Linear transport processing apparatus

Abstract

To provide a linear transportation processing device capable of processing a plurality of different types of products.SOLUTION: Linear shuttles running on a circular transporting passage 14 are provided with chucks capable of holding package bags and holding members capable of holding cartons to hold the package bags and cartons with the chucks and the holding members of the linear shuttles adjacent to each other in a running direction. The circular transporting passage 14 is provided with a bag processing transporting passage 12 transporting / processing the package bags and a carton processing transporting passage 13 transporting / processing the cartons. Package bag processing means 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 are arranged along the bag processing transporting passage 12 and carton processing means 36, 37, 38 are arranged along the processing transporting passage 13.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a linear transfer processing apparatus that conveys articles by a shuttle traveling along a rail by linear motor drive and performs predetermined processing.

Background Art

[0002] As an article transfer processing apparatus, for reasons such as the freedom of transfer operation and the compatibility of the types and sizes of articles to be transferred, a linear motor-driven linear transfer processing apparatus is proposed in which a shuttle capable of holding an article is configured to travel along a rail by linear motor drive (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In the linear transfer processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, a shuttle provided with permanent magnets is supported on a rail provided with electromagnetic coils so as to be able to travel by the attracting action of magnetic force, and by controlling the energization of the electromagnetic coils, the shuttle holding the article is configured to move along the rail.

[0003] In the linear transfer processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, holding members are provided on each shuttle, and the front and rear of a box-shaped container to be processed are held and conveyed by the holding members of a pair of adjacent shuttles. Further, in the linear transfer processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 2, grippers are provided on each shuttle, and the front and rear of a packaging bag to be processed are sandwiched and conveyed by the grippers of a pair of adjacent shuttles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] While the aforementioned linear conveying apparatus excels in terms of flexibility in conveying operations and versatility in handling different types and sizes of items, currently, when processing different types of items, such as box-shaped containers and packaging bags, separate lines are configured and installed in the factory for processing box-shaped containers and packaging bags. This has led to problems such as increased installation space and higher introduction costs.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a linear conveying apparatus capable of processing multiple articles of different types. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This Vow First solution The linear transport processing device is A linear transport processing device equipped with a circular transport path (14) on which multiple shuttles (17A, 17B) can travel, The aforementioned circular transport path (14) includes a plurality of processing transport paths (12, 13) for transporting and processing items of different types (10, 11). Along each processing and transport path (12, 13), a plurality of processing means (28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38) are arranged to perform predetermined processing on corresponding types of articles (10, 11). The shuttle (17A, 17B) is equipped with holding means (15, 16) capable of holding at least one type of article (10, 11), Each processing and transport path (12, 13) is configured to process corresponding types of articles (10, 11) held and transported by shuttles (17A, 17B) using processing means (28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38). This configuration According to this research, by configuring a circular transport path from multiple processing and transport paths capable of handling different types of goods, the installation space required for the equipment can be reduced compared to the case where multiple lines are provided to handle different types of goods, thereby reducing equipment costs.

[0008] Second solutionThe circular transport path (14) is characterized by comprising a first processing transport path (12) for processing packaging bags (10) as articles, and a second processing transport path (13) for processing cartons (11) as articles. This configuration According to this, packaging bags and cartons with different processing configurations can be transported and processed using a single circular transport path.

[0009] Third solution The shuttle (17A, 17B) is characterized by comprising a first holding means (15) capable of holding the packaging bag (10) and a second holding means (16) capable of holding the carton (11). This configuration According to this, the shuttles that hold the packaging bags and cartons can be standardized, thus reducing the number of parts.

[0010] Fourth solution The shuttle (17A, 17B) includes a first shuttle (17A) having the first holding means (15) on the front side in the direction of travel and the second holding means (16) on the rear side, and a second shuttle (17B) having the second holding means (16) on the front side in the direction of travel and the first holding means (15) on the rear side. In the first processing and transport path (12), the packaging bag (10) is held by first holding means (15, 15) facing the direction of travel of the first shuttle (17A) and the second shuttle (17B), and in the second processing and transport path (13), the carton (11) is held by second holding means (17B) facing the direction of travel of the first shuttle (17A) and the second shuttle (17B). This configuration According to this, by using different combinations of shuttles for holding the corresponding packaging bags or cartons in the first processing and transporting path and the second processing and transporting path, the corresponding packaging bags and cartons can be held and transported without interference between the first holding means and the second holding means.

[0011] Fifth SolutionThen, the circular conveyance path (14) is composed of two straight portions (12, 13) arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other, and two arc-shaped portions (19) connecting one ends and the other ends of both straight portions (12, 13). The plurality of processing conveyance paths (12, 13) are configured to include one of the two straight portions (12, 13). [[ID=三]] This configuration According to this, since the straight portion of the circular conveyance path is configured as the processing conveyance path, various articles can be processed while being linearly conveyed, and accurate processing can be performed on each article.

Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, predetermined processing can be performed on a plurality of articles of different types, such as packaging bags and cartons, respectively. [[ID=四]]

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] [Figure 1] It is an explanatory plan view showing a schematic configuration of a linear conveyance processing apparatus. [Figure 2] It is a front view showing a linear shuttle, (a) shows a state of holding a packaging bag, and (b) shows a state of holding a carton. [Figure 3A] It is a schematic front view showing each station in a bag processing conveyance path, (a) shows a bag receiving station, and (b) shows a bag opening station and an air blowing station. [Figure 3B] It is a schematic front view showing each station in a bag processing conveyance path, (a) shows a product filling station, and (b) shows a zipper crimping station, a sealing station, and a discharging station. [Figure 4A] It is a schematic front view showing each station in a carton processing conveyance path, (a) shows a carton receiving station, and (b) shows a product loading station. [Figure 4B]It is a schematic front view showing each station in the carton processing conveyance path, where (a) shows the flap bending station and (b) shows the discharge station.

Mode for Carrying out the Invention

[0014] Next, a preferred embodiment of the linear conveyance processing apparatus according to the present invention will be given and described below while referring to the accompanying drawings.

Embodiment

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the linear conveyance processing apparatus includes a circular conveyance path 14 having a plurality of processing conveyance paths 12, 13 for conveying and processing different types of articles 10, 11, and a plurality of linear shuttles (shuttles) 17A, 17B that are capable of traveling along the circular conveyance path 14 by driving with a linear motor and that include holding means 15, 16 capable of holding the articles 10, 11, and a plurality of processing means 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 36, 37, 38 that are arranged along each of the processing conveyance paths 12, 13 and that perform predetermined processing on the corresponding types of articles 10, 11 held and conveyed by the linear shuttles 17A, 17B traveling on the processing conveyance paths 12, 13. The circular conveyance path 14 is composed of guide rails 18 that extend along the conveyance path 14 and on which the linear shuttles 17A, 17B can travel, and the guide rails 18 are formed in a loop shape that circulates from two straight portions 12, 13 that are parallel to each other and two arcuate return portions (arcuate portions) 19, 19 that connect the two straight portions 12, 13.

[0016] As shown in Figure 2, the linear conveying apparatus of the embodiment is configured to process packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 as articles. One linear section 12 is configured as a bag processing conveying path (first processing conveying path) 12 for processing packaging bags 10, and the other linear section 13 is configured as a carton processing conveying path (second processing conveying path) 13 for processing cartons 11. Each linear shuttle 17A, 17B is equipped with a chuck 15 as a first holding means capable of holding a packaging bag 10 and a holding member 16 as a second holding means capable of holding a carton 11. As will be described later, the packaging bag 10 or carton 11 is held using the chucks 15, 15 or holding members 16, 16 of two linear shuttles 17A, 17B adjacent to each other in the direction of travel and conveyed along the guide rail 18.

[0017] As shown in Figure 2, the guide rail 18 consists of a linear guide 20 with coils built into it along the entire length of the transport track, grooved rails 21 and flat rails 22 positioned close to and above and below the linear guide 20. The grooved rail 21 has V-grooves 21a formed on its circumferential side surface that extend in the circumferential direction (the linear shuttle's travel path), and the flat rail 22 has a flat surface on its circumferential side. Permanent magnets are provided on the shuttle bodies 23 of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B, and the magnetic force of these permanent magnets attracts the shuttle bodies 23 to the surface of the linear guide 20. With the first guide roller 25 (described later) fitted into the V-grooves 21a of the grooved rail 21 and in close contact, and the second guide roller 27 in contact with the surface of the flat rail 22, the power supply to the coils is controlled, and the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are driven by a linear motor to travel along the guide rail 18. Furthermore, the linear guide 20 is configured such that a magnetic force acts on a ferromagnetic material made of iron or other metal that attracts magnets, or on the iron core of the coil, to attract the permanent magnet of the shuttle body 23. Even when the coil is not energized, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are held in place by the magnetic force relative to the guide rail 18.

[0018] As shown in Figure 2, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are provided with holders 24 extending upward from the shuttle body 23, and two first guide rollers 25 are pivotally supported on the holders 24 so as to be freely rotatable. The first guide rollers 25 fit into the V-grooves 21a of the guide rail 18 to guide the movement of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B. In addition, two second guide rollers 27 are supported so as to be freely rotatable on a sub-holder 26 that protrudes downward from the shuttle body 23. The second guide rollers 27 are configured to rotate with their outer surfaces in contact with the surface of a flat rail 22 provided on the guide rail 18. Then, as the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are attracted to the guide rail 18 by magnetic force, the first guide roller 25 fits into the V-groove 21a of the grooved rail 21, and the outer surface of the second guide roller 27 comes into contact with the surface of the flat rail 22. This creates a gap between the opposing surfaces of the linear guide 20 provided on the guide rail 18 and the shuttle body 23, allowing the linear shuttles 17A and 17B to travel freely along the guide rail 18.

[0019] As shown in Figure 2, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are provided with a chuck 15 capable of holding the packaging bag 10 on one side in the direction of travel, and a holding member 16 capable of holding the carton 11 on the other side. In this embodiment, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B include a first linear shuttle (first shuttle) 17A which has a chuck 15 on the front side in the direction of travel and a holding member 16 on the rear side, and a second linear shuttle (second shuttle) 17B which has a holding member 16 on the front side in the direction of travel and a chuck 15 on the rear side. The circular transport path 14 is configured so that the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B travel alternately in the direction of travel. The chuck 15 is equipped with clamping pieces 15a, 15a (only one is shown) that can be opened and closed in the front-rear direction intersecting the direction of travel, and both clamping pieces 15a, 15a are always biased in the closing direction by a spring, and is configured to hold the left and right ends of a packaging bag 10 supplied between the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which are adjacent in the direction of travel so that the chucks 15, 15 face each other in the bag receiving station S1 described later, by clamping them with both chucks 15, 15 (see Figure 2(a)). The holding member 16 is a plate-shaped member, and is configured to hold a carton 11 supplied between the second linear shuttle 17B and the first linear shuttle 17A, which are adjacent in the direction of travel so that the holding members 16, 16 face each other in the carton receiving station K1 described later, by clamping it from both the left and right sides with the holding members 16, 16 by narrowing the distance between the two linear shuttles 17A and 17B (see Figure 2(b)).

[0020] As shown in Figures 1, 3A, and 3B, the bag processing transport path 12 has processing stations arranged in order from upstream to downstream, in relation to the direction of travel of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B that travel along the bag processing transport path 12. These processing stations consist of a bag receiving station S1, a bag opening station S2, an air blowing station S3, a product filling station S4, a zipper crimping station S5, a sealing station S6, and a discharge station S7. Each station S1 to S7 in the bag processing transport path 12 is equipped with processing means 28, 30, 32, 33, and 34 that perform predetermined processing on the packaging bags 10 held by the linear shuttles 17A and 17B.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3A(a), the bag receiving station S1 is equipped with a zipper opening means 28, which serves as a processing means for opening the clamping pieces 15a, 15a of the zippers 15 on a plurality of (four in this embodiment) linear shuttles 17A, 17B located at the bag receiving station S1. Corresponding to the bag receiving station S1, a bag supply means 29 is positioned outside the bag processing transport path 12 to supply packaging bags 10 in an upward-facing position between the clamping pieces 15a, 15a opened by the zipper opening means 28 between adjacent first linear shuttles 17A and second linear shuttles 17B, which are positioned so that the zippers 15, 15 face each other in the direction of travel. In this embodiment, the bag supply means 29 is configured to supply two packaging bags 10 to the four linear shuttles 17A, 17B located at the bag receiving station S1 (two pairs of a first linear shuttle 17A and a second linear shuttle 17B). When the packaging bag 10 is supplied, the zipper release mechanism 28 releases the clamping pieces 15a, 15a, and the spring closes the clamping pieces 15a, 15a, so that the left and right ends of the packaging bag 10 are clamped by the clamping pieces 15a, 15a.

[0022] As shown in Figure 3A(b), the bag opening station S2 is equipped with a bag opening means 30, which serves as a processing means for opening the opening of the packaging bag 10 held by a pair of zippers 15, 15. The bag opening means 30 comprises two suction parts 30a, 30a (only one shown) positioned opposite each other on either side of the packaging bag 10, and an operating means (not shown) such as an air cylinder that moves the suction parts 30a, 30a closer to and further apart from each other. The bag opening means 30 is configured to open the bag opening by moving the two suction parts 30a, 30a closer to each other and adsorbing the front and rear surfaces of the packaging bag 10, and then moving the two suction parts 30a, 30a further apart from each other. When opening the bag opening, the pair of linear shuttles 17A, 17B that hold the packaging bag 10 are moved to narrow their distance from each other, allowing the opening of the bag opening while maintaining the hold by the zippers 15.

[0023] As shown in Figure 3A(b), the air blowing station S3 is equipped with an air blowing means 31, which is a processing means for blowing air into the opening of a packaging bag 10 whose opening has been opened by the bag opening means 30 at the bag opening station S2, in order to further open the opening of the bag. The air blowing means 31 is equipped with an air nozzle 31a, and is configured to blow air into the bag from the air nozzle 31a with the air nozzle 31a facing the opening of the bag.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3B(a), the product filling station S4 is equipped with a product filling means 32, which is a processing means for filling products into packaging bags 10 whose openings have been opened by the air blowing station S3. In this embodiment, two product filling means 32 are arranged side by side in the direction of travel to fill products into two packaging bags 10 held by four linear shuttles 17A, 17B located at the product filling station S4, so that the product filling station S4 can fill products into four packaging bags 10. Each product filling means 32 is equipped with two filling hoppers 32a for filling products supplied from a supply source (not shown) into the packaging bags 10, and is configured to fill a predetermined amount of product into the bags from the filling hoppers 32a with the filling hoppers 32a facing the openings of the bags.

[0025] In this embodiment, the packaging bag 10 is a zippered bag equipped with a known openable and closable zipper consisting of a male interlocking portion and a female interlocking portion, extending in the width direction (travel direction). As shown in Figure 3B(b), the zipper crimping station S5 is equipped with a zipper crimping means 33, which is a processing means for closing the bag opening by crimping the male interlocking portion and the female interlocking portion of the zipper that is pre-attached to the packaging bag 10 so that they interlock. The sealing station S6 is equipped with a sealing means 34, which is a processing means for sealing the packaging bag 10 along its entire length in the width direction (travel direction) above the zipper that has been crimped at the zipper crimping station S5.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3B(b), the discharge station S7 is equipped with the same zipper release mechanism 28 as that provided at the bag receiving station S1. By opening the zippers 15, 15 of the linear shuttles 17A, 17B located at the discharge station S7 using the zipper release mechanism 28, the packaging bags 10 are released. The released packaging bags 10 are then supplied to the next process, such as a transport conveyor, via a chute.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1, 4A, and 4B, the carton processing transport path 13 has processing stations consisting of a carton receiving station K1, a product input station K2, a flap folding station K3, and a discharge station K4 arranged in order from upstream to downstream, in relation to the direction of travel of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B that travel along the carton processing transport path 13. Processing means 36, 37, and 38 that perform predetermined processing on the cartons 11 held by the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are arranged at each of the stations K1 to K4.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, the carton supply means 35 is positioned outside the carton processing and transport path 13, corresponding to the carton receiving station K1. The carton supply means 35 supplies cartons 11, which are box-shaped and have open tops formed in a box-making section (not shown), between the opposing holding members 16, 16 of the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which are positioned at the carton receiving station K1 so that their holding members 16, 16 face each other in the direction of travel. As shown in Figure 4A(a), the carton supply means 35 of this embodiment is configured to supply four cartons 11 at once to eight linear shuttles 17A, 17B (four pairs of a first linear shuttle 17A and a second linear shuttle 17B) positioned at the carton receiving station K1. When a carton 11 is supplied between two adjacent linear shuttles 17A and 17B, with the holding members 16, 16 facing each other, the two linear shuttles 17A and 17B move so that the distance between them narrows, and the opposing holding members 16, 16 hold the body 11a of the carton 11 between them. The carton receiving station K1 is also equipped with a carton support means 36 as a processing means, which includes a support member 36a that supports the bottom surface of the carton 11 supplied between the adjacent linear shuttles 17A and 17B by the carton supply means 35, and a shaping member 36b that pushes the rear flap 11b, which extends upward from the rear (guide rail side) panel that constitutes the body 11a, backward (outward) to give it a shape. The carton support means 36 moves the support member 36a up and down between a lower retracted position and a support position that supports the bottom surface of the carton, and moves the shaping member 36b up and down between an upper retracted position and a shaping position that shapes the rear flap 11b.

[0029] As shown in Figure 4A(b), the product input station K2 is equipped with a product input means 37, which is a processing means for inputting products into cartons 11 held by the linear shuttles 17, 17. The product input means 37 in this embodiment is equipped with four input chutes 37a arranged in the direction of travel for inputting products into four cartons 11 held by eight linear shuttles 17A, 17B located at the product input station K2, and the product input station K2 is configured to be able to input products into four cartons 11.

[0030] As shown in Figure 4B(a), the flap bending station K3 is equipped with a flap bending means 38, which is a processing means for bending the side flaps 11c, 11c that extend upward from the left and right side panels constituting the body portion 11a of the carton 11 inward, and also for bending the rear flap 11b inward. The flap bending means 38 comprises a movable bending member 38a for bending the upstream side flap 11c and a plurality of fixed bending guides 38b for bending the downstream side flap 11c and the rear flap 11b. The flap bending means 38 is configured to insert the insertion portion provided at the tip of the rear flap 11b into the opening of the body portion 11a using the bending guides 38b.

[0031] The discharge station K4 is equipped with a chute (not shown) that supplies the carton 11, whose holding has been released by widening the gap between the adjacent first linear shuttle 17A and second linear shuttle 17B, to the next process's transport conveyor. In addition, the discharge station K4 is equipped with guide members 39 that maintain the folded state of the post-folded flaps 11b, which have been folded at the flap folding station K3, and are arranged at a predetermined length along the direction of travel of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B.

[0032] Next, regarding the operation of the linear conveying apparatus according to the embodiment, we will first explain the processing of the packaging bag 10, and then the processing of the carton 11.

[0033] As shown in Figure 3A(a), when a total of four linear shuttles 17A, 17B, consisting of two pairs of first linear shuttles 17A and second linear shuttles 17B, are positioned at the bag receiving station S1 with the chucks 15, 15 facing each other in the direction of travel, the clamping pieces 15a, 15a of the chucks 15, 15 are opened by the chuck release means 28 against the biasing force of the spring. The bag supply means 29 supplies the packaging bag 10 so that its left and right ends face the gap between the opened clamping pieces 15a, 15a. When the clamping pieces 15a, 15a are released by the chuck release mechanism 28, the clamping pieces 15a, 15a close due to the biasing force of the spring, and the left and right ends of the packaging bag 10 are clamped, and the packaging bag 10 is held between the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which are adjacent in the direction of travel, with the opening of the bag facing upward.

[0034] When the receiving process of the packaging bags 10 at the bag receiving station S1 is completed, the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bags 10 are moved to and positioned at the bag opening station S2 by linear motor drive. Also, when the linear shuttle 17 holding the packaging bags 10 moves downstream from the bag receiving station S1, the empty linear shuttles 17A and 17B that do not hold the packaging bags 10 move to and are positioned at the bag receiving station S1. As shown in Figure 3A(b), when the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the bag opening station S2, the suction parts 30a, 30a, which are spaced apart in front of and behind the bag opening means 30, approach each other and suction the front and back surfaces of the packaging bags 10 held by the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which are adjacent in the direction of travel. Then, by separating the suction parts 30a, 30a from each other and narrowing the distance between the linear shuttles 17A, 17B that hold the packaging bag 10 in place with the zipper 15, the opening of the packaging bag 10 is opened.

[0035] Once the opening process of the packaging bag 10 at the bag opening station S2 is completed, the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bag 10 are moved and positioned at the air blowing station S3 by linear motor drive. Also, when the linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bag 10 move downstream from the bag opening station S2, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B that received the packaging bag 10 at the bag receiving station S1 move to the bag opening station S2 and are positioned there. Once the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the air blowing station S3, as shown in Figure 3A(b), air is blown into the bag from the open opening of the packaging bag 10 held by the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B by the air nozzle 31a of the air blowing means 31, and the opening of the packaging bag 10 is opened even wider.

[0036] Once the air blowing process for the packaging bags 10 at the air blowing station S3 is completed, the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bags 10 are moved and positioned at the product filling station S4 by linear motor drive. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3B(a), two product filling means 32 are arranged at the product filling station S4, and when the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B (four pairs of a first linear shuttle 17A and a second linear shuttle 17B) are positioned at the product filling station S4, the product is filled from the filling hopper 32a of the corresponding product filling means 32 into the packaging bags 10 held by the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B. Furthermore, when the linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bags 10 move downstream from the air blowing station S3, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B, which are holding the packaging bags 10 whose openings have been opened at the bag opening station S2, move to the air blowing station S3 and are positioned there.

[0037] Once the product filling process for the packaging bags 10 at the product filling station S4 is complete, the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bags 10 move downstream by linear motor drive, and the four downstream linear shuttles 17A and 17B move to and are positioned at the zipper sealing station S5, while the four upstream linear shuttles 17A and 17B wait upstream of the zipper sealing station S5. Also, when the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the packaging bags 10 move downstream from the product filling station S4, the bag opening is widened at the air blowing station S3, and the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the packaging bags 10 move to and are positioned at the product filling station S4. As shown in Figure 3B(b), when the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the zipper crimping station S5, the zippers attached to each packaging bag 10 held by the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B are crimped by the zipper crimping means 33, closing the bag openings. Once the zipper crimping process for the packaging bags 10 at the zipper crimping station S5 is complete, the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bags 10 are moved and positioned at the sealing station S6 by linear motor drive. The four linear shuttles 17A and 17B that were waiting upstream are also moved and positioned at the zipper crimping station S5 by linear motor drive.

[0038] When the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the sealing station S6, the portion of the packaging bag 10 above the zipper attachment point is sealed along its entire width by the sealing means 34. Once the sealing process for the packaging bag 10 at the sealing station S6 is complete, the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the packaging bag 10 are moved and positioned at the discharge station S7 by linear motor drive. Furthermore, when the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the packaging bag 10 move downstream from the sealing station S6, the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the packaging bag 10 with the zipper crimped at the zipper crimping station S5 move back to the sealing station S6 and are positioned there.

[0039] When the four linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the discharge station S7, the clamping pieces 15a and 15a of the chucks 15, 15 that are holding the packaging bags 10 are released by the chuck release means 28, and the packaging bags 10 fall from the linear shuttles 17A and 17B and are supplied to the next process conveyor via a chute. When the discharge process of the packaging bags 10 at the discharge station S7 is completed, the four empty linear shuttles 17A and 17B that are not holding the packaging bags 10 are moved toward the carton processing conveyor path 13 by linear motor drive. Also, when the linear shuttles 17A and 17B that have released the packaging bags 10 from the discharge station S7 move downstream, the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B that hold the packaging bags 10 that have been sealed at the sealing station S6 move to the discharge station S7 and are positioned there.

[0040] The linear shuttles 17A and 17B, which move from the bag processing transport path 12 to the carton processing transport path 13 via the return section 19 by linear motor drive, are positioned at the carton receiving station K1, as shown in Figure 4A(a), such that in the pair of the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, where the holding members 16, 16 face each other in the direction of travel, the distance between the opposing holding members 16, 16 is wider than the width dimension of the body 11a of the carton 11. When the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the carton receiving station K1, the carton supply means 35 supplies the cartons 11 between the holding members 16, 16 facing each other in the direction of travel, with the opening facing upward. The bottom surface of the cartons 11 is supported by the support member 36a of the carton support means 36, and the rear flap 11b is pushed outward by the shaping member 36b to give it a shape. Furthermore, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B on both sides of the carton 11 move to narrow the gap between them, thereby gripping the body 11a of the carton 11 with the holding members 16 and 16.

[0041] Once the carton receiving process for the cartons 11 at the carton receiving station K1 is complete, the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the cartons 11 are moved to and positioned at the product input station K2 by linear motor drive. When the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the cartons 11 move downstream from the carton receiving station K1, the empty linear shuttles 17A and 17B moving from the bag processing transport path 12 via the return section 19 are positioned at the carton receiving station K1 so that they form pairs with the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B capable of holding the cartons 11. As shown in Figure 4A(b), once the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B are positioned at the product input station K2, products are fed into the cartons 11 held by the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B by the input chute 37a of the product input means 37.

[0042] Once the product loading process for the carton 11 at the product loading station K2 is completed, the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B holding the carton 11 move downstream by linear motor drive. As the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the carton 11 pass through the flap folding station K3, the left and right side flaps 11c and the rear flap 11b are folded inward in a predetermined order by the movable folding member 38a and fixed folding guide 38b of the flap folding means 38, and finally the insertion part of the rear flap 11b is inserted into the carton opening. Also, when the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B holding the carton 11 move downstream from the product loading station K2, the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B that received the carton 11 at the carton receiving station K1 move to the product loading station K2 and are positioned there.

[0043] Once the eight linear shuttles 17A and 17B that have passed through the flap folding station K3 have moved to the discharge station K4 and are positioned there, the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which are adjacent to each other in the direction of travel and are holding the cartons 11 with the holding members 16, 16, are moved to widen the gap between them. As a result, the cartons 11, released from the holding members 16, 16, fall from the linear shuttles 17A and 17B and are supplied to the next conveyor via a chute. When the discharge process of the cartons 11 at the discharge station K4 is completed, the eight empty linear shuttles 17A and 17B that are not holding cartons 11 are moved toward the bag processing conveyor path 12 by linear motor drive and used for the bag conveying process described above in the bag processing conveyor path 12. Furthermore, when the linear shuttles 17A and 17B that have released the cartons 11 from the discharge station K4 move downstream, the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B, which hold the cartons 11 whose flaps have been folded at the flap folding station K3, move to the discharge station K4 and are positioned there.

[0044] In the linear conveying apparatus of this embodiment, processing and conveying paths 12 and 13 for different types of packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 are provided on a single circular conveying path 14, thus reducing the installation space of the apparatus and lowering installation costs. Furthermore, since the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are equipped with a chuck 15 capable of holding the packaging bags 10 and a holding member 16 capable of holding the cartons 11, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B for conveying the packaging bags 10 and the linear shuttles 17A and 17B for conveying the cartons 11 can be made common, reducing the number of parts and lowering equipment costs compared to using dedicated linear shuttles for conveying the packaging bags 10 and cartons 11.

[0045] In the linear conveying apparatus of this embodiment, linear shuttles 17A and 17B are provided, with a first linear shuttle 17A having a chuck 15 on the front side in the direction of travel and a holding member 16 on the rear side, and a second linear shuttle 17B having a holding member 16 on the front side in the direction of travel and a chuck 15 on the rear side. The circular conveying path 14 is configured so that the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B run alternately. In the bag processing conveying path 12, the packaging bag 10 is held by a combination of the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B with chucks 15, 15 facing each other in the direction of travel, and the carton 11 is held by a combination of the first linear shuttle 17A and the second linear shuttle 17B with holding members 16, 16 facing each other in the direction of travel. As a result, the packaging bag 10 and the carton 11 can be selectively held without interference between the chuck 15 and the holding member 16.

[0046] In the linear conveying apparatus of this embodiment, the straight sections 12 and 13 of the circular conveying path 14 are configured as processing conveying paths 12 and 13, so that the packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 can be processed while being conveyed linearly, and accurate processing of the packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 can be performed. Furthermore, since the linear shuttles 17A and 17B hold the corresponding packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 only in the sections where they travel in a straight line, there is no need to provide a means to prevent the spacing between the chucks 15, 15 and holding members 16, 16 of adjacent linear shuttles 17A and 17B in the direction of travel from changing when the linear shuttles 17A and 17B travel through the return section 19, and the configuration of the linear shuttles 17A and 17B can be simplified.

[0047] (Example of change) The present invention is not limited to the configuration of the embodiments, and can be modified as follows, for example. Furthermore, various embodiments can be adopted within the scope of the spirit of the present invention, not limited to the following modified examples, for the configuration described in the embodiments. (1) The packaging bags 10 held by the linear shuttles 17A and 17B are bags that are taken out and supplied from an accumulation section where pre-made bags are accumulated, or bags that are drawn from roll film on the upstream side of the conveying and processing device. tree The strip-shaped film may be processed into bags and supplied as packaging. (2) In the examples, packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 were given as examples of different types of articles, but the articles to be transported are not limited to packaging bags 10 and cartons 11, and can be applied to various other types of articles. 。 (3) The circular transport path 14 is not limited to a loop that moves horizontally, but may also be an embodiment in which the linear shuttles 17A and 17B move in a straight line, or move vertically. (4) The circular transport path 14 is an oval shape formed by connecting two straight sections (processing transport paths) 12 and 13 with a return section (arc-shaped section) 19. However, the circular transport path 14 can be a polygonal shape such as a triangle or quadrilateral formed by connecting three or more straight sections with an arc-shaped section, and a configuration can be adopted in which different items are transported in each straight section. (5) In the embodiment, the straight sections 12 and 13 of the circular transport path 14 were configured as processing transport paths 12 and 13 for processing the packaging bags 10 or cartons 11. However, the processing transport paths 12 and 13 may also include a part of the return section 19, as long as they include the straight sections 12 and 13. (6) In this embodiment, the linear shuttles 17A and 17B adjacent to each other in the direction of travel are configured to hold the packaging bag 10 or carton 11. However, it is also possible to provide each linear shuttle with a holding means capable of holding the packaging bag 10 and carton 11 individually, or to use three or more linear shuttles to cooperate in holding the packaging bag 10 and carton 11. In a configuration where the linear shuttles are equipped with a holding means capable of holding the packaging bag 10 or carton 11 individually, a configuration is adopted in which a bypass circuit capable of driving the linear shuttles with a linear motor is connected to each processing transport path (straight section), thereby enabling efficient transport processing at each processing transport path. (7) The number of packaging bags 10 and cartons 11 processed at each station S1 to S7 and K1 to K4 in the bag processing transport path 12 and the carton processing transport path 13 is not limited to the number shown in the embodiment, but can be set to a number according to the processing capacity, etc. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 10. Packaging bags (for goods), 11. Cartons (for goods) 12. Bag processing and transport path (first processing and transport path, straight section) 13 Carton processing and transport path (second processing and transport path, straight section), 14 Circular transport path 15 Chuck (first holding means), 16 Holding member (second holding means) 17A The first linear shuttle (shuttle, the first shuttle) 17B Second Linear Shuttle (Shuttle, Second Shuttle) 19 Return section (arc-shaped section), 28 Chuck release means (processing means) 30. Bag opening means (processing means), 31. Air blowing means (processing means) 32 Product filling means (processing means), 33 Zipper crimping means (processing means) 34 Sealing means (processing means), 36 Carton support means (processing means) 37. Product input means (processing means), 38. Flap folding means (processing means)

Claims

1. A linear transport processing device equipped with a circular transport path on which multiple shuttles can travel, The aforementioned circular transport path comprises a first processing transport path for transporting and processing a first article, and a second processing transport path for transporting and processing a second article of a different type from the first article. Along each processing and transport path, multiple processing means are arranged to perform predetermined processing on articles of the corresponding type. The shuttle comprises a first holding means capable of holding the first article and a second holding means capable of holding the second article. The shuttle comprises a first shuttle having the first holding means on the front side in the direction of travel and the second holding means on the rear side, and a second shuttle having the second holding means on the front side in the direction of travel and the first holding means on the rear side. In the first processing and transport path, the first article is held by a first holding means facing the direction of travel of the first shuttle and the second shuttle, and in the second processing and transport path, the second article is held by a second holding means facing the direction of travel of the first shuttle and the second shuttle. Each processing and transport path is configured to process corresponding types of articles held and transported by shuttles using processing means. A linear transport processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The aforementioned circular transport path is composed of two straight sections arranged parallel to each other and spaced apart, and two arc-shaped sections connecting one end of each straight section and the other end of each straight section. The linear conveying apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the first and second processing and conveying paths are configured to include one of the two straight sections.

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