Basket stacking device

Abstract

To provide a basket stacking device capable of storing a plurality of baskets by stacking in a storage part while extremely reducing working processes of a person.SOLUTION: A basket stacking device 1 includes: a frame 5; a conveying part 7 for conveying a basket 3 provided and placed in the frame 5 in one predetermined horizontal direction or one predetermined direction slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction; a storage part 9 for storing the baskets 3 conveyed by the conveying part 7 and dropped from the conveying part 7 by stacking; and a posture adjustment part 11 for adjusting the posture of the basket 3 so that the baskets 3 provided in the frame 5 and conveyed by the conveying part 7 are dropped from the conveying part 7 and stacked to be stored in the storage part 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a basket stacking device. [Background technology]

[0002] A shopping basket as shown in Patent Document 1 is known in the prior art. Also known in the prior art is a shopping basket stocker as shown in Patent Document 2. The shopping basket stocker is designed to store multiple baskets stacked on top of each other. This prevents the multiple baskets from becoming bulky and also makes it possible to easily move and store multiple baskets together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-055594 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-121781 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, when storing multiple baskets in a stocker, stacking the baskets manually increases the amount of work required. In other words, if the baskets are stacked one by one and then stored in the stocker, it increases the amount of work required by the worker and also forces the worker to assume a posture that requires bending the waist, etc.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a basket stacking device that can stack a plurality of baskets and store them in a storage section while minimizing the number of man-hours required for the work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A basket stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises a frame, a conveying section provided on the frame for conveying baskets placed thereon in a predetermined horizontal direction or in a predetermined direction slightly tilted relative to the horizontal direction, a storage section for stacking and storing baskets that have been conveyed by the conveying section and dropped from the conveying section, and an attitude adjustment section provided on the frame for adjusting the attitude of the baskets so that the baskets that have been conveyed by the conveying section drop from the conveying section and are stacked and stored in the storage section.

[0007] In addition, in a basket stacking device according to an aspect of the present invention, the posture adjustment unit is configured to include an abutment body that swings relative to the frame, and the abutment body swings relative to the frame with a predetermined central axis as the center of swing, and the abutment body is configured to adjust the posture of the basket by abutting against the flange and side plate of the basket.

[0008] In addition, in a basket stacking device according to an aspect of the present invention, the posture adjustment unit is configured to include an abutment body that swings relative to the frame, and the abutment body swings relative to the frame with a predetermined central axis as the center of swing, and the abutment body is configured so that its tip abuts against the flange portion of the basket, thereby adjusting the posture of the basket, and the tip of the abutment body is formed in a plate shape.

[0009] In addition, in a basket stacking device according to an aspect of the present invention, an axle member is provided on the abutment body, a bearing material is provided on the frame, the bearing material is composed of a cylindrical member, the portion of the axle member that engages with the bearing material is composed of a cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion of the axle member is inserted into the bearing material, so that the abutment body is configured to swing relative to the frame, and the inner diameter of the bearing material is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the axle member.

[0010] In addition, in a basket stacking device according to an aspect of the present invention, the storage section is composed of a cart that is separate from the frame, and the cart is configured to be positioned and installed relative to the frame.

[0011] Furthermore, the basket stacking device according to this aspect of the present invention has a disinfectant spraying section that sprays a disinfectant onto the baskets being transported by the transport section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a basket stacking device that can stack multiple baskets and store them in a storage section while minimizing the number of manual work steps. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram (front view) showing a schematic configuration of a basket stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a view taken along the arrow II in FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a view taken along the arrow III in FIG. [Figure 4] 1. (a) is an enlarged view of the IVA portion in FIG. 1, and (b) is a view showing a modified example of the IVB portion in (a). [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view taken along the arrow V in FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a view taken along the arrow VI in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] 6A is a diagram (front view) showing a schematic configuration of the basket, and FIG. 6B is a view taken along the arrow VIIB in FIG. 6A. [Figure 8] 7A is a view seen from the arrow VIIIA in FIG. 7A, and FIG. 7B is a view showing a modified example of the portion VIIIB in FIG. 7A. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the basket stacking device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the basket stacking device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11]10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the basket stacking device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the basket stacking device according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. [Figure 14] 1 is a diagram showing a cart of a storage section in a basket stacking device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a contact body according to a modified example of the basket stacking device according to the embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] A basket stacking device (basket stacking device) 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is a device that stacks a plurality of baskets 3 as shown in Figures 1, 3, 9, and 14. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the basket stacking device 1 is configured to include a frame 5, a conveying unit 7, a storage unit (stocker) 9, and a posture adjustment unit 11.

[0015] Here, for ease of explanation, one predetermined horizontal direction in a basket stacking device, etc. will be referred to as the front-to-back direction, another predetermined horizontal direction that is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the lateral direction, and the direction that is perpendicular to the front-to-back direction and the lateral direction will be referred to as the up-down direction.

[0016] The conveying unit 7 is provided on the frame 5. The baskets 3 are placed on the conveying unit 7. The conveying unit 7 is configured to convey the placed baskets 3 one by one in a predetermined horizontal direction (from the front to the rear in the front-to-rear direction) a predetermined distance at, for example, a constant speed. Note that the conveying unit 7 may also be configured to convey the placed baskets 3 in a predetermined direction that is slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal direction.

[0017] Here, the car 3 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0018] The basket 3 is made of, for example, synthetic resin. The basket 3 is used to temporarily store products when purchasing products in a store such as a supermarket. The basket 3 is also used to store products after payment has been made. The basket 3 is formed into a box shape with an open top end, and is made up of a bottom plate portion 13 and side plate portions 15 that rise upward from the outer periphery of the bottom plate portion 13.

[0019] More specifically, the bottom plate 13 is formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. The side plate 15 is composed of four members 17 each formed in a roughly rectangular flat plate shape. The thickness of each of the members 17 constituting the side plate 15 is approximately the same as the thickness of the bottom plate 13. Each of the four members 17 stands upright from each of the four sides of the outer periphery of the bottom plate 13. This allows the basket 3 to be formed in a rectangular box shape.

[0020] Members 17 of side plate portions 15 of basket 3 stand at a slight angle relative to the vertical direction. As a result, when basket 3 is viewed from the side (horizontally or front-to-back), the outer shape of basket 3 is an isosceles trapezoid. The upper base (shorter side) of this isosceles trapezoid is located on the lower side, and the lower base (longer side) is located on the upper side. The upper base of the isosceles trapezoid corresponds to bottom plate portion 13, the oblique side of the isosceles trapezoid corresponds to side plate portion 15, and the lower base of the isosceles trapezoid corresponds to opening 19 of basket 3.

[0021] The basket 3 is also provided with a flange 21 of a predetermined thickness (approximately the same thickness as the bottom plate 13 and the members 17 of the side plate 15). The bottom plate 13, the side plate 15, and the flange 21 are integrally molded. In plan view (viewed from above), the flange 21 is formed in a narrow rectangular ring shape, and protrudes slightly outward (away from the opening 19) from the side plate 15, surrounding the side plate 15 and the opening 19.

[0022] The flange 21 protrudes in the width direction of the flange. More specifically, the width direction of the flange 21 is the front-to-back direction or the horizontal direction. The thickness direction of the flange 21 is the up-to-down direction. When the basket 3 is viewed from the side, the flange 21 protrudes slightly from the upper end of the side plate 15 in the horizontal direction (away from the opening 19 of the basket 3).

[0023] Although not shown, a large number of through holes (for example, oval through holes) are formed in a row in the bottom plate portion 13 and the side plate portion 15 of the basket 3. These through holes penetrate the bottom plate portion 13 and the side plate portion 15 in the thickness direction thereof.

[0024] Furthermore, although not shown, the basket 3 is provided with a handle. The handle is, for example, a gate-shaped piece of elongated cylindrical material bent at right angles in two places. Both longitudinal ends of the handle engage with the flange 21 at the upper end of the flange 21, and are rotatable relative to the flange 21. The handle is provided, for example, in pairs.

[0025] By rotating the handle, the handle projects upward from the flange 21. At this time, a person can lift the basket 3 by holding the handle.

[0026] Furthermore, as the handle rotates, it comes into contact with and follows the flange 21. When viewed from the side in this state, the handle extends in the horizontal direction just like the flange 21, and the lower end of the handle is in contact with the upper end of the flange 21 over the entire length of the handle in the extension direction.

[0027] The handle standby state is when the handle is attached to and fits snugly against flange 21. In the handle standby state, the thickness of flange 21 is increased by the thickness of the handle where it is located. Furthermore, when the handle standby state is viewed from above, all or most of the handle is contained within flange 21.

[0028] Furthermore, when the handle standby state is viewed from above, the area where the handle is located is formed over almost the entire annular flange portion 21, except for the middle portion of a pair of portions (the front portion and rear portion of flange portion 21) extending laterally of flange portion 21.

[0029] The baskets 3 in the handle standby state can be stacked to prevent them from becoming bulky (see FIG. 14, etc.). Here, a case where two baskets 3 in the handle standby state are stacked will be described. The second basket (upper basket) 3 is dropped into the inside of the first basket (lower basket) 3 (inside the bottom plate portion 13 and side plate portion 15) so that the bottom plate portion and side plate portion of the second basket 3 fit inside the first basket (lower basket) 3.

[0030] When this dropping is complete, the stacking of the second basket 3 onto the first basket 3 is complete. When stacking is complete, the upper end of the handle of the first basket 3 abuts the lower end of the flange 21 of the second basket 3. When viewed from above when stacking is complete, the flange 21 and handle of the first basket 3 and the flange 21 and handle of the second basket 3 overlap each other. When viewed from above when stacking is complete, the bottom plate 13 of the first basket 3 and the bottom plate 13 of the second basket 3 overlap each other. When viewed from above when stacking is complete, the side plate 15 of the first basket 3 and the side plate 15 of the second basket 3 overlap each other.

[0031] The third and subsequent baskets 3 are stacked on top of the second basket 3 in the same manner as the first basket 3 is stacked on top of the second basket 3. When multiple stacked baskets 3 are viewed from the side, they appear as shown in FIG. 14, etc. That is, the bottommost basket 3 has the bottom plate 13, side plate 15, flange 21, and handle exposed. The other baskets 3 have the flange 21 and handle exposed, but almost all of the bottom plate 13 and side plate 15 are contained within the bottommost basket 3. When multiple stacked baskets 3 are viewed from above (from top to bottom), only the topmost basket 3 is visible.

[0032] The conveying section 7 is configured by, for example, a belt conveyor. The baskets 3 placed on the belt conveyor 7 are conveyed from the front to the rear by the movement of the belt 23 of the belt conveyor 7. Note that a frictional force acts between the belt 23 of the belt conveyor 7 and the baskets 3 (bottom plate portions 13 of the baskets 3) placed on the belt conveyor 7, so that the baskets 3 are conveyed with almost no slippage occurring between the belt 23 of the belt conveyor 7 and the baskets 3.

[0033] The baskets 3 transported by the belt conveyor 7 are dropped from the rear end of the belt conveyor 7. Note that the transport unit 7 transports the baskets 3 one by one, but this does not mean that the belt conveyor 7 can only load and transport one basket 3 at a time. The belt conveyor 7 can load and transport multiple baskets 3 at the same time (see Figure 1, etc.). However, multiple baskets 3 are placed on the belt conveyor 7 and transported with a predetermined interval between them in the front-to-rear direction. As a result, the baskets 3 transported by the belt conveyor 7 are dropped one by one from the rear end of the belt conveyor 7.

[0034] The storage unit 9 is separate from the frame 5 and the like, and is disposed, for example, within the frame 5. The storage unit 9 is configured to stack and temporarily store the baskets 3 that have been transported by the transport unit 7 and dropped from the transport unit 7. That is, in the storage unit 9, the baskets 3 are stacked, and multiple stacked baskets 3 are stored (see FIG. 14, etc.).

[0035] When the basket 3 placed on the conveying section 7 is viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 2 and other figures, the value of the dimension in the horizontal direction is greater than the value of the dimension in the front-rear direction.

[0036] The attitude adjustment unit 11 is provided on the frame 5. The attitude adjustment unit 11 adjusts the attitude of the basket 3 so that the basket 3 transported by the transport unit 7 falls from the transport unit 7 and is stored in the storage unit 9 in a stacked state.

[0037] Here, the attitude of the cage 3 will be explained. The cage 3, which simply exists in space, is naturally designed to change its position and attitude with six degrees of freedom. That is, the position of the cage 3 changes when it moves parallel in at least one of the forward / backward, horizontal, and vertical directions. In addition, the attitude of the cage 3 changes when it rotates around at least one of three axes: a predetermined axis extending in the forward / backward direction, a predetermined axis extending in the horizontal direction, and a predetermined axis extending in the vertical direction.

[0038] 10, 11, etc., in the posture adjustment unit 11, the contact body 25 comes into contact with the basket 3 when the basket 3 falls from the conveying unit 7. When the contact body 25 comes into contact with the basket 3, a force is applied to the basket 3, pushing the basket 3, and the posture of the basket 3 is adjusted.

[0039] Note that when the basket 3 falls from the conveying unit 7, it includes not only when the basket 3 separates from the conveying unit 7 and falls, but also when the basket 3 is being conveyed by the conveying unit 7 at the rear end of the conveying unit 7. Also, when the attitude of the basket 3 is adjusted by the attitude adjustment unit 11, the position of the basket 3 also changes slightly.

[0040] Furthermore, when being transported by the transport unit 7, the basket 3 moves only in the longitudinal direction, and when it falls away from the transport unit 7, it moves in the vertical direction. Also, the basket 3 rotates around a predetermined axis extending in the lateral direction, so that its posture can be adjusted.

[0041] When the abutment body 25 abuts against the car 3, it is pushed by the car 3, and its posture relative to the frame 5 changes. That is, when the abutment body 25 is not in abutment against the car 3, the abutment body 25 is in an initial posture. When the abutment body 25 abuts against the car 3, the abutment body 25 swings (rotates) around a predetermined central axis, and the posture of the abutment body 25 changes from the posture in the initial state.

[0042] After the contact body 25 has come into contact with the car 3, it returns to its initial state by at least one of gravity and an elastic body. In other words, after the contact body 25 has come into contact with the car 3, it returns to its initial state (see FIGS. 1, 9, and 12) without using an actuator such as a solenoid, cylinder, or motor.

[0043] In the above description, the posture of the abutment body 25 changes when the abutment body 25 abuts against the cage 3, but it is also possible that at least one of the posture and position of the abutment body 25 changes when the abutment body 25 abuts against the cage 3.

[0044] As described above, the posture adjustment unit 11 is configured to include the abutment body 25, and the abutment body 25 is configured to swing relative to the frame 5 to change its posture. The abutment body 25 swings relative to the frame 5 around a predetermined central axis (a central axis extending in the horizontal direction) at the base end, which is the upper portion of the abutment body 25 (see FIGS. 10 and 11).

[0045] When the basket 3 is transported by the conveying section 7 and falls from the conveying section 7 to be stored in the storage section 9, the tip portion, which is the lower part of the abutment body 25, abuts against the flange portion 21 and side panel portion 15 of the basket 3 (see Figures 10 and 11), thereby allowing the abutment body 25 to adjust the posture of the basket 3.

[0046] The contact body 25 is adapted to return to its initial position by gravity. More specifically, when the contact body 25 comes into contact with the basket 3, it is pushed by the basket 3 being transported by the transport unit 7, causing it to swing so that its tip moves rearward from its initial position. When the basket 3 falls and separates, the contact body 25 swings so that its tip moves forward by the action of gravity, returning to its initial position.

[0047] 4 to 6, a shaft member 27 is provided integrally with the base end of the abutment body 25, and a bearing member 29 is provided integrally with the frame 5. The bearing member 29 is formed of a cylindrical member, and the portion of the shaft member 27 that engages with the bearing member 29 is formed of a columnar portion.

[0048] The cylindrical portion of the shaft member 27 is inserted into the cylinder of the bearing material 29, so that the abutment body 25 swings relative to the frame 5. The inner diameter of the bearing material 29 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the shaft member 27.

[0049] For example, the inner diameter of the cylinder of bearing material 29 is 1.01 to 1.50 times the outer diameter of the columnar portion of shaft member 27. When the columnar portion of shaft member 27 is inserted into bearing material 29, a gap of, for example, about 0.1 mm to 5 mm is formed between the columnar portion of shaft member 27 and bearing material 29. Bearing material 29 is obtained, for example, by cutting a commercial pipe material to a predetermined length.

[0050] The storage section 9 is configured with a dolly 31 (see FIG. 14) that is separate from the frame 5. The dolly 31 is configured to include a dolly main body 33 and casters 35. The baskets 3 are placed on the dolly main body 33 for storage. The casters 35 enable the dolly 31 to easily move on a floor surface 37. The dolly 31 is configured to be positioned in the lateral and longitudinal directions relative to the frame 5 and to be installed within the frame 5.

[0051] The basket stacking device 1 is provided with a first guide section 39 (see Figures 2 and 3) that guides the basket 3 being transported by the transport section 7. The first guide section 39 is configured to prevent the basket 3 from shifting position in the lateral direction. The first guide section 39 is also configured to prevent the basket 3 from rotating (changing its posture) around an axis extending in the vertical direction (for example, an axis passing through the center of the basket 3).

[0052] The basket stacking device 1 is also provided with a second guide unit 41 that guides the baskets 3 so that the baskets 3 that drop from the conveying unit 7 into the storage unit 9 are stacked in the storage unit 9 (see Figures 2 and 3). The second guide unit 41 is configured to prevent the baskets 3 from shifting position in the lateral and longitudinal directions, and cooperates with the posture adjustment unit 11 to guide the baskets 3.

[0053] The basket stacking device 1 is also provided with a disinfectant spraying unit 43 (see FIG. 1). The disinfectant spraying unit 43 is configured to spray (atomize) a disinfectant (for example, disinfecting alcohol) onto the basket 3 being transported by the transport unit 7 (a basket in the middle of transport).

[0054] Here, a more detailed description will be given of the basket stacking device 1. The basket stacking device 1 is formed substantially symmetrically with respect to a plane (central plane) that includes the center of the basket stacking device 1 and is perpendicular to the lateral direction.

[0055] The frame 5 is configured to include a frame-shaped skeleton (not shown) formed by appropriately combining elongated pillar members and elongated beam members, and a plurality of flat cover members 45 attached to the skeleton. The exterior and interior of the frame 5 are generally separated by the plurality of transparent cover members 45 attached to the skeleton.

[0056] Cover member 45 at the front end of frame 5 has openings 47 through which baskets 3 placed on conveying section 7 pass (see FIGS. 1 and 2). In addition, a door 49 that can be opened and closed is provided at the rear end of frame 5 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). When door 49 is open, carts 31 storing baskets 3 can go out from inside frame 5 to the outside, and carts 31 can enter frame 5 from the outside to the inside.

[0057] Casters 51 and jack bolts 53 are provided at the bottom end of the frame 5. The casters 51 enable the frame 5 to be easily moved on the floor surface 37. The jack bolts 53 enable the frame 5 to be set in a predetermined position on the floor surface 37.

[0058] The transport unit (belt conveyor) 7 is configured with a belt pulley 55 and a belt 23. The front belt pulley 55 is located forward of the front end of the frame 5. The rear belt pulley 55 is located within the frame 5 toward the rear end of the frame 5. The belt 23 is configured, for example, as a flat belt, and is wound around the front belt pulley 55 and the rear belt pulley 55. When the belt pulley 55 is rotated by an actuator such as a motor (not shown), the belt 23 moves, and the basket 3 placed on the belt 23 moves toward the rear.

[0059] The belt pulley 55 and the belt 23 are provided as a pair and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the center plane. The front end of the belt conveyor 7 protrudes forward beyond the frame 5. An auxiliary table 57 is provided at the front end of the belt conveyor 7. The auxiliary table 57 is provided to stabilize the position of the basket 3 when the basket 3 is placed on the front end of the belt conveyor 7 (belt 23). The flat upper surface of the auxiliary table 57 is located slightly below the upper surface of the belt 23.

[0060] In the space within the frame 5 between the rear end of the belt conveyor 7 and the rear end of the frame 5, the attitude adjustment unit 11 is arranged, and the carriage 31 is arranged therein.

[0061] As described above, the attitude adjustment unit 11 is configured to include the contact body 25, the shaft member 27, and the bearing member 29.

[0062] 4(a) and other figures, the abutment body 25 is configured to include an abutment body main body portion 59, a first main body portion support member 61, and a second main body portion support member 63. The abutment body main body portion 59 is configured to include a plate-shaped portion 65 and a cylindrical portion 67. The plate-shaped portion 65 is configured to include a first portion 69, a second portion 71, and a third portion 73.

[0063] The abutment body main body 59 has a constant width. The width direction of the abutment body main body 59 is the horizontal direction. The first portion 69 is formed in the shape of a long, narrow rectangular flat plate. When the abutment body 25 is in the initial position, the thickness direction of the first portion 69 is approximately the front-to-rear direction, and the first portion 69 extends long in the up-down direction.

[0064] The second portion 71 and the third portion 73 are also formed in a rectangular flat plate shape. When the contact body 25 is in the initial state, the second portion 71 extends downward and frontward from the lower end of the first portion 69. When the contact body 25 is in the initial state, the third portion 73 extends upward and frontward from the lower end of the second portion 71.

[0065] The cylindrical portion 67 is provided at the tip of the third portion 73 with the central axis of the column extending in the horizontal direction. As a result, when viewed in the horizontal direction, an arc-shaped portion 75 is formed at the tip of the abutment body 25. The arc-shaped portion 75 abuts against the basket 3. This prevents the basket 3 from being scratched and the basket 3 from getting caught on the abutment body 25, even if the abutment body 25 is made of a metal such as stainless steel.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 4(b), instead of the columnar portion 67, an arc-shaped portion 75 may be formed by bending the tip of the third portion 73 into an arc shape.

[0067] The first main body support 61 is formed in a short cylindrical shape. The height direction of the cylinder of the first main body support 61 is horizontal. A cylindrical through-hole 77 is provided in the center of the first main body support 61, through which the shaft member 27 passes. A slit 79 is formed at the through-hole 77 of the first main body support 61. A notch 81 is provided on the front side of the first main body support 61. A notch 83 is also provided on the rear side of the first main body support 61.

[0068] The notch 81 is provided for installing a fastener 85 such as a bolt and nut, and the notch 83 is provided for installing the second main body support 63 to the first main body support 61 using a fastener 87 such as a bolt.

[0069] When the shaft member 27 is inserted through the through hole 77 and the fastener 85 is tightened, the slit 79 allows the through hole 77 to easily reduce in diameter, and the first main body support 61 becomes integrated with the shaft member 27.

[0070] By providing the notch 83, a flat surface is formed at the rear end of the first main body support body 61. When the attitude of the abutment body 25 is in the initial state, this flat surface is approximately perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0071] The second body support 63 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The upper end of the second body support 63 is in contact with the plane formed by the notch 83 and extends downward from the first body support 61. The second body support 63 is integrally provided to the first body support 61 by a fastener 87 such as a bolt. When the attitude of the abutment body 25 is in the initial state, the thickness direction of the second body support 63 is approximately perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, as is the plane formed by the notch 83.

[0072] The lower end of the second body support 63 engages with the upper end of the first portion 69 of the abutment body body 59. In other words, the second body support 63 and the abutment body body 59 are integrated with each other by fasteners 89 such as bolts and nuts. The abutment body body 59 extends downward from the second body support 63.

[0073] 6, an oval through-hole (a through-hole that is long in the vertical direction) 91 is provided at the upper end of the first portion 69 of the abutment body main body 59. By loosening the fastener 89, the abutment body main body 59 can be moved in the vertical direction relative to the second main body support body 63. This allows the abutment body main body 59 to be moved and positioned in the vertical direction relative to the second main body support body 63 in accordance with the shape of the basket 3.

[0074] The contact body main body 59 is sandwiched between the second main body support 63 and a rectangular, flat auxiliary plate 93 and is installed on the second main body support 63 .

[0075] The width dimensions (horizontal dimensions) of the abutment body main body 59, the first main body support 61, the second main body support 63, and the auxiliary plate 93 are all the same. Furthermore, the positions of the abutment body main body 59, the first main body support 61, the second main body support 63, and the auxiliary plate 93 are all the same in the horizontal direction.

[0076] More specifically, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, the first main body support 61 is divided into two parts, and one abutment body 25 is supported by two first main body support members 61.

[0077] Similar to the belt 23, the contact members 25 are provided in pairs and are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central plane.

[0078] The shaft member 27 is formed in an elongated cylindrical shape and extends horizontally. As described above, the shaft member 27 passes through the through-hole 77 provided in the first main body support member 61 of the abutment body 25.

[0079] The bearing members 29 are formed cylindrically, and are provided in pairs, and are integrally provided on the skeleton of the frame 5. One longitudinal end of the shaft member 27 is inserted into one of the pair of bearing members 29, and the other longitudinal end of the shaft member 27 is inserted into the other of the pair of bearing members 29. This allows the abutment body 25 and the shaft member 27 to rotate around an axis extending in the horizontal direction relative to the frame 5. Furthermore, the pair of abutment bodies 25 are arranged inside the pair of bearing members 29 in the horizontal direction.

[0080] Furthermore, the contact body 25, the shaft member 27, and the bearing member 29 are disposed rearward of the conveyor unit 7 in the front-rear direction, and above the conveyor unit 7 in the up-down direction. Furthermore, the positions of the pair of belts 23 and the positions of the pair of contact bodies 25 generally coincide with each other in the lateral direction. Note that the contact body 25, together with the shaft member 27 and the bearing member 29, may be freely moved and positioned in the up-down direction relative to the frame 5 in accordance with the size and shape of the basket 3. Furthermore, the contact body 25, together with the shaft member 27 and the bearing member 29, may be freely moved and positioned in the front-rear direction relative to the frame 5 in accordance with the size and shape of the basket 3. Furthermore, the pair of belts 23 and the pair of contact bodies 25 may be freely positioned (movably positioned) in the lateral direction relative to the frame 5 in accordance with the size and shape of the basket 3.

[0081] Furthermore, in order to adjust the value of the moment of inertia about the central axis of oscillation of the abutment body 25, a weight (a weight separate from the abutment body 25, not shown) may be detachably attached to the abutment body 25, and the position of this weight may be adjustable relative to the abutment body 25. Furthermore, in order to reduce the value of the moment of inertia about the central axis of oscillation of the abutment body 25, a notch, a through-hole, or the like may be provided in the abutment body 25, or the abutment body 25 may be made of a lightweight material such as aluminum or synthetic resin.

[0082] The disinfectant spraying unit 43 is configured to include an injection unit 95 configured with a plurality of nozzles (not shown) and a disinfectant storage tank 97 that stores a disinfectant. The disinfectant spraying unit 43 is also configured to include a pressure-feeding unit 99 that sends the disinfectant in the disinfectant storage tank 97 to the injection unit 95 by using, for example, the Venturi effect. The disinfectant spraying unit 43 is configured to spray the disinfectant from above the basket 3 being transported by the transport unit 7 toward the basket 3 at a middle portion in the front-rear direction.

[0083] The basket stacking device 1 is also provided with a disinfectant recovery pan 101 for recovering the disinfectant, and the disinfectant that falls into the disinfectant recovery pan 101 is collected in a disinfectant recovery tank 103. The disinfectant spraying unit 43, the disinfectant recovery pan 101, and the disinfectant recovery tank 103 are arranged within and installed on the frame 5.

[0084] 2 and 3, the first guide section 39 is composed of a pair of elongated cylindrical members that are integrally provided on the frame 5. The elongated cylindrical members that make up the first guide section 39 are arranged outside the belt conveyor 7 in the horizontal direction. The spacing between the pair of elongated cylindrical members in the horizontal direction can be moved and positioned to match the size of the car 3.

[0085] The second guide portion guides the basket 3 falling from the belt conveyor 7 in the front-rear and lateral directions. The basket 3 falling from the belt conveyor 7 is guided in the lateral direction by a pair of plate-shaped guide bodies (guide bodies supported by the frame 5). The basket 3 falling from the belt conveyor 7 is also guided in the front-rear direction by a pair of guide bodies (not shown) made of round bars. Note that the pair of guide bodies may be made of plate-shaped members or other shaped members.

[0086] Of a pair of guide bodies made of round bars that guide the baskets 3 in the front-to-rear direction as they fall from the belt conveyor 7, the front guide body is supported by the frame 5. Of a pair of plate-shaped guide bodies that guide the baskets 3 in the front-to-rear direction as they fall from the belt conveyor 7, the rear guide body is supported by the door 49. These guide bodies can also be moved and positioned to suit the size of the basket 3.

[0087] Furthermore, the basket stacking device 1 is provided with a cart positioning unit (not shown) that positions the cart 31 in the front-rear direction and the lateral direction.

[0088] Here, we will explain the operation of the basket stacking device 1. The basket stacking device 1 is designed to operate under the control of a control unit (not shown) (for example, a control unit configured to include a CPU and a memory).

[0089] In the initial state, as shown in Figure 1, the belt conveyor 7 is transporting multiple baskets 3, and an empty cart 31 is installed in the frame 5. In the initial state, the disinfectant is sprayed onto the basket 3 that has moved under the spray unit 95. The basket 3 is in a handle standby state.

[0090] The disinfectant spraying unit 43 sprays the disinfectant for a predetermined time when a sensor (not shown) detects the presence of the basket 3. As a result, the disinfectant is sprayed onto almost the entire surface of one basket 3.

[0091] The cages 3 move rearward from the initial state described above. The cage 3 at the rearmost position comes into contact with the abutment body 25. This causes the cages 3 and the abutment body 25 to behave as shown in Figures 10 and 11. As the cage 3 moves further rearward, as shown in Figure 12, the cage 3 separates from the belt conveyor 7 and the abutment body 25 and falls, and is placed in the cart 3 with the flange 21 facing upward.

[0092] If the cage 3 does not abut against the abutment body 25, the rear end of the cage 3 will be positioned downward, as shown in Figure 13, and the cage 3 will be extremely tilted, and the flange portion 21 of the cage 3 will be positioned upward, so that the cage 3 will not fit into the trolley 31.

[0093] In the basket stacking device 1, the abutting body 25 is configured to hook the flange 21 at the rear end of the basket 3, so that the rear end of the basket 3 is not positioned extremely low.

[0094] Then, as transportation continues on the belt conveyor 7, multiple baskets 3 are stored stacked on the cart 31. The baskets 3 are supplied to the front end of the belt conveyor 7 by a person or a basket supply device (not shown) such as a robot.

[0095] Also, the number of baskets 3 stored in the storage unit 9 may be detected, and when the number of baskets 3 stored in the storage unit 9 reaches a predetermined number, the conveying unit 7 may be stopped and a notification to that effect may be given from an output unit (not shown). The number of baskets 3 stored in the storage unit 9 may be determined, for example, by detecting the number of times the contact body 25 is swung using a sensor such as a limit switch.

[0096] Incidentally, as shown in Figure 8(b), there are cases where a rib 105 that protrudes slightly downward from the outer periphery of the flange 21 of the basket 3 is provided on this outer periphery. If the contact body 25 gets caught on the rib 105 and the basket 3 does not fall properly, this can be addressed by increasing the radius of the arc-shaped portion 75 at the tip of the contact body 25. In this case, the contact body main body 59 is replaced with one having a larger radius for the arc-shaped portion 75.

[0097] The basket stacking device 1 is configured to include a conveying unit 7, a storage unit 9, and a posture adjustment unit 11. The conveying unit 7 is configured to convey the placed baskets 3 from the front side to the rear side. The storage unit 9 is configured to stack and store the baskets 3 that have been conveyed by the conveying unit 7 and dropped from the conveying unit 7. The posture adjustment unit 11 is configured to adjust the posture of the baskets 3 so that the baskets 3 that have been conveyed by the conveying unit 7 fall from the conveying unit 7 and are stored in the storage unit 9 in a stacked state.

[0098] This allows multiple baskets 3 to be stacked and stored in the storage section while minimizing the number of man-hours required for work.

[0099] Furthermore, in the basket stacking device 1, the posture adjustment unit 11 is configured to include a contact body 25 that swings relative to the frame 5. The tip of the contact body 25 is configured to contact the flange 21 and the side plate 15 of the basket 3, thereby adjusting the posture of the basket 3.

[0100] This ensures that the abutting body 25 reliably abuts against the basket 3 being transported by the transport unit 7, and the basket 3 falling from the transport unit 7 can be reliably positioned appropriately. Furthermore, in the basket stacking device 1, the abutting body 25 is designed to swing, making the configuration simpler than when the abutting body 25 is moved in parallel. Furthermore, in the basket stacking device 1, the abutting body 25 is designed to return to its initial position without using an actuator such as a motor, further simplifying the configuration.

[0101] In addition, in the basket stacking device 1, the shaft member 27 is inserted into the bearing material 29, so that the abutment body 25 swings relative to the frame 5, and the inner diameter of the bearing material 29 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the shaft member 27.

[0102] This simplifies the configuration of the basket stacking device 1 and also facilitates installation of the abutment body 25 on the frame 5. In other words, when installing the abutment body 25 on the frame 5, the centering work of the abutment body 25 (adjusting the delicate position and posture of the abutment body 25 relative to the frame 5) is not required.

[0103] In addition, the magnitude of the friction force between the shaft member 27 and the bearing member 29 is an appropriate value. This prevents the occurrence of a situation in which the swing resistance is too small and the abutment body 25 continues to swing without being damped when swinging. Also, this prevents the occurrence of a situation in which the swing resistance is too large and the abutment body 25 does not swing sufficiently and the basket 3 placed on the belt conveyor 7 slips on the belt 23 of the belt conveyor 7.

[0104] Furthermore, in the basket stacking device 1, the storage unit 9 is configured as a dolly 31 that is separate from the frame 5, and the dolly 31 is configured to be positioned and installed relative to the frame 5. This ensures that the dolly 31 is reliably positioned relative to the frame 5, etc., and the baskets 3 can be stacked on the dolly 31 and stored reliably. Furthermore, the stacked baskets 3 can be easily removed from the frame 5.

[0105] The basket stacking device 1 is also provided with a disinfectant spraying unit 43 that sprays disinfectant onto the baskets 3 being transported by the transport unit 7. This allows the baskets 3 to be disinfected and devirused almost simultaneously when multiple baskets 3 are stacked. If the disinfectant spraying unit 43 were not used, for example, alcohol would have to be sprayed manually using a sprayer or the like on each basket 3, which would increase the number of man-hours required and could result in the alcohol not being sprayed evenly.

[0106] In the above description, the arc-shaped portion 75 is formed at the tip of the contact body 25, but as shown in Fig. 15, the tip portion 107 of the contact body 25 may be formed in a flat plate shape. The one shown in Fig. 15 is configured in the same way as the one shown in Fig. 4, except that the tip portion 107 is formed in a flat plate shape. Also, it operates in the same way as the one shown in Fig. 4.

[0107] The abutment body 25 of the posture adjustment unit 11 according to the modified example shown in Fig. 15 is configured to swing relative to the frame 5, with a predetermined central axis as the swing center. The abutment body 25 is configured so that the tip end 107 comes into contact with the flange 21 of the car 3, thereby adjusting the posture of the car 3. The tip end 107 of the abutment body 25 is formed in a plate shape (for example, a flat plate shape).

[0108] 15, the abutment body 25 is configured to include an abutment body main body portion 59, a first main body portion support member 61, and a second main body portion support member 63. The abutment body main body portion 59 is configured to include a first portion 69, a second portion 71, a third portion 73, and a fourth portion (tip portion) 107.

[0109] The contact body main body 59 including the fourth portion 107 has a constant width. The width direction of the contact body main body 59 including the fourth portion 107 is the horizontal direction. When viewed in the horizontal direction, the fourth portion 107 extends rearward and upward from the upper end of the third portion 71.

[0110] The flange 21 of the basket 3 and the tip 107 of the abutment body 25 are configured to be in approximate line contact with each other. Note that if the handle (not shown) of the basket 3 protrudes slightly rearward from the flange 21, the tip 107 of the abutment body 25 may come into contact with the handle.

[0111] The contact area (line contact area) 109 between the flange portion 21 of the basket 3 and the tip portion 107 of the abutment body 25 is roughly parallel to the central axis of the swing center of the abutment body 25 and extends in the extension direction (horizontal direction) of the central axis of the swing center of the abutment body 25.

[0112] By abutting the plate-shaped tip 107 of the abutting body 25 against the flange 21 of the basket 3, the basket 3 is allowed to fall while maintaining a horizontal state, compared to when an arc-shaped portion 75 is provided at the plate-shaped tip of the abutting body 25 as shown in Fig. 4 etc. In other words, when the basket 3 that has been transported in a horizontal position by the transport section 7 falls, the position of the basket 3 becomes closer to horizontal, compared to when the abutting body 25 is provided with the arc-shaped portion 75.

[0113] Although the present embodiment has been described above, the present embodiment is not limited to this, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0114] 1. Basket stacking device 3 baskets 5 frames 7. Conveyor section (belt conveyor) 9 Storage section 11 Posture adjustment section 15 Side plate part 21 Tsuba 25 Contact body 27 Shaft member 29 Bearing material 31 Cart 43 Disinfectant spraying section 107 Tip

Claims

1. The frame and a conveying unit provided on the frame and configured to convey a placed basket in a predetermined horizontal direction or a predetermined direction slightly inclined relative to the horizontal direction; a storage unit that stacks and stores the baskets that have been transported by the transport unit and dropped from the transport unit; a posture adjusting unit provided on the frame for adjusting the posture of the basket so that the baskets conveyed by the conveying unit fall from the conveying unit and are stacked and stored in the storage unit; and the attitude adjustment unit is configured to include a contact body that swings relative to the frame, The abutment body is configured to swing relative to the frame around a predetermined central axis, The abutment body is configured to adjust the position of the basket by abutting against the flange and side plate of the basket.

2. The frame and a conveying unit provided on the frame and configured to convey a placed basket in a predetermined horizontal direction or a predetermined direction slightly inclined relative to the horizontal direction; a storage unit that stacks and stores the baskets that have been transported by the transport unit and dropped from the transport unit; a posture adjusting unit provided on the frame for adjusting the posture of the basket so that the baskets conveyed by the conveying unit fall from the conveying unit and are stacked and stored in the storage unit; and the attitude adjustment unit is configured to include a contact body that swings relative to the frame, The abutment body is configured to swing relative to the frame around a predetermined central axis, A basket stacking device in which the abutment body is configured so that its tip abuts against the flange portion of the basket to adjust the posture of the basket, and the tip of the abutment body is formed in a plate shape.

3. The abutment body is provided with a shaft member, and the frame is provided with a bearing material, the bearing member is formed of a cylindrical member, and the portion of the shaft member that engages with the bearing member is formed of a columnar portion, a cylindrical portion of the shaft member is inserted into the bearing member, so that the abutment body swings relative to the frame; 3. The basket stacking device according to claim 1, wherein the inner diameter of said bearing member is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of said shaft member.

4. The storage unit is configured by a cart that is separate from the frame, 4. The basket stacking device according to claim 1, wherein the cart is configured to be positioned and installed relative to the frame.

5. The basket stacking device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a disinfectant spraying section that sprays a disinfectant onto the basket being transported by the transport section.

Images