Article grouping apparatus and article grouping method

Abstract

To stably group continuously conveyed articles for every predetermined number with high accuracy.SOLUTION: A conveyance path (2), a vertical conveyor (3) for conveying a row of articles (OB) along the conveyance path (2) in a predetermined section (2a) on the conveyance path (2), and a delivery means (8A) for delivering the grouped articles (OBG), wherein the vertical conveyor (3) conveys the row of articles (OB) in the forward direction until the nth article (OB) from the head of the row of articles (OB) passes the predetermined section (2a), and, thereafter, in a state in which the (n + 1) - th article OB from the head of the row of articles OB is located in the predetermined section 2a, the row of articles OB after the (n + 1) - th article OB from the head is conveyed in the reverse direction by a predetermined length to form a predetermined gap δ A between the n-th article OB from the head and the (n + 1) - th article OB from the head, so that a predetermined number n of articles OBG are cut out from the row of articles OB and grouped, and the delivery means 8A delivers the accumulated articles OBG from the head to the n-th article OBG.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article grouping device and an article grouping method that group continuously conveyed articles into predetermined numbers and deliver them. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, many multi-shrink film-packaged products have been handled in factory production lines, logistics warehouses, etc., in which packaged items consisting of a predetermined number of accumulated articles are wrapped in a light-transmitting film. As a device for supplying articles to this film packaging process, an article supplying device has been proposed that uses the speed difference between a low-speed conveyor and a high-speed conveyor to group and supply articles that continuously flow along a conveying path into predetermined numbers (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 4-127721 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the conventional technology described in Patent Document 1, acceleration depends on the coefficient of friction between the article and the conveyor, so if an article rubs against or slips against the guide, the gap between it and the following article disappears, making it difficult to stably detect the number of articles, resulting in counting errors and grouping errors. Therefore, a method was needed that could stably group continuously flowing articles with high accuracy.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide an article grouping device and an article grouping method that can group continuously transported articles into predetermined numbers with high accuracy and stability. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] An article grouping device according to one aspect of the present disclosure is an article grouping device that includes a conveying path capable of continuously conveying a plurality of articles in a line, and an article grouping device that groups and delivers a predetermined number of the plurality of articles that are continuously conveyed in a line in a forward direction along the conveying path, the article grouping device including: a vertical conveyor that conveys the line of articles along the conveying path by applying a conveying force to the line of articles in a predetermined section on the conveying path; and delivery means that delivers the grouped articles out of the conveying path, and the vertical conveyor is configured such that, when the predetermined number is a natural number n greater than or equal to 2, The row of articles is conveyed in a forward direction until the nth article from the head of the row of articles passes through the specified section, and then, when the n+1th article from the head of the row of articles is positioned within the specified section, the row of articles from the n+1th article from the head of the row of articles onwards is conveyed in a reverse direction a specified distance to form a specified gap between the nth article from the head and the n+1th article from the head, thereby cutting out and grouping a specified number of articles from the row of articles, and the supply means supplies the grouped accumulated articles from the head to the nth article. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, it is possible to provide an article grouping device and an article grouping method that can stably and accurately group continuously conveyed articles into predetermined numbers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of an article grouping device 1 according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of an article grouping device 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a left side view schematically showing the configuration of an article grouping device 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A1 in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B1-B1 in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] 3(a) and 3(b) are cross-sectional views taken along the line C1-C1 and the line C2-C2 in FIG. 2. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B2-B2 in FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a grouping operation in the article grouping device 1. [Figure 9] 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1. FIG. [Figure 10] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1. FIG. [Figure 11] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a front view schematically showing the configuration of an article grouping device 1A according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] 1 is a plan view schematically showing the configuration of an article grouping device 1A. [Figure 14] 13(a) is a left side view showing a schematic configuration of an article grouping device 1A, and FIG. 13(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along the line C3-C3 in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A2-A2 in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B3-B3 in FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a flowchart showing an outline of a grouping operation in the article grouping device 1A. [Figure 18] 1(a), 1(b), and 1(c) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1A. [Figure 19] 1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1A. [Figure 20]1(a) and 1(b) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the article grouping device 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] <<Outline of the mode for carrying out the present invention>> An article grouping device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is an article grouping device that groups and delivers a predetermined number of articles that are continuously conveyed in a line along a conveying path, and includes a conveying path that can continuously convey a plurality of articles in a line, a vertical conveyor that conveys the line of articles along the conveying path by applying a conveying force to the line of articles in a predetermined section on the conveying path, and delivery means that delivers the grouped articles out of the conveying path, wherein the predetermined number is a natural number n that is 2 or greater. When this occurs, the row of articles is conveyed in a forward direction until the nth article from the head of the row of articles passes through the specified section, and then, when the n+1th article from the head of the row of articles is positioned within the specified section, the row of articles from the n+1th article onwards is conveyed in a reverse direction a specified distance to form a specified gap between the nth article from the head and the n+1th article from the head, thereby cutting out and grouping a specified number of articles from the row of articles, and the supply means supplies the grouped accumulated articles from the head to the nth.

[0010] In another aspect, any of the aspects described above may be provided with a first passage detection means for detecting the passage of an item at a predetermined position downstream of the predetermined section on the conveying path, and the vertical conveyor may be configured to start decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the row of items in the forward direction from the time when the forward end of the leading item in the row of items passes the first passage detection means, and after stopping the forward conveyance, start conveying in the reverse direction.

[0011] This configuration allows for the creation of a gap of a predetermined size between the nth item from the top and the (n+1)th item from the top, without relying on unstable conveyor friction, and allows the accumulated items to be separated from the row of items. As a result, continuously conveyed items can be stably grouped into groups of the predetermined number n with high accuracy.

[0012] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, a second passage detection means is provided to detect the passage of an item in a range from the specified section on the conveying path to a specified position downstream of the specified section by the length of the item in the conveying direction, and the vertical conveyor may be configured to start decelerating the conveying speed for conveying in the reverse direction from the time when the forward end of the (n+1)th item from the head of the row of items passes the second passage detection means.

[0013] With this configuration, a gap of a predetermined size is provided between the nth item from the front and the n+1th item from the front on the conveying path, and in the next grouping operation, conveyance in the forward direction (positive X direction) of the vertical conveyor can be started with the front item in its initial position.

[0014] In another aspect, any of the aspects described above may further include a stopper that terminates the conveying path and stops the forward movement of the row of articles, and when the first article in the row of articles abuts against the stopper, the first n-th articles are located downstream of the specified section on the conveying path, and the (n+1)th article from the first is located within the specified section, and when the first article abuts against the stopper, the vertical conveyor may convey the row of articles from the (n+1)th article onwards in the reverse direction a specified distance, forming a specified gap between the n-th article from the first and the (n+1)th article from the first, and grouping the articles into groups of n.

[0015] With this configuration, by conveying the n+1th and subsequent articles in the row in the reverse direction a predetermined distance while the leading article is in contact with the stopper on the conveying path, a gap of a predetermined size can be formed between the nth and n+1th articles from the beginning, and the accumulated articles can be separated from the row of articles without relying on unstable conveyor friction.As a result, an article grouping device can be realized that can stably group continuously conveyed articles into predetermined number n with high accuracy.

[0016] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the vertical conveyor may be configured to apply a forward conveying force to the row of articles for a predetermined period of time even after the leading article in the row of articles abuts against the stopper.

[0017] With this configuration, compressive force is applied to the row of articles abutting against the stopper, thereby preventing the articles from bouncing back when abutting against the stopper, thereby preventing a type of grouping failure in which a part of the rearmost article becomes separated from or tilts from the stack of articles.

[0018] In another aspect, any of the aspects described above may be provided with a first passage detection means for detecting the passage of an item at a predetermined position between the end of the conveying path and the vertical conveyor, and the vertical conveyor may be configured to begin decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the row of items in the forward direction from the time when the forward end of the leading item in the row of items passes the first passage detection means, calculate the time when the leading item will abut against the stopper based on that time, and begin conveying in the reverse direction a predetermined time after the calculated time.

[0019] With this configuration, the leading article on the conveying path has a predetermined speed when it abuts against the stopper, so that a forward conveying force can be applied to the row of articles for a predetermined period of time even after the abutment.

[0020] In another aspect, any of the aspects described above may be provided with a second passage detection means for detecting the passage of an item at a position on the conveying path a predetermined distance away in the reverse direction from the stopper, and the vertical conveyor may be configured to begin decelerating the conveying speed for conveying in the reverse direction from the time when the forward end of the (n+1)th item from the head of the row of items passes the second passage detection means.

[0021] This configuration ensures that a predetermined gap is maintained between the nth item from the front and the (n+1)th item from the front on the conveying path, and in the next grouping operation, forward conveyance on the vertical conveyor can begin with the front item in its initial position.

[0022] In another aspect, in any of the aspects described above, the vertical conveyor may be configured to be in a position on the conveying path where it can transport either the n+1th item from the front or a row of items after the n+1th item, when the front item is in contact with the stopper.

[0023] In another aspect, in any of the above aspects, the vertical conveyor may be configured to be located on at least one side of the transport path.

[0024] A grouping method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for grouping a predetermined number of articles that are continuously conveyed in a line in a forward direction along a conveying path, and delivering the grouped articles, the method comprising: a conveying step of conveying the line of articles in a forward direction along the conveying path by applying a conveying force to the line of articles by a vertical conveyor in a predetermined section on the conveying path; a stopping step of stopping the conveyance of the line of articles in the forward direction by the vertical conveyor; a grouping step of cutting out a predetermined number of articles from the line of articles; and a delivering step of delivering the grouped articles as accumulated articles; In the conveying step, when the predetermined number is a natural number n greater than or equal to 2, the row of articles is conveyed in a forward direction until the nth article from the head of the row of articles passes through the predetermined section; in the grouping step, when the nth article from the head of the row of articles is located within the predetermined section, the vertical conveyor conveys the n+1th and subsequent articles from the head of the row in a reverse direction a predetermined distance, forming a predetermined gap between the nth article from the head and the n+1th article from the head, thereby grouping the articles into groups of n; and in the supplying step, the nth articles from the head to the nth are supplied.

[0025] In another aspect, the stopping process may be configured to stop conveyance when the leading item in the row of items reaches a reference position on the conveying path that is located downstream of the specified section by at least the length in the conveying direction of the accumulated items.

[0026] In another aspect, the stopping step may be configured to stop conveyance when the leading item in the row of items abuts against a stopper located at the reference position on the conveying path.

[0027] This configuration makes it possible to realize a method for grouping articles that can stably and accurately group continuously conveyed articles OB into predetermined numbers n. First Embodiment

[0028] The following describes an article grouping device and an article grouping method according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In this specification, the X, Y, and Z directions in each drawing may be referred to as the width, depth, and height directions, respectively. The positive height direction may be referred to as the "up" direction, and the negative height direction may be referred to as the "down" direction. The scales of the components in each drawing may not necessarily be the same as the actual ones. For ease of understanding, illustrations of covers and other components may be omitted. For example, some components, conveyance paths, etc. may be illustrated schematically or schematically. In this specification, the symbol "~" used to indicate a numerical range includes both the values ​​at both ends. The materials, numerical values, etc. described in this embodiment are merely preferred examples and are not limited thereto. Appropriate modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure. Combinations of parts of the configurations of other embodiments are possible within the scope of consistent results.

[0029] <Configuration of the article grouping device 1> The configuration of the article grouping device 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1, 2, and 3 are a front view, a plan view, and a left side view, respectively, that schematically show the configuration of the article grouping device 1 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "device 1") according to embodiment 1.

[0030] (Overall composition) The article grouping device 1 is a device that groups a plurality of articles OB that are continuously conveyed in a line along a conveying path 2 into groups of a predetermined number and delivers the accumulated articles OBG to a subsequent process. The accumulated articles OBG delivered from a factory production line, a logistics warehouse, etc. are packaged in, for example, a light-transmitting film, and delivered to the next process as multi-shrink film packages.

[0031] In the device 1 according to the first embodiment, the objects OB that continuously flow along the conveying path are grouped in units of n (n is a natural number of 2 or more) and delivered to a subsequent process. In this embodiment, the grouping unit of the objects OB in the grouping device is set to n, and as an example, the first embodiment will be described using an example in which n is set to 3. However, it goes without saying that the grouping unit of the objects OB is not limited to the above.

[0032] In addition, in the first embodiment, a case will be described in which, as an example, the objects OB to be conveyed are cubic containers filled with contents such as food, confectionery, and drinks. However, the objects OB to be grouped can be of any type or purpose, such as packaging boxes such as cartons (packaging boxes) that contain products, industrial products, intermediate products, components, and parts. The shape of the objects OB may be a fixed shape such as a cube, a rectangular parallelepiped, or a cylinder, or an irregular shape such as a pillow package that is flexible and can change shape.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the device 1 is configured to include a conveying path 2, a vertical conveyor 3, a stopper 4, a passage detection means 5, a supply means 6 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "supply device 6"), a supply means 7 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the "supply path 7"), and a control unit 9.

[0034] Each unit constituting the device 1 will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 4, 5, 6(a) and 6(b) are cross-sectional views taken along the line A1-A1 in Figure 1, the line B1-B1 in Figure 2, the line C1-C1 in Figure 2 and the line C2-C2 in Figure 2, respectively.

[0035] (Outline of each part) The conveying path 2 is a path for continuously supplying a plurality of articles OB in a row in the forward direction (X positive direction). In this example, the conveying path 2 is composed of a top chain conveyor that can convey articles OB placed on the top surface of a flat-laid belt. The top chain is a chain in which a top plate made of resin is connected by a joint pin, and the top surface of the top chain and the bottom surface of the article OB are configured to be slidable by a predetermined lateral load. In this case, the conveying speed of the conveying path 2 may be equivalent to the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3, which will be described later, in the constant-speed conveyance.

[0036] The conveying path 2 is elongated in the X direction and is provided with a driven gear 21 and a drive gear 22 at the upstream end and the downstream end, respectively, between which a top chain 23 is suspended, and while the grouping operation is being performed, the top chain 23 is continuously fed by the drive gear 22 driven by the rotation of a motor (not shown) (arrows R21 and R22 in Figs. 1 and 5). With this chain transmission, multiple articles OB are placed on the top surface of the top chain 23 and are continuously conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side in the X direction, closely packed together (arrow T23 in Figs. 1, 2, 4 and 5).

[0037] The conveying path 2 need only be capable of continuously supplying a plurality of articles OB, and the conveying direction and the configuration of the conveying mechanism are not limited to the above configuration. For example, the shape of the conveying path 2 is not limited to being straight, and may be curved in a plan view. Furthermore, the conveying path 2 need only be something that forms a route for conveyance, such as a guide rail, and does not need to be a conveyor mechanism that exerts a conveying force by itself.

[0038] The vertical conveyor 3 is a conveyor mechanism that applies a frictional conveying force from the side to a row of articles OB in a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2, thereby enabling the articles OB to be conveyed along the conveying path 2 independently of the movement of the conveying path 2. In this example, the vertical conveyor 3 is made up of a pair of vertical conveyors 30L and 30R (hereinafter, collectively referred to as the "vertical conveyor 3") located on both the left and right sides of the conveying path 2. This vertical conveyor 3 is a conveyor unit that conveys the articles OB by frictional force by pressing a vertically placed belt against the side perpendicular to the conveying direction of the row of articles placed on the top chain 23.

[0039] The vertical conveyor 3 is elongated in the X direction and is equipped with a drive pulley 31 and a driven pulley 32 at its upstream and downstream ends, respectively, with a conveyor belt 33 suspended between them. The conveyor belt is driven by the drive pulley 31 as a result of the rotation of a motor 34 (arrows R31 and R32 in FIG. 4). As this belt is driven, multiple articles OB are placed on the upper surface of the conveyor belt 33 and are continuously conveyed in the X direction while being closely spaced from front to back (arrow T33 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 5). The conveyor belt 33 is made of a low-hardness viscoelastic material, such as elastomer, silicone rubber, or natural rubber.

[0040] In the device 1, the vertical conveyor 3 conveys the row of articles OB on the conveying path 2 in the forward direction (X positive direction) until the leading article OB1 of the multiple articles OB abuts against a stopper 4 that forms the end 2b of the conveying path 2. In the device 1, the vertical conveyor 3 is configured so that, when the leading article OB1 of the multiple articles OB abuts against the stopper 4, the first n-th articles OB1 to OBn on the conveying path 2 are located downstream of a predetermined section 2a in which the vertical conveyor 3 can convey the articles OB. In other words, when the leading article OB1 abuts against the stopper 4, the vertical conveyor 3 is located at a position where it comes into contact with the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the leading on the conveying path 2 and any of the row of articles after item OBn+1.

[0041] On the vertical conveyor 3, with the leading item OB1 in contact with the stopper 4, the row of items from the leading item OBn+1 onwards is transported in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined distance, forming a gap of a predetermined size between the nth item OBn from the leading and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the leading, and grouping the items OB into groups of a predetermined number n.

[0042] The vertical conveyor 3 need only be capable of transporting the articles OB on the transport path 2, and the transport direction and configuration of the transport mechanism are not limited to the above configuration. For example, a vertical conveyor may be provided on only one side of the transport path 2. Alternatively, a configuration using multiple roller conveyors may be used instead of a belt conveyor. Furthermore, the shape of the transport path is not limited to a straight line, and may be a curved shape in a plan view.

[0043] The stopper 4 is a terminal member that forms the end 2b of the conveying path 2, and is a plate-shaped stopper that stops the movement of the article OB in the forward direction (X positive direction). In this example, the stopper 4 is fixed to the conveying path 2 so that it has a length in a direction perpendicular to the conveying path 2 that is equal to or greater than the width of the article OB in the Y direction, and stands at the same height as the article OB.

[0044] The passage detection means 5 is a sensor that detects the passage of an article OB being conveyed on the conveying path 2. The passage detection means 5 is composed of a passage detection means 51 and a passage detection means 52, which are arranged in this order from the end 2b on the conveying path 2 toward the upstream side.

[0045] The position of the passage detection means 51 may be appropriately determined within a range where deceleration of the conveying path 2 can be started without hindrance after the passage of the leading article OB1B among the multiple articles OB is confirmed. For example, the first passage detection means 51 may be located between the stopper 4 on the conveying path 2 and the vertical conveyor 3, in the reverse direction (negative X direction) from the stopper 4. The passage detection means 51 detects a first time when the forward direction (positive X direction) end of the leading article OB1 of the multiple articles OB on the conveying path 2 passes over the first passage detection means 51. The vertical conveyor 3 is then controlled to start decelerating the conveying speed of the articles OB in the X direction from the first time. Furthermore, the time when the leading article OB1 abuts against the stopper 4 is calculated based on the first time, and the vertical conveyor 3 is controlled to start conveying in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined time after the calculated time.

[0046] The position of the passage detection means 52 may be appropriately determined within a range where the vertical conveyor 3 can start decelerating without any problems after confirming the passage of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front among the multiple items OB. For example, the second passage detection means 52 may be disposed between the stopper 4 on the conveying path 2 and the vertical conveyor 3, in the forward direction (positive X direction) from the vertical conveyor 3. The passage detection means 52 detects the second time when the forward direction (positive X direction) end (end in the conveying direction) of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front among the multiple items on the conveying path 2 passes over the passage detection means 52. Then, the vertical conveyor 3 is controlled to start decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the item OB in the reverse direction (negative X direction) from the second time.

[0047] The passage detection means 5 may be, for example, a reflective or transmissive optical sensor using a photoelectric element such as an infrared sensor, or a laser optical sensor.

[0048] The supply device 6 is a supply device that supplies the accumulated items OBG grouped in predetermined numbers n out of the conveying path 2, and supplies the first to nth grouped items OB1 to OBn from the conveying path 2 to the supply path 7. The supply device 6 includes a scraper 61, an arm 62, and a support 63.

[0049] The scraper 61 is a flat plate that is rotatably connected to the tip of the arm 62 and pushes out the grouped articles OBG.

[0050] The arm 62 is a robot arm that rotatably holds the scraper 61 at its tip and extends from, for example, a support 63 installed on the equipment. The arm 62 includes a driving means (for example, a motor) and is driven based on a control signal issued from the control unit 9, rotating around a starting point 62a to control the position and angle of the scraper 61 in the YZ plane.

[0051] According to the feeding device 6, the scraper 61 has its position in the YZ plane and its angle around the fulcrum 61a changed by the arm 62, and as shown in Fig. 6(b), it pushes the grouped accumulated articles OB1-n (OBG) from the rear in the Y positive direction, and slides and moves them in parallel from the conveying path 2 onto the feeding path 7 (arrow M61 in Figs. 2, 3, and 6(b)). After feeding the accumulated articles OBG, it moves in the Y negative direction above the conveying path 2, and returns to the rear of the articles OB1-n in the subsequent grouping operation.

[0052] The supply path 7 is a conveyor that is located downstream of the conveying path 2 and conveys the accumulated articles OBGX pushed out of the conveying path 2 by the scraper 61 of the supply device 6 to a subsequent process.

[0053] The supply / discharge path 7 includes a long frame 71 arranged parallel to the conveying path 2 and having a long slit 71a opened in the X direction on its upper surface. A drive gear 73 and a driven gear 72 are arranged at the upstream end and downstream end of the frame 71, respectively, and a chain 74 is suspended between them, and the chain 74 is advanced by the drive gear 73 when driven to rotate by a motor (not shown) (arrows R72 and R73 in FIG. 7). A plurality of fingers 75 are fixed at predetermined intervals around the circumference of the chain 74, with their tips extending upward from the slit 71a, and as the chain is driven, the accumulated articles OBG are pushed by the fingers 75 and conveyed in the X direction in units of n articles (arrow T74 in FIGS. 1, 2, 4, and 7).

[0054] The supply path 7 may be any path that can supply the accumulated articles OBG, and the direction of conveyance and the configuration of the conveyance mechanism are not limited to the above configuration.

[0055] The control unit 9 is electrically connected to the conveying path 2, vertical conveyor 3, passage detection means 5, and supply device 6, and issues control signals to control the operation of each unit. The control unit 9 is realized, for example, as a computer equipped with a general CPU (Central Processing Unit) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and programs executed by these. The control unit 9 performs functions related to grouping of articles OB by reading a control program related to detection processing from a storage device or the like into the RAM and executing it. The control unit 9 has functional blocks: a passage detection unit 91, a conveyance control unit 92, and a supply operation control unit 93. Each function detects the time when an article OB passes through the passage detection means 5, controls the conveying operation of the vertical conveyor 3 and the conveying path 2 based on the detected time, and controls the operation of the supply device 6 in conjunction with the vertical conveyor 3. The processing method will be described in detail later.

[0056] <Operation of the article grouping device 1> The operation of the device 1 having the above configuration will be described below. Fig. 8 is a flowchart showing an outline of the grouping operation in the device 1. Figs. 9(a), (b), and (c), 10(a), (b), and 11(a) and (b) are diagrams explaining an outline of the grouping operation in the device 1. The upper section of each diagram is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the device 1 taken along the arrow B1-B1 in Fig. 5, and the lower section shows a diagram illustrating the relationship between the X-direction position and the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3. In the diagram of the relationship between position and speed in the lower section, the solid line represents the conveying speed when an article is conveyed in the forward direction (positive X direction), and the dashed line represents the conveying speed when articles after the (n+1)th from the front are conveyed in the reverse direction (negative X direction).

[0057] When a plurality of articles OB are placed in a row on the top chain 23 of the conveying path 2, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the leading article OB1 in the row of articles has its end on the forward direction (positive X direction) at the initial position XS, for example, and then the conveying path 2 is operated to start a constant speed conveying operation in the forward direction (positive X direction) (arrow T23 in FIG. 9(a)) (step S1).

[0058] Next, the vertical conveyor 3 is accelerated in the forward direction (X positive direction) at a constant acceleration (step S2), for example, and continues accelerating until it reaches a predetermined speed (step S3: No).

[0059] If the judgment in step S3 is that the predetermined speed has been reached, the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3 has reached the predetermined speed V1 (see the solid line in the lower column of Figure 9(b)) (step S3: Yes), so constant speed conveying in the forward direction (positive X direction) is performed (step S4), and it is detected whether the end of the forward direction (positive X direction) side of the first item OB1 in the string of items OB passes position X1 on the passage detection means 51 (step S5), and the constant speed conveying operation is continued until it is detected (step S5: No).

[0060] When the passage of the position X1 on the passage detection means 51 is detected (step S5: Yes), as shown in Fig. 9(b), since the leading article OB1 is close to the stopper 4, for example, deceleration conveyance is performed in the forward direction (positive X direction) with a negative constant acceleration (step S6, arrow T33 in Fig. 9(b)), and deceleration conveyance continues until a predetermined speed is reached (step S7: No). At this time, the article OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveying path 2 (top chain 23) and the article OB.

[0061] Here, the time for decelerated conveyance in the forward direction in step S7 may be set to be a predetermined time longer than the estimated time until the leading article OB1 abuts against the stopper 4. By such speed control, as shown in FIG. 9(c), when the leading article OB1 abuts against the stopper 4, it has a predetermined speed V2 (see the solid line in the lower column of FIG. 9(c)), and a conveying force in the forward direction (positive X direction) can be applied to the row of articles OB for a predetermined time after abutment (arrow T33 in FIG. 9(c)). This applies a compressive force to the row of articles OB abutting against the stopper 4, thereby preventing the articles OB from bouncing back when abutting against the stopper 4. As a result, a type of grouping defect in which a part of the rearmost article becomes separated from or tilts from the stacked articles OBG can be prevented.

[0062] If it is determined in step S7 that the predetermined speed has been reached, the leading item OB1 is in contact with the stopper 4 (step S7: Yes), so accelerated conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is performed (step S8), and accelerated conveyance continues until the predetermined speed is reached (step S9: No). As a result, a conveying force in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is applied to the row of items after the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front that are in contact with the vertical conveyor 3, and these items can be conveyed in the reverse direction.

[0063] If the determination in step S9 indicates that the predetermined speed has been reached, the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3 has reached the predetermined speed V3 (see the dashed line in the lower column of Figure 10(a)) (step S9: Yes), and constant-speed conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is performed (step S10, arrow T33 in Figure 10(a)). It is then detected whether the forward-direction (positive X direction) end (end in the conveying direction) of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front passes position X2 on the passage detection means 52 (step S11), and constant-speed conveyance is continued until this is detected (step S11: No). Note that at this time, the item OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveying path 2 (top chain 23) and the item.

[0064] 10(b), if the passage of the item OB at position X2 on the passage detection means 52 is detected, a gap δ of a predetermined size is formed between the nth item OBn from the beginning and the (n+1)th item OBn+1 (step S11: Yes), and therefore, for example, decelerated conveyance is performed in the reverse direction (negative X direction) with a negative constant acceleration (step S12, arrow T33 in FIG. 10(b)), and decelerated conveyance is continued until a predetermined speed is reached (step S13: No). Similarly, in this case, for the item OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3, "slippage" occurs between the item OB and the conveying path 2 (top chain 23).

[0065] In this way, with the leading item OB1 in contact with the stopper 4, the row of items following the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front is transported a predetermined distance in the reverse direction (negative X direction), forming a gap δ of a predetermined size between the nth item OBn from the front and the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front, thereby enabling the items OB to be stably grouped into groups of a predetermined number n. In this case, the transport distance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) may be determined as appropriate.

[0066] In the determination of step S13, as shown in Fig. 11(a), if the predetermined speed has been reached, the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3 has been decelerated to nearly zero (see the dashed line in the lower column of Fig. 11(a)) (step S13: Yes), so the decelerated conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is not continued, and the grouped accumulated articles OBG are delivered by the delivery device 6 to outside the conveying path 2, as shown in Fig. 11(b) (step S14, M61 in Fig. 11(b)). At this time, the articles OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveying path 2 (top chain 23) and the articles OB.

[0067] Here, the time for decelerating conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) in step S13 may be set to the estimated time until the forward (positive X direction) end of the (n+1)th item from the front, OBn+1, reaches the initial position XS. In the next grouping operation loop, forward conveyance on the vertical conveyor 3 can be started when the forward end of the front item, OB1, is at the initial position XS.

[0068] Then, it is determined whether or not to continue the grouping operation (step S15). If it is to be continued, the process returns to step S2 (step S15: Yes). If it is not to be continued (step S15: No), the constant speed conveying operation in the forward direction (X positive direction) on the conveying path 2 is stopped (step S16), and the grouping operation is terminated.

[0069] <Summary> As described above, the device 1 is an item grouping device 1 that groups and delivers a predetermined number of items OB that are continuously transported in a line in the forward direction (X positive direction) along the conveying path 2, and is equipped with a conveying path 2 that can continuously transport a plurality of items OB in a line, a vertical conveyor 3 that transports the line of items OB along the conveying path 2 by applying a conveying force to the line of items OB in a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2, a stopper 4 that stops the movement of the line of items OB in the forward direction (X positive direction) at the end 2b of the conveying path 2, and a delivery device 6 that delivers the grouped items OB out of the conveying path 2.

[0070] When the predetermined number is a natural number n greater than or equal to 2, when the first item OB1 in the row of items OB is in contact with the stopper 4, the first to n-th items OB are located downstream of the predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2, and the n+1th item OB is located within the predetermined section 2a, and when the first item OB1 is in contact with the stopper 4, the vertical conveyor 3 conveys the row of items from the first item OBn+1 onwards in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined distance, thereby forming a predetermined gap δ between the nth item OBn from the first and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the first, thereby grouping the items into groups of n, and the supply device 6 supplies the first to nth accumulated items OBG out of the conveying path 2.

[0071] At this time, the vertical conveyor 3 may be configured so that, with the leading item OB1 in contact with the stopper 4, it is in a position on the conveying path 2 where it can convey either the n+1th item OBn+1 from the front or any of the rows of items after item OBn+1.

[0072] As described above, in conventional grouping devices, acceleration depends on the coefficient of friction between the articles and the conveyor, so when an article rubs against the guide or slips, the gap between it and the following article disappears, making it difficult to stably detect the number of articles, resulting in counting errors and grouping errors. Therefore, a method was needed that could stably group continuously flowing articles with high accuracy.

[0073] In contrast, with the device 1, with the above-described configuration, the row of articles from the (n+1)th article Obn+1 onward is conveyed in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined distance on the conveying path 2 while the leading article OB1 is in contact with the stopper 4, thereby forming a gap δ of a predetermined size between the nth article OBn from the beginning and the (n+1)th article OBn+1 from the beginning without relying on unstable conveyor friction, and separating the accumulated article OBG from the row of articles OB. As a result, continuously conveyed articles OB can be stably grouped into groups of a predetermined number n with high accuracy.

[0074] In another embodiment, the vertical conveyor 3 may be configured to apply a conveying force in the forward direction (positive X direction) to the row of articles for a predetermined period of time even after the leading article OB1 among the multiple articles OB abuts against the stopper 4.

[0075] With this configuration, compressive force is applied to the row of articles OB that are in contact with the stopper 4, thereby preventing the articles OB from bouncing back when they come into contact with the stopper 4. As a result, it is possible to prevent a type of grouping failure in which the rearmost article becomes separated from or tilts from the stack of articles OBG.

[0076] In another embodiment, the vertical conveyor 3 may be provided with a first passage detection means 51 that detects the passage of an item OB at a predetermined position between the end 2b of the conveying path 2 and the vertical conveyor 3, and the vertical conveyor 3 may be configured to start decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the items OB in the forward direction (positive X direction) of the row of items OB from a first time when the forward (positive X direction) end of the first item OB1 of the multiple items OB passes through the first passage detection means 51, calculate the time when the first item OB1 will abut against the stopper 4 based on the first time, and start conveying in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined time after the calculated time.

[0077] With this configuration, when the leading item OB1 on the conveying path 2 abuts against the stopper 4, it has a predetermined speed V2, so that a conveying force in the forward direction (positive X direction) can be applied to the row of items OB for a predetermined period of time even after the abutment.

[0078] In another embodiment, a second passage detection means 52 may be provided that detects the passage of an item at a position a predetermined distance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) from the stopper 4 on the conveying path 2, and the vertical conveyor 3 may be configured to begin decelerating the conveying speed for conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) from a second time when the end of the forward direction (positive X direction) side of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front of the multiple items passes the second passage detection means 52.

[0079] With this configuration, a predetermined gap is secured between the nth item OBn from the front and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the front on the conveying path 2, and in the next grouping operation, conveyance in the forward direction (positive X direction) of the vertical conveyor 3 can be started with the front item OB1 located at the initial position XS.

[0080] Second Embodiment The device 1 according to embodiment 1 is provided with a stopper 4 at the end 2b of the conveying path 2 that stops the movement of the row of items OB in the forward direction (positive X direction), and the vertical conveyor 3 is configured to convey the row of items from the n+1th item OBn+1 from the front in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined distance while the leading item OB1 abuts against the stopper 4.

[0081] However, the item grouping device of the present disclosure only needs to be configured to be able to form a predetermined gap between the nth item OBn from the beginning and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the beginning by transporting the row of items from the n+1th item OBn+1 from the beginning in the reverse direction (negative X direction), and a configuration other than stopper 4 may be used as a positioning means for transporting the row of items in the reverse direction (negative X direction) at a predetermined position.

[0082] The following describes an article grouping device and an article grouping method according to embodiment 2. Figures 12, 13, and 14(a) are a front view, a plan view, and a left side view, respectively, that schematically show the configuration of an article grouping device 1A (hereinafter sometimes referred to as "device 1A") according to embodiment 2.

[0083] As shown in Figures 12 to 14(a), the device 1A according to the second embodiment is configured to include a conveying path 2, a vertical conveyor 3, passage detection means 5, a supplying means 8A (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "supplying path 8A"), and a control unit 9A. The device 1A is characterized by the grouping operation performed by the control unit 9A. The device 1A also differs from the device 1 in that it does not include the stopper 4 of the device 1, and is equipped with a supplying means 8A instead of the supplying means 6 and 7. Therefore, the different components will be mainly described, and the other components will be assigned the same numbers as those in Figures 1 to 7 according to the device 1, and their description will be omitted.

[0084] Each unit constituting the device 1A will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 15, 16, and 14(b) are cross-sectional views taken along the line A2-A2 in Figure 12, the line B3-B3 in Figure 13, and the line C3-C3 in Figure 13, respectively.

[0085] Similar to the device 1, the conveying path 2 supplies a plurality of articles OB continuously in a line in the forward direction (X positive direction) (arrow T23 in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, and 16).

[0086] Similar to the device 1, the vertical conveyor 3 conveys the row of articles OB along the conveying path 2 by exerting a conveying force from the side on the row of articles OB in a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2 (arrow T33 in Figures 12, 13, 15, and 16).

[0087] As the passage detection means 5, passage detection means 52, 51 are arranged in this order in the forward direction on the conveying path 2 to detect the passage of the article OB. For example, a first passage detection means 51 that detects the passage of the article OB may be arranged at a predetermined position downstream of a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2. Also, a second passage detection means 52 that detects the passage of the article may be arranged in the predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2 and in a range from the end of the predetermined section 2a to a predetermined position downstream by the length of the article OB in the conveying direction.

[0088] The supply path 8A is a supply path (conveyor) that is arranged in series with the conveying path 2 at the rear of the conveying path 2 and supplies the grouped accumulated goods OBG to the outside of the conveying path 2. The supply path 8A is located downstream of the predetermined section 2a that the vertical conveyor 3 can convey by at least the length of the accumulated goods OBG in the X direction.

[0089] In this example, the supply / discharge path 8A is elongated in the X direction and includes a drive pulley 81 and a driven pulley 82 at the upstream and downstream ends, respectively, with a conveyor belt 83 made of a low-hardness viscoelastic material such as elastomer or rubber suspended between these. In the supply / discharge path 8A, while the grouping operation is being performed, the drive pulley 81 continuously drives the conveyor belt 83 as driven by the rotation of a motor (not shown) (arrows R81 and R82 in FIGS. 12 and 16). As this belt transmission occurs, the accumulated articles are pushed out from the top chain 23 and transferred to the conveyor belt 83, and then transported from the upstream side to the downstream side in the X direction to be supplied to a subsequent process or the like (arrow T83 in FIGS. 12, 13, 15, and 16).

[0090] The control unit 9A is realized as a computer, like the control unit 9, and is electrically connected to the conveying path 2, the vertical conveyor 3, the passage detection means 5, and the supply path 8A. It detects the time when the article OB passes through the passage detection means 5, and based on this time, controls the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3, the timing of stopping and reversing, etc. It also controls the start and stop of the conveying path 2 and the supply path 8A.

[0091] In the grouping operation of the device 1A, the control unit 9A issues a control signal to the vertical conveyor 3, causing the vertical conveyor 3 to transport the row of articles OB in the forward direction, for example, until the nth article OBn from the head of the row of articles OB passes through the predetermined section 2a. Then, when the n+1th article OBn+1 from the head of the row of articles OB is positioned within the predetermined section 2a, the vertical conveyor 3 transports the row of articles after the n+1th article OBn+1 in the reverse direction a predetermined distance. This operation forms a predetermined gap between the nth article from the head and the n+1th article from the head, and a predetermined number n of articles are cut out from the row of articles OB, and the articles are grouped into groups of n.

[0092] At this time, when the article OB is conveyed in the forward direction, the conveyance distance from the head of the line of articles OB until the end of the nth article OBn passes through the predetermined section 2a of the vertical conveyor 3 is calculated based on the passing time of the leading article OB1 detected by the passing detection means 5. For example, the control unit 9A may detect a first time when the forward (X positive) end of the leading article OB1 of the multiple articles OB on the conveying path 2 passes over the first passing detection means 51, and based on the first time, calculate the conveyance time until the forward (X positive) end of the leading article OB1 reaches the reference position 2c, and drive the vertical conveyor 3.

[0093] In addition, at this time, the reference position 2c is set downstream of a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2 along which the vertical conveyor 3 can convey the items OB by at least the length in the X direction of the accumulated items (the length of the predetermined number n of items OB in the conveying direction).

[0094] <Operation of the article grouping device 1A> The operation of the device 1A having the above configuration will be described below. FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an outline of the grouping operation in the apparatus 1A. FIGS. 18(a), 18(b), 18(c), 19(a), 19(b), and 20(a) and 20(b) are diagrams illustrating an outline of the grouping operation in the apparatus 1A. The upper section of each diagram is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the cross-sectional view of the apparatus 1A taken along the arrow B2-B2 line in FIG. 16, and the lower section shows the relationship between the X-direction position and the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3. The solid and dashed lines in the lower section have the same meanings as in the first embodiment. The apparatus 1A differs from the apparatus 1 in the operations relating to steps S1A, S6A, S7A, and S16A. Therefore, the different operations will be mainly described, and the other operations are the same as those in the apparatus 1, so the same numbers as in FIG. 8 are used and their description will be omitted.

[0095] With multiple items OB placed in a row on the top chain 23 of the conveying path 2, the conveying path 2 and the supply path 7 are operated to start a constant speed conveying operation in the forward direction (positive X direction) (arrow T23 in Figure 18(a)) (step S1A).

[0096] Thereafter, the same operations as those of the device 1 are performed from step S2 to step S5.

[0097] Next, in the judgment of step S5, if the passage of position X1 on the passage detection means 51 is detected (step S5: Yes), as shown in Figure 18(b), since the leading article OB1 is close to the reference position 2c, for example, decelerates and conveys in the forward direction (positive X direction) with a negative constant acceleration (step S6A, arrow T33 in Figure 18(b)), and continues decelerating until the speed reaches a predetermined speed of zero (step S7A: No). At this time, the article OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveying path 2 (top chain 23) and the article OB.

[0098] At this time, the time taken for the conveyance speed to be decelerated to zero in step S7A is assumed to be the estimated time required for the leading article OB1 to reach the reference position 2c. By this speed control, as shown in FIG. 18(c), when the leading article OB1 reaches the reference position 2c, the speed V4 can be set to 0 (see the solid line in the lower column of FIG. 18(c)) (arrow T33 in FIG. 18(c)). Note that even in this case, the article OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveyance speed V4 and the conveyance path 2 (top chain 23).

[0099] As described above, the reference position 2c is located downstream of the predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2 along which the vertical conveyor 3 can convey goods by at least the length of the accumulated goods in the X direction (the length of the predetermined number n of accumulated goods OBG in the conveying direction). Therefore, when the leading goods OB1 reaches the reference position 2c, the end of the nth goods OBn from the beginning of the line of goods OB passes through the predetermined section 2a of the vertical conveyor 3. Therefore, by stopping the forward direction (X direction) conveyance of the vertical conveyor 3 when the leading goods OB1 reaches the reference position 2c, the forward direction (X direction) conveyance of the vertical conveyor 3 can be stopped with the end of the nth goods OBn from the beginning of the line of goods OB leaving the predetermined section 2a of the vertical conveyor 3.

[0100] If it is determined in step S7A that the predetermined speed has been reached, the leading article OB1 has reached the reference position 2c (step S7A: Yes), and therefore accelerated conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is performed (step S8).

[0101] Thereafter, the same operations as those of the device 1 are performed from step S8 to step S13.

[0102] At this time, as shown in FIG. 19(a), when the leading item OB1 reaches the reference position 2c, the row of items following the leading (n+1)th item OBn+1 are conveyed in the reverse direction (negative X direction) (arrow T33 in FIG. 19(a)). In parallel, the leading to nth items OB1 to OBn are conveyed at a constant speed in the forward direction (negative X direction) on the conveying path 2 beyond the reference position 2c (arrow T23 in FIG. 19(a)). At this time, the item OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between the conveying path 2 (and the top chain 23).

[0103] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 19(b), conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) continues until the forward (positive X direction) end (end of the conveying direction) of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front passes position X2 on the passage detection means 52 (arrow T33 in FIG. 19(b)). In parallel, the nth items OB1 to OBn from the front pass through reference position 2c on the conveying path 2 and are further conveyed at a constant speed in the forward direction (X direction) (arrow T23 in FIG. 19(b)). At this time, too, the item OB sandwiched between the vertical conveyor 3 will "slip" between itself and the conveying path 2 (top chain 23).

[0104] As a result, a gap δA larger than the gap δ in device 1 is formed between the nth item OBn from the beginning and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the beginning, allowing the items OB to be stably grouped into groups of a predetermined number n.

[0105] If it is determined in step S13 that the predetermined speed has been reached, as shown in Fig. 20(a), the conveying speed of the vertical conveyor 3 has been decelerated to nearly zero (see the dashed line in the lower column of Fig. 20(a)) (step S13: Yes), so decelerated conveying in the reverse direction (negative X direction) is not continued. In parallel, as shown in Fig. 20(b), the accumulated articles are pushed out of the conveying path 2 and transferred to the supply path 8A, and the accumulated articles OBG grouped by the supply path 8A are supplied out of the conveying path 2 (T83 in Fig. 20(b)).

[0106] If the grouping operation is to be continued, the process returns to step S2 (step S15: Yes); if not (step S15: No), the constant speed conveying operation in the conveying path 2 and the supply path 8A is stopped (step S16A), and the grouping operation is terminated.

[0107] <Summary> As described above, the device 1A comprises a conveying path 2 capable of continuously conveying a plurality of items OB in a line, a vertical conveyor 3 that conveys the line of items OB along the conveying path 2 by applying a conveying force to the line of items OB in a predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2, and a supply path 8A that supplies grouped items OBG out of the conveying path 2.

[0108] When the predetermined number is a natural number n greater than or equal to 2, the vertical conveyor 3 transports the row of items OB in a forward direction (positive X direction) until the nth item OB from the front of the row passes through the predetermined section 2a, and then, when the n+1th item OB from the front of the row of items OB is located within the predetermined section 2a, it transports the row of items OB from the n+1th item onwards in the reverse direction (negative X direction) a predetermined distance, forming a predetermined gap δA between the nth item OB from the front and the n+1th item OB from the front, thereby separating and grouping a predetermined number of items OBG from the row of items OB, and the supply path 8A supplies the grouped accumulated items OBG from the front to the nth item.

[0109] At this time, a first passage detection means 51 for detecting the passage of an item OB is provided at a predetermined position downstream of the predetermined section 2a on the conveying path 2, and the vertical conveyor 3 may start to decelerate the conveying speed for conveying the row of items OB in the forward direction (negative X direction) from the time when the end of the forward direction (positive X direction) side of the first item OB in the row of items OB passes the first passage detection means 51, and after stopping the conveying in the forward direction (positive X direction), start conveying in the reverse direction (negative X direction).

[0110] With this configuration, similar to the device 1, a gap δA of a predetermined size can be formed between the nth item OBn from the front and the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front, and the accumulated item OBG can be separated from the row of items OB without relying on unstable conveyor friction. As a result, continuously conveyed items OB can be stably grouped into groups of a predetermined number n with high accuracy.

[0111] In another aspect, a second passage detection means 52 is provided to detect the passage of an item in a specified section 2a on the conveying path 2 and in a range from the end of the specified section 2a to a specified position downstream by the length of the item OB in the conveying direction, and the vertical conveyor 3 may begin to decelerate the conveying speed for conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) from the time when the end of the forward direction (positive X direction) side of the item OBn+1, which is the n+1th item from the front of the row of items OB, passes the second passage detection means 52.

[0112] With this configuration, a gap δA of a predetermined size is provided between the nth item OBn from the front and the n+1th item OBn+1 from the front on the conveying path 2, and in the next grouping operation, conveyance in the forward direction (positive X direction) of the vertical conveyor 3 can be started with the front item OB1 located at the initial position XS.

[0113] <<Variations>> Although the object grouping device and the object grouping method according to the embodiments have been described, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments except for the essential characteristic components thereof. For example, the present disclosure also includes various modifications that can be made to the embodiments by those skilled in the art, and modifications that can be realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of each embodiment without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Below, modifications will be described as examples of such modifications.

[0114] (1) In the grouping operation of the device 1 according to the above-described embodiment 1, in step S7 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, the deceleration conveying time in the forward direction (positive X direction) after the passage detection means 51 detects passage is set to be a predetermined time longer than the estimated time until the leading item OB1 contacts the stopper 4, and a forward conveying force is applied to the row of items OB for a predetermined time even after the item OB1 contacts the stopper 4.

[0115] However, the time for the decelerated conveyance is not limited to the above and may be changed as appropriate. In the grouping operation of the modified example of the items, in the flowchart shown in Figure 8, the time for decelerated conveyance in the forward direction (positive X direction) after passage detection by the passage detection means 51 in step S7 may be configured to be set to a negative acceleration and estimated time such that the conveying speed becomes zero when the leading item OB1 abuts against the stopper 4. With this configuration, during decelerated conveyance in the forward direction, the conveying speed becomes zero when the leading item OB1 abuts against the stopper 4, so that conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) of the vertical conveyor 3 can be started immediately, and the time required for the grouping operation can be shortened.

[0116] (2) Furthermore, in the grouping operation of items according to another modified example of the device 1, 1A according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1, 2, the configuration may be such that the subsequent conveying operation by the vertical conveyor 3 is controlled based on the second time when the forward (X-positive) end of the (n+1)th item OBn+1 from the front, detected in step S11, passes over the passage detection means 52 in the flowcharts shown in Figures 8 and 17.

[0117] This makes it possible to control the position of the leading article OB1 in the next grouping operation with higher accuracy by detecting the second time when the end of the n+1th article OBn+1 from the front on the forward direction (positive X direction) passes over the passage detection means 52. For example, even if a large slip occurs during conveyance in the reverse direction (negative X direction) in step S8 or step S10, by controlling the subsequent conveyance operation of the vertical conveyor 3 based on the second time detected in step S14, it is possible to suppress erroneous detection by the passage detection means 51 in the next grouping operation, such as a malfunction in which the leading article OB1 abuts against the stopper 4 before being detected by the passage detection means 51.

[0118] (3) One aspect of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the following cases are also included in one aspect of the present disclosure. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure is also included in the present invention when all or part of the control unit of the item grouping device is configured as a computer system including a microprocessor, recording media such as ROM and RAM, a hard disk unit, etc. The microprocessor operates in accordance with the computer program, thereby achieving the functions of the control method of each item grouping device. Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control method of the item grouping device may be realized by a processor such as a CPU executing a program.

[0119] The order in which the steps are performed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present invention, and other orders may be used. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

[0120] <<Additional Information>> The embodiments described above each illustrate a preferred specific example of the present invention. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection configurations, steps, and step sequences shown in the embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present invention. Furthermore, among the components in the embodiments, those not described in the independent claims that represent the highest concept of the present invention are described as optional components that constitute more preferred embodiments.

[0121] The order in which the above methods are performed is merely an example for specifically explaining the present invention, and other orders may be used. Also, some of the above methods may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other methods.

[0122] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the scale of the components in the drawings of the above embodiments may differ from the actual scale. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the description of the above embodiments, and can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0123] Furthermore, at least some of the functions of the embodiments and their modifications may be combined. [Industrial Applicability]

[0124] The item grouping device and item grouping method according to one aspect of the present disclosure can be widely and suitably used as a device for distributing a predetermined number of items stacked together in a factory production line, a logistics warehouse, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0125] 1. Item grouping device 2 Transport path 21 Dependent Gear 22 Drive gear 23 Top Chain 3 Vertical Conveyor 30L, 30R vertical conveyor 31 Drive pulley 32 driven pulley 33 Conveyor belt 34 Motor 4 Stopper 5 Passage detection means 51 Passage detection means (first passage detection means) 52 Passage detection means (second passage detection means) 6 Delivery means (delivery device) 61 Scraper 62 Arm 63 Pillar 7 Supply means (supply route) 71 Slit frame 72 Dependent Gear 73 Drive Gear 74 Chain 75 Finger 8A Supply means (supply route) 81 Drive pulley 82 driven pulley 83 Conveyor belt 9, 9A Control section 91 Passage detection unit 92 Transport control section 93 Supply operation control unit OB goods (containers)

Claims

1. An article grouping device that groups a predetermined number of articles that are continuously conveyed in a line in a forward direction along a conveying path and delivers the grouped articles, a conveying path capable of conveying a plurality of articles continuously in a line; a vertical conveyor that conveys the row of articles along the conveying path by applying a conveying force to the row of articles in a predetermined section on the conveying path; and a delivery means for delivering the grouped articles to the outside of the conveying path, When the predetermined number is a natural number n of 2 or more, the vertical conveyor conveys the row of articles in a forward direction until the nth article from the head of the row of articles passes through the predetermined section, and then, when the n+1th article from the head of the row of articles is located within the predetermined section, conveys the n+1th and subsequent articles in the row in a reverse direction a predetermined distance, forming a predetermined gap between the nth article from the head and the n+1th article from the head, thereby extracting and grouping a predetermined number of articles from the row of articles, The supply means supplies the first to nth grouped accumulated articles. An item grouping device.

2. a first passage detection means for detecting passage of an article at a predetermined position downstream of the predetermined section on the conveying path, The vertical conveyor starts decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the row of articles in the forward direction from the time when the forward end of the leading article in the row of articles passes the first passage detection means, stops conveying the row of articles in the forward direction, and then starts conveying the row of articles in the reverse direction. The article grouping device according to claim 1 .

3. a second passage detection means for detecting passage of an article in the predetermined section on the conveying path and in a range up to a predetermined position downstream of the predetermined section by a length of the article in the conveying direction, The vertical conveyor starts to decelerate the conveying speed for conveyance in the reverse direction from the time when the forward end of the (n+1)th item from the head of the row of items passes through the second passage detection means. The article grouping device according to claim 1 .

4. Further, a stopper is provided at the end of the conveying path to stop the forward movement of the row of articles, When the first article in the row of articles is in contact with the stopper, the first to n-th articles are located downstream of the predetermined section on the conveying path, and the (n+1)th article from the first is located within the predetermined section, The vertical conveyor conveys the row of articles from the (n+1)th from the front a predetermined distance in the reverse direction while the front article is in contact with the stopper, forming a predetermined gap between the nth article from the front and the (n+1)th article from the front, and grouping the articles into groups of n. The article grouping device according to claim 1 .

5. The vertical conveyor applies a forward conveying force to the row of articles for a predetermined period of time even after the leading article in the row of articles abuts against the stopper.

5. The article grouping device according to claim 4.

6. a first passage detection means for detecting passage of an article at a predetermined position between the end of the conveying path and the vertical conveyor; The vertical conveyor starts decelerating the conveying speed for conveying the row of articles in the forward direction from the time when the forward end of the leading article in the row of articles passes the first passage detection means, calculates the time when the leading article will abut against the stopper based on the time, and starts conveying in the reverse direction a predetermined time after the calculated time.

6. The article grouping device according to claim 5.

7. a second passage detection means for detecting passage of an article at a position on the conveying path that is a predetermined distance away from the stopper in the opposite direction; The vertical conveyor starts to decelerate the conveying speed for conveyance in the reverse direction from the time when the forward end of the (n+1)th item from the head of the row of items passes through the second passage detection means.

5. The article grouping device according to claim 4.

8. The vertical conveyor is located at a position on the conveying path where it can convey either the n+1th item from the front or a row of items after the n+1th item, with the front item abutting against the stopper.

5. The article grouping device according to claim 4.

9. The vertical conveyor is located on at least one side of the conveying path. The article grouping device according to any one of claims 4 to 8.

10. A method for grouping a plurality of articles that are continuously conveyed in a line in a forward direction along a conveying path into a predetermined number of groups and then delivering the grouped articles, a conveying step of conveying the row of articles in a forward direction along the conveying path by applying a conveying force to the row of articles by a vertical conveyor in a predetermined section on the conveying path; a stopping step of stopping forward transport of the row of articles by the vertical conveyor; a grouping step of cutting out a predetermined number of articles from the sequence of articles; a supply step of supplying the grouped items as an accumulated item, In the conveying step, when the predetermined number is a natural number n of 2 or more, the row of articles is conveyed in a forward direction from the head of the row of articles until the nth article passes through the predetermined section; In the grouping step, when the nth item from the beginning of the row of items is located within the predetermined section, the vertical conveyor conveys the n+1th and subsequent items in the row in a reverse direction a predetermined distance, forming a predetermined gap between the nth item from the beginning and the n+1th item from the beginning, thereby grouping the items into groups of n items; In the supply step, the first to nth articles are supplied. A method for grouping items.

11. In the stopping step, conveyance is stopped when the leading article in the row of articles reaches a reference position on the conveyance path that is located downstream of the predetermined section by at least a length in the conveyance direction of the accumulated articles. The method for grouping articles according to claim 10.

12. In the stopping step, the conveyance is stopped when the leading article in the row of articles abuts against a stopper disposed at the reference position on the conveyance path. The method for grouping articles according to claim 11.

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