Bag transfer device and bag transfer method

Abstract

The present invention provides a bag transfer device and a bag transfer method that are advantageous for separating and discharging the downstream bag from a group of bags, at least partially. [Solution] The bag transfer device 10 comprises a transfer device 11 having a transfer surface S on which a plurality of bags B are placed and which transfers the plurality of bags B in the transfer direction Dc, wherein each of the plurality of bags B overlaps with at least partially with the other bags B; a delivery device 12 having a contact transfer portion C that contacts the downstream bag Bd, which is the bag B located at the front of the plurality of bags B in the transfer direction Dc, from above, wherein the contact transfer portion C contacts the downstream bag Bd and delivers the downstream bag Bd in the transfer direction Dc; and a spacing measuring sensor 13 that directly or indirectly measures the specified delivery spacing, which is the distance between the transfer surface S and the contact transfer portion C.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a bag transfer device and a bag transfer method.

Background Art

[0002] In the bag supply device disclosed in Patent Document 1, while a plurality of bags overlapped with each other in the transport direction in an inclined posture are placed on a transport belt and the whole of the plurality of bags is being transported by the transport belt, the bag located at the most downstream is selectively sent out in the transport direction by a feed belt (bag separation part) that contacts from above.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When transporting the whole of a plurality of bags by a transport device located below and selectively sending out the most downstream bag by a sending device located above as in the device of Patent Document 1, the sending state of the bag can change according to the distance between the transport device and the sending device (and thus the number of bags located between the transport device and the sending device).

[0005] That is, when the distance between the transport device and the sending device is narrow and there are relatively few bags between the transport device and the sending device, it is advantageous for the sending device to separate the most downstream bag from other bags and send it downstream. However, in this case, it takes time until the next most downstream bag is arranged at a desired downstream position by the sending device. Therefore, it is impossible to supply the next most downstream bag in time for the processing of the downstream device (such as a bag feeding device), and as a result, an empty bag may occur due to the bag taking device.

[0006] On the other hand, if there is a wide gap between the conveying device and the dispensing device, and a relatively large number of bags are present between the two devices, it is advantageous to quickly position not only the current downstream bag but also the next downstream bag at the desired downstream location. However, in this case, the accuracy of the dispensing device in separating the downstream bag from other bags may be poor, potentially leading to the downstream bag being placed at the desired downstream location while overlapping with other bags over a wide area. For example, if the downstream device is a bag removal device (bag feeding device), the downstream bag may be placed at the desired downstream location without being sufficiently separated from other bags, resulting in the bag removal device picking up two bags (or more bags).

[0007] As described above, if the distance between the conveying device and the dispensing device is too narrow or too wide, malfunctions are likely to occur. It is preferable that the bags be conveyed and dispensed while this distance (and consequently the number of bags located between the conveying device and the dispensing device) is maintained within an optimal range (acceptable range). On the other hand, the optimal range for the distance between such a conveying device and dispensing device is not necessarily constant and can vary depending on the characteristics of the bags (thickness, surface characteristics such as friction coefficient, and surface material, etc.), the processing capacity of the downstream device, and the device environment (humidity, etc.). Therefore, the operator (user) should consider these various conditions to find the optimal value (acceptable range) for the distance between the conveying device and the dispensing device, and operate the device to maintain the distance between the conveying device and the dispensing device within that acceptable range.

[0008] To achieve such device operation, the device control is sometimes performed to maintain the distance between the conveying device and the delivery device within a desired range, based on the detection results of a proximity sensor that detects whether the oscillation state (height position) of the delivery device has fallen outside the acceptable range. On the other hand, as mentioned above, the acceptable range of the distance between the conveying device and the delivery device can change depending on various conditions, so operators are required to individually determine the acceptable range and adjust the mounting position (e.g., height position) of the proximity sensor. However, since such adjustments to the mounting position of the proximity sensor are generally made in units of a few millimeters (sometimes in units of 0.1 millimeters), it is not easy to perform such adjustment work stably. Furthermore, since this adjustment work is largely dependent on the judgment of the adjuster, the adjustment work tends to be subjective, and it is difficult to keep records of the work adjustments for information sharing among adjusters. In addition, proximity sensors are often required to be installed in a space where other devices are also installed. For example, in multi-unit machines where multiple pairs of conveying devices and delivery devices are lined up, it may be difficult for users to even access the limited installation space for the proximity sensor.

[0009] This disclosure provides a technique that is advantageous for separating and discharging the downstream bag from a group of bags, at least partially. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag transfer device comprising: a conveying device having a conveying surface on which a plurality of bags are placed and conveying a plurality of bags in a conveying direction, wherein each of the plurality of bags overlaps at least partially with the other bags; a dispensing device having a contact conveying portion that contacts the downstream bag, which is the leading bag in the conveying direction, from above, wherein the contact conveying portion contacts the downstream bag and dispensing the downstream bag in the conveying direction; and a spacing measuring sensor that directly or indirectly measures a specified dispensing interval, which is the distance between the conveying surface and the contact conveying portion.

[0011] The bag transfer device may include a control device for controlling the conveying device, the contact conveying portion may be provided to be vertically movable, and the control device may stop the conveying of multiple bags in the conveying direction by the conveying device if the measurement result of the interval measuring sensor indicates that the prescribed discharge interval deviates from the allowable range.

[0012] The delivery device may have a swinging body that is pivotably mounted around a pivot point and forms a contact transport portion, and the swinging body may swing in accordance with the raising and lowering of the contact transport portion, and the interval measuring sensor may measure the specified delivery interval by measuring the distance from the swinging body to the part located on the opposite side from the contact transport portion via the pivot point.

[0013] The bag transfer device may include a bag removal device that removes bags positioned in the removal area from the removal area, and the discharge device may discharge the downstream bag toward the removal area.

[0014] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a bag transport method comprising: a step of transporting a plurality of bags placed on a transport surface in a transport direction, wherein each of the plurality of bags overlaps at least partially with the other bags; a step of a contact transport portion contacting the downstream bag, which is the leading bag among the plurality of bags in the transport direction, from above, while the downstream bag is sent out in the transport direction by the contact transport portion; a step of directly or indirectly measuring a specified delivery interval, which is the distance between the transport surface and the contact transport portion; and a step of controlling the transport of the plurality of bags in the transport direction based on the measurement result of the specified delivery interval. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to this disclosure, it is advantageous to separate and deliver the downstream bag from multiple bags, at least partially. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing an example of a bag transfer device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a simplified, enlarged view of the delivery device (especially the area near the contact conveying section) and the conveyor belt (especially the conveying surface). [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the bag (including the lowermost bag) in the take-out area when the distance (delivery specified distance) between the contact conveyance portion and the conveyance surface is set relatively large. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the state of the bag (including the lowermost bag) in the take-out area when the distance (delivery specified distance) between the contact conveyance portion and the conveyance surface is set relatively small. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the bag transfer device. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0017] A typical embodiment of the bag transfer device 10 and the bag transfer method will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] In the following description, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are based on the conveyance of the bag B unless otherwise specified. Also, the terms "upper" and "lower" are based on the height direction unless otherwise specified, and for example, the direction of the action of gravity (vertical direction) can also be expressed as the downward direction.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of the bag transfer device 10. FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the delivery device 12 (particularly the vicinity of the contact conveyance portion C) and the conveyor belt 21 (particularly the conveyance surface S). In FIG. 2, for easy understanding of the device configuration, various elements are schematically illustrated, and the illustration of the swing body 44 and the like is omitted.

[0020] FIG. 3A is a diagram showing an example of the state of the bag B (including the lowermost bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt when the distance (delivery specified distance D) between the contact conveyance portion C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively large. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing an example of the state of the bag B (including the lowermost bag Bd) in the take-out area Rt when the distance (delivery specified distance D) between the contact conveyance portion C and the conveyance surface S is set relatively small. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the control configuration of the bag transfer device 10.

[0021] The bag transfer device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 of this example includes a transfer device 11, a delivery device 12, an interval measurement sensor 13, a bag extraction device 17, and a control device 15 (see FIG. 4).

[0022] The transfer device 11 has a transfer surface S on which a plurality of bags B are placed, and transfers the plurality of bags B in the transfer direction Dc.

[0023] The transfer device 11 of this example has an endless transfer belt 21 supported by a plurality of transfer rollers, and a transfer drive unit 20 that runs the transfer belt 21 by rotating the transfer rollers, and is configured as a so-called conveyor magazine (bag loading magazine). The transfer surface S is formed by a portion of the transfer belt 21 where the outward exposed surface faces upward. It is not necessarily required that the entire transfer surface S is formed by the transfer belt 21. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the transfer surface S near the forward end stopper 50 is not formed by the transfer belt 21, but is formed by the flat upper end surface of a fixedly provided support portion.

[0024] A plurality of bags B to be transferred (empty flat bags in this example) are placed on the transfer surface S of the transfer device 11. The plurality of bags B on the transfer surface S are arranged in a so-called sashimi shape in the transfer direction Dc while taking an inclined posture or a lying posture, and each bag B is placed on the transfer surface S so as to at least partially overlap with other bags B.

[0025] Note that the type of the bag B to be transferred by the bag transfer device 10 is not limited to an empty flat bag. For example, it is also possible to transfer a spout bag, a stand-up bag, or any other arbitrary type of bag having an arbitrary shape and configuration by the bag transfer device 10 (the transfer device 11, the delivery device 12, and the bag extraction device 17).

[0026] The dispensing device 12 has a contact conveying portion C, which contacts from above the bag B located at the front of the conveying direction Dc among the multiple bags B on the conveying surface S (i.e., the downstream bag Bd). The downstream bag Bd is then sent by the dispensing device 12 in the conveying direction Dc, particularly toward the retrieval area Rt (in this example, the downstream area of ​​the conveying surface S defined by the forward end stopper 50), with the contact conveying portion C in contact with the downstream bag Bd from above.

[0027] The delivery device 12 in this example includes a swinging body 41 that is swingable around a pivot point P and forms a contact conveying portion C, and a delivery drive unit 40 that generates a delivery force to send the bag B that the contact conveying portion C contacts downstream. The contact conveying portion C of the swinging body 41 is provided to be able to move up and down, and the swinging body 41 swings in accordance with the up and down movement of the contact conveying portion C.

[0028] The oscillating body 41 shown in Figure 1 comprises an oscillating body 44 extending in an oblique direction (upper left / lower right direction in Figure 1) that is not parallel to the height and horizontal directions, a plurality of delivery rollers 42 (drive delivery roller 42A and lower end delivery roller 42B) attached to the middle and lower ends of the oscillating body 44, and an endless delivery belt 43 supported by the plurality of delivery rollers 42.

[0029] The delivery roller 42 (lower end delivery roller 42B) attached to the lower end of the oscillating body 44 is rotatably mounted and rotates to follow the movement of the delivery belt 43. The portion of the delivery belt 43 supported by the lower end delivery roller 42B (particularly the portion closest to the conveying surface S) forms the contact conveying portion C.

[0030] The rotation axis of the delivery roller 42 (driven delivery roller 42A), which is attached to the middle part of the oscillating body 44, forms the pivot point P of the oscillating body 41, and the driven delivery roller 42A is rotationally driven by the delivery drive unit 40 to move the delivery belt 43. The mechanism for transmitting the output (power) from the delivery drive unit 40 to the driven delivery roller 42A is not limited, and a power transmission body such as gears may be used.

[0031] The oscillating body 44 includes an intermediate section and a lower section to which the aforementioned drive feed roller 42A and lower end feed roller 42B are attached, as well as an upper section located on the opposite side of the lower section via the intermediate section, and extends from the intermediate section toward both the lower and upper sections. The oscillating body 44 is also provided to swing freely around the pivot point P, and rotates around the pivot point P such that, for example, when the lower section receives an upward force, the upper section moves downward.

[0032] Therefore, for example, when the contact conveying portion C of the delivery belt 43 receives an upward force, the contact conveying portion C, the lower end delivery roller 42B, and the lower end of the oscillating body 44 pivot upward around the pivot point P, and the upper end of the oscillating body 44 pivots downward around the pivot point P. Conversely, when the contact conveying portion C, the lower end delivery roller 42B, and the lower end of the oscillating body 44 pivot downward around the pivot point P, the upper end of the oscillating body 44 pivots upward around the pivot point P.

[0033] The interval measuring sensor 13 directly or indirectly measures the specified delivery interval D, which is the distance between the transport surface S and the contact transport portion C. In this example, the interval measuring sensor 13 is fixedly installed and supported by a support frame, and indirectly measures the specified delivery interval D by measuring the distance (measurement distance M) from the part of the oscillating body 41 located on the opposite side of the contact transport portion C via the pivot point P. The interval measuring sensor 13 may be configured as a contact-type distance sensor that involves physical contact with the part of the oscillating body 41 to be measured (the upper end of the oscillating body 44), or as a non-contact-type distance sensor that does not involve physical contact with the part to be measured.

[0034] As described above, the oscillating body 41 is provided to swing freely around the pivot point P, and the height position of the contact transport portion C and the height positions of each part of the oscillating body 44 (for example, the part to be measured) are related to each other, so that if the height position of one is determined, the height position of the other is also determined. Therefore, the distance between the interval measuring sensor 13 and the part to be measured of the oscillating body 41 also changes according to the height position of the contact transport portion C. For this reason, it is possible to indirectly obtain the prescribed delivery interval D based on the measurement result of the interval measuring sensor 13.

[0035] In this embodiment, the prescribed delivery interval D between the contact conveying portion C and the conveying surface S varies depending on the number of bags B between the contact conveying portion C and the conveying surface S (the total height of the bags B located between the contact conveying portion C and the conveying surface S). However, the minimum value of the prescribed delivery interval D is fixed based on the mechanical configuration of the delivery device 12. Therefore, even if, for example, there are no bags B between the contact conveying portion C and the conveying surface S, a gap (minimum gap) exists between the contact conveying portion C (delivery belt 43) and the conveying surface S (conveying belt 21), and the contact conveying portion C does not directly contact the conveying surface S.

[0036] The bag removal device 17 removes bag B (i.e., the downstream bag Bd) located in the removal area Rt from the removal area Rt. The specific configuration of the bag removal device 17 is not limited. The bag removal device 17 in this example has a removal suction cup device 17a that can lift bag B located in the removal area Rt while adsorbing its exposed surface (flat side surface), and a removal drive unit 60 (see Figure 4) that drives the removal suction cup device 17a, such as adsorption and movement (rotation). The removal suction cup device 17a has a configuration that allows it to rotate and reciprocate between a removal position which is a relatively lower position and a handover position which is a relatively upper position. At the removal position, the removal suction cup device 17a adsorbs and holds bag B located in the removal area Rt, and at the handover position, it hands over the bag B that it is holding to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device, a spout attachment machine, or any other device).

[0037] A positioning unit 55, a forward end stopper 50, and a forward end detection sensor 51 are provided near the extraction area Rt.

[0038] The forward end stopper 50 extends so as to protrude above the transport surface S, blocking the bag B (the furthest downstream bag Bd) from moving further downstream than the retrieval area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 is a sensor that detects whether or not a bag B is located in the retrieval area Rt. The forward end detection sensor 51 can have any configuration; for example, it may have a detection body that is moved by physical contact with the bag B located in the retrieval area Rt, or it may perform detection without contacting the bag B located in the retrieval area Rt.

[0039] The positioning unit 55 is a device for reliably and accurately positioning bag B (the downstream bag Bd) in the retrieval area Rt, and feeds bag B (especially the downstream bag Bd) downstream on the conveying surface S. The positioning unit 55 in this example has a positioning roller driven by a positioning drive unit 56 (see Figure 4) and a plurality of flexible positioning vanes that protrude radially from the outer circumferential surface of the positioning roller. The positioning roller is driven by the positioning drive unit 56 so that the positioning vanes contact the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of bag B on the conveying surface S, and the bag B is fed downstream toward the retrieval area Rt with a relatively weak force (for example, with a contact range of about 1 mm in the conveying direction Dc). The positioning unit 55 may operate in conjunction with the feeding operation of bag B (the downstream bag Bd) by the feeding device 12 and / or the removal operation of bag B by the bag removal device 17, or it may operate continuously without intermittently stopping, regardless of these feeding and removal operations.

[0040] The positioning unit 55 shown in Figure 1 is attached to the bag removal device 17 and moves integrally with the removal suction cup device 17a. That is, the positioning unit 55 performs a pivoting reciprocating motion together with the removal suction cup device 17a. While the removal suction cup device 17a is positioned in the handover position (upper position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned at a location above the exposed surface (upward-facing side wall) of the downstream bag Bd on the conveying surface S (particularly between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveying portion C).

[0041] Meanwhile, while the retrieval suction cup device 17a is positioned in the retrieval position (downward position), the positioning unit 55 is positioned to contact the exposed surface (upward side wall surface) of the downstream bag Bd on the transport surface S (particularly between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact transport portion C) (see Figures 3A and 3B).

[0042] Furthermore, when the downstream bag Bd is located in the retrieval area Rt, it is possible that the downstream bag Bd may overlap with other bags B (for example, the bag B that will become the next downstream bag Bd) in at least part of the same area. In particular, from the viewpoint of increasing the supply speed of bags B to the retrieval area Rt, it is preferable that when the "current downstream bag Bd" is located in the retrieval area Rt, the "bag B that will become the next downstream bag Bd" is waiting as close as possible to the retrieval area Rt (for example, the forward end stopper 50).

[0043] The overlapping state of bags B other than the downstream bag Bd in the vicinity of the retrieval area Rt (particularly the area between the forward end stopper 50 and the contact conveying section C (delivery belt 43)) can change depending on the prescribed delivery interval D between the contact conveying section C and the conveying surface S. That is, the larger the prescribed delivery interval D, the stronger the tendency for more bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the retrieval area Rt (see Figure 3A). On the other hand, the smaller the prescribed delivery interval D, the stronger the tendency for fewer bags B to overlap each other in the vicinity of the retrieval area Rt (see Figure 3B).

[0044] As shown in Figure 3A, arranging a larger number of overlapping bags B near the extraction area Rt is advantageous in improving the supply speed of bags B to the extraction area Rt, but it increases the likelihood of malfunctions such as picking up multiple bags (two bags at a time). On the other hand, as shown in Figure 3B, arranging a smaller number of overlapping bags B near the extraction area Rt is advantageous in avoiding malfunctions such as picking up multiple bags, but it is disadvantageous in improving the supply speed of bags B to the extraction area Rt, and also increases the likelihood of malfunctions such as empty bags being supplied by the bag extraction device. The operator can determine an appropriate "allowable range for the specified delivery interval D" while considering these advantages and disadvantages.

[0045] The control device 15 receives detection results from various sensors and controls various devices (for example, the conveying device 11, the dispensing device 12, and the bag removal device 17). As shown in Figure 4, the control device 15 in this example is connected to the interval measuring sensor 13, the forward end detection sensor 51, and the HMI (Human Machine Interface) 25, as well as the conveying drive unit 20, the dispensing drive unit 40, the positioning drive unit 56, and the removal drive unit 60.

[0046] Specifically, the control device 15 drives the transport drive unit 20 to control the transport of multiple bags B by the transport device 11. The control device 15 also drives the delivery drive unit 40 to control the delivery of bags B (especially the downstream bag Bd) by the delivery device 12. The control device 15 also drives the positioning drive unit 56 to control the positioning of bags B (downstream bag Bd) in the delivery area Rt by the positioning unit 55. The control device 15 also drives the delivery drive unit 60 to control the delivery and handover of bags B by the bag delivery device 17.

[0047] The control device 15 may, for example, drive the transport drive unit 20, the discharge drive unit 40, the positioning drive unit 56, and the retrieval drive unit 60 based on the detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51, as described later, to control the transport of multiple bags B on the transport surface S, the discharge of the downstream bag Bd, its position in the retrieval area Rt, and its retrieval from the retrieval area Rt.

[0048] Furthermore, as described later, the control device 15 drives the transport drive unit 20 based on the detection results of the interval measurement sensor 13 to control the transport of the multiple bags B on the transport surface S. In other words, if the measurement results of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicate that the prescribed delivery interval D (see Figure 2) deviates from the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the transport device 11 to stop transporting the multiple bags B in the transport direction Dc.

[0049] The "allowable range of the specified discharge interval D" referred to here can be set as appropriate by the operator (user) via the HMI25. As described above, the optimal value (optimal range) of the interval (specified discharge interval D; see Figure 2) between the discharge device 12 (especially the contact conveying portion C) and the conveying device 11 (especially the conveying surface S) may vary depending on the characteristics of the bag B, the processing capacity of the downstream device (e.g., the packaging device), and the device environment. For this reason, it is preferable that the specified discharge interval D be determined as appropriate by the operator, and in particular, it is preferable that it be adaptively changeable according to the operating state of the bag transfer device 10 (e.g., the transfer error state of bag B).

[0050] As described above, the "specified delivery interval D between the conveying surface S of the conveying device 11 and the contact conveying portion C of the delivery device 12" and the "measured distance M between the measured portion of the delivery device 12 and the interval measuring sensor 13," which is measured by the interval measuring sensor 13, are correlated with each other. Therefore, the "tolerance range of the measured distance M" and the "tolerance range of the specified delivery interval D" are also correlated with each other, and determining the "tolerance range of the measured distance M" is essentially synonymous with determining the "tolerance range of the specified delivery interval D." For this reason, the operator may input either the "tolerance range of the measured distance M" or the "tolerance range of the specified delivery interval D" to the HMI 25. In the following explanation, even when the operator determines the "tolerance range of the measured distance M" and inputs it to the HMI 25, it will be expressed as if the operator determines the "tolerance range of the specified delivery interval D" and inputs it to the HMI 25.

[0051] At the start of operation of the bag transfer device 10, the operator may determine the "acceptable range of the specified delivery interval D" by considering various conditions such as the characteristics of bag B, the processing capacity of downstream equipment (e.g., packaging equipment), and the equipment environment, for example, in light of their own experience and past performance, and input this into the HMI 25. Alternatively, while the bag transfer device 10 is in operation, the operator may decide to change the "acceptable range of the specified delivery interval D" by considering the actual operating status of the bag transfer device 10, and input the changed "acceptable range of the specified delivery interval D" into the HMI 25. In this case, information indicating the actual operating status of the bag transfer device 10 (e.g., bag B transfer error status) may be presented to the operator via the HMI 25. In this case, the operator can determine whether or not to change the "acceptable range of the specified delivery interval D" and the amount of change based on the presented information.

[0052] The "transport error state of bag B" referred to here includes, for example, cases where the state of the transported bag B (e.g., orientation or position) is not the desired state, or where bag B cannot be positioned in the retrieval area Rt at the appropriate time. The method for detecting such a "transport error state of bag B" is not limited. For example, the control device 15 may acquire information indicating the "transport error state of bag B" based on the suction state of the retrieval suction cup device 17a (e.g., the detection result of a vacuum sensor that detects the suction pressure of the retrieval suction cup device 17a) or the detection result of a sensor (not shown) that detects the state of bag B (e.g., orientation or position).

[0053] The information (data) of the "allowable range of the specified delivery interval D" input to the HMI25 is transmitted from the HMI25 to the control device 15. Based on the information of the "allowable range of the specified delivery interval D" sent from the HMI25, the control device 15 controls the bag transfer device 10 (for example, the transfer of multiple bags B by the conveying device 11).

[0054] [Bag transfer method] Next, an example of a method for transferring bag B using the bag transfer device 10 will be described. The bag transfer method exemplified below is executed as appropriate by the control device 15 appropriately controlling each part of the bag transfer device 10.

[0055] The bag transfer method in this example includes a process (transfer process) in which a plurality of bags B placed on a transport surface S are transported in the transport direction Dc by a transport device 11, and a process (discharge process) in which the contact transport portion C contacts the downstream bag Bd of the plurality of bags B on the transport surface S from above, and the downstream bag Bd is discharged in the transport direction Dc by the contact transport portion C. Specifically, the transport drive unit 20 drives the transport belt 21 to move, thereby transporting the plurality of bags B placed on the transport surface S in the transport direction Dc. The discharge drive unit 40 drives the discharge belt 43 to move, so that the downstream bag Bd is discharged in the transport direction Dc by the contact transport portion C (discharge belt 43) and positioned in the retrieval area Rt.

[0056] Then, the bag removal device 17 removes bag B (the downstream bag Bd) from the removal area Rt and passes it to a downstream device (e.g., a packaging device) in a process known as the bag removal process. The control device 15 controls the bag removal device 17 (removal drive unit 60) so that when the detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 indicates that bag B is located in the removal area Rt, bag B located in the removal area Rt is held in place by the removal suction cup device 17a. On the other hand, while the detection result of the forward end detection sensor 51 does not indicate that bag B is located in the removal area Rt, the control device 15 may control the bag removal device 17 (removal drive unit 60) so that the removal suction cup device 17a does not perform the suction holding process for such bag B.

[0057] The aforementioned conveying, dispensing, and bag removal processes are performed repeatedly in conjunction with each other, and the bags B on the conveying surface S are successively positioned in the removal area Rt, and the bags B are successively supplied from the removal area Rt to the downstream device. As a result, each bag B (especially the furthest downstream bag Bd) can be appropriately separated one by one from multiple overlapping bags B, and each bag B can be supplied one by one to the downstream device in an appropriate handover state (posture and arrangement).

[0058] Furthermore, the phrase "a state in which bags B are appropriately separated on the conveying surface S" is not limited to a state in which bags B are completely separated from each other, but also includes a state in which bags B are partially overlapping and in contact with each other. "A state in which bags B are appropriately separated on the conveying surface S" means that when bags B are removed by the bag removal device 17, only the desired bag B (i.e., the downstream bag Bd) is removed by the bag removal device 17, and other bags B are not removed together with the desired bag B.

[0059] As described above, while the conveying process by the conveying device 11, the delivery process by the delivery device 12, and the bag removal process by the bag removal device 17 are performed, a process (interval measurement process) is performed in which the specified delivery interval D, which is the distance between the conveying surface S and the contact conveying portion C, is measured directly or indirectly by the interval measurement sensor 13. Then, based on the measurement result of the specified delivery interval D, a process (conveying control process) is performed in which the conveying device 11 controls the conveying of the multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc by the control device 15.

[0060] In other words, the control device 15 determines whether the specified delivery interval D is within the acceptable range or outside the acceptable range based on the measurement results of the interval measurement sensor 13, and controls the transport of the multiple bags B on the transport surface S in the transport direction Dc by the transport device 11 based on the determination result.

[0061] As the conveying device 11 conveys multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc, the number of bags B that enter the space between the delivery device 12 (contact conveying section C) and the conveying device 11 (conveying surface S (conveying belt 21)) overlapping each other increases. As a result, the overall height of the multiple bags B located between the contact conveying section C and the conveying surface S increases, and the contact conveying section C moves upward due to the upward force from the multiple bags B, increasing the prescribed delivery interval D. On the other hand, as the delivery device 12 successively sends bags B downstream from the space between the delivery device 12 (contact conveying section C) and the conveying device 11 (conveying surface S (conveying belt 21)), the number of bags B between the contact conveying section C and the conveying surface S gradually decreases, causing the contact conveying section C to gradually move downward, and the prescribed delivery interval D decreases.

[0062] The control device 15 monitors the vertical movement of the contact transport portion C (and consequently the size of the specified delivery interval D between the contact transport portion C and the transport surface S) based on the measurement results of the interval measuring sensor 13, and controls the transport device 11 (transport drive unit 20) as necessary to maintain the specified delivery interval D within an acceptable range.

[0063] In this example, for instance, if the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is greater than or equal to the upper limit of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveying device 11 to stop the conveying of the multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc. On the other hand, if the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is less than the upper limit of the allowable range, the control device 15 controls the conveying device 11 to continue conveying the multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc.

[0064] If the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is smaller than the upper limit of the allowable range and greater than or equal to the lower limit, the control device 15 may control the conveying device 11 to stop the conveying of the multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc. On the other hand, if the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is smaller than the lower limit of the allowable range, the control device 15 may control the conveying device 11 to continue the conveying of the multiple bags B in the conveying direction Dc.

[0065] The bag transfer method described above may be implemented, for example, such that the bag transfer device 10 exhibits the following basic operations.

[0066] In other words, if the forward end detection sensor 51 does not detect that bag B is placed in the retrieval area Rt, and the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is not above the upper limit of the allowable range (hereinafter also referred to as the "allowable threshold"), then the transport process of bag B by the transport device 11 and the delivery process of bag B by the delivery device 12 are performed.

[0067] On the other hand, if the forward end detection sensor 51 does not detect that bag B has been placed in the retrieval area Rt, but the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13 indicates that the prescribed delivery interval D is greater than or equal to the allowable threshold, the delivery process of bag B by the delivery device 12 will be carried out, but the conveying process of bag B by the conveying device 11 will be stopped.

[0068] If the forward end detection sensor 51 detects that bag B has been placed in the retrieval area Rt, neither the transport process of bag B by the transport device 11 nor the delivery process of bag B by the delivery device 12 will be performed.

[0069] By repeatedly performing these basic operations, the bag transfer device 10 ensures that bag B (the downstream bag Bd), which has been properly separated from other bags B, is placed in the retrieval area Rt one after another at the appropriate timing. As a result, the bag retrieval device 17 can retrieve bag B from the retrieval area Rt one after another at the appropriate timing and supply it to the downstream device.

[0070] In the basic operation described above, the transport of bag B downstream by the conveying device 11, the delivery of bag B downstream by the delivery device 12, and the removal of bag B by the bag removal device 17 may each be performed at predetermined timings. Such predetermined timings may be determined under the control of the control device 15, or they may be determined independently of the control device 15 (for example, by a cam switch controller).

[0071] As described above, according to this embodiment, the "specified delivery interval D between the conveying surface S and the contact conveying part C" that fluctuates according to the state of the bags B between the conveying surface S of the conveying device 11 and the contact conveying part C of the delivery device 12 (for example, the number of bags B and the overlapping state of the bags B) can be monitored based on the measurement results of the interval measurement sensor 13. Then, based on the measurement results of the interval measurement sensor 13, the number of bags B (the overlapping state of the bags B) between the conveying surface S and the contact conveying part C can be adjusted by controlling, for example, the conveying of multiple bags B on the conveying surface S by the conveying device 11. This makes it possible to supply and position bags B to the retrieval area Rt accurately and stably. Furthermore, since the transport state of bags B can be monitored over time based on the measurement results of the interval measurement sensor 13, it is possible to visualize the risk of defects caused by bag feeding and the trend of bag feeding defects.

[0072] In particular, the bag transfer device 10 of this embodiment can appropriately respond to changes in the optimal value (optimal range) of the "specified delivery interval D between the conveying surface S and the contact conveying portion C," such as when the type of bag B to be transferred is changed, by changing the tolerance range of the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13. In this way, changes in the optimal value of the specified delivery interval D can be responded to by "changing the setting value of the tolerance range of the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13," and numerical management of the "tolerance range of the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13" is possible. Therefore, according to this embodiment, changes in transfer conditions, such as changes in the type of bag B to be transferred, can be responded to quickly and appropriately. Furthermore, by numerically managing the "tolerance range of the measurement result of the interval measurement sensor 13," it is easy to keep a record of past values ​​of the tolerance range, and information sharing among operators can be easily performed. This makes it possible to easily implement multi-product control by the bag transfer device 10.

[0073] Furthermore, the "adjustment of the mounting position of the proximity sensor in response to changes in the optimal value of the specified delivery interval D," which was required in conventional technology, is unnecessary in the bag transfer device 10 of this embodiment. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the user's workload and working time (workload and working time required for sensor position adjustment) can be significantly reduced, no tools are required for sensor position adjustment, and the adjustment work can be prevented from becoming dependent on a specific person. In particular, in cases where it is difficult for the user to access the surrounding area of ​​each pair of conveying devices 11 and delivery devices 12, such as in a multi-unit machine where multiple pairs of conveying devices 11 and delivery devices 12 are lined up, the bag transfer device 10 of this embodiment, which does not require access to such surrounding area for sensor position adjustment, is extremely advantageous.

[0074] In this embodiment, the upper end of the oscillating body 44, located on the opposite side of the contact transport portion C via the pivot point P, is used as the "part to be measured by the interval measuring sensor 13". Therefore, it is easy to secure space for installing the interval measuring sensor 13, and the installation of the interval measuring sensor 13 is easy. Furthermore, since the oscillating body 41 has a configuration that extends not only downward but also upward via the pivot point P, it is possible to adjust the center of gravity position of the oscillating body 41 to adjust the oscillating characteristics of the oscillating body 41 (e.g., ease of oscillating) to desired characteristics. In addition, it is possible to adjust the detection accuracy (detection resolution) of the interval measuring sensor 13 by changing the ratio of "distance between the pivot point P and the part to be measured" to "distance between the pivot point P and the contact transport portion C". For example, by making the "distance between the pivot point P and the part to be measured" larger than the "distance between the pivot point P and the contact transport portion C" (especially by making the "distance between the pivot point P and the part to be measured" longer), the detection accuracy (detection resolution) of the interval measuring sensor 13 can be further improved.

[0075] It should be noted that the embodiments and modifications disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and should not be construed restrictively. The embodiments and modifications described above may be omitted, substituted, and modified in various ways without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims. For example, the embodiments and modifications described above may be combined in whole or in part, and other embodiments may be combined with the embodiments or modifications described above. Furthermore, the effects described herein are illustrative, and other effects may result.

[0076] The technical categories that embody the above-described technical concept are not limited. For example, the above-described technical concept may be embodied by a computer program that causes a computer to execute one or more steps included in a method for manufacturing or using the above-described device. Alternatively, the above-described technical concept may be embodied by a computer-readable, non-transitory recording medium on which such a computer program is recorded.

[0077] [Note] The following configurations also fall within the scope of the disclosed technology.

[0078] [Aspect 1] A conveying device having a conveying surface on which multiple bags can be placed, and conveying the multiple bags in the conveying direction, wherein each of the multiple bags overlaps with at least a portion of the other bags, A delivery device having a contact conveying portion that contacts the downstream bag, which is the bag located at the front of the conveying direction among the plurality of bags, from above, wherein the contact conveying portion contacts the downstream bag and delivers the downstream bag in the conveying direction, An interval measuring sensor that directly or indirectly measures the specified discharge interval, which is the distance between the conveying surface and the contact conveying portion, A bag transfer device equipped with the following features.

[0079] [Aspect 2] The device includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned transport device, The aforementioned contact conveying section is provided to be able to move up and down. If the measurement result of the interval measuring sensor indicates that the prescribed delivery interval deviates from the allowable range, the control device stops the transport of the plurality of bags in the transport direction by the transport device. The bag transfer device according to Embodiment 1.

[0080] [Aspect 3] The aforementioned delivery device has a swinging body that is pivotably mounted around a pivoting fulcrum and forms the contact conveying portion. The oscillating body swings in accordance with the raising and lowering of the contact conveying portion. The interval measuring sensor measures the distance from the pivot point of the oscillating body to the part located on the opposite side from the contact conveying portion, thereby determining the prescribed delivery interval. A bag transfer device according to embodiment 1 or 2.

[0081] [Aspect 4] The system includes a bag removal device that removes bags located in the removal area from the removal area. The dispensing device sends the downstream bag toward the retrieval area. A bag transfer device according to any one of embodiments 1 to 3.

[0082] [Aspect 5] A process of transporting multiple bags placed on a transport surface in the transport direction, wherein each of the multiple bags overlaps with at least a portion of the other bags; The process involves the contact conveying portion contacting the downstream bag, which is the bag located at the front of the conveying direction among the plurality of bags, from above, and the downstream bag being sent in the conveying direction by the contact conveying portion, A step of directly or indirectly measuring the specified discharge interval, which is the distance between the conveying surface and the contact conveying portion, A step of controlling the transport of the plurality of bags in the transport direction based on the measurement results of the prescribed transport interval, A bag transfer method including the following. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0083] 10 Bag transfer device, 11 Conveying device, 12 Dispensing device, 13 Interval measurement sensor, 15 Control device, 17 Bag removal device, 17a Removal suction cup device, 20 Conveying drive unit, 21 Conveying belt, 25 HMI, 40 Dispensing drive unit, 41 Oscillating body, 42 Dispensing roller, 42A Driven dispensing roller, 42B Lower end dispensing roller, 43 Dispensing belt, 44 Oscillating body, 50 Forward end stopper, 51 Forward end detection sensor, 55 Positioning unit, 56 Positioning drive unit, 60 Removal drive unit, B Bag, Bd Downstream bag, C Contact conveying section, D Dispensing specified interval, Dc Conveying direction, M Measurement distance, P Oscillating pivot point, Rt Removal area, S Conveying surface

Claims

1. A conveying device having a conveying surface on which multiple bags can be placed, and conveying the multiple bags in the conveying direction, wherein each of the multiple bags overlaps with at least a portion of the other bags, A delivery device having a contact conveying portion that contacts the downstream bag, which is the bag located at the front of the conveying direction among the plurality of bags, from above, wherein the contact conveying portion contacts the downstream bag and delivers the downstream bag in the conveying direction, An interval measuring sensor that directly or indirectly measures the specified discharge interval, which is the distance between the conveying surface and the contact conveying portion, A bag transfer device equipped with the following features.

2. The device includes a control device for controlling the aforementioned transport device, The aforementioned contact conveying section is provided to be able to move up and down. If the measurement result of the interval measuring sensor indicates that the prescribed delivery interval deviates from the allowable range, the control device stops the transport of the plurality of bags in the transport direction by the transport device. The bag transfer device according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned delivery device has a swinging body that is pivotably mounted around a pivoting fulcrum and forms the contact conveying portion. The oscillating body swings in accordance with the raising and lowering of the contact conveying portion. The interval measuring sensor measures the distance from the pivot point of the oscillating body to the part located on the opposite side from the contact conveying portion, thereby determining the prescribed delivery interval. The bag transfer device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The system includes a bag removal device that removes bags located in the removal area from the removal area. The dispensing device sends the downstream bag toward the retrieval area. The bag transfer device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A process of transporting multiple bags placed on a transport surface in the transport direction, wherein each of the multiple bags overlaps with at least a portion of the other bags; The process involves the contact conveying portion contacting the downstream bag, which is the bag located at the front of the conveying direction among the plurality of bags, from above, and the downstream bag being sent in the conveying direction by the contact conveying portion, A step of directly or indirectly measuring the specified discharge interval, which is the distance between the conveying surface and the contact conveying portion, A step of controlling the transport of the plurality of bags in the transport direction based on the measurement results of the prescribed transport interval, A bag transfer method including the following.

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