JP4616957B2 - Case stacking device, case palletizer, and case stacking method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a case stacking apparatus, a case palletizer, and a case stacking method for forming cases transported in a single row into a predetermined stacking pattern.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As shown in FIG. 14, the following is known as a case palletizer 501 for stacking rectangular parallelepiped cases C on a pallet P. In other words, the case C transported in a single row by the transport conveyor 502 is sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting device 503, and the case C whose direction is to be changed is turned by the direction switching device 504. Then, every time a predetermined number of cases C in a direction capable of forming a predetermined accumulation pattern are accumulated on the downstream side of the orientation switching device 504, a one-step accumulation pattern is formed by the pusher device 505 and stacked on the pallet P. . By repeating this a plurality of times, a predetermined number of cases C are stacked on the pallet P.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In recent years, with the increase in production line speed, it has become necessary to perform case C sorting at higher speed and more accurately. However, the conventional case sorting device 503 slides a slide member 506 provided so as to be slidable with respect to a plurality of drive rollers (not shown), and thereby the case C placed on the slide member 506 is predetermined. It was configured to distribute to the number of columns. For this reason, there is a limit in improving the sliding speed of the sliding member 506, that is, improving the sorting speed of the case C.
[0004]
In order to solve this problem, a case distribution device 601 as shown in FIG. 15 has been conventionally proposed. The case distribution device 601 is configured to distribute the case C in the directions of arrows L, M, and N shown in FIG. According to this configuration, since only the roller direction is switched, the sorting speed of the case C can be easily improved.
[0005]
However, in this case sorting apparatus 601, the number of sorting rows of case C (three rows in FIG. 15), that is, the traveling trajectory of case C is set in advance, and roller conveyors 602 to 604 are provided accordingly. It was. For this reason, the case C cannot be accumulated in a pattern having a number of columns equal to or greater than a preset number of distribution columns. That is, the integrated pattern of case C is limited, and it is difficult to greatly improve the degree of freedom.
[0006]
The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to improve the degree of freedom of the case integration pattern and to cope with high-speed loading, a case integration device, a case palletizer and a case stage. It is to provide a loading method.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention according to claim 1 is a conveyance conveyor. In a row Based on a predetermined control signal, the long and short directions with respect to the transport direction of the sent case are set between the long and short directions. For loading From the direction switching device that selectively switches and the direction switching device In a given direction Has been sent each Case Perpendicular to the conveying direction The transport direction of the case according to the position Position orthogonal to Is selectively switched between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a direction having a perpendicular component to the transport direction based on a predetermined control signal. Sort into multiple columns And a pattern forming device for decelerating or stopping a predetermined number of cases sent from the case distributing device and aligning them in a predetermined pattern.
[0008]
The invention according to claim 2 is the invention according to claim 1, wherein the case sorting device is arranged at the most upstream part of the case sorting device, and has the same transport direction as the transport conveyor, and the transport direction. A drive roller group capable of switching the case transport direction between the direction of forming a predetermined angle with respect to the drive roller group and the drive roller group in the most upstream area, and arranged in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor. A drive roller group having a fixed conveyance direction of the case, a direction arranged adjacent to the drive roller group having the fixed conveyance direction, and a predetermined angle with respect to the conveyance direction of the conveyance conveyor; and the conveyance conveyor And a driving roller group capable of switching the case transport direction between the same transport direction and the same transport direction.
[0009]
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the first or second aspect of the present invention, the case distribution device includes a guide mechanism that corrects a positional shift in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. This is the gist.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a case palletizer in which a plurality of cases are arranged in a predetermined pattern to form one stage, and the cases for one stage are sequentially stacked on a pallet. The gist is that the case accumulating device according to at least one of the above is provided.
[0011]
The invention according to claim 5 is a conveyance conveyor. In a row Based on a predetermined control signal, the direction switching device changes the long and short directions with respect to the transport direction of the case between the longitudinal direction and the short direction. For loading Selectively switch from the orientation switching device In a given direction Has been sent each Case Perpendicular to the conveying direction The transport direction of the case according to the position Position orthogonal to Is selectively switched between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a direction having an orthogonal component with respect to the transport direction by a case distribution device based on a predetermined control signal. Sort into multiple columns , A predetermined number of cases sent from the case distribution device are decelerated or stopped by the pattern forming device and aligned to a predetermined pattern, and a group of cases aligned to the predetermined pattern by the pattern forming device The gist is to stack on a pallet with a stacking device.
[0012]
[Action]
Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the case sent by the conveyor is selectively based on a predetermined control signal between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction. Can be switched. The transport direction of the case to be controlled among the cases has the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a component perpendicular to the transport direction in accordance with the traveling position based on a predetermined control signal. It is selectively switched between directions and conveyed downstream. The predetermined number of cases sent are decelerated or stopped and aligned in a predetermined pattern. For this reason, the stacking pattern of the case can be changed depending on the switching control of the length direction and the transport direction with respect to the transport direction. Further, the processing capability for forming the integrated pattern is improved.
[0013]
In the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the action of the invention according to claim 1, the case sent by the transport conveyor is transported in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor or transported by the case sorting device. It is sent out in a direction that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the conveying direction of the conveyor. The case sent in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor is sent as it is in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor. Further, the case sent in a direction that forms a predetermined angle with respect to the transport direction of the transport conveyor is transported downstream at a predetermined angle as it is, and follows a predetermined trajectory of the case according to the traveling position of the case. In the same manner, the traveling direction is changed and the sheet is conveyed in the same conveying direction as the conveying conveyor. For this reason, the traveling position of each case can be controlled and the number of sorting rows can be increased or decreased depending on the switching of the case conveying direction of each drive roller group. Therefore, it is possible to cope with various integrated patterns having different numbers of case columns, and the degree of freedom of the integrated patterns is improved.
[0014]
In addition to the effect | action of the invention of Claim 1 or Claim 2, in the invention of Claim 3, the case conveyed by the said case distribution apparatus is in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. The shift of the position, that is, the position in the width direction of the case stacking device is corrected. For this reason, the case is formed in an accurate integrated pattern.
[0015]
In a fourth aspect of the present invention, case groups formed in a predetermined pattern are stacked on a pallet. By using a case integration device having a large degree of freedom of the case integration pattern and a high integration processing capability, the degree of freedom and processing capability of the case integration pattern by the palletizer are also improved.
[0016]
In the invention according to claim 5, the case sent by the conveyor is selectively switched between the longitudinal direction and the lateral direction with respect to the conveying direction based on a predetermined control signal. . The transport direction of the case to be controlled among the cases has the same transport direction as the transport conveyor and a component perpendicular to the transport direction in accordance with the traveling position based on a predetermined control signal. It is selectively switched between directions and conveyed downstream. The predetermined number of cases sent are decelerated or stopped and aligned in a predetermined pattern. Cases arranged in a predetermined pattern are stacked on a pallet. That is, the conveyance direction is switched after the case length direction is switched. For this reason, it is sufficient to use only one device for switching the length direction of the case regardless of the number of case distribution rows, and the line configuration is simplified. In addition, the degree of freedom of case arrangement is significantly increased.
[0017]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a first embodiment in which the present invention is embodied in a case palletizer in which cases are stacked on a pallet will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0018]
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the case palletizer 11 includes a case stacking device 12 and a stacking device 13. The case stacking device 12 is a device for aligning the rectangular parallelepiped cases C sent in a line from the upstream in a predetermined stacking pattern. The stacking device 13 is a device for stacking the case C group sent from the case stacking device 12 on the pallet P.
(Case integration device)
The case stacking device 12 includes a direction switching device 21, a case sorting device 22, and a pattern forming device 23.
[0019]
(Direction switching device)
The direction switching device 21 matches the direction of the rectangular parallelepiped cases C that are sent in a vertical direction from the transport conveyor 31 arranged on the upstream side in accordance with the stacking pattern when stacked on the pallet P. It is a device to convert. As shown in FIG. 1, the direction switching device 21 includes two rows of roller conveyors 32 and 32. The case C sent from the transport conveyor 31 is transported across the roller conveyors 32 and 32. The direction switching device 21 changes the conveying speed of the two roller conveyors 32, 32 while changing the case C to be turned. When the case C is not being transported and when it is transported and the case C does not need to be turned, both roller conveyors 32 and 32 are held at the same transport speed. The case C that has passed through the direction switching device 21 is carried into the case sorting device 22.
[0020]
(Case distribution device)
The case distribution device 22 is a device that distributes the case C sent from the direction switching device 21 into a predetermined number of rows in accordance with the accumulation pattern when stacking on the pallet P. The case C sorted by the case sorting device 22 is carried into the pattern forming device 23 on the downstream side. The detailed configuration of the case distribution device 22 will be described later.
[0021]
(Pattern forming device)
The pattern forming device 23 is a device that sequentially accumulates the cases C sorted into a predetermined number of rows by the case sorting device 22 and forms an accumulation pattern for one stage when stacking on the pallet P. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the pattern forming apparatus 23 includes a roller conveyor 41, a deceleration stopper mechanism 42, a side guide mechanism 43, and a staying stopper mechanism 44. In FIG. 2, the side guide mechanism 43 is omitted for convenience of explanation.
[0022]
(Roller conveyor)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the roller conveyor 41 is configured by arranging a plurality of driving rollers 41 a in parallel, and the case has been distributed to a predetermined number of rows by the case distribution device 22. C is conveyed in the same direction as the conveyor 31. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, only a few central driving rollers 41a are shown, and the upstream and downstream driving rollers 41a are omitted.
[0023]
(Deceleration stopper mechanism)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 includes a sprocket wheel 52 provided at each of the four corners of the inner surface of the pair of support members 51 disposed opposite to the upper portion of the machine frame W, and each sprocket wheel. A pair of annular chains 53 wound between 52 are provided. A pair of rod-shaped stopper members 54a and 54b are fixed between the chains 53 so as to be movable together. As shown in FIG. 2, both stopper members 54 a and 54 b are diagonal to each other, that is, when one stopper member 54 a is on the downstream side of the chain 53, the other stopper member 54 b is It is provided so as to be downstream of the ascending part.
[0024]
Both stopper members 54a and 54b can be engaged with the downstream side surface of the case C distributed by the case distributing device 22 in a predetermined number of rows when the stopper member 54a is at the lower portion of the chain 53. Both stopper members 54a, 54b are moved in the left-turning direction in FIG. 2 at a constant speed slower than the case conveying speed of the roller conveyor 41 by driving a motor (not shown) operatively connected to each sprocket wheel 52. To do. Then, the case C group of the predetermined number of rows sent from the case distribution device 22 is sequentially dammed while being decelerated by either one of the stopper members 54a and 54b located at the lower portion of the chain 53.
[0025]
(Side guide mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 1, the side guide mechanism 43 includes a pair of guide conveyors 61 a and 61 b disposed to face each other between the support members 51 and 51. Both guide conveyors 61a, 61b are provided at the inner ends of a plurality of support shafts 62 that pass through both support members 51, 51 and are fixed to the upper portion of the machine frame W, and the intervals between the guide conveyors 61a, 61b increase toward the downstream side. It is arranged to narrow. Both the guide conveyors 61a and 61b are each composed of a plurality of drive rollers 63 whose rotation shafts stand upright with respect to the horizontal plane, and each drive roller 63 rotates in a direction to send the case C downstream. The case C group of a predetermined number of rows sent from the case distribution device 22 is collected at the center of the roller conveyor 41, that is, the pattern forming device 23, while being guided by both guide conveyors 61a and 61b.
[0026]
(Still stopper mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 2, the stay stopper mechanism 44 is provided in the vicinity of the carry-out port of the roller conveyor 41. The stay stopper mechanism 44 is provided on the roller conveyor 41 with the raised position engaged with the downstream side surface of the case C group on the roller conveyor 41 by the operation of the air cylinder 71 provided below the roller conveyor 41. A stopper member 72 is provided that moves between a lowered position that does not interfere with the case C group. The case C group aligned in a predetermined pattern by the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is temporarily dammed by the stopper member 72 at the ascending position, and the stopper member 72 is lowered at a predetermined timing, whereby the case C group. Transport is resumed. That is, the staying stopper mechanism 44 adjusts the carry-in timing of the case C group to the stacking device 13 described later.
(Stacking device)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the stacking device 13 includes a shutter conveyor 81, a stacking stopper device 91, a position correcting device 101, and a lifting device 110.
[0027]
(Shutter conveyor)
9 and 10 (a) and 10 (b), the shutter conveyor 81 includes a pair of chains 83 wound between a plurality of sprocket wheels 82 provided on both sides of the machine frame W, A plurality of rollers 85 that are rotatably mounted on a plurality of connecting shafts 84 connected between the chains 83 are provided. Each roller 85 is provided over a predetermined section in the circumferential direction of both chains 83, and is driven by forward and reverse rotation of a motor (not shown) operatively connected to one sprocket wheel 82 as shown in FIG. It moves between the position shown in a) and the position shown in FIG. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, a belt 86 comes into contact with the roller 85 at the upper part of both chains 83, and each roller 85 rotates about each connecting shaft 84 by the rotation of the belt 86. To do.
[0028]
(Stacking stopper mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 2, the stacking stopper device 91 includes two stacking stopper mechanisms 92 and 93. Both-stage stacking stopper mechanisms 92 and 93 include downstream arms 92a and 93a and upstream arms 92b and 93b, respectively. The downstream arm 92a of the downstream stopper mechanism 92 is fixed to be engageable with the downstream side surface of the case C group. The remaining arms 92b, 93a, 93b are provided so as to be movable between an engagement position indicated by a solid line and a non-engagement position indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 2 by operation of an air cylinder (not shown). The engagement position is a position where the arms 92b and 93b can be engaged with the upstream side surface of the case C group, and the arm 93a can be engaged with the downstream side surface of the case C group. The non-engagement positions are positions where the arms 92b, 93a, 93b do not interfere with the case C group.
[0029]
(Positioning device)
As shown in FIG. 1, the position correcting device 101 includes two pressing mechanisms 101a and 101b. Both pressing mechanisms 101a and 101b are provided with a pair of pressing members 103a and 103b that move in the direction of approaching and separating from each other by the operation of the air cylinder 102 fixed to the upper part of the machine casing W. In the case C group between the pressing members 103a and 103b, the opposite side surfaces are pressed from the outside by the pressing members 103a and 103b, so that the width direction of the case C group, that is, the transport direction of the case C group. Disturbance of the arrangement in the direction orthogonal to the direction is corrected.
[0030]
(lift device)
As shown in FIG. 2, the lifting device 110 includes two lifting mechanisms 111a and 111b. Both elevating mechanisms 111a and 111b are provided with elevating platforms 112a and 112b on which an empty pallet P is placed and elevating and lowering with respect to the machine frame W by forward and reverse rotation driving of an elevating motor (not shown). Each of the lifting mechanisms 111a and 111b moves down the lifting platform every time one case C group is stacked on the empty pallet P or on the uppermost case C group among the stacked case C groups. It is a known configuration in which the uppermost case C group has a certain height.
[0031]
(Case distribution device)
Next, a detailed configuration of the case distribution device 22 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 3, the case sorting device 22 includes an introduction roller conveyor 201, a fixed roller conveyor 202, and two guide roller conveyors 203 and 204. The introduction roller conveyor 201 is arranged at the most upstream part of the case sorting device 22. The fixed roller conveyor 202 is disposed on the downstream side of the introduction roller conveyor 201 and becomes wider toward the downstream side. Both guide roller conveyors 203 and 204 are disposed adjacent to the introduction roller conveyor 201 and the fixed roller conveyor 202, and expand toward the downstream side.
[0032]
The introduction roller conveyor 201 includes a drive roller R group 201a. The fixed roller conveyor 202 includes a fixed drive roller R group 202a. One guide roller conveyor 203 includes two sets of drive roller R groups 203a and 203b. The other guide roller conveyor 204 includes two sets of roller R groups 204a and 204b. Each drive roller R group 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204b is configured by arranging a plurality of drive rollers R in two rows. The fixed drive roller R group 202a is configured by arranging a plurality of drive rollers R in a single row.
[0033]
(Drive roller mounting structure)
Next, the mounting structure of the driving roller R in each driving roller R group 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204b will be described.
[0034]
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a base frame 211 is disposed above the machine frame W, and a base plate 212 is supported above the base frame 211. A plurality of U-shaped roller support brackets 213 are rotatably supported on the base plate 212 via support shafts 214 protruding from the bottom surface thereof and bearings 215 fixed to the base plate 212. Each support shaft 214 passes through the base plate 212 and is rotatably supported by a plurality of plates 216 arranged below the base plate 212 via bearings 217. The driving roller R is fixed between the side walls of the roller support brackets 213, and is rotatably supported.
[0035]
As shown in FIGS. 5 and 7, the roller support brackets 213 are connected to each other on the bottom surface of the roller support brackets 213 via a shaft 219 by a connection plate 218. As shown in FIG. 7, at one end of the drive roller R row, levers 221 are fixed to the support shafts 214 adjacent to each other, and the connecting link 222 is rotatable between the levers 221 and 221. It is connected. Further, at one end of the drive roller R row, an operating lever 223 is fixed to the tip of one support shaft 214, and a cylinder rod of an air cylinder 224 fixed to the base plate 212 is fixed to the operating lever 223. It is connected. FIG. 8 shows a connection state between the roller support brackets 213 and the support shafts 214 in the roller conveyors 201, 203, and 204.
[0036]
Accordingly, each driving roller R connects the connecting plate 218, the connecting link 222, and each roller support bracket 213 by the operation of the air cylinder 224 operatively connected to each of the driving roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204b. Accordingly, the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, and 204b swing in conjunction with each other.
[0037]
Each drive roller R of the drive roller R group 201a forms a predetermined angle θ with respect to the position where the case C is sent in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor 31 (the direction of arrow L in FIG. 3) and the transport direction of the transport conveyor 31. It swings between the positions where the case C is fed in two outer directions (arrow M and arrow N directions in FIG. 3). The drive rollers R of the drive roller R groups 203a and 203b swing between a position where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow N and a position where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow L. The drive rollers R of the drive roller R groups 204a and 204b swing between a position where the case C is sent in the direction of the arrow M and a position where the case C is sent in the direction of the arrow L.
[0038]
In each drive roller R, the position where the case C is fed in the directions of arrows L, M, and N is a position where the rotation direction of the drive roller R is in the directions of arrows L, M, and N. In FIG. 3, the drive roller R groups 201a and 204a are shown at positions where the case C is sent in the direction of arrow M so that the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a and 204b can be easily distinguished. The roller R group 203a is shown at a position where the case C is fed in the arrow N direction. Further, the driving roller R groups 203b and 204b are shown at positions where the case C is fed in the arrow L direction.
[0039]
(Fixed roller conveyor)
Next, the mounting structure of the driving roller R in the driving roller R group 202a will be described.
As shown in FIG. 6, each drive roller R of the drive roller R group 202a is interposed between a plurality of roller support brackets 213 fixed to the upper surfaces of a pair of fixed plates 225a and 225b disposed above the base plate 212. It is rotatably supported. Each drive roller R of the drive roller R group 202a is fixed at a position where the case C is fed in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 3, and becomes longer toward the downstream side.
[0040]
(Power transmission structure)
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a drive shaft 231 operatively connected to a drive motor (not shown) is disposed below each drive roller R, and a plurality of drive pulleys 232 are arranged on the drive shaft 231. Is provided. Between each pulley 232 and a winding groove at the center of each driving roller R, a belt 236 is wound in a state twisted by 90 degrees, and each driving roller R is rotated by driving of the driving motor. Even if each roller support bracket 213, that is, each drive roller R swings about the support shaft 214, each drive roller R can rotate. The case C is conveyed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of each drive roller R.
[0041]
(Movable side guide mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 3, the case distribution device 22 includes a movable side guide mechanism 237. The movable side guide mechanism 237 includes a pair of guide members 237 a and 237 b disposed opposite to both sides of the case distribution device 22. Both guide members 237a and 237b are formed so as to extend in the same direction as the transport direction of the transport conveyor 31 (the direction indicated by the arrow L in FIG. 3), and are moved closer to each other or separated from each other by the operation of the air cylinders 238a and 238b. Move in the direction you want. The case C on the case distribution device 22 is sent to the downstream side while being guided by both guide members 237a and 237b.
[0042]
(Electrical configuration)
Next, the electrical configuration of the case distribution device 22 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 12, the case distribution device 22 includes a distribution controller 241 that switches and controls the conveyance direction of the case C in each of the roller conveyors 201 to 204. The distribution controller 241 includes a microcomputer 242 and an air cylinder operation circuit 243. The microcomputer 242 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 244, a memory 245, and a counter 246. The memory 245 stores program data for case distribution processing in advance. The CPU 244 drives and controls each air cylinder 224 via the air cylinder operation circuit 243 based on the program data stored in the memory 245.
[0043]
A passage sensor 247 is connected to the CPU 244. The passage sensor 247 is provided at a boundary portion between the direction switching device 21 and the case sorting device 22 and detects the case C carried into the case sorting device 22. That is, the passage sensor 247 is formed of, for example, a phototube, and detects the case C when the input of light reflected by the reflector is blocked by the case C.
[0044]
The distribution controller is connected to a main controller 251 that comprehensively controls each part of the case palletizer 11. The main controller 251 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter referred to as “CPU”) 252 and a memory 253. The memory 253 stores a plurality of types of accumulated pattern data of the case C when stacked on the pallet P, and the desired accumulated pattern data can be selected by operating the selection device 254 connected to the main controller 251. It has become.
[0045]
The CPU 252 reads out data related to the integrated pattern selected via the selection device 254 from the memory 253, creates work data describing work contents to be executed by the case distribution device 22 based on the data of the integrated pattern, Each work data is transmitted to the CPU 244 in the distribution controller 241. Based on the work data received from the main controller 251 and the program data for case distribution processing stored in the memory 245, the CPU 244 in the distribution controller 241 has the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, Each air cylinder 224 operatively connected for each 204b is driven and controlled.
[0046]
The distribution controller 241 sequentially moves the roller R group whose transfer direction is to be switched among the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, and 204b to the downstream side in accordance with the movement of the case C. In other words, the distribution controller 241 sets the roller R group directly related to the case C on which the case C is directly mounted and changing the transport direction as the control target of the transport direction switching. The transport direction of the roller R group is switched before the case C is placed.
[0047]
In order to perform such control, it is necessary to recognize the position of the case C on the case distribution device 22. In the present embodiment, the position of the case C, that is, the roller R group to be controlled in the transfer direction switching is determined based on the elapsed time from when the case C is detected by the passage sensor 247 and the transfer speed of the case C. Find out. Further, instead of this method, a plurality of sensors can be installed and controlled. When it is not involved in the conveyance of the case C whose conveyance direction should be changed, that is, when the case C is not flowing or when the case C whose conveyance direction is not changed is conveyed, the conveyance direction of the roller R group is returned to the original. It is.
(Case distribution)
Next, a case where the case C in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction sent to the case distribution device 22 is sent to the positions A to E in FIG. 3 will be described. The guide members 237a and 237b are in positions indicated by solid lines in FIG.
[0048]
When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the A position, when the case C is transferred to the drive roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 201a is switched to the arrow M direction. When the case C is transferred onto the driving roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the driving roller R group 204a is switched to the arrow M direction. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow M and moves onto the drive roller R group 204a, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 204b is switched from the arrow M direction to the arrow L direction next to the drive roller R group 204a. At this time, the movement of the case C in the arrow M direction is restricted by the guide member 237a. The case C advances in the direction of the arrow L while being guided by the guide member 237a, and is sent out to the A position.
[0049]
When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the B position, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 201a is held in the direction of the arrow L. The case C sent from the upstream side is sent in the direction of arrow L by the drive rollers R group 201a, 202a without changing the transport direction, and sent to the B position.
[0050]
When the vertically oriented case C is sent to the C position, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 201a is switched to the arrow N direction when the case C is transferred to the drive roller R group 201a. When the case C is transferred onto the driving roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the driving roller R group 203a is switched to the arrow N direction. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow N and moves onto the drive roller R group 203a, the roller directions of the drive roller R group 203a and the drive roller R group 203b are switched from the arrow N direction to the arrow L direction. At this time, the movement of the case C in the arrow N direction is restricted by the guide member 237b. The case C advances in the direction of the arrow L while being guided by the guide member 237b, and is sent out to the C position.
[0051]
When the horizontally oriented case C is sent to the D position, the roller directions of the drive roller R groups 201a, 204a, and 204b are sequentially switched at the same timing as when the vertically oriented case C is sent to the A position. As a result, the case C is sent to the D position while being guided by the guide member 237a located at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. When the horizontally oriented case C is sent to the E position, the roller directions of the drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b are switched at the same timing as when the vertically oriented case C is sent to the C position. As a result, the case C is sent to the E position while being guided by the guide member 237b located at the position indicated by the solid line in FIG.
[0052]
Further, the number of sorting columns of the case C can be changed on the downstream side of the case sorting device 22 and within the range of the width of the pattern forming device 23. For example, when the case C is sent out to the F position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3, the guide member 237a is moved from the position indicated by the solid line to the position indicated by the two-dot chain line in FIG. That is, when the case C is transferred to the driving roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the driving roller R group 201a is switched to the arrow M direction. When the case C is transferred onto the driving roller R group 201a, the roller direction of the driving roller R group 204a is switched to the arrow M direction. When the case C advances in the direction of arrow M and moves onto the drive roller R group 204a, the roller direction of the drive roller R group 204b is switched to the arrow M direction. When the case C is transferred onto the driving roller R group 204b, the roller direction of the driving roller R group 204b is switched from the arrow M direction to the arrow L direction. The movement of the case C in the arrow M direction is regulated by the guide member 237a, proceeds in the arrow L direction while being guided by the guide member 237a, and is sent to the F position.
[0053]
In this way, the traveling locus of case C is controlled. The drive roller R groups 201a, 203a, 203b, 204a, 204b are switched in the transport direction, that is, the roller direction, and the movement of the guide members 237a, 237b is an integrated pattern when stacking the case C selected in advance. Done accordingly. The case C is corrected in the position in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction (the direction of the arrow L in FIG. 3), that is, in the width direction of the case stacking device 12. For this reason, the case C is accurately positioned (unloaded) at a plurality of positions such as the A to F positions.
(Operation of the embodiment)
Next, the operation of the case palletizer 11 configured as described above will be described. In this case palletizer 11, the main controller 251 switches the direction switching device 21, the case sorting device 22, and the case C so as to be stacked in a stacking pattern preselected by the selection device 254. The pattern forming device 23 and the stacking device 13 are controlled. Note that the case C is carried into the orientation switching device 21 in a vertical orientation.
[0054]
(1-1) When an integrated pattern consisting of eight cases C shown in FIG. 11 is selected, in order to improve case stability on the pallet P, integrated patterns having different directions in the case traveling direction are alternately formed. That is, as shown in FIG. 11A, the first two cases C among the cases C constituting the first-stage case C group are changed in direction by about 90 ° by the direction switching device 21. After that, the case sorting device 22 sorts them into two rows. As shown in FIGS. 11B and 11C, the remaining six cases C are sent as they are in the vertical direction without being turned, and are sorted into three rows by the case sorter 22. Such distribution control is made possible by the counter 246 in the distribution controller 241 counting the number of cases C detected by the passage sensor 247 eight times (one stage). These work contents are determined by work data received by the distribution controller 241 from the main controller 251.
[0055]
(1-2) Next, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) to 11 (c), the case C sent from the case sorting device 22 is transferred onto the roller conveyor 41 of the pattern forming device 23. When an attempt is made, that is, when the downstream side surface of the case C attempts to exceed the X1 position in FIG. 11, the motor (not shown) of the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is driven. Then, the stopper member 54a on the upstream side of the descending portion of the chain 53 moves to the downstream side at a constant speed slower than the case conveying speed of the roller conveyor 41, and the case C is sequentially dammed by the stopper member 54a. Thereafter, the case C moves downstream at the same speed as the stopper member 54a. Unlike the case where the stopper member 54a is stopped, the relative speed of the conveyed case C to the stopper member 54a is reduced, and the impact when the case C hits the stopper members 54a and 54b is reduced. The case C on the roller conveyor 41 is collected at the center by the two guide conveyors 61a and 61b. For this reason, the case C group is formed in a predetermined integrated pattern.
[0056]
In addition, as described above, the case C is directed to the direction switching device 21 and the case distribution device so that the case C group for the next stage can be formed while the case C group for the first stage is being accumulated. At 22 the direction is changed and sorted.
[0057]
(1-3) Then, as shown in FIG. 11D, when the case C for the next stage is about to transfer onto the roller conveyor 41 of the pattern forming apparatus 23, that is, the downstream side surface of the case C is shown in FIG. When the X1 position is to be exceeded, the stopper member 54b of the deceleration stopper mechanism 42 is interposed between the case C group for the next stage and the case C group for the previous stage. That is, the stopper member 54b moves to the upstream side of the descending portion of the chain 53, and the stopper member 54a moves to the downstream side of the ascending portion of the chain 53. The case C group for the next stage is sequentially dammed by the stopper member 54b in the same manner as the case C group for the previous stage. At this time, as shown in FIG. 11 (e), the case C group for the previous stage is sent to the downstream side by the roller conveyor 41, but is temporarily moved to the X2 position in FIG. I can be dammed up.
[0058]
(1-4) As shown in FIG. 11 (f), when the stopper member 72 is lowered at a predetermined timing and the engagement with the case C group for the previous stage is released, the case C group becomes downstream. Sent to. The shutter conveyor 81 moves to the downstream side while receiving the case C group sent from the pattern forming device 23 by forward rotation of the motor (not shown). At this time, the upstream arm 93b of the stacking stopper mechanism 93 is in a non-engaging position where it does not interfere with the case C, and the downstream arm 93a is in an engaging position where it engages with the case C. As shown in FIG. 11 (g), the case C group for the next stage is dammed to the X3 position in FIG. 11 by the downstream arm 93a at the same time as the case C group for the next stage is the stopper member. 72, it is dammed to the X2 position in FIG.
[0059]
(1-5) Next, as shown in FIG. 11 (h), the downstream arm 93a and the stopper member 72 are opened at a predetermined timing, and the case C group for the previous stage and the next stage are moved downstream. Sent. At this time, the upstream arm 92b of the downstream stacking stopper mechanism 92 is in the non-engagement position. When the case C group for the previous stage passes the upstream stacking stopper mechanism 93, the downstream arm 93a of the upstream stacking stopper mechanism 93 is moved from the non-engagement position to the engagement position. Then, the case C group for the previous stage and the next stage are blocked at the X4 position and the X3 position in FIG. 11 by the downstream arms 92a and 93a almost simultaneously.
[0060]
(1-6) Thereafter, the upstream arm 92b of the downstream stacking stopper mechanism 92 is moved from the disengaged position to the engaged position. Further, by the operation of the downstream side pressing mechanism 101a, the opposite side surfaces of the case C group are pressed from the outside by the pressing members 103a and 103b, and the arrangement in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the case C group is performed. Disturbance is corrected. Thereafter, the shutter conveyor 81 is pulled out upstream until the front end of the shutter conveyor 81 reaches the position X3 in FIG. The upstream case C group is restricted from moving upstream by engaging with the upstream arm 92b. As a result, the case C corresponding to the previous stage falls and is stacked on the pallet P or on the upper surface of the uppermost case C group. Each time the case C group for one stage is stacked, the lifting platform 112a is lowered, and the case C group for the next stage can be stacked. The case C group for the next stage is blocked by the downstream arm 93a at the position X3 in FIG.
[0061]
Thereafter, the operations (1-5) and (1-6) are repeated until a predetermined number of cases C are stacked on the pallet P on the downstream side.
(1-7) When a predetermined number of cases C are stacked on the pallet P placed on the lower lifting platform 112a, the cases C are carried out to the outside. During this time, stacking of the case C group is started on the pallet P on the lifting platform 112b on the upstream side. That is, the upstream arm 93b of the upstream stacking stopper mechanism 93 is moved from the non-engagement position to the engagement position. Further, by the operation of the upstream side pressing mechanism 101b, the case C group is pressed from the outside by the pressing members 103a and 103b from the outside, and the arrangement in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the case C group is performed. Disturbance is corrected. Note that the stacking pattern and the number of stacked stages may be changed when the pallet P is switched.
[0062]
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (i), the shutter conveyor 81 is pulled out upstream until the tip of the shutter conveyor 81 comes to the X2 position in FIG. The case C group on the shutter conveyor 81 is restricted from moving upstream by engaging with the upstream arm 93b. As a result, the case C group that has been blocked by the downstream arm 93a is stacked on the pallet P placed on the upstream lifting platform 112b. Each time the case C group for one stage is stacked, the lifting platform 112b is lowered, and the case C group for the next stage can be stacked.
[0063]
(1-8) Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11 (j), the case C group is blocked by the downstream arm 93a of the upstream stacking stopper mechanism 93 without being sent to the downstream stacking position. It is done. The operations (1-8) and (1-9) are repeated until a predetermined number of cases C are stacked on the pallet P placed on the upstream lifting platform 112b. In this way, the stacking of the next pallet P is started while the pallet P is being unloaded, and this is efficient.
[0064]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.
(1) In the case stacking device 12, the direction switching device 21 that switches the direction of the case C, the case sorting device 22 that sorts the case C into a predetermined number of columns, and the pattern forming device 23 that forms a predetermined stacking pattern are upstream. Arranged in this order from the side to the downstream side. That is, the direction of the case C is switched based on the pre-selected accumulation pattern, and then the case C is distributed to a predetermined number of columns. A predetermined integrated pattern is formed by damming the sorted cases C on the downstream side. Therefore, unlike the case where a predetermined number of cases C in a direction capable of forming a predetermined integrated pattern are densely packed by a pusher device or the like, it is possible to greatly improve the processing capability of the integrated pattern formation and correspond to high-speed loading. it can. Further, the configuration of the case stacking device 12 can be simplified by eliminating the need for a pusher device or the like.
[0065]
(2) The case distribution device 22 includes an introduction roller conveyor 201, a fixed roller conveyor 202, and guide roller conveyors 203 and 204, and a plurality of drive rollers R that can swing each of the roller conveyors 201, 203, and 204 Consists of. And the conveyance direction of case C was interlocked | linked so that switching was possible for every drive roller R group. For this reason, for example, unlike the case where the case C is distributed in multiple rows by a conventional channelizer, the distribution speed of the case C can be improved. In addition, the number of sorting columns for case C can be set within a range that does not exceed the width on the downstream side of case sorting device 22, and the degree of freedom of the integrated pattern is improved.
[0066]
(3) The case distribution device 22 includes a movable side guide mechanism 237. The case C conveyed by the case distribution device 22 is conveyed while being guided by both guide members 237a and 237b. That is, the positional deviation in the width direction of the case stacking device 12 is corrected. Therefore, the case C is accurately positioned at a plurality of positions such as the A to F positions, and the case C group can be formed in an accurate integrated pattern.
[0067]
(4) The case stacker 12 is used as the case palletizer 11. By improving the case accumulation processing capability, the case palletizer 11 can increase the case C stacking capability. For this reason, it is possible to cope with an increase in the number of stacked products per time for the required case C.
[0068]
(5) The direction switching device 21 and the case sorting device 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side, and after the direction of the case C is switched, it is distributed to a predetermined number of columns. For this reason, unlike the prior art, only one orientation switching device 21 need be provided regardless of the increase or decrease in the number of case sorting columns accompanying the change of the integrated pattern. Therefore, the configuration of the case integration device 12 and the line configuration can be simplified, and the product cost can be reduced.
[0069]
(6) It has a size that can be placed between the two roller conveyors 32, 32 in the orientation switching device 21 and between the two drive roller R rows in each of the roller conveyors 201, 203, 204. If so, it is possible to change the direction and sort the case C of any size. For this reason, the freedom degree of case C made into object improves.
[0070]
(7) The case C group distributed to the predetermined number of rows by the case distribution device 22 is gradually dammed while being decelerated by the stopper members 54a and 54b. For this reason, it can form in a predetermined | prescribed integrated pattern, without giving an impact to case C itself and the product accommodated in case C. FIG.
(Second Embodiment)
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment only in the configuration of the case distribution device 22.
[0071]
As shown in FIG. 13, an introduction roller conveyor 302 is arranged at the most upstream part of the case sorting apparatus 301. A fixed roller conveyor 303 is disposed on the downstream side of the introduction roller conveyor 302, and becomes wider in one direction toward the downstream side. A guide roller conveyor 304 is arranged along one side of the introduction roller conveyor 302 and the fixed roller conveyor 303. The introduction roller conveyor 302 includes two sets of roller R groups 302a and 302b. The guide roller conveyor 304 includes four sets of roller R groups 304a to 304d.
[0072]
The plurality of drive rollers R constituting each of the roller R groups 302a, 302b, 304a to 304d swings in conjunction with each of the roller R groups 302a, 302b, 304a to 304d, as in the first embodiment. Further, among the roller R groups 302a, 302b, and 304a to 304d, the roller R group that is directly related to the case C being directly mounted and changing the transport direction thereof is set as the control target of the transport direction switching. The transport direction of the R group is switched before the case C is placed.
[0073]
The drive rollers R group 302a, 302b are in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor 31 (in the direction of arrow L in FIG. 13) and in a direction that forms a predetermined angle θ with respect to the transport direction of the transport conveyor 31 (in the direction of arrow M in FIG. 13). ) To switch the conveyance direction of case C. Each of the driving roller R groups 304a to 304d switches the conveyance direction of the case C between the arrow M direction and the arrow L direction. In FIG. 13, in order to clarify the division of each of the roller R groups 302a, 302b, and 304a to 304d, the roller R groups 302b, 304b, and 304d are moved to a position where the case C is sent in the direction of the arrow L. R groups 302a, 304a, and 304c are shown at positions where case C is sent in the direction of arrow L.
[0074]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, in addition to the effects (1) to (7) in the first embodiment, the guide roller conveyor 304 is disposed only on one side of the introduction roller conveyor 302 and the fixed roller conveyor 303. The configuration and control of the case distribution device can be simplified.
[0075]
In addition, you may implement both the said embodiment as follows.
In the first embodiment, the guide roller conveyors 203 and 204 are divided into two drive roller R groups 203a, 203b, 204a, and 204b, respectively, but may be divided into three or more. Further, the introduction roller conveyor 201 may be divided into two or more driving roller R groups. In this way, the case C can be sorted more accurately.
[0076]
In the first and second embodiments, each roller conveyor 201, 203, 204, 302, 304 is composed of two rows of driving roller R groups, but is composed of a single row or three or more rows of driving roller R groups. May be. The fixed roller conveyors 202 and 303 may be composed of a plurality of rows of drive rollers R. Even in this case, the case C can be distributed in multiple rows by switching the conveyance direction of the case C.
[0077]
In the first and second embodiments, the case stacking device 12 is used for the case palletizer 11, but it may be used other than the case palletizer 11. For example, the case C may be used to accumulate in a predetermined pattern other than for the purpose of stacking on the pallet P.
[0078]
In the first and second embodiments, the driving roller R may be replaced with a motor roller that incorporates a motor and a speed reduction mechanism. Even in this way, the case C can be sorted.
[0079]
In the first embodiment, both guide members 237a and 237b are moved by the operation of both air cylinders 238a and 238b. That is, both guide members 237a and 237b may be operatively connected to, for example, a servo motor, and the guide members 237a and 237b may be moved in a direction close to each other or in a direction away from each other by driving the servo motor. Even in this case, the positional deviation of the case C in the width direction of the case stacking device 12 can be corrected.
[0080]
【The invention's effect】
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the degree of freedom in forming the integrated pattern is improved, and it is possible to cope with high-speed loading.
[0081]
According to the invention described in claim 2, in addition to the effect of the invention described in claim 1, it is possible to more finely cope with various integrated patterns having different numbers of case columns, thereby increasing the degree of freedom of the integrated pattern. Can be improved.
[0082]
According to the invention described in claim 3, in addition to the effects of the invention described in claim 1 or 2, the case is accurately integrated by correcting the positional deviation in the width direction of the case integration device. Can be formed into a pattern.
[0083]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the case processing capability of the case palletizer can be improved by using a case stacking apparatus having a high case processing capability.
[0084]
According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the line configuration can be simplified since only one device is required to switch the length direction of the case regardless of the number of case distribution rows.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view of a case palletizer.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a case palletizer.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a case sorting apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a case sorting apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of a driving roller.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a mounting state of a driving roller.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a main part showing a mounting state of a driving roller.
FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view showing the interlocking relationship of drive rollers.
FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state where rollers of the shutter conveyor are attached.
FIG. 10A is a front view showing a conveyance state of a shutter conveyor.
(B) is a front view which shows the retracted state of a shutter conveyor.
FIGS. 11A to 11J are schematic plan views showing a case accumulation process. FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the sorting apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a plan view of a case sorting apparatus according to a second embodiment.
FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a conventional case palletizer.
FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a conventional case sorting apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 ... Case palletizer, 12 ... Case stacking device, 13 ... Stacking device,
21 ... Direction switching device, 22 ... Case distribution device, 23 ... Pattern forming device,
31 ... Conveyor, 101 ... Position correction device,
201: Introduction roller conveyor (driving roller R group), 202: Fixed roller conveyor (driving roller R group), 203, 204 ... Guide roller conveyor (driving roller R group), 237: Movable side guide mechanism (guide mechanism), C ... case, P ... pallet.

Claims (5)

The long and short directions with respect to the carrying direction of the cases (C) sent in a line by the carrying conveyor (31) are selectively switched to the loading direction between the long and short directions based on a predetermined control signal. A direction switching device (21);
Each case (C) sent in a predetermined direction from the orientation switching device (21) is aligned with a position in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the case (C) is loaded on the pallet (P ). Based on a predetermined control signal, the position in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction is between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor (31) and a direction having a component perpendicular to the transport direction. distributing Ru case sorter selectively switching a plurality of rows (22),
A case stacking device comprising: a pattern forming device (23) that decelerates or stops a predetermined number of cases (C) sent from the case distribution device (22) to align with a predetermined pattern. The case distribution device (22)
The case (C) is transported between the same transport direction as the transport conveyor (31) and a direction that makes a predetermined angle with respect to the transport direction. A drive roller group (201) capable of switching the direction;
A drive roller group (202) disposed downstream of the most upstream drive roller group (201) and having the case transport direction fixed in the same transport direction as the transport conveyor (31);
It is arranged adjacent to the driving roller group (202) having a fixed conveying direction, and forms the predetermined angle with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying conveyor (31) and the same conveying as the conveying conveyor (31) 2. The case stacking device according to claim 1, further comprising a drive roller group (203, 204) capable of switching a conveyance direction of the case (C) between the two directions. The case accumulation device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the case distribution device (22) includes a guide mechanism (237) that corrects a positional shift in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction. In a case palletizer in which a plurality of cases (C) are arranged in a predetermined pattern to form one stage, and the cases (C) for one stage are sequentially stacked on the pallet (P).
A case palletizer comprising the case stacking device (12) according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Based on a predetermined control signal, the direction switching device (21) sets the long and short directions with respect to the carrying direction of the cases (C) sent in a line by the carrying conveyor (31) between the long and short directions. Selectively switch to the loading direction at
Each case (C) sent in a predetermined direction from the orientation switching device (21) is aligned with a position in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction in which the case (C) is loaded on the pallet (P ). Based on a predetermined control signal, the case distribution device (22) determines the position in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet, the same conveyance direction as the conveyance conveyor (31), and a component perpendicular to the conveyance direction. Selectively switch between multiple rows ,
A predetermined number of cases (C) sent from the case distribution device (22) are decelerated or stopped by the pattern forming device (23) and aligned in a predetermined pattern,
A case stacking method in which the case (C) group arranged in a predetermined pattern by the pattern forming device (23) is stacked on the pallet (P) by the stacking device (13).

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