Item sorting device

Abstract

To provide an article selection device which can cope with various containers, even without exchanging components.SOLUTION: An article selection device comprises a rotary table, pockets, a guide, a position control unit, and a selection unit. The position control unit controls a position in a radial direction of each pocket to a designated position, of a first position, and a second position located on the radially outside of the first position. The selection unit, when the position in the circumferential direction of the pocket reaches a sorting position, guides the article to a different route for a case in which the position in the radial direction of the pocket is the first position, and the case in which the position is the second position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an article sorting device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a labeling device. The labeling device conveys containers along a conveying path. The labeling device affixes labels to the containers at an affixing unit located midway along the conveying path. The containers to which the labels have been affixed are then conveyed further along the conveying path. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5566143 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The containers that have passed through the labeling section include containers to which labels have been properly attached (hereinafter referred to as "good products") and containers to which labels have not been properly attached (hereinafter referred to as "defective products"). It is desirable for the labeling device to be equipped with an article sorting device that can sort the good products from the defective products.

[0005] The containers to which the labeling device applies labels come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and it is desirable for the article selection device to be able to accommodate a variety of containers without the need to replace parts. In one aspect of the present disclosure, it is desirable to provide an article sorter that can accommodate a variety of containers without necessarily having to replace parts. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One aspect of the present disclosure is an article sorting device, which includes a rotary table, a pocket attached to an outer periphery of the rotary table in a radially changeable manner and configured to hold an article, a guide provided radially outward of the pocket and configured to prevent the article from falling out of the pocket, a position control unit configured to control the radial position of the pocket to a specified position out of a first position and a second position radially outward of the first position from when the pocket passes an introduction position where the article is introduced into the pocket until the pocket reaches a sorting position, and a sorting unit configured to guide the article to a different path when the radial position of the pocket is the first position and when the radial position of the pocket is the second position when the pocket reaches the sorting position.

[0007] An article sorting device that is one aspect of the present disclosure can sort a variety of articles without necessarily having to replace parts. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a horizontal cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a label sticking system 1. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the configuration of a transport device 5. [Diagram 3] 2 is a side view showing a portion of the conveying device 5 on the direction F side. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view showing a portion of the conveying device 5 on the direction B side. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a rail unit 21 and a holding unit 23. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a side view showing the configuration of a rail unit 21 and a holding unit 23. FIG. [Figure 7] 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing the configurations of a rail unit 21, a holding unit 23, and a guide 25. FIG. [Figure 8]13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which container 101 is held by lower rollers 59A and 59B and guide 25. FIG. [Figure 9] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a container 101 is held by upper rollers 57A and 57B and a guide 25. FIG. [Figure 10] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a route switching rail 37. FIG. [Figure 11] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a route switching rail 39. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of a guide 25. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a plan view showing the configuration of the article selection device 9 in a state in which the selection portion 99 opens the gap 97 and the cam follower 89 is in contact with the contact surface 93C. FIG. [Figure 14] 13 is a plan view showing the configuration of the article selecting device 9 in a state in which the selection portion 99 closes the gap 97 and the cam follower 89 is in contact with the contact surface 93B. FIG. [Figure 15] 2 is a side cross-sectional view showing the configuration of an article selecting device 9. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the drawings. First Embodiment 1. Configuration of Labeling System 1 The configuration of the labeling system 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 1. The labeling system 1 is a system that sticks labels to containers. The containers correspond to objects. The rightward direction in Fig. 1 is direction R, the leftward direction in Fig. 1 is direction L, the downward direction in Fig. 1 is direction F, the upward direction in Fig. 1 is direction B, the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 1 and heading towards the viewer is direction U, and the direction perpendicular to the paper surface in Fig. 1 and heading towards the viewer is direction D. Direction U is vertically upward. Direction D is vertically downward.

[0010] The labeling system 1 includes a container introducing device 3, a conveying device 5, a labeling device 7, and an article selecting device 9. The container introduction device 3 includes a horizontal supply conveyor 11 and two robots 13. An operator places containers onto which labels have not yet been affixed onto the horizontal supply conveyor 11. The horizontal supply conveyor 11 sends the containers in a direction F. At the end of the horizontal supply conveyor 11 on the direction F side, ten containers are lined up in a row along the directions R and L. The robot 13 introduces ten containers at a time into an introduction position 15 in the transport device 5.

[0011] The conveying device 5 conveys the containers from the introduction position 15 in the direction R. The labeling device 7 affixes labels to the conveyed containers. The conveying device 5 further conveys the containers in the direction R after the labeling process has been completed (hereinafter, referred to as labeled containers).

[0012] The article sorting device 9 sorts the transported labeled containers into good products and defective products. Good products are containers to which the labels have been properly affixed. Defective products are containers to which the labels have not been properly affixed. The article sorting device 9 sends the defective products to a defective product passage 17. The article sorting device 9 sends the good products onto a good product stand 19.

[0013] 2. Configuration of the conveying device 5 The configuration of the transport device 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 12. The transport device 5 includes a rail unit 21, a plurality of holding units 23, and a guide 25.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 2, when viewed from the side in the direction U, the rail unit 21 has a ring-shaped shape that is long in the directions R and L. 3 and 4, the rail unit 21 includes an upper rail 27, a lower rail 29, an upper chain 31, and a lower chain 33. The upper rail 27, the lower rail 29, the upper chain 31, and the lower chain 33 each extend along the circumferential direction of the annular rail unit 21. The upper rail 27, the lower rail 29, the upper chain 31, and the lower chain 33 each extend in the horizontal direction.

[0015] The upper chain 31 is located closest to the direction U side of the rail unit 21. The upper rail 27 is located closer to the direction D side than the upper chain 31. The lower rail 29 is located closer to the direction D side than the upper rail 27. The lower chain 33 is located closer to the direction D side than the lower rail 29.

[0016] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, upper rail 27 has a concave groove 35 on the outer periphery. The outer periphery is the direction away from the center of annular rail unit 21 when viewed from the perspective of direction U as shown in Figure 2. Groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of upper rail 27. Like upper rail 27, lower rail 29 also has groove 35.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 4, path-switching rails 37, 39 are provided on the direction B side of rail unit 21. The path-switching rails 37, 39 connect upper rail 27 and lower rail 29. The path-switching rail 37 is inclined so as to advance in direction D as it advances in direction L. The path-switching rail 39 is inclined so as to advance in direction U as it advances in direction L.

[0018] 10, the path-switching rail 37 has a groove 35, similar to the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. The groove 35 is on the outer periphery of the path-switching rail 37. The groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the path-switching rail 37.

[0019] An air cylinder 41 is provided near the intersection of the path-switching rail 37 and the upper rail 27. An air cylinder 43 is provided near the intersection of the path-switching rail 37 and the lower rail 29. The air cylinder 41 can move a triangular stopper 45. The position of the stopper 45 is either a position where the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is closed and the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37 is opened, or a position where the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37 is closed and the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is opened.

[0020] The air cylinder 43 can move a triangular stopper 45. The position of the stopper 45 is either a position where the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is closed and the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37 is opened, or a position where the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37 is closed and the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is opened.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 11, the path-switching rail 39 has a groove 35, similar to the upper rail 27 and the lower rail 29. The groove 35 is on the outer periphery of the path-switching rail 39. The groove 35 extends along the longitudinal direction of the path-switching rail 39. under rail 29 An air cylinder 47 is provided near the intersection of the path switching rail 39 and above rail 27 An air cylinder 49 is provided near the intersection of

[0022] The air cylinder 47 can move the triangular stopper 45. The position of the stopper 45 is as follows: under rail 29 a position where the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is closed and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is opened; under rail 29 or a position in which the groove 35 is opened.

[0023] The air cylinder 49 can move the triangular stopper 45. The position of the stopper 45 is as follows: above rail 27 a position where the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is closed and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is opened; above rail 27 or a position in which the groove 35 is opened.

[0024] The upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate in the X direction shown in Fig. 3 by the driving force of a driving source (not shown). In the portion of the rail unit 21 on the direction F side, the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 move in the direction R. The direction R corresponds to the conveying direction. The speed of the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 are the same.

[0025] 5 and 6, the holding unit 23 includes two shafts 51, a slide portion 53, a roller support portion 55, upper rollers 57A and 57B, lower rollers 59A and 59B, and a cam follower 61. The upper rollers 57A and 57B correspond to first rollers, and the lower rollers 59A and 59B correspond to second rollers.

[0026] The two shafts 51 are aligned at an interval along the X direction. The axial directions of the two shafts 51 are parallel to the directions U and D. The upper ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the upper chain 31. The lower ends of the two shafts 51 are fixed to the lower chain 33. When the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate in the X direction, the two shafts 51 move in the X direction.

[0027] The slide portion 53 has two through holes extending parallel to the directions U and D. A shaft 51 is inserted into each through hole. A bush is attached inside the through hole. The bush is extrapolated onto the shaft 51. The inner circumferential surface of the bush slides against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 51, allowing the slide portion 53 to move in the directions U and D.

[0028] The roller support part 55 is fixed to the outer circumferential side of the slide part 53. The outer circumferential side is the direction away from the center of the annular rail unit 21 when viewed from the viewpoint of the direction U side as shown in Fig. 2. The roller support part 55 includes support plates 63, 65 that protrude toward the outer circumferential side. The support plate 65 is located on the downward direction D side of the support plate 63.

[0029] Roller shafts 65A and 65B extend downward in the direction D from the lower surface of the support plate 63. The roller shafts 65A and 65B are aligned along the X direction. Roller shafts 67A and 67B extend downward in the direction D from the lower surface of the support plate 65. The roller shafts 67A and 67B are aligned along the X direction. The roller shafts 65A and 67A are aligned in a straight line. The roller shafts 65B and 67B are aligned in a straight line.

[0030] The upper roller 57A is rotatably attached to the roller shaft 65A. The axial direction of the upper roller 57A is parallel to the directions U and D. The upper roller 57B is rotatably attached to the roller shaft 65B. The axial direction of the upper roller 57B is parallel to the directions U and D. The upper rollers 57A, 57B are arranged at a distance from each other along the X direction. The positions of the upper rollers 57A, 57B in the directions U and D are the same. The shapes of the upper rollers 57A, 57B are cylindrical. The diameters of the upper rollers 57A, 57B are the same. The lengths of the upper rollers 57A, 57B in the axial direction are the same.

[0031] The lower roller 59A is rotatably attached to the roller shaft 67A. The axial direction of the lower roller 59A is parallel to the directions U and D. The lower roller 59B is rotatably attached to the roller shaft 67B. The axial direction of the lower roller 59B is parallel to the directions U and D. The lower rollers 59A, 59B are arranged at intervals along the X direction. The positions of the lower rollers 59A, 59B in the directions U and D are the same. The lower rollers 59A, 59B are cylindrical in shape. The lower rollers 59A, 59B have the same diameter. The lengths of the lower rollers 59A, 59B in the axial direction are the same.

[0032] The lower roller 59A is located on the lower side of the upper roller 57A in the direction D. The rotation axis of the lower roller 59A and the rotation axis of the upper roller 57A are aligned on a straight line. The upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A are aligned along one axial direction parallel to the directions U and D. This axial direction is perpendicular to the direction R. The upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A correspond to a roller unit. The diameter of the lower roller 59A is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57A.

[0033] The lower roller 59B is located on the lower side of the upper roller 57B in the direction D. The rotation axis of the lower roller 59B and the rotation axis of the upper roller 57B are aligned on a straight line. The upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B are aligned along one axial direction parallel to the directions U and D. This axial direction is perpendicular to the direction R. The upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B correspond to a roller unit. Thus, the holding unit 23 includes a roller unit consisting of the upper roller 57A and the lower roller 59A, and a roller unit consisting of the upper roller 57B and the lower roller 59B. The diameter of the lower roller 59B is larger than the diameter of the upper roller 57B.

[0034] 5 and 6, the cam follower 61 is attached to an inner peripheral portion of the slide portion 53. The inner peripheral side is the direction toward the center of the annular rail unit 21 when viewed from the perspective of the direction U side as shown in FIG. 2. The cam follower 61 protrudes toward the inner peripheral side beyond the slide portion 53. The cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 or the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0035] When the upper chain 31 and the lower chain 33 rotate in the X direction, the holding unit 23 moves in the X direction. The holding unit 23 can make one revolution around the annular rail unit 21. The inner circumferential surface of a bush provided in the slide portion 53 slides against the outer circumferential surface of the shaft 51, whereby the holding unit 23 can move in directions U and D. The directions U and D are parallel to the axial directions of the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the lower rollers 59A, 59B.

[0036] However, when the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27, the position of the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D is determined by the upper rail 27. When the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29, the position of the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D is determined by the lower rail 29.

[0037] In the following, a state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is referred to as an upward displacement state. Also, a state in which the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is referred to as a downward displacement state. In the upward displacement state, the holding unit 23 is located closer to the direction U side than in the downward displacement state.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1, the guide 25 is an elongated member extending parallel to the directions L and R. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the guide 25 is located on the direction F side of the rail unit 21 and the holding unit 23. As shown in Fig. 7, when viewed from the perspective of the direction R side, the guide 25 has an L-shape composed of a side plate 25A and a bottom plate 25B. The side plate 25A extends parallel to the directions U and D. The bottom plate 25B extends in the direction B from the lower end of the side plate 25A.

[0039] 7, in the upward displacement state, the lower rollers 59A, 59B face the guide 25. In the downward displacement state, the upper rollers 57A, 57B face the guide 25. That is, as the holding unit 23 moves in the directions U and D, the rollers facing the guide 25 are switched between the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the lower rollers 59A, 59B.

[0040] The rotation axis of upper roller 57A and the rotation axis of lower roller 59A are both parallel to directions U and D and on a straight line. The diameter of lower roller 59A is larger than the diameter of upper roller 57A. In addition, the rotation axis of upper roller 57B and the rotation axis of lower roller 59B are both parallel to directions U and D and on a straight line. The diameter of lower roller 59B is larger than the diameter of upper roller 57B.

[0041] Therefore, the distance between guide 25 and lower rollers 59A, 59B in the upward displacement state is smaller than the distance between guide 25 and upper rollers 57A, 57B in the downward displacement state. 12, the guide 25 can move in directions F and B. The further the guide 25 moves in direction F, the further away the guide 25 is from the upper rollers 57A, 57B or the lower rollers 59A, 59B. For example, the larger the diameter of the container to be transported, the more the position of the guide 25 can be moved toward direction F.

[0042] 3. Processing performed by the transport device 5 The process executed by the conveying device 5 will be described. The container introduction device 3 introduces a container 101 to an introduction position 15 in the conveying device 5. The container 101 has, for example, a cylindrical body. The introduction position 15 is a position on the conveying device 5, which is on the direction F side and on the direction L side. At the introduction position 15, the holding unit 23 holds one container 101 between itself and the guide 25, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0043] When in the upwardly displaced state, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, container 101 is held by lower rollers 59A, 59B and guide 25. Lower rollers 59A, 59B abut against the side of container 101. Side plate 25A of guide 25 abuts against the side of container 101, and bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of container 101 from below. Lower rollers 59A, 59B and side plate 25A sandwich container 101 from both sides. Lower rollers 59A, 59B and guide 25 hold, for example, a cylindrical body portion of container 101.

[0044] When in the downward displacement state, as shown in Fig. 9, the container 101 is held by the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide 25. The upper rollers 57A, 57B abut against the side surface of the container 101. The side plate 25A of the guide 25 abuts against the side surface of the container 101, and the bottom plate 25B supports the bottom surface of the container 101 from below. The upper rollers 57A, 57B and the side plate 25A sandwich the container 101 from both sides. The upper rollers 57A, 57B and the guide 25 hold, for example, a cylindrical body portion of the container 101.

[0045] As described above, by moving the holding unit 23 in the directions U and D, the rollers that come into contact with the container 101 are switched between the upper rollers 57A, 57B and the lower rollers 59A, 59B. Holding unit 23 moves in direction R while holding container 101. Container 101 moves in direction R while sliding along the surface of guide 25. Through the above process, conveying device 5 conveys container 101 in direction R. The conveying direction of container 101 is along a straight line.

[0046] The conveyor device 5 can be switched from the upward displacement state to the downward displacement state as follows. In the upward displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the upper rail 27. The position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 41 shown in FIG. 10 is set to a position where the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is blocked and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37 is opened. The position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 43 is set to a position where the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is blocked and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 37 is opened. The cam follower 61 advances from the upper rail 27 to the lower rail 29 via the path switching rail 37. As a result, the upward displacement state is switched to the downward displacement state.

[0047] 10 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and blocks the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37. Also, the position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 43 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and blocks the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 37. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path-switching rail 37 and maintains a state inserted in the groove 35 of the upper rail 27.

[0048] The conveyor device 5 can be switched from the downward displacement state to the upward displacement state as follows. In the downward displacement state, the cam follower 61 is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29. The position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 47 shown in FIG. 11 is set to a position where the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 is blocked and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is opened. The position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 49 is set to a position where the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 is blocked and the groove 35 of the path switching rail 39 is opened. The cam follower 61 advances from the lower rail 29 through the path switching rail 39 to the upper rail 27. As a result, the downward displacement state is switched to the upward displacement state.

[0049] In addition, when maintaining the downward displacement state, the position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 47 shown in Fig. 11 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the lower rail 29 and blocks the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 39. In addition, the position of the stopper 45 of the air cylinder 49 is set to a position that opens the groove 35 of the upper rail 27 and blocks the groove 35 of the path-switching rail 39. The cam follower 61 does not enter the path-switching rail 39, and maintains a state in which it is inserted into the groove 35 of the lower rail 29.

[0050] 4. Configuration of the item sorting device 9 The configuration of the article sorting device 9 will be described with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the article sorting device 9 includes a turntable 71. The turntable 71 has a disk-like shape. The rotation axis of the turntable 71 is parallel to the directions U and D. The turntable 71 is rotatable in the Y direction shown in Figs. 13 and 14.

[0051] The article sorting device 9 includes a plurality of pockets 73. The plurality of pockets 73 are attached to the outer periphery of the turntable 71. The plurality of pockets 73 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the turntable 71. The position of each of the plurality of pockets 73 in the radial direction can be changed independently with respect to the turntable 71. Note that the radial direction means the radial direction of the turntable 71 unless otherwise specified.

[0052] The pocket 73 has a recess 73A on the radially outer side. As shown in Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the recess 73A has an arc shape when viewed from the side of the direction U. The pocket 73 can hold the container 101 by the recess 73A. Holding means restricting movement of the container 101 with respect to the pocket 73 at least in the circumferential direction.

[0053] 15, the article selecting device 9 includes a top plate 75 and a support pillar 77. The top plate 75 is located on the direction U side of the turntable 71 and the pockets 73. The support pillar 77 is sandwiched between the turntable 71 and the top plate 75. The support pillar 77 fixes the top plate 75 to the turntable 71.

[0054] 15, the article sorting device 9 includes a rail 79 and a block 81 for each of the multiple pockets 73. The rail 79 is fixed to the pocket 73 and extends radially inward from the pocket 73. The block 81 is fixed to a support 77. Therefore, the position of the block 81 relative to the rotary table 71 is fixed.

[0055] The block 81 has a cylindrical shape. A hole in the block 81 extends along the radial direction. The rail 79 is inserted into the hole in the block 81. As the rail 79 slides relative to the block 81, the position of the pocket 73 in the radial direction relative to the rotary table 71 changes.

[0056] As shown in Fig. 15, the article sorting device 9 includes a spring guide 83, a spring 85, and a spring receiving portion 87 for each of the multiple pockets 73. The spring guide 83 is a rod-shaped member. The spring guide 83 is fixed to the pocket 73 and extends radially inward from the pocket 73. The spring 85 is a coil spring. The spring guide 83 is inserted into the inside of the spring 85. Like the spring guide 83, the spring 85 also extends radially inward from the pocket 73.

[0057] The spring receiving portion 87 is fixed to the top plate 75. Therefore, the position of the spring receiving portion 87 with respect to the rotating table 71 is fixed. The spring receiving portion 87 is located radially inward from the pocket 73. The spring receiving portion 87 has a guide receiving hole 87A. The guide receiving hole 87A opens on the radially outer surface of the spring receiving portion 87 and extends radially inward. The tip of the spring guide 83 is inserted into the guide receiving hole 87A. The more the pocket 73 moves radially inward, the deeper the spring guide 83 is inserted into the guide receiving hole 87A.

[0058] The radially outer end of spring 85 abuts against pocket 73. The radially inner end of spring 85 abuts against the periphery of the opening of guide receiving hole 87A of spring receiving portion 87. Spring 85 is compressed in the radial direction, and biases pocket 73 radially outward.

[0059] As shown in Figs. 13 to 15, the article sorting device 9 is provided with a cam follower 89 for each of the multiple pockets 73. The article sorting device 9 also has one cam 91. The cam follower 89 is fixed to the rail 79. Therefore, the pockets 73 move integrally with the cam follower 89. The cam follower 89 protrudes further in the direction D than the rail 79 and the rotary table 71.

[0060] The cam 91 is located on the direction D side of the rotary table 71. The cam 91 is fixed to the main body of the article sorting device 9. The cam 91 has an abutment surface 93 that contacts the cam follower 89. The abutment surface 93 is a surface that contacts the cam follower 89 from the radially outer side. When viewed from the perspective of the direction U side, the basic shape of the abutment surface 93 is an arc shape.

[0061] The cam follower 89, together with the pocket 73, is biased radially outward by the spring 85 and comes into contact with the abutment surface 93. The radial position of the pocket 73 is determined by the position of the abutment surface 93 in contact with the cam follower 89.

[0062] When proceeding in the Y direction along the abutment surface 93, only one abutment surface 93 (hereinafter referred to as abutment surface 93A) exists up to the branching position 95. At the branching position 95, the abutment surface 93 branches into abutment surface 93B and abutment surface 93C. The abutment surface 93C is located radially outward of the abutment surface 93B. The abutment surface 93C is continuous with the abutment surface 93A. Between the abutment surface 93B and the abutment surface 93A, there exists a gap 97 that is larger than the width of the cam follower 89.

[0063] 13 and 14, the article selection device 9 includes a selection unit 99. As shown in Fig. 13, the selection unit 99 can move to a position where it opens the gap 97. When the selection unit 99 opens the gap 97, the cam follower 89 enters the gap 97 at the branching position 95 and moves to a path that contacts the abutment surface 93C.

[0064] 14, the selection portion 99 can move to a position where it closes the gap 97. When the selection portion 99 closes the gap 97, the cam follower 89 moves over the selection portion 99 and the gap 97 at the branch position 95, and advances to a path that comes into contact with the abutment surface 93B.

[0065] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the article sorting device 9 includes a guide 103. The guide 103 is provided radially outward from the pocket 73. When viewed from the perspective of the direction U side, the surface of the guide 103 has an arc shape. The guide 103 prevents the container 101 held by the pocket 73 from falling out of the pocket 73. The guide 103 has a gap 106 at the sorting position 105. The gap 106 is connected to the defective product passage 17. The defective product passage 17 extends radially outward from the gap 106.

[0066] 5. Processing performed by the item sorting device 9 The process executed by the item sorting device 9 will be described. Here, we focus on one arbitrarily selected pocket 73. All pockets 73 can perform the same operation. The turntable 71 rotates in the Y direction at a constant speed. The pocket 73 also rotates in the Y direction at a constant speed. When the circumferential position of the pocket 73 reaches the introduction position 107 shown in Figures 13 and 14, the holding unit 23 introduces the transported container 101 into the pocket 73. In other words, the introduction position 107 is the position where the container 101 is introduced into the pocket 73. The pocket 73 holds the introduced container 101. The guide 103 prevents the container 101 from falling out of the pocket 73.

[0067] When the circumferential position of the pocket 73 is the introduction position 107, the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93A. The pocket 73 rotates further in the Y direction, and the cam follower 89 is in contact with the abutment surface 93A until it reaches the branch position 95.

[0068] When the cam follower 89 reaches the branch position 95, if the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is a non-defective product, the selector 99 closes the gap 97, as shown in Fig. 14. The label application system 1 includes, for example, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an actuator. The microcomputer uses the sensor to determine whether the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is a non-defective product. If it is determined that the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is a non-defective product, the microcomputer uses the actuator to move the selector 99 to a position where the gap 97 is closed.

[0069] When the selection portion 99 closes the gap 97, as the pocket 73 further rotates in the Y direction, the cam follower 89 climbs over the selection portion 99 and the gap 97, and advances while contacting the abutment surface 93B. When the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93B, the radial position of the pocket 73 is radially inward compared to when the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93C. When the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93B, the radial position of the pocket 73 corresponds to the first position.

[0070] When pocket 73 further rotates in the Y direction with cam follower 89 in contact with contact surface 93B, pocket 73 reaches sorting position 105 and passes through sorting position 105. Since pocket 73 is located radially inward, container 101 held in pocket 73 does not proceed to defective product passage 17 and remains held in pocket 73.

[0071] When the pocket 73 rotates further in the Y direction, the pocket 73 reaches the good-product stand 19. The container 101 held in the pocket 73 is guided to the good-product stand 19. When the pocket 73 rotates further in the Y direction, the empty pocket 73 again reaches the introduction position 107.

[0072] On the other hand, when the cam follower 89 reaches the branch position 95, if the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is defective, the selector 99 opens the gap 97, as shown in Fig. 13. The label application system 1 includes, for example, a microcomputer, a sensor, and an actuator. The microcomputer uses the sensor to determine whether the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is a non-defective product. If it is determined that the container 101 held by the pocket 73 is defective, the microcomputer uses the actuator to move the selector 99 to a position where the gap 97 is opened.

[0073] When the selection portion 99 opens the gap 97, as the pocket 73 further rotates in the Y direction, the cam follower 89, which is biased radially outward, enters the gap 97 and advances while contacting the abutment surface 93C. When the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93C, the radial position of the pocket 73 is further radially outward than when the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93B. When the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93C, the radial position of the pocket 73 corresponds to the second position.

[0074] When the pocket 73 further rotates in the Y direction with the cam follower 89 in contact with the abutment surface 93C, the pocket 73 reaches the sorting position 105 and passes through the sorting position 105. Because the pocket 73 is located on the radially outer side, the container 101 held in the pocket 73 passes through the gap 106 and is pushed into the defective product passage 17. When the pocket 73 further rotates in the Y direction, the empty pocket 73 again reaches the introduction position 107.

[0075] 6. Effects of the conveying device 5 (1A) The conveyor 5 can be in an upward displacement state and a downward displacement state. The distance between the guide 25 and the lower rollers 59A, 59B in the upward displacement state is smaller than the distance between the guide 25 and the upper rollers 57A, 57B in the downward displacement state.

[0076] For example, when the container to be transported is large, the transport device 5 can be in a downward displacement state and the distance between the guide 25 and the upper rollers 57A, 57B can be increased. Also, when the container to be transported is small, the transport device 5 can be in an upward displacement state and the distance between the guide 25 and the lower rollers 59A, 59B can be decreased. Therefore, the transport device 5 can transport two or more types of containers without necessarily replacing parts.

[0077] (1B) The holding unit 23 can move in directions U and D. The transport device 5 transports containers in direction R. Thus, the holding unit 23 can move in a direction perpendicular to the container transport direction. Therefore, the transport device 5 can efficiently switch from an upward displacement state to a downward displacement state and from the downward displacement state to the upward displacement state.

[0078] (1C) The guide 25 is movable in a direction approaching the holding unit 23 or in a direction away from the holding unit 23. By moving the guide 25, the conveying device 5 can adjust the distance between the guide 25 and the holding unit 23 according to the container to be conveyed.

[0079] (1D) The conveying direction in which the conveying device 5 conveys the containers is a straight line, so that the conveying device 5 can convey the containers efficiently. (1E) The conveying device 5 is part of the labeling system 1. Therefore, the labeling system 1 can convey two or more types of containers without necessarily replacing parts.

[0080] 7. Effects of the article sorting device 9 (1F) The article sorting device 9 controls the radial position of the pocket 73 to a specified position out of a first position and a second position after the pocket 73 passes the introduction position 107 and reaches the sorting position 105. The first position is the position of the pocket 73 when the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93B. The second position is the position of the pocket 73 when the cam follower 89 advances while contacting the abutment surface 93C.

[0081] When the circumferential position of the pocket 73 reaches the sorting position 105, the item sorting device 9 guides the container 101 to a different path depending on whether the radial position of the pocket 73 is at a first position or a second position.

[0082] That is, when the circumferential position of the pocket 73 reaches the sorting position 105, the article sorting device 9 guides the container 101 to a path leading to the non-defective product stand 19 if the radial position of the pocket 73 is a first position. Also, when the circumferential position of the pocket 73 reaches the sorting position 105, the article sorting device 9 guides the container 101 to the defective product passage 17 via the gap 106 if the radial position of the pocket 73 is a second position. Note that the guide 103, the gap 106, and the defective product passage 17 correspond to a sorting unit.

[0083] The article sorting device 9 can sort various containers 101 into good and bad items without necessarily replacing parts. (1G) The article sorting device 9 includes a cam follower 89, a cam 91, and a selection unit 99. The cam follower 89 is fixed to the pocket 73. The cam 91 contacts the cam follower 89. The contact surface 93B of the cam 91 guides the cam follower 89 so that the position in the radial direction of the pocket 73 is a first position. The contact surface 93C of the cam 91 guides the cam follower 89 so that the position in the radial direction of the pocket 73 is a second position. The selection unit 99 selects whether the cam follower 89 contacts the contact surface 93B or the contact surface 93C. The contact surface 93B corresponds to the first portion. The contact surface 93C corresponds to the second portion.

[0084] The article sorting device 9 controls the radial position of the pocket 73 to a specified position out of the first position and the second position, using the cam follower 89, the cam 91, and the selection unit 99. Therefore, the article sorting device 9 can control the radial position of the pocket 73 with a simple configuration. The cam follower 89, the cam 91, and the selection unit 99 correspond to a position control unit.

[0085] (1H) The article sorting device 9 is a part of the labeling system 1. Therefore, the labeling system 1 can sort various containers 101 into good and bad items without necessarily replacing parts. <Other embodiments> Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented in various modified forms.

[0086] (1) The article sorting device 9 may be a device that sorts articles other than containers. (2) The article selection device 9 may be part of a system other than the label application system 1. (3) When the container 101 held in the pocket 73 is a non-defective product, the article sorting device 9 may open the gap 97 as shown in Fig. 13. In this case, the non-defective product is pushed into the defective product passage 17. When the container 101 held in the pocket 73 is a defective product, the article sorting device 9 may close the gap 97 as shown in Fig. 14. In this case, the defective product is guided onto the non-defective product platform 19.

[0087] (4) The cam 91 may be fixed to the pocket 73, and the cam follower 89 may be fixed to the main body of the article selecting device 9. (5) The holding unit 23 may include a roller unit in which three or more rollers are arranged in one axial direction. The three or more rollers may have different diameters, for example. The number of rollers arranged in one axial direction may be, for example, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, etc.

[0088] (6) In the first embodiment, the holding unit 23 includes two roller units. The number of roller units included in the holding unit 23 may be three or more. (7) The conveying device 5 may convey the containers along a conveying path that is partially or entirely curved.

[0089] (8) The diameter of the upper rollers 57A, 57B may be larger than the diameter of the lower rollers 59A, 59B. (9) The function of one component in each of the above embodiments may be shared by multiple components, or the functions of multiple components may be performed by one component. Also, part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be omitted. Also, at least part of the configuration of each of the above embodiments may be added to or substituted for the configuration of another of the above embodiments.

[0090] (10) In addition to the above-described item sorting device, the present disclosure can also be realized in various forms, such as a system including the item sorting device as a component, a program for causing a computer to function as the item sorting device, a non-transient tangible recording medium such as a semiconductor memory on which the program is recorded, and an item sorting method. [Explanation of symbols]

[0091] 1...Label application system, 3...Container introduction device, 5...Conveyor device, 7...Label application device, 9...Item sorting device, 11...Horizontal supply conveyor, 13...Robot, 17...Defective product passage, 19...Good product stand, 21...Rail unit, 23...Holding unit, 25...Guide, 25A...Side plate, 25B...Bottom plate, 27...Upper rail, 29...Lower rail, 31...Upper chain, 33...Lower chain, 35...Groove, 37, 39...Path switching rail, 41, 43, 47, 49...Air cylinder, 45...Stopper, 51...Shaft, 53...Slide portion, 55...Roller support portion, 57A , 57B...upper roller, 59A, 59B...lower roller, 61...cam follower, 63, 65...support plate, 65A, 65B, 67A, 67B...roller shaft, 71...rotary table, 73...pocket, 73A...recess, 75...top plate, 77...support, 79...rail, 81...block, 83...spring guide, 85...spring, 87...spring receiving portion, 87A...guide receiving hole, 89...cam follower, 91...cam, 93, 93A, 93B, 93C...contact surface, 97...gap, 99...selection portion, 101...container, 103...guide, 105...sorting position, 106...gap

Claims

1. A rotating table and a pocket attached to an outer periphery of the rotary table so as to be movable in a radial direction and configured to hold an item; A guide provided radially outward from the pocket and configured to prevent the article from falling out of the pocket; a position control unit configured to control a radial position of the pocket to a specified position between a first position and a second position radially outward from the first position, from when the pocket passes an introduction position where the article is introduced into the pocket until the pocket reaches a sorting position; a sorting unit configured to guide the article to different paths when the circumferential position of the pocket reaches the sorting position, depending on whether the radial position of the pocket is at the first position or the second position; a cam follower fixed relative to the pocket; A cam in contact with the cam follower; Equipped with The position control unit includes: The cam follower; a first portion of the cam that guides the cam follower so that a radial position of the pocket is the first position; a second portion of the cam that guides the cam follower so that the position of the pocket in the radial direction is the second position; A selection portion that selects whether the cam follower contacts the first portion or the second portion. Item sorting device.

2. The article sorting device according to claim 1, the article is a container; The article sorting device is part of a labeling system that applies labels to the containers. Item sorting device.

3. The article sorting device according to claim 2, the position control unit is configured to control a position of the pocket into which the container to which the label has been normally attached is introduced to one of the first position and the second position, and to control a position of the pocket into which the container to which the label has not been normally attached is introduced to the other of the first position and the second position. Item sorting device.

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