JPH0375459B2 - - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an article merging device, more specifically, an article merging device for alternately transporting articles discharged from the discharge ends of two conveying means to the introduction end of a common merging conveying means. Regarding.

For example, as a container lid for a container such as a food and beverage bottle, a circular top wall, a cylindrical skirt wall depending from the periphery of the top wall, and a cylindrical skirt wall extending axially from a part of the free edge of the skirt wall and then radially 2. Description of the Related Art Container lids having an outwardly extending projecting piece are widely used in practice. When fitting such a container lid to the mouth of a filled container as required to seal the mouth of the container, as is well known to those skilled in the art,
An appropriate form for holding the container in an appropriate posture (upright or inverted posture), orienting the container in an appropriate direction based on the protruding piece, and attaching the container lid to the mouth of the container as required. It is necessary to feed the capping machine. As a supply device to meet such needs, for example, the
-6435 Publication, Japanese Patent Publication No. 1983-9377, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1973
A feeding device of the form disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 135059 or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 180521/1983 is used. Such a feeding device positions and orients the container lid in the appropriate direction and feeds it through a conveying means, such as a conveying chute, to the capping machine.

Therefore, if the container lid mounting capacity of the capping machine exceeds the container lid supplying capacity of the supply device, two supply devices are installed for one capping machine, and two supply devices are installed. The device supplies container lids to one capping machine. In this case, conventionally, the downstream ends or discharge ends of the conveying means such as conveying chutes from the two supply devices are simply connected to the upstream end or inlet end of a common merging conveying means such as a conveying chute, and thus the two Container lids conveyed from the respective supply devices through separate conveyance means are combined into a common merging conveyance means and conveyed to the capping machine. However, in such a conventional merging method, troubles such as container lids often becoming blocked at the joint between the discharge ends of the two conveying means and the inlet end of the common merging conveying means, that is, the merging section, often occur. Was.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned facts, and its main purpose is to transfer articles such as the above-mentioned container lids, which are discharged from the discharge ends of two conveying means, to a common combined conveying means. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and superior article merging device which allows articles to be brought in alternately and sufficiently smoothly into the inlet end of the article, thus solving the problems existing in the conventional merging system as described above.

According to the present invention, articles discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means and articles discharged from the discharge end of the second conveyance means are brought into the introduction end of the combined conveyance means alternately. The device is a merging rotary turret mechanism having a merging rotary turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed at a pitch P ₁ on the periphery, and each of the notches is rotated by rotation of the merging rotary turret plate. 1 transfer area,
a merging rotary turret mechanism which is rotatably moved sequentially through a second transfer zone and a discharge area communicating with the introduction end of _the merging conveyance means _; A first rotating turret mechanism having a first rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed,
Rotation of the first rotary turret plate causes each of the notches to rotate sequentially through a first introduction zone and a first transfer zone communicating with the discharge end of the first conveying means. a first rotating turret mechanism aligned with each of a first set of notches located at every other one of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate in the first transfer zone; , a second rotating turret mechanism having a second rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed at the pitch P ₁ on the periphery, and the notches are formed by rotation of the second rotating turret plate. each of the second
The notch of the merging rotary turret plate is rotated sequentially through a second introduction zone and a second transfer zone communicating with the discharge end of the conveying means, and in the second transfer zone, the notch of the merging rotating turret plate is rotated. and aligned with the first set of the notches of the merging rotary plate in the second transfer zone of the notches of the second rotary turret plate. 1 place to do
Associated with each individually located inactive notch is an active position in the second introduction zone which prevents articles from being introduced into the notch from the discharge end of the second conveying means. an introduction prevention member that is projected in the second transfer zone and retracted into a non-operating position where it does not interfere with the articles present in the first set of notches of the merging rotary turret plate; a second rotary turret mechanism in which a rotary turret mechanism is provided, and in the first introduction region, the cutout of the first rotary turret plate is connected from the discharge end of the first conveying means to the An article is introduced into each of the notches of the second rotary turret plate from the discharge end of the second conveying means in the second introduction zone, and the working notches other than the non-working notches of the second rotary turret plate are An article is introduced into each of the notches, and in the first transfer zone, from each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate to the first set of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate. The article is transferred to the cutout, and in the second transfer zone,
from each of the working notches of the notches of the second rotary turret plate to the second of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate other than the first set of notches.
The article is transferred to the set of notches, and in the discharge area, the article is carried from each of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate to the introduction end of the merging conveying means. An article convergence device is provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the article merging device constructed in accordance with the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the specific example shown, the article combining device, generally designated by the number 2, includes:
It comprises a merging rotating turret mechanism 4 located in the center and first and second rotating turret mechanisms 6 and 8 located on both sides thereof. Such an article merging device 2 alternately transfers articles discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means 10 and articles discharged from the discharge end of the second conveyance means 12 to the merging conveyance means 1.
Carry it into the introduction end of step 4.

In the illustrated embodiment, the article is a container lid 16, as is known per se, in the form clearly shown in FIG. The illustrated container lid 16, which can be formed from any suitable sheet metal such as aluminum-based alloy, tinplate, or chromed steel, has a circular top wall 1.
8, a cylindrical skirt wall 20 that hangs down from the peripheral edge of the top wall 18, and a projecting piece 22 that extends slightly downward in the axial direction from a part of the free edge of the skirt wall 20, and then extends outward in the radial direction. . A pair of breaking lines 24 are formed in the skirt wall 20 and the top wall 18, which extend continuously from both side edges of the base of the protruding piece 22. The break line 24 can consist of a so-called score with reduced material thickness.
After the container lid 16 has been attached to the mouth and neck of a container such as a food and beverage bottle as required, it is broken when the container lid 16 is removed from the mouth and neck to open the mouth and neck.
The free end of the protruding piece 22, which is held by the fingers when removing the container lid 16 from the mouth and neck, can also be formed with a ring-shaped part into which the fingers can be inserted, if desired. Advantageously, the inner surface of the top wall 18 is provided with a sealing liner (not shown) which can be made of any suitable synthetic resin material.

Referring again to FIG. 1, each of the first conveying means 10, the second conveying means 12 and the combined conveying means 14 in the illustrated embodiment comprises a conveying chute, which is known per se. . The conveyance chute itself, as shown in FIG. 3, is composed of a substrate 26 and a pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 disposed on the substrate 26 at a predetermined distance in the width direction. Members 28 and 30
Grooves 32 and 34 with a rectangular cross section are formed on the inner surface of the holder. The height h ₁ of the grooves 32 and 34 is equal to the height (axial length) of the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16.
The width l ₁ between the bottom surface of the groove 32 and the bottom surface of the groove 34 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than h ₂ and is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter d ₁ of the container lid 16 .

On the other hand, the width w ₁ between the upper ends of members 28 and 30 is
It is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the width _w2 of the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16. In each of the first conveying means 10, the second conveying means 12, and the combined conveying means 14, which are constituted by such a conveying chute,
The container lid 16 is transported in an inverted position, ie with the free edge of the skirt wall 20 facing upward. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the top wall 18 and skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16 are received between the grooves 32 and 34 of the members 28 and 30, and the protruding piece 22 is located between the upper ends of the members 28 and 30. It is transported in a state where it is located at

The introduction ends of each of the first conveying means 10 and the second conveying means 12, only the downstream ends of which are shown in FIG.
It is connected to the discharge end of a container lid supply device (not shown) which may be of the form disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 9377, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 51-135059, or Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 57-180521. Each of the feeding devices is arranged to place the container lid 16 in an inverted state and to orient the projecting piece 22 in the upstream side or direction when viewed in the direction of movement thereof, and to feed the first conveying means 10 and the second conveying means 10, respectively. It is introduced into the introduction end of the conveying means 12. Therefore, the container lid 1
6 is conveyed through the first conveying means 10 and the second conveying means 12 with the protruding piece 22 facing upstream, and is discharged from the respective discharge ends. As will be described in detail later, the container lid 16 introduced from the article merging device 2 to the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14 also has its protruding piece 22 facing upstream, and is therefore conveyed through the merging conveyance means 14. Container lid 16
Also, the protruding piece 22 is directed toward the upstream side. The merging and conveying means 14, only the introduction end of which is shown in FIG. (not shown) and is introduced into the merging conveyance means 14.
is fed to the capping machine.

Next, the article merging device 2, which includes the merging rotating turret mechanism 4, the first rotating turret mechanism 6, and the second rotating turret mechanism 8, will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1, the article merging device 2 includes a support base 38 supported substantially horizontally by four columns 36 disposed at four corners. There is. Mainly referring to FIG. 4, the support base 38 is formed with an opening 40 located at its center and openings 42 and 44 located at a predetermined distance on both sides thereof. A cylindrical member 46 is disposed in the opening 40 . An annular flange 48 is formed approximately in the middle of this cylindrical member 46, and the annular flange 48 is positioned on the support base 38 and tightened at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. The cylindrical member 46 is fixed to the support base 38 by fixing the annular flange 48 to the support base 38 with bolts 50 . The cylindrical member 46 includes
A substantially vertically extending shaft 56 is rotatably mounted via bearings 52 and 54. At the upper end of this shaft 56, there is a merging rotation turret mechanism 4.
A merging rotating turret plate 58 is fixed.
Further, a gear 60 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 56. The lower end of the shaft 56, which projects downwardly beyond the gear 60, is connected to an electric motor (not shown) via a coupler 62.

Each of the openings 42 and 44 also includes a cylindrical member 64 and 66 substantially identical to the cylindrical member 46.
are fixed in the same manner, and the cylindrical member 64
A shaft 72 is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical member 66 via bearings 68 and 70, and bearings 74 and 7 are mounted on the cylindrical member 66.
A shaft 78 is rotatably mounted via a shaft 6.
At the upper end of the shaft 72 is a first rotating turret mechanism 6.
A first rotating turret plate 80 is fixed, and the shaft 7
A gear 82 is fixed to the lower end of 2. axis 7
A second rotating turret plate 84 of the second rotating turret mechanism 8 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 78, and a gear 86 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 78. A gear 82 fixed to the shaft 72 and a gear 8 fixed to the shaft 78
6 is engaged with a gear 60 fixed to the shaft 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch diameters of gears 60, 82, and 86 are substantially the same, and the outer diameters of confluence rotating turret plate 58, first rotating turret plate 80, and second rotating turret plate 84 are also substantially the same. are substantially the same. Therefore,
When an electric motor (not shown) is energized to rotate the merging rotary turret plate 58 at a predetermined speed V in the direction shown by arrow 88 (FIG. 1), the first rotary turret plate 80 and the second rotary turret plate 58 rotate. The rotating turret plate 84 is rotated at substantially the same speed V in the opposite direction as the merging rotating turret plate 58, that is, in the direction indicated by arrows 90 and 92 (FIG. 1), so that the merging rotating turret plate 58, the first rotation The peripheral speeds of the turret plate 80 and the second rotating turret plate 84 are substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of notches 94, 18 in the illustrated case, are formed in the peripheral edge of the merging rotary turret plate 58 at pitches _P1 . 1st
The periphery of the rotating turret plate 80 is provided with the above-mentioned pitch.
A plurality of notches 96, nine in the illustrated case, are formed at a pitch _P2 that is twice as large as _P1 . The second rotary turret plate 84 has a plurality of notches 9 at the pitch _P1 , 18 in the illustrated case, on the periphery of the second rotary turret plate 84.
8 is formed. Each of the cutouts 94, 96, and 98 in the illustrated embodiment is generally semicircular in shape with an outer diameter that is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter of the container lid 16.

Referring to FIG. 5 together with FIGS. 1 and 4, in relation to the rotating turret plate 58 in the merging rotating turret mechanism 4, an arc-shaped stationary support plate 100 and an arc-shaped stationary upper guide plate are provided. 102
and 104 are provided. As shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of cylindrical spacers 106 are arranged on the support base 38 at appropriate intervals along the outer periphery of the merging rotary turret plate 58. Above the support plate 100
is installed. Support plate 100 and spacer 1
06 is fixed in a predetermined position by a fastening bolt 108 that passes through these and is screwed onto the support base 38. A support plate 100 located below the merging rotating turret plate 58 when viewed in the vertical direction.
from the first transfer zone indicated by the number 110 to the arrow 88.
It extends in an arc shape in the direction indicated by 112 to the discharge area indicated by the number 112. As clearly shown in FIG. 5, the inner peripheral part of the support plate 100 is located directly below the peripheral edge of the combined rotating turret plate 58, and the outer peripheral part of the supporting plate 100 extends beyond the peripheral edge of the combined rotating turret plate 58. It is located radially outward. Support brackets 116 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the support plate 100 by fastening bolts 114 at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each such support bracket 116 extends vertically upwardly and then radially inwardly toward the central axis of rotation of the merged rotating turret plate 58, as clearly shown in FIG. And the support bracket 11
A fastening bolt 11 is attached to the lower surface of the radially inner end of 6.
The upper guide plates 102 and 104 are fixed by 8. The upper guide plate 102 extends above the merging rotating turret plate 58 in an arc shape from the first transfer area 110 to a position somewhat upstream of the second transfer area indicated by numeral 120. . The upper guide plate 104 extends above the merging rotary turret plate 58 from the second transfer area 102 to a position slightly upstream of the discharge area 112. Upper guide plates 102 and 104
The inner surface of the notch 94 is substantially aligned with or slightly radially outward from the deepest part of the notch 94 formed on the periphery of the merging rotary turret plate 58 .
The upper surface of the above-mentioned support plate 100 and the upper guide plate 102
The distance t between the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16 and the lower surface 104 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the height h ₂ of the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16 .

Referring to FIG. 6 together with FIGS. 1 and 4, in relation to the first rotary turret plate 80 in the first rotary turret mechanism 6, an arc-shaped stationary support plate 122 and an arc-shaped stationary support plate 122 are arranged. A stationary outer guide plate 124 and an arc-shaped stationary upper guide plate 126 are provided. As shown in FIG. 6, a first rotating turret plate 80 is mounted on the support base 38.
A plurality of cylindrical spacers 128 are arranged along the outer periphery at appropriate intervals, and the support plate 122 and the outer guide plate 124 are arranged on the spacers 128. spacer 128,
The support plate 122 and the outer guide plate 124 have fastening bolts 1 passing through them and screwed onto the support base 38.
30, it is fixed in place. The support plate 122, which is located below the first rotary turret plate 80 when viewed in the vertical direction, has an arcuate shape from the first introduction region indicated by the number 132 to the first transfer region 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 90. It extends to Then, as clearly shown in FIG.
The inner peripheral part of the support plate 122 is located directly below the peripheral edge of the first rotating turret plate 80, and the outer peripheral part of the support plate 122 is located beyond the peripheral edge of the first rotating turret plate 80 and radially outward therefrom. ing. Further, the outer guide plate 124 is arranged radially outwardly at a predetermined interval with respect to the periphery of the first rotary turret plate 80.
arrow 9 from a position somewhat downstream of the introduction area 132 of
It extends in an arc shape in the direction indicated by 0 to the first transfer area 110. The distance s between the deepest part of the notch 96 formed on the periphery of the first rotary turret plate 80 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer guide plate 124
is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter _d1 of the container lid 16. Outside guide plate 12
Support brackets 136 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of 4 by fastening bolts 134 at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each such support bracket 136 extends vertically upwardly and then radially inwardly toward the central axis of rotation of the first rotating turret plate 80, as clearly shown in FIG. The upper guide plate 126 is fixed to the lower surface of the radially inner end of the support bracket 136 by a fastening bolt 138.
The upper guide plate 126 is connected to the first rotating turret plate 8.
0 along the periphery of the first introduction area 1 above.
32 to the first transfer zone 110 in the direction indicated by arrow 90 in an arc shape. Upper guide plate 12
The inner peripheral surface of the rotary turret plate 6 is substantially aligned with or slightly radially outward from the deepest part of the notch 96 formed in the peripheral edge of the first rotary turret plate 80. The distance t between the above-mentioned upper surface of the support plate 122 and the lower surface of the upper guide plate 126 is made to be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the height _h2 of the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16.

To explain with reference to FIGS. 1 and 4, the second
In relation to the second rotating turret plate 84 in the rotating turret mechanism 8, an arc-shaped stationary indicator plate 140, an arc-shaped stationary outer guide plate 142,
An arcuate stationary upper guide plate 144 is provided. The support plate 140 extends in an arcuate manner from the second introduction zone indicated by the number 146 in the direction indicated by the arrow 92 to the second transfer zone 120. Outside guide plate 14
2 extends from a position somewhat downstream of the second introduction zone 146 to a position slightly upstream of the second transfer zone 120 in the direction indicated by arrow 92 . The upper guide plate 144 is connected to the second introduction area 1.
46 in the direction indicated by arrow 92 to the second transfer zone 120. Support plate 140, outer guide plate 142 and upper guide plate 1 for support base 38
44 and the relative positions of the support plate 140, the outer guide plate 142 and the outer guide plate 144 with respect to the second rotating turret plate 84 are similar to those already mentioned in connection with the first rotating turret mechanism 6. How the support plate 122, the outer guide plate 124 and the upper guide plate 126 are fixed to the base 38, and the support plate 1 related to the first rotary turret plate 80
22. Since the relative positions of the outer guide plate 124 and the upper guide plate 126 are substantially the same, a description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, the rotating turret plate 84 in the second rotating turret mechanism 8 has pitches on its periphery.
Although 18 notches 98 are formed in P ₁ , only the working notches 98 a located at every other position among the 18 notches 98 are used for moving the article, that is, the container lid 16 . The non-operating notches 98b, which are located at intervals, are not used for moving the container lid 16. Referring to FIG. 7 as well as FIGS. 1 and 4, the second rotary turret plate 84 is formed with guide grooves 148 extending in the radial direction corresponding to each of the non-working notches 98b. An introduction prevention member 105 is slidably attached to each of the guide grooves 148. As clearly illustrated in Figure 7,
Each of the guide grooves 148 extending radially inward from the non-working notch 98b to a predetermined portion approximately corresponds to the maximum width in the circumferential direction of the non-working notch 98b (therefore, approximately corresponds to the outer diameter of the container lid 16). and a lower portion 154 having a width smaller than the width of the upper portion 152. On the other hand, the introduction blocking member 150 has a plate-shaped main portion 156 that has substantially the same width as the width of the upper portion 152 of the guide groove 148 and is slidably accommodated in the upper portion 152 of the guide groove 148.
and a substantially cylindrical hanging portion 158 that protrudes downward from the lower surface of the plate-shaped main portion 156. A hanging portion 158 of the introduction blocking member 150 projects downwardly beyond the lower surface of the second rotary turret plate 84 through the lower portion 154 of the guide groove 148 . A cover plate 160 located between the guide grooves 148 is fixed to the upper surface of the second rotating turret plate 84 by tightening bolts 162. Both sides in the circumferential direction of each of the cover plates 160 overhang the main portion 156 of the introduction prevention member 150 housed in the upper part of the guide groove 148, and prevent the introduction prevention member 150 from leaving the guide groove 148 upwardly. to prevent Introduction prevention member 15
0 is formed with a through hole 164 that extends vertically through the main portion 156 and the hanging portion 158. A shaft 166 is attached to this through hole 164. A tightening nut 168 is screwed onto the upper end of a shaft 166 that projects upwardly beyond the main portion 156, and a roller 170 is rotatably attached to the lower end of the shaft 166 that projects downwardly beyond the hanging portion 158. It is installed. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 4,
An annular stationary cam plate 172 located below the second rotating turret plate 84 is fixed on the support base 38. An endless cam groove 174 in which the roller 170 is accommodated is formed on the upper surface of the cam plate 172. As shown in FIG. 1, this endless cam groove 174 is centered at a point 175 that is offset by a predetermined distance toward the second introduction region 146 with respect to the rotation center of the second rotating turret plate 84. It has an annular shape. The cam follower or roller 170 accommodated in the cam plate 172 and its cam groove 174 is arranged so that when the second rotary turret plate 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow 92, the introduction prevention member 15
0 along the guide groove 148 in the radial direction as required. As can be easily understood by referring to FIG.
50 is rotationally moved from the second introduction region 146 to the second transfer region 120, the introduction blocking member 150 is gradually retreated inward in the radial direction from the working position to the non-working position, and the introduction blocking member 150 is A member 150 is transferred from the second transfer zone 120 to the second
When the introduction area 146 is rotated, the introduction blocking member 150 is gradually projected radially outward from the non-operating position toward the operating position. When placed in the most protruding working position in the second introduction region 146, the tip of the introduction blocking member 150 overlaps the non-working notch 98b, and as will be described later, the second conveying means in the second introduction region 146 12, or the container lid 16, is prevented from being introduced into the inactive notch 98b. On the other hand, when it is brought to the most retracted non-working position in the second transfer zone 120, the tip of the introduction blocking member 150 retreats radially inward from the deepest part of the non-working notch 98b, as will be described later. Second transfer area 1
At 20, interference with the article or container lid 16 present in the cutout 94 of the merging rotary turret plate 58 is avoided. In the illustrated example, a roller 170 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of a shaft 166 fixed to the introduction prevention member 150, and a cam plate 172 is provided with a cam groove 174 on the upper surface in which the roller 170 is accommodated. If desired, a roller can be rotatably mounted on the upper end of a shaft 166 fixed to the introduction prevention member 156, and a cam in which the roller is accommodated can be attached. A cam plate having grooves on its lower surface may be disposed above the second rotary turret plate 84.

Explaining with reference to FIG. 1, in the article merging device 2 as described above, as already mentioned,
The confluence rotary turret plate 58 of the confluence rotary turret mechanism 4, the first rotary turret plate 80 of the first rotary turret mechanism 6, and the second rotary turret plate 84 of the second rotary turret mechanism 8 are substantially the same. They are rotated at circumferential speed in the directions indicated by arrows 88, 90 and 92, respectively. By rotating the merging rotating turret plate 58 in the direction indicated by the arrow 88,
The 18 notches 94 formed at the pitch P ₁ on the periphery are the first transfer area 110 and the second transfer area 120.
and is rotationally moved sequentially through the discharge area 112,
By rotating the first rotating turret plate 80 in the direction indicated by the arrow 90, a pitch P ₂ (P ₂ =
2P ₁ ) are rotationally moved sequentially through the first introduction zone 132 and the first transfer zone 110 in the direction shown by the arrow 92 on the second rotating turret plate 84. As a result of the rotation, the 18 notches 98 formed on the periphery with pitch P ₁ are rotationally moved through the second introduction zone 146 and the second transfer zone 120 in sequence.

In the first introduction zone 132, each of the notches 96 formed in the first rotating turret plate 80 communicates with the discharge end of the first conveying means 10. Then, as described above, in the inverted state and the protruding piece 22
A container lid 16, which is discharged from the discharge end of the first conveying means 10 with the container lid facing upstream, is introduced into each of the notches 96. Furthermore, in the second introduction zone 146, each of the notches 98 formed in the second rotary turret 84 communicates with the discharge end of the second conveyance means 12. Then, as described above, the second
The container lid 1 is discharged from the discharge end of the conveying means 12.
6 are introduced into each of the working notches 98a located at every other one of the notches 98 (the container lid 16 is introduced into the non-working notches 98b by the introduction blocking member 150 located in the working position). be prevented).

8, which together with FIG. 1 illustrates the second introduction zone 146, at the discharge end of the second conveying means 12, the first conveying means 12
A pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 constituting the
(See also Figure 3) Nozzle 176
is disposed, and the air flow injected from the nozzle 176 moves the container lid 16 between the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 to the second rotating turret plate 8.
Force towards 0. Thus, when the working notch 98a formed in the peripheral edge of the second rotary turret plate 84 is aligned with and communicates with the discharge end of the second conveying means 12, the pair of chute defining members 28
and 30, that is, the front half when viewed in the direction of movement of the container lid 16 in the second conveying means 12, is introduced into the working notch 98a. One of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30, that is, the chute defining member 28 located upstream in the rotational direction of the second rotary turret plate 84 as shown by the arrow 92, is the second rotary turret plate. 84, but the other of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30, that is, the arrow 9
A chute defining member 30 located downstream in the rotational direction of the second rotary turret plate 84 indicated by 2.
extends only to a position at a predetermined distance from the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84 (a distance approximately half the outer diameter of the container lid 16). Therefore, the container lid 1 whose front half is introduced into the working notch 98a
6 is carried out from the second conveying means 12 and is conveyed together with the working notch 98a in the direction shown by the arrow 92. The tip of the shoot defining member 30 is
In order to smoothly move the container lid 16 which is carried out from the second conveying means 12 and begins to be conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 92, a smooth movement is made in the moving direction of the container lid 16 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. It has a curved shape. In addition, the shoot regulation member 30
A smooth curved cut is provided on the upper surface of the tip of the container lid 16 in the direction of movement of the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16 so as not to interfere with the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16 when the container lid 16 moves as described above. A notch 180 is formed. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the stationary outer guide plate 142 disposed in conjunction with the second rotary turret plate 84, as viewed in the direction of rotation of the second rotary turret plate 84 as indicated by arrow 92, A separate member 182 is disposed on the downstream side from a position slightly downstream of the second introduction region 146, and is located between the tip of the chute defining member 30 and the upstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142. It is arranged. As shown in FIG. 8, the tip of the shoot defining member 30 has a notch in its lower half, and one end of the member 182 located in the notch is connected to the shoot defining member 30 by a connecting pin 184. It is rotatably connected to the tip of the Pins 185 and 187 are implanted in the member 182 and the chute defining member 28, and a tension spring 186 is stretched between these pins 185 and 187. This tension spring 1
86 resiliently biases member 182 clockwise as viewed from above in FIG. 8 to resiliently maintain member 182 in the illustrated position where its downstream end locks upstream of the stationary outer guide member 142. do. In this position, the inner surface of member 182 extends in an arc along the outer circumference of second rotating turret 84 from the tip of chute defining member 30 to the upstream end of stationary outer guide member 142. In such a member 182, the front half of the container lid 16 discharged from the second conveying means 12 is inserted into the working notch 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84.
If, with the rotation of the second rotary turret plate 84, the container lid 16 begins to be rotated in the direction indicated by the arrow 92 before the container lid 16 is fully introduced into the container lid 16, the elastic bias of the tension spring 186 will be When the container lid 16 is pivoted counterclockwise as viewed from above in FIG. The front half of the
The second conveying means 12 can thus be moved sufficiently smoothly without any problems even when the second rotary turret plate 84 is rotated at a fairly high speed. Then, the container lid 16 is introduced into the working notch 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84.
Working notch 98a of second rotating turret plate 84
The container lid 16 introduced into the container lid 16 and conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 92 as the second rotating turret plate 84 rotates is prevented from falling downward by being positioned on the stationary support plate 140. , radially outward movement is prevented by the stationary outer guide plate 142 and upward movement is prevented by the stationary upper guide plate 144, thus moving away from the center of rotation of the second rotating turret plate 84. With the projecting piece 22 facing outward in the radial direction, it is securely restrained by the working notch 98a and conveyed to the second transfer area 120 (see also FIGS. 1 and 6).

Therefore, with reference to FIG. 8, the second introduction area 146
Although the mutual relationship between the second conveying means 12 and the second rotary turret mechanism 8 has been described, as can be easily understood by referring to FIG. The mutual relationship between the conveying means 10 and the first rotary turret mechanism 6 is also substantially the same. In the first introduction zone 132, the container lid 16 with its protruding piece 22 directed toward the upstream side is placed in the first direction from the discharge end of the first conveying means 10.
are introduced into each of the notches 96 formed in the peripheral edge of the rotating turret plate 80 of the container lid 1.
6 is securely restrained by the notch 96 with its protruding piece 22 facing radially outward when viewed from the center of rotation of the first rotating turret plate 80, so that it accompanies the rotation of the first rotating turret plate 80. and is transported to the first transport area 110 in the direction shown by arrow 90.

However, in the first introduction area 132, the first
The container lid 16 is inserted from the first conveying means 10 into each of the nine notches 96 formed at the pitch P ₂ (P ₂ =2P ₁ ) on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 in the rotating turret mechanism 6. However, in the second introduction region 146, 18 pieces formed with a pitch P ₁ (P ₁ =P ₂ /2) on the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84 in the second rotating turret mechanism 8 are introduced. Working notches 9 located at every other notch of the notches 98
It must be noted that only at 8a is the container lid 16 introduced from the second conveying means 12. As understood by referring to FIG. 8, 18 notches 98 are formed on the periphery of the second rotary turret plate 84 in the second rotary turret mechanism 8.
Inactive notches 98b located at every other one of the
is located in the second introduction region 146, the introduction prevention member 150 is located in the most protruded working position, as mentioned above, and the introduction prevention member 150 is located in the second introduction region 146.
The distal end portion of the notch overlaps and closes the inactive notch 98b. Therefore, the front end of the container lid 16 located at the discharge end of the second conveyance means 12, more specifically, the upper front end, comes into contact with the tip of the introduction blocking member 150, thereby causing the container lid 16 to close to the non-operating notch 98b. is prevented from entering.

In the first transfer zone 110, each of the nine notches 96 formed at the pitch P ₂ (P ₂ = 2P ₁ ) on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 is connected to the periphery of the merging rotating turret plate 58. of the 18 notches 94 formed with a pitch P ₁ (P ₁ =P ₂ /2), each of the first set of notches 94a is aligned one after another. And the first rotating turret plate 8
The container lid 1 is inserted from each of the first set of notches 96 to each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58.
6 is transferred. Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates the first transfer zone 110, in the first transfer zone 110 each of the notches 96 in the first rotary turret plate 80 is connected to the first rotary turret plate 58. The remaining approximately half of each container lid 16, which is aligned with each of the first set of notches 94a and approximately half of which is accommodated in each of the notches 96 of the first rotating turret plate 80, joins the rotating turret plate 58. are accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a. Thus, the stationary outer guide plate 124, which is arranged in conjunction with the first rotating turret plate 80, extends only as far as the first transfer zone 110 and thus
On the downstream side of the transfer zone 110, the container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outward from the notch 96 of the first rotary turret plate 80, and the container lid 16 is freely moved outward from the notch 96. Can be moved. On the other hand, the stationary upper guide plate 102 disposed in relation to the merging rotating turret plate 58 is connected to the first transfer area 11.
0, and in the first transfer zone 110, the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58, extends from the merging rotary turret plate 58. The guide plate 58 enters radially inward than the stationary upper guide plate 102 when viewed from the center of rotation of the guide plate 58 . Therefore, the first transfer zone 110
On the downstream side, the protruding piece 22 is restrained by the inner circumferential surface of the stationary upper guide plate 102.
The container lid 16 is prevented from moving outwardly from the first set of notches 94a in the merge rotating turret plate 58. Therefore, downstream from the first transfer zone 110, the container lid 16 is removed from the cutout 96 of the first rotary turret plate 80, and the container lid 16 is removed from the cutout 96 of the first rotary turret plate 58. The merging rotating turret plate 5 is accommodated in the notch 94a of the
Along with the rotation of 8, it is conveyed in the direction shown by arrow 88. The container lid 16, which is accommodated in the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58 and is conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 88 as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates, is attached to the stationary support plate 1.
00 is prevented from falling downwardly and upwardly and radially outwardly by the stationary outer guide plates 102 (and 104), thus preventing the merged rotating turret plate 58 from moving upwardly and radially outwardly.
The projecting piece 22 is surely restrained by the first set of notches 94a and transported to the discharge area 112 with the protruding piece 22 facing radially inward when viewed from the center of rotation (see FIGS. 1 and 5). Please refer).

In the second transfer zone 120, a pitch P ₁ is formed on the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84.
Each of the working notches 98a located at every other notch among the 18 notches 98 is located at every other notch among the 18 notches 94 formed at the pitch P ₁ on the periphery of the merging rotary turret plate 58. The notches 94b of the second set are aligned one after another. Then, the container lid 16 is introduced into each of the working notches 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84 in the second introduction region 146.
However, the working notch 9 of the second rotating turret plate 84
8a to the second of the merging rotating turret plates 84.
are transferred to each of the set of notches 94b. Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates the second transfer zone 120, in the second transfer zone 120, the second
Each of the working notches 98a of the rotating turret plate 84 is aligned with each of the second set of notches 94b of the merging rotating turret plate 58, and approximately half of the working notches 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84 are aligned with each of the working notches 98a of the second rotating turret plate 58. Approximately half of the remainder of each of the container lids 16 in which the container lids 16 are accommodated merge into the second set of notches 9 of the rotating turret plate 58.
4b. Thus, the stationary outer guide plate 142, which is disposed in conjunction with the second rotating turret plate 84, extends only slightly upstream of the second transfer zone 120 and thus On the downstream side from the second transfer zone 120, the container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outward from the working notch 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84, and the container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outward from the working notch 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84. can move freely. On the other hand, the confluence rotating turret plate 5
The stationary upper guide plate 104, which is arranged in conjunction with The protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in the container 94b, enters radially inward from the stationary upper guide plate 104 when viewed from the rotation center of the merging rotary turret plate 58. Therefore, on the downstream side of the second transfer zone 120, the projecting piece 22 is restrained by the inner peripheral surface of the stationary upper guide plate 104, so that the container lid 16 is connected to the first set of merging rotating turret plates 58. is prevented from moving outward from the notch 94b. Therefore, on the downstream side from the second transfer zone 120, the container lid 16 is separated from the working notch 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84, and the container lid 16 is removed from the working notch 98a of the second rotary turret plate 58. It is housed in the set of notches 94b and is conveyed in the direction shown by arrow 88 as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates. The merging rotary turret plate 58 is accommodated in the second set of notches 94b of the merging rotary turret plate 58.
The container lid 16, which is conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 88 as the container rotates, is prevented from falling downward by being positioned on the stationary support plate 100, and is prevented from falling downward by the stationary outer guide plate 104. As a result, upward and radial outward movement is prevented, and the protruding piece 2 is thus prevented from moving upwardly and radially outwardly.
2 facing radially inward, it is securely restrained by the second set of notches 94b and transported to the discharge area 112 (see also FIGS. 1 and 5).

Thus, the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58 and the first transfer area 110
The container lids 16 transferred to the first set of notches 94a also pass through the second transfer area 120, but at this time, the container lids 16 accommodated in the first set of notches 94a are transferred to the second set of notches 94a.
is not adversely affected by the rotating turret mechanism 8. Referring to FIG. 10, the downstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142 disposed in conjunction with the second rotating turret plate 84 is located at a location somewhat upstream of the second transfer zone 120. is close to the periphery of the merging rotating turret plate 58,
A notch 190 is formed in the lower part of the downstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142. Then, the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58
The container lid 16 accommodated in the notch 19
0 to reach the second transfer zone 120. Therefore, the arrow 88 of the container lid 16 accommodated in the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58
Conveyance in the direction indicated by is not obstructed by the stationary outer guide plate 142. On the other hand, in the second transfer zone 120, the merging rotating turret plate 58
Of the 18 notches 94 formed on the periphery of the second rotary turret plate 84, each of the first set of notches 94a located at every other position corresponds to the 18 notches 94a formed on the periphery of the second rotary turret plate 84. The non-working notches 98b are aligned with every other notch 98b of the notches 98b. Thus, the container lid 16 is not introduced into each of the inactive notches 98b of the second rotary turret plate 84 in the second introduction zone 146, and also in the second transfer zone 120. Non-working notch 9
The introduction blocking member 150, which is disposed in relation to each of the notches 8b, is retracted to a non-operating position, and its tip is retracted inward from the deepest part of the non-operating notch 98b. Therefore, in the second transfer zone 120, the non-working notch 98b is in an open state. As such, the remaining approximately half of each container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58, is located in the second transfer area. When passing through 120, it enters into the non-working notch 98b of the second rotating turret plate 84, and then leaves there,
Thus, the container lid 1 accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58 by the peripheral edge of the second rotary turret plate 84, etc.
6 through the second transfer area 120 is reliably prevented from being obstructed by the peripheral edge of the second rotating turret plate 84 or the like.

In the discharge area 112, 18 notches 94 are formed on the periphery of the merging rotating turret plate 88;
That is, nine first set of notches 94a and nine second set
Each of the sets of cutouts 94b alternately communicates with the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14. Then, the container lids 16 are introduced into the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14 alternately from the first set of notches 94a and the second set of notches 94b. Referring to FIG. 11, which illustrates the discharge area 112 in conjunction with FIG. 112 and thus the discharge area 112
In this case, the container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outward from the notch 94 of the merging rotary turret plate 58, and the container lid 16 can freely move outward from the notch 94. On the other hand, one of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 (see also FIG. 3) constituting the merging conveyance means 14, that is, located on the upstream side as seen in the rotational direction of the merging rotary turret plate 58 indicated by the arrow 88. The chute defining member 28 extends from a position at a predetermined distance from the periphery of the merging rotating turret 58 (an interval approximately half the outer diameter of the container lid 16), and is the other of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30. , that is, the merging rotating turret plate 5 indicated by arrow 88
The chute defining member 30 located on the downstream side as seen in the rotational direction of the rotary turret plate 58 extends from a position close to the peripheral edge of the merging rotary turret plate 58. Therefore, as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates, the discharge area 11
The upstream end of the chute defining member 30 prevents the container lid 16 that has been conveyed to the point 2 from being further conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow 88 beyond the discharge area 112. In addition, the upstream end of the chute defining member 30 is provided with a container lid 1 that is transported to the discharge area 112.
6 and gradually guide it radially outward.
is fixed. Additionally, a nozzle 196 is disposed above the discharge area 112, and the air stream ejected from the nozzle 196 forces the container lid 16 radially outward from the notch 94. Because of this, in the discharge area 112, the container lid 16 is
It will be understood that the material is discharged radially outward and introduced into the introduction end of the combined conveyance means 14 with its projecting piece 22 facing upstream. A pair of chute defining members 28 constituting the merging conveyance means 14
The upstream end inner surface of each of .

According to the article merging device configured according to the present invention as described above, the container lids 16 discharged from the first conveyance means 10 and the container lids 16 discharged from the second conveyance means 12 are alternately They are introduced one after another into the merging conveyance means 14 in a sufficiently smooth manner. In fact, according to experiments conducted by the present inventors, it is possible to introduce container lids 16 into the combined conveyance means 14 at a high speed of 1,500 pieces per minute or more without causing troubles such as clogging of the container lids 16. did it.

Although one specific example of the article merging device configured according to the present invention has been described above in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present invention is not limited to such specific example, and departs from the scope of the present invention. It goes without saying that various modifications and modifications can be made without having to do so.

In particular, although a specific example of the article merging device of the present invention has been described regarding a container lid of a specific form, the basic technical idea of the article merging device of the present invention is applicable to container lids of other shapes and articles other than container lids. can also be applied.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view showing a specific example of an article merging device constructed according to the present invention. 2 is a perspective view showing container lids that are merged by the article merge device of FIG. 1; FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a chute constituting the first and second conveyance means and the combined conveyance means related to the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view taken along the line - in FIG. 1. Fifth
The figure is a partial sectional view taken along line V-V in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken along the line - in FIG. 1.
FIG. 7 is a partial sectional view taken along the line - in FIG. 1. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the second introduction area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the first transfer area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the second transfer area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the discharge area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. 2... Goods merging device, 4... Merging rotating turret mechanism, 6... First rotating turret mechanism, 8...
...Second rotating turret mechanism, 10...First conveying means, 12...Second conveying means, 14...Combining conveying means, 16...Container lid, 58...Combining rotating turret plate, 80... a first rotating turret plate;
84...Second rotating turret plate, 94, 96 and 98...Notches, 94a...First set of notches, 94b...Second set of notches, 98a...Working notches, 98b ...Non-working notch, 110...
First transfer zone, 112...Discharge zone, 120...Second transfer zone, 130...First introduction zone, 146...
...Second introduction region, 150...Introduction blocking member.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A system for alternately carrying articles discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means and articles discharged from the discharge end of the second conveyance means to the introduction end of the combined conveyance means. The merging device is a merging rotating turret mechanism having a merging rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed at a pitch P ₁ on the periphery, and each of the notches is formed by rotation of the merging rotating turret plate. a first transfer zone;
a merging rotary turret mechanism which is rotatably moved sequentially through a second transfer zone and a discharge area communicating with the introduction end of _the merging conveyance means _; A first rotating turret mechanism having a first rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed,
Rotation of the first rotary turret plate causes each of the notches to rotate sequentially through a first introduction zone and a first transfer zone communicating with the discharge end of the first conveying means. a first rotating turret mechanism aligned with each of a first set of notches located at every other one of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate in the first transfer zone; , a second rotating turret mechanism having a second rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed at the pitch P ₁ on the periphery, and the notches are formed by rotation of the second rotating turret plate. each of the second
The notch of the merging rotary turret plate is rotated sequentially through a second introduction zone and a second transfer zone communicating with the discharge end of the conveying means, and in the second transfer zone, the notch of the merging rotating turret plate is rotated. and aligned with the first set of the notches of the merging rotary plate in the second transfer zone of the notches of the second rotary turret plate. 1 place to do
Associated with each individually located inactive notch is an active position in the second introduction zone which prevents articles from being introduced into the notch from the discharge end of the second conveying means. an introduction prevention member that is projected in the second transfer zone and retracted into a non-operating position where it does not interfere with the articles present in the first set of notches of the merging rotary turret plate; a second rotary turret mechanism in which a rotary turret mechanism is provided, and in the first introduction region, the cutout of the first rotary turret plate is connected from the discharge end of the first conveying means to the An article is introduced into each of the notches of the second rotary turret plate from the discharge end of the second conveying means in the second introduction zone, and the working notches other than the non-working notches of the second rotary turret plate are An article is introduced into each of the notches, and in the first transfer zone, from each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate to the first set of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate. The article is transferred to the cutout, and in the second transfer zone,
from each of the working notches of the notches of the second rotary turret plate to the second of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate other than the first set of notches.
The article is transferred to the set of notches, and in the discharge area, the article is carried from each of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate to the introduction end of the merging conveying means. Goods merging device. 2. Each of the introduction blocking members is mounted so as to be movable in the radial direction of the second rotating turret plate between the working position and the non-working position, and the second rotating turret mechanism includes the introduction blocking member. The article merging device according to claim 1, further comprising moving means for moving each of the articles as required. 3. The moving means is attached to each of a stationary cam plate that is disposed below or above the second rotating turret plate and has an endless cam groove on the upper or lower surface, and the introduction prevention member, and is attached to the endless cam groove. and a housed cam follower.
Article merging device described in Section 1. 4. The endless cam groove has an annular shape that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center of the second rotating turret plate.
An article merging device according to claim 3. 5. The article is a container lid having a circular top wall, a cylindrical skirt wall depending from the periphery of the top wall, and a protruding piece extending axially from a portion of the free edge of the skirt wall and then radially outward. , is discharged from the discharge end of the first conveying means and the discharge end of the second conveying means with the protruding piece facing upstream, and each of the notches of the first rotary turret and The protruding piece is introduced into each of the working notches of the second rotating turret with the projecting piece facing outward in the radial direction of each of the first rotating turret plate and the second rotating turret plate, and the merging The protruding piece is transferred to each of the notches of the rotating turret with the protruding piece facing inward in the radial direction of the merging rotary turret plate, and the protruding piece is oriented upstream at the introduction end of the merging conveying means. An article merging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is introduced in .