Arrangement system for arranging items removed from a packaging box

Abstract

The arrangement system of the present invention includes: a package box transfer device for transferring a package box in which an article is received; a holding device for holding the package box at an extraction position at which the article is extracted from the package box, the package box reaching the extraction position in a state in which an upper surface of the package box is open after being transferred by the package box transfer device; an extraction device for moving to an inner space of the package container in which the article is received to suction and extract the article therefrom; an article transfer device on which the article extracted by the extraction device is placed to be transferred; a sensor mounted on the extraction device and sensing a direction of the article extracted by the extraction device; and a rotating device on which the article extracted by the extraction device is placed and which rotates the article, wherein, in a case in which the direction of the article is sensed by the sensor to be other than a predetermined direction of the article, the extraction device arranges the article on the rotating device, the rotating device rotates such that the direction of the article is rotated to be toward the predetermined direction, and then the extraction device clamps and transfers the article to the article transfer device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a system for aligning articles removed from a packaging box, and more specifically, to a system for removing and aligning directional articles contained in a packaging box. Background Technology

[0002] Rectangular boxes are widely used as packaging containers for transporting and storing goods.

[0003] Figure 1 The illustration shows a widely used packaging box.

[0004] The packaging box, indicated by reference numeral 1 in the attached figure, is mainly made of paper coated with a synthetic resin film and has a top and a bottom, each covered by four panels extending freely from the sides of the packaging box, thus enclosing the packaging box.

[0005] Since the top and bottom of the packaging box have the same structure, it will be referenced. Figure 1 Describe the top of the packaging box. The top of the packaging box is closed by folding four panels 2 to 5, including two pairs of panels, from their respective side edges so that their ends abut or are adjacent to each other. One pair of panels 4 and 5 are folded facing each other and another pair of panels 2 and 3 are subsequently folded facing each other, so that these pairs of panels are placed vertically.

[0006] In this way, the top of the box is sealed. The box is sealed so that it cannot be opened by external force by taping the abutting ends of the first pair of panels 2 and 3, which are folded and placed upwards.

[0007] The bottom of the box is constructed and closed in the same manner as the top. After the items are inserted and housed in the box from above, the box is closed by folding the top panels 2 to 5 as described above and sealing the ends of a pair of panels 2 and 3 with tape. The closed box is then transported.

[0008] On the other hand, when you intend to open the box containing the items to remove them, cut the tape holding panels 2 and 3 together. Then, open the top of the box by unfolding all panels 2 to 5 outwards and then remove the items from the box.

[0009] This is not a problem when the items in the packaging are general consumer goods. However, when it comes to items used in mass production manufacturing processes, aligning the items in a specific direction to remove them from the packaging and placing them in the manufacturing process is a very simple operation, but it requires a lot of labor and increases manufacturing costs.

[0010] Meanwhile, Korean Patent No. 10-1554009 (Document 1) discloses an invention entitled "PACKAGING BOX WITHWINDOW STRUCTURE FOR TAKING OUT STICK CONFECTIONERY PRODUCT". The packaging box in Document 1 presents a configuration that makes it easy to remove the items contained in the packaging box.

[0011] However, the packaging box in Document 1 only discloses a configuration that allows consumers to conveniently store items in the box and then take them out one by one when necessary, without disclosing a configuration suitable for removing large quantities of items from the packaging box and for aligning and transferring items required in the manufacturing process of mass production.

[0012] In addition, Korean Patent No. 10-1527654 (Document 2) discloses an invention entitled "PACKAGING BOX FOR EASYWITHDRAWAL OF ITEM". The packaging box in Document 2 proposes a structure that makes the items easy to remove.

[0013] However, while the packaging box in Document 2 is easy to open and allows for easy removal of items, it does not disclose a configuration or device for automatically performing the extraction and alignment operations.

[0014] Therefore, existing technologies have proposed techniques for easily removing items contained in packaging boxes, and the packaging boxes have special forms that facilitate retrieval. However, no system has been disclosed or considered that can remove items from packaging boxes of ordinary structure and align the items. Summary of the Invention

[0015] Technical issues

[0016] Various implementations relate to a system for removing and aligning items from a packaging box.

[0017] Specifically, various embodiments relate to a system that, when an item is removed from a packaging box and has a specific orientation, aligns the item in that specific orientation while removing it.

[0018] In particular, various embodiments relate to a system for retrieving articles: the system is configured to detect the orientation of articles contained in a packaging box when multiple oriented articles are contained in the packaging box, and to align and transfer the retrieved articles in one direction.

[0019] In addition, various embodiments relate to a system for simultaneously removing, aligning, and transferring items when multiple directional items are contained in a packaging box.

[0020] Technical solution

[0021] In one implementation, a system is provided for retrieving, aligning, and transferring directional items contained in a package with an open top.

[0022] The system according to this disclosure includes:

[0023] A packaging box transfer device configured to transfer a packaging box containing articles therein; a fixing device configured to fix the packaging box at an extraction position where articles are removed from the packaging box, the packaging box being transferred by the packaging box transfer device with the top of the packaging box open; an extraction device configured to move to a space where articles are contained in the packaging box for suction and extraction of articles; an article transfer device configured to transfer articles extracted by the extraction device when articles are placed on the article transfer device; a sensor mounted on the extraction device to detect the orientation of the articles extracted by the extraction device; and a rotating device configured to rotate the articles extracted by the extraction device when articles are placed on the rotating device.

[0024] When the sensor detects that the orientation of each item is different from the predetermined orientation, the extraction device places the item on the rotating device, and after the rotating device rotates to change the orientation of the item to the predetermined orientation, the item is clamped by the extraction device and transferred to the item transfer device.

[0025] In the system disclosed herein, the packaging box transferred by the packaging box transfer device is secured by a fixing device, and the articles are removed from the top of the packaging box by a retrieval device and transferred to the article transfer device.

[0026] When there are items in the packaging box that are arranged in an orientation different from the predetermined orientation, the sensor installed on the extraction device detects the orientation of the items during the process of removing the items from the packaging box, and the extraction device only places the incorrectly oriented items on the rotating device, uses the rotating device to correct the orientation of the items, and transfers the items to the item transfer device.

[0027] In various embodiments of this disclosure, this disclosure is applicable to each article having a different diameter at its two longitudinal ends.

[0028] In embodiments where each item has a different diameter at its two longitudinal ends, the sensor can detect the orientation of the item by detecting the diameter of one end. The item transfer device can transfer items with their longitudinal axes parallel to each other. Items can be rotated with their longitudinal direction positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating device.

[0029] The system disclosed herein can be used more advantageously when multiple items are contained parallel to each other in a packaging box and stacked vertically in the packaging box.

[0030] The extraction device can simultaneously retrieve items that are contained parallel to each other. Items that are not oriented in a predetermined direction among the retrieved items can be placed on a rotating device and rotated by the rotating device, and then transferred to an item transfer device by a transfer device.

[0031] In various embodiments of this disclosure,

[0032] The item transfer device may include a conveyor belt on which items are arranged and transferred by a retrieval device, and a rotating device disposed above the conveyor belt of the item transfer device.

[0033] The rotating device can move between an upper position and a clearance position. At the placement position, the retrieval device places the item onto the conveyor belt of the item transfer device. The clearance position is spaced apart from the upper position of the placement position in the item transfer direction of the item transfer device. When the retrieval device places an item oriented in a direction different from the predetermined item orientation onto the rotating device, the rotating device can move to the upper position of the placement position. When the retrieval device places the item onto the conveyor belt of the item transfer device, the rotating device can move to the clearance position.

[0034] In various embodiments, the rotating device may include: a guide rail extending along two width-direction sides of the conveyor belt of the article transfer device; a linear drive stage that moves along the guide rail; a rotating stage configured to rotate relative to the linear drive stage about a vertical axis of the rotating stage; and a rotation drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating stage.

[0035] Beneficial effects

[0036] According to the system for aligning articles disclosed herein, when the orientation of an article differs from a predetermined orientation during the removal and transfer of articles contained in a packaging box, the article in the different orientation is not transferred to the subsequent process. Instead, it is aligned to have the same orientation as the other articles and then transferred. Therefore, there is no problem of the process stopping due to articles in different orientations in the subsequent process, and the operator can locate and correct articles in different orientations in the subsequent process.

[0037] In particular, since the orientation of the items is detected during the removal of the items from the packaging box, there is no need to construct a separate system to find and correct items whose orientation differs from the predetermined orientation. Therefore, there is no delay in the process because a separate process for detecting the orientation of the items is not required.

[0038] Furthermore, since the process of correcting the orientation of misaligned items is performed in a rotating device separate from the item transfer device, the item transfer process is not interrupted to correct the orientation of misaligned items.

[0039] If the two longitudinal ends of an object have different diameters, a system with low cost and high reliability can be achieved by using a simple and reliable sensor that determines the difference in diameter of the object, without the need for expensive and time-consuming instruments, such as imaging devices that acquire the shape of the object and determine its orientation.

[0040] In particular, since the operation of correcting the orientation of an object is achieved by a simple device for rotating the object, the system is easy and inexpensive to implement.

[0041] The system can process multiple items simultaneously, and can align items even when multiple items are in the wrong orientation.

[0042] The rotating device that rotates the item in different directions will not cause the extraction device to interfere with the operation of the device used to place the item in the item transfer device or interrupt the item placement operation.

[0043] Specifically, the item rotates at a location adjacent to where it was transferred. Therefore, the operation of the extraction device to transfer the item between the rotating device and the item transfer device can be completed quickly with a short working distance, and the system can be compactly constructed without occupying a large area. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a perspective view illustrating the open state of a packaging box used in a system for aligning articles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 2 and Figure 3 These are perspective and side views illustrating the overall configuration of a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 4 It is along Figure 3 The cross-sectional view taken by line AA.

[0047] Figure 5This is a perspective view illustrating the state in which the extraction device is mounted on a frame in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are perspective and top views illustrating a clamping member in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0049] Figures 8 to 10 It is along Figure 7 Cross-sectional views of lines BB, CC, and DD.

[0050] Figures 11 to 13 The illustration shows a perspective view, a front view, and a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a rotating device and a first transfer conveyor for transferring articles in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0051] Figure 14 and Figure 15 This is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the rotating device in a system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0052] In the following, the configuration and operation of a system for aligning articles according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] The system in this embodiment is configured to, for example... Figure 1 The items are removed from the packaging box shown and aligned with the box. The items contained in the packaging box and to be removed by the system of this embodiment are as follows: Figure 4 and Figure 5 3D diagram and Figure 6 The inline container 6 in the cross-sectional view.

[0054] Figure 6 The inline container 6 shown in the diagram is formed by means of stacked bowl-shaped containers made of synthetic resin for containing food and wrapping the food in a packaging film (not shown). Each container has a bottom surface, a circumferential surface, and an open top surface. The container is generally cylindrical in shape, but the bottom surface has a smaller diameter than the top surface. Therefore, the inline container 6 formed by the stacked containers is configured such that each container has an end 6-2 exposed at its bottom surface (in... Figure 6 (middle) and the other end 6-1 exposed at its top surface along its longitudinal direction. Figure 6 (In the middle), the diameter of one end is smaller than the diameter of the other end.

[0055] The inline container 6 is wrapped in a packaging film such that its longitudinal direction is parallel to the bottom or top of the cuboid packaging box 1. Inside the packaging box, four inline containers 4 are placed side by side and stacked vertically in three rows, resulting in a total of 12 inline containers.

[0056] However, the linear container 6 is merely an example of items contained in a box, and this disclosure is not limited to the form of the items or the stacking arrangement in the box. As long as the items contained in the box have the same form and specific orientation and are regularly contained in the box 1, all items can be removed from the box and aligned by the system of this disclosure.

[0057] In addition to the means or mechanisms that constitute a system according to embodiments of this disclosure, Figure 2 and Figure 3 A portion of the unit for opening the packaging box 1 and unfolding its top to remove the inline container 6 from the packaging box 1 is also illustrated.

[0058] The packaging box 1 is transferred by the first conveyor 11 to the extraction position below the extraction device 40 in the following state: in this state, the tape bonding the top panels 2 and 3 is cut and the four top panels 2 to 5 are unfolded.

[0059] The system of this embodiment mainly includes: a first conveyor 11, which is configured as a packaging box transfer device to transfer a packaging box 1 containing an inline container 6 as an item to be taken out; four fixing plate devices 31 to 34 and a suction fixing device 35, which serves as a fixing device for fixing the packaging box 1 at the position where the inline container 6 is taken out of the packaging box 1; and an extraction device 40, which serves as an extraction device for moving to the space in which the inline container 6 is contained in the packaging box 1, so as to extract the inline container 6 by suction; and a first transfer conveyor. 60, which serves as an article transfer device for transferring the inline container 6 taken out by the extraction device 40 when the inline container 6 is placed on the first transfer conveyor 60; a second transfer conveyor 70, which serves as a box transfer device for discharging the empty packaging box 1 from which the inline container 6 is taken out from the system; a rotating device 80, which rotates 180 degrees when the inline container 6, which is housed in the packaging box 1 in a different direction than the other inline containers 6, is taken out by the extraction device 40 and placed on the rotating device 80; and a frame 10 to which the above devices are connected and supported.

[0060] The packaging box 1 containing the inline containers 6 is transferred by the first conveyor 11 to the position where the extraction device 40 is provided. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, units for unfolding the upper panels 2 to 5 of the packaging box are provided around the first conveyor 11. Therefore, the packaging box is opened at its top before it is transferred from the first conveyor 11 toward the extraction device 40.

[0061] Reference Figure 4 The first conveyor 11 includes two conveyor belts parallel to each other. Therefore, the first conveyor 11 transfers and supports the empty packaging box 1 in which the inline container 6 is removed by the extraction device 40.

[0062] When the packaging box 1 reaches the position where the extraction device 40 takes out the inline container 6, the first conveyor 11 stops and the packaging box 1 is fixed to the extraction position by four fixing plate devices 31 to 34 and a suction fixing device 35.

[0063] The four fixing plates 31 to 35 respectively abut against the four sides of the packaging box 1.

[0064] The first fixing plate device 31 has abutment against the packaging box and is in the transfer direction of the packaging box 1 (from Figure 3 The arrow X in the diagram indicates the panel facing downstream of the packaging box. The second fixing plate device 32 has a panel that abuts against the packaging box and faces upstream of the packaging box in the transfer direction of the packaging box 1.

[0065] Here, the second fixing plate device 32 is disposed between the two conveyor belts of the first conveyor 11. Therefore, in order not to interfere with the transfer of the packaging box 1, the second fixing plate device 32 remains below the first conveyor 11 during the transfer of the packaging box, and rises after the packaging box 1 stops at the extraction position, such that the panel (not shown) of the second fixing plate device 32 protrudes and abuts against the side of the packaging box 1.

[0066] Figure 4 The diagram illustrates the third fixing plate device 33, the fourth fixing plate device 34, and the suction fixing device 35. The third fixing plate device 33 and the fourth fixing plate device 34 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y perpendicular to the transfer direction X and face each other to secure the two sides of the packaging box 1.

[0067] The third fixing plate device 33 includes a first block 331 fixed to the frame 10 below the first conveyor 11, a first pneumatic cylinder 332 vertically actuated from the first block 331, a second block 333 connected to the tip of the first pneumatic cylinder 332, a second pneumatic cylinder 334 horizontally actuated from the second block 333, and a fixing plate 335 connected to the tip of the second pneumatic cylinder 334 to abut against the side of the packaging box 1.

[0068] The second block 333 and the components attached thereto are in a stationary position and an operating position by actuation of the first pneumatic cylinder 332. Figure 4 The device moves between the states shown in the diagram, with the stationary position located at the bottom of the packaging box 1. In the operating position, the fixing plate 335 abuts against the side of the packaging box 1 by rising from the stationary position.

[0069] In the operating position, the second pneumatic cylinder 334 is actuated to cause the fixing plate 335 to protrude and abut against the side of the packaging box 1 to support the packaging box.

[0070] The fourth fixing plate device 34 includes a fixing block 341 fixedly connected to the frame 10, a pneumatic cylinder 342 horizontally actuated from the fixing block, and a fixing plate 343 connected to the tip of the pneumatic cylinder 342 to abut against the side of the packaging box 1.

[0071] The fixing plate 343 is spaced apart from the packaging box 1. When the packaging box 1 is moved to a position for removing the inline container 6, the pneumatic cylinder 342 is actuated to cause the fixing plate 323 to move horizontally toward the packaging box 1 and abut against its side.

[0072] The suction fixing device 35 is disposed below between the two conveyor belts of the first conveyor 11.

[0073] The suction fixing device 35 includes a vacuum suction device 351 that abuts against the bottom of the packaging box 1 to perform vacuum suction. The vacuum suction device 351 is connected to a vacuum source and is capable of vertical movement (as shown by arrow Z) via a pneumatic cylinder (not shown).

[0074] When the packaging box 1 is moved to the extraction position, the vacuum suction device 351 rises from the bottom of the first conveyor 11 via a pneumatic cylinder to suction and secure the packaging box 1, and then moves downward again when all the in-line containers 6 have been removed, leaving the packaging box empty.

[0075] The first fixing plate device 31 to the fourth fixing plate device 34 and the suction fixing device 35 secure the four sides and bottom of the packaging box 1. Therefore, these devices prevent the packaging box 1 from lifting or shaking in its transfer direction or width direction when each inline container 6 is removed from the packaging box 1 by the extraction device 40.

[0076] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The extraction device 40 is positioned above the fixed device.

[0077] The extraction device 40 is connected to the upper frame 12, which forms part of the frame 10. The clamping member 50, configured to directly clamp the inline container 6 to remove it, moves relative to the upper frame 12 in the transfer direction X, the width direction Y, and the vertical direction Z.

[0078] First, refer to Figure 5Describe the overall configuration of the extraction device 40.

[0079] The upper frame 12 includes four vertical channels 121 and four horizontal channels 122 that form rectangles with each other. Among them, two horizontal channels 122 that extend in the transfer direction X and are parallel to each other are provided with linear guides 13 and 14.

[0080] Mounting block 41 extends through linear guides 13 and 14 in the width direction Y. Mounting block 41 is movable in the transfer direction X by means of transfer mechanism 15 provided in linear guide 14.

[0081] Mounting block 41 is provided with mounting bracket 42 that is movable in the longitudinal direction, i.e., the width direction Y. A vertically movable pneumatic piston 43 is fixed to mounting bracket 42, and clamping member 50 is connected to the lower end of pneumatic piston 43. Therefore, clamping member 50 is movable in the transfer direction X, the width direction Y, and the vertical direction Z.

[0082] Reference Figures 6 to 10 Describe the configuration of the clamping component.

[0083] The clamping member 50 has a first block 51 and a second block 52 arranged vertically and connected to each other to form the clamping member. The first block 51 has a fixing bracket 53 disposed on its upper surface to attach the clamping member 50 to the tip of the pneumatic piston 43. The first block 51 has four sensors 54 attached side by side to its front side in the transfer direction X to detect the direction of the inline container 6.

[0084] First, refer to Figure 10 Describe the configuration of the clamping components. Figure 10 It is along Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of line DD. Figure 7 This is a top view of the clamping component.

[0085] The second block 52 has four concave arcuate suction surfaces 521 disposed on its lower surface, and the top surface of each inline container 6 can be inserted into and abut against an associated suction surface 521. A through-hole 522 for vacuum suction is formed at the center of each suction surface 521. The through-hole 522 extends outward through the first block 51 to withstand vacuum suction pressure from an external vacuum source.

[0086] The inline container 6 is formed by wrapping multiple containers in a packaging film (not shown). The packaging film is drawn into the through-hole 522 by vacuum suction and pressed against the suction surface 521 by applying negative pressure to the entire suction surface 521, thereby securing the inline container 6 to the clamp 50 in response to the load of the inline container 6.

[0087] Meanwhile, two pins are provided on both sides of the through hole 522. Figure 10 54), used as a mechanism for securing the plastic film drawn into the through-hole 522 by a negative pressure acting on it. Pin ( Figure 10 54) is operated horizontally by a solenoid mechanism (not shown). After the plastic film on the inline container 6 is drawn into the through-hole 522 by the vacuum suction pressure applied during the clamping of the inline container 6, the pin ( Figure 10 54) moves along the contact direction and presses and clamps the packaging film on the inline container 6 between them.

[0088] Return to reference Figure 6 The second block 52 is provided with four suction surfaces 521 parallel to each other to suction four inline containers 6. Here, the length of each of the first block 51 and the second block 52 is shorter than the length of the inline containers 6, and the two longitudinal ends 6-1 and 6-2 of the inline containers 6 are exposed from the longitudinal ends of the clamping member 50 during clamping.

[0089] Sensor 54 is disposed on the side of the first block 51 to operate along the diameter of the inline container 6 and to detect the diameter of the inline container 6.

[0090] As described above, each of the containers forming the inline container 6 is configured such that its open top surface has a larger diameter than its bottom surface. Therefore, when the inline container 6 is formed from stacked containers, the longitudinal end 6-1 of the inline container 6 corresponding to its top surface has a larger diameter than the longitudinal end 6-2 of the inline container 6 corresponding to its bottom surface.

[0091] Figure 7 The illustration shows four inline containers being held and removed by the clamp 50. As an example, one inline container 6' differs from the others in that its bottom end 6'-1 is positioned on the side where the sensor 54 is located.

[0092] In the system of this embodiment, the inline container 6 is removed from the packaging box and aligned, and then transferred to the place of use after the plastic film on it is removed.

[0093] Therefore, the inline containers 6 removed from the system in this embodiment must be aligned in the same direction. However, if, due to operator error, one of the inline containers 6' is placed in a different direction when it is inserted into the packaging box 1, the inline container 6' placed in the different direction is transferred to the next process, just as the inline containers 6 are removed, aligned, and transferred in the system. This can cause problems during the process of removing the packaging film from the inline containers 6 and supplying the containers.

[0094] As along Figure 7 The cross-sectional view of lines EE and FF. Figure 8 and Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the inline container 6 in the normal orientation and the inline container 6' in a different orientation being clamped by the clamping member 50.

[0095] Each sensor 54 includes a rod 541 fixedly connected to the substrate 51 and movable vertically. The rod 541 moves upward when it abuts against one end of the inline container 6 or the inline container 6'. The rod 541 of the sensor 54 pushes upward when the inline container 6 is clamped in its normal orientation. Conversely, the rod 541 of the sensor 54 does not push upward when the inline container 6' is clamped in the opposite orientation, because the rod 541 abuts against the bottom end 6'-2 of the inline container 6'.

[0096] Therefore, sensor 54 operates to detect the presence and position of the inline container 6' placed in the opposite direction.

[0097] Return to reference Figure 2 and Figure 3 The first transfer conveyor 60 and the rotating device 80 are disposed downstream of the extraction device 40. The first transfer conveyor 60 serves as an article transfer device for transferring the inline container 6 taken out by the extraction device 40 through the first transfer conveyor, and the rotating device 80 rotates the inline container 6' placed in different directions.

[0098] Reference Figures 11 to 13 The configuration of the first transfer transmitter 60 and the rotating device 80 is described.

[0099] The first transfer conveyor 60 has a conveyor belt 61 through which inline containers 6 are transferred parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction. The conveyor belt 61 circulates between a drive roller 62 and a drive roller 63, which are rotated by a drive motor 64. A support frame 66 is provided to support the rollers 62 and 63, the conveyor belt 61, and the drive motor 64.

[0100] The conveyor belt 61 is driven in a width direction Y perpendicular to the transfer direction X of the packaging box, and this width direction is the transfer direction along which the inline containers 6 are transferred by the first transfer conveyor 60.

[0101] In the following description relating to the configuration and operation of the first transfer conveyor 60 and the rotating device 80, the direction in which the first transfer conveyor 60 transfers the inline container 6 will be referred to as the transfer direction Y, and the width direction of the first transfer conveyor 60 perpendicular to the transfer direction will be referred to as the width direction X.

[0102] The extraction device 40 moves further along the transfer direction X of the packaging box from the position where the inline container 6 is removed from the packaging box 1. Then, the extraction device 40 moves upward from the first transfer conveyor 60 and lowers the clamping member 50 to place the inline container 6 on the conveyor belt 61 of the first transfer conveyor 60. Thus, the inline container 6 placed on the conveyor belt 61 of the first transfer conveyor 60 is transferred to the subsequent process.

[0103] The rotating device 80 is positioned above the first transfer transmitter 60.

[0104] The rotating device 80 includes a rotating platform 81 configured to hold four in-line containers 6, a rotating drive mechanism 82 including a drive motor for rotating the rotating platform 81, and a linear drive platform 83, wherein the rotating drive mechanism 82 is coupled to and supported on the linear drive platform 83.

[0105] A mounting frame 66 for mounting the rotating device 80 is provided on a support frame 65 of the first transfer conveyor 60. The mounting frame 66 extends from the front to the rear of the first transfer conveyor 60 along the transfer direction Y of the inline container 6, and the clamping member 50 places the inline container 6 on the front and transfers the inline container 6 to the rear.

[0106] The mounting frame 65 has a linear drive mechanism 84 for moving the linear drive stage 83 in the transfer direction Y along its width direction X on one side of the first transfer transmitter 60, and a guide rail 85 for guiding and supporting the linear movement of the linear drive stage 83 on the other side of the first transfer transmitter 60.

[0107] A rotary drive mechanism 82 is disposed on the upper surface of a linear drive stage 83, and a rotary stage 81 is placed on the rotary drive mechanism 82 for rotation.

[0108] The clamping member 50 of the extraction device places the inline container 6, which is in the normal orientation, onto the first transfer conveyor 60, and places the inline container 6', which is in the opposite orientation, onto the rotary table 8 of the rotating device. The rotary table 81 of the rotating device 80 rotates 180 degrees, changing the orientation of the inline container 6' back to the normal orientation. Then, the clamping member 50 moves the inline container 6', which is now in the normal orientation, from the rotating device 80 to the first transfer conveyor 60.

[0109] Return to reference Figure 4 The second transfer conveyor 70, which is described as a box transfer device, is used to transfer empty packaging boxes 1 from which the inline containers 6 are removed.

[0110] All the in-line containers 6 are removed from the packaging box 1, and the empty packaging box 1 is transferred to another location, while another packaging box is transferred to the extraction location via the first conveyor 11. A second transfer conveyor 70, constituting the box transfer device, is disposed below between the two conveyor belts of the first conveyor 11.

[0111] The second transfer conveyor 70 is provided with a block 71 fixedly connected to the frame 10 and two cylindrical members 72 that move vertically relative to the block 71 and are arranged side by side in the width direction Y. Each of the cylindrical members 72 has a transfer mechanism 73 mounted to its tip, and the transfer mechanism 73 moves vertically in the direction Z through the cylindrical member 72.

[0112] The conveying mechanism 73 is provided with two pulleys 74 spaced apart in the width direction Y and a belt 75 wound around the pulleys 74. The pulleys 74 are rotated by a drive motor (not shown) for the circulation of the belt 75.

[0113] The conveying mechanism 73 is located below the first conveyor 11. Therefore, when the packaging box 1 is transferred by the first conveyor 11, the conveying mechanism 73 does not interfere with the bottom of the packaging box 1. When the cylindrical part 72 is actuated after all the in-line containers 6 have been removed from the packaging box 1, the conveying mechanism 73 moves upward.

[0114] The conveyor belt 75 contacts the bottom of the package 1, causing the package 1 to move upward to space it from the first conveyor 11. The belt 75 circulates in the width direction Y to transfer the package 1.

[0115] Although not shown in the figure, another conveyor for transferring empty packaging boxes 1 is provided next to the first conveyor 11. Therefore, the packaging box 1, which is moved in the width direction Y by the second transfer conveyor 70 and deviates from the extraction position, is removed from the system of this embodiment.

[0116] The overall operation of a system with the above configuration will be described.

[0117] The packaging box 1, which contains a row of containers 6 and has all its top panels 2 to 5 opened, is transferred to the extraction position via a first conveyor 11.

[0118] When the packaging box 1 is transferred to the extraction position, the first conveyor 11 stops, and the first fixing plate device 31 to the fourth fixing plate device 34 and the suction fixing device 35 operate to support the packaging box 1 and fix it at the extraction position.

[0119] Next, the clamping member 50 of the extraction device moves to the top of the packaging box 1 by the movement of the mounting block 41 in the transfer direction X and the movement of the mounting bracket 42 in the width direction Y. Next, the clamping member 50 moves downward by the operation of the pneumatic piston 43 to move into the packaging box 1, so that the four containers of the inline containers 6 are placed on the corresponding suction surfaces 521.

[0120] The packaging box 1 is transferred in a state in which the longitudinal direction of the inline containers 6 is the transfer direction X when the packaging box 1 is placed on the first conveyor 11. The clamping member 50 is also fixed to the tip of the pneumatic piston 43 such that the longitudinal direction of each suction surface 521 is the transfer direction X.

[0121] When the inline container 6 is placed on the suction surface 521, it is secured to the clamp 50 by vacuum suction and subsequent pin 532. Next, the clamp 50 is moved to the first transfer conveyor 60 by the operation of the extraction device 40, and the fixation of the inline container 6 by vacuum suction and pin is released, allowing the containers of the inline container 6 to be transferred side-by-side via the first transfer conveyor 60.

[0122] Meanwhile, when sensor 54 detects an inline container 6' placed in the opposite direction, clamp 50 first moves above rotating device 80 and operates to release the inline container 6' from its associated suction surface 521 so that the inline container 6' can be placed on the stage 81 of rotating device.

[0123] Figure 14 The illustration shows that when one of the four inline containers 6 taken out of the packaging box 1 is oriented in the opposite direction to the other inline containers, that is, when the bottom end 6'-2 of the container is placed forward in the transfer direction X, the clamp 50 places only the inline container 6' on the rotary table 81 of the rotating device.

[0124] When the clamping member 50 places the inline container 6 removed from the packaging box 1 onto the conveyor belt 61 of the first transfer conveyor 60, the linear drive table 83 of the rotating device is in position. Figure 11The avoidance position is shown in the diagram. Therefore, the linear drive stage 83 and the rotary stage 81 connected thereto will not interfere with the operation of the clamp 50 for placing the inline container.

[0125] When one of the four lined containers removed from the packaging box 1 by the clamp 50 is a lined container 6' placed in the opposite direction, the linear drive table 83 is moved by the linear drive mechanism 84 to the position where the clamp 50 places the lined container 6' on the first transfer conveyor 60, and the clamp 50 places the lined container 6' in the opposite direction on the rotary table 81, as shown. Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown in the diagram.

[0126] A partition 87 is provided on the upper surface of the rotary table 81 to separate the inline containers 6', so that they will not move due to the rotation of the rotary table 81. Therefore, the inline containers 6' are placed in any of the four positions separated by the partition 87.

[0127] Figure 14 and Figure 15 The illustration shows only one inline container 6' in the opposite direction placed on the rotary table 81. In some cases, two or more or all of the four inline containers simultaneously removed by the extraction device 40 can be placed in the opposite direction.

[0128] The extraction device 4 places the inline container 6' in the opposite direction onto the rotary table 81 and clamps the inline container 6' in the normal direction. Next, after the linear drive table 83 moves to the clearance position, the clamping member 50 places the inline container 6' in the normal direction onto the first transfer conveyor 60. The rotary table 81 rotates 180 degrees from the clearance position and the clamping member 50 moves back to the position where the inline container was placed.

[0129] Figure 15 This state is illustrated. The inline container 6' has... Figure 14 The bottom end 6'-2 shown in the diagram is opposite to the bottom end of the inline container, meaning it has the same normally oriented end as the inline container. The clamping member 50 clamps the inline container 6'.

[0130] The rotary table 81 and the linear drive table 83 are moved to a clearance position, and the clamping member 50 places the inline container 6, whose orientation has been changed, onto the conveyor belt 61 of the first transfer conveyor 60.

[0131] Through this process, the inline container 6' in the opposite direction is set to be in the same direction as the other inline containers 6 and is transferred by the first transfer conveyor 60 to the subsequent process.

[0132] Simultaneously, when the four inline containers 6' simultaneously removed from the packaging box 1 by the clamping member 50 are oriented in opposite directions, the rotary table 81 immediately rotates 180 degrees without needing to move the linear drive table 83 of the rotating device 80 to a clearance position. Furthermore, after the clamping member 50 has clamped all four inline containers 6', the linear drive table 83 moves to a clearance position, allowing the inline containers 6' clamped by the clamping member 50 to be placed on the conveyor belt 61 of the first transfer conveyor.

[0133] By repeating this process, all the inline containers 6 are removed from the packaging box 1 while their orientation is aligned. The inline containers 6 are then transferred by the first transfer conveyor 60 to the subsequent process, namely the process of removing the vinyl packaging from the inline containers 6.

[0134] When all the inline containers 6 and inline containers 6' are removed from a carton 1, leaving the carton 1 empty, the second transfer conveyor 70 rises from the bottom of the first conveyor 11 to separate the empty carton 1 from the first conveyor 11. Next, the belt 75 is circulated to remove the empty carton 1 from the extraction position out of the system.

[0135] In this manner, the packaging box 1 containing the inline container 6 is introduced into the system of this embodiment, and the inline container 6 is removed by the extraction device 40 and transferred by the first transfer conveyor 60 to a subsequent process. The empty packaging box is removed from the system by the second transfer conveyor 60 and transferred to a subsequent process.

[0136] Although a system for aligning inline containers according to embodiments of the present disclosure has been described in terms of its configuration and operation, the present disclosure is not limited to such embodiments, and various modifications and additions can be made to the elements within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A system for retrieving, aligning, and transferring articles contained in a package having an open top, the system comprising: A packaging box transfer device configured to transfer packaging boxes containing items therein; A securing device configured to secure the packaging box at an extraction position where the items are removed from the packaging box, the packaging box being transferred by the packaging box transfer device with the top of the packaging box open; An extraction device configured to move to the space where the item is contained in the packaging box in order to draw and remove the item; An article transfer device configured to transfer an article taken out by the extraction device, wherein the article is placed on the article transfer device; A sensor, mounted on the extraction device, is used to detect the orientation of the article removed by the extraction device; and A rotating device configured to rotate the article retrieved by the extraction device, wherein the article is placed on the rotating device. Specifically, when the sensor detects that the orientation of each item differs from the predetermined item orientation, the extraction device places the item on the rotating device. After the rotating device rotates to change the orientation of the item to the predetermined orientation, the item is clamped by the extraction device and transferred to the item transfer device. The item transfer device includes a conveyor belt, on which the item is arranged and transferred by the extraction device, and the rotating device is disposed above the conveyor belt of the item transfer device. The rotating device moves between an upper side of the placement position and a clearance position, where the extraction device places the item onto the conveyor belt of the item transfer device. The clearance position is spaced apart from the upper side of the placement position in the item transfer direction of the item transfer device. When the extraction device places an item oriented in a direction different from the predetermined item orientation on the rotating device, the rotating device moves to the upper side of the placement position, and when the extraction device places the item on the conveyor belt of the item transfer device, the rotating device moves to the avoidance position.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: Each of the items has a different diameter at its two longitudinal ends, and the sensor detects the orientation of the item by detecting the diameter at one end of the item; The article transfer device transfers the articles while their longitudinal axes are parallel to each other; and The article is rotated when its longitudinal direction is positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotating device.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein: Multiple items are contained in the packaging box in a manner that is parallel to each other and stacked vertically, and the extraction device simultaneously removes the items contained in parallel arrangement. and Items that are not oriented in the predetermined item direction and are simultaneously removed are placed on the rotating device and rotated by the rotating device, and then transferred by the extraction device to the item transfer device.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The rotating device includes: a guide rail extending along two width-direction sides of the conveyor belt of the article transfer device; a linear drive stage moving along the guide rail; a rotating stage configured to rotate relative to the linear drive stage about a vertical axis of the rotating stage; and a rotation drive mechanism configured to rotate the rotating stage.

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