Absorber feeder, and absorber feeding system

Abstract

To provide an absorber feeder that contributes to improvement of work efficiency, and to provide an absorber feeding system thereof.SOLUTION: An absorber feeder according to the present invention which is a machine for feeding absorbers to a tray comprises an absorber rack for storing sheet-like absorbers for which cutting is unnecessary, and an absorber take-out machine for taking out the absorbers inside the absorber rack sheet by sheet. The absorber rack comprises a take-out opening. The absorber take-out machine is configured to displace the absorbers by gripping the absorbers each exposed from the take-out opening, and takes out the absorbers from the take-out opening to feed the absorbers to the tray, An absorber feeding system according to the present invention which is a system for feeding the absorbers to the tray comprises: a tray conveyance body for conveying the tray; a tray feeder for feeding the tray to the tray conveyance body; and an absorber feeder for feeding the absorbers to the tray. The system uses the absorber feeder of the present invention as an absorber feeder.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an absorbent body supplying machine and an absorbent body supplying system that supply an absorbent body such as a drip sheet to a tray. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In retail stores such as supermarkets, fresh fish, meat, sashimi, and the like (hereinafter, in this application, these are referred to as "fresh foods") are sold in trays.

[0003] A drip sheet (absorbent) is placed under the fresh food in the tray to absorb liquids such as drips that come from the fresh food.

[0004] Conventionally, a device has been proposed for automatically placing absorbent material in a tray, in which a rolled sheet material (absorbent material) is cut to a predetermined length, and the cut sheet material is transported by a sheet transport section and placed in a container body (tray) (Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2018-171813 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The above-mentioned device has a drawback in that it takes time to insert the sheet material into the container body because it includes a step of cutting the sheet material, and there is room for improvement in this respect.

[0007] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide an absorbent body supplying machine and an absorbent body supplying system that contribute to improving work efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] [Absorbent supply machine] The absorbent body supplying machine of the present invention is a machine that supplies absorbent bodies to a tray, and includes an absorbent body rack that stores sheet-like absorbent bodies that do not need to be cut, and an absorbent body take-out machine that takes out the absorbent bodies one by one from the absorbent body rack, the absorbent body rack has a take-out opening, and the absorbent body take-out machine is configured to grip the absorbent body exposed from the take-out opening, shift the absorbent body, take the absorbent body from the take-out opening, and supply it to the tray. Note that in this application, "sheet-like" means that the absorbent body is in a flat plate shape without being rolled up.

[0009] In this application, "grip" means to catch an object, and "gripping an absorbent body" means to catch (seize) an object by utilizing the frictional force acting between the absorbent body and the object.

[0010] [Absorbent supply system] The absorbent body supplying system of the present invention is a system for supplying absorbent bodies to trays, and includes a tray transport body for transporting trays, a tray supplying machine for supplying trays to the tray transporting body, and an absorbent body supplying machine for supplying absorbent bodies to the trays, and uses the absorbent body supplying machine of the present invention as the absorbent body supplying machine. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, a sheet-shaped absorbent body that does not need to be cut is used, and there is no need to cut the absorbent body in the process of supplying the absorbent body to the tray, so that the work efficiency can be improved accordingly. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an absorbent body supply system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a tray supplying machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the internal structure of a tray supplying machine and a tray replenishing machine. [Figure 4] 3A to 3D are diagrams illustrating the operation of the tray supplying machine shown in FIG. 2. [Diagram 5] 3A to 3C are diagrams illustrating the operation of the tray supplying machine shown in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 2A is a side view showing an example of an absorbent body supplying machine, and FIG. 2B is a plan view of the absorbent body supplying machine of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] 7(a) to (d) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the absorbent body supplying device of FIG. 6(a) and (b). [Figure 9] 7(a) to (c) are diagrams illustrating the operation of the absorbent body supplying device of FIG. 6(a) and (b). [Figure 10] 13(a) to 13(d) are explanatory diagrams showing an example of a procedure for replenishing the absorbent body. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a tray stacker. [Figure 12] 12A to 12D are diagrams illustrating the operation of the tray stacker in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a tray transfer body, a tray pool section, and a tray extruder. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of the tray extruder of FIG. 13 as seen from the rear side. [Figure 15] FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation positions of two absorbent body detection sensors, and FIG. 4B is a partially enlarged view of FIG. [Figure 16] 13(a) to 13(e) are explanatory views showing an example of operation when a take-out roller that rotates in forward and reverse directions and two absorber detection sensors are provided. [Figure 17] 13(a) to 13(d) are explanatory views showing another example of the operation when a take-out roller rotating in forward and reverse directions and two absorber detection sensors are provided. [Figure 18] 13(a) to 13(e) are explanatory views showing another example of the operation when a take-out roller rotating in forward and reverse directions and two absorber detection sensors are provided. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the installation positions of the two take-out rollers when two take-out rollers are provided. [Figure 20] 4(a) to (d) are diagrams illustrating the operation of an absorbent body supplying machine using a servo motor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] (Embodiment) An example of an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, a case where a sheet-shaped drip sheet (absorbent) S that does not need to be cut is supplied to a thin plate-shaped tray T for holding fresh food will be described as an example. In the following description, front / back, left / right, and up / down are based on the conveying direction of the tray T.

[0014] <Overall composition> As an example, the absorbent supply system shown in FIG. 1 includes a tray supply machine 10, a tray replenishment machine 20, a tray transport body 30, an absorbent supply machine 40, a tray stacker 50, a tray transfer body 60, a tray pool section 70 and a tray extruder 80.

[0015] 1, the tray refilling machine 20 is located at the most upstream position, with the tray supplying machine 10 located downstream of that, the tray transport body 30 located downstream of that, the tray handover body 60 located downstream of that, and the tray pool section 70 and the tray extruder 80 located downstream of that. The absorbent supplying machine 40 is provided midway along the tray transport body 30, and the tray stacking machine 50 is provided downstream of the tray transport body 30.

[0016] <Tray supply machine> The tray supplying machine 10 is a device that supplies trays T one by one to the tray transport body 30. As an example, the tray supplying machine 10 shown in Figures 2 and 3 includes a tray stocker 11, a tray separator 12, a tray sucker 13, and a tray sending body 14.

[0017] The tray stocker 11 is a member for stocking a plurality of stacked trays T. The tray stocker 11 in this embodiment includes a front frame 11a, a left frame 11b, and a right frame 11c, and a tray storage section for storing the trays T is provided inside these frames.

[0018] The tray stocker 11 of this embodiment is designed to adjust the spacing (distance) in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions by a spacing adjustment mechanism (not shown). By making the front-to-back and left-to-right spacing adjustable, it is possible to accommodate multiple types of trays T of different sizes. The spacing adjustment mechanism may be provided as needed, and may be omitted if not required.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3, the inner surface of the tray stocker 11 is provided with a remaining number detection sensor 11d that detects the remaining number of trays T stored in the tray stocker 11, and a replenished tray detection sensor 11e that detects that a replenished tray T has reached a predetermined position.

[0020] The left frame 11b and the right frame 11c of the tray stocker 11 are provided with a tray separator 12 for separating and removing the bottommost tray T from the stacked trays T.

[0021] 2, the tray separator 12 of this embodiment includes an upper support plate 12a and a lower support plate 12b. The upper support plate 12a is provided with an upper support plate driver 12c that moves the upper support plate 12a toward the tray storage section, and the lower support plate 12b is provided with a lower support plate driver 12d that moves the lower support plate 12b toward the tray storage section.

[0022] The upper support plate driver 12c and the lower support plate driver 12d are provided with a gap 12e between them. By ensuring the gap 12e between the upper support plate driver 12c and the lower support plate driver 12d, the flange T1 of the tray T fits between the upper support plate 12a and the lower support plate 12b, and the flange T1 of the tray T is not crushed by the upper support plate 12a. This gap 12e can be changed by changing the thickness of the flange T1 of the tray T.

[0023] The upper support plate 12a, the lower support plate 12b, the upper support plate driver 12c, and the lower support plate driver 12d are provided on the left frame 11b and the right frame 11c, respectively. The left and right upper support plates 12a and the lower support plates 12b are provided facing each other at the same height. The operation of the tray separator 12 will be described later.

[0024] The tray suction tool 13 is a member that sucks the bottommost tray T in the tray stocker 11 and transfers it to the tray output body 14. The tray suction tool 13 is disposed below the tray stocker 11 and the tray output body 14.

[0025] The tray suction tool 13 in this embodiment includes an air cylinder 13a and a suction pad 13b. An air supply source (not shown) is connected to the air cylinder 13a, and the suction operation is performed by air supplied from the air supply source.

[0026] Depending on the work site, the trays T may be difficult to separate from each other due to static electricity. In this case, the tray suction tool 13 can suck the bottom tray T, forcibly pulling it away from the second-lowest tray T, and the tray T can be reliably transferred to the tray sending body 14.

[0027] It should be noted that the tray suction tool 13 described here is merely an example, and other types of tray suction tools 13 may be used. Also, the tray suction tool 13 may be provided as necessary, and may be omitted if not required.

[0028] The tray separator 12 of this embodiment operates as shown in Figures 4(a) to (d) and 5(a) to (c) to cooperate with the tray adsorber 13 to separate the bottom tray T from the stacked trays T.

[0029] (1) Fig. 4(a) shows a state in which the lower support plate 12b has advanced toward the tray storage section side. In this state, the flange T1 of the stacked tray T is supported by the lower support plate 12b. (2) In the state of (1) above, the upper support plate 12a advances toward the tray storage section and enters between the bottommost tray T and the second-lowest tray T (FIG. 4(b)). (3) In the state of (2) above, the suction pad 13b rises and adheres to the bottom surface of the lowest tray T (FIG. 4(c)). (4) In the state of (3) above, the lower support plate 12b retreats from the tray housing portion, and the bottommost tray T is supported by the suction pad 13b (FIG. 4(d)). (5) In the state of (4) above, the suction pad 13b is lowered, and the bottom tray T is separated from the other trays and removed (FIG. 5(a)). The removed tray T is transferred onto the tray sender 14. When the tray T is transferred onto the tray sender 14, the suction by the suction pad 13b is released. With the removal of the bottom tray T, the second tray T from the bottom becomes the bottom tray T and is supported by the upper support plate 12a. (6) In the state of (5) above, the lower support plate 12b advances toward the tray receiving portion (FIG. 5(b)). (7) In the state of (6) above, the upper support plate 12a retreats from the tray storage section. As a result, the tray T supported by the upper support plate 12a descends, and the flange T1 of the tray T rests on the lower support plate 12b (is supported by the lower support plate 12b). This state is the same as the state (initial state) of (1) above. (8) After that, this operation is repeated, and the supply of trays T to the tray transport body 30 is repeated.

[0030] In the examples shown in Figures 4(a) to (d) and Figures 5(a) to (c), a case is taken as an example in which a tray sucker 13 is provided in the tray supplying machine 10. However, if the tray sucker 13 is not provided, for example, the tray T is removed as follows.

[0031] (1) The lower support plate 12b advances toward the tray storage section, and with the flange T1 of the stacked trays T placed on the lower support plate 12b, the upper support plate 12a advances toward the tray storage section and enters between the bottom tray T and the second-lowest tray T. (2) In the state of (1) above, when the lower support plate 12b retreats from the tray storage section, the bottommost tray T is separated from the other trays and transferred onto the tray sender 14. At this time, with the removal of the bottommost tray T, the second tray T from the bottom becomes the bottommost tray T. (3) In the state of (2) above, the lower support plate 12b advances toward the tray storage portion and is positioned below the flange T1 of the bottommost tray T. (4) In the state of (3) above, the upper support plate 12a retreats from the tray storage section. As a result, the tray T supported by the upper support plate 12a descends, and the flange T1 of the tray T is supported by the lower support plate 12b. This state is the same as the state (initial state) of (1) above. (5) After that, this operation is repeated, and the separation of the bottom tray T and the transfer of the separated bottom tray T onto the tray send-out body 14 are repeated.

[0032] 1 and 2, in addition to the tray separator 12, the left frame 11b and the right frame 11c of the tray stocker 11 are provided with a replenishment tray feed mechanism 15 that receives the trays T sent from a tray replenisher 20 (described later) and moves them to a predetermined position in the tray storage section. The replenishment tray feed mechanism 15 is provided above the tray separator 12 of each of the left frame 11b and the right frame 11c.

[0033] The refill tray feed mechanism 15 of this embodiment includes a roller unit 15a having multiple rollers supported by a plate, and a unit drive section 15b that drives the roller unit 15a back and forth. The left and right refill tray feed mechanisms 15 are provided at positions where the upper ends of the rollers are at the same height.

[0034] When a refilling conveyor 21 of a tray refilling machine 20, which will be described later, rotates, the roller unit 15a advances (projects into the tray storage portion) due to the operation of the unit driving section 15b.

[0035] As a result, the flange T1 of the tray T sent from the refill conveyor 21 is supported by the roller unit 15a, and the tray T is sent to a predetermined position within the tray stocker 11.

[0036] The tray output body 14 outputs the separated trays T one by one to the tray transport body 30. In this embodiment, a round belt conveyor is used as the tray output body 14, in which a plurality of round belts 14b are provided around the outer periphery of a plurality of rollers 14a arranged in parallel at intervals in the front-rear direction, and aligned in a direction intersecting the rollers 14a.

[0037] The tray sending body 14 shown here is just one example, and the tray sending body 14 may be configured with something other than a round belt conveyor. For example, it may be replaced with various conveyors other than a round belt, or a system in which the tray T is sent out by a pusher.

[0038] A sender tray sensor 14c (FIG. 2) that detects the presence or absence of a tray T on the tray sender 14 is provided at a position where the tray T on the tray sender 14 can be detected. When the sender tray sensor 14c detects that there is no tray T on the tray sender 14, the tray separator 12 is operated to separate the bottom tray T.

[0039] <Tray refill machine> The tray refilling machine 20 supplies empty trays T to the tray stocker 11 when the number of trays T stocked in the tray stocker 11 falls below a predetermined number. As an example, the tray refilling machine 20 shown in Fig. 1 includes a refilling conveyor 21 and a side plate 22. The side plate 22 serves to guide the trays T so that they do not get caught in the tray stocker 11 and to prevent the trays T from dropping or tipping over.

[0040] In this embodiment, a belt conveyor running toward the tray supplier 10 is used as the replenishment conveyor 21. The replenishment conveyor 21 rotates not only in the forward direction but also in the reverse direction. A conveyor other than a belt conveyor, for example, a roller conveyor, can also be used as the replenishment conveyor 21.

[0041] Two side plates 22 are provided on both widthwise sides of the replenishment conveyor 21. The two side plates 22 are provided facing each other with a gap therebetween in the widthwise direction of the replenishment conveyor 21. A space is provided between the two side plates 22 in which stacked trays T can be placed.

[0042] In this embodiment, the replenishment conveyor 21 is rotated based on a detection signal from the remaining number detection sensor 11d. Specifically, the remaining number detection sensor 11d detects that the remaining number of trays T in the tray stocker 11 falls below a predetermined number, and the replenishment conveyor 21 rotates when the replenishment conveyor 21 receives the detection signal.

[0043] When the replenishment conveyor 21 rotates, the roller unit 15a of the replenishment tray feed mechanism 15 described above protrudes into the tray storage section, and the tray T fed from the replenishment conveyor 21 moves over the roller unit 15a and is fed to a predetermined position within the tray stocker 11.

[0044] Although not implemented in this embodiment, it is also possible to implement a function in which the replenishment conveyor 21 rotates a predetermined amount in the reverse direction when a tray T sent from the tray replenishment machine 20 is detected by the replenishment tray detection sensor 11e.

[0045] In this way, the trays T sent into the tray stocker 11 can be reliably separated from the trays T on the refill conveyor 21, and the trays T on the refill conveyor 21 can be prevented from interfering with the trays T in the tray stocker 11.

[0046] In addition, the roller unit 15a of the replenishment tray feeding mechanism 15 stops the rotation of the replenishment conveyor 21 when the tray T sent from the tray replenishment machine 20 is detected by the replenishment tray detection sensor 11e, and the roller unit 15a retreats by the operation of the unit drive section 15b.

[0047] <Tray conveyor> The tray transport body 30 transports the trays T supplied from the tray supplying machine 10 forward. In this embodiment, a round belt conveyor similar to the tray sending body 14 is used as the tray transport body 30. The tray transport body 30 can be replaced with various conveyors other than the round belt conveyor as long as it can transport trays.

[0048] The tray conveyor 30 is disposed between the tray sender 14 and the tray handover body 60. In this embodiment, an absorbent body supplying machine 40 is provided midway along the tray conveyor 30, and a tray stacking machine 50 for stacking trays T containing absorbent bodies S is provided downstream of the absorbent body supplying machine 40.

[0049] The tray T supplied from the tray supplying machine 10 to the tray conveying body 30 is conveyed by the tray conveying body 30, and during the conveying, the absorbent material S is supplied to the tray T. Thereafter, the tray T containing the absorbent material S is conveyed further downstream and stacked by the tray stacker 50.

[0050] <Absorbent supply machine> The absorbent body supplying machine 40 is a device that supplies absorbents S one by one to a tray T on the tray transport body 30. As an example, the absorbent body supplying machine 40 shown in Figures 6(a) and (b) includes an absorbent body rack 41 and an absorbent body remover 42 that removes the absorbents S in the absorbent body rack 41 one by one. The size of the absorber rack 41 can be adjusted appropriately according to the size of the absorber S.

[0051] The absorbent rack 41 in this embodiment is a member for stacking and storing absorbents S in the form of sheets that do not need to be cut. As an example, the absorbent rack 41 shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 7 is a vertically long rectangular tube, and is provided with an opening 41a for refilling absorbents S (hereinafter referred to as "refill opening") at a position continuing from the upper end side to the rear side, and an opening 41b for removing absorbents S (hereinafter referred to as "removal opening") at the lower end.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 7, the absorber rack 41 of this embodiment has a vertically rectangular front portion 41c, and a left side portion 41d and a right side portion 41e that are raised at a right angle or a substantially right angle from both sides in the width direction of the front portion 41c. The left side portion 41d and the right side portion 41e are arranged to face each other. A first support piece 41f that protrudes toward the upstream side of the tray transport body 30 is provided at the lower end of the front portion 41c.

[0053] The left side surface portion 41d and the right side surface portion 41e are boot-shaped thin plates whose lower ends protrude toward the upstream side of the tray transport body 30, and each has a rectangular notch portion 41g at its lower end. The left side surface portion 41d and the right side surface portion 41e have folded-back portions 41h folded back outward at their tips in the protruding direction, and both folded-back portions 41h are fixed to a connecting plate 41i attached to their lower sides with fasteners.

[0054] 7, a back member 41j is provided between the left side surface portion 41d and the right side surface portion 41e and above the connecting plate 41i. The back member 41j is an upwardly facing T-shaped member in a side view, and includes a horizontal plate 41k and a back plate portion 41m standing up from the horizontal plate 41k.

[0055] The back member 41j is arranged so that the back plate portion 41m is positioned rearward of the absorbent body S, and an absorbent body storage section in which the absorbent body S is accommodated is formed inside the front plate portion 41c, the left side portion 41d, the right side portion 41e and the back plate portion 41m.

[0056] A support piece (hereinafter referred to as the "second support piece") 41n is provided on the side panel 41k of the back member 41j, which is located closer to the front panel portion 41c than the back panel portion 41m, and which supports the absorbent body S in cooperation with a first support piece 41f provided at the lower end of the front panel portion 41c.

[0057] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the absorbent rack 41 is provided with a transport tray detection sensor 43 that detects a tray T on the tray transport body 30, and an absorbent detection sensor 44 that detects the tip of the absorbent S that has passed under the first support piece 41f.

[0058] 6(a) and 6(b), an absorbent body remover 42 is provided below the absorbent body rack 41. The absorbent body remover 42 in this embodiment includes a take-out roller 42a and a roller motor 42b that rotates the take-out roller 42a. The take-out roller 42a is rotated in the downstream (progress) direction by the operation of the roller motor 42b.

[0059] 6(b), the take-out roller 42a and the roller motor 42b are supported by a bracket 45. A first front-rear movement actuator 42c and a vertical movement actuator 42e are connected to the bracket 45, and a second front-rear movement actuator 42d is connected to the first front-rear movement actuator 42c.

[0060] The take-out roller 42a and roller motor 42b supported by the bracket 45 are configured to be moved in the front-back direction by a first front-back movement actuator 42c and a second front-back movement actuator 42d, and to be moved in the up-down direction by a vertical movement actuator 42e.

[0061] The take-out roller 42a rotates in one direction, moves back and forth, and moves up and down by a roller motor 42b, a first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement, a second actuator 42d for forward and backward movement, and an actuator 42e for up and down movement, and the absorbents S are taken out one by one by the operation of this take-out roller 42a.

[0062] Specifically, the take-out roller 42a operates as shown in Figs. 8(a) to (d) and 9(a) to (c), whereby the absorbents S in the absorbent rack 41 are taken out one by one. (1) Figure 8 (a) shows a state in which the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement is in the forward position and the actuator 42e for vertical movement is in the raised position, in other words, the take-out roller 42a and the roller motor 42b are in the raised position. In this state, the take-out roller 42a is in contact with the bottom absorbent of the absorbent rack 41. (2) From the state (1) above, when the second actuator 42d for forward and backward movement moves forward and the removal roller 42a moves diagonally upward and rearward, the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is gripped by the removal roller 42a and shifted rearward, and its front end comes off the first support piece 41f (Figure 7) (Figure 8(b)). (3) When the first front-rear movement actuator 42c and the second front-rear movement actuator 42d move backward from the state (2) above, the bottom absorbent S is placed on the take-out roller 42a. The tip side of the absorbent S placed on the take-out roller 42a is detected by the absorbent detection sensor 44, and the absorbent S waits in that position (FIG. 8(c)). (4) When the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is detected by the transport tray detection sensor 43 from the state (3) above, the vertical movement actuator 42e is operated by the detection signal, and the take-out roller 42a is lowered (FIG. 8(d)). (5) In the state of (4) above, the take-out roller 42a rotates, and the absorbent body S is supplied into the tray T on the tray transport body 30 (FIG. 9(a)). (6) The tray T on which the absorbent body S has been supplied in (5) above is transported further forward by the tray transport body 30 (FIG. 9(b)). (7) Thereafter, the roller motor 42b and the removal roller 42a return to their initial positions (the positions in FIG. 8(a)) (FIG. 9(c)) due to the forward movement of the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement and the upward movement of the actuator 42e for up and down movement, and perform the removal operation of the next absorbent body S.

[0063] The absorbent body remover 42 described here is merely an example, and the configuration of the absorbent body remover 42 is not limited to the configuration of this embodiment. Modified examples of the absorbent body remover 42 will be described later.

[0064] In this embodiment, the absorbent rack 41 is provided with an absorbent remaining amount detection sensor 46, and an alarm is set to sound when the absorbent remaining amount detection sensor 46 stops responding.

[0065] In the example shown in Figures 10(a) to (d), a first weight 47 is placed on the absorbent S, and when the first weight 47 drops to a position where it cannot be detected by the absorbent remaining amount detection sensor 46 as the absorbent S decreases, an alarm sounds to notify the operator that it is time to replenish.

[0066] When refilling the absorbent body S, the additional absorbent body S is placed on the first weight 47, and the second weight 48 is placed on the topmost additional absorbent body S. Thereafter, the first weight 47 is removed to complete the refilling.

[0067] Thereafter, when the second weight 48 falls to a position where it cannot be detected by the absorbent remaining amount detection sensor 46 as the absorbent S decreases, an alarm sounds to notify the operator that it is time to replenish.

[0068] <Tray stacking machine> The tray stacker 50 is a device for stacking trays T containing absorbents S. As an example, the tray stacker 50 shown in Fig. 11 includes a frame 51, an actuator 52 for moving the frame up and down, a right locking claw 53, a right locking claw actuator 54, a left locking claw 55, and a left locking claw actuator 56.

[0069] The frame 51 in this embodiment is an upwardly-facing U-shaped member having a right rising portion 51b and a left rising portion 51c rising upward from both sides in the width direction of the bottom portion 51a. A tray detection sensor 57 that detects the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is provided on the right rising portion 51b. A frame up-down movement actuator 52 that moves the frame 51 up and down is provided on the rear side of the bottom portion 51a.

[0070] A right bracket 51d having a horizontal L-shape protrudes outward above the right rising portion 51b of the frame body 51, and a left bracket 51e having a horizontal L-shape protrudes outward above the left rising portion 51c of the frame body 51. A right locking claw 53 and a right locking claw actuator 54 are provided on the right bracket 51d, and a left locking claw 55 and a left locking claw actuator 56 are provided on the left bracket 51e.

[0071] The right locking claw 53 includes a horizontal right locking portion 53a protruding toward the tray transport body 30, and a right positioning wall 53b standing upward from the horizontal right locking portion 53a. Similarly, the left locking claw 55 includes a horizontal left locking portion 55a protruding toward the tray transport body 30, and a left positioning wall 55b standing upward from the horizontal left locking portion 55a.

[0072] The tray stacker 50 of this embodiment stacks the trays T containing the absorbent body on the tray transport body 30 by operating as shown in Figs. 12(a) to (d). (1) Fig. 12(a) is a diagram showing a state in which the frame vertical movement actuator 52 is extended and the frame 51 is in a raised position. In this state, the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is detected by the tray detection sensor 57, and the tray transport body 30 is stopped. In addition, the previously stacked tray T is supported by the right locking claw 53 and the left locking claw 55 at a predetermined position (holding standby position) above the tray transport body 30. (2) In the state (2) above, when the frame body up-down movement actuator 52 retracts while the right locking claw actuator 54 and the left locking claw actuator 56 retract, the tray T supported at the upper position falls and overlaps with the tray T on the tray transport body 30 (Figure 12(b)). (3) In the state (3) above, the right locking claw actuator 54 and the left locking claw actuator 56 move forward, and move the right locking claw 53 and the left locking claw 55 to below the flange T1 of the lowest tray T (FIG. 12(c)). (4) In the state (4) above, when the frame vertical movement actuator 52 extends, the flange T1 of the bottom tray T is supported by the right locking claw 53 and the left locking claw 55 and is lifted up to a predetermined holding standby position (FIG. 12(d)). (5) After that, this operation is repeated to stack the specified number of trays T.

[0073] The number of stacked trays T is counted by a counter not shown, and when a predetermined number of trays T are stacked, the operations (3) and (4) are not performed, and after the operation (2), the stacked trays T on the tray transport body 30 are sent to the other tray transfer body 60.

[0074] <Tray transfer body> The tray transfer body 60 takes over the tray T that has been stacked by the tray stacker 50 and sent out from the tray transport body 30. As shown in Fig. 13, in this embodiment, a roller conveyor having a plurality of rollers that rotate in the same direction as the tray transport body 30 is used as the tray transfer body 60.

[0075] Here, an example is shown in which three rows of roller conveyors are provided, but the number of rows of roller conveyors may be more or less than three. Also, the tray transfer body 60 may be a conveyor other than a roller conveyor.

[0076] In order to prevent the stacked trays T from falling over, it is preferable that the upper surface of the tray transfer body 60 is at the same height or approximately the same height as the upper surface of the tray transport body 30.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 13, an arrival detection sensor 61 is provided on the side of the roller conveyor to detect when the stacked trays T have reached the roller conveyor.

[0078] <Tray pool section> The tray pool section 70 is a member for pooling the trays T sent to the tray transfer body 60. As an example, the tray pool section 70 shown in Figures 1 and 13 includes a pool conveyor 71 provided in a direction perpendicular to the tray transfer body 60, and a moving body 72 that moves along the pool conveyor 71. The moving body 72 is pushed by the trays sent to the pool conveyor 71 and moves to the forward side.

[0079] An upper limit detection sensor 73 is provided on the frame of the pool conveyor 71 to detect when the number of trays T on the pool conveyor 71 reaches the upper limit number that can be pooled. In this embodiment, when the moving body 72 is detected by the upper limit detection sensor 73, it is determined that the number of trays on the pool conveyor 71 has reached the upper limit.

[0080] When the upper limit detection sensor 73 determines that the number of trays on the pool conveyor 71 has reached the upper limit (when the moving body 72 is detected by the upper limit detection sensor 73), a detection signal from the upper limit detection sensor 73 is transmitted to a notification means (not shown), and the notification means notifies the user that trays T have accumulated on the pool conveyor 71. The notification can be performed by a known method such as sound or a lamp.

[0081] <Tray extruder> The tray pusher 80 is a device for sending out the tray T on the tray transfer body 60 to the tray pool section 70. The tray pusher 80 in this embodiment includes a casing 81, a linear actuator 82, an arm 83, a tray pusher 84, and a guide bar 85.

[0082] 13 and 14, the casing 81 has a base portion 81a and a cover 81b. A fixed mounting portion 81c and a movable mounting portion 81d are provided on the back surface of the base portion 81a. A main body portion 82a of a linear actuator 82 is fixed to the fixed mounting portion 81c, and a bracket 82b at the tip of the rod of the linear actuator 82 is fixed to the movable mounting portion 81d.

[0083] A first guide holder 85a is provided on the back surface of base portion 81a, and a second guide holder 85b is provided on the back surface of fixed mounting portion 81c, with one longitudinal end of guide bar 85 being held by first guide holder 85a, and the other end of guide bar 85 being held by second guide holder 85b. Guide bar 85 is inserted into bearing 86 fixed to the lower end of movable mounting portion 81d.

[0084] A cover 81b is placed on the outside of the guide bar 85 and linear actuator 82 mounted on the rear surface side of the base portion 81a, and covers all but a portion of the linear actuator 82.

[0085] Two arms 83 (hereinafter, the upper arm 83 is referred to as the "upper arm 83a" and the lower arm 83 is referred to as the "lower arm 83b") are provided at a distance above and below on the front side of the movable mounting part 81d. The upper arm 83a protrudes to the front side from an upper opening 81e provided in the base part 81a, and the lower arm 83b protrudes to the front side from a lower opening 81f provided in the base part 81a.

[0086] A tray pusher 84 is provided at the tip of each of the two arms 83 to push the tray T toward the tray pool portion 70. The tray pusher 84 in this embodiment is a member having a vertically long pushing surface.

[0087] When the movable mounting portion 81d moves laterally due to the operation of the linear actuator 82, the tray pusher 84 connected to the movable mounting portion 81d via an arm 83 moves in the same direction, and the tray T located on the tray transfer body 60 is pushed out into the tray pool section 70.

[0088] In this embodiment, the linear actuator 82 is adapted to operate based on a detection signal from the arrival detection sensor 61. Therefore, the linear actuator 82 operates based on the detection signal from the arrival detection sensor 61, whereby the tray pusher 84 moves, and the tray T on the tray transfer body 60 is pushed out into the tray pool section 70.

[0089] <Modification> The configuration of the above embodiment is one example, and the absorbent body supplying machine and the absorbent body supplying system of the present invention can be modified as appropriate by adding, replacing, or omitting components within a range that allows the desired object to be achieved. For example, the following various modified examples are possible.

[0090] The tray supplying machine 10 in the above embodiment is exemplified as a machine in which the bottommost tray T in the tray stocker 11 is separated by the tray separator 12 and removed to the tray output body 14, and the removed tray T is sent to the tray transport body 30, but the tray supplying machine 10 can also be configured in other ways.

[0091] For example, the trays T may be arranged on an intermittently rotating endless conveyor, and the trays T may be sequentially supplied to the tray transport body 30 starting from the leading tray T. In this case, the endless conveyor may be a belt conveyor, or an existing conveyor such as a roller conveyor or a round belt conveyor. In either case, the trays T may be arranged manually or by machine.

[0092] In the above embodiment, although not particularly limited, it is preferable to use a roller made of a material with high grip, such as a rubber roller or a resin roller, for the take-out roller 42a. In addition, a roller with protrusions on the surface can be used. In some cases, a plurality of take-out rollers 42a may be prepared, and a belt may be wound around the take-out rollers 42a.

[0093] When a roller with protrusions on its surface or a belt wound around the outer periphery of multiple take-out rollers 42a is used, the contact area with the absorbent bodies S becomes larger, and the gripping force becomes stronger. As a result, the absorbent bodies S can be reliably taken out one by one, and the absorbent bodies S can be smoothly supplied to the tray T.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the take-out roller 42a rotates in the forward direction (hereinafter referred to as "forward rotation") as an example, but the take-out roller 42a can also rotate in the forward and reverse directions (hereinafter referred to as "reverse rotation"). By rotating the take-out roller 42a in both forward and reverse directions in addition to moving forward, backward, left and right, a variety of operation patterns can be created.

[0095] In the above embodiment, the case where there is one absorbent body detection sensor 44 is taken as an example, but it is also possible to provide two or more absorbent body detection sensors 44. In this case, for example, as shown in Figures 15(a) and 15(b), one absorbent body detection sensor 44 (hereinafter referred to as "front absorbent body detection sensor 44a") can be installed on the lower end side of the front surface portion 41c, and the other absorbent body detection sensor 44 (hereinafter referred to as "rear absorbent body detection sensor 44b") can be installed on the back surface side of the horizontal plate 41k.

[0096] In addition, when the front absorbent body detection sensor 44a is provided on the front portion 41c and the rear absorbent body detection sensor 44b is provided on the back side of the horizontal plate 41k, the transport tray detection sensor 43 can be provided, for example, on the side of the tray transport body 30, as shown in Figures 15(a) and (b).

[0097] When the take-out roller 42a is rotatable in forward and reverse directions, the front absorber detection sensor 44a is provided on the lower end side of the front surface 41c, and the rear absorber detection sensor 44b is provided on the rear side of the horizontal plate 41k, several operating patterns are possible.

[0098] Here, the three movement patterns will be explained. The first movement pattern will be explained based on Figures 16(a) to (e), the second movement pattern will be explained based on Figures 17(a) to (d), and the third movement pattern will be explained based on Figures 18(a) to (e).

[0099] First, the first operation pattern will be described. 16(a) shows a state in which the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement is in the forward position and the actuator 42e for up and down movement is in the upward position. In this state, the take-out roller 42a is in contact with the bottom absorbent S of the absorbent rack 41. (2) From the state (1) above, when the second actuator 42d for forward / rearward movement moves forward and the removal roller 42a moves diagonally upward toward the rear, the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is gripped by the removal roller 42a and shifted rearward, so that its front end comes off the first support piece 41f, and the bent absorbent S is detected by the rear absorbent detection sensor 44b (Figure 16(b)). (3) When the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement retracts from the state (2) above, the bottom absorber S is placed on the take-out roller 42a (FIG. 16(c)). (4) From the state (3) above, the absorbent body S placed on the take-out roller 42a has its leading end detected by the front absorbent body detection sensor 44a and waits in that position (FIG. 16(d)). (5) When the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is detected by the transport tray detection sensor 43 from the state (4) above, the detection signal causes the up-down movement actuator 42e to operate and the take-out roller 42a to descend. When the take-out roller 42a rotates forward at the descended position, the absorbent S is supplied into the tray T on the tray transport body 30 (Figure 16(e)).

[0100] Next, the second operation pattern will be described. 17(a) shows a state in which the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement is in the forward position and the actuator 42e for up and down movement is in the upward position. In this state, the take-out roller 42a is in contact with the bottom absorbent S of the absorbent rack 41. (2) When the removal roller 42a rotates in the reverse direction from the state (1) above, the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is gripped by the removal roller 42a and shifted rearward, so that its front end comes off the first support piece 41f, and the bent absorbent S is detected by the rear absorbent detection sensor 44b (Figure 17(b)). (3) When the take-out roller 42a rotates forward from the state (2) above, its leading end is detected by the front absorber detection sensor 44a and the take-out roller 42a waits in that position (FIG. 17(c)). (4) When the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is detected by the transport tray detection sensor 43 from the state (3) above, the detection signal causes the take-out roller 42a to rotate forward while being lowered by the up-down movement actuator 42e, and when the take-out roller 42a rotates forward during the descent, the absorbent S is supplied into the tray T on the tray transport body 30 (Figure 17(d)).

[0101] Finally, the third operation pattern will be described. 18(a) shows a state in which the first actuator 42c for forward and backward movement is in the forward position and the actuator 42e for up and down movement is in the upward position. In this state, the take-out roller 42a is in contact with the bottom absorbent S of the absorbent rack 41. (2) When the removal roller 42a rotates in the reverse direction from the state (1) above, the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is gripped by the removal roller 42a and shifted rearward, so that its front end comes off the first support piece 41f, and the bent absorbent S is detected by the rear absorbent detection sensor 44b (Figure 18(b)). (3) From the state (2) above, the take-out roller 42a is lowered by the vertical movement actuator 42e, and when the take-out roller 42a rotates forward during the descent, the bent absorber S becomes straight (FIG. 18(c)). The forward rotation of the take-out roller 42a stops when the take-out roller 42a reaches a predetermined position. (4) From the state (3) above, the take-out roller 42a is raised to a predetermined position by the up-down movement actuator 42e, and then when the take-out roller 42a rotates in the forward direction, its tip end is detected by the front absorber detection sensor 44a and waits in that position (Figure 18(d)). (5) When the tray T on the tray transport body 30 is detected by the transport tray detection sensor 43 from the state (4) above, the detection signal causes the take-out roller 42a to rotate forward while being lowered by the up-down movement actuator 42e, and when the take-out roller 42a rotates forward during the descent, the absorbent S is supplied into the tray T on the tray transport body 30 (Figure 18(e)).

[0102] In the above embodiment, the case where there is one take-out roller 42a is illustrated as an example, but two or more take-out rollers 42a may be provided depending on the size of the absorbent body S or the tray T. The take-out rollers 42a may be provided at intervals in the transport direction of the tray T, for example, as shown in FIG.

[0103] Increasing the number of take-out rollers 42a increases the number of gripping points, increasing the gripping force (frictional force) when taking out the absorbent S, making it possible to reliably take out the absorbent S one by one even if the absorbent S is long. Furthermore, by providing multiple take-out rollers 42a, it is possible to prevent the absorbent S from sagging inside the absorbent rack 41, even if the absorbent S is long.

[0104] When two or more take-out rollers 42a are provided, each take-out roller 42a is provided with a front / back / left / right sliding mechanism or a forward / reverse rotation drive mechanism, so that the absorbent body S can be taken out by sliding or rotating the take-out rollers 42a relative to each other.

[0105] When two or more take-out rollers 42a are provided, the take-out rollers 42a can be provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body S. The take-out rollers 42a can also be provided at intervals in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body S (short side direction). The take-out rollers 42a can also be provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction and short side directions of the absorbent body S. When two or more take-out rollers 42a are provided, each take-out roller 42a can be provided with a roller motor 42b.

[0106] In the above embodiment, the absorbent body remover 42 includes the take-out roller 42a and the roller motor 42b, but a servo motor can be used as the roller motor 42b that rotates the take-out roller 42a in the absorbent body remover 42. In this case, the actuators corresponding to the first back-and-forth movement actuator 42c and the second back-and-forth movement actuator 42d in the above embodiment can be omitted.

[0107] When a servo motor is used as the roller motor 42b, the take-out rollers 42a operate as shown in Figs. 20(a) to (d) to take out the absorbent body S. (1) FIG. 20(a) shows a state in which the take-out roller 42a comes into contact with the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41. (2) In the state (1) above, when the servo motor operates to rotate the removal roller 42a, the bottom absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is gripped by the removal roller 42a and shifted backward, and its front end comes off the first support piece 41f (Figure 20(b)). (3) In the state of (2) above, when the take-out roller 42a rotates in the reverse direction, the bottommost absorbent S in the absorbent rack 41 is taken out from the absorbent rack 41 (FIG. 20(c)). (4) In the state (3) above, when the transport tray detection sensor 43 detects a tray T being transported on the tray transport body 30, the up-down movement actuator 42e lowers the take-out roller 42a, and the take-out roller 42a rotates at that position, whereby the absorbent S is supplied into the tray T on the tray transport body 30, and then the rotation of the take-out roller 42a stops (Figure 20(d)). (5) In the above (4), when the absorbent body S is supplied into the tray T, the tray T is transported to the front of the tray transport body 30. In addition, the take-out roller 42a returns to the initial position (the position in FIG. 20(a)) by the operation of the servo motor and the vertical movement actuator 42e, and performs the take-out operation of the next absorbent body S.

[0108] In the above embodiment, an absorbent supply system equipped with a tray supply machine 10, a tray refill machine 20, a tray transport body 30, an absorbent supply machine 40, a tray stacker 50, a tray transfer body 60, a tray pool section 70 and a tray extruder 80 is given as an example, but not all of these components are essential, and unnecessary components can be omitted as appropriate.

[0109] The arrangement of the tray supplying machine 10, tray refilling machine 20, tray transport body 30, absorbent supplying machine 40, tray stacking machine 50, tray transfer body 60, tray pool section 70 and tray extruder 80 described in the above embodiment is one example, and the arrangement of these components can be changed as appropriate depending on the installation environment.

[0110] The tray supplying machine 10, tray refilling machine 20, tray transport body 30, absorbent supplying machine 40, tray stacking machine 50, tray transfer body 60, tray pool section 70 and tray extruder 80 described in the above embodiment can be manufactured, sold, etc. not only as an absorbent supplying system, but also as independent devices. [Industrial Applicability]

[0111] The absorbent supplying machine and absorbent supplying system of the present invention can be used for various purposes, and is particularly suitable for use in supplying drip sheets to trays to be placed under fresh foods such as meat and fish, and side dishes such as fried foods. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 10 Tray supply machine 11 Tray Stocker 11a Front frame 11b Left frame 11c Right frame 11d Remaining quantity detection sensor 11e Refill tray detection sensor 12 Tray separator 12a Upper support plate 12b Lower support plate 12c Upper support plate driver 12d Lower support plate driver 12e Gap 13 Tray suction device 13a Air cylinder 13b Suction pad 14 Tray sending body 14a Roller 14b round belt 14c Sending item tray sensor 15 Refill tray feed mechanism 15a Roller unit 15b Unit drive section 20 Tray refill machine 21 Replenishment conveyor 22 Side Panel 30 Tray conveyor 40 Absorbent supply machine 41 Absorbent rack 41a opening (refill opening) 41b Opening (extraction opening) 41c Front part 41d Left side 41e Right side part 41f First support piece 41g Notch 41h Turning part 41i connection plate 41j back member 41k horizontal board 41m back plate section 41n Second support piece 42 Absorbent removal machine 42a Take-out roller 42b Roller motor 42c First actuator for forward and backward movement 42d Second actuator for forward and backward movement 42e Vertical movement actuator 43 Transport tray detection sensor 44 Absorber detection sensor 44a Absorber detection sensor (front absorber detection sensor) 44b Absorber detection sensor (rear absorber detection sensor) 45 Bracket 46 Absorbent remaining amount detection sensor 47 First Weight 48 Second Weight 50 Tray stacker 51 Frame 51a Bottom part 51b Right rising part 51c Left rising part 51d Right bracket 51e Left bracket 52 Actuator for moving frame up and down 53 Right locking claw 53a Horizontal right locking part 53b Right positioning wall 54 Right Pawl Actuator 55 Left locking claw 55a Horizontal left locking part 55b Left positioning wall 56 Left Pawl Actuator 57 Tray detection sensor 60 Tray transfer body 61 Arrival detection sensor 70 Tray Pool Section 71 Pool Conveyor 72 Mobile 73 Upper limit detection sensor 80 Tray Extruder 81 Casing 81a Base part 81b Cover 81c Fixed mounting part 81d Movable mounting part 81e Upper opening 81f lower opening 82 Linear Actuator 82a Main body 82b Bracket 83 Arm 83a Upper Arm 83b Lower Arm 84 Tray pusher 85 Guide bar 85a First guide holder 85b Second guide holder 86 Bearings S Absorbent (drip sheet) T-Tray T1 (Tray) Tsuba

Claims

1. An absorbent body supplying machine that supplies an absorbent body to a tray, an absorbent rack for accommodating absorbent sheets that do not require cutting; an absorbent body remover that removes absorbents one by one from the absorbent body rack; The absorbent rack has an access opening, The absorbent body remover grips the absorbent body exposed from the take-out opening, shifts the absorbent body, removes the absorbent body from the take-out opening, and supplies the absorbent body to the tray. An absorbent supplying machine characterized by the above.

2. In the absorbent body supplying machine according to claim 1, Two or more absorbent body removers are provided. An absorbent supplying machine characterized by the above.

3. In the absorbent body supplying machine according to claim 1, The absorbent body remover is a roller that can rotate in forward and reverse directions. An absorbent supplying machine characterized by the above.

4. In the absorbent body supplying machine according to claim 3, The rollers are provided at intervals in the longitudinal direction of the absorbent body or / and in a direction crossing the longitudinal direction. An absorbent supplying machine characterized by the above.

5. In an absorbent body supply system for supplying an absorbent body to a tray, a tray transport body that transports the tray; a tray supplying device for supplying trays to the tray transport body; An absorbent body supplying device is provided for supplying an absorbent body to the tray, The absorbent body supplying machine is the absorbent body supplying machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4. An absorbent supply system comprising:

6. The absorbent supply system according to claim 5, The tray supply machine is A tray stocker that stores multiple trays, a tray separator for separating the trays from other trays in the tray stocker; A tray sending body is provided which receives the tray separated by the tray separator and sends it out to a tray conveyor. An absorbent supply system comprising:

7. The absorbent supply system according to claim 6, A tray suction tool is provided which suctions the tray separated by the tray separator and transfers the suctioned tray to the tray delivery body. An absorbent supply system comprising:

8. The absorbent supply system according to claim 6, A tray stacker is provided to stack the trays containing absorbents transported by the tray transporter. An absorbent supply system comprising:

9. The absorbent supply system according to claim 8, Equipped with a tray pool section that pools the trays stacked by the tray stacker, An absorbent supply system comprising:

10. The absorbent supply system according to claim 9, Equipped with a tray extruder that sends stacked trays to the tray pool section, An absorbent supply system comprising:

11. The absorbent supply system according to claim 5, A tray refilling machine is provided to replenish trays to the tray supplying machine. An absorbent supply system comprising:

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