressed from collapsing.

[First modification]
20 to 23 are drawings relating to the throwing machine 10 according to one modification, and particularly show the configuration of the accommodation chamber 25. 20 and 22 are plan views of each storage chamber 25 as viewed from above. 21 and 23 are cross-sectional views of one storage chamber 25 as viewed from the side. 20 and 21 show a state in which the stick-shaped object 12 in each storage chamber 25 is not pressed by the pressing bar 133, and FIGS. 22 and 23 show that the stick-shaped object 12 in each accommodation chamber 25 is pressed. Indicates a state of being pressed by the bar 133.

In this modification, the push-in unit 130 that presses the stick-shaped object 12 housed inside each of the plurality of storage chambers 25 in the direction including the horizontal component (horizontal direction in FIGS. 20 to 23) is the storage chamber. It is provided every 25.

A notch 135 is provided in each accommodation chamber 25. Each pushing unit 130 has a base 131 fixed to the cover 82, an air cylinder 132 fixed to the base 131, and a pressing bar 133 provided at the tip of the cylinder shaft of the air cylinder 132. Each pressing bar 133 is a member that enters the corresponding notch 135 and presses the stick-shaped object 12 housed inside the corresponding storage chamber 25 toward the center (rotating shaft 31 in this embodiment). is there.

As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 (particularly the stick-shaped objects 12 arranged in the vicinity of the inclined surface 25c) housed in each storage chamber 25 are arranged so as to be inclined from the vertical direction. Sometimes. The pushing unit 130 is a device that corrects the posture of such a stick-shaped object 12 that is arranged at an angle, and presses the stick-shaped object 12 so as to extend in the vertical direction.

When the protrusion amount of the cylinder shaft of the air cylinder 132 is relatively small as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, the pressing bar 133 is arranged at the retracted position outside the accommodation chamber 25, and the stick-shaped object 12 in the accommodation chamber 25 Not pressed by the pressing bar 133. On the other hand, when the protrusion amount of the cylinder shaft of the air cylinder 132 is relatively large as shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, the pressing bar 133 enters the notch 135, and the stick-shaped object 12 (particularly the inclined surface) in the accommodation chamber 25 The stick-shaped object 12) in the vicinity of 25c is pressed by the pressing bar 133. As a result, the stick-shaped object 12 in the accommodation chamber 25 is arranged so as to be corrected in posture and extend in the vertical direction.

The plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 immediately after falling from the transport container 22 into each storage chamber 25 usually include an inclined stick-shaped object 12 as shown in FIG. 21, but the storage chamber is provided by the above-mentioned pushing unit 130. The stick-shaped object 12 in 25 can be extended in the vertical direction. In particular, by pressing the stick-shaped object 12 in each storage chamber 25 toward the common rotating shaft 31, the stick-shaped object 12 in each storage chamber 25 can be brought closer to the rotating shaft 31, and the stick-shaped object 12 can be moved. It is possible to improve the degree of aggregation of. By performing such correction by the pushing unit 130, when the shutter portion 28 is opened, a plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 in an upright state can be smoothly dropped from the bottom 25b of the storage chamber 25 in the vertical direction. ..

[Second modification]
The second holding hopper 40 of the above-described embodiment and the first modification has a funnel shape having a single holding chamber inside, but the second holding hopper 40 may have a plurality of holding chambers. ..

Specifically, any one or more of the plurality of holding chambers of the second holding hopper 40 may be arranged below each of the plurality of storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24 in the vertical direction. Further, each of the plurality of holding chambers of the second holding hopper 40 may be arranged vertically below the storage chamber 25 of at least one or more of the plurality of storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24.

When the second holding hopper 40 has a plurality of holding chambers, the storage chamber 25 of the first holding hopper 24 and the holding chamber of the second holding hopper 40 typically have a one-to-one correspondence. That is, the number of the plurality of holding chambers of the second holding hopper 40 is the same as the number of the plurality of storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24, and the plurality of holding chambers 25 are located below each other in the vertical direction. Different holding chambers are arranged.

Hereinafter, a typical embodiment of the second holding hopper 40 having a plurality of holding chambers will be described with reference to the drawings.

24 to 26 are views showing one aspect of the second holding hopper 40, FIG. 24 is a plan view of the second holding hopper 40 as viewed from above, and FIG. 25 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the second holding hopper 40. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a state in which the second holding hopper 40 is seen through (a state in which a contour portion is shown). The second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 has a tapered portion 41 forming a top portion 40a and a cylindrical portion 42 connected to the tapered portion 41 to form a bottom portion 40b. A partition 43 is arranged inside the second holding hopper 40, and a plurality of spaces inside the second holding hopper 40 (that is, a space inside the tapered portion 41 and a space inside the cylindrical portion 42) are provided by the partition 43. Is separated into holding chambers 45 (three holding chambers 45 in FIGS. 24 to 26). In this embodiment, the storage chamber 25 of the first holding hopper 24 and the holding chamber 45 of the second holding hopper 40 have a one-to-one correspondence, and the three storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24 (see FIG. 3 and the like). Below each, a separate holding chamber 45 is arranged.

27 to 28 are views showing another aspect of the second holding hopper 40, FIG. 27 is a plan view of the second holding hopper 40 as viewed from above, and FIG. 28 shows the appearance of the second holding hopper 40. It is a perspective view. The second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28 is basically configured in the same manner as the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 described above, but has a cylindrical portion (corresponding to FIGS. 24 to 26. 42 ”) is not included. That is, the second holding hopper 40 of this embodiment has the tapered portion 41, the partition body 43 is arranged inside the tapered portion 41, and the space inside the second holding hopper 40 (that is, the space inside the tapered portion 41). Is separated into a plurality of holding chambers 45 (three holding chambers 45 in FIGS. 27 to 28) by a partition body 43.

In each of the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 and the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28, the partition body 43 extends from the top portion 40a to the bottom portion 40b, and is the second. The entire space inside the holding hopper 40 is separated into a plurality of holding chambers 45 by a partition 43. However, the extending range of the partition body 43 is not limited to this, and the partition body 43 may not be arranged in the vicinity of the top portion 40a and / or the bottom portion 40b, for example. In order to open the shutter portion 28 and appropriately guide the stick-shaped object 12 from each storage chamber 25 of the first holding hopper 24 to the corresponding holding chamber 45, the partition body 43 exists at or near the top portion 40a. It is preferable to do so. Further, in order to drop the stick-shaped objects 12 held in the plurality of holding chambers 45 from the second holding hopper 40 in a state of being assembled, the partition 43 may not be present at the bottom 40b or its vicinity.

Further, in the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 and the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28, the partition body 43 is formed by a member different from the members constituting the tapered portion 41 and the cylindrical portion 42. However, the tapered portion 41 and / or the cylindrical portion 42 and the partition body 43 may be integrally provided with a member. Therefore, for example, a plurality of holding chambers 45 may be formed by removing a part of the members provided integrally.

29 to 30 are views showing another aspect of the second holding hopper 40, FIG. 29 is a plan view of the second holding hopper 40 as viewed from above, and FIG. 30 shows the appearance of the second holding hopper 40. It is a perspective view. The second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 includes a plurality of tubular bodies 46 having a space inside (three tubular bodies 46 in FIGS. 29 to 30), and the inside of these tubular bodies 46. A plurality of holding chambers 45 are configured by the space of. In this embodiment, the storage chamber 25 of the first holding hopper 24 and the holding chamber 45 (that is, the tubular body 46) of the second holding hopper 40 have a one-to-one correspondence, and the three storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24 Below each (see FIG. 3, etc.), a separate holding chamber 45 (ie, tubular body 46) is arranged. The plurality of holding chambers 45 are arranged so as to gradually approach each other as they approach the bottom 40b, and the stick-shaped objects 12 housed in the plurality of holding chambers 45 are dropped from the second holding hopper 40 in a state of being assembled. be able to.

In the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30, the sizes of the top 40a and the bottom 40b of each holding chamber 45 (that is, the inner diameter of each tubular body 46) are not particularly limited, and each holding chamber 45 The diameter of the top portion 40a may be larger than the diameter of the bottom portion 40b, may be smaller, or may be the same. Further, each of the tubular bodies 46 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 has a cylindrical shape in which the cross-sectional shapes of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface are perfect circles, but the specific shape of each tubular body 46 is not particularly limited. The cross-sectional shape of the inner wall surface and the outer wall surface of the tubular body 46 may be a polygonal shape, an elliptical shape, or any other shape. Further, although the plurality of tubular bodies 46 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 are separately configured, a plurality of tubular bodies 46 (that is, a plurality of holding chambers 45) are formed by integrally provided members. You may.

As described above, the second holding hopper 40 of the present modification (that is, the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26, the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28, and the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30 are shown. The two-holding hopper 40) has a plurality of holding chambers 45. As a result, the stick-shaped object 12 that falls from each storage chamber 25 of the first holding hopper 24 toward the second holding hopper 40 can be held in the corresponding holding chamber 45 having a compact space size, and each holding It is possible to effectively prevent the stick-shaped object 12 from collapsing in the posture of the chamber 45.

That is, when the second holding hopper 40 has only a single holding chamber 45, the sticks 12 from all the storage chambers 25 of the first holding hopper 24 are guided to the same holding chamber 45. In that case, since the dimensions of the single holding chamber 45 are determined according to the total amount of the stick-shaped objects 12 accommodated in all the containment chambers 25, the space size of the single holding chamber 45 is determined by the individual stick-shaped objects. It is larger than 12 and the individual stick-shaped objects 12 are likely to fall down in the holding chamber 45. In particular, when opening and closing the bottom 25b of a plurality of storage chambers 25 using a common shutter portion 28, the opening timing of the bottom 25b does not always match between the storage chambers 25, and the bottom 25b of one storage chamber 25 is another. It may be opened prior to the bottom 25b of the containment chamber 25. In that case, the stick-shaped object 12 that falls in advance from the storage chamber 25 tends to fall down in the holding chamber 45, and tends to be an underlay of another stick-shaped object 12 that falls later.

However, since the second holding hopper 40 has a plurality of holding chambers 45 as in the present modification, the space size of each holding chamber 45 can be made compact. As a result, the individual stick-shaped objects 12 are less likely to fall in each holding chamber 45, and the posture of the stick-shaped objects 12 can be stabilized in a desired state in each holding chamber 45. In particular, by allocating different holding chambers 45 to different containment chambers 25, the stick-shaped object 12 can be stably placed in each containment chamber 25 without being affected by the difference in opening timing of the bottom 25b between the containment chambers 25. Can be held.

In addition, while providing a plurality of holding chambers 45, a common holding chamber 45 (that is, one holding chamber 45) is assigned to two or more storage chambers 25, and a stick-shaped object that falls from the two or more storage chambers 25. 12 may be led to a common holding chamber 45. In this case, it is preferable to allocate two or more storage chambers 25 having the same or substantially the same opening timing of the bottom 25b to the common holding chamber 45. For example, a form in which a common holding chamber 45 is assigned to two storage chambers 25 among a plurality of storage chambers 25 included in the first holding hopper 24 is conceptually 0.5 (that is, 0.5) for each storage chamber 25. It can be interpreted that a holding chamber 45 corresponding to a ratio of 50%) is assigned, but one holding chamber 45 is arranged vertically below each of these two containment chambers 25, and the common holding chamber 45 is also arranged. It can be said that 45 is arranged vertically below the two containment chambers 25.

Further, in the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 and the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28, the center of the second holding hopper 40 (that is, the inclined surface 40c) is formed by the inner wall surface (that is, the inclined surface 40c) of the tapered portion 41. That is, each stick-shaped object 12 is guided so as to approach (the central axis extending in the vertical direction). Further, in the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30, a stick-shaped object is arranged so that the bottom 40b is closer to each other than the top 40a between the tubular bodies 46, and is held by each holding chamber 45. 12 is guided toward the center of the second holding hopper 40 (that is, the central axis extending in the vertical direction). Therefore, the plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 in a bundled state can be sent out from the second holding hopper 40 toward the packaging bag 14. Since the plurality of stick-shaped objects 12 are held in a state of being close to each other in the bottom 40b of the plurality of holding chambers 45, the difference in the fall timing of the stick-shaped objects 12 from each holding chamber 45 due to the opening and closing of the opening / closing unit 66 Is small and can be dropped from the plurality of holding chambers 45 toward the packaging bag 14 at almost the same time.

A mode in which a plurality of holding chambers 45 are formed by partitioning the space by the partition body 43 (see the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 24 to 26 and the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 27 to 28). Compared with the embodiment in which the plurality of holding chambers 45 are formed by the plurality of tubular bodies 46 (see the second holding hopper 40 shown in FIGS. 29 to 30), the configuration is simple and the plurality of holding chambers 45 can be easily formed. It is advantageous in that. On the other hand, the mode in which the plurality of holding chambers 45 are formed by the plurality of tubular bodies 46 is the size of each holding chamber 45 (for example, as compared with the mode in which the plurality of holding chambers 45 are formed by partitioning the space by the partition body 43. Since the cross-sectional diameter of the inner wall surface) can be determined according to the number and size of the corresponding storage chamber 25 and the stick-shaped material 12 to be held, the extra space in each holding chamber 45 is reduced, and the stick-shaped material 12 is reduced. Is advantageous in that it can be held more stably.

The diameter of the top 40a, the diameter of the bottom 40b, the vertical length, the wall surface shape, and other sizes and shapes of the above-mentioned holding chambers 45 are not particularly limited, and the size and / or shape may vary between the holding chambers 45. It may be different. However, in order to appropriately guide the stick-shaped object 12 from the corresponding storage chamber 25 to each storage chamber 25, the top 40a of each holding chamber 45 is the bottom 25b of the corresponding one or more storage chambers 25. It is preferable to have a size and shape that can cover the whole. Further, in order to appropriately guide the stick-shaped material 12 from each holding chamber 45 to the packaging bag 14, the bottom 40b of the plurality of holding chambers 45 is the bottom 40b of all the holding chambers 45 that hold the stick-shaped material 12. Is preferably of a size, shape and relative position that can be covered by the opening of the packaging bag 14.

[Other variants]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, but may include various aspects to which various modifications that can be conceived by those skilled in the art are added, and the effects produced by the present invention are also described above. It is not limited to the matters of. Therefore, various additions, changes, and partial deletions can be made to the claims and the elements described in the specification without departing from the technical idea and purpose of the present invention.

For example, the number of storage chambers 25 included in the first holding hopper 24 is not particularly limited. Further, the specific configuration of the shutter portion 28 is not particularly limited, and the shutter portion 28 has an arbitrary configuration capable of opening and closing the bottom portion 25b of each storage chamber 25 (particularly, each storage chamber 25 in which the stick-shaped object 12 is housed). Can be adopted. Further, the specific configuration of the opening / closing unit 66 is not particularly limited, and the opening / closing unit 66 can adopt any configuration capable of opening / closing the bottom portion 40b of the second holding hopper 40.

Further, in the above-mentioned loading machine 10, each transport container 22 is opened downward in the vertical direction at the loading position P1 by reversing each transport container 22, but each transport container 22 adopts another opening mechanism. You may. For example, each transport container 22 has an opening that opens downward in the vertical direction and a shutter mechanism that can open and close the opening, and by operating the shutter mechanism of the transport container 22 arranged at the loading position P1. The opening may be transitioned from the closed state to the open state.

Further, in the above-mentioned first holding hopper 24, a plurality of storage chambers 25 are formed by a plurality of tubular bodies (see FIG. 3 and the like), but a single space is partitioned (references “43” in FIGS. 24 to 28. A plurality of accommodation chambers 25 may be formed by dividing by (see).

The specific configuration of the stick-shaped object 12 is not particularly limited, and the stick-shaped object 12 may be composed of a package in which an arbitrary object is housed in the package, or the object itself that does not include the package itself. The stick-shaped object 12 may be configured by the above. Further, the material contained in the package may be a single type or a plurality of types. Further, the material contained in the package may have any form, for example, powder, liquid, gel body, solid, gas, or a product having two or more forms thereof is contained in the package. The stick-shaped material 12 may be composed of the packaged material. The use of the stick-shaped product 12 is not particularly limited, but the stick-shaped product 12 can be typically used in the fields of foods, medicines, cosmetics or pesticides.

10 ... throwing machine, 12 ... stick-shaped object, 14 ... packaging bag, 20 ... transport unit, 22 ... transport container, 22a ... opening, 23 ... storage section, 24 ... first holding hopper, 25 ... storage chamber, 25a ... Top part, 25b ... bottom part, 25c ... inclined surface, 26 ... first hopper drive part, 28 ... shutter part, 30 ... insertion part, 31 ... rotating shaft, 32 ... rotating body, 34 ... discharging part, 36 ... discharging device, 38 ... Pushing part, 39 ... Container guide part, 40 ... Second holding hopper, 40a ... Top part, 40b ... Bottom part, 40c ... Inclined surface, 41 ... Tapered part, 42 ... Cylindrical part, 43 ... Partition body, 45 ... Holding Chamber, 46 ... Cylindrical body, 51 ... Guide, 52 ... Conveying belt, 53 ... Separation stopper, 53a ... Extruding member, 54 ... Inverting part frame, 55 ... Container holding air cylinder, 56 ... Container holding member, 57 ... Conveying Roller, 58 ... Coupling, 59 ... Mounting plate, 60 ... Holding member body, 61 ... Servo motor, 62 ... Servo motor output shaft, 63 ... Stopper, 64 ... Hopper support member, 65 ... Hopper support plate, 66 ... Open / close Unit, 66a ... 1st opening / closing part, 66b ... 2nd opening / closing part, 67 ... Opening / closing air cylinder, 67a ... Cylinder shaft, 68 ... Rotating member, 69 ... Shutter mechanism, 71 ... Fixed shaft, 72 ... Shaft eccentric block, 73 ... Shaft eccentric block, 74 ... Fixed shaft, 75 ... Central shaft, 76 ... Central shaft, 77 ... First rotating body, 78 ... Second rotating body, 80 ... Through hole, 82 ... Cover, 84 ... Inverting shaft, 86 ... operating shaft, 87 ... reducer, 88 ... motor, 90 ... rail, 91 ... moving body, 92 ... connecting block, 93 ... connecting shaft, 94 ... connecting lever, 95 ... rotating shaft, 96 ... actuator, 101 ... frame , 102 ... Through hole, 105 ... Shutter holding member, 106 ... L-shaped frame, 107 ... Air cylinder cradle, 108 ... Connecting member, 109 ... Link mechanism, 111 ... First opening / closing part, 112 ... Second opening / closing part, 113 ... 1st fixing member, 114 ... 2nd fixing member, 115 ... Rotating shaft, 116 ... Rotating shaft, 130 ... Pushing unit, 131 ... Base, 132 ... Air cylinder 133 ... Pressing bar, 135 ... Notch, P0 ... Support Position, P1 ... Insertion position, P2 ... Discharge position

Claims (17)

It is a loading machine that puts multiple sticks in a packaging bag.
A plurality of transport containers having an opening on the upper surface and accommodating the stick-shaped object, and a transport unit for sequentially transporting a plurality of transport containers in a state where the bottom is closed and the opening is opened upward.
A first holding hopper provided below the transport container transported to the loading position and having a plurality of storage chambers having an open top and bottom.
A first hopper drive unit that moves the first holding hopper so that any of the plurality of storage chambers is arranged vertically below the transport container transported to the loading position .
A shutter portion provided at the bottom of each of the plurality of accommodation chambers and closing and opening the bottom of each of the plurality of accommodation chambers.
A loading unit that inverts each of the plurality of transport containers to open the transport container transported to the loading position downward, and is transported to at least the loading position among the plurality of storage chambers. In a state where the bottom of the storage chamber arranged vertically downward of the transport container is closed by the shutter portion, the opening of the transport container transported to the loading position is directed downward in the transport container. A throwing machine including a throwing portion for dropping the stick-shaped object into the accommodating chamber arranged vertically below the transport container. The throwing machine according to claim 1, wherein the shutter portion opens the bottom portions of the plurality of storage chambers at the same time. A shaft extending in the vertical direction passing through the center of the opening directed downward of the transport container transported to the loading position is an opening of the top portion of the storage chamber arranged vertically downward of the transport container. The throwing machine according to claim 1 or 2, which coincides with a vertically extending axis passing through the center of the above. 3. The described input machine. The first holding hopper is a rotating body rotatably provided about a rotation axis, and has a rotating body that holds the plurality of storage chambers.
Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first hopper drive unit arranges any of the plurality of storage chambers vertically below the transport container transported to the loading position by rotating the rotating body. The input machine described in item 1. The loading machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a discharging device for transporting the transport container from the loading position to a discharging position and discharging the transport container to a discharging unit provided at the discharging position. The discharge device is
A pushing portion that pushes the transport container from the loading position to the discharging position,
The loading machine according to claim 6, further comprising a container guide portion that guides the transport container pushed by the pushing portion from the loading position to the discharging position. From the opening facing downward of the transport container transported to the loading position to the shutter portion provided so as to close the bottom of the storage chamber moved downward in the vertical direction of the transport container. The throwing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the distance is smaller than twice the longitudinal length of the stick-shaped object. Further provided with a second holding hopper located vertically below the plurality of containment chambers.
The shutter portion opens the bottom of one or two or more storage chambers in which the stick-shaped object is housed among the plurality of storage chambers, so that the stick-shaped object in the one or more storage chambers is opened. The throwing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the machine is dropped onto the second holding hopper. The distance from the shutter portion provided so as to close the bottom portion of the storage chamber moved downward in the vertical direction of the transport container transported to the loading position to the bottom portion of the second holding hopper is the stick. The throwing machine according to claim 9, which is smaller than twice the longitudinal length of the object. The second holding hopper has a plurality of holding chambers and has a plurality of holding chambers.
The throwing machine according to claim 9 or 10, wherein any one or more of the plurality of holding chambers is arranged vertically below each of the plurality of storage chambers of the first holding hopper. The loading machine according to claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of holding chambers is arranged vertically below at least one of the plurality of storage chambers of the first holding hopper. The number of the plurality of holding chambers is the same as the number of the plurality of containment chambers.
The loading machine according to claim 11 or 12, wherein different holding chambers are arranged vertically below each of the plurality of storage chambers. The loading machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13, further comprising a partition body that is arranged inside the second holding hopper and further separates the space inside the second holding hopper into the plurality of holding chambers. The second holding hopper includes a plurality of tubular bodies having a space inside.
The loading machine according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein each of the plurality of holding chambers is composed of spaces inside the plurality of tubular bodies. The loading machine according to any one of claims 1 to 15, further comprising a pushing unit for pressing the stick-shaped object housed in each of the plurality of storage chambers in a direction containing a horizontal component. Each of the plurality of containment chambers is provided with a notch.
The loading machine according to claim 16, wherein the pushing unit has a pressing bar that enters the notch and presses the stick-shaped object housed in each of the plurality of storage chambers.

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