JPS59182124A - Equipment for confluence of articles - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent a trouble such as the jamming of articles in a confluence section, by alternately and smoothly carrying the articles discharged from the outlet ends of two conveyance means, into the inlet end of a confluence conveyance means being jointly used. CONSTITUTION:In an inlet zone 132, articles 16 are introduced from the outlet end of a conveyance means 10 into the notches 96 of a rotary plate 80. In an inlet zone 146, other articles 16 are introduced from the outlet end of a conveyance means 12 into the operating notches 98a of a rotary plate 84 which have non-operating notches 98b as well. In a transfer zone 110, the articles 16 are moved from the notches 96 of the rotary plate 80 into the first group of notches 94a of a rotary plate 58. In a transfer zone 120, the articles 16 are moved from the operating notches 98a of the rotary plate 84 into the second group of notches 94b of the rotary plate 58. In an outlet zone 112, the articles 16 are carried from the notches of the rotary plate 58 into the inlet end 112 of a confluence conveyance means 14.

Description

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

For example, as a container lid for containers such as food and drink bottles,
A container lid having a circular top wall, a cylindrical skirt wall depending from the periphery of the top wall, and a protruding piece extending axially from a part of the free edge of the skirt wall and then radially outward is widely used. It is served to. When fitting such a container lid to the mouth of a filled container as required to seal the mouth of the container, as is well known to those skilled in the art,
Bringing the container into an appropriate position 14 (upright or inverted position) and orienting it in an appropriate direction with reference to the protruding piece,
It is necessary to supply a capping machine of an appropriate form to attach the container lid to the mouth of the container with the required force. As a supply device for satisfying such a need, for example, Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-6425, Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-9
A feeding device of the form disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 377, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 51-135059, or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-180521 is used. Such a feeding device positions the container lid in the proper position and orients it in the proper direction and feeds it through a conveying means, such as a conveying chute, to the capping machine.

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

The present invention has been devised in view of the above-mentioned facts, and its main purpose is to transfer articles, such as the above-mentioned container lids, which are discharged from the discharge ends of two conveying means into a common combined conveyance. It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved article merging device which allows for sufficiently smooth loading of articles alternately into the introduction end of the means, thus solving the problems existing in conventional merging systems as described above.

According to the present invention, articles discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means and articles discharged from the discharge end of the second conveyance means are brought into the introduction end of the combined conveyance means alternately. The device is a merging rotating turret mechanism having a merging rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed at a pitch P on the periphery, and each of the notches is formed by rotation of the merging rotating turret plate. , a merging rotating turret mechanism that is rotatably moved sequentially through a first transfer area, a second transfer area, and a discharge area communicating with the introduction end of the merging conveyance means; Double pitch P2
A first rotating turret mechanism having a first rotating turret plate in which a plurality of notches are formed, and each of the notches is caused by rotation of the first rotating turret plate.
The merging rotary turret plate is rotatably moved through a first introduction zone communicating with the discharge end of the first conveying means and the first transfer zone, and the merging rotating turret plate is rotated in the first transfer zone. a first rotating turret mechanism aligned with each of the first set of notches located every other notch of the notches, and a plurality of notches formed at the pitch P on the periphery; a second rotating turret mechanism having a second rotating turret plate, wherein rotation of the second rotating turret plate causes each of the notches to communicate with the discharge end of the second conveying means; rotated sequentially through a second introduction zone and the second transfer zone to register with each of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate in the second transfer zone; Of the notches of the rotating turret plate, the second
the second introduction in relation to each of the inactive notches located at every other position aligned with the first set of notches of the confluence rotary plate in the transfer zone of the merging rotary plate; in the discharge end of the second conveying means into an operative position to prevent articles from being introduced into the notch; a second rotary turret mechanism provided with an introduction blocking member that is retracted to a non-operative position where it does not interfere with articles present in the first set of notches; In the first introduction zone, the article is introduced from the discharge end of the fourth conveying means into each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate, and in the second introduction zone, the article is introduced into each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate. An article is introduced from the discharge end of the conveying means into each of the working notches of the second rotary turret plate other than the inactive notch, and in the first transfer zone, the article is introduced into each of the working notches of the second rotary turret plate, an article is transferred from each of the notches of the rotating turret plates to the first set of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate; Articles are transferred from each of the working notches of the notches of the rotating turret plate to a second set of notches other than the first set of notches of the merging rotating turret plate. is,
In the discharge area, there is provided an article merging device characterized in that articles are carried into the introduction end of the merging conveyance means from each of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate.

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

Referring to FIG. 1, in the illustrated example, the article merging device, generally designated by the number 2, includes a merging rotating turret mechanism 4 located in the center and first turrets located on both sides thereof.
and second rotating turret mechanisms 6 and 8. Such an article merging device 2 combines articles discharged from the discharge end of the first conveying means 10 and the second conveying means 12.
The conveying means 1 alternately merges the articles discharged from the discharge end of the
Carry it into the introduction end of step 4.

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

Referring again to FIG. 1, the first conveying means 10. The second conveying means 12 and the combined conveying means 14 each consist of a conveying chute, which is known per se. The conveyance chute itself/body is the third
As shown in the figure, it is composed of a base plate 26 and a pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 disposed on the base plate 26 at a predetermined interval in the width direction. Members 28 and 3
Grooves 32 and 34 having a rectangular cross section are formed on the inner surface of the groove. The height hl of these grooves 32 and 34 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the height (height and axial length) h2 of the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16, and the width t1 between the bottom surface of s32 and the bottom surface of the groove 34 is , is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter d□ of the container lid 16.

On the other hand, the width W between the upper ends of the members 28 and 30 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the width W2 of the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16. The first conveyance means 10, the second conveyance means 12, and the combined conveyance means 1 are composed of such conveyance chutes.
4, the container lid 16 is transported in an inverted position, ie with the free edge of the skirt wall 20 facing upward.

More specifically, as shown in FIG.
2 and 34, and the protruding piece 22 is housed between members 28 and 34.
0 and is transported in a state between the upper ends of the paper.

A first conveying means 1, only the downstream end of which is shown in FIG.
The introduction ends of each of the zero and second conveying means 12 are as described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Publication No. 53-6425, Japanese Patent Publication No. 55-9377, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 51-135059, or Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 1983-1989.
It is connected to the discharge end of a container lid supply device (not shown), which may be of the form disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 180521. Each of the feeding devices is connected to the first conveying means 10 with the container lid 16 in an inverted state and with the protruding piece 22 facing upstream or rearward as seen in the direction of movement thereof.
and introduced into the introduction end of the second conveyance means 12. Therefore,
The container lid 16 is placed with its protruding piece 22 facing upstream,
It is conveyed through the first conveying means 10 and the second conveying means 12, and is discharged from the respective discharge ends. The container lid 16 introduced into the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14 from the article merging device 2, which will be described in detail later, also has its protruding piece 22 facing upstream, so that the merging conveyance means 14 is completely passed through. The container lid 16 being transported is also in a state with its protruding piece 22 facing upstream. The merging conveyance means 14, only the introduction end of which is shown in FIG. (not shown) and the container lid 16 introduced into the merging conveyance means 14 is fed to a mold clamping machine.

Next, the article merging device 2 including the merging rotating turret mechanism 4, the first rotating turret mechanism 6, and the second rotating turret mechanism 8 will be described in detail. Referring to FIG. 4 together with FIG. 1, the article merging device 2 includes a support base 38 supported substantially horizontally by four columns 36 disposed at four corners. Mainly referring to FIG. 4, the support base 38 is formed with an opening 40 located at its center and openings 42 and 44 located at a predetermined distance on both sides thereof.

A cylindrical member 46 is disposed in the opening 40 .

A seven-ring flange 48 is formed approximately in the middle of this cylindrical member 46.
annular flange 48 by tightening bolts 50 at a plurality of circumferentially spaced positions.
By fixing the cylindrical member 4 to the support base 38,
6 is fixed to a support base 38. A substantially vertically extending shaft 56 is rotatably mounted on the cylindrical member 46 via bearings 52 and 54 . And this axis 56
A merging rotation turret plate 58 of the merging rotation turret mechanism 4 is fixed to the upper end of the merging rotation turret mechanism 4 . Further, a gear 60 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 56.

The lower end of the shaft 56 that protrudes downward beyond the gear 60 is
It is connected via a coupler 62 to an electric motor (not shown).

Each of the openings 42 and 44 also includes the cylindrical member 46.
Cylindrical members 64 and 66, which are substantially identical to the
A shaft 72 is rotatably mounted through the cylindrical member 66.
A shaft 78 is rotatably mounted on the shaft 78 via bearings 74 and 76. A first rotating turret plate 80 of the first rotating turret mechanism 6 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 72.
A gear 82 is fixed to the lower end of 2. A second rotating turret plate 84 of the second rotating turret mechanism 8 is fixed to the upper end of the shaft 78, and a gear 86 is fixed to the lower end of the shaft 78.
is fixed. Gear 82 fixed to shaft 72 and shaft 7
A gear 86 fixed to the shaft 56 is engaged with a gear 60 fixed to the shaft 56. In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch diameters of the gears 60, 82 and 86 are substantially the same, and also the merging rotating turret plate 58, the first rotating turret plate 80 and the second rotating turret plate 84.
The outer diameters of the two are also substantially the same. Therefore, when an electric motor (not shown) is energized to rotate the merging rotary turret plate 58 at a predetermined speed V in the direction shown by the arrow 88 (FIG. 1), the first rotary turret plate 80 and the The second rotating turret plate 84 is rotated at substantially the same speed V in the opposite direction to the merging rotating turret plate 58, that is, in the direction indicated by arrows 90 and 92 (FIG. 1), so that the merging rotating turret plate 58, the first rotating turret plate The circumferential speeds of the rotating turret plate 80 and the second rotating turret plate 84 become substantially the same.

As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of notches 94, 18 in the illustrated case, are formed on the periphery of the merging rotary turret plate 58 at a pitch P1. A plurality of notches 96, nine in the illustrated case, are formed on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 at a pitch P2 that is twice the pitch P1. A plurality of notches 98, 18 in the illustrated case, are formed on the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84 at the pitch P0. Each of the cutouts 94, 96 and 98 in the illustrated embodiment is generally semicircular in shape with an outer diameter substantially greater than or slightly greater than the outer diameter of the container lid 16.

To explain with reference to FIG. 5 together with FIGS. 1 and 4,
In association with the rotating turret plate 58 in the merging rotating turret mechanism 4, an arc-shaped stationary support plate 100 and arc-shaped stationary upper guide plates 102 and 104 are provided. As shown in FIG. 5, on the support base 38,
A plurality of cylindrical spacers 106 are arranged at appropriate intervals along the outer circumference of the merging rotating turret plate 58, and the support plate 100 is arranged on the spacers 106. A fastening bolt 108 passes through the support plate 100 and the spacer 106 and is screwed onto the support base 38.
It is fixed in place by. A support plate 100, which is located below the merging rotary turret plate 58 when viewed in the vertical direction, extends in an arc from a first transfer area indicated by numeral 110 to a discharge area indicated by numeral 112 in the direction indicated by arrow 88. ing. As clearly shown in FIG. 5, the inner peripheral part 1 of the support plate 100 is located directly below the peripheral edge of the combined rotating turret plate 58, and the outer peripheral part of the supporting plate 100 extends beyond the peripheral edge of the combined rotating turret plate 58. and is located radially outward from that point. Support brackets 116 are fixed to the outer circumferential surface of the support plate 100 by fastening bolts 114 at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Each such support bracket 116 extends vertically upwardly and then radially inwardly toward the central axis of rotation of the merge rotating turret plate 58, as clearly shown in FIG. The upper guide plate 10 is attached to the lower surface of the radially inner end of the support bracket 116 by a fastening bolt 118.
2 and 104 are fixed. The upper guide plate 102 is
It extends above the merging rotating turret plate 58 in an arc shape from the first transfer area 110 to a position somewhat upstream of the second transfer area indicated by numeral 120. The upper guide plate 104 extends above the merging rotating turret plate 58 from the second transfer area 120 to a position slightly upstream of the discharge area 112. The inner circumferential surfaces of the upper guide plates 102 and 104 are substantially aligned with or slightly radially outward from the deepest portion of the notch 94 formed on the peripheral edge of the merging rotating turret plate 58 . The distance t between the upper surface of the support plate 100 and the lower surface of the upper guide plates 102 and 104 is equal to the distance t between the skirt wall 2 of the container lid 16.
The height h2 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the height h2 of 0.

To explain with reference to FIG. 6 together with FIGS. 1 and 4,
In relation to the first rotating turret plate 80 in the first rotating turret mechanism 6, an arc-shaped stationary support plate 122
, an arc-shaped stationary outer guide plate 124 , and an arc-shaped stationary upper guide plate 126 . As shown in FIG. 6, a plurality of cylindrical spacers 128 are arranged on the support base 38 at appropriate intervals along the outer periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80. Spacer 1
The support plate 122 and the outer guide plate 124 are disposed on the support plate 28 . The spacer 128, the support plate 122, and the outer guide plate 124 are fixed in place by fastening bolts 130 that pass through them and are screwed onto the support base 38. The support plate 122 located below the first rotating turret plate 80 when viewed in the vertical direction is numbered 132.
from the first introduction area shown by arrow 90 in the direction shown by arrow 90.
The transfer area 110 extends in an arc shape. And the sixth
As clearly shown in the figure, the inner circumference of the support plate 122 is @1
The outer periphery of the support plate 122 is located directly below the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 and beyond the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 in the radial direction. Also,
The outer guide plate 124 is arranged radially outwardly at a predetermined interval with respect to the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 and extends in the direction indicated by an arrow 90 from a position somewhat downstream of the first introduction region 132. The first transfer zone 1101 extends in an arc shape. The deepest part of the nine notches 96 formed on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 and the outer guide plate 124
The distance s from the inner circumferential surface of the container lid 16 is substantially the same as or slightly larger than the outer diameter d1 of the container lid 16. Support brackets 136 are fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer guide plate 124 at a plurality of positions spaced apart in the circumferential direction by fastening bolts 134. Such support bracket 136
each extends vertically upwardly and then radially inwardly toward the central axis of rotation of the first rotating turret plate 80, as clearly shown in FIG. The upper guide plate 126 is fixed to the lower surface of the radially inner end of the support bracket 136 by a fastening bolt 138. The upper guide plate 126 is connected to the first rotating turret f80.
It extends in an arc shape from the first inlet 132 along the periphery thereof to the first transfer zone 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 90 . The inner circumferential surface of the upper guide plate 126 is substantially aligned with the deepest part of the notch 96 formed in the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80, or is located slightly radially outward therefrom. The distance t between the above-mentioned upper surface of the support plate 122 and the lower surface of the upward extension guide plate 126 is made to be substantially the same as or slightly larger than the height h2 of the skirt wall 20 of the container lid 16.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 4, in connection with the second rotating turret plate 84 in the second rotating turret mechanism 8, the plow includes an arc-shaped stationary support plate 140 and an arc-shaped stationary support plate 140. The outer guide plate 142 and the arc-shaped stationary upper guide plate 1
44 are provided. The support plate 140 is numbered 146
From the second introduction area shown by arrow 92 in the direction shown by arrow 92,
It extends in an arc shape with a transfer area of 120 degrees. Outside guide plate 1
42 extends from a position somewhat downstream of the second introduction zone 146 to a position slightly upstream of the second transfer zone 120 in the direction indicated by arrow 92 . The upper guide plate 144 extends from the second introduction zone 146 in the direction indicated by arrow 92 to the second transfer zone 120 . The manner in which the outer guide plate 142 and the upper guide plate 144 are fixed to the support plate 14 with respect to the support base 38, and the relative positions of the support plate 140, the outer guide plate 142, and the upper guide plate 144 with respect to the second rotating turret plate 84 are as follows: The method of fixing the support plate 122, the outer guide plate 124 and the upward extension guide plate 126 to the support base 38, as already mentioned in connection with the first rotating turret mechanism 6, and the first rotating turret plate 80.
Since the relative positions of the support plate 122, the outer guide plate 124, and the upper guide plate 126 are substantially the same, the explanation will be omitted.

As described above, 18 notches 98 are formed at the pitch P1 on the peripheral edge of the rotating turret plate 84 in the second rotating turret mechanism 8. Only the working notches 198a located at 198a are used for moving the article, ie, the container lid 16, and the non-working notches 98b located at every other position are not used for moving the container lid 16.

To explain with reference to FIG. 7 together with FIGS. 1 and 4,
The second rotating turret plate 84 has the above-mentioned non-working notch 9.
A guide groove 148 extending in the radial direction is formed corresponding to each of the guide grooves 8b, and an introduction prevention member 150 is slidably attached to each of the guide grooves 148. As clearly shown in FIG. 7, each of the guide grooves 148 extending radially inwardly from the non-working notch 98b to a predetermined location approximately corresponds to the maximum circumferential width of the non-working notch 98b (therefore, an upper part 152 having a width approximately corresponding to the outer diameter of the container lid 16; and a lower part 15 having a width smaller than the width of the upper part 152.
Contains 4. On the other hand, the introduction prevention member 150 includes a plate-shaped main part 156 which has substantially the same width as the width of the upper part 152 of the guide groove 148 and is slidably accommodated in the upper part 152 of the guide groove 148; A substantially cylindrical hanging portion 158 protrudes downward from the lower surface of the portion 156. The hanging portion 15B of the introduction blocking member 150 passes through the lower portion 154 of the guide groove 148 and projects downward beyond the lower surface of the second rotating turret plate 84. On the upper surface of the second rotating turret plate 84,
A cover plate 160 located between the guide grooves 148 is fixed by tightening bolts 162. Both sides in the circumferential direction of each of the cover plates 160 overhang the main portion 156 of the introduction prevention member 150 housed in the upper part of the guide groove 14B, so that the introduction prevention member 150 leaves the guide groove 148 upwardly. to prevent Each of the introduction blocking members 150 is formed with a through hole 164 that extends vertically through the main portion 156 and the hanging portion 158. A shaft 166 is attached to this through hole 164. A tightening nut 1 is attached to the upper end of the shaft 166 that protrudes upward beyond the main portion 156.
A roller 170 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of a shaft 166 which is screwed onto the shaft 166 and projects downward beyond the hanging portion 158. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 4, an annular stationary cam plate 172 located below the second rotating turret plate 84 is fixed on the support base 38. An endless cam groove 174 in which the roller 170 is accommodated is formed on the upper surface of the cam plate 172. As shown in FIG.
It has an annular shape centered on a point 176 that is eccentric by a predetermined distance toward 46. The cam follower or roller 170 accommodated in the cam plate 172 and its cam groove 174 causes the introduction prevention member 150 to be radially moved along the guide groove 148 when the second rotating turret plate 84 is rotated in the direction of arrow 92. A moving means is configured to move the object in a desired direction. 1st
As can be easily understood by referring to the figure, the moving means moves the introduction blocking member 150 away from the second introduction area 146 in response to the rotation of the second rotating turret plate 84 in the direction indicated by the arrow 92. When the introduction blocking member 150 is rotationally moved to the second transfer area 120, the introduction blocking member 150 is gradually retreated inward in the radial direction from the working position to the non-working position, and the introduction blocking member 150 is moved to the second transferring area 120. When the introduction preventing member 150 is rotated from the non-operating position to the second introducing area 146, the introduction preventing member 150 is gradually projected radially outward from the non-operating position to the operating position. When placed in the most protruding working position in the second introduction region 146, the tip of the introduction blocking member 150 overlaps the non-working notch 98b,
The article or container lid 16 is discharged from the discharge end of the second conveying means 12 in the second introduction zone 146 as will be mentioned later.
is prevented from being introduced into the inactive notch 98b. On the other hand, when the introduction prevention member 150 is brought to the most retracted non-working position in the second transfer zone 120, the tip end of the introduction blocking member 150 retreats radially inward from the deepest part of the non-working notch 98b,
Interference with the articles or container lids 16 present in the cutouts 94 of the merging rotary turret plate 58 in the second transfer zone 120 is avoided, as will be mentioned later.゛In the illustrated example, a roller 170 is rotatably mounted on the lower end of a shaft 166 fixed to the introduction prevention member 156, and a cam plate 172 is provided which has a cam groove 174 on the upper surface in which the roller 170 is accommodated. Although it is disposed below the second rotating turret plate 84, if desired, a roller can be rotatably attached to the upper end of the shaft 166 fixed to the introduction blocking member 156, and such a roller can be accommodated. A cam plate having cam grooves on the lower surface may be disposed above the second rotating turret plate 84.

Referring to FIG. 1, in the article merging device 2 as described above, as already mentioned, the merging rotating turret plate 58 of the merging rotating turret mechanism 4, the first rotation of the first rotating turret mechanism 6, Turret plate 80. and a second rotating turret plate 8 of the second rotating turret mechanism 8
4 with arrows 88, 90 and 9, respectively, at substantially the same circumferential speed.
It is rotated in the direction shown by 2. By rotating the merging rotary turret plate 58 in the direction shown by the arrow 88, the 18 notches 94 formed at the pitch P on the periphery of the plate 58 are
transfer area 11o, second transfer area 120 and discharge area 112
As the first rotating turret plate 80 rotates in the direction shown by the arrow 90, nine notches @96 formed at a pitch P2 (P2=2P, 1 introduction zone 132 and first transfer zone 110
By rotation of the second rotary talent plate 84 in the direction shown by the arrow 92, the 18 notches 98 formed at the pitch P1 on the periphery of the second rotary talent plate 84 are rotated through the second introduction area 146 and Rotation is carried out sequentially through the second transfer zone 120.

In the first introduction zone 132 , each of the notches 96 formed in the first rotating turret plate 80 communicates with the discharge end of the first conveying means 10 . Then, as described above, the container lid 16 is discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means 10 in an inverted state with its protruding piece 22 facing upstream, and is introduced into each of the notches 96. In addition, the second introduction area 14
At 6, each of the notches 98 formed in the second rotating turret 84 communicates with the discharge end of the second conveying means 12. As described above, the container lids 16 that are discharged from the discharge end of the second conveying means 12 in an inverted state with the protruding pieces 22 facing upstream are located at every other notch 98. introduced into each of the working notches 98a (
The introduction of the container lid 16 into the inactive notch 98b is prevented by the introduction blocking member 150 located in the active position).

Referring to FIG. 8, which shows the second introduction zone 146 along with FIG. 1, at the discharge end of the second conveying means 12, a A nozzle 176 is disposed above the chute defining members 28 and 30 (see also FIG. 3), and the air flow injected from the nozzle 176 is directed toward the container lid between the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30. 16 toward the second rotating turret plate 80. Thus, when the working notch 98a formed in the peripheral edge of the second rotating turret plate 84 is aligned with and communicates with the discharge end of the second conveying means 12, the gap between the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 is Container lid 1
6, i.e. the container lid 16 attached to the second conveying means 12
The front half, viewed in the direction of movement, is introduced into the working recess 98a. Thus, one of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30, that is, the second rotating turret plate 84 indicated by arrow 92
Chute regulating member 2 located on the upstream side when viewed in the 0 rotation direction
8 extends to a position close to the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84, but the other of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30, that is, when viewed in the direction of rotation of the second rotating turret plate 84 indicated by the arrow 92. The chute regulating member 30 located on the downstream side extends only to a position at a predetermined distance from the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84 (a distance approximately half the outer diameter of the container lid 16). Therefore, the container lid 16 whose front half has been introduced into the working notch 98a is carried out from the second conveying means 12 and moves along the working notch 98a along with the arrow 9.
It will now be transported in the direction shown by 2.

The distal end of the chute defining member 30 is connected to the container as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8 in order to smoothly move the container lid 16 which is unloaded from the second transport means 12 and begins to be transported in the direction shown by the arrow 92. The lid 16 has a smooth curved shape in the moving direction.

Further, on the upper surface of the distal end of the chute regulating member 30, there is provided a protruding piece 2 of the container M16 when the above-mentioned passage of the container lid 16 is moved.
A smooth curved notch 180 is formed in the moving direction of the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16 so as not to interfere with the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, the stationary outer guide plate 142 disposed in conjunction with the second rotating turret plate 84 is connected to the second rotating turret plate 8 as indicated by arrow 92.
4 is disposed on the downstream side from a position slightly downstream of the second introduction region 146 when viewed in the rotational direction of the chute regulating member 30, and between the tip of the chute regulating member 30 and the upstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142. A separate member 182 is provided. As shown in FIG. 8, the lower half of the distal end of the chute regulating member 30 is cut out, and one end of the member 182 located in the notch is connected to the chute regulating member 30 by a connecting pin 184. It is rotatably connected to the tip. Bins 185 and 187 are installed in the member 182' and the chute regulating member 28, and a tension spring 186' is tensioned between these bottles 18 and 187. This tension spring 186'' resiliently biases member 182 clockwise, as viewed from above in FIG. Stay elastic.

In this position, the inner surface of member 182 extends in an arc along the outer periphery of second rotating turret 84 from the tip of chute defining member 30 to the upstream end of stationary outer guide member 142 . Such a member 182 is connected to the second rotating turret plate 84 before the front half of the container l116 discharged from the second conveying means 12 is fully introduced into the working notch 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84. When the container lid 16 begins to be rotated in the direction shown by the arrow 92 along with the rotation of the container lid 16
8 against the elastic biasing force of the tension spring 186, and when the container lid 16 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow 92, the container lid 16 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. The second rotary turret plate 84 is elastically forced into the notch 98a to fully introduce its front half into the working notch 98a and elastically returned to the position shown in the figure. Even if the second conveying means 12 is rotated by
The container lid 1 is inserted into the working notch 98a of the rotating turret plate 84.
6 is introduced.

The container lid 16 introduced into the working notch 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84 and conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow 92 as the second rotating turret plate 84 rotates is placed on the upper stopper support plate 140. The position prevents a downward fall, the stationary outer guide plate 142 prevents radial outward movement, and the stationary upper guide plate 144 prevents upward movement.Thus, the second rotation When viewed from the center of rotation of the turret plate 84, the projecting piece 22 is surely restrained by the working notch 98a with the projecting piece 22 facing outward in the radial direction, and is transported to the second transfer area 120 (see FIGS. 1 and 6). (See also figure).

The mutual relationship between the second conveyance means 12 and the second rotating turret mechanism 8 in the second introduction zone 14640- has been explained with reference to FIG. As can be easily understood, the first introduction area 1
The mutual relationship between the first conveying means 10 and the first rotating turret mechanism 6 at 32 is also substantially the same. In the first introduction zone 132, the container lid 16 with its protruding piece 22 facing upstream is connected to the notch formed in the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 from the discharge end of the first conveying means 10. 9
6, and the container lid 16 is inserted into each of the protruding pieces 2 of the first rotating turret plate 80 when viewed from the center of rotation of the first rotating turret plate 80.
2 facing outward in the radial direction, and is securely restrained by the notch 96, and is conveyed to the first transfer area 110 in the direction indicated by the arrow 90 as the first rotating turret plate 80 rotates. .

However, in the first introduction region 132, each of the nine notches 96 formed at the pitch P2 (P2-2P1) on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 in the first rotating turret mechanism 6 from the first conveying means 10 to the container lid 16.
is introduced, but in the second introduction zone 146, the second
It should be noted that the container lids 16 are introduced from the second conveying means 12 only into the working notches 98a located at every other one of the peripheral edges 98 of the second rotating turret plate 84 in the rotating turret mechanism 8. Must be. As understood by referring to FIG. 8, the cutouts 98 are located at every other one of the 18 notches 98 formed on the periphery of the second rotating turret plate 84 in the second rotating turret mechanism 8. When the non-working notch 98b is located in the second introduction region 146, as mentioned above, the introduction blocking member 150 is located at the most protruded working position, and the introduction blocking member 1
The tip of 50 overlaps and closes the non-working notch 98b. Therefore, the front end of the container lid 16 located at the discharge end of the second conveying means 12, more specifically, the upper front end comes into contact with the tip of the introduction blocking member 150, whereby the container lid 16 enters the non-operating notch 98b. This will be prevented.

In the first transfer zone 110, each of the nine notches 96 formed at the pitch P2CP2=2P1) on the periphery of the first rotating turret plate 80 has a
It is aligned one after another with each of the first set of notches 94a located at every other one of the eight notches 94. And the first
The container lid 16 is transferred from each of the notches 96 of the rotating turret plate 80 to each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotating turret plate 58. Referring to FIG. 9, which illustrates the first transfer zone 110, the first transfer zone 11
0, the notch 96 of the first rotating turret plate 80
are aligned with each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotating turret plate 58, and approximately half of the container lids 16 are received in each of the notches 96 of the first rotating turret plate 80.
Approximately half of each of the remaining portions are accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotating turret plate 58.

The stationary outer guide plate 124, which is arranged in conjunction with the first rotating turret plate 80,
10 and thus the first transfer zone 110
On the downstream side, the first rotating turret plate 80
The container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outwardly from the notch 96, and the container lid 16 can freely move outwardly from the notch 96. On the other hand, the stationary upper elongation guide plate 102 disposed in relation to the merging rotating turret plate 58 is connected to the first transfer area 11.
0, and in the first transfer zone 110, the protruding piece 22 of the container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotating turret plate 58, extends from the merging rotating turret plate 58. The guide plate 58 enters radially inward than the stationary upper guide plate 102 when viewed from the center of rotation of the guide plate 58 . Therefore, the first
downstream of the transfer area 110 (in this case, the protruding piece 22
is restrained by the inner peripheral surface of the stationary upper guide plate 102, thereby preventing the container lid 16 from moving outward from the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58.

Therefore, on the downstream side from the first transfer zone 110, the container lid 16 is removed from the cutout 96 of the first rotating turret plate 80, and the container lid 16 is removed from the cutout 96 of the first rotating turret plate 80, and It is accommodated in the notch 94a of n and is conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 88 as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates.

The first set of notches t! of the merging rotating turret plate 58! 94a
The container lid 16, which is accommodated in the merging rotating turret plate 58 and transported in the direction shown by the arrow 88, is prevented from falling downward by being positioned on the stationary support plate 100, and is prevented from falling downward. Outside stationary (llll guide board 10
2 (and 104) prevents upward and radially outward movement, and the first set is rotated with the protruding pieces 22 facing radially inward when viewed from the rotation center of the merging rotating turret plate 58. It is securely restrained by the notch 94a and transported to the discharge area 112 (see also FIGS. 1 and 5).

In the second transfer zone 120, each of the working notches 98a located at every other of the 18 notches 98 formed at a pitch P1 on the peripheral edge of the second rotating turret plate 84 merges. Of the 18 notches 94 formed at the pitch P on the peripheral edge of the rotating turret plate 58, the notches 94b of the second set are aligned one after another located at every other position. Then, in the second introduction area 146, the second rotating turret plate 84
The action notch 't! Container lid 16 introduced into each of 98a
is transferred from each of the working notches 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84 to each of the second set of notches 94b of the merging rotating turret plate 84. Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates the second transfer zone 120, in the second transfer zone 120, each of the working notches 98a of the second rotary turret plate 84 is connected to the merging rotary turret plate 58. The remaining approximately half of each of the container lids 16, which are aligned with each of the second set of notches 94b and approximately half of which are accommodated in each of the working notches 98a of the second rotating turret plate 84, merge into the rotating turret. are received in each of the second set of notches 94b of the plate 58. Thus, the second rotating turret plate 84
The stationary outer guide plate 142, which is arranged in connection with the second transfer zone 120, extends only to a position slightly upstream of the second transfer zone 120, so that downstream from the second transfer zone 120, Working cutout 198 in second rotating turret plate 84
Movement of the container lid 16 outward from the working notch 98a is not inhibited, and the container lid 16 can freely move outward from the working notch 98a.

On the other hand, the upper stationary upper elevation guide plate 104 disposed in relation to the merging rotating turret plate 58 extends from the second transfer area 120, and in the second transferring area 120, the merging rotating turret plate 58 The projecting piece 22 of the container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in the second set of notches 94b, is located on the stationary upper guide plate 1 when viewed from the rotation center of the merging rotating turret plate 58.
Enter radially inward from 04. Therefore, on the downstream side of the second transfer zone 120, the projecting piece 22 is restrained by the inner circumference of the stationary upper guide plate 104, so that the container lid 16 is connected to the first set of merging rotating turret plates 58. is prevented from moving outward from the notch e94b. Accordingly, on the downstream side from the second transfer zone 120, the container lid 16 is attached to the second rotating turret plate 840.
The working notch 98a is detached from the n1 and is housed in the second set of notches 94b of the merging rotary turret plate 58, so that it is conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 88 as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates. . The container lid 16, which is accommodated in the second set of notches 94b of the merging rotary turret plate 58 and is conveyed in the direction indicated by the arrow 88 as the merging rotary turret plate 58 rotates, is placed on the stationary support plate 100. This position prevents the projecting piece 22 from falling downward, and the stationary outer guide plate 104 prevents the projecting piece 22 from moving upward and radially outward. While facing inward, it is securely restrained by the second set of notches 94b and transported to the discharge area 112 (see also FIGS. 1 and 5).

Thus, the first set of notches 94a in the merging rotating turret plate 58 and the tenth set of notches 9 in the first transfer area 110.
4. The container lid 16 transferred to a is also transferred to the second transfer area 120.
However, at this time, the container lid 16 accommodated in the first set of notches 94a is not adversely affected by the second rotating turret mechanism 8. Referring to FIG. 10, the downstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142 disposed in conjunction with the second rotating turret plate 84 is located at a location somewhat upstream of the second transfer zone 120. A notch 190 is formed in the lower part of the downstream end of the stationary outer guide plate 142 , which is close to the periphery of the merging rotating turret plate 58 . Then, the first of the merging rotating turret plates 58
The container lid 16 accommodated in the set of notches 94a passes through the notch 190 and reaches the second transfer area 120.

Therefore, the conveyance of the container lid 16 accommodated in the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58 in the direction indicated by the arrow 88 is inhibited by the stationary outer guide plate 142.
It never happens. On the other hand, in the second transfer zone 120,
18 formed on the periphery of the confluence rotating turret plate 58
Each of the first set of notches 94a located at every other notch among the 18 notches 94 is one of the 18 notches 98 formed on the periphery of the second rotating turret @84. It is aligned with each of the non-working notches 98b located at every other position.

Thus, the non-working notch 9 of the second rotating turret plate 84
8b is not introduced with a container lid 16 in the second introduction zone 146, and is also arranged in association with each of the non-working notches 98b in the second transfer zone 120. The introduction blocking member 150 is retracted to the non-operating position, and its tip is retracted inward from the deepest part of the non-operating notch 98b. Therefore, in the second transfer zone 120, the non-working notch 98b is in an open state. Accordingly, the remaining approximately half of each container lid 16, approximately half of which is accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58, is When passing through the area 120, the second rotating turret plate 84
into the inactive notches 98b and then withdrawn therefrom, thus being accommodated in each of the first set of notches 94a of the merging rotary turret plate 58 by the peripheral edge of the second rotary turret plate 84, etc. The conveyance of the container lid 16 through the second transfer zone 120 is surely prevented from being obstructed by the peripheral edge of the second rotating turret plate 84 or the like.

In the discharge area 112, there are 18 notches 94 formed on the periphery of the merging rotating turret plate 88, that is, 9 first
The set of cutouts 94a and the nine second set of cutouts 94b alternately communicate with the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14.

Then, the container lids 16 are introduced into the introduction end of the merging conveyance means 14 alternately from the first set of notches 94& and the second set of notches 94b. Referring to FIG. 11, the stationary upper guide plate 104, which is disposed in conjunction with the merging rotating turret plate 58, extends only to a position slightly upstream of the discharge area 112; In the discharge area 112, the container lid 16 is not prevented from moving outward from the notch 94 of the merging rotating turret plate 58, and the container lid 16 can freely move outward from the notch 94. One of the pair of chute regulating members 28 and 30 (see also FIG. 3) constituting the conveying means 14, that is, the chute regulating member located on the upstream side as seen in the rotational direction of the merging rotary turret plate 58 as indicated by the arrow 88. The member 28 is spaced at a predetermined distance from the periphery of the merging rotating turret 58 (container lid 16
It extends from a position approximately half the outer diameter of The chute regulating member 30 located on the side extends from a position close to the periphery of the temporary merging rotating turret 58. Therefore, the container lid 16 transported to the discharge area 112 along with the rotation of the merging rotary turret plate 58 is transferred to the discharge area 112.
The upstream end of the chute defining member 30 prevents the chute from being further conveyed in the direction shown by the arrow 88 beyond the point n
Ru.

In addition, at the upstream end of the chute regulating member 30, a discharge area 1 is provided.
A discharge guide member 194 is fixed having a curved guide surface 192 that acts on the container lid 16 being conveyed to the container lid 12 and guides it gradually radially outward. It's a trench, ejection area 11.
A nozzle 196 is disposed above the nozzle 2 and the air stream ejected from the nozzle 196 forces the container lid 16 radially outwardly from the notch 94. Therefore, when entering the discharge area 112, the container lid 16 is discharged radially outward from the notch 94 of the merging rotating turret plate 58, with its protruding piece 22 facing upstream. It will be understood that the merging conveyance means 14 is introduced at the inlet end thereof.

The upstream end inner surface of each of the pair of chute defining members 28 and 30 constituting the merging conveyance means 14 is formed into a smooth curved shape so that the container lid 16 can be closed sufficiently smoothly. .

According to the article merging device configured according to the present invention as described above, the container lid 1 discharged from the first conveying means 10
6 and the container lids 16 discharged from the second conveying means 12 are introduced into the merging conveying means 14 alternately and one after another in a sufficiently smooth manner. In fact, according to experiments conducted by the present inventors, the speed of
The container lid 16 is transferred to the merging conveyance means 14 at a high speed of
was able to be introduced.

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

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

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view showing a specific example of an article merging device constructed according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing container lids that are merged by the article merge device of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing first and second conveyance means related to the article merging device of FIG. 1 and a chute constituting the merging conveyance means. FIG. 4 is a simplified sectional view taken along line 11/-W in FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial sectional view taken along line v--■ in FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is a partial sectional view taken along the line ■--■ in FIG. FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along the line ■--■ in FIG. FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the second introduction area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 9 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the first transfer area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 10 is a partial perspective view showing the vicinity of the second transfer area in the article merging device of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a partial slope view showing the vicinity of the exclusion zone in the article merging device of FIG. 1. 2... Goods merging device 4... Merging rotating turret mechanism 6... First rotating turret) m structure 8... Second rotating turret mechanism 10... First conveying means 12... Second conveyance means 14...merging conveyance means 16...container lid 58...merging rotating turret plate 80°first rotating turret plate 84...second rotating turret plates 94, 96 and 98 ...Notches 94a...First set of notches 94b...Second set of notches 98a...Working notches 98b...Non-working notches 110...First transfer Area 112...Discharge area 120...Second transfer area 130...First introduction area 146...Second introduction area 150...Introduction blocking member Patent applicant Japan Crown Cork Co., Ltd. 9 figure 6

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. Articles to be discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means and the second
A merging rotating turret having a plurality of notches formed at a pitch of P1 on its periphery, the merging device serving as a merging device for alternately transporting articles discharged from the discharge end of the conveying means into the introduction end of the merging conveying means. a confluence rotary turret mechanism having a plate, wherein rotation of the confluence rotary turret plate causes each of the notches to communicate with a first transfer area, a second transfer area, and the inlet end of the confluence conveying means; a first rotary turret plate having a merging rotary turret mechanism that rotates sequentially through the areas; and a first rotary turret plate having a plurality of notches formed on its periphery at a pitch P2 that is twice the pitch P1. a rotating turret mechanism, wherein rotation of the first rotating turret plate causes each of the notches to open a first introduction zone and a first transfer zone communicating with the discharge end of the first conveying means; sequentially through the first transfer zone to register with each of the first set of notches located at every other one of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate in the first transfer zone. a second rotating turret mechanism having a first rotating turret mechanism; and a second rotating turret plate having a plurality of notches formed at the pitch P1 on its periphery, the second rotating turret plate having a first rotating turret mechanism; rotation causes each of the notches to move rotationally through the second introduction zone and the second transfer zone that communicate with the discharge end of the second conveying means, so that the second aligned with each of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate in the transfer zone, and of the notches of the second rotating turret plate, the notches of the merging rotating turret plate in the second transfer zone; The first of these
associated with each of the inactive notches aligned with a set of notches, in the second introduction zone articles are removed from the discharge end of the second conveying means by the notches. projecting into an operative position to prevent the article from being introduced into the notch, and in the second transfer zone interfering with the article present in the first set of the notches of the merging rotary turret plate; a second rotary turret mechanism provided with an introduction blocking member that is retracted into a non-operating position; Articles are introduced into each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate, and in the 20th introduction zone, the articles are introduced into each of the notches of the second rotating turret plate from the discharge end of the second conveying means. An article is introduced into each of the working notches other than the non-working notch, and in the first transfer zone from each of the notches of the first rotating turret plate to the notch of the merging rotating turret plate. Articles are transferred to the first set of notches, and in the second transfer zone, the articles are transferred from each of the working notches of the second rotating turret plate to the confluence. an article is transferred to a second set of cutouts other than the first set of cutouts of the rotating turret plate;
The article merging device is characterized in that, in the discharge area, articles are carried into the introduction end of the merging conveyance means from each of the notches of the merging rotating turret plate. 2. Each of the introduction blocking members is mounted so as to be movable in the radial direction of the second rotating turret plate between the working position and the non-working position, and the second rotating turret mechanism includes 2. The article merging device according to claim 1, further comprising moving means for moving each of the blocking members to a desired passage. 3. The moving means is attached to each of a stationary cam plate disposed below or above the second rotating turret plate and having an endless cam groove on the upper or lower surface, and the introduction prevention member, and the endless cam groove. 3. The article merging device according to claim 2, wherein the article merging device comprises a cam driven joint housed in the cam follower. 4. The article merging device according to claim 3, wherein the endless cam groove has an annular shape eccentric to the rotation center of the second rotating turret plate. 5. The article is a container lid having a circular top wall, a cylindrical skirt wall depending from the periphery of the top wall, and a protruding piece extending axially from a portion of the free edge of the skirt wall and then radially outward. The reeds can be completely discharged from the discharge end of the first conveyance means and the discharge end of the second conveyance means with the protruding piece facing upstream, and the cut of the first rotation turn/soto Introducing the projecting piece into each of the notches and each of the working notches of the second rotating turret with the protruding piece facing outward in the radial direction of each of the first rotating turret plate and the second rotating turret plate. is transferred to each of the notches of the merging rotating turret with the protruding piece facing inward in the radial direction of the merging rotating turret plate, and the protruding piece is transferred upstream to the introduction end of the merging conveyance means. The article merging device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is introduced in a state directed toward.