Article sorting device

Abstract

The present disclosure provides an article sorting device capable of coping with various containers without replacing parts. The article sorting device includes a rotating table, a housing portion, a guide portion, a position control unit, and a sorting unit. The position control unit controls the position of the housing portion in the radial direction to a designated position among a first position and a second position that is radially outward of the first position. When the position of the housing portion in the circumferential direction has reached a sorting position, the sorting unit guides the article to different paths depending on whether the position of the housing portion in the radial direction is the first position or the second position.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This international application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-190886 filed in the Japan Patent Office on November 17, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to an article sorting device. BACKGROUND

[0004] Patent Literature 1 discloses a labeling device. The labeling device conveys containers along a conveyance path. The labeling device sticks labels to the containers at a sticking portion located in the middle of the conveyance path. Then, the labeled containers are conveyed along the conveyance path.

[0005] Prior Art Documents

[0006] Patent Literature

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 5566143 SUMMARY

[0008] Problem to be solved by the invention

[0009] Containers that have passed through the sticking portion are classified into containers that have been properly labeled (hereinafter referred to as “good products”) and containers that have not been properly labeled (hereinafter referred to as “defective products”). It is desirable for the labeling device to be provided with an article sorting device that can sort good products and defective products.

[0010] The shape and size of containers to which labels are stuck by the labeling device vary. It is desirable for the article sorting device to be able to cope with various containers without replacing parts.

[0011] In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide an article sorting device that can cope with various containers without replacing parts.

[0012] Technical solution to the problem

[0013] One aspect of the present disclosure is an article sorting device. The article sorting device includes: a rotating table; a housing portion installed at an outer circumferential portion of the rotating table in a manner that a position in a radial direction is changeable, and configured to hold an article; a guide portion provided at a position radially outward of the housing portion, and configured to inhibit the article from falling out of the housing portion; a position control unit configured to control a position of the housing portion in the radial direction to a designated position among a first position and a second position before a position of the housing portion in a circumferential direction passes a lead-in position and reaches a sorting position, wherein the sorting position is a position at which the article is led into the housing portion, and the second position is a position radially outward of the first position; and a sorting unit configured to guide the article to different paths depending on whether the position of the housing portion in the radial direction is the first position or the second position when the position of the housing portion in the circumferential direction has reached the sorting position.

[0014] The article sorting device of one aspect of the present disclosure can sort various articles without replacing parts. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0016] Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0017] Figure 3 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0018] Figure 4 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0019] Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0020] Figure 6 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0021] Figure 7 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0022] Figure 8 is a horizontal sectional view showing the structure of the labeling system 1.

[0023] Figure 9is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the containers 101 are held by the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide portion 25.

[0024] Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of the path switching guide 37.

[0025] Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a structure of the path switching guide 39.

[0026] Figure 12 is an explanatory diagram showing movement of the guide portion 25.

[0027] Figure 13 is a plan view showing a structure when the article sorting device 9 is in a state in which the gap 97 is opened by the selection portion 99, and the cam follower portion 89 contacts the abutting surface 93C.

[0028] Figure 14 is a plan view showing a structure when the article sorting device 9 is in a state in which the gap 97 is closed by the selection portion 99, and the cam follower portion 89 contacts the abutting surface 93B.

[0029] Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view showing a structure of the article sorting device 9.

[0030] Explanation of reference numerals

[0031] 1 … Labeling system; 3 … Container introduction device; 5 … Article sorting device; 7 … Labeling device;

[0032] 9 … Article sorting device; 11 … Horizontal supply conveyor; 13 … Robot;

[0033] 17 … Non-conforming product passage; 19 … Conforming product pedestal; 21 … Guide rail unit;

[0034] 23 … Holding unit; 25 … Guide portion; 25A … Side plate; 25B … Base plate; 27 … Upper rail;

[0035] 29 … Lower rail; 31 … Upper chain; 33 … Lower chain; 35 … Groove;

[0036] 37, 39 … Path switching guide; 41 … 1st cylinder; 43 … 2nd cylinder;

[0037] 47 … 3rd cylinder; 49 … 4th cylinder; 451 … 1st stopper;

[0038] 452 … 2nd stopper; 453 … 3rd stopper; 454 … 4th stopper;

[0039] 51 … Shaft; 53 … Sliding portion; 55 … Roller support portion; 57A, 57B … Upper roller;

[0040] 59A, 59B … lower rollers; 61 … cam follower; 63, 65 … support plates;

[0041] 65A, 65B, 67A, 67B … roller shafts; 71 … rotating table; 73 … housing; 73A … recess;

[0042] 75 … top plate; 77 … support column; 79 … guide rail; 81 … block; 83 … spring guide;

[0043] 85 … spring; 87 … spring receiving portion; 87A … guide receiving hole; 89 … cam follower;

[0044] 91 … cam; 93, 93A, 93B, 93C … abutting surface; 97 … gap; 99 … selection portion;

[0045] 101 … container; 103 … guide portion; 105 … sorting position; 106 … gap DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0047] <1st Embodiment>

[0048] 1. Structure of Labeling System 1

[0049] Reference Signs Figure 1 The structure of a labeling system 1 will be described. The labeling system 1 is a system for labeling containers. The containers correspond to objects. Containers that have not been labeled are placed on a horizontal supply conveyor 11 by an operator. The horizontal supply conveyor 11 conveys the containers toward a direction B. Ten containers are aligned in a row in the direction R, the direction L at an end portion of the horizontal supply conveyor 11 on the direction B side. Each of two robots 13 introduces the ten containers to an introduction position 15 of a conveying device 5 at a time. Figure 1 A right direction in the drawing is defined as a direction R, Figure 1 A left direction in the drawing is defined as a direction L, Figure 1 A downward direction in the drawing is defined as a direction B, Figure 1 An upward direction in the drawing is defined as a direction F, Figure 1 A direction orthogonal to the plane of the drawing and tending to be near is defined as a direction U, Figure 1 A direction orthogonal to the plane of the drawing and tending to be far is defined as a direction D. The direction U is a direction vertically upward. The direction D is a direction vertically downward.

[0050] The labeling system 1 is provided with a container introduction device 3, a conveying device 5, a labeling device 7, and an article sorting device 9.

[0051] The container introduction device 3 is provided with the horizontal supply conveyor 11 and the two robots 13. The operator places containers that have not been labeled on the horizontal supply conveyor 11. The horizontal supply conveyor 11 conveys the containers toward the direction B. Ten containers are aligned in a row in the direction R, the direction L at an end portion of the horizontal supply conveyor 11 on the direction B side. Each of the two robots 13 introduces the ten containers to the introduction position 15 of the conveying device 5 at a time.

[0052] The conveying device 5 conveys the container from the introduction position 15 toward the direction R. The labeling device 7 applies a label to the container being conveyed. Then, the conveying device 5 conveys the container (hereinafter referred to as "labeled container") for which the labeling process has been completed toward the direction R.

[0053] The article sorting device 9 sorts the labeled container conveyed into a good product and a defective product. The good product refers to the container to which a label has been correctly applied. The defective product refers to the container to which a label has not been correctly applied. The article sorting device 9 carries the defective product to the defective product passage 17. The article sorting device 9 carries the good product to the good product pedestal 19.

[0054] 2. Structure of the conveying device 5

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 12 The structure of the conveying device 5 will be described. The conveying device 5 is provided with a guide rail unit 21, a plurality of holding units 23, and a guide portion 25.

[0056] As shown in Figure 2 , the guide rail unit 21 has a ring shape extending in the direction R and the direction L when viewed from the direction U side.

[0057] As shown in Figure 3 , Figure 4 , the guide rail unit 21 includes an upper rail 27, a lower rail 29, an upper chain 31, and a lower chain 33. The upper rail 27, the lower rail 29, the upper chain 31, and the lower chain 33 extend in the circumferential direction of the guide rail unit 21 having a ring shape, respectively. The upper rail 27, the lower rail 29, the upper chain 31, and the lower chain 33 extend in the horizontal direction, respectively.

[0058] The upper chain 31 is located on the side closest to the direction U in the guide rail unit 21. The upper rail 27 is located on the side closer to the direction D than the upper chain 31. The lower rail 29 is located on the side closer to the direction D than the upper rail 27. The lower chain 33 is located on the side closer to the direction D than the lower rail 29.

[0059] As shown in Figure 5 , Figure 6 , the upper rail 27 has a groove 35 having a concave shape on the outer peripheral side thereof. As shown in Figure 2 , the outer peripheral side refers to the direction away from the center of the guide rail unit 21 having a ring shape when viewed from the direction U side. The groove 35 extends in the longitudinal direction of the upper rail 27. The lower rail 29 also has the groove 35, like the upper rail 27.

[0060] As shown in Figure 4As shown, a portion of the rail unit 21 on the direction F side is provided with path switching rails 37, 39. The path switching rails 37, 39 connect the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. The path switching rail 37 is inclined in a manner that approaches the direction D more as it approaches the direction L. The path switching rail 39 is inclined in a manner that approaches the direction U more as it approaches the direction L.

[0061] As shown, the path switching rail 37 has a groove 35, like the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. The groove 35 is located on the outer peripheral side of the path switching rail 37. The groove 35 extends in the longitudinal direction of the path switching rail 37. Figure 10

[0062] The first cylinder 41 is provided near the intersection of the path switching rail 37 and the upper rail 27. The second cylinder 43 is provided near the intersection of the path switching rail 37 and the lower rail 29.

[0063] The first cylinder 41 is capable of moving a first stopper 451 in a triangular shape. The position of the first stopper 451 is either a position that blocks the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37, or a position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37 and opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0064] The second cylinder 43 is capable of moving a second stopper 452 in a triangular shape. The position of the second stopper 452 is either a position that blocks the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37, or a position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37 and opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0065] As shown, the path switching rail 39 has a groove 35, like the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. The groove 35 is located on the outer peripheral side of the path switching rail 39. The groove 35 extends in the longitudinal direction of the path switching rail 39. The third cylinder 47 is provided near the intersection of the path switching rail 39 and the lower rail 29. The fourth cylinder 49 is provided near the intersection of the path switching rail 39 and the upper rail 27. Figure 11 The third cylinder 47 is capable of moving a third stopper 453 in a triangular shape. The position of the third stopper 453 is either a position that blocks the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39, or a position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 and opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0066] The fourth cylinder 49 is capable of moving a fourth stopper 454 in a triangular shape. The position of the fourth stopper 454 is either a position that blocks the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39, or a position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 and opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0067] The fourth cylinder 49 is capable of moving a fourth stopper 454 in a triangular shape. The position of the fourth stopper 454 is either a position that blocks the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39, or a position that blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 and opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27.​

[0068] The upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate in the direction X under the driving force of an unillustrated driving source. At the portion of the rail unit 21 on the direction B side, the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 move toward the direction R. The direction R corresponds to the conveying direction. The speed of the upper chain 31 is the same as the speed of the lower chain 33. Figure 2

[0069] As shown in Figs. 1 and 2, the holding unit 23 has two shafts 51, a sliding portion 53, a roller support portion 55, upper rollers 57A and 57B, lower rollers 59A and 59B, and a cam follower portion 61. Further, the upper rollers 57A and 57B correspond to first rollers. The lower rollers 59A and 59B correspond to second rollers. Figure 5 Figure 6 The two shafts 51 are arranged at intervals in the direction X. The axial directions of the two shafts 51 are parallel to the direction U and the direction D. The upper ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the upper chain 31, respectively. The lower ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the lower chain 33, respectively. When the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate in the direction X, the two shafts 51 move in the direction X.

[0070] The sliding portion 53 has two through holes extending in the directions parallel to the direction U and the direction D. The shaft 51 is inserted in each of the through holes. A bushing is installed inside the through hole. The bushing is fitted on the shaft 51. The sliding portion 53 is allowed to move in the direction U and the direction D by the relative sliding between the inner peripheral surface of the bushing and the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 51.

[0071] The roller support portion 55 is fixed to the outer peripheral side of the sliding portion 53. As shown in Fig. 1, the outer peripheral side means the direction away from the center of the ring-shaped rail unit 21 when viewed from the direction U side. The roller support portion 55 has support plates 63 and 65 projecting toward the outer peripheral side. The support plate 65 is located on the direction D side further downward than the support plate 63.

[0072] Roller shafts 65A and 65B extend from the lower surface of the support plate 63 toward the direction D downward. The roller shafts 65A and 65B are arranged in the direction X. Roller shafts 67A and 67B extend from the lower surface of the support plate 65 toward the direction D downward. The roller shafts 67A and 67B are arranged in the direction X. The roller shaft 65A and the roller shaft 67A are located on the same straight line. The roller shaft 65B and the roller shaft 67B are located on the same straight line. Figure 2

[0073]

[0074] ​​​​Upper roller 57A is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 65A. The axial direction of upper roller 57A is parallel to directions U and D. Upper roller 57B is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 65B. The axial direction of upper roller 57B is parallel to directions U and D. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are spaced apart and arranged along direction X. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are positioned identically in directions U and D. Upper rollers 57A and 57B are cylindrical in shape. They have the same diameter. Upper rollers 57A and 57B have the same axial length.

[0075] Lower roller 59A is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 67A. The axial direction of lower roller 59A is parallel to directions U and D. Lower roller 59B is rotatably mounted on roller shaft 67B. The axial direction of lower roller 59B is parallel to directions U and D. Lower rollers 59A and 59B are spaced apart and arranged along direction X. Lower rollers 59A and 59B are positioned identically in directions U and D. Lower rollers 59A and 59B are cylindrical in shape. They have the same diameter. Lower rollers 59A and 59B have the same axial length.

[0076] Lower roller 59A is located further downward in direction D than upper roller 57A. The rotation axis of lower roller 59A and the rotation axis of upper roller 57A are aligned on the same straight line. Upper roller 57A and lower roller 59A are aligned along the same axial direction, parallel to directions U and D. This axial direction is orthogonal to direction R. Upper roller 57A and lower roller 59A constitute a roller unit. The diameter of lower roller 59A is larger than that of upper roller 57A.

[0077] Lower roller 59B is located further downward in direction D than upper roller 57B. The rotation axis of lower roller 59B and the rotation axis of upper roller 57B are co-linear. Upper roller 57B and lower roller 59B are aligned along the same axial direction, parallel to direction U and direction D. This axial direction is orthogonal to direction R. Upper roller 57B and lower roller 59B constitute a roller unit. Thus, holding unit 23 includes a roller unit consisting of upper roller 57A and lower roller 59A, and a roller unit consisting of upper roller 57B and lower roller 59B. The diameter of lower roller 59B is larger than that of upper roller 57B.

[0078] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown, the cam follower 61 is mounted on the inner peripheral side of the sliding portion 53. Figure 2 As shown, the inner peripheral side refers to the direction toward the center of the annular guide rail unit 21 when viewed from the direction U. The cam follower 61 protrudes toward the inner peripheral side relative to the sliding portion 53. The cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 or the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0079] As the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate along the direction X, the holding unit 23 moves along the direction X. The holding unit 23 can rotate around the annular guide rail unit 21 .

[0080] The inner circumferential surface of the bushing included in the sliding portion 53 and the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 51 slide relative to each other, thereby enabling the holding unit 23 to move in directions U and D. Directions U and D are parallel to the axial directions of the upper rollers 57A and 57B and the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0081] However, when the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27, the position of the holding unit 23 in the direction U and the direction D is determined by the upper rail 27. In addition, when the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29, the position of the holding unit 23 in the direction U and the direction D is determined by the lower rail 29.

[0082] Hereinafter, the state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is referred to as the upward displacement state. Furthermore, the state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is referred to as the downward displacement state. In the upward displacement state, the holding unit 23 is positioned further to the side in the direction U than in the downward displacement state.

[0083] like Figure 1 As shown, the guide portion 25 is a long strip-shaped member extending in a direction parallel to the direction L and the direction R. Figure 1 、 Figure 7 As shown, the guide portion 25 is located on the side closer to the direction B than the guide rail unit 21 and the holding unit 23. Figure 7 As shown, the guide portion 25 has an L shape formed by side plates 25A and a bottom plate 25B when viewed from the direction R. The side plates 25A extend in directions parallel to the directions U and D. The bottom plate 25B extends from the lower end of the side plates 25A toward the direction F.

[0084] like Figure 7 As shown, when in the upward displacement state, the lower rollers 59A and 59B both face the guide portion 25. When in the downward displacement state, the upper rollers 57A and 57B both face the guide portion 25. That is, by moving the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D, the rollers facing the guide portion 25 are switched between the upper rollers 57A and 57B and the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0085] The rotation axis of the upper roller 57A and the rotation axis of the lower roller 59A are parallel to the direction U and the direction D, and are located on the same straight line. The diameter of the lower roller 59A is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57A. In addition, the rotation axis of the upper roller 57B and the rotation axis of the lower roller 59B are parallel to the direction U and the direction D, and are located on the same straight line. The diameter of the lower roller 59B is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57B.

[0086] Therefore, the distance between the guide portion 25 in the upper displacement state and the lower rollers 59A, 59B is smaller than the distance between the guide portion 25 in the lower displacement state and the upper rollers 57A, 57B.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 6, the guide portion 25 can move along the direction F and the direction B. The guide portion 25 moves farther away from the upper rollers 57A, 57B or the lower rollers 59A, 59B as the guide portion 25 moves farther toward the direction B. For example, the larger the diameter of the container to be conveyed, the more the position of the guide portion 25 can be moved toward the side of the direction B. Figure 12

[0088] 3. Process executed by the conveying device 5

[0089] The process executed by the conveying device 5 will be described. The container introduction device 3 introduces the container 101 to the introduction position 15 of the conveying device 5. The container 101 has, for example, a trunk portion in a cylindrical shape. The introduction position 15 is a position in the conveying device 5 that is located on the side of the direction B and on the side of the direction L. As shown in FIG. 6, at the introduction position 15, the holding unit 23 holds one container 101 between the holding unit 23 and the guide portion 25. Figure 7

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, in the case of the upper displacement state, the container 101 is held by the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide portion 25. The upper rollers 57A, 57B abut against the side surface of the container 101. The side plate 25A of the guide portion 25 abuts against the side surface of the container 101, and the bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of the container 101 from below. The upper rollers 57A, 57B and the side plate 25A sandwich the container 101 from both sides. The upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide portion 25 hold, for example, the trunk portion in a cylindrical shape in the container 101. Figure 7 Figure 8

[0091] As shown in FIG. 8, in the case of the lower displacement state, the container 101 is held by the lower rollers 59A, 59B and the guide portion 25. The lower rollers 59A, 59B abut against the side surface of the container 101. The side plate 25A of the guide portion 25 abuts against the side surface of the container 101, and the bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of the container 101 from below. The lower rollers 59A, 59B and the side plate 25A sandwich the container 101 from both sides. The lower rollers 59A, 59B and the guide portion 25 hold, for example, the trunk portion in a cylindrical shape in the container 101. Figure 9 ​​​​As shown, in the downwardly displaced state, container 101 is held by upper rollers 57A, 57B and guide 25. Upper rollers 57A, 57B abut the side surfaces of container 101. Side plates 25A of guide 25 abut the side surfaces of container 101, while bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of container 101 from below. Upper rollers 57A, 57B and side plates 25A sandwich container 101 from both sides. Upper rollers 57A, 57B and guide 25 hold, for example, the cylindrical body of container 101.

[0092] As described above, by the holding unit 23 moving in the direction U and the direction D, the rollers that come into contact with the container 101 are switched between the upper rollers 57A and 57B and the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0093] The holding unit 23 moves in the direction R while holding the container 101. The container 101 moves in the direction R while sliding along the surface of the guide 25. Through the above process, the conveying device 5 conveys the container 101 in the direction R. The conveying direction of the container 101 is a straight line direction.

[0094] The conveying device 5 can be switched from the upper displacement state to the lower displacement state in the following manner. When in the upper displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27. Figure 10 The first stopper 451 of the first air cylinder 41 is shown in the figure, blocking the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and opening the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 37. Furthermore, the second stopper 452 of the second air cylinder 43 is positioned so as to block the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and open the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 37. The cam follower 61 advances from the upper rail 27 to the lower rail 29 via the path switching guide rail 37. As a result, the cam is switched from the upward displacement state to the downward displacement state.

[0095] In addition, while maintaining the upper displacement state, Figure 10 The position of the first stopper 451 of the first air cylinder 41 shown is set to a position where it opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and blocks the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 37. Furthermore, the position of the second stopper 452 of the second air cylinder 43 is set to a position where it opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and blocks the groove 35 of the path switching guide rail 37. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path switching guide rail 37 but remains inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0096] The conveying device 5 can be switched from the downward displacement state to the upward displacement state in the following manner. When in the downward displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29. Figure 11The position of the third stopper 453 of the third cylinder 47 is set to a position that blocks the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39. In addition, the position of the fourth stopper 454 of the fourth cylinder 49 is set to a position that blocks the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and opens the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39. The cam follower 61 advances from the lower rail 29 to the upper rail 27 via the path switching rail 39. As a result, the lower displacement state is switched to the upper displacement state.

[0097] Further, in the case of maintaining the lower displacement state, Figure 11 The position of the third stopper 453 of the third cylinder 47 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39. In addition, the position of the fourth stopper 454 of the fourth cylinder 49 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and blocks the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path switching rail 39, but maintains a state of being inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0098] 4. Structure of article sorting device 9

[0099] Referring to Figures 13 to 15 The structure of the article sorting device 9 will be described. As shown in Figures 13 to 15 , the article sorting device 9 is provided with a rotary table 71. The rotary table 71 has a circular plate shape. The rotation axis of the rotary table 71 is parallel to the direction U and the direction D. The rotary table 71 is rotatable in the direction Y shown in Figure 13 , Figure 14 .

[0100] The article sorting device 9 is provided with a plurality of accommodation portions 73. The plurality of accommodation portions 73 are attached to the outer circumferential portion of the rotary table 71. The plurality of accommodation portions 73 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotary table 71. The plurality of accommodation portions 73 are each capable of being independently changed in position in the radial direction with respect to the rotary table 71. Further, in the case where no particular description is given, the radial direction refers to the radial direction of the rotary table 71.

[0101] The accommodation portion 73 has a recessed portion 73A on the radial outer side. As shown in Figure 13 , Figure 14 , the recessed portion 73A has a circular arc shape when viewed from the direction U side. The accommodation portion 73 is capable of holding the container 101 by the recessed portion 73A. The holding refers to at least restricting the movement of the container 101 with respect to the accommodation portion 73 in the circumferential direction.

[0102] As shown in Figure 15 , the article sorting device 9 is provided with a top plate 75 and a support 77. The top plate 75 is located on the direction U side from the rotary table 71 and the accommodation portion 73. The support 77 is sandwiched between the rotary table 71 and the top plate 75. The support 77 fixes the top plate 75 with respect to the rotary table 71.

[0103] As shown in Figure 15 FIG. 6, the article sorting device 9 is provided with a guide rail 79 and a block 81 for each of the plurality of housings 73. The guide rail 79 is fixed to the housing 73 and extends from the housing 73 toward the radially inner side. The block 81 is fixed to the support 77. Thus, the position of the block 81 with respect to the rotating table 71 is fixed.

[0104] The block 81 has a cylindrical shape. The block 81 has a hole extending in the radial direction. The guide rail 79 is inserted into the hole of the block 81. The guide rail 79 relatively slides with respect to the block 81, thereby changing the position of the housing 73 in the radial direction with respect to the rotating table 71.

[0105] As shown in Figure 15 FIG. 7, the article sorting device 9 is provided with a spring guide 83, a spring 85, and a spring receiving portion 87 for each of the plurality of housings 73. The spring guide 83 is a rod-shaped member. The spring guide 83 is fixed to the housing 73 and extends from the housing 73 toward the radially inner side. The spring 85 is a helical spring. The spring guide 83 is inserted into the inside of the spring 85. Like the spring guide 83, the spring 85 also extends from the housing 73 toward the radially inner side.

[0106] The spring receiving portion 87 is fixed with respect to the top plate 75. Thus, the position of the spring receiving portion 87 with respect to the rotating table 71 is fixed. The spring receiving portion 87 is located at a position radially inner than the housing 73. The spring receiving portion 87 has a guide receiving hole 87A. The guide receiving hole 87A is opened at the surface of the radially outer side of the spring receiving portion 87 and extends toward the radially inner side. The front end of the spring guide 83 is inserted into the guide receiving hole 87A. The more the housing 73 moves toward the radially inner side, the deeper the spring guide 83 is inserted into the guide receiving hole 87A.

[0107] The radially outer end of the spring 85 abuts against the housing 73. The radially inner end of the spring 85 abuts against the periphery of the opening of the guide receiving hole 87A in the spring receiving portion 87. The spring 85 is compressed in the radial direction, thereby applying a force to the housing 73 toward the radially outer side.

[0108] As shown in Figures 13 to 15 FIG. 8, the article sorting device 9 is provided with a cam follower 89 for each of the plurality of housings 73. In addition, the article sorting device 9 is provided with one cam 91. The cam follower 89 is fixed with respect to the guide rail 79. Thus, the housing 73 moves integrally with the cam follower 89. The cam follower 89 protrudes toward the side of the direction D than the guide rail 79 and the rotating table 71.

[0109] Cam 91 is located closer to the rotating table 71 in direction D. Cam 91 is fixed to the main body of the article sorting device 9. Cam 91 has an abutment surface 93 that contacts the cam follower 89. Abutment surface 93 contacts the cam follower 89 from the radially outer side. When viewed from the direction U, abutment surface 93 has a basic arc shape.

[0110] The cam follower 89 is biased radially outward by the spring 85 together with the accommodating portion 73, thereby contacting the abutment surface 93. The radial position of the accommodating portion 73 is determined by the position of the abutment surface 93 in contact with the cam follower 89.

[0111] When traveling along abutment surface 93 in direction Y, only one abutment surface 93 (hereinafter referred to as abutment surface 93A) is encountered until reaching branching position 95. At branching position 95, abutment surface 93 branches into abutment surface 93B and abutment surface 93C. Abutment surface 93C is located radially outward of abutment surface 93B. Abutment surface 93C is continuous with abutment surface 93A. A gap 97 exists between abutment surface 93B and abutment surface 93A, which is larger than the width of cam follower 89.

[0112] like Figures 13 to 14 As shown, the article sorting device 9 includes a selection unit 99. Figure 13 As shown, the selector 99 can move to a position opening the gap 97. When the selector 99 has opened the gap 97, the cam follower 89 enters the gap 97 at the branch position 95 and travels along a path contacting the abutment surface 93C.

[0113] like Figure 14 As shown, the selector 99 can move to a position closing the gap 97. When the selector 99 has closed the gap 97, the cam follower 89 passes over the selector 99 and the gap 97 at the branch position 95 and travels along a path contacting the abutment surface 93B.

[0114] like Figure 13 、 Figure 14 As shown, the article sorting device 9 includes a guide portion 103. The guide portion 103 is provided at a position radially outward from the accommodating portion 73. When viewed from the perspective of the direction U side, the surface shape of the guide portion 103 is an arc. The guide portion 103 prevents the container 101 held by the accommodating portion 73 from falling off from the accommodating portion 73. The guide portion 103 has a gap 106 at the sorting position 105. The gap 106 is connected to the defective product channel 17. The defective product channel 17 extends radially outward from the gap 106.

[0115] 5. Processing performed by the article sorting device 9

[0116] The processing performed by the article sorting device 9 will be described. Here, an arbitrary one of the accommodation portions 73 is focused on. The same action is performed by any of the accommodation portions 73. The rotating table 71 rotates at a predetermined speed in the direction Y. The accommodation portion 73 also rotates at a predetermined speed in the direction Y. When the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the circumferential direction reaches the introduction position 107 shown in FIG. 10, the holding unit 23 introduces the container 101 conveyed to the accommodation portion 73. That is, the introduction position 107 is a position at which the container 101 is introduced to the accommodation portion 73. The accommodation portion 73 holds the container 101 that has been introduced. The guide portion 103 suppresses the container 101 from falling out of the accommodation portion 73. Figure 13 、 Figure 14 When the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the circumferential direction is the introduction position 107, the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93A. The cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93A until the accommodation portion 73 further rotates in the direction Y and the cam follower 89 reaches the branch position 95.

[0117] When the cam follower 89 has reached the branch position 95, in the case where the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product, the selection portion 99 closes the gap 97 as shown in FIG. 11. The labeling system 1 is provided with, for example, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an actuator. The microcomputer determines whether the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product using the sensor. When it is determined that the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product, the microcomputer moves the selection portion 99 to a position at which the gap 97 is closed using the actuator.

[0118] When the selection portion 99 has closed the gap 97, if the accommodation portion 73 further rotates in the direction Y, the cam follower 89 passes by the selection portion 99 and the gap 97 while being in contact with the abutment surface 93B. When the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93B, the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction is on the radially inner side compared to the position when the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93C. When the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93B, the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction corresponds to the first position. Figure 14 In the state where the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93B, if the accommodation portion 73 further rotates in the direction Y, the accommodation portion 73 reaches and passes through the sorting position 105. Since the position of the accommodation portion 73 is on the radially inner side, the container 101 held in the accommodation portion 73 does not enter the defective product passage 17 but is still held in the accommodation portion 73.

[0119] When the cam follower 89 has reached the branch position 95, in the case where the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product, the selection portion 99 closes the gap 97 as shown in FIG. 11. The labeling system 1 is provided with, for example, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an actuator. The microcomputer determines whether the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product using the sensor. When it is determined that the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product, the microcomputer moves the selection portion 99 to a position at which the gap 97 is closed using the actuator.

[0120] In the state where the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93B, if the accommodation portion 73 further rotates in the direction Y, the accommodation portion 73 reaches and passes through the sorting position 105. Since the position of the accommodation portion 73 is on the radially inner side, the container 101 held in the accommodation portion 73 does not enter the defective product passage 17 but is still held in the accommodation portion 73.

[0121] If the accommodation portion 73 is further rotated in the direction Y, the accommodation portion 73 reaches the good product support 19. The container 101 held in the accommodation portion 73 is guided to the good product support 19. If the accommodation portion 73 is further rotated in the direction Y, the empty accommodation portion 73 reaches the introduction position 107 again.

[0122] On the other hand, as Figure 13 indicated, when the cam follower 89 has reached the branch position 95, the gap 97 of the selection portion 99 is opened in a case where the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a defective product. The labeling system 1 is provided with, for example, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an actuator. The microcomputer determines whether the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product or not using the sensor. When it is determined that the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a defective product, the microcomputer moves the selection portion 99 to a position where the gap 97 is opened using the actuator.

[0123] When the gap 97 is opened by the selection portion 99, if the accommodation portion 73 is further rotated in the direction Y, the cam follower 89 forced to the radially outer side enters the gap 97 and travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93C. When the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93C, the accommodation portion 73 is positioned radially outward of the position where the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93B. When the cam follower 89 travels while being in contact with the abutment surface 93C, the accommodation portion 73 is positioned at the second position in the radial direction.

[0124] In the state where the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93C, if the accommodation portion 73 is further rotated in the direction Y, the accommodation portion 73 reaches and passes through the sorting position 105. Since the accommodation portion 73 is positioned radially outward, the container 101 held in the accommodation portion 73 is pushed into the defective product passage 17 through the gap 106. If the accommodation portion 73 is further rotated in the direction Y, the empty accommodation portion 73 reaches the introduction position 107 again.

[0125] 6. Effects of the conveying device 5

[0126] (1A) The conveying device 5 can be in an upper displacement state and a lower displacement state. The distance between the guide portion 25 in the upper displacement state and the lower rollers 59A, 59B is smaller than the distance between the guide portion 25 in the lower displacement state and the upper rollers 57A, 57B.

[0127] For example, in the case of a large container to be conveyed, the conveying device 5 becomes the lower displacement state so as to be able to expand the distance between the guide portion 25 and the upper rollers 57A, 57B. Also, for example, in the case of a small container to be conveyed, the conveying device 5 becomes the upper displacement state so as to be able to shorten the distance between the guide portion 25 and the lower rollers 59A, 59B. Thus, the conveying device 5 is able to convey two or more kinds of containers without replacing parts.

[0128] (1B) The holding unit 23 is able to move along the direction U and the direction D. The conveying device 5 conveys the container along the direction R. Thus, the holding unit 23 is able to move along a direction orthogonal to the direction of conveyance of the container. Therefore, the conveying device 5 can efficiently switch from the upper displacement state to the lower displacement state, or from the lower displacement state to the upper displacement state.

[0129] (1C) The guide portion 25 is able to move toward the direction of approaching the holding unit 23 or the direction of distancing from the holding unit 23. The conveying device 5 is able to adjust the distance between the guide portion 25 and the holding unit 23 according to the container to be conveyed, by causing the guide portion 25 to move.

[0130] (1D) The direction of conveyance of the container by the conveying device 5 is a straight line. Thus, the conveying device 5 is able to efficiently convey the container.

[0131] (1E) The conveying device 5 is part of the labeling system 1. Thus, the labeling system 1 is able to convey two or more kinds of containers without replacing parts.

[0132] 7. Effects of the article sorting device 9

[0133] (1F) The article sorting device 9 controls the position of the housing portion 73 in the radial direction to a designated position among the first position and the second position, before the position of the housing portion 73 in the circumferential direction passes the introduction position 107 and reaches the sorting position 105. The first position is the position of the housing portion 73 when the cam follower 89 advances while being in contact with the abutting surface 93B. The second position is the position of the housing portion 73 when the cam follower 89 advances while being in contact with the abutting surface 93C.

[0134] When the position of the housing portion 73 in the circumferential direction has reached the sorting position 105, the article sorting device 9 guides the container 101 to different paths according to whether the position of the housing portion 73 in the radial direction is the first position or the second position.

[0135] That is, when the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the circumferential direction has reached the sorting position 105, in the case where the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction is the first position, the article sorting device 9 guides the container 101 onto the path to the acceptable product landing pad 19. Further, when the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the circumferential direction has reached the sorting position 105, in the case where the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction is the second position, the article sorting device 9 guides the container 101 through the gap 106 to the unacceptable product passage 17. Further, the guide portion 103, the gap 106, and the unacceptable product passage 17 correspond to the sorting unit.

[0136] The article sorting device 9 can sort various containers 101 into acceptable products and unacceptable products without replacing parts.

[0137] (1G) The article sorting device 9 includes a cam follower portion 89, a cam 91, and a selection portion 99. The cam follower portion 89 is fixed with respect to the accommodation portion 73. The cam 91 is in contact with the cam follower portion 89. An abutting surface 93B in the cam 91 guides the cam follower portion 89 so that the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction becomes the first position. An abutting surface 93C in the cam 91 guides the cam follower portion 89 so that the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction becomes the second position. The selection portion 99 selects either the abutting surface 93B or the abutting surface 93C with which the cam follower portion 89 is in contact. Further, the abutting surface 93B corresponds to the first portion. The abutting surface 93C corresponds to the second portion.

[0138] The article sorting device 9 controls the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction to a designated position among the first position and the second position by the cam follower portion 89, the cam 91, and the selection portion 99. Therefore, the article sorting device 9 can control the position of the accommodation portion 73 in the radial direction with a simple structure. The cam follower portion 89, the cam 91, and the selection portion 99 correspond to the position control unit.

[0139] (1H) The article sorting device 9 is part of the labeling system 1. Therefore, the labeling system 1 can sort various containers 101 into acceptable products and unacceptable products without replacing parts.

[0140] <Other Embodiments>

[0141] The embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, but the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various ways.

[0142] (1) The article sorting device 9 can also be a device that sorts articles other than containers.

[0143] (2) The article sorting device 9 can also be part of a system other than the labeling system 1.

[0144] (3) In the case where the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a good product, as shown in FIG. 9, the article sorting device 9 can also open the gap 97. In this case, the good product is pushed into the passage for defective products 17. In the case where the container 101 held by the accommodation portion 73 is a defective product, as shown in FIG. 10, the article sorting device 9 can also close the gap 97. In this case, the defective product is guided onto the table for good products 19. Figure 13 Figure 14

[0145] (4) The cam 91 can be fixed with respect to the accommodation portion 73, and the cam follower 89 can be fixed with respect to the main body of the article sorting device 9.

[0146] (5) The holding unit 23 can have a roller unit in which three or more rollers are arranged in one axial direction. The three or more rollers can differ in diameter, for example. The number of rollers arranged in one axial direction can be 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and the like.

[0147] (6) In the first embodiment, the holding unit 23 has two roller units. The number of roller units included in the holding unit 23 can be three or more.

[0148] (7) The conveying device 5 can convey the container along a conveying path that is partly curved or a conveying path that is entirely curved.

[0149] (8) The upper rollers 57A and 57B can have a larger diameter than the lower rollers 59A and 59B.

[0150] (9) The functions of one constituent element in the above-described embodiments can be shared by a plurality of constituent elements, or one constituent element can have the functions of a plurality of constituent elements. In addition, a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiments can be omitted. Furthermore, at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiments can be added to the configuration of the above-described other embodiments, or at least a part of the configuration of the above-described embodiments can be replaced with the configuration of the above-described other embodiments, and the like.

[0151] (10) In addition to the above-described article sorting device, the present disclosure can be implemented in various manners, such as a system including the article sorting device as a constituent element, a program for causing a computer to function as a part of the article sorting device, a non-transitory tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory in which the program is recorded, a method of sorting articles, and the like.​​

Claims

1. An article sorting apparatus, characterized by, Possessing: a rotary table; a housing portion installed at an outer circumferential portion of the rotary table, configured to hold an article, and capable of changing a position of the housing portion in a radial direction of the rotary table by a cam follower portion fixed with respect to the housing portion; a guide portion provided at a position radially outward of the housing portion, configured to inhibit the article from falling out of the housing portion; a position control unit configured to control the position of the housing portion in the radial direction at a designated position among a first position and a second position before a position of the housing portion in a circumferential direction reaches a sorting position after passing through an introduction position at which the article is introduced into the housing portion, the second position being radially outward of the first position; a sorting unit configured to guide the article to different paths depending on whether the position of the housing portion in the radial direction is the first position or the second position when the position of the housing portion in the circumferential direction has reached the sorting position; and a cam in contact with the cam follower portion, and the position control unit includes: the cam follower portion, wherein the cam follower portion is urged radially outward by a spring together with the housing portion so that the cam follower portion contacts a first portion or a second portion of the cam; wherein the first portion is a portion of the cam that guides the cam follower portion so that the position of the housing portion in the radial direction becomes the first position; wherein the second portion is a portion of the cam that guides the cam follower portion so that the position of the housing portion in the radial direction becomes the second position; and a selection portion that selects the cam follower portion to be in contact with any one of the first portion and the second portion.

2. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the article is a container, the article sorting apparatus is part of a labeling system that labels the container.

3. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the position control unit is configured to control the position of the housing portion into which the container that has been normally labeled is introduced at a position of one of the first position and the second position, and control the position of the housing portion into which the container that has not been normally labeled is introduced at a position of the other of the first position and the second position.

4. The article sorting apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the position control unit is configured to be changeable to control the position of the housing portion into which the container that has been normally labeled is introduced at the position of the other of the first position and the second position, and control the position of the housing portion into which the container that has not been normally labeled is introduced at the position of the one of the first position and the second position. ​

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