JPH10324417A - Container aligning and carrying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a container carrying device, which can deliver containers at a high speed in the condition that the containers are aligned. SOLUTION: An accumulator table 10 is provided with plural housing units for housing groups of container P. A feeding mechanism feeds the container group, which are housed in the plural predetermined lines among the housing units on the accumulator table 10, to branch passages R1-R6. A feeding means provided in a passage device 50 feeds the container P group to the downstream of the passage. In the case where the container group of one branch passage R5 travels in the junction passage R8, a feeding auxiliary device 65 stops the traveling of other container P group in other branch passage R6, which joins with the junction passage R8, for waiting. After the container P group of the branch passage R5 travels in the junction passage R8, the traveling of the container P group of other branch passage R6 is allowed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring containers such as bottles discharged from a bulk in which containers such as bottles arranged in a certain number are stacked in several stages.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Bulk packaging involves transporting a glass bottle or a plastic bottle manufactured by a glass bottle or plastic bottle maker to a drinking water maker by placing containers on a pallet in a plurality of stages. Has a mount for partitioning the upper and lower steps. This bulk packaging is widely adopted to simplify the transportation of the container and to reduce the distribution cost of packaging materials and freight per unit. In the factory that receives the bulk, the bulk is decomposed one by one by a bulk depalletizer (or bulk uncertainer), and the container is transported to the next use step, for example, the filling step of drinking water. At that time, it is preferable in terms of workability that the containers be transported in a state where the containers are arranged in a line.

[0003] Therefore, in general, an apparatus is used which comprises a conveyor for transporting the disassembled bulk containers of one stage forward as it is, and an alignment conveyor at the front end of the transport conveyor and moving in a direction perpendicular to the conveyor. The front row of containers sequentially protruding from the front end of the transport conveyor is placed on an alignment conveyor that moves at right angles to the transport conveyor, and is transported in a row.

When the bulk is disassembled as described above and the transport of all the containers for one bulk is completed, the empty pallet is removed, and then the next new bulk is transported to the container. A preparation time is required until it is moved to a predetermined position where it is possible. During this preparation time, in order to be able to continue the transfer of the container to the filling step, that is, to accumulate a large number of containers to be transferred to the filling step so as not to hinder the filling step, A rate space is provided in the depalletizer.

[0005] The accumulate rate table constituting the conventional accumulate rate space is a conveyer type table itself, and the container moves on the accumulate rate table and is transferred to the next process. I have.

[0006]

In the conventional accumulation rate table as described above, the containers to be transferred are:
Instead of being aligned from the beginning, the guide members are finally aligned in a state of being separated. In recent years, there has been a demand for speeding up of the filling process, and there has been a problem that it is difficult to cope with the speeding-up because the container needs to be rearranged in the conventional accumulation rate table.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a container transporting apparatus capable of carrying out a container at a high speed with the containers arranged.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of rows of storage sections capable of storing a predetermined number of containers are provided. An accumulating table for storing containers, a sending mechanism for sending out a group of containers in a plurality of rows of storage units on the accumulating table, and a plurality of branch passages through which the containers sent from the accumulating table by the sending mechanism travel. A passage device comprising: a merging passage in which the tributary passages merge with each other; a feeding device for feeding a group of containers downstream of the passage so that the group of containers travels in the branching passage and the merging passage; and a container in one branch passage. When the group travels in the merging passage, the traveling of the other container group is stopped in the other branch passage merging with the same merging passage to be in a standby state, and the container group in the one branch passage merges. After running end the road, the alignment conveyor system containers that includes a stopper mechanism which allows the running of other container group in the other branch passages is set to its gist.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect, after the group of containers in the one branch path has finished traveling in the merge path, the other group of containers in the other branch path that merges with the same branch path is in a standby state. The gist of the invention is to provide a feed assist device for assisting the traveling of the container group for traveling.

A third aspect of the present invention is based on the second aspect, wherein the stopper mechanism and the feed assist device are configured by a common device. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, the delivery mechanism is provided with a plurality of delivery members for delivering containers in the storage section at predetermined positions of the accumulation table. Each storage section of the table is integrally movably connected to the tributary passage in a direction crossing the passage, and after the container group of the predetermined storage section is sent out by the delivery member of the delivery mechanism,
4. A storage part moving mechanism for moving the storage part so that a container group of another storage part corresponds to a delivery member of the delivery mechanism. The gist of the present invention is that a container aligning and transporting mechanism is provided. According to the first aspect of the present invention, the accumulation table includes a plurality of rows of storage units capable of storing a predetermined number of containers, and stores the containers in the plurality of rows of storage units. The delivery mechanism sends out a group of containers related to a plurality of rows of storage units among the storage units on the accumulation table to the branch passage.

At this time, the feeding means provided in the passage device sends out the container group to the downstream of the passage. Then, in the merging passage, when the container group in one branch passage runs in the merging passage, the stopper mechanism stops the traveling of the other container group in the other branch passage merging with the merging passage and enters a standby state. I do. Then, the stopper mechanism allows the other group of containers to travel in the another branch channel after the group of containers in the one branch channel ends traveling in the merged passage. As a result, the container group is sent from the branch passage to the downstream of the passage device via the merge passage.

[0012] According to the second aspect of the present invention, after the group of containers in the one branch passage has finished traveling in the merge passage, the feed assist device waits for another container group in the other branch passage merging with the merge passage. The traveling of the same container group is assisted to run from the state.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the group of containers in a row in the branch passage is set to the standby state or the group of containers that have been in the standby state is set by the stopper mechanism and the feeding auxiliary device configured by the common device. Assists driving.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, after the container group of the predetermined storage unit is sent out by the sending mechanism, the container group of the other storage unit is sent out by the sending mechanism. The storage unit is moved so as to correspond to the member. As a result, it is not necessary to provide a member for sending out in all the storage units.

[0015]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of a container aligning and conveying device embodying the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In this embodiment, the X direction and the Y direction orthogonal to the X direction are appropriately shown in the drawings. The Y direction may be referred to as downstream of the passage device 50 described later.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of the entire arrangement and transfer device 1 for plastic bottles as containers, and FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the same. In FIG.
Includes an accumulation table 10 and a passage device 50.

(Accumulation Table) First, the accumulation table 10 will be described. 4 is a schematic plan view in which a part of the accumulation table 10 is omitted, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the accumulation table 10, and FIG. 6 is a delivery device 3 as a delivery mechanism in the accumulation table 10.
0, FIG. 7 is a side view of the gripping mechanism 110, FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic front sectional view of the delivery device 30 in the accumulation table 10.

The accumulation table 10 is an area for accumulating (accumulating) a plastic bottle P as a container. As shown in FIG. 8, the support base 11 of the accumulation table 10 has a rectangular frame-shaped base 11.
a, four rectangular pillar-shaped support legs 11b are erected,
A square frame-shaped machine frame 12 is formed on the upper part of the support leg 11b. The machine frame 12 includes beam members 13 and 14 located on the Y direction and the opposite side to the Y direction, and a plurality of beam members 13 and 14 are provided at predetermined intervals (in this embodiment,
Seven (seven) connecting members 15 are provided in the Y direction (see FIG. 6). The mounting plates 16 are connected and fixed to the connecting members 15 respectively. Y is provided between the mounting plates 16 adjacent to each other.
A clearance CL (hereinafter, referred to as an extruded portion traveling groove) extending in the direction is provided (see FIG. 16). FIG.
For convenience of explanation, since the mounting plate 16 is omitted from the drawing, the plastic bottle P is in a floating state, but the illustrated plastic bottle P is mounted on the mounting plate 16. It shows the state where it is.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
A guide rail 17 in the form of a round bar is supported and fixed at both ends of the guide rail 14, and is disposed slightly above the beams 13 and 14. A pair of sliders 18 are fitted to each guide rail 17 so as to be reciprocally slidable in the X and anti-X directions, and a rectangular frame-shaped movable frame 19 is fixed to the sliders 18 (see FIG. 4). . The movable frame 19 includes a pair of movable support members 19a extending in the X direction, and a pair of connecting frame members 19b connecting both ends of the movable support member 19a.

Both movable supports 19 on the beams 13 and 14
A plurality of guide plates 20 are connected and fixed to each other at a predetermined interval. The predetermined distance between the guide plates 20 is a distance slightly larger than the maximum diameter of the plastic bottle P.

A space surrounded by the placing plate 16 and the guide plate 20 is a storage portion of the present invention, and can store a predetermined number of plastic bottles P. In this embodiment, the guide plates 20 can form 18 rows of storage sections in the Y direction.

In this embodiment, three groups (A, B, C) are arranged in order from the X direction side as shown in FIG. In addition, in the storage units of each group, the order counted from the X direction side in all the storage units is represented by a numerical value. For example, A4, B5, and C6 constitute one group, and A4
A of 4 is 1 counted from the X direction side in the group.
A4 of A4 represents the fourth storage section counted from the X direction side in all the storage sections while indicating the fourth storage section. or,
C of C6 means the third storage part counted from the X direction side in the group, and C6 of all storage parts represents the sixth storage part counted from the X direction side.
In addition, for convenience of explanation, it is not necessary to specify the storage units individually.
C).

As shown in FIG. 6, the push-out portion running grooves CL provided between the mounting plates 16 are provided in 18 rows of the accommodating portions A to C.
They are arranged so as to be located immediately below the storage units in every three rows. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 8, in each of the storage sections A to C,
An end regulating member 21 is disposed at the end on the opposite side in the Y direction, and the mounting position of the plastic bottle P at the row end located on the opposite side in the Y direction and stored in the storage sections A to C is determined by the side wall 21b. It is possible to regulate. The end regulating member 21 is connected to the connecting frame member 1.
It is supported so that the position in the Y direction can be adjusted with respect to the horizontal member 22 connected between the members 9b. In this embodiment, a bolt (not shown) inserted into the horizontal member 22 is inserted and attached to a long hole 21a (see FIG. 4) provided on the upper surface of the end regulating member 21, and The position can be adjusted by loosening the screw on the horizontal member 22, and the end regulating member 21 is fixed to the horizontal member 22 by tightening the bolt on the horizontal member 22. ing.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, in the machine frame 12, a bracket 23 protrudes from the frame member 12a on the side opposite to the X direction in the direction opposite to the X direction. 24 are attached. The pneumatic cylinder 24
It has a double cylinder structure in which a pair of single-acting air cylinders are connected in series, and a piston rod 24a of one air cylinder is swingably connected to a mounting portion on the bracket 23 side. A rod 24b of the other air cylinder is swingably connected to a connection frame member 19b of the movable frame 19. The pair of air cylinders constituting the pneumatic cylinder 24 can be independently controlled.

In the state where the pneumatic cylinder 24 is not driven, the movable frame body 19 includes the storage units A1, A4, and A4 of each group among the storage units A to C as shown in FIG.
A7, A10, A13, and A16 are arranged at positions (hereinafter, referred to as A set positions) respectively corresponding to the extruded portion running grooves CL of the mounting plate 16.

When one of the pneumatic cylinders 24 is driven in the X direction, the storage units B2, B5, B8, B1 of the respective groups are moved from the A set position.
Reference numerals 1, B14 and B17 denote extruded portion running grooves CL of the mounting plate 16.
(Hereinafter referred to as B set position)
It is possible to move to. Further, the pneumatic cylinder 2
In addition to the driving of one air cylinder of No. 4, the driving of the other air cylinder in the X direction causes the storage units C3, C6, C9, C12,
C15 and C18 can be moved to positions (hereinafter, referred to as C set positions) respectively corresponding to the extruded portion traveling grooves CL of the mounting plate 16.

The pneumatic cylinder 24 and the movable frame 19 constitute a storage section moving mechanism. The storage sections A to C
In FIG. 8, the upper end of the guide plate 20 in the Y direction is notched at the step 20a as shown in FIG. Further, in a first branch passage device 51 of the passage device 50 described later, on the side adjacent to the accumulator table 10, six pieces are provided so as to correspond to the extension lines extending in the Y direction of each of the extrusion section running grooves CL. Air duct 56 is disposed. The stopper plate 25 is fixed to the lower part of each air duct 56 via a connecting member (not shown). In FIG. 8, a connecting member for connecting the stopper plate 25 and the air duct 56 is omitted. Then, the stopper plate 25 is disposed at an upper position from the step 20a so as to close the Y-direction side of the two storage sections that do not correspond to the push-out section travel groove CL among the storage sections A to C of each group. .
That is, the stopper plate 25 is provided between the plastic bottles P in the two storage sections that do not correspond to the extrusion section travel groove CL.
The end of the group can be abutted.

A gate 26 is swingably supported below the air duct 56 above the center line of the pushing portion running groove CL (see FIG. 4). An air cylinder 27 as a gate drive source is swingably supported by each air duct 56, and its piston rod 28 is
6 is swingably connected to the link 6. And FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, the piston rod 28 of the air cylinder 27
When the gate is extended, the gate 26 is moved to the pushing portion running groove CL.
When the Y-direction end of the storage portion corresponding to the above is closed and the piston rod 28 of the air cylinder 27 is contracted (see the opened gate 26 in FIG. 4),
The Y-side end of the storage section is opened.
1, 4, and 16, the air duct 56
Has been omitted.

Next, a delivery device 30 corresponding to the delivery mechanism of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, a pair of side plates 11 are provided between the inner and outer sides of each pair of support legs 11 b arranged along the Y direction on the support base 11.
c are respectively connected and fixed. And the support leg 11
As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of upper and lower chain sprocket wheels 31a and 31b are rotatably supported at the opposite end in the side plate 11c disposed on the inner side of b. Upper chain sprocket wheel 31a
And the lower chain sprocket wheel 31b have the same diameter as each other. Further, in each of the side plates 11c arranged on the inner side of the support legs 11b, the end in the Y direction side
As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of upper and lower chain sprocket wheels 32a and 32b are rotatably supported.
In FIG. 6, the upper chain sprocket wheel 32a located on the left side of the drawing is omitted. The upper chain sprocket wheel 32a and the lower chain sprocket wheel 32b have the same diameter as the upper chain sprocket wheel 31a and the lower chain sprocket wheel 31b.

The upper chain sprocket wheel 31
a, 32a, and the lower chain sprocket wheel 3
An upper chain 33a and a lower chain 33b are respectively mounted between 1b and 32b. In addition, the support base 11
As shown in FIG. 6, a chain guide 36 is provided between the upper chain sprocket wheels 31a and 32a so that the upper and lower portions of the upper chain 33a are positioned horizontally. The chain guide 36 arranges the upper and lower portions of the chain 33a so as to be horizontal along the mounting plate 16 as shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, only the left (X direction side) chain guide 36 is shown in the drawing, and the right side (opposite X direction side) chain guide 36 is omitted.

As shown in FIG. 6, an upper connecting rod 34 is provided between a pair of upper chains 33a located in the X direction and the anti-X direction.
a are connected. A lower connecting rod 34b is connected between a pair of lower chains 33b located in the X direction and the anti-X direction. Both ends of both connecting rods 34a and 34b are rotatably connected at both ends of a connecting member 35 extending in the vertical direction. When the upper connecting rod 34a is positioned above the upper chain 33a by the connection of the connecting members 35, the upper connecting rod 34a is positioned below the upper chain 33a such that the lower connecting rod 34b is positioned above the lower chain 34b. When the lower connecting rod 34
b is located below the lower chain 34b.

In the upper connecting rod 34a, an extruding rod 37 as an extruding member is fixed to each of a plurality of positions corresponding to directly below each of the extruding section running grooves CL of the mounting plate 16, and the upper extruding section is provided. Reference numeral 37a extends upward and has a length capable of protruding and retracting with respect to the pushing portion traveling groove CL. That is, the upper connecting rod 34a is
In the case of moving in the Y direction by driving the upper portion of the mounting portion 16a, the pushing portion 37 is moved from the mounting plate 16 through the pushing portion traveling groove CL.
a protrudes upward. Also, the upper connecting rod 34a
Is moved in the anti-Y direction by driving the lower portion of the upper chain 33a, the upper end of the push-out portion 37a is
And is located in the push-out section running groove CL.

In the end regulating member 21, the side wall 21b corresponding to the extruded portion travel groove CL is provided with an extruded portion 37.
The slit 21c that allows the passage of a is formed.
The rotating shafts 38 and 39 for fixedly supporting the upper chain sprocket wheel 32a and the lower chain sprocket wheel 32b are provided on the side plate 1 located outside the support legs 11b.
An upper timing pulley 40 and a lower timing pulley 41 having the same diameter as each other are fixed to the protruding ends of the timing pulley 1c.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
In the figure, a rotation shaft 42 is rotatably supported on the Y direction side of the intermediate position between the timing pulleys 40 and 41, and intermediate timing pulleys 43 are fixed to both ends protruding from the side plate 11c.

As shown in FIG. 8 and FIG.
Further, the rotation shaft 44 is provided on the side plate 11c on the Y direction side.
Are rotatably supported, and drive timing pulleys 45 are fixed to both ends protruding from the side plate 11c. A timing belt 46 is mounted between the pair of drive timing pulleys 45, the upper timing pulley 40, the intermediate timing pulley 43, and the lower timing pulley 41.

As shown in FIG. 4, a driven timing pulley 47 is fixed to the rotating shaft 44, and the driven timing pulley 47 is rotated integrally with the rotating shaft 44. As shown in FIG. 8, a drive motor 48 as a drive source is fixed on a base 11a of the support base 11 on the Y direction side, and a drive timing pulley 48b is fixed on an output shaft 48a of the drive motor 48. I have. A timing belt 49 is mounted on the driving pulley 48b and the driven timing pulley 47.

Therefore, the drive motor 48 is driven forward (see FIG. 8).
In the direction of the arrow), the drive timing pulley 4
8b, timing belt 49, driven timing pulley 4
7, the rotation shaft 44 is rotated in the same direction. further,
By the rotation of the rotating shaft 44 in the normal rotation direction, the rotating shaft 3 is driven via the drive timing pulley 45, the timing belt 46, the upper
8, 39 are rotated in the same direction (the direction of the arrow in FIG. 8). Since the upper chain sprocket wheel 32a and the lower chain sprocket wheel 32a are rotated by the rotation of the rotating shafts 38 and 39 in the directions of the arrows, the upper portions of the upper chain 33a and the lower chain 33b move in the Y direction, and the upper chain 33a. And the lower part of the lower chain 33b moves in the anti-Y direction. As a result, the push-out rod 37 provided on the upper connecting rod 34a and the lower connecting rod 34b can be used when the upper connecting rod 34a and the lower connecting rod 34b move above the chains 33a, 33b.
The upper connecting rod 34a and the lower connecting rod 34 move in the Y direction.
When b moves below the two chains 33a and 33b, it moves in the opposite Y direction.

Then, the holding mechanism 110 described later transfers the plastic bottle P to each of the storage portions A of the accumulation table 10.
8C, the push rod 37 is positioned close to the side Yb of the side wall 21b of the end regulating member 21 so as not to interfere with the plastic bottle P to be accommodated (FIG. 8). At the position indicated by α1).

(Passage device) Next, the passage device 50 will be described. FIG. 3 shows a schematic plan view of the passage device 50. The passage device 50 includes a first branch passage device 51, a second branch passage device 52, and a merging passage device 53. Tributary passage R described later by each passage device 51 to 53
1 to R6 and merging passages R7 to R10 are formed.

FIG. 9 is a schematic sectional view of the first branch passage 51, and FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a main part of the air duct 56. In the first branch passage device 51, the support 5
Six air ducts 56 are suspended from and supported by a horizontal member 55 which is horizontally extended on the X direction 4. The air ducts 56 are spaced apart from each other at a predetermined interval, and extend in the Y direction. As shown in FIG. 9 and FIG.
A concave portion 57 extending in the Y direction is formed on the bottom surface of the air duct 56.
The container hanger plate 59 is fastened and fixed by bolts 60 through the. The container hanger plate 59 is arranged at a height at which a flange Pa provided on the neck of the plastic bottle P arranged in the storage sections A to C of the accumulation table 10 can be suspended and locked. The container hanger plates 59 arranged on both sides of the recess 57 project toward the opening of the recess 57 so as to face each other. The distance between the protruding ends is slightly larger than the diameter of the neck of the plastic bottle P. The flanges Pa of the plastic bottle P are locked at the protruding ends facing each other, and the plastic bottle P is suspended. It can be lowered.

Although not shown, the wind direction rectifying plate 58 is formed with an air ejection groove whose end portion communicates through a through hole (not shown) of the air duct 56. The opening of the air ejection groove opens into the recess 57 and is formed obliquely in the Y direction. Therefore, the air sent into the air duct 56 is blown out to the neck of the plastic bottle P suspended and locked on the container hanger plate 59 through the opening of the air blowing groove, and the plastic bottle P It is possible to send in the direction.

A branch passage is formed by the container hanger plate 59 provided below the air ducts 56 and the recess. The branch passage of each air duct 56 is X
An upstream portion of each of the branch passages R1 to R6 is formed from the direction side, and is arranged so as to coincide with an extension of the pushing portion traveling groove CL of the accumulation table 10 extending in the Y direction when viewed in plan.

Next, the auxiliary feeding device 65 will be described. This feed assist device 65 corresponds to the stopper mechanism of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the bottom of each air duct 56 has a Y
The guide member 61 extending in the direction is fixed, and the branch passage R1 is fixed.
Plastic bottle P abutting on the center of the side of plastic bottle P passing through the upstream part of .about.R6 and moving in the Y direction
Guide. As shown in FIG.
In 6, a feed assist device 65 is provided on the support 54 so as to be located on the opposite side of the guide member 61.

The feed assist device 65 includes a drive motor 66 as a drive source of the feed assist device 65 supported on the support base 54, and a chain sprocket rotatably supported at a distance from the drive motor 66 in the Y direction. It is composed of a wheel 67, a chain sprocket wheel 68 provided on an output shaft of a drive motor 66, and an endless chain 69 mounted between the chain sprocket wheels 67 (see FIG. 14).

The distance between the two chain sprocket wheels 67 and 68 of the feed assist device 65 is slightly longer than the row length of the group of plastic bottles P stored in the storage sections A to C. That is, the length between the two sprocket wheels 67 and 68 is such that one row of the plastic bottle P group can be on standby.

The chain 69 has a pair of extruded pieces 7.
0 is fixed and protruded in a direction orthogonal to the moving direction of the chain 69, and the plastic bottle P positioned at the row end of the plastic bottle P on the upstream side of each of the branch passages R1 to R6 on the side opposite to the Y direction is moved to Y. Direction. Note that the distance between the pair of extruded pieces 70 is slightly longer than the length of one row of the waiting plastic bottle P group between the two sprocket wheels 67 and 68, that is, half the length of the endless chain. (Half of the chain circumference that circulates between the chain sprocket wheels 67 and 68).

The feed assist device 65 can be driven and stopped by a control device (not shown). The driving speed applied to the plastic bottles P by the feeding auxiliary device 65 is equal to or higher than the speed of the group of plastic bottles P sent from the storage units A to C of the accumulation table 10 by the feeding device 30. The speed is set to be higher.

Further, when the driving is stopped, the chain sprocket wheel 67 on the Y direction side as shown by the feeding auxiliary device 65 related to the branch passage R5 in FIG.
Above, it stops so as to protrude toward the branch passage R5, and prevents the movement of the group of plastic bottles P in the branch passage in a row unit. Hereinafter, the position in this state is referred to as a stopper stop position. Here, the column unit refers to one unit of the container group stored in each of the storage units A to C of the accumulation table 10.

In FIG. 14, the tributary passage R5
The feed assist device 65 is shown only in the upstream portion of R6, and the upstream portions of the other branch passages R1 to R4 are omitted for convenience of description. In FIGS. 3, 14, and 18, the branch lines R1 to R6 and the merging passages R7 to R10 described later are represented by dashed lines.

In FIGS. 1 and 15, R1 to R6
The dashed-dotted lines indicated by the symbols R7 to R10 indicate the movement trajectory on which the plastic bottle P group travels for convenience of explanation. Therefore, FIGS. 1 and 15 and FIGS.
4. FIG. 18 differs from FIG. 18 in particular, in a portion corresponding to a movable air duct 78 described later, since the passage of the movable air duct 78 moves in the X direction and the anti-X direction.

The second branch passage device 52 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, in the second branch passage device 52, 4
The individual air ducts 76 are suspended and supported. Among the air ducts 76, two air ducts 76c, 76c located on the center side except for both sides have the same cross-sectional structure as the air duct 56 of the first branch passage 52, as shown in FIG. Therefore, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted. Therefore, the air duct 76
By ejecting the air in the air ducts 76c, 76c in the Y direction in the tributary passage formed in the lower part of the plastic bottle P, the plastic bottle P can be driven to travel in the Y direction. The tributary passage formed below the air ducts 76c, 76c coincides with an extension of the upstream of the tributary passages R3, R4 of the first tributary passage device 51, and constitutes a midstream portion of the tributary passages R3, R4. I do.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 15, a guide member and a feed assist device are provided below the tributary passages R3 and R4, similarly to the first tributary passage device 52. Since it has the same configuration as that of the tributary passage device 52, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. A stopper mechanism of the feed assist device 65 is configured.

In the second branch passage device 52, 4
Out of the air ducts 76, the air duct 7 located outside
Each of 6a and 76b has a configuration in which the cross-sectional area is larger than that of the air duct 76c. On the lower surface, a pair of recesses are formed and arranged apart from each other in the X direction, and extend in the Y direction. The downstream side (Y direction side) of each recess is arranged close to each other. The air duct 5 corresponds to the recess.
Similarly to the configuration arranged for the concave portion 57 of FIG. 6, a wind direction straightening plate and a container hanger plate (both not shown) are bolted. This configuration is similar to that of the recess 5 of the air duct 56.
This is the same configuration as the configuration arranged for 7. Therefore,
The plastic bottle P can be driven to travel in the Y direction by ejecting the air in the air ducts 76a and 76b in the Y direction in the branch passage formed below the air ducts 76a and 76b.

The branch passage formed in the lower part of the air ducts 76a and 76b is connected to the first branch passage device 51.
Coincides with the extension of the tributary passages R1, R2, R5, R6 of
This branch passage forms a downstream portion of the branch passages R1, R2, R5, and R6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air duct 76a,
The length of the air duct 76c in the Y direction is equal to the length of the air duct 76c.
It is shorter than the length in the direction. Each air duct 76a,
76b, a pair of movable air ducts 7
8 are provided.

That is, a pair of rails 80 is provided at both ends of a beam 79 extending in the X direction on the support base 74, and a slider is provided with respect to the rail 80 as shown in FIGS. 81 is provided slidably in the X direction. A suspension member 82 is provided on the slider 81, and a movable air duct 78 is suspended and fixed to the suspension member 82.

The drive mechanism 83 for driving each of the movable air ducts 78 will be described. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a bracket 84 is fixed to the side of the support base 74 corresponding to each movable air duct 78, and the drive motor 85, the input portion 87 of the reduction gear box 86, An output unit 88 is provided. The drive pulley 85a provided on the output shaft of the drive motor 85
The driving pulley 86a provided on the input shaft 7 is driven and connected via a belt 89. The output shaft 90 of the output section 88 of the reduction gear box 86 projects upward from the case of the output section, and the drive lever 91 is fixed. The distal end of the drive lever 91 is swingably connected to the suspension member 82 via a connection link 92.

The rotation of the drive motor 85 in either the forward or reverse direction causes the reduction gear box 86 to rotate.
The output shaft 90 of FIG. 12 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise in FIG. 12, and the rotation causes the movable duct 80 to move in the X direction via the drive lever 91, the connection link 92, and the suspension member 82. Or it is made to move in the anti-X direction. As a result, the movable duct 80 is movable between a first standby position located on the X direction side and a second standby position located on the opposite X direction side.

The drive motor 85 and the reduction gear box 8
A drive mechanism unit 83 is configured by the input unit 87 and output unit 88, the drive lever 91, and the connection link 92. The cross-sectional configuration of each of the movable air ducts 78 is the same as the configuration of the air ducts 76a and 76b. That is, as shown in FIG. 10 and FIG.
8, a pair of recesses 77 are formed on the lower surface thereof.
7, a wind direction rectifying plate and a container hanger plate 59 are arranged in the same manner as in the configuration arranged with respect to the concave portion 57 of the air duct 56.
Are fixed by bolts 60 to form a pair of passages through which the plastic bottle P can travel. Accordingly, the plastic bottle P can be driven to travel in the Y direction by ejecting the air in the air duct 78 in the Y direction in the passage formed below the air duct 78.

In each of the movable air ducts 78, of the passages formed by the pair of recesses 77 and the like, the passages located on the X direction side are merged passages R7a and R8a,
The passages located on the side of the direction are merging passages R7b and R8b (see FIGS. 3 and 18).

When the movable air ducts 78 are located at the first standby position (X-direction side position) as shown in FIG. 3, the merging passages R7b and R8b face the branch passages R2 and R6, respectively. The plastic bottle P is communicated with the branch passages R2 and R6, and passes from the branch passages R2 and R6.
The group is allowed to run.

When each of the movable air ducts 78 is located at the second standby position (position opposite to the X direction), the merging passages R7a and R8a are opposed to the branch passages R1 and R5, respectively. R5 and the same branch passage R
A group of plastic bottles P can run from 1 and R5.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 10, 11, 14, and 15, below the air ducts 76a and 76b, a receiving plate 77 is fixed on a support 74. On the receiving plate 77, tributary passages R1, R2, R5, R6, and
The passage of the movable air duct 78 is a branch passage R1, R2, R
In the state of communication with R5 and R6, a guide member 73 for guiding both lower sides of the plastic bottle P moving in each passage is fixed and extends in the Y direction. 1, 14, and 15, the tributary passage R5
The illustration of the guide member corresponding to R6 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

Next, the merging passage device 53 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, in the merging passage device 53, two air ducts 96 a and 96 b are suspended from and supported by a horizontal member 95 that is horizontally laid on a support table 94 in the X direction. Each of the air ducts 96a and 96b has a configuration in which the cross-sectional area is larger than that of the air duct 76a. A pair of recesses are formed and arranged on the lower surface of the air ducts 96a and 96b so as to be separated from each other in the X direction and extend in the Y direction. The downstream side (Y direction side) of each recess is arranged close to each other. A wind direction rectifying plate and a container hanger plate (both not shown) are bolted to correspond to the concave portions, similarly to the configuration arranged for the concave portion 57 of the air duct 56. This configuration is the same as the configuration arranged for the concave portion 57 of the air duct 56. Therefore, the plastic bottle P can be driven to travel in the Y direction by blowing out the air in the air ducts 96a and 96b in the Y direction in the passage formed below the air ducts 96a and 96b.

Of the passages formed below the air ducts 96a and 96b, the passage located inward coincides with the extension of the passage of the air duct 76c of the second branch passage device 52. It corresponds to a downstream portion of the tributary passages R3, R4.

Of the passages formed below the air ducts 96a and 96b, the passages R7c and R8c located outside
Is a movable air duct 78 of the second branch passage device 52.
, R7a, R7b, R8a, and R8b. That is, when the movable air duct 78 is located at the first standby position, the passages R7c, R
8c coincides with the extension of the merging passages R7b and R8b (see FIG. 18A). When the movable air duct 78 is located at the second standby position, the outer passages R7c and R8c coincide with the extension lines of the merging passages R7a and R8a (see FIG. 18B).

The merging passage R7 is constituted by the merging passages R7a, R7b and R7c. Also, the merging passage R
8, R8b and R8c constitute a merging passage R8. The merging passage R7 is connected to a downstream merging passage R described later.
9 corresponds to a tributary passage. Similarly, the merging passage R8
Corresponds to a branch passage for the downstream merging passage R10 described later.

A movable air duct is provided downstream of each of the air ducts 96a and 96b. Since the movable air duct and the drive mechanism for driving the movable air duct in the X and anti-X directions have the same configuration as the movable air duct and the drive mechanism of the second branch passage device 52, a portion corresponding to the same configuration Are denoted by the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.

For this reason, a pair of passages through which the plastic bottles P can travel is formed in the movable air duct 78 of the merging passage device 53, and the air in the air duct 78 flows through the passage formed below the air duct 78. By jetting in the Y direction, the group of plastic bottles P can be driven to travel in the Y direction. Each movable air duct 7
8, among the passages constituted by the pair of recesses 77 and the like, the passages located on the X-direction side are merged passages R9a, R9
10a, and a passage located on the side opposite to the X direction is a merging passage R
9b and R10b (see FIG. 3).

When each of the movable air ducts 78 is located at the first standby position as shown in FIG. 3, the merging passages R9b and R10b face the branching passage R3 and the merging passage R8 (R8c), respectively. The group of plastic bottles P is allowed to run from the branch passage R3 and the merge passage R8 (R8c) through the passages R3 and R8.

When each of the movable air ducts 78 is located at the second standby position, the merging passages R9a, R10a
Are opposed to the merging passage R7 (R7c) and the branch passage R4, respectively, and communicate with the passages R7 (R7c) and R4, so that the plastic bottles P can travel from the passages R7 and R4.

Downstream of each of the movable air ducts 78, a pair of air ducts 97 and 98 supported by a horizontal member 95 of a support 94 are arranged. Air duct 97, 98
The cross section of the air duct 56 of the first branch passage 52 is the same as that of the air duct 56 of the first branch passage 52, and the merging passages R9c and R10c formed below the air ducts 97 and 98 extend in the Y direction. The plastic bottle P can be driven to travel in the Y direction by ejecting the air in the air ducts 97 and 98 in the Y direction in the passages R9c and R10c.

The merging passages R9a, R9b and R9c constitute a merging passage R9. Also, the merging passage R1
Oa, R10b, and R10c constitute a merging passage R10.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 15, below the air ducts 97 and 98, a receiving plate 99 is fixed on a support 94. On the receiving plate 99, tributary passages R7c, R
3, R4, R8c and the merging passages R9a, R9b, R10a, R10b of the movable air duct 78 are formed as branch passages R7.
In a state of being in communication with c, R3, R4, and R8c, a guide member 100 that guides both lower sides of the plastic bottle P moving in each passage is fixed and extends in the Y direction. 1 and 15, illustration of the guide member 100 corresponding to the tributary passages R4 and R8 is omitted for convenience of explanation.

In the passage device 50, each passage R1
Air ducts 56, 76a, 76 provided in R10
The feed means is constituted by b, 76c, 78, 96a, 96b, 97, 98, the concave portions 57, 77, the wind direction rectifying plate 58, and the like.

(Gripping Mechanism) Next, a brief description will be given of the gripping mechanism 110 for feeding the group of plastic bottles P into the aligning / conveying apparatus 1 configured as described above.

The holding mechanism 110 is a plastic bottle P
Are arranged in a fixed number, and the plastic bottles P are disassembled one by one from the top of the bulk and transferred to the accumulation table 10 from the bulk (not shown). Things.

As shown in FIG. 7, the gripping mechanism 110 has a plurality of gripping units 111 spaced apart from each other in accordance with the intervals between the storage sections A to C of the accumulation table 10. In this embodiment, there are 18 gripping units 111. The number of the gripping units 111 is at least equal to or greater than the number of rows of plastic bottle groups in each stage of the bulk V (n, where n is 18 in this embodiment).

The holding unit 111 has a pair of holding plates 112 having an L-shaped cross section for simultaneously holding a plurality of plastic bottles P arranged in each row in each row.
The holding plate 112 is operatively connected to an electromagnetic actuator 113, and is capable of holding the lower part of the neck of the plastic bottle P0 in cooperation with the opposing holding plate 112 by the excitation drive of the electromagnetic actuator 113. or,
When the electromagnetic actuator 113 is demagnetized, the holding plate 1
By separating 12 from each other, the plastic bottle P can be opened. In FIG. 7, only one holding plate 111 is illustrated, and is shown corresponding to one storage unit of the accumulation table 10.

The gripping mechanism 110 has a vertical driving mechanism (not shown), and can move the gripping mechanism 110 to a predetermined vertical position. Further, the gripping mechanism 110 includes
A traveling mechanism (not shown) is provided, and can travel between a loading position located on the accumulation table 10 shown in FIG. 7 and a holding standby position at which a group of plastic bottles P on a bulk (not shown) can be held. I have. In FIG. 8, the plastic bottle P indicated by a solid line above the accumulation table 10 is
0 indicates the suspended position, but the gripping mechanism 110 is omitted.

(Operation of the Embodiment) The operation of the aligning / conveying apparatus 1 configured as described above will be described. The operation of each mechanism and device is controlled by a control signal of a control device (not shown), and is described as necessary. However, for the sake of convenience of explanation, there is also a portion in which control by the control device is omitted.

The movable frame 19 of the accumulation table 10
As shown in FIG. 6, when the pneumatic cylinder 24 is in the non-driving state, the storage units A of each group among the storage units A to C
1, A4, A7, A10, A13, A16 are the mounting plates 16
Are disposed at the A set positions respectively corresponding to the push-out section running grooves CL. Further, the gate 26 is provided with the extruded portion running groove C.
The storage unit corresponding to L is closed at the Y-direction end. Further, at this time, the push rod 37 is located close to the side Yb of the side wall 21b of the end regulating member 21 so as not to interfere with the plastic bottle P to be housed (indicated by α1 in FIG. 8). position).

The movable air duct 78 of each of the passage devices 52 and 53 is located at a second standby position (a position opposite to the X direction). That is, the branch passage R1, the junction passages R7, R9
Are connected to each other, and the branch passage R5, the merging passage R8, and the branch passage R8.
10 are in communication.

Further, the branch passage R of the branch passage device 51 is provided.
The feed assist devices 65 of R2, R3, R4, and R6 are stopped at the stopper stop position, and the feed assist devices 65 of the branch passages R1, R5 are driven at a predetermined speed.

In this state, as described above, the gripping mechanism 110
The plastic bottles P of each row carried out from the top of the bulk (not shown) are held above the accumulation table 10 as shown in FIGS. When activated,
It falls into each storage part A-C (refer FIG. 5 and FIG. 6).

FIG. 19 shows this state in a simplified manner. 19 to 23, A1 and B
2, C3... A16, B17, C18, the plastic bottle P stored in the storage portion indicated by the reference numeral
In addition to showing the groups, it shows which of the devices 10, 51, 52, 53 the plastic bottles P are present in.

When the plastic bottle P is stored in each of the storage sections A to C, each air cylinder 27 is controlled to contract its piston rod 28 and open the gate 26. As a result, each of the storage sections A1, A4, A7, A10, A13,
The end of A16 in the Y direction is opened. The gate 26
After the opening, the push rod 37 returns to the position of α1, is driven by the air cylinder 27, and returns to the closed position.

Thereafter, the sending device 30 is controlled by a control device (not shown). That is, the drive motor 48 is driven to rotate forward to move the push rod 37 from the position α1 in the Y direction over the entire length of the storage section, and the storage sections A1, A4, A7, A10, A13, A group of plastic bottles P in A16 is extruded all at once. The control device 30 controls the forward rotation of the drive motor 48 of the delivery device 30 until the push rod 37 is returned to the position of α1 again.

The plastic bottles P moved to the branch passages R1 and R5 by the pushing of the pushing rod 37 of the delivery device 30 are moved to the respective air ducts 56, 76a, 78 and 96.
Driven by the air flow ejected from a, 78, 97 and the feed assist device 65, the air is transferred downstream of the air duct 97. At this time, the group of plastic bottles P is guided by the guide members 61 and 73.

On the other hand, a group of plastic bottles P (shown by A4, A7, A10 and A16 in FIG. 20) sent out to the branch passages R2, R3, R4 and R6 are provided with respective feed assist devices of the branch passage device 51. 65 is stopped at the stopper stop position, so that the pushing piece 70 is connected to each branch passage R2,
Stop the plastic bottle P group of R3, R4 and R6. FIG. 20A shows the above state.

Next, the driving mechanism 83 is driven to drive the second
The movable air duct 78 of the tributary passage device 52 is located at the first standby position (X-direction side position) and communicates with the tributary passage R2, the merging passages R7, R9, and the tributary passage R6,
The merging passages R8 and R10 are communicated. And
The control device starts driving the auxiliary feeding device 65 of the branch passages R2 and R6, and moves the stopped plastic bottles P (indicated by A4 and A16 in FIG. 20B) in the anti-Y direction. The plastic bottles P at the side rows are extruded and driven by the extruded pieces 70. The group of plastic bottles P driven by extrusion is hereinafter referred to as passages R2, R7, R9 and R
It is driven by the air blown out at 6, R8, R10 and moves downstream. As a result, in FIG.
The group of plastic bottles P indicated by 4, A16
The air is transferred downstream of the air ducts 97 and 98.

Thereafter, of the movable air ducts 78 of the merging passage device 53, the movable air duct 78 on the X direction side moves to the first standby position (position on the X direction side), and the movable air duct 78 on the opposite X direction side moves to the first standby position. It moves to the standby position 2 (position opposite to the X direction). As a result, the branch passage R3 communicates with the merge passage R9, and the branch passage R4 communicates with the merge passage R10.

On the other hand, in the accumulation table 10, one air cylinder of the pneumatic cylinder 24 is driven, and the movable frame 19 is moved from the A set position to the B set position.
As a result, the storage sections B2, B5, B8, B11, B14,
B17 is a position corresponding to the extruded portion traveling groove CL of the mounting plate 16 (see FIG. 20B).

Thereafter, each air cylinder 27 is controlled again to contract its piston rod 28, and the gate 26
Is released. As a result, each of the storage sections B2, B5, B8,
The ends in the Y direction of B11, B14, and B17 are opened. It should be noted that the gate 26 is operated by the air cylinder 2 after the push rod 37 that operates after the gate 26 is opened returns to the position α1.
Driven at 7 returns to the closed position.

Thereafter, the drive motor 48 of the delivery device 30
Is driven in the forward direction, the push rod 37 is moved in the Y direction from the position of α1 over the entire length of the storage section, and the plastic bottle in the storage sections B2, B5, B8, B11, B14, and B17 is pushed by the push section 37a. P group is pushed out at once. The control device 30 controls the forward rotation of the drive motor 48 of the delivery device 30 until the push rod 37 is returned to the position of α1 again.

At the same time when the pushing rod 37 of the delivery device 30 is pushed out, the feed assist device 65 of the branch passages R3, R4 is driven. As a result, the stopped plastic bottle group P (indicated by A7 and A10 in FIG. 20B) is driven downstream by the pushing piece 70 of the feed assist device 65.

Therefore, the plastic bottles P (A7, B8) of A7, B8 are in series, and the paths R3, R
9, the air ducts 56, 76c, 96a, 7
Driven by the air flow ejected from 8, 97 and the feed assist device 65, the air is transferred downstream of the air duct 97. That is, in this transfer, a group of plastic bottles P having one row as one unit is transferred in series over two units. At this time, the plastic bottles P are guided by the guide members 61, 73, 100.

A10, B11 plastic bottle P
The groups (A10, B11) are in series, and the tributary passage R
4. In R10, each air duct 56, 76c, 96
b, 78, 98 and driven by the air flow assist device 65 and transported downstream of the air duct 98. That is, in this transfer, a group of plastic bottles P having one row as one unit is transferred in series over two units. At this time, the plastic bottles P are guided by the guide members 61, 73, 100.

On the other hand, a group of plastic bottles P (indicated by B2, B5, B14 and B17 in FIG. 20) sent out to the branch passages R1, R2, R5 and R6 are connected to the respective feed assist devices of the branch passage device 51. 65 is stopped at the stopper stop position, and the pushing piece 70 is moved to the respective branch passages R2, R2.
Stop the plastic bottle group P of R3, R4 and R6.
FIG. 21A shows the above state.

Next, the movable air duct 78 on the X direction side of the second branch passage device 52 moves to the second standby position (the position opposite to the X direction), and the movable air duct 78 on the X direction side of the junction passage device 53 is moved. The movable air duct 78 moves to a second standby position (a position on the side opposite to the X direction).

The movable air duct 7 of the merging passage device 53
8, the movable air duct 78 on the X direction side moves to the second standby position (anti-X direction side position), and the movable air duct 78 on the opposite X direction moves to the first standby position (X direction side position). I do.

As a result, the branch passage R1 is connected to the junction passage R
7 and R9, and the branch passage R5 is joined to the merge passages R8 and R1.
Communicates with 0. Then, the control device controls the branch passages R1, R5.
The group of plastic bottles P that has started and stopped driving the feeding auxiliary device 65 (in FIG. 21B, B
2, indicated by B14) by an extruding piece 70. The group of plastic bottles P driven by extrusion is hereinafter referred to as passages R1, R7, R9 and R5, R8, R1.
It moves downstream with the airflow blown at zero. As a result, the plastic bottles P indicated by B2 and B14 in FIG. 21B are transferred downstream of the air ducts 97 and 98.

Thereafter, both movable air ducts 78 of the second branch passage device 52 are moved to the first standby position (X-direction side position). As a result, the branch passage R2 communicates with the merge passage R7 and the merge passage R9, and the branch passage R6 communicates with the merge passage 8 and the merge passage R10.

On the other hand, in the accumulation table 10, the other air cylinder of the pneumatic cylinder 24 is driven, and the movable frame 19 is moved from the B set position to the C set position.
As a result, the storage sections C3, C6, C9, C12, C15,
C18 is a position corresponding to each of the extruded portion running grooves CL of the mounting plate 16 (see FIG. 21B).

Thereafter, each air cylinder 27 is controlled again to contract its piston rod 28, and the gate 26
Is released. As a result, each of the storage sections C3, C6, C9,
The ends in the Y direction of C12, C15, and C18 are open. It should be noted that the gate 26 is operated by the air cylinder 2 after the push rod 37 that operates after the gate 26 is opened returns to the position α1.
Driven at 7 returns to the closed position.

After that, the drive motor 48 of the delivery device 30
Is driven forward, the push rod 37 is moved in the Y direction from the position of α1 over the entire length of the storage section, and the plastic bottle in the storage sections C3, C6, C9, C12, C15, and C18 is pushed by the push section 37a. P group is pushed out at once. The control device 30 controls the forward rotation of the drive motor 48 of the delivery device 30 until the push rod 37 is returned to the position of α1 again. Thereafter, in the accumulation table 10, both air cylinders of the pneumatic cylinder 24 are contracted and driven, and the movable frame 19 is returned from the C-set position to the A-set position.

At the same time when the pushing rod 37 of the delivery device 30 is pushed out, the feed assist device 65 of the branch passages R2 and R6 is driven. As a result, the stopped plastic bottle group P (indicated by B5 and B17 in FIG. 21B) is driven downstream by the pushing piece 70 of the feed assist device 65.

Therefore, the plastic bottle group P (B5, C6) of B5, C6 is in series, and the passages R2, R6
7, R9, each air duct 56, 76a, 78,
It is driven by the air flow ejected from 96a, 78, 97 and the feed assist device 65, and is transferred downstream of the air duct 97. That is, in this transfer, a group of plastic bottles P having one row as one unit is transferred in series over two units. At this time, the plastic bottles P are guided by the guide members 61, 73, 100.

The group of plastic bottles P (B17, C18) of B17, C18 are in series, and
6, R8, R10, each air duct 56, 76
b, 78, 96b, driven by the air flow ejected from the b, 78, 98 and the feed assist device 65, are transferred downstream of the air duct 97. That is, in this transfer, a group of plastic bottles P having one row as one unit is transferred in series over two units. At this time, the plastic bottles P are guided by the guide members 61, 73, 100.

On the other hand, a group of plastic bottles P sent to the branch passages R1, R3, R4, R5 (in FIG. 22 (a), indicated by C3, C9, C12, C15)
In other words, each feed auxiliary device 65 of the branch passage device 51 is controlled to stop at the stopper stop position, and the pushing piece 70 is moved to the respective branch passage R
1. Stop the plastic bottle P group of R3, R4 and R5. FIG. 22A shows the above state.

Next, the two movable air ducts 78 of the second branch passage device 52 move to the second standby position (the position opposite to the X direction). As a result, the branch passage R1 becomes the junction passage R7,
The branch passage R5 communicates with the junction passages R8 and R10.

Then, the control device starts to drive the feed auxiliary device 65 of the branch passages R1 and R5, and stops the group of plastic bottles P that have been stopped (in FIG. 22 (b), C3 and C3).
(Indicated by C15) is extruded and driven by the extruded piece 70. The group of plastic bottles P driven to be pushed thereafter moves downstream by the airflow blown through the passages R1, R7, R9 and R5, R8, R10. As a result, the plastic bottles P indicated by C3 and C15 in FIG. 22B are transferred downstream of the air ducts 97 and 98.

Next, of the movable air ducts 78 of the merging passage device 53, the movable air duct 78 on the X direction side moves to the first standby position (X direction side position), and the movable air duct 78 on the opposite X direction side moves to the first standby position. It moves to the standby position 2 (position opposite to the X direction). As a result, the branch passage R3 communicates with the merge passage R9, and the branch passage R4 communicates with the merge passage R10.

Thereafter, the feed assist device 65 of the branch passages R3, R4 is driven. As a result, the stopped plastic bottle group P (indicated by C9 in FIG. 22 (b)) is driven downstream by the pushing piece 70 of the feeding auxiliary device 65, and the air ducts 56 and 76c , 9
6a, 78, and 97, driven by the air flow ejected from the air duct, and transferred to the downstream of the air duct 97. At this time, the plastic bottles P are grouped by the guide members 61, 73,
Guided at 100.

The stopped plastic bottle group P (shown by C12 in FIG. 22B)
While being driven downstream by the pushing piece 70 of the feed auxiliary device 65, each of the air ducts 56, 76c, 96b, 78,
The air is ejected from the air flow 98 and is transported downstream of the air duct 98. At this time, the plastic bottles P are guided by the guide members 61, 73, 100.

As described above, the transfer of the plastic bottle P group for one stage of the bulk put into the accumulation table 10 from the accumulation table 10 is completed. In the above description, the charging of the plastic bottles P into the storage units A to C for the next accumulation table 10 has not been described. This is performed after the inside of C becomes empty and the movable frame 19 returns from the C set position to the A set position. Therefore, FIGS.
May be performed at any time as long as

Next, the effects of the aligning and conveying device configured as described above will be described below. (1) In the present embodiment, the plastic bottles P are divided into a plurality of rows in the storage sections A to C of the accumulation table 10, and each path and each path are transferred while maintaining the row state. I did it. For this reason, since it is not necessary to re-form the row, a row re-forming step is not required, and the plastic bottle group can be transferred at a high speed. In particular, in this embodiment, since a plurality of merging passages are provided, high-speed transfer can be performed efficiently.

(2) Since the plastic bottle P is lightweight, a moving plastic bottle is
The air can be sufficiently moved by the air flow ejected from the air duct. However, when the movement of the plastic bottle P in a stopped state is started, there may be a case where the initial velocity cannot be satisfactorily obtained with the air jetted from the air duct. However, in the present embodiment,
When the group of plastic bottles P was extruded from the accumulation table 10 and stopped on the passage, and then transferred again, the feed assist device 65 started up the initial speed to assist the movement. Therefore, the movement of the stopped plastic bottle P can be reliably started.

(3) In the present embodiment, when the group of plastic bottles P is pushed out from the accumulation table 10 and stopped on the passage, the feeding assist device 65 is used to stop. Therefore, the plastic bottle P on the passage
There is no need to separately provide a stopping device for stopping the group, and cost can be reduced.

(4) In the present embodiment, the movable frame 19 of the accumulation table 10 can be moved to three positions, ie, the A set position, the B set position, and the C set position. Was set to six. For this reason, it is not necessary to provide the push rod 37 in all the storage sections A to C.

The embodiment of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, but can be modified and embodied as follows. (1) In the above embodiment, the accumulation table 10
Has 18 rows of storage sections, but the number of rows is not limited to this and may be embodied in other rows.

(2) The pneumatic cylinder 24, which is the driving source of each mechanism, is driven by pneumatic pressure, but may be changed to another driving source such as a hydraulic cylinder. (3) In the above embodiment, the plastic bottle is used. However, the present invention may be embodied in other containers, for example, containers such as cans and bottles.

(4) The sending device 30 of the above embodiment
Is composed of the drive motor 48, the chains 33a and 33b, and the like. Alternatively, the container in the storage section may be pushed out by an air cylinder, a hydraulic cylinder, or the like.

(5) The structure of the container feeding means may be embodied by another means such as a conveyor belt. (6) In the above embodiment, two branch passages (for example, branch passages R1 and R2) are combined into one merged passage (for example,
Although the merging passage R7) is merged with the merging passage R3), the three branch passages may merge with one merging passage. In this case, the movable air duct is connected to the two-position switching type of the embodiment. Instead, each of the branch passages and the junction passage are arranged so as to be switched to a position (3 position) where they are communicated with each other, so that the container transferred from each branch passage can be transferred to the junction passage via the movable air duct. I do.

Next, technical ideas other than the inventions described in the claims, which can be understood from the above embodiment, will be described together with their effects. (B) The container aligning / conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the feeding means transfers the container downstream of the passage by blowing air into the container.
By doing so, a lightweight container can be transferred.

(B) The container conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the passage device is provided with a guide member for guiding the container along the passage. In this way, the containers moving through the passage device are not guided and the rows are not disturbed. In the above embodiment, the guide members 61, 7
3,100 corresponds to the guide member referred to here.

[0127]

According to the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, it is possible to carry out a container at a high speed with the containers arranged.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the container is sent out from the accumulation table and stopped on the passage, and then transported again, the initial speed is raised by the feed auxiliary device, Since the movement is assisted, the movement of the stopped container can be reliably started.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the containers in the passage are set to the standby state by the common device, or the containers on the passage are stopped in order to assist the traveling of the containers in the standby state. It is not necessary to separately provide a stopping device for performing the operation, and the cost can be reduced.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to provide a delivery member in all of the storage sections, and the number of parts can be reduced and cost can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall schematic plan view of an alignment and transfer device embodying the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the aligning and transporting device.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of a passage device.

FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view in which a part of an accumulation table is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the accumulation table.

FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of a delivery device in the accumulation table.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the gripping mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a schematic front sectional view of a delivery device in the accumulation table.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a first branch passage device.

FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a main part of a second branch passage.

FIG. 11 is an essential part cross-sectional view of a second branch passage.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a main part near a movable air duct.

FIG. 13 is a side view of a drive mechanism of the movable air duct.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a tributary passage of the first tributary passage device.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram of a branch passage and a merging passage of the second branch passage device.

FIG. 16 is a plan view near a gate.

FIG. 17 is a sectional view of a passage.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are explanatory diagrams showing the movement of a movable air duct.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing an arrangement state of a plastic bottle group.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement state of a plastic bottle group.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory view showing a moving state of a plastic bottle group.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a movement state of a plastic bottle group.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory view showing a moving state of a plastic bottle group.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Alignment conveyance apparatus, 10 ... Accumulation table, 19 ...
Movable frame, 24: pneumatic cylinder (constituting storage section moving mechanism together with movable frame 19), 30: delivery device (delivery mechanism), 37: push rod as push member, 50:
Passage device, 51: first branch passage device, 52: second branch passage device, 53: merge passage device, 56: air duct,
65: feeding auxiliary device, 78: movable air duct, 76a,
76b, 76c, 96a, 96b, 97, 98: air duct, storage section: A to C, P: plastic bottle.

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. An accumulator table having a plurality of rows of storage sections capable of storing a predetermined number of containers, storing the containers in the plurality of rows of storage sections, and containers in the predetermined plurality of rows of storage sections on the accumulation table. A delivery mechanism for delivering the group, a plurality of branch passages through which the container group delivered from the accumulation table travels by the delivery mechanism, a merging passage where the branch passages merge with each other, and a container group including the branch passage and the merging passage. A feeding device for feeding a group of containers downstream of the passage in order to travel; and a case in which, when the group of containers in one branching passage runs along the merging passage, the other in the other branching passage merging with the same merging passage. The traveling of the container group is stopped and put into a standby state, and after the container group in the one branch passage has finished traveling in the merging passage, the traveling of the other container group in the other branch passage is allowed. Container conveying device provided with a stopper mechanism. 2. A group of containers arranged in a row in one of the branch passages to travel from a standby state to another container group in another branch passage merging with the merge passage after the traveling of the group of containers in the merge passage ends. 2. The container conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a feed assist device for assisting the traveling of the container. 3. The container aligning and conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the stopper mechanism and the feeding auxiliary device are configured by a common device. 4. The delivery mechanism is provided with a plurality of delivery members for delivering containers in the storage section at predetermined positions of the accumulation table, and each storage section of the accumulation table traverses the branch passage. After the container group of the predetermined storage unit is sent out by the delivery member of the delivery mechanism, the container group of the other storage unit corresponds to the delivery member of the delivery mechanism. The container transport mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a storage unit moving mechanism that moves the storage unit.