JPH08208032A - Apparatus for transferring and arranging cake or the like - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To laterally line up cakes in the approximately straight line configuration and correct the direction of the individual cakes to the normal one without damaging and deforming the external shape of the cake when the cakes sent in single files are transferred and arranged as a plurality of files in the downstream. CONSTITUTION: This apparatus is composed of a turning conveyer 1 turnable around a vertical shaft 3 and a distributing conveyer 2 capable of laterally parallel movement. The height of the downstream end of the turning conveyer 1 is equalized to the height of the upstream end of the distributing conveyer 2. When the distributing conveyer 2 is moved laterally and the turning conveyer 1 is turned left and right of the neutral position, the turning conveyer 1 is constituted to be drawn in the direction of reducing a gap between both ends opposed to each other at the equal height.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transfer arrangement device for confectionery and the like, in which a confectionery or the like arranged in a line on the upper surface of an endless belt is placed on a downstream arrangement surface by a conveyor having an endless belt. The present invention relates to a transfer arrangement device for forming an arrangement of a plurality of confectioneries or the like parallel to each other on an arrangement surface by transferring one at a time in a laterally dispersed position.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An example of a conventional transfer arrangement device for confectionery of this type will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 5 shows this, in which the in-feed swivel conveyor A conveys the confectionery P, P ... As the object of transfer in a single column, and the three conveyor columns (row a, row b, c
The confectionery P is transferred one by one to the position corresponding to (row). When this is completed (that is, the transfer of three pieces) is completed, the array conveyor B, which has been stopped during that time, is moved to the downstream side by one pitch, and is stopped there again, and each row of confectionery a, b, c by the swivel conveyor A is moved. Send to. By repeating this operation, the confectioneries in the rows a, b and c are regularly arranged. C is the swivel conveyor A
It is a vertical axis for making a so-called swing motion by turning. D is a sensor that counts the passage of the confectionery P and activates the operation of the swivel conveyor A, the operation of the array conveyor B, and the swivel motion of the swivel conveyor A.

[0003]

According to the above method,
When carrying out a transfer arrangement of confectionery etc. on the receiving surface,
There are the following problems.

1) The operation of lowering the confectionery P on the swivel conveyor A onto the array conveyor B is obviously an operation of dropping although there is a large difference in the difference between the conveyors. When the confectionery P is unloaded onto the downstream conveyor through such an operation,
In many cases, the shock may disturb the alignment or cause a fall when transferring, and especially when the shape of the confectionery P is a tall shape, it is almost impossible to transfer in a normal posture. .

Also, it is preferable that the confectionery P is made of a relatively hard material and there is no risk of deformation, but the confectionery P is very easily deformable, for example, fresh confectionery, and the product is deformed by the deformation. The above transfer method cannot be applied to the case where the value of is not good.

2) In the illustrated conventional example, it is desirable that the three confectioneries to be distributed during one stop period of the array conveyor B be arranged in order on one horizontal line, as is apparent from the figure. In addition, the three confectioneries are arranged on a horizontal line curved in an arcuate shape, which often interferes with the subsequent confectionery processing on the downstream side.

3) There is no problem if the shape of the individual confectionery P in the plan view is a non-directional shape, for example, a circle or a polygon, but as shown in the figure, a so-called directional confectionery such as an oval. In this case, when a plurality of rows are arranged on the arrangement conveyor B by the swivel conveyor system as shown in the figure, the confectionery P arranged in each row (rows a, c) on both sides other than the central row (row b). In many cases, they are not arranged in a straight line but are arranged in an inclined direction, which often causes a great deal of trouble in the subsequent treatment process. This adverse effect is more prominent as the number of arrays increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned conventional state of the art, and by using a relatively simple device and easy operation, confectionery and the like conveyed from the upstream side can be swiveled and conveyed. When transferring and arranging a plurality of vertical columns on the array surface on the downstream side using a distribution conveyor, it is possible to prevent the confectionery that is handled from rolling out or falling over the alignment line due to the shock of transfer. ,
Also, in the case of sweets that are relatively soft and easily lose their shape,
Very gentle handling is achieved through effortless operation, and it is possible to deal favorably without damaging the outer shape of the confectionery or deforming it, and it is possible to handle multiple confectioneries parallel to each other on the array surface. An object is to provide a transfer array device that can form an array.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for transferring and arranging confectionery or the like, which is capable of arranging a plurality of confectioneries or the like on the array surface in a substantially linear arrangement in the lateral direction. Especially.

Still another object of the present invention is to improve the order of each confectionery to a normal direction through a simple operation even when the confectionery to be handled is a so-called directional confectionery such as an oval. It is to realize an array of multiple columns.

[0011]

As means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in the transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like of the present invention, a plurality of columns of confectionery or the like are formed on the arrangement surface on the downstream side. In order to transfer the confectioneries in a row arranged on the upper surface of the endless belt that is circulated in a row on the array surface corresponding to each position of the column one by one, by power. Is provided on the upstream side of the distribution conveyor for transferring the confectionery and the like arranged in a line on the upper surface thereof by the endless belt which is circulated and driven by the circulating conveyor, and the one end of the distribution conveyor is provided by the vertical axis. The swivel center is constrained to freely swivel around the swivel center, and the other end is constrained to the distribution conveyor side. Therefore, the swivel center moves in the lateral direction by the power. In a transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like configured by combining with a swivel conveyor arranged so as to be swiveled, a belt receiving plate constituting a turning point of a belt whose downstream end travels on an upper surface is provided on the swivel conveyor. The receiving plate is provided so as to be a floating type that can be partially moved along the traveling direction of the belt, and an absorbing device for absorbing the slack of the belt caused by the movement is attached, and the downstream end of the receiving plate is provided. In a mode in which both end surfaces are arranged opposite to each other so that the upstream end surface of the distribution conveyor is positioned as an extension plane at a height equal to the height of the distribution conveyor, and the other end portion of the receiving plate is constrained to the distribution conveyor side. When the distribution conveyor moves in the lateral direction, the receiving plate of the swivel conveyor moves at the same time as the swivel, following the linear movement of the distribution conveyor in the lateral direction, and the tip thereof. By being pulled out of the range of circular movement caused by the turning, a clearance between the end face and the end face of the distributor conveyor facing the receiving plate of the swivel conveyor is a manner that is automatically reduced.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the distribution conveyor is provided with a receiving plate whose downstream end constitutes a turning point of the belt traveling on the upper surface, and the receiving plate is partially moved along the traveling direction of the belt. It is configured as a floating type, and an absorbing device for absorbing the slack of the belt generated by the movement is attached, and the proximity of the confectionery etc. that is carried on the belt near the downstream end of the receiving plate can be kept close. A sensor for detecting is provided, and a moving means is provided for moving the receiving plate backward in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the confectionery or the like in response to a signal from the sensor, and the installation height of the receiving plate is set backward. The height may be such that a minimum step suitable for pulling down the confectionery or the like on the receiving plate onto the arrangement surface on the downstream side is held between the arrangement surface and the arrangement surface.

[0013]

By means of the device according to claim 1 of the present invention, the confectionery and the like lined up on the upper surface of the swivel conveyor located upstream of the device are transferred onto the downstream distribution conveyor, which is arranged further downstream. The operation of transferring to the upper side and thereby forming an array of a plurality of confectioneries and the like parallel to each other on the array surface on the downstream side will be described.

First, the transfer for the centrally arranged line will be described. By the circular drive of the swivel conveyor, the confectionery on the conveyor reaches the downstream end surface of the receiving plate of the conveyor, and On the upstream end face of the distribution conveyor located at a height equal to the height of the distribution conveyor, confectionery etc. is transferred to the distribution conveyor side across the gap between both end surfaces and is circulated to the downstream side by the belt on the distribution conveyor. After being transported to the distribution conveyor, the distribution conveyor conveys it to the array surface further downstream.

Next, in order to transfer the confectionery and the like belonging to the array formed in the horizontal direction in parallel with this, first, the distribution conveyor is moved by one pitch of the array by the power for moving the distribution conveyor in the horizontal direction. Move laterally. Along with that, due to the constraint interposed between the distribution conveyor and the swivel conveyor, the other end of the receiving plate of the swivel conveyor moves following the linear movement of the distribution conveyor in the lateral direction, and the other end of the receiving plate moves. By pulling it out of the range of circular motion by turning, the gap between the end face of the receiving plate and the end face of the distribution conveyor that faces it is automatically reduced, and both end faces are extended planes with little gap. Since it is formed as, the transfer of confectionery or the like can be carried out very easily and smoothly. After being transferred from the swivel conveyor to the distribution conveyor in this way, by the same procedure as in the case of the central alignment line,
Transfer of the first confectionery or the like to a predetermined position on the array surface on the downstream side is achieved.

By repeating the above operation, the confectionery and the like fed from the upstream side are sequentially transferred one by one to a plurality of array positions arranged in parallel on the array surface on the downstream side. When the transfer of one by one is completed, the array surface is set to 1
After being conveyed by the pitch, the conveyance of the array surface is stopped, and in that state, the second confectionery or the like is transferred. By repeating this, it is possible to form an array of a plurality of confectioneries or the like on the array surface. Moreover, the transfer operation is performed on the distribution conveyor through a common smooth surface formed continuously by the upper surface of the swivel conveyor and the upper surface of the distribution conveyor, and across the reduced gap of the abutting portions on both surfaces. Therefore, the operation is smooth, and there is no fear that an unreasonable external force acts on the confectionery and the like, so that the confectionery to be transferred is not deformed or the outer surface is damaged and the value of the product is not damaged.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a distribution conveyor having a transfer arrangement device for the confectionery or the like.
By providing a receiving plate that can be partially moved along the running direction of the belt and detecting the proximity of confectionery etc. and causing the receiving plate to move backward in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, Since the belt that is circulatingly driven along the plate is removed, the operation of pulling it down from the belt onto the array surface located below it is extremely careful and smooth, and both surfaces are Since the head difference is set to the minimum level difference suitable for pulling down, it is possible to prevent the alignment of confectionery or the like from being disturbed or falling.

Further, by the operation of pulling down the belt as the backing plate is retracted, the rear end portion of the confectionery or the like in which the front end portion is in contact with the arrangement surface is pulled down while being pulled backward, thereby providing a particular directionality. With respect to sweets and the like, the orientation of individual sweets in a disordered state can be corrected to a normal direction, and an orderly array of a plurality of rows can be realized.

[0019]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a transfer arrangement device for confectionery and the like according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. 1 to 4, 1 is a swivel conveyor, 2 is a distribution conveyor, and the swivel conveyor 1 and the distribution conveyor 2 constitute a confectionery transfer arrangement device, and the confectionery is fed from an upstream side (not shown) of the swivel conveyor 1. P
Can be finally delivered as a plurality of columns on the array conveyor B as the array surface on the downstream side.

The swivel conveyor 1 is a frame 4 supported by a vertical shaft 3 erected on the floor so that it can swivel thereabout.
In addition to the belt 5 running on the upper surface of the frame 4, a belt receiving plate 6 provided in a floating manner with respect to the frame 4 is provided so that the belt 5 can move in the running direction. The receiving plate 6 is in a state of protruding toward the downstream side such that the downstream end constitutes a turning point of the belt traveling on the upper surface. The absorbing device 7 is fixed to the lower surface of the receiving plate 6, moves with the movement of the receiving plate 6, and adjusts the variation in the length of the circulation path of the belt 5 caused by the relative movement between the frame 4 and the receiving plate 6. Reference numeral 8 is a linear bearing interposed for relative movement between the frame 4 and the receiving plate 6. Reference numeral 9 is a motor for circulatingly driving the belt 5 via the pulley 10.

The distribution conveyor 2 is provided with a frame 12 for lateral translation along the upper surface of the shelf board 11, and the frame 12
A belt receiving plate 14 that is provided in a floating manner with respect to the frame 12 is provided so as to allow partial movement of the belt 13 on the upper surface thereof along the traveling direction of the belt 13 along with the belt 13. The receiving plate 14 is in a state of protruding toward the downstream side such that the downstream end constitutes a turning point of the belt traveling on the upper surface. The absorbing device 15 is fixed to the lower surface of the receiving plate 14, and moves with the movement of the receiving plate 14 to move to the frame 12.
Of the belt 1 caused by the relative movement between the support plate 14 and the receiving plate 14.
Regulate fluctuations in the length of the 3 circulation paths. Reference numeral 16 is a motor for circulatingly driving the belt 13 via the pulley 17. A rail 18 is provided on the upper surface of the shelf board 11, and the distribution conveyor 2 is laterally moved by power on the rail 18 via a linear bearing 19 provided on the lower surface. The power for movement is transmitted to the frame 12 via the chain 21 by the drive shaft 20.

The sensor 2 is provided near the tip of the receiving plate 14 on the downstream side.
Two are provided. The sensor 22 detects the proximity of the confectionery P carried on the belt 13 and conveys the signal. The air cylinder 23 receives the signal from the sensor 22 and moves the receiving plate 14 backward in the direction opposite to the conveying direction of the confectionery P. That is, the air cylinder 23 is used for the distribution conveyor 2
Detecting that the upper confectionery P2 has reached the downstream end of the conveyor, in order to transfer the confectionery P2 onto the array conveyor B comfortably, the downstream end is moved backward toward the upstream side. It functions as a means. The downstream end of the distribution conveyor 2 and the upper surface of the array conveyor B that receives the confectionery transferred from the downstream end are arranged in a vertically overlapping relationship with a drop, and the drop between the two surfaces is determined by the drop of the downstream end. The backward movement provides a minimum step suitable for pulling the confectionery onto the array conveyor B.

The height of the downstream end of the receiving plate 6 provided in the swivel conveyor 1 and the height of the upstream end surface of the distribution conveyor 2 are such that both end surfaces are positioned as a common extension plane. Have been matched. Further, the gap between both end faces is the minimum gap in which the belts 5 and 13 that are circulatingly driven do not contact each other. An arm 24 is rotatably attached to the back surface of the receiving plate 6, and an end ball 25 at the tip of the arm 24 is inserted into a ball receiver 26 provided on the frame 12 of the distribution conveyor 2. Therefore, when the distribution conveyor 2 moves laterally along the rails 18, the receiving plate 6 of the swivel conveyor 1 simultaneously moves and follows the horizontal linear movement of the distribution conveyor 2, and the tip thereof is swung. By being pulled out of the range of the circular movement, the gap between the end surface of the receiving plate 6 of the swivel conveyor 1 and the end surface of the distribution conveyor 2 opposite thereto is automatically reduced.

Next, the transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like having the above configuration transfers the confectioneries fed in a single row one by one to positions laterally separated from each other on the arrangement surface on the downstream side. The mode of operation for forming an array of a plurality of confectioneries and the like parallel to each other on the array surface will be described. First, the transfer of the central row will be described. By the swivel conveyor 1, the confectionery P1 reaches the downstream end surface of the receiving plate 6 and reaches the upstream end surface of the distribution conveyor 2 located at the same height as the end surface. On the other hand, the belt is transferred to the distribution conveyor 2 across the gap between both end surfaces, and is carried to the downstream side by the belt 13 of the distribution conveyor 2 which is circulated and driven, and reaches the sensor 22. The sensor 22 detects the proximity of the confectionery and issues an operation command to the air cylinder 23. As a result, the air cylinder 23 is actuated to move the receiving plate 14 backward in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, so that only the front end of the confectionery P2 that was on the array conveyor B until then (Fig. 1)), the belt 13 that is circulatingly driven along the receiving plate 14 is removed as the receiving plate 14 retreats, so that the rear end portion of the confectionery P2 is also below the array conveyor B. Since it is lowered onto the surface, the pulling-down operation is performed very carefully and smoothly by the above-mentioned operation, and the drop between the two surfaces of the receiving plate 14 and the array conveyor B is a minimum step suitable for the pulling-down. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the alignment of the confectionery from being disturbed or to fall over during that time, and it is possible to safely and reliably operate the transfer arrangement.

Next, in order to transfer the confectionery belonging to the arrangement formed in the lateral direction in parallel with this, first, the rail 18 is rotated by driving the drive shaft 20 relative to the distribution conveyor 2.
A horizontal movement along the line is performed to move by one pitch of the horizontal arrangement. Accordingly, the downstream end of the receiving plate 6 of the swivel conveyor 1 is fixed by a series of restraints by the arm 24, the end ball 25, and the ball receiver 26 interposed between the distribution conveyor 2 and the receiving plate 6 of the swivel conveyor 1. The end surface of the receiving plate 6 is moved out following the linear movement of the distribution conveyor 2 in the lateral direction, and the end portion of the receiving plate 6 is pulled out of the range of the circular motion by the swiveling, so that the end surface of the receiving plate 6 and the distribution surface opposed thereto Since the gap between the conveyor 2 and the upstream end face is automatically reduced and both end faces are formed as extended flat faces with little gap, the transfer of confectionery across the gap is extremely easy and smooth. To be done. In this way, after being transferred from the swivel conveyor 1 to the distribution conveyor 2,
By the same procedure as in the case of the central arrangement line, the first position for the predetermined position on the surface of the downstream arrangement conveyor B
Transfer of the first confectionery is achieved.

By repeating the above operation, the confectioneries fed from the upstream side are sequentially transferred one by one to a plurality of array positions arranged in parallel on the downstream array conveyor B. After transferring one by one, the array surface is transported here by one pitch in the vertical direction such as confectionery, and then the transportation of the array surface is stopped, and the second confectionery is transferred in that state. .
The outline is shown in FIG.

By repeating the above operation, an array of a plurality of confectioneries can be formed on the surface of the array conveyor B. Moreover, the transfer operation passes through the common smooth surface formed continuously by the upper surface of the swivel conveyor 1 and the upper surface of the distribution conveyor 2 and across the reduced gap formed at the abutting portion of both surfaces. As the transfer is performed, the operation is smooth and there is no risk of unreasonable external force acting on the confectionery.Therefore, the confectionery to be transferred may be deformed or the outer surface may be damaged and the value of the product may be damaged. There is no.

The operation of transferring the confectionery P2 on the distribution conveyor 2 onto the array conveyor B is such that the front end portion is in contact with the upper surface of the array conveyor B by the operation of pulling down the belt 13 as the receiving plate 14 moves backward. Correcting the direction of each confectionery in a disordered state to the normal direction by pulling the rear end of the confectionery P2 (see FIG. 1) backward while pulling it backward. It is possible to realize an orderly arrangement of a plurality of columns.

[0029]

Since the transfer array device for confectionery or the like of the present invention is constructed as described above, the following effects can be obtained.

1) According to claim 1, the confectionery and the like conveyed from the upstream side are arranged on the downstream arrangement surface by using a swivel conveyor and a distribution conveyor under a relatively simple device and easy operation. When transferring and arranging as a plurality of vertical columns, the confectionery to be handled is prevented from rolling out of the alignment line or falling due to the shock of transfer, etc., and it is relatively soft and easily loses its shape. In the case of, even if it is possible to handle very carefully with reasonable operation, it is possible to deal favorably without damaging the outer shape of the confectionery or deforming it, and it is possible to handle a plurality of pieces parallel to each other on the arrangement surface. An array of book confectionery or the like can be formed.

Further, when forming an array of a plurality of confectioneries or the like on the array surface, the lateral alignment pattern can be arranged in a substantially straight line, which contributes to the efficiency of post-processing processing of the confectionery and the like.

2) In the apparatus according to the second aspect, even when the confectionery to be handled is a confectionery having a so-called directional shape such as an oval, the orientation of each confectionery can be adjusted to the normal direction through a simple operation. Can be modified to realize an orderly arrangement of multiple columns.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view showing an operating state of an embodiment of a transfer array device for confectionery or the like according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing one operation mode of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a different operation mode of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a plan view for explaining the operation of a conventional general apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 B array conveyor P1, P2 confectionery 1 swivel conveyor 2 distribution conveyor 3 vertical shaft 4,12 frame 5,13 belt 6,14 receiving plate 7,15 absorbing device 8,19 linear bearing 9,16 motor 11 shelf plate 18 rail 20 Drive shaft 21 Chain 22 Sensor 23 Air cylinder 24 Arm 25 End ball 26 Ball receiver

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. In order to form a plurality of columns of confectionery or the like on a downstream array surface, confectioneries or the like that are being conveyed are arranged in a line on the upper surface of an endless belt that is cyclically driven. A distribution conveyor adapted to carry out lateral parallel movement by power for transferring one by one onto an array surface corresponding to, and confectioneries and the like arranged in a line on the upper surface by an endless belt which is circulated on the downstream side. It is provided on the upstream side of the distribution conveyor for transferring to the distribution conveyor, and the vertical axis constrains the swivel center of one end to freely swivel around it, and the other end is constrained to the distribution conveyor side. Therefore, a transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like constituted by a combination with a swivel conveyor arranged so as to swivel according to the lateral movement of the distribution conveyor due to the power. In the above, in the swivel conveyor, a belt receiving plate whose downstream end constitutes the turnaround point of the belt traveling on the upper surface is provided in a floating type capable of partial movement along the traveling direction of the belt. , An absorbing device for absorbing the slack of the belt caused by the movement is attached, and both ends are positioned so that the upstream end face of the distribution conveyor is positioned as an extension plane at a height equal to the height of the downstream end of the receiving plate. When the distribution conveyor is moved laterally, the receiving plate of the swivel conveyor is rotated at the same time as the receiving plate is rotated when the distribution conveyor is moved laterally. The end surface of the receiving plate of the swivel conveyor is opposed to the end surface of the swivel conveyor by moving along with the linear movement of the distribution conveyor in the lateral direction and pulling its tip out of the range of the circular motion due to the swivel. A transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like, characterized in that the gap between the end surface of the distribution conveyor is automatically reduced. 2. The distribution conveyor is provided with a receiving plate whose front end on the downstream side constitutes a turning point of a belt traveling on the upper surface, and the receiving plate is configured to be a floating type capable of partial movement along the traveling direction of the belt. An absorption device is attached to absorb the slack of the belt caused by the movement, and a sensor for detecting the proximity of the confectionery or the like carried on the belt is provided near the downstream end of the receiving plate. A moving means is provided for moving the receiving plate backward in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the confectionery or the like in response to a signal from the sensor, and the installation height of the receiving plate is set by the backward movement of the receiving plate. The transfer arrangement device for confectionery or the like according to claim 1, wherein the height is set to hold a minimum step suitable for being pulled down onto the arrangement surface on the downstream side between the arrangement surface and the arrangement surface.