Transport System

Abstract

To rotate a plurality of bags conveyed along a plurality of conveyance lines while suppressing an increase in an interval between the conveyance lines.SOLUTION: A conveyance system 10 includes: a plurality of conveyance lines 15 extending in a conveyance direction and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction forming a right angle with respect to the conveyance direction; a conveyance device 11 for conveying a plurality of bags 90 along each of the plurality of conveyance lines; a direction detection device 12 for detecting directions of the plurality of bags; and a direction correction device 13 for correcting the directions of the plurality of bags conveyed along the plurality of conveyance lines according to detection results of the direction detection device. A position where a direction of the bag conveyed along one of two conveyance lines positioned adjacent to each other is corrected by the direction correction device and a position where a direction of the bag conveyed along the other is corrected by the direction correction device are shifted to at least either direction of the conveyance direction and a height direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] In order to efficiently transport a large number of bags, a device is used to transport multiple bags along multiple conveying lines.

[0003] For example, the packaging machine disclosed in Patent Document 1 is equipped with a conveyor magazine type bag supply device that can simultaneously supply four bags to four gripper pairs. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-233975 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] It is required that bags be fed to a bag processing device such as a packaging machine in a desired orientation. However, not all of the bags fed to the bag processing device are necessarily oriented properly from the beginning. In such cases, the orientation of each bag is checked in advance and corrected as necessary before being fed to the bag processing device.

[0006] To correct the orientation of the bags, they must be rotated. Therefore, it is necessary to secure space for rotating the bags to correct their orientation before they are fed into the bag processing device. Correcting the orientation of the bags is usually done by rotating the bags 180 degrees around a vertical axis with the front and back surfaces facing up and down. In this case, it is necessary to secure space that allows the bags to rotate 180 degrees while extending horizontally.

[0007] Space for correcting the orientation of bags must be secured even when multiple conveyor lines are installed, so it is necessary to leave sufficient space between adjacent conveyor lines so that bags conveyed along the adjacent conveyor lines can rotate without touching each other.

[0008] On the other hand, the spacing between conveyor lines cannot always be determined freely. For example, when multiple bags are conveyed along multiple conveyor lines to supply bags to multiple gripper pairs, the spacing between conveyor lines must be determined according to the spacing between the gripper pairs. On the other hand, in order to ensure space for correcting the orientation of the bags, it may be necessary to provide a spacing between conveyor lines that is larger than the spacing between the gripper pairs. In this case, a conveyor line configuration is required that allows the spacing between conveyor lines to be narrowed to match the spacing between the gripper pairs after the orientation of the bags has been corrected.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to provide a technology that enables multiple bags transported along multiple transport lines to be rotated while suppressing an increase in the spacing between the transport lines. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveying system comprising: a plurality of conveying lines extending in a conveying direction and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; a conveying device for conveying a plurality of bags along each of the plurality of conveying lines; an orientation detection device for detecting the orientation of the plurality of bags; and an orientation correction device for correcting the orientation of the plurality of bags conveyed along the plurality of conveying lines according to the detection results of the orientation detection device, wherein the position at which the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along one of two conveying lines positioned adjacent to each other and the position at which the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along the other of the two conveying lines are shifted in at least one direction of the conveying direction and the vertical direction.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveying system comprising a plurality of conveying lines extending in a conveying direction and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, a conveying device that conveys a plurality of bags along each of the plurality of conveying lines, an orientation detection device that detects the orientations of the plurality of bags, and an orientation correction device that corrects the orientation of the plurality of bags conveyed along the plurality of conveying lines in accordance with the detection results of the orientation detection device, wherein the bags whose orientation is corrected are rotated by the orientation correction device around a conveying axis extending in the conveying direction to be placed in a corrected position, and their orientation is corrected in the corrected position.

[0012] The position where the orientation of the bags conveyed along one of two adjacent conveyor lines is corrected by the orientation correcting device, and the position where the orientation of the bags conveyed along the other line is corrected by the orientation correcting device. direction The position where the sheet is straightened by the straightening device may be shifted in the conveying direction.

[0013] A plurality of orientation correction devices may be provided corresponding to the plurality of conveying lines, and each of the plurality of orientation correction devices may correct the orientation of the bag while transferring the bag in the conveying direction.

[0014] The plurality of orientation correction devices may be integrally provided and may reciprocate together in the conveying direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to rotate multiple bags conveyed along multiple conveyor lines while suppressing an increase in the spacing between the conveyor lines. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing an example of a conveyance system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an example of a transport system. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a reciprocating unit. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a perspective view illustrating an example of how a bag bundle is accommodated. [Figure 4B] FIG. 4B is a perspective view illustrating an example of how a bundle of bags is accommodated. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the transport system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the transport system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the transport system. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the transport system. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the operation of the transport system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport system according to a first modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a method for correcting the orientation of a bag according to a second modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a side view showing an example of a conveying system 10. Fig. 2 is a plan view showing an example of the conveying system 10. Fig. 3 is a plan view showing an example of a reciprocating unit 40. Figs. 4A and 4B are perspective views illustrating an example of storing a bag bundle 91.

[0019] In the following description, the X, Y, and Z directions are perpendicular to one another, the X and Y directions extend horizontally, and the Z direction extends vertically.

[0020] The conveying system 10 picks up bags 90 one by one from the bag stack 91, corrects the orientation of the bags 90 as necessary, and sends the bags 90 with the correct orientation to a bag receiving device 48 provided downstream. In particular, the conveying system 10 of this embodiment includes multiple conveying lines 15, and simultaneously conveys multiple bags 90 along each of the multiple conveying lines 15 in the conveying direction (X direction).

[0021] Although the size and shape of the bags 90 are not limited, in this example, empty bags (empty bags) 90 having a rectangular planar shape are transported in the transport system 10. Each bag 90 has a relatively large size in the vertical direction (the direction from one of the top and bottom of the bag 90 to the other) and a relatively small size (smaller than the vertical size) in the width direction (the direction in which each of the top and bottom of the bag 90 extends).

[0022] The bag bundle 91 has a plurality of bags 90 stacked in the height direction (Z direction). As shown in Fig. 4A, each bag bundle 91 in this example has a thick portion 91a that is relatively thick and a thin portion 91b that is relatively thin. As shown in Fig. 4B, the plurality of bag bundles 91 are stacked so that the thick portion 91a of one bag bundle 91 and the thin portion 91b of the other bag bundle 91 that are adjacent in the height direction are adjacent to each other.

[0023] When each bag 90 is a self-standing bag, the bottom portion having a folded structure may be thicker than the top portion where the opening is provided. Also, when a spout is attached to the top of each bag 90, the top portion of each bag 90 including the spout may be thicker than the bottom portion as a whole. A bag bundle 91 formed by stacking multiple bags 90 having locally different thicknesses in the same position and orientation has thick and thin portions.

[0024] When storing multiple bag bundles 91 having thick portions 91a and thin portions 91b in a storage box such as cardboard, the bag bundles 91 can be stacked one after another while alternating the positions of the top and bottom of the bag bundles 91 (see Figure 4B), thereby allowing the multiple bag bundles 91 to be stored in the storage box with space efficiency.

[0025] In this case, however, the orientation of the bags 90 contained in the multiple bag bundles 91 in the storage box will not be consistent. Therefore, when multiple bags 90 are removed from the storage box at once, the multiple bags 90 may contain a mixture of bags 90 with different orientations. In particular, when the thickness of the bag bundle 91 in the storage box may vary, it is not easy for a machine such as a robot hand to accurately remove only multiple bags 90 with the same orientation. Therefore, the orientation of each bag 90 removed from the storage box is checked, and the orientation of each bag 90 is corrected if necessary, and then each bag 90 is sent to a subsequent stage.

[0026] 2, the transfer system 10 of this example has multiple transfer lines 15 (first transfer line 15a to fourth transfer line 15d) each extending in the transfer direction (X direction). The multiple transfer lines 15 are arranged at regular intervals in the horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the transfer direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, the distance between adjacent conveying lines 15 (particularly the distance between the center positions of the conveying lines 15 in the Y direction) is smaller than the maximum length of the planar size of the bags 90. When bags 90 having a rectangular planar shape are conveyed along each conveying line 15, the distance between the center positions of adjacent conveying lines 15 in the Y direction is smaller than the length of the diagonal of the side wall surface of the bag 90 (i.e., the front or back surface defined by two sides extending in the vertical direction and two sides extending in the width direction).

[0028] Each conveying line 15 is provided with a bag bundle pushing device 25, orientation detection device 12, bag detection sensor 36, bag take-out device 38, orientation correction device 13, conveyor section 43, movable stopper 45 and bag transfer section 47.

[0029] The bag bundle pushing device 25 has a pushing drive unit 26 and a pushing unit 27 provided on the stand 21 shown in Figure 1. The pushing unit 27 has a portion extending in the conveying direction (X direction) and a portion extending in the height direction (Z direction). The pushing unit 27 is driven by the pushing drive unit 26 and moves back and forth along the conveying direction (X direction). The forward direction of the conveying direction (rightward in Figures 1 and 2) is called the forward conveying direction, and the reverse direction of the conveying direction (leftward in Figures 1 and 2) is called the reverse conveying direction. In the following description, unless otherwise specified, the downstream side refers to the forward conveying direction side, and the upstream side refers to the reverse conveying direction side.

[0030] When the pushing portion 27 (particularly the portion extending in the height direction) moves in the forward transport direction and the reverse transport direction, it passes through the first mounting table groove 31a provided in the first mounting table 31 and the second mounting table groove 32a provided in the second mounting table 32. In this example, the first mounting table 31 and the second mounting table 32 are provided apart from each other in the transport direction (X direction), but the first mounting table 31 and the second mounting table 32 may be in contact with each other in the transport direction, or the first mounting table 31 and the second mounting table 32 may be provided integrally.

[0031] The bag bundle 91 placed on the first placing table 31 is pushed by the pushing unit 27, which moves in the forward conveying direction, and moved in the forward conveying direction, and placed on the second placing table 32. The height position of the placing surface of the second placing table 32 is the same as the height position of the placing surface of the first placing table 31, or lower than the height position of the placing surface of the first placing table 31. Therefore, the bag bundle 91 on the first placing table 31 can be pushed by the pushing unit 27, and moved smoothly onto the second placing table 32.

[0032] After the bundle of bags 91 has been placed on the second placing table 32, the pushing unit 27 moves in the reverse conveyance direction and is placed at a standby position (see FIG. 1 ) that is located closer to the first placing table 31 in the reverse conveyance direction. With the pushing unit 27 placed at the standby position, a new bundle of bags 91 is placed on the empty first placing table 31. The method for placing the bundle of bags 91 on the first placing table 31 is not limited, and the bundle of bags 91 may be placed on the first placing table 31 manually, or the bundle of bags 91 may be placed on the first placing table 31 by a machine such as a robot hand. Then, after all of the bags 90 have been removed from the second placing table 32, the bundle of bags 91 on the first placing table 31 is moved in the forward conveyance direction by the pushing unit 27, and a new bundle of bags 91 is supplied onto the second placing table 32.

[0033] The presence or absence of bags 90 on second mounting table 32 is detected by bag detection sensor 36. There are no particular restrictions on the specific configuration of bag detection sensor 36, and bag detection sensor 36 can be configured using, for example, an optical sensor. Bag detection sensor 36 shown in FIG. 1 is attached to second support block 35 fixed to frame 21, and can detect the presence or absence of bags 90 on second mounting table 32 via second mounting table groove 32a (see FIG. 2).

[0034] A conveyor unit 43 is provided downstream of the second loading platform 32 to transport the bags 90 downstream. In this example, the conveyor unit 43 includes two endless string belts (see FIG. 2) spaced apart in the Y direction, a plurality of guide rollers rotatably attached to the conveyor support unit 42 to guide the endless string belts, and a conveyor drive unit 44 that transmits power to the endless string belts to run them. Driven by the conveyor drive unit 44, the two endless string belts (particularly the portions exposed upward) move intermittently in the transport direction (X direction) together with the bags 90 placed thereon. Note that the two endless string belts may run continuously without intermittent stops under the drive of the conveyor drive unit 44.

[0035] A reciprocating unit 40 is attached to the base 21 so as to be able to reciprocate in the forward conveying direction and the reverse conveying direction. The reciprocating unit 40 in this example has a reciprocating support plate 53, and a plurality (four) of bag removal devices 38 and a plurality (four) of orientation correction devices 13 (first orientation correction device 13a to fourth orientation correction device 13d) attached to the reciprocating support plate 53. The reciprocating support plate 53 is connected to the second support block 35 and the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 via a plurality (four) of reciprocating drive links 54 that form a parallel link mechanism. The second support block 35 and the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 are fixedly attached to the base 21.

[0036] When rotational power is transmitted from the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 to one of the reciprocating drive links 54, each reciprocating drive link 54 swings, and the multiple bag removal devices 38 and multiple orientation correction devices 13 attached to the reciprocating support plate 53 move integrally in the forward conveyance direction and the reverse conveyance direction. In this way, the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 is a drive unit that moves each of the bag removal devices 38 and each of the orientation correction devices 13.

[0037] Bag removal device 38 includes a removal extension / retraction section 56 and a removal suction cup 50. Removal extension / retraction section 56 is configured, for example, by an air cylinder, and includes a protruding rod whose downward protrusion amount from the main body is variable, with removal suction cup 50 attached to the tip (lower end) of said protruding rod. Removal suction cup 50 is provided so that it can switch between suction and suction release, and can switch between suction-holding of bags 90 and suction-holding release.

[0038] Bag removal device 38 moves in the conveyance direction (X direction) with removal suction cups 50 sucking and holding bags 90 on second mounting table 32, and when bag 90 is in a position facing conveyor section 43, removal suction cups 50 release their hold on bag 90, causing bag 90 to be placed on conveyor section 43. In this way, bag removal device 38 transfers bags 90 one by one from second mounting table 32 to conveyor section 43.

[0039] Orientation detection device 12 is provided on platform 21 via stand 33 and first support block 34. Orientation detection device 12 is a device that detects the orientation of bags 90. In this example, orientation detection device 12 detects the orientation of bags 90 that are lifted from second platform 32 and transferred by bag removal device 38. In this example, orientation detection device 12 is configured by an imaging device that can capture an image of bag 90, but the configuration of orientation detection device 12 is not limited to this. For example, orientation detection device 12 may irradiate detection light such as laser light onto bag 90 to be detected, and detect the orientation of bag 90 based on the reflection, blocking, and / or transmission of the laser light by bag 90.

[0040] Orientation correction device 13 includes a correction extension / contraction unit 57, a rotation unit 52, and an orientation-changing suction cup 51. Correction extension / contraction unit 57 is configured, for example, by an air cylinder, and includes a protruding rod whose downward protrusion amount from a main body is variable, and rotation unit 52 and orientation-changing suction cup 51 are attached to the tip (lower end) of the protruding rod. Orientation correction device 13 lifts bag 90 from conveyor unit 43 with orientation-changing suction cup 51 suction-holding bag 90, and rotates rotation unit 52 as necessary to rotate bag 90 and correct the orientation of bag 90, and orientation-changing suction cup 51 releases its hold on bag 90, allowing bag 90 to be placed back on conveyor unit 43.

[0041] As described above, each bag 90 is sent downstream via the first mounting table 31, the second mounting table 32, and the conveyor unit 43. In this example, each bag 90 is sent from upstream to downstream sequentially through the first transfer area P1, the second transfer area P2, the third transfer area P3, the fourth transfer area P4, the fifth transfer area P5, and the sixth transfer area P6, as shown in FIG. 2. The first transfer area P1 is an area corresponding to the first mounting table 31, and the second transfer area P2 is an area corresponding to the second mounting table 32. The third transfer area P3 to the sixth transfer area P6 are areas corresponding to the conveyor unit 43.

[0042] The bag removal device 38 provided for each conveying line 15 moves back and forth between the second conveying area P2 and the third conveying area P3.

[0043] The orientation correction device 13 (first orientation correction device 13a and third orientation correction device 13c shown in FIG. 2) provided for one of the adjacent conveying lines 15 (first conveying line 15a and third conveying line 15c shown in FIG. 2) moves back and forth in the third conveying area P3 and the fourth conveying area P4. On the other hand, the orientation correction device 13 (second orientation correction device 13b and fourth orientation correction device 13d shown in FIG. 2) provided for the other of the adjacent conveying lines 15 (second conveying line 15b and fourth conveying line 15d shown in FIG. 2) moves back and forth in the fourth conveying area P4 and the fifth conveying area P5.

[0044] In this way, "all bag removal devices 38," "first orientation correction device 13a and third orientation correction device 13c," and "second orientation correction device 13b and fourth orientation correction device 13d" attached to the reciprocating support plate 53 are arranged so as to be positioned one conveying area apart in the conveying direction (X direction).

[0045] A movable stopper 45 is provided for each of the third conveying area P3, the fourth conveying area P4, and the fifth conveying area P5 of each conveying line 15. Note that each movable stopper 45 is shown in a simplified manner in Figure 2. When the movable stopper 45 is in the closed position, it prevents the bags 90 located in the corresponding conveying area from moving downstream, and when the movable stopper 45 is in the open position, it allows the bags 90 located in the corresponding conveying area to move downstream.

[0046] The bag transfer section 47 holds the bag 90 located in the sixth transport area P6, lifts it up from the conveyor section 43, and moves it, transferring the bag 90 to the bag receiving device 48. Note that an intermediary device (not shown), such as a gripper device, may be provided between the bag transfer section 47 and the bag receiving device 48, and the bag 90 may be transferred from the bag transfer section 47 to the intermediary device, and then from the intermediary device to the bag receiving device 48.

[0047] Bag receiving device 48 moves bags 90 received from bag delivery section 47 to a subsequent stage. Bags 90 moved to a subsequent stage by bag receiving device 48 may be subjected to any processing by another device, or may be released from bag receiving device 48 and stored in a storage section (not shown).

[0048] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of a control configuration of the transport system 10.

[0049] The control unit 60 of the conveying system 10 is connected to the orientation detection device 12, the bag detection sensor 36, the rotating unit 52, and the pushing drive unit 26.

[0050] The “information on the orientation of the bag 90 ” detected by the orientation detection device 12 is sent from the orientation detection device 12 to the control unit 60 .

[0051] Control unit 60 determines whether or not the orientation of bag 90 needs to be changed, in accordance with the detection signal from orientation detection device 12. If it is determined that the orientation of bag 90 needs to be changed, then under the control of control unit 60, the corresponding rotation unit 52 is rotated while the corresponding orientation-changing suction cup 51 is holding bag 90, thereby changing the orientation of bag 90. On the other hand, if it is determined that the orientation of bag 90 does not need to be changed, then under the control of control unit 60, the corresponding rotation unit 52 is not rotated while the corresponding orientation-changing suction cup 51 is holding bag 90, and the orientation of bag 90 is maintained.

[0052] Furthermore, the bag detection sensor 36 sends information on the presence or absence of the bag 90 on the second table 32 to the control unit 60.

[0053] The control unit 60 determines whether or not it is necessary to replenish the second mounting table 32 with bag bundles 91, in response to the detection signal from the bag detection sensor 36. If it is determined that the second mounting table 32 needs to be replenished with bag bundles 91, under the control of the control unit 60, the pushing drive unit 26 moves the pushing unit 27 in the forward conveyance direction, and a new bag bundle 91 is moved from the first mounting table 31 to the second mounting table 32. On the other hand, if it is determined that the second mounting table 32 does not need to be replenished with bag bundles 91, under the control of the control unit 60, the pushing drive unit 26 causes the pushing unit 27 to wait at the standby position.

[0054] Next, an example of the operation of the transport system 10 will be described.

[0055] 6 to 9 are diagrams showing an example of the operation of the transport system 10. FIG.

[0056] The bags 90 are supplied as bag bundles 91 to the first transport area P1 (first mounting table 31) by hand or machine, and are then transported from the first transport area P1 (first mounting table 31) to the second transport area P2 (second mounting table 32) by the bag bundle pushing device 25. Then, the bags 90 are transported from the second transport area P2 (second mounting table 32) to the third transport area P3 (conveyor section 43) by the bag removal device 38.

[0057] Each bag 90 transported along the first conveying line 15a and the third conveying line 15c is transported from the third conveying area P3 (conveyor section 43) to the fourth conveying area P4 (conveyor section 43) by the orientation correction device 13, and then transported from the fourth conveying area P4 (conveyor section 43) to the fifth conveying area P5 (conveyor section 43) by the conveyor section 43.

[0058] Meanwhile, each bag 90 transported along the second conveying line 15b and the fourth conveying line 15d is transported by the conveyor section 43 from the third conveying area P3 (conveyor section 43) to the fourth conveying area P4 (conveyor section 43), and then transported by the orientation correction device 13 from the fourth conveying area P4 (conveyor section 43) to the fifth conveying area P5 (conveyor section 43).

[0059] In each conveying line 15, each bag 90 is conveyed by the conveyor section 43 from the fifth conveying area P5 to the sixth conveying area P6, and then conveyed by the bag delivery section 47 from the sixth conveying area P6 to the bag receiving device .

[0060] The conveying device 11 that conveys the bags 90 in the forward conveying direction (X direction) in this manner includes a bag bundle pushing device 25, a bag removal device 38, an orientation correction device 13, a conveyor section 43, and a bag transfer section 47, and each bag 90 is intermittently conveyed in the forward conveying direction by the corresponding conveying device 11.

[0061] While each bag 90 is being transferred through the second transfer area P2 to the fifth transfer area P5 as described above, it is rotated as necessary in the following manner, and the orientation of each bag 90 is corrected.

[0062] That is, in the state shown in Figure 6, for each conveying line 15, a bag bundle 91 is placed on the first loading platform 31 (second conveying area P2), and bags 90 are placed in each of the third conveying area P3, fourth conveying area P4 and fifth conveying area P5 of the conveyor section 43.

[0063] The bags 90 placed in each of the third transfer area P3, fourth transfer area P4, and fifth transfer area P5 of the conveyor unit 43 are prevented from being transported downstream (in the forward transfer direction) by the corresponding movable stoppers 45 in the closed state. The bags 90 placed in each of the third transfer area P3, fourth transfer area P4, and fifth transfer area P5 of the conveyor unit 43 may or may not be in contact with the corresponding movable stoppers 45 in the closed state. For example, the bags 90 may be placed in a stationary state in each of the third transfer area P3 to fifth transfer area P5 of the conveyor unit 43 while the conveyor unit 43 is stopped and not running. Alternatively, while the conveyor unit 43 is running, the bags 90 on the conveyor unit 43 may be blocked by the corresponding movable stoppers 45 in the third transfer area P3 to fifth transfer area P5, preventing them from moving downstream.

[0064] 6, all of the reciprocating drive links 54 are positioned in the first swing posture position, and the reciprocating support plate 53 is positioned in the first swing support position. As a result, all of the bag removal devices 38 associated with the respective conveyor lines 15 are positioned in the second conveyor area P2, the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c associated with the first conveyor line 15a and the third conveyor line 15c are positioned in the third conveyor area P3, and the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d associated with the second conveyor line 15b and the fourth conveyor line 15d are positioned in the fourth conveyor area P4.

[0065] With each reciprocating drive link 54 positioned in the first swinging posture, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the removal extension / retractable section 56 of each bag removal device 38 is increased, and the removal suction cups 50 adsorb to the surface (exposed surface) of the uppermost bag 90 in the bag stack 91 on the first mounting table 31. Furthermore, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the corrective extension / retractable section 57 of the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c is increased, and the orientation changing suction cups 51 adsorb to the surface of the bag 90 on the conveyor section 43 in the third conveying area P3 of the first conveying line 15a and the third conveying line 15c. Furthermore, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the corrective extension / retractable section 57 of the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d is increased, and the orientation changing suction cups 51 adsorb to the surface of the bag 90 on the conveyor section 43 in the fourth conveying area P4 of the second conveying line 15b and the fourth conveying line 15d.

[0066] 7, with the removal suction cups 50 of each bag removal device 38 sucking and holding the bag 90, the downward protrusion amount of the protrusion rod of each removal extendable section 56 is reduced, and the bag 90 is lifted in the Z direction together with the removal suction cups 50. Also, with the orientation changing suction cups 51 of each orientation correcting device 13 (each of the first orientation correcting device 13a to the fourth orientation correcting device 13d) sucking and holding the bag 90, the downward protrusion amount of the protrusion rod of each correcting extendable section 57 is reduced, and the bag 90 is lifted in the Z direction together with the orientation changing suction cups 51.

[0067] Thereafter, under the drive of the reciprocating movement drive unit 41, each reciprocating drive link 54 oscillates from the first oscillating posture position (see FIG. 7) to the second oscillating posture position (see FIG. 8). During this process, each reciprocating drive link 54 moves along an arcuate trajectory, and the reciprocating support plate 53 moves in the forward conveying direction (X direction), temporarily rising and then descending to be positioned at the second oscillating support position (see FIG. 8). During this process, the bags 90 sucked by each extraction suction cup 50 and the bags 90 sucked by each direction changing suction cup 51 also move in the forward conveying direction, temporarily rising and then descending.

[0068] As a result, each bag removal device 38 (each removal suction cup 50) transports the bag 90 from the second conveying area P2 to the third conveying area P3, the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c (orientation change suction cup 51) transport the bag 90 from the third conveying area P3 to the fourth conveying area P4, and the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d (orientation change suction cup 51) transport the bag 90 from the fourth conveying area P4 to the fifth conveying area P5.

[0069] Furthermore, since the reciprocating movement unit 40 utilizes a parallel link mechanism, while each reciprocating drive link 54 swings from the first swinging posture position (see FIG. 7) to the second swinging posture position (see FIG. 8), each removal suction cup 50 and each direction-changing suction cup 51 moves in the forward conveying direction while maintaining a downward orientation, and the bags 90 held by each removal suction cup 50 and direction-changing suction cup 51 also move in the forward conveying direction while basically maintaining their orientation.

[0070] In this embodiment, the orientation of bag 90 lifted from first platform 31 by removal suction cup 50 (bag removal device 38) is detected by corresponding orientation detection device 12 (see FIG. 7), and the detection result is sent from orientation detection device 12 to control unit 60 (see FIG. 5). If control unit 60 determines, based on the detection result of orientation detection device 12, that the orientation of bag 90 is inappropriate and that the orientation of bag 90 needs to be corrected, bag 90 is rotated by corresponding orientation correction device 13 (particularly rotation unit 52) ​​under the control of control unit 60, and the orientation of bag 90 is corrected.

[0071] In other words, when it is necessary to correct the orientation of a bag 90 being transported along the first conveying line 15a and the third conveying line 15c, the bag 90 is rotated 180 degrees together with the orientation-changing suction cup 51 by rotating the rotating section 52 while being transferred from the third conveying area P3 to the fourth conveying area P4 by the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c (i.e., while being held by suction in the air by the corresponding orientation-changing suction cup 51).

[0072] Similarly, if the orientation of a bag 90 being transported along the second conveying line 15b and the fourth conveying line 15d needs to be corrected, the bag 90 is rotated 180 degrees together with the orientation changing suction cup 51 by rotating the rotating section 52 while being transferred from the fourth conveying area P4 to the fifth conveying area P5 by the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d (i.e., while being held in the air by suction by the corresponding orientation changing suction cup 51).

[0073] 7 and 8, the bags 90 being suction-held by the orientation-changing suction cups 51 of the first orientation correcting device 13a and the third orientation correcting device 13c are determined not to require orientation correction, and are transported from the third transfer area P3 to the fourth transfer area P4 without being rotated by the corresponding rotation unit 52. On the other hand, the bags 90 being suction-held by the orientation-changing suction cups 51 of the second orientation correcting device 13b and the fourth orientation correcting device 13d are determined to require orientation correction, and are rotated 180 degrees by the corresponding rotation unit 52 while being transported from the third transfer area P3 to the fourth transfer area P4, thereby correcting the orientation of the bags 90.

[0074] 9, with each reciprocating drive link 54 positioned in the second swing posture, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the removal extension / contraction unit 56 of each bag removal device 38 is increased, and the bags 90 held by the removal suction cups 50 are moved closer to or placed on a portion of the conveyor section 43 corresponding to the third transfer area P3. Furthermore, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the corrective extension / contraction unit 57 of the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c is increased, and the bags 90 held by the direction-changing suction cups 51 are moved closer to or placed on a portion of the conveyor section 43 corresponding to the fourth transfer area P4. Furthermore, the downward projection amount of the protruding rod of the corrective extension / contraction unit 57 of the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d is increased, and the bags 90 held by the direction-changing suction cups 51 are moved closer to or placed on a portion of the conveyor section 43 corresponding to the fifth transfer area P5.

[0075] Thereafter, each removal suction cup 50 releases the suction hold of the corresponding bag 90 when the corresponding bag 90 is placed in the third transfer area P3. As a result, the bag 90 is transferred from the bag removal device 38 to the conveyor unit 43 in the third transfer area P3 of each transfer line 15. Furthermore, the orientation changing suction cups 51 of the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c release the suction hold of the corresponding bag 90 when the corresponding bag 90 is placed in the fourth transfer area P4. As a result, the bag 90 is transferred from the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c to the conveyor unit 43 in the fourth transfer area P4 of the first transfer line 15a and the third transfer line 15c. Furthermore, the orientation changing suction cups 51 of the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d release the suction hold of the corresponding bag 90 when the corresponding bag 90 is placed in the fifth transfer area P5. As a result, the bags 90 are transferred from the second orientation correcting device 13b and the fourth orientation correcting device 13d to the conveyor section 43 in the fifth transfer area P5 of the second transfer line 15b and the fourth transfer line 15d.

[0076] After the suction hold of all the extraction suction cups 50 and all the direction-changing suction cups 51 is released, each reciprocating drive link 54 is swung from the second swing posture position (see Figure 9) under the drive of the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 to be positioned at the first swing posture position (see Figure 6).

[0077] As described above, while the bags 90 are being air-transferred from the third transfer area P3 of the first transfer line 15a and the third transfer line 15c to the fourth transfer area P4 by the first orientation correcting device 13a and the third orientation correcting device 13c, the bags 90 are being transferred from the third transfer area P3 of the second transfer line 15b and the fourth transfer line 15d to the fourth transfer area P4 by the conveyor unit 43. That is, the bags 90 located on the conveyor unit 43 in the third transfer area P3 of the second transfer line 15b and the fourth transfer line 15d are transferred to the fourth transfer area P4 by the conveyor unit 43 while remaining on the conveyor unit 43 (the corresponding two endless string belts) with the corresponding movable stoppers 45 open.

[0078] Additionally, while the second orientation correcting device 13b and the fourth orientation correcting device 13d are air-transferring the bags 90 from the fourth transfer area P4 of the second transfer line 15b and the fourth transfer line 15d to the fifth transfer area P5, the conveyor unit 43 is transferring the bags 90 from the fourth transfer area P4 of the first transfer line 15a and the third transfer line 15c to the fifth transfer area P5. That is, the bags 90 located on the conveyor unit 43 in the fourth transfer area P4 of the first transfer line 15a and the third transfer line 15c are transferred to the fifth transfer area P5 by the conveyor unit 43 while remaining on the conveyor unit 43, with the corresponding movable stoppers 45 open.

[0079] As described above, while each reciprocating drive link 54 moves from the first swing posture position to the second swing posture position and then returns from the second swing posture position to the first swing posture position, each bag 90 located in the second conveying area P2 to the fourth conveying area P4 is sent downstream by one conveying area in the forward conveying direction (X direction).

[0080] In addition, before the transportation of the bags 90 from the fourth transport area P4 to the fifth transport area P5 of each transport line 15 is completed, the bags 90 located on the conveyor section 43 in the fifth transport area P5 of each transport line 15 are transported from the fifth transport area P5 to the sixth transport area P6 by the conveyor section 43 while remaining on the conveyor section 43 with the corresponding movable stopper 45 open.

[0081] Bags 90 placed in the sixth conveying area P6 of each conveying line 15 are held by the bag transfer section 47 and handed over to the bag receiving device 48 before new bags 90 are placed in the sixth conveying area P6 (preferably while the conveyor section 43 is intermittently stopped).

[0082] By repeating the above-described series of processes, the bags 90 are intermittently sent downstream from the second transport area P2.

[0083] As described above, the conveying system 10 of this embodiment comprises a plurality of conveying lines 15 extending in the conveying direction (X direction) and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (Y direction), a conveying device 11 (bag bundle pushing device 25, bag removal device 38, orientation correction device 13, conveyor section 43, and bag transfer section 47) that conveys a plurality of bags 90 along each of the plurality of conveying lines 15, an orientation detection device 12 that detects the orientation of the plurality of bags 90, and an orientation correction device 13 that corrects the orientation of the plurality of bags 90 conveyed along the plurality of conveying lines 15 according to the detection results of the orientation detection device 12. The position where the orientation of the bag 90 being transported along one of the two adjacent conveying lines 15 (the first conveying line 15a and the third conveying line 15c) is corrected by the orientation correction device 13, and the position where the orientation of the bag 90 being transported along the other (the second conveying line 15b and the fourth conveying line 15d) is corrected by the orientation correction device 13, are shifted in at least one direction of the conveying direction and the height direction (in this example, the conveying direction (X direction)).

[0084] This makes it possible to appropriately rotate and correct the orientation of multiple bags 90 conveyed along multiple conveying lines 15 as needed, while preventing the spacing between the conveying lines 15 from increasing.

[0085] A plurality of orientation correcting devices 13 are provided corresponding to the plurality of conveying lines 15, and each of the plurality of orientation correcting devices 13 corrects the orientation of the bag 90 while transferring the bag 90 in the conveying direction.

[0086] This allows the bags 90 to be efficiently conveyed in the conveyance direction, and effectively prevents a decrease in the efficiency of conveying the bags 90 due to correcting the orientation of the bags 90.

[0087] The plurality of orientation correction devices 13 are integrally provided and move back and forth together in the conveying direction.

[0088] This simplifies the configuration of the drive system of the orientation correction device 13.

[0089] Furthermore, by using two endless string belts as the conveyor unit 43, the space between the string belts can be used for various purposes. For example, a sensor may be provided in each transport area and / or between transport areas that can detect the presence or absence of bags 90 on the string belts through the space between the string belts. It is also possible to install a moving unit that can move through the space between the string belts. For example, by placing a movable moving unit in a raised position directly below each extraction suction cup 50 when releasing the bag 90 from each extraction suction cup 50, the free fall distance of the bag 90 from each extraction suction cup 50 can be reduced. Similarly, by raising and placing a movable moving unit in a raised position directly below each direction-changing suction cup 51 when releasing the bag 90 from each direction-changing suction cup 51, the free fall distance of the bag 90 from each direction-changing suction cup 51 can be reduced. Furthermore, when each direction-changing suction cup 51 holds the bag 90, the movable moving unit may be raised to press the bag 90 on the moving unit against the direction-changing suction cup 51.

[0090] [First Modification] 10 is a diagram showing a transport system 10 according to a first modified example. In this modified example, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0091] In the above embodiment, the position where the orientation of the bags 90 is corrected between two adjacent conveying lines 15 is shifted in the conveying direction (X direction), but it may also be shifted in the height direction (Z direction).

[0092] In the example shown in Figure 10, bags 90 placed on the conveyor section 43 in the third conveying area P3 of the first conveying line 15a and the third conveying line 15c are lifted by the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c and rotated at a relatively high position (first height position), thereby correcting their orientation.

[0093] Meanwhile, the bags 90 placed on the conveyor section 43 in the third conveying area P3 of the second conveying line 15b and the fourth conveying line 15d are lifted by the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d and rotated at a relatively low position (a second height position lower than the first height position), thereby correcting their orientation.

[0094] The configuration and arrangement of first orientation correcting device 13a to fourth orientation correcting device 13d are not limited. In particular, the method of lifting and rotating bag 90 by first orientation correcting device 13a to fourth orientation correcting device 13d is not limited, and for example, the above-described orientation changing suction cup 51 and rotation unit 52 may be used.

[0095] The first orientation correcting device 13a and the third orientation correcting device 13c shown in Fig. 10 lift the target bag 90 while being positioned higher than the target bag 90. On the other hand, the second orientation correcting device 13b and the fourth orientation correcting device 13d shown in Fig. 10 lift the target bag 90 while being positioned lower than the target bag 90. However, all of the first orientation correcting device 13a to the fourth orientation correcting device 13d may lift the target bag 90 while being positioned higher than the target bag 90, or may lift the target bag 90 while being positioned lower than the target bag 90.

[0096] According to this modified example, it is possible to suppress not only the increase in the Y-directional spacing between the conveying lines 15 but also the increase in the X-directional length of each conveying line 15, while rotating multiple bags 90 conveyed along multiple conveying lines 15 as necessary to correct their orientation.

[0097] [Second Modification] 11 is a diagram showing a method for correcting the orientation of the bag 90 according to the second modified example. In this modified example, elements that are the same as or correspond to those in the above-described embodiment and the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0098] In the above-described embodiment, the orientation of the bag 90 is corrected by rotating the bag 90 180 degrees about a vertical axis while the front and back surfaces of the bag 90 are oriented vertically. On the other hand, in this modified example, the orientation of the bag 90 is corrected by rotating the bag 90 180 degrees about a horizontal axis (rotation axis Hx) that passes through the bag 90 while the front and back surfaces of the bag 90 are oriented horizontally.

[0099] 11, bags 90 in a recumbent position being transported along each transport line 15 are rotated 90 degrees about a transport axis Ax extending in the transport direction (X direction) while being transported from the third transport area P3 to the fourth transport area P4 by the transport device 11. As a result, the position of the bags 90 is changed from a recumbent position to an upright position.

[0100] The conveying axis Ax is an axis that passes through the bags 90 that are conveyed in at least the third conveying area P3, the fourth conveying area P4, and the fifth conveying area P5.

[0101] While the bag 90 is being transported from the fourth transport area P4 to the fifth transport area P5 by the transport device 11, the orientation of the bag 90 is corrected by rotating it 180 degrees around a rotation axis Hx that passes horizontally through the center of the bag 90 by the orientation correction device 13.

[0102] 11, a bag 90 having its top 92 positioned on the reverse conveying direction side (the third conveying area P3 side) and its bottom 93 positioned on the forward conveying direction side (the fifth conveying area P5 side) in the fourth conveying area P4 is rotated about the rotation axis Hx while being conveyed from the fourth conveying area P4 to the fifth conveying area P5. As a result, the bag 90 is placed in the fifth conveying area P5 with its top 92 positioned on the forward conveying direction side and its bottom 93 positioned on the reverse conveying direction side.

[0103] As described above, the conveying system 10 of this modified example comprises a plurality of conveying lines 15 extending in the conveying direction (X direction) and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction (Y direction), a conveying device 11 that conveys a plurality of bags 90 along each of the plurality of conveying lines 15, an orientation detection device 12 that detects the orientation of the plurality of bags 90, and an orientation correction device 13 that corrects the orientation of the plurality of bags 90 conveyed along the plurality of conveying lines 15 according to the detection results of the orientation detection device 12.The bag 90 whose orientation is to be corrected is rotated by the orientation correction device 13 around the conveying axis Ax extending in the conveying direction to be placed in a corrected posture (upright posture), and its orientation is corrected by the orientation correction device 13 in the corrected posture.

[0104] This makes it possible to rotate the plurality of bags 90 being conveyed along the plurality of conveyor lines 15 while suppressing an increase in the distance between the conveyor lines 15 in the Y direction.

[0105] In the above example, the bag 90 is rotated 90 degrees around the conveying axis Ax before its orientation is corrected, but it may also be rotated at another angle around the conveying axis Ax (for example, any angle in the range of 0 to 90 degrees). Furthermore, the bag 90 does not necessarily have to be rotated around the conveying axis Ax, and may take an inclined position (tilted position) or an upright position from a lying position in any manner. For example, the orientation of the bag 90 may be corrected by rotating it around the inclined axis while the inclined axis extends in a direction inclined with respect to both the horizontal and vertical directions and perpendicularly passes through the front and back surfaces of the bag 90.

[0106] [Other variations] In the above embodiment, aerial conveyance by the orientation correction device 13 and horizontal conveyance by the conveyor unit 43 are combined to convey the bags 90 on each conveyor line 15 from the third conveyor area P3 to the fifth conveyor area P5, but each bag 90 may be conveyed from the third conveyor area P3 to the fifth conveyor area P5 by aerial conveyance alone. In this case, there is no need to install a conveyor unit 43 to convey the bags 90 from the third conveyor area P3 to the fifth conveyor area P5.

[0107] For example, a suction cup device (not shown) along with the direction-changing suction cups 51 may be provided for each conveyor line 15 on the reciprocating support plate 53. As an example, the bags 90 conveyed along the first conveyor line 15a and the third conveyor line 15c may be conveyed in the air from the third conveyor area P3 to the fourth conveyor area P4 while being held by the direction-changing suction cups 51, and then conveyed in the air from the fourth conveyor area P4 to the fifth conveyor area P5 while being held by the suction cup device. On the other hand, the bags 90 conveyed along the second conveyor line 15b and the fourth conveyor line 15d may be conveyed in the air from the third conveyor area P3 to the fourth conveyor area P4 while being held by the suction cup device, and then conveyed in the air from the fourth conveyor area P4 to the fifth conveyor area P5 while being held by the direction-changing suction cups 51.

[0108] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, the reciprocating unit 40 reciprocates along the conveying direction by utilizing a parallel link mechanism using the reciprocating drive link 54, but it may also be configured to be reciprocally movable along the conveying direction by utilizing another mechanism such as a parallel link mechanism.

[0109] Furthermore, each bag removal device 38 and each orientation correction device 13 in the above-described embodiment has an expandable section (removal expandable section 56 and correction expandable section 57) that has a portion that expands and contracts in the height direction. However, if each bag removal device 38 and each orientation correction device 13 can be moved a sufficient amount in the height direction by a parallel link mechanism, a parallel link mechanism, or other mechanism that moves each bag removal device 38 and each orientation correction device 13 back and forth in the conveyance direction, such an expandable section does not need to be provided.

[0110] For example, when the parallel link mechanism (reciprocating drive link 54) is positioned in the first swing posture position, the removal suction cups 50 of each bag removal device 38 may contact the surface (exposed surface) of the bag 90 on the second loading platform 32, the orientation change suction cups 51 of the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c may contact the surface of the bag 90 on the conveyor support section 42 (third conveying area P3), and the orientation change suction cups 51 of the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d may contact the surface of the bag 90 on the conveyor support section 42 (fourth conveying area P4). Furthermore, with the parallel link mechanism disposed in the second swing posture, the bags 90 held by the take-out suction cups 50 of each bag take-out device 38 may be positioned near or on the conveyor support section 42 (third transfer area P3), the bags 90 held by the direction-changing suction cups 51 of the first orientation correction device 13a and the third orientation correction device 13c may be positioned near or on the conveyor support section 42 (fourth transfer area P4), and the bags 90 held by the direction-changing suction cups 51 of the second orientation correction device 13b and the fourth orientation correction device 13d may be positioned near or on the conveyor support section 42 (fifth transfer area P5). When these conditions are satisfied, each bag take-out device 38 and each orientation correction device 13 does not need to have an extension section (take-out extension section 56 and correction extension section 57).

[0111] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, a corresponding orientation detection device 12 is provided individually for each conveying line 15, but one orientation detection device 12 may be provided for two or more conveying lines 15 (for example, all conveying lines 15). For example, if the orientation detection device 12 is equipped with an imaging device, the target bags 90 on all conveying lines 15 (for example, the target bags 90 located in the second conveying area P2) may be imaged by the single orientation detection device 12, and the control unit 60 may analyze the captured image to individually detect the orientation of the target bags 90 on each conveying line 15.

[0112] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the orientation detection device 12 detects the orientation of the bags 90 in the second conveying area P2, but the orientation detection device 12 may also detect the orientation of the bags 90 at another position. The orientation detection device 12 may also detect the orientation of the bags 90 at any position upstream of the position where the orientation of the bags 90 is corrected.

[0113] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the driving of the reciprocating drive link 54 by the reciprocating drive unit 41 (i.e., the reciprocating drive of each bag take-out device 38 and each orientation correction device 13), the driving of each take-out suction cup 50 and each orientation change suction cup 51 to perform suction and the driving of each suction operation to stop suction (negative pressure release drive), the driving of the opening and closing operation of the movable stopper 45, the driving of the conveyor section 43 by the conveyor drive unit 44 to travel, and the driving of the bag transfer unit 47 are all performed at a predetermined constant rhythm without being controlled by the control unit 60. However, one or more of these drives may be adaptively performed under the control of the control unit 60. For example, by determining the timing of two or more of these drives based on a clock signal issued by the control unit 60, the two or more drives can be appropriately correlated.

[0114] Furthermore, the opening and closing of each movable stopper 45 can be performed by any method. For example, each movable stopper 45 may be opened and closed under the control of the control unit 60 in response to the detection results of a sensor that detects the presence or absence of a bag 90 moving directly below each movable stopper 45 in the open state. Furthermore, each movable stopper 45 may be opened and closed under the control of the control unit 60 in response to the drive state and / or arrangement state of the reciprocating movement drive unit 41 (i.e., the drive state and / or arrangement state of each bag removal device 38 and each orientation correction device 13).

[0115] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, not only bags 90 that need to be reoriented but also bags 90 that do not need to be reoriented are held and transported in the air by orientation correction device 13 (orientation changing suction cups 51), but bags 90 that do not need to be reoriented may be transported in the transport direction by conveyor unit 43 instead of orientation correction device 13. For example, control unit 60 may control the target orientation changing suction cups 51 so that the orientation changing suction cups 51 corresponding to bags 90 that do not need to be reoriented do not perform the suction holding operation (negative pressure generating operation).

[0116] Although the above embodiment is provided with four transfer lines 15, the above technology can also be applied to cases where two, three, or five or more transfer lines 15 are provided.

[0117] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications. For example, various modifications may be made to each element of the above-described embodiments and modifications, or the configurations of the above-described embodiments and modifications may be combined partially or entirely. Furthermore, the effects achieved by the present disclosure are not limited to the above-described effects, and unique effects may also be achieved according to the specific configuration of each embodiment. Thus, various additions, modifications, and partial deletions are possible to each element described in the claims, specification, and drawings, as long as they do not deviate from the technical idea and spirit of the present disclosure. [Explanation of symbols]

[0118] 10 conveying system, 11 conveying device, 12 orientation detection device, 13 orientation correction device, 13a first orientation correction device, 13b second orientation correction device, 13c third orientation correction device, 13d fourth orientation correction device, 15 conveying line, 15a first conveying line, 15b second conveying line, 15c third conveying line, 15d fourth conveying line, 21 stand, 25 bag bundle pushing device, 26 pushing drive unit, 27 pushing unit, 31 first placing table, 31a first placing table groove, 32 second placing table, 32a second placing table groove, 33 stand, 34 first support block, 35 second support block, 36 bag detection sensor, 38 bag removal device, 40 reciprocating movement unit, 41 reciprocating movement drive unit, 42 conveyor support unit, 43 conveyor unit, 44 conveyor drive unit, 45 movable stopper, 47 Bag transfer section, 48 bag receiving device, 50 take-out suction cup, 51 direction change suction cup, 52 rotation section, 53 reciprocating support plate, 54 reciprocating drive link, 56 take-out extension section, 57 correction extension section, 60 control section, 90 bag, 91 bag bundle, 91a thick-walled section, 91b thin-walled section, 92 top section, 93 bottom section, Ax conveying axis, Hx rotation axis, L detection light, P1 first conveying area, P2 second conveying area, P3 third conveying area, P4 fourth conveying area, P5 fifth conveying area, P6 sixth conveying area

Claims

1. a plurality of conveying lines extending in a conveying direction and positioned adjacent to each other in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction; a conveying device that conveys a plurality of bags along each of the plurality of conveying lines; an orientation detection device for detecting the orientation of the plurality of bags; an orientation correction device that corrects the orientation of the plurality of bags conveyed along the plurality of conveying lines in accordance with the detection result of the orientation detection device, A conveying system in which the position where the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along one of two adjacent conveying lines and the position where the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along the other of the two conveying lines are shifted in at least one direction of the conveying direction and the vertical direction.

2. 2. The conveying system of claim 1, wherein the position at which the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along one of two adjacent conveying lines and the position at which the orientation correction device corrects the orientation of bags conveyed along the other of the two adjacent conveying lines are offset with respect to the conveying direction.

3. a plurality of the orientation correction devices are provided corresponding to the plurality of conveying lines, The conveying system according to claim 2 , wherein each of the plurality of orientation correcting devices corrects the orientation of the bag while transporting the bag in the conveying direction.

4. The conveying system according to claim 3 , wherein the plurality of orientation correction devices are integrally provided and reciprocate together along the conveying direction.

Images