U.S. patent application number 16/431435 was filed with the patent office on 2019-12-12 for bag conveyance method and bag conveyance apparatus.
The applicant listed for this patent is TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD.. Invention is credited to Kazuo FUKUNAGA, Shota KAJIHARA, Manabu MORINO.
Application Number | 20190375529 16/431435 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 66751974 |
Filed Date | 2019-12-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190375529 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
MORINO; Manabu ; et
al. |
December 12, 2019 |
BAG CONVEYANCE METHOD AND BAG CONVEYANCE APPARATUS
Abstract
A bag conveyance method includes the steps of: causing a holding
member to hold a bag bundle including a plurality of bags;
delivering the bag bundle in a standing posture from the holding
member to a delivery unit; rotating the delivery unit in such a
manner that a posture of the bag bundle held by the delivery unit
is changed from the standing posture to a lying posture; and
conveying the bag bundle in the lying posture from the delivery
unit to a supply unit.
Inventors: |
MORINO; Manabu;
(Iwakuni-shi, JP) ; FUKUNAGA; Kazuo; (Iwakuni-shi,
JP) ; KAJIHARA; Shota; (Iwakuni-shi, JP) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TOYO JIDOKI CO., LTD. |
Tokyo |
|
JP |
|
|
Family ID: |
66751974 |
Appl. No.: |
16/431435 |
Filed: |
June 4, 2019 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65H 15/02 20130101;
B65H 2301/42266 20130101; B65B 43/18 20130101; B65H 2701/191
20130101; B65G 47/248 20130101; B65H 2301/33222 20130101; B65B
59/003 20190501; B65G 2201/0238 20130101; B65H 5/006 20130101; B65B
43/26 20130101; B65B 43/42 20130101; B65H 2301/33212 20130101; B65H
2301/4222 20130101; B65B 65/00 20130101; B65B 57/04 20130101; B65H
2301/42242 20130101; B65B 43/12 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 43/12 20060101
B65B043/12; B65B 43/26 20060101 B65B043/26; B65B 43/42 20060101
B65B043/42 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 6, 2018 |
JP |
2018-108767 |
Claims
1. A bag conveyance method comprising the steps of: causing a
holding member to hold a bag bundle including a plurality of bags;
delivering the bag bundle in a standing posture from the holding
member to a delivery unit; rotating the delivery unit in such a
manner that a posture of the bag bundle held by the delivery unit
is changed from the standing posture to a lying posture; and
conveying the bag bundle in the lying posture from the delivery
unit to a supply unit.
2. The bag conveyance method as defined in claim 1, wherein the
holding member approaches the delivery unit from above while
holding the bag bundle, releases the bag bundle to deliver the bag
bundle to the delivery unit, and after releasing the bag bundle,
moves away from the delivery unit upward.
3. A bag conveyance apparatus comprising: a stocker in which a bag
bundle including a plurality of bags is accommodated; a holding
member which picks up and holds the bag bundle accommodated in the
stocker; a posture change mechanism which includes a delivery unit
to which the bag bundle in a standing posture is delivered from the
holding member, and a rotation mechanism which rotates the delivery
unit to change a posture of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit from the standing posture to a lying posture; and a conveyance
unit which includes a push unit and a conveyance drive mechanism
driving the push unit, and causes the conveyance drive mechanism to
drive the push unit in such a manner that the push unit moves the
bag bundle in the lying posture from the delivery unit toward a
supply unit.
4. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: the
plurality of posture change mechanisms are provided, and the
plurality of conveyance units are provided and are assigned to the
plurality of posture change mechanisms respectively.
5. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: the
delivery unit has an opening part, a first wall part which faces
the opening part, and a second wall part which extends in a
direction forming 90 degrees with respect to a direction in which
the first wall part extends, the holding member delivers the bag
bundle to the delivery unit through the opening part, the bag
bundle in the standing posture delivered from the holding member is
placed on the first wall part, and the bag bundle in the lying
posture held by the delivery unit is placed on the second wall
part.
6. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein: the
delivery unit has an opening part, a first wall part which faces
the opening part, and a second wall part which extends in a
direction forming 90 degrees with respect to a direction in which
the first wall part extends, the holding member delivers the bag
bundle to the delivery unit through the opening part, the bag
bundle in the standing posture delivered from the holding member is
placed on the first wall part, and the bag bundle in the lying
posture held by the delivery unit is placed on the second wall
part.
7. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 3, wherein: the
delivery unit has a groove which extends toward the supply unit,
and the push unit is driven by the conveyance drive mechanism to
travel in the groove to move the bag bundle from the delivery unit
toward the supply unit.
8. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 4, wherein: the
delivery unit has a groove which extends toward the supply unit,
and the push unit is driven by the conveyance drive mechanism to
travel in the groove to move the bag bundle from the delivery unit
toward the supply unit.
9. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 5, wherein: the
delivery unit has a groove which extends toward the supply unit,
and the push unit is driven by the conveyance drive mechanism to
travel in the groove to move the bag bundle from the delivery unit
toward the supply unit.
10. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 6, wherein:
the delivery unit has a groove which extends toward the supply
unit, and the push unit is driven by the conveyance drive mechanism
to travel in the groove to move the bag bundle from the delivery
unit toward the supply unit.
11. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising a
guide member which is able to be placed in a regulation position
for restricting a position of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit and in a retreat position for not restricting a position of
the bag bundle held by the delivery unit, wherein, the delivery
unit has a cutout portion, and the guide member placed in the
regulation position is located in the cutout portion, and the guide
member placed in the retreat position is located outside the cutout
portion.
12. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 4 comprising a
guide member which is able to be placed in a regulation position
for restricting a position of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit and in a retreat position for not restricting a position of
the bag bundle held by the delivery unit, wherein, the delivery
unit has a cutout portion, and the guide member placed in the
regulation position is located in the cutout portion, and the guide
member placed in the retreat position is located outside the cutout
portion.
13. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 5 comprising a
guide member which is able to be placed in a regulation position
for restricting a position of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit and in a retreat position for not restricting a position of
the bag bundle held by the delivery unit, wherein, the delivery
unit has a cutout portion, and the guide member placed in the
regulation position is located in the cutout portion, and the guide
member placed in the retreat position is located outside the cutout
portion.
14. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 6 comprising a
guide member which is able to be placed in a regulation position
for restricting a position of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit and in a retreat position for not restricting a position of
the bag bundle held by the delivery unit, wherein, the delivery
unit has a cutout portion, and the guide member placed in the
regulation position is located in the cutout portion, and the guide
member placed in the retreat position is located outside the cutout
portion.
15. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 3 comprising a
detection unit, wherein, the push unit arranges the bag bundle in a
supply position of the supply unit, the detection unit detects
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position, and the
conveyance drive mechanism drives the push unit according to
detection result of the detection unit in such a manner that a new
bag bundle is conveyed toward the supply position according to
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position.
16. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 4 comprising a
detection unit, wherein, the push unit arranges the bag bundle in a
supply position of the supply unit, the detection unit detects
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position, and the
conveyance drive mechanism drives the push unit according to
detection result of the detection unit in such a manner that a new
bag bundle is conveyed toward the supply position according to
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position.
17. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 5 comprising a
detection unit, wherein, the push unit arranges the bag bundle in a
supply position of the supply unit, the detection unit detects
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position, and the
conveyance drive mechanism drives the push unit according to
detection result of the detection unit in such a manner that a new
bag bundle is conveyed toward the supply position according to
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position.
18. The bag conveyance apparatus as defined in claim 6 comprising a
detection unit, wherein, the push unit arranges the bag bundle in a
supply position of the supply unit, the detection unit detects
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position, and the
conveyance drive mechanism drives the push unit according to
detection result of the detection unit in such a manner that a new
bag bundle is conveyed toward the supply position according to
presence or absence of a bag in the supply position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is based upon and claims the benefit of
priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-108767, filed on
Jun. 6, 2018; the entire contents of which are incorporated herein
by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates to a bag conveyance method and
a bag conveyance apparatus which convey a bag bundle.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] In order to convey many bags at one time, it has been
practiced to convey a bag bundle including a plurality of bags
(e.g., package bags). For example, according to an apparatus
disclosed in Japanese patent application publication No.
2006-001598, a bag bundle is taken out of a magazine one by one and
stored in a tray, and the bag bundle is further taken out of the
tray and placed on a conveyor and conveyed to the subsequent
stage.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Technical Problem
[0004] Each bag contained in a bag bundle which the apparatus of
Japanese patent application publication No. 2006-001598 conveys is
a so-called flat bag. If each bag has a uniform thickness
throughout as in a flat bag, a plurality of bags can be easily and
tidily stacked on top of one another and the thickness of a bag
bundle is nearly uniform. On the other hand, in a case of a bag
which locally has a thick part as in a zippered bag or a
self-standing bag, the thickness of a bag bundle also increases
locally. In such a bag bundle, it is difficult to stack a large
number of bags in order at the locally thickened part. Therefore,
in order to stably hold a bag bundle in a case where each bag
locally has a large thickness, it is preferable to hold a part of
the bag bundle having a uniform thickness (for example, a part
corresponding to the middle portion of each bag).
[0005] Meanwhile, in order to hold and release a bag bundle by a
holding member such as a gripper, it is required to secure a space
(Le., motion space) necessary for the operation. For example, when
a bag bundle is released from a holding member and placed on a
predetermined placement unit, it is required to cause the holding
member to perform a release operation above the placement unit to
release the bag bundle and thereafter to move to a position where
the holding member does not interfere with the placement unit.
Thus, in order to properly release a bag bundle from the holding
member, it is necessary to secure a space for the releasing
operation and the evacuating operation of the holding member, in
the vicinity of the placement unit. These releasing and evacuating
operations are required to be performed while a collision between
the holding member and other members is prevented, and in
particular, in order to perform the evacuating operation, it is
necessary to secure a relatively large space as the motion space
for the holding member. For example, when a bag bundle is placed on
the placement unit in a laid state (i.e., lying posture), the
holding member is required to be moved a relatively long distance
in a horizontal direction (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the
vertical direction; e.g., the width direction of each bag) in order
to perform the evacuating operation.
[0006] Meanwhile, in many cases, various members are arranged in
the vicinity of the placement unit in the horizontal direction, and
for example, a side guide for restricting the width direction
position of a bag bundle in sending out the bag bundle on the
placement unit toward the subsequent stage is installed in the
vicinity of the placement unit. If the holding member places a bag
bundle in a lying posture on the placement unit in such a
conveyance apparatus, it is required to devise the installation
mode of members such as the side guide or to secure a larger motion
space for the evacuating operation of the holding member, in order
to prevent a collision between the holding member and the members
such as the side guide. However, changing the installation mode of
members such as the side guide is not always easy. In addition,
securing a large motion space in the horizontal direction leads to
an increase in the size of the entire apparatus in the horizontal
direction. In particular, in a case where a plurality of placement
units are arranged in the horizontal direction, the holding member
needs to avoid a collision with another placement unit installed
adjacent to the corresponding placement unit or the like, and
therefore it is necessary to secure a larger motion space.
[0007] Further, from the viewpoint of preventing an increase in
size of the apparatus in the horizontal direction, it is preferable
to deliver a bag bundle in a standing posture from the holding
member to the placement unit. In this case, the holding member can
be moved in the height direction (that is, the direction parallel
to the vertical direction) in order to perform the evacuating
operation. Therefore, the motion space for the evacuating operation
of the holding member can be largely secured in the height
direction, and the expansion of the motion space in the horizontal
direction can be curbed.
[0008] However, in some cases, it is required to supply a bag
bundle in a lying posture to a stage subsequent to the placement
unit. If a bag bundle being in a standing posture is delivered to
the placement unit in such an apparatus, it is necessary to change
the posture of the bag bundle from the standing posture to a lying
posture. In order to meet the demand, it is conceivable to provide
a separate mechanism for changing the posture of a bag bundle
between the placement unit and the subsequent stage. However,
providing such a separate mechanism leads to an increase in the
overall size of the apparatus in the horizontal direction.
[0009] The present invention has been made in view of the
above-mentioned circumstances, and it is an object of the present
invention to provide an apparatus and a method capable of
delivering a bag bundle being in a standing posture from a holding
member to a delivery unit and of delivering a bag bundle being in a
lying posture from the delivery unit to a supply unit while
preventing enlargement of the apparatus in the horizontal
direction.
Solution to Problem
[0010] One aspect of the present invention is directed to a bag
conveyance method comprising the steps of: causing a holding member
to hold a bag bundle including a plurality of bags; delivering the
bag bundle in a standing posture from the holding member to a
delivery unit; rotating the delivery unit in such a manner that a
posture of the bag bundle held by the delivery unit is changed from
the standing posture to a lying posture; and conveying the bag
bundle in the lying posture from the delivery unit to a supply
unit.
[0011] The holding member may approach the delivery unit from above
while holding the bag bundle, may release the bag bundle to deliver
the bag bundle to the delivery unit, and may, after releasing the
bag bundle, move away from the delivery unit upward.
[0012] Another aspect of the present invention is directed to a bag
conveyance apparatus comprising: a stocker in which a bag bundle
including a plurality of bags is accommodated; a holding member
which picks up and holds the bag bundle accommodated in the
stocker; a posture change mechanism which includes a delivery unit
to which the bag bundle in a standing posture is delivered from the
holding member, and a rotation mechanism which rotates the delivery
unit to change a posture of the bag bundle held by the delivery
unit from the standing posture to a lying posture; and a conveyance
unit which includes a push unit and a conveyance drive mechanism
driving the push unit, and causes the conveyance drive mechanism to
drive the push unit in such a manner that the push unit moves the
bag bundle in the lying posture from the delivery unit toward a
supply unit.
[0013] The plurality of posture change mechanisms may be provided,
and the plurality of conveyance units may be provided and be
assigned to the plurality of posture change mechanisms
respectively.
[0014] The delivery unit may have an opening part, a first wall
part which faces the opening part, and a second wall part which
extends in a direction forming 90 degrees with respect to a
direction in which the first wall part extends, the holding member
may deliver the bag bundle to the delivery unit through the opening
part, the bag bundle in the standing posture delivered from the
holding member may be placed on the first wall part, and the bag
bundle in the lying posture held by the delivery unit may be placed
on the second wall part.
[0015] The delivery unit may have a groove which extends toward the
supply unit, and the push unit may be driven by the conveyance
drive mechanism to travel in the groove to move the bag bundle from
the delivery unit toward the supply unit.
[0016] The bag conveyance apparatus may comprise a guide member
which is able to be placed in a regulation position for restricting
a position of the bag bundle held by the delivery unit and in a
retreat position for not restricting a position of the bag bundle
held by the delivery unit, wherein, the delivery unit may have a
cutout portion, and the guide member placed in the regulation
position may be located in the cutout portion, and the guide member
placed in the retreat position may be located outside the cutout
portion.
[0017] The bag conveyance apparatus may comprise a detection unit,
wherein, the push unit may arrange the bag bundle in a supply
position of the supply unit, the detection unit may detect presence
or absence of a bag in the supply position, and the conveyance
drive mechanism may drive the push unit according to detection
result of the detection unit in such a manner that a new bag bundle
is conveyed toward the supply position according to presence or
absence of a bag in the supply position.
[0018] According to the present invention, while enlargement of the
apparatus in the horizontal direction is prevented, a bag bundle
being in a standing posture can be delivered from a holding member
to a delivery unit and a bag bundle being in a lying posture can be
delivered from the delivery unit to a supply unit.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bag conveyance system.
[0020] FIG. 2 is a side view of a bag conveyance apparatus (see
arrow II shown in FIG. 1).
[0021] FIG. 3 is a side view of the bag conveyance system based on
the sectional line shown in FIG. 1.
[0022] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example
of a stocker.
[0023] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a control
mechanism in each bag conveyance apparatus.
[0024] FIG. 6 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0025] FIG. 7 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0026] FIG. 8 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0027] FIG. 9 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0028] FIG. 10 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0029] FIG. 11 is a plan view schematically showing the flow of
conveyance of a bag bundle.
[0030] FIG. 12 is a side view of a bag conveyance system according
to one modification.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below
with reference to the drawings.
[0032] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a bag conveyance system 10. FIG. 2
is a side view of a bag conveyance apparatus 11 (see arrow II shown
in FIG. 1). FIG. 3 is a side view of the bag conveyance system 10
based on the sectional line III-III shown in FIG. 1. In order to
facilitate understanding, illustration of some elements is omitted
in each of FIGS. 1 to 3. For example, in FIG. 1, a part of a
conveyance unit 23 is omitted. Moreover, in FIG. 2, illustration of
a frame 45 and one side position regulation member 30, etc. is
omitted. Further, in FIG. 3, illustration of the conveyance unit
23, etc. is omitted. Further, in each of the drawings, diagonal
lines are indicated on a side face (sheet-like wall) of a bag 91
(for example, a bag 91 disposed at the extreme end position of a
bag bundle 90).
[0033] The bag conveyance system 10 of the present embodiment
includes two bag conveyance apparatuses 11, and these bag
conveyance apparatuses 11 are disposed adjacent to each other in
the horizontal direction Dh (in particular, in the width direction
Dw). In FIG. 1, the rough extent where each bag conveyance
apparatus 11 exists is represented by a rectangle drawn by a
two-dot chain line. These bag conveyance apparatuses 11 have the
same configuration as each other.
[0034] Below, the configuration and the operation of one bag
conveyance apparatus 11 will be mainly described, but the
description is similarly applied to the other bag conveyance
apparatus 11 as well.
[0035] The bag conveyance apparatus 11 conveys a bag bundle 90. A
bag bundle 90 includes a plurality of bags 91 and has a portion
which is locally different in thicknesses from the other portion.
The specific shape, size and use of a bag bundle 90 and a bag 91
are not limited. Typically, in a case where each bag 91 has a
portion with a locally different thickness, each bag bundle 90 has
a locally different thickness at the corresponding part. For
example, in a zippered package bag, the thickness of the part where
a zip (fastener) is provided locally increases. Further, in a case
of a self-standing bag, the bottom portion of the bag has folded
parts or is expanded in the thickness direction, and thus the
thickness of the bottom portion of the bag locally increases.
Therefore, in a case where each bag 91 is a zippered package bag or
a self-standing bag, the thickness of a bag bundle 90 locally
increases. In each of bag bundles 90 and each of bags 91, the
position of the locally different thickness portion is not limited,
but in many cases, the thickness of a part near the end of a bag
bundle 90 and a bag 91 (in particular, near the mouth portion or
near the bottom portion) locally increases. Each bag 91 may be an
empty bag or may house contents. The contents are not limited, and
may be solid, liquid, gas or other states, and for example, a
sheet-like object may be accommodated in each bag 91. Each of a
plurality of bags 91 constituting an illustrated bag bundle 90 is
an empty self-standing bag, and the thickness of the bottom portion
of each bag 91 and each bag bundle 90 is larger than the thickness
of the other portion.
[0036] The size of a bag bundle 90 has three-dimensional
anisotropy, and by changing how to place a bag bundle 90, the
height of the bag bundle 90 (that is, the size in the height
direction Dd) is changed. Generally, a standing posture is a state
in which the size in the height direction Dd is relatively large, a
lying posture is a state in which the size in the height direction
Dd is relatively small, and an upright state corresponds to a
standing posture and a recumbent state corresponds to a lying
posture. These postures of a bag bundle 90 may be determined based
on the size in the height direction Dd of a portion of the bag
bundle 90 in which the thickness does not locally change. For
example, if a bag bundle 90 has a locally large thickness, the
posture of the bag bundle 90 may be determined based on the size in
the height direction Dd of a portion having a relatively small
thickness of the bag bundle 90 (that is, a portion having a uniform
thickness). Further, in a case where each bag 91 includes two
sheet-like side surface portions facing each other and edges of the
side surface portions are joined to each other to form the side
edges of each bag 91, a bag bundle 90 placed on a placement unit
takes a lying posture in a state where a side surface portion of
one bag 91 included in the bag bundles 90 (specifically, a bag 91
located at the extreme end position) is in contact with the
placement unit, and a bag bundle 90 placed on a placement unit
takes a standing posture in a state where an edge portion of each
bag 91 is in contact with the placement unit.
[0037] The width direction Dw referred to here is determined in
relation to the orientation of the placement surface on which a bag
bundle 90 is placed and the conveyance direction Dc of a bag bundle
90 placed on the placement surface. In the present embodiment, the
conveyance direction Dc of a bag bundle 90 placed on the placement
surface is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh that is
perpendicular to the vertical direction Dv, the width direction Dw
is parallel to the horizontal direction Dh and is perpendicular to
the conveyance direction Dc, the height direction Dd is parallel to
the vertical direction Dv (in which gravity acts), and the normal
direction of the placement surfaces of placement units
(specifically, a delivery unit 17 and a supply unit 22 (a support
member 28) are described below) is parallel to the height direction
Dd. In the present specification, unless otherwise noted, the
conveyance direction Dc refers to the direction in which a bag
bundle 90 is conveyed from the delivery unit 17 toward the supply
unit 22.
[0038] A bag conveyance method performed by a bag conveyance
apparatus 11 includes a step of holding a bag bundle 90 with
holding members 16, a step of delivering a bag bundle 90 in a
standing posture from the holding members 16 to the delivery unit
17, a step of rotating the delivery unit 17 so as to change the
posture of a bag bundle 90 held by the delivery unit 17 from a
standing posture to a lying posture, and a step of conveying a bag
bundle 90 in a lying posture from the delivery unit 17 to the
supply unit 22. In particular, the rotation of the delivery unit 17
is performed so as to rotate about an axis which extends parallel
to the conveyance direction Dc for a bag bundle 90 and extends to
penetrate the delivery unit 17. Since the delivery unit 17 is
rotated in this manner to alter the posture of a bag bundle 90,
there is no need to install a separate mechanism for changing the
posture of the bag bundle 90 between the delivery unit 17 and the
supply unit 22. Therefore, while enlargement of the bag conveyance
system 10 and the bag conveyance apparatus 11 in the horizontal
direction is prevented, a bag bundle 90 being in a standing posture
can be delivered from the holding members 16 to the delivery unit
17 and a bag bundle 90 being in a lying posture can be delivered
from the delivery unit 17 to the supply unit 22.
[0039] Further, the holding members 16 of the present embodiment
approach the delivery unit 17 from above while holding a bag bundle
90, and subsequently release the bag bundle 90 to deliver the bag
bundle 90 to the delivery unit 17. Then, after releasing the bag
bundle 90, the holding members 16 move upward away from the
delivery unit 17. Since the holding members 16 are moved in the
height direction Dd in this manner to cause the holding members 16
to approach or go away from the delivery unit 17, the space above
the delivery unit 17 can be effectively used for a motion space for
the holding members 16. Accordingly, expansion of the motion space
for the holding members 16 in the horizontal direction Dh can be
suppressed. Further, it is possible that, in delivering a bag
bundle 90 from the holding members 16 to the delivery unit 17, the
holding members 16 are prevented from colliding with various
instruments provided in the vicinity of the delivery unit 17 (in
particular, various instruments provided in the vicinity of the
delivery unit 17 in the horizontal direction Dh (e.g., guide
members 25 described below, etc.)).
[0040] Below, the specific configurations of the illustrated bag
conveyance system 10 and a bag conveyance apparatus 11 will be
described. The configurations of the bag conveyance system 10 and
the bag conveyance apparatuses 11 illustrated in drawings are
merely one example, and the bag conveyance system 10 and the bag
conveyance apparatuses 11 may be realized by other
configurations.
[0041] A bag conveyance apparatus 11 includes holding members 16, a
posture change mechanism 19 and a conveyance unit 23.
[0042] The holding members 16 have a configuration capable of
holding and releasing a bag bundle 90 and can be moved while
holding a bag bundle 90. Although the specific configuration of the
holding members 16 is not limited, typically, the holding members
16 can be configured by a gripper (for example, a robot hand)
capable of gripping a bag bundle 90.
[0043] For example, the holding members 16 sandwich a bag bundle 90
therebetween and press a side surface portion of the bag 91
disposed at one extreme end of the bag bundle 90 and a side surface
portion of the bag 91 disposed at the other extreme end in
directions facing each other, so as to grip the whole bag bundle
90.
[0044] The holding members 16 of the present embodiment are
configured by a three-dimensional transferring unit 80 (a
multi-jointed robot) which can pick up bag bundles 90 stored in a
stocker 15 (see FIG. 4) one by one and can move a bag bundle 90
three-dimensionally. The holding members 16 hold a bag bundle 90
from one lateral edge side, and place the bag bundle 90 on the
delivery unit 17 in a state where this one lateral edge is directed
upward. Thus, when the holding members 16 deliver a bag bundle 90
to the delivery unit 17, this one lateral edge forms the upper end
portion of the bag bundle 90, and the holding members 16 approach
the delivery unit 17 from above while holding the upper end portion
of the bag bundle 90, and deliver the bag bundle 90 to the delivery
unit 17.
[0045] In general, in many bags 91, a lateral edge is a sealed
portion, both lateral edges are formed by the seal portions
opposing each other, and a side edge of a bag bundle 90 is
constituted by the assembly of lateral edges of a plurality of bags
91 constituting the bag bundle 90. However, the lateral edges of a
bag 91 may not be sealed portions, and such bags 91 may be bundled
to form a bag bundle 90.
[0046] In the present embodiment, a plurality of posture change
mechanisms 19 (two posture change mechanisms 19 in the illustrated
example) are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal
direction. Dh, and a plurality of conveyance units 23 (two
conveyance units 23 in the illustrated example) are assigned to the
posture change mechanisms 19 respectively. Each posture change
mechanism 19 has a delivery unit 17 and a rotation mechanism 18.
The delivery unit 17 receives a bag bundle 90 in a standing posture
from the holding members 16. The rotation mechanism 18 rotates the
delivery unit 17 so as to change the attitude of a bag bundle 90
held by the delivery unit 17 from a standing posture to a lying
posture.
[0047] Each delivery unit 17 illustrated in drawings is formed in a
box shape which has an opening part 17a. Specifically, the delivery
unit 17 includes the opening part 17a, a first wall part 17b facing
the opening part 17a, and a second wall part 17c extending in a
direction forming 90 degrees with respect to the direction in which
the first wall part 17b extends. The holding members 16 insert a
bag bundle 90 in a standing posture into the delivery unit 17
through the opening part 17a. A bag bundle 90 in a standing posture
delivered from the holding members 16 is placed on the first wall
part 17b in the delivery unit 17. The delivery unit 17 is turned
(i.e., is rotated) in a reciprocating manner by the rotation
mechanism 18 so as to be placed in a first rotation state Sr1 and a
second rotation state Sr2. The first rotation state Sr1 is a state
in which the delivery unit 17 is ready to receive a bag bundle 90
in a standing posture from the holding members 16, and the opening
part 17a of the delivery unit 17 placed in the first rotation state
Sr1 is directed upward. The second rotation state Sr2 is a state in
which the delivery unit 17 is ready to support a bag bundle 90 in a
lying posture, and the opening part 17a of the delivery unit 17
placed in the second rotation state Sr2 is directed in the width
direction Dw (i.e., toward one guide member 25). A bag bundle 90 in
a lying posture which the delivery unit 17 holds is placed on the
second wall part 17c. Since the delivery unit 17 is formed in a box
shape as described above, the posture of a bag bundle 90 held by
the delivery unit 17 can be changed quickly and easily in a limited
space.
[0048] The illustrated rotation mechanism 18 has two disks 41
connected to each other and a rotation drive unit 34 which rotates
the two disks 41 about an axis in an integrated fashion. The two
disks 41 are disposed apart from each other with respect to the
conveyance direction Dc of a bag bundle 90, the rotation drive unit
34 is fixedly connected to one disk 41, and the delivery unit 17 is
fixed to the other disk 41. The rotation drive unit 34 may be
constituted by a servomotor for example and transmits rotational
power to the disks 41. The rotation of the two disks 41 is
performed in such a manner that the two disks 41 rotate about an
axis which extends parallel to the conveyance direction Dc and
penetrates the two disks 41, and the delivery unit 17 rotates along
with the two disks 41.
[0049] A disk notch portion 69 which is to be passed by a push unit
20 is formed in the disk 41 disposed on the delivery unit 17 side
of the two disks 41. The home position for the push unit 20 is set
in the space between the two disks 41, and the push unit 20
linearly reciprocates between the home position and the supply unit
22. When the disks 41 are placed in the first rotation state Sr1
along with the delivery unit 17, the disk notch portion 69 extends
in the width direction Dw as shown in FIG. 3, and therefore the
position of the disk notch portion 69 and the position of the push
unit 20 do not correspond to each other. On the other hand, when
the disks 41 are placed in the second rotation state Sr2 along with
the delivery unit 17, the disk notch portion 69 extends in the
height direction Dd, and therefore the position of the disk notch
portion 69 and the position of the push unit 20 correspond to each
other and the disk notch portion 69 is disposed at a position where
the push unit 20 can travel through the disk notch portion 69.
[0050] A conveyance unit 23 includes a push unit 20 and a
conveyance drive mechanism 21 that drives the push unit 20. The
conveyance drive mechanism 21 drives the push unit 20 in such a
manner that the push unit 20 applies a force to a bag bundle 90 in
a lying posture so as to move the bag bundle 90 from the delivery
unit 17 toward the supply unit 22.
[0051] The delivery unit 17 has a groove 24 extending toward the
supply unit 22. The push unit 20 is driven by the conveyance drive
mechanism 21 to move in the groove 24, moves a bag bundle 90 from
the delivery unit 17 toward the supply unit 22, and arranges the
bag bundle 90 at the supply position Pt.
[0052] The position of the groove 24 changes in accordance with the
rotation state of the delivery unit 17 as shown in FIG. 3. When the
delivery unit 17 is placed in the first rotation state Sr1, the
groove 24 is positioned laterally (i.e., in the width direction Dw)
with respect to a bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17, and
therefore the position of the groove 24 and the position of the
push unit 20 do not correspond to each other. On the other hand,
when the delivery unit 17 is placed in the second rotation state
Sr2, the groove 24 is positioned below a bag bundle 90 on the
delivery unit 17 (i.e., in the vertical direction Dv), and the
position of the groove 24 and the position of the push unit 20
correspond to each other and the groove 24 is disposed at a
position where the push unit 20 can travel through the groove 24.
The groove 24 and the disk notch portion 69 are disposed at
positions where the groove 24 and the disk notch portion 69 face
each other even when the two disks 41 and the delivery unit 17 are
placed in either the first rotation state Sr1 or the second
rotation state Sr2.
[0053] The conveyance drive mechanism 21 includes a conveyance
drive unit 35, a moving belt 48 driven by the conveyance drive unit
35, a moving body 47 engaged with the moving belt 48 and moving
along with the travel motion of the moving belt 48, and a drive
guide 46 which guides the moving body 47. The moving belt 48 has an
endless shape and is wound around a first pulley 61 and a second
pulley 62 which are disposed apart in a direction parallel to the
conveyance direction Dc, and the extension direction of the moving
belt 48 is changed by direction change pulleys 63 so that the
moving belt 48 is wound around the rotation body (that is, the
rotation shaft) of the conveyance drive unit 35. The drive guide 46
extends in parallel to the conveyance direction Dc of a bag bundle
90, and guides the moving body 47 in the direction parallel to the
conveyance direction Dc. The moving body 47 is driven by the moving
belt 48 and guided by the drive guide 46 so as to reciprocate along
a predetermined path extending in parallel to the conveyance
direction Dc. The push unit 20 is fixed to the moving body 47, and
the push unit 20 moves along with the moving body 47.
[0054] The conveyance drive unit 35 can drive the moving belt 48 to
cause the moving belt 48 to travel in the forward direction and the
reverse direction. By causing the moving belt 48 to travel in the
forward direction, the push unit 20 moves along with the moving
body 47 so as to approach the supply unit 22 (specifically, so as
to move away from the home position between the disks 41). On the
other hand, by causing the moving belt 48 to travel in the reverse
direction, the push unit 20 moves along with the moving body 47 so
as to move away from the supply unit 22 (specifically, so as to
approach the home position).
[0055] When the push unit 20 is moved together with the moving body
47, the disks 41 and the delivery unit 17 are placed in the second
rotation state Sr2, and the groove 24 and the disk notch portion 69
are disposed at positions where the push unit 20 can travel through
the groove 24 and the disk notch portion 69. Specifically, when
moving in the conveyance direction Dc, the push unit 20 passes
through the disk notch portion 69 and enters the groove 24, and
then moves along the groove 24 toward the supply unit 22. At that
time, the push unit 20 moves towards the supply unit 22 (in
particular, a forward-backward groove 43) while being in contact
with the rear side end portion of a bag bundle 90 on the delivery
unit 17, so as to push the bag bundle 90 to convey the bag bundle
90 to the supply unit 22. Thus, the direction of a force applied
from the push unit 20 to a bag bundle 90 corresponds to the
conveyance direction Dc.
[0056] The illustrated bag conveyance apparatus 11 further includes
guide members 25. Further, the delivery unit 17 has a plurality of
cutout portions 26.
[0057] Two guide members 25 are provided with respect to each bag
conveyance apparatus 11, and these guide members 25 forming a pair
are provided to be able to move back and forth in the width
direction Dw at positions which are distanced from each other in
the width direction Dw and between which the delivery unit 17 is
interposed. Each guide member 25 has a plurality of extension
portions 74 extending in the height direction Dd (see FIG. 2), and
the plurality of extension portions 74 are provided at positions
separated from each other in the conveyance direction Dc. The
extension portions 74 are located at positions corresponding to the
cutout portions 26 respectively. In a state where the delivery unit
17 is placed in the second rotation state Sr2, each extension
portion 74 can enter and retreat from the corresponding cutout
portion 26 in the width direction Dw. Thus, the guide members 25
can be arranged in regulation positions Pr1 for restricting the
position of a bag bundle 90 held by the delivery unit 17 from the
width direction Dw and in retreat positions Pr2 for not restricting
the position of a bag bundle 90 held by the delivery unit 17 from
the width direction Dw. Specifically, the guide members 25 (i.e.,
the extension portions 74) disposed at the regulation positions Pr1
are located in the cutout portions 26, and the guide members 25
(i.e., the extension portions 74) disposed at the retreat positions
Pr2 are located outside the cutout portions 26.
[0058] When the delivery unit 17 is placed in the first rotation
state Sr1, the guide members 25 are disposed at the retreat
positions Pr2. While the guide members 25 are disposed at the
retreat positions Pr2, the guide members 25 does not collide with
the delivery unit 17 even when the delivery unit 17 rotates.
Therefore, when the delivery unit 17 is rotated (for example, when
the state of the delivery unit 17 is changed from the first
rotation state Sr1 to the second rotation state Sr2, and when the
state of the delivery unit 17 is changed from the second rotation
state Sr2 to the first rotation state Sr1), the guide members 25
are disposed at the retreat positions Pr2. On the other hand, while
the delivery unit 17 is placed in the second rotation state Sr2,
the guide members 25 can be disposed at the regulation positions
Pr1. The guide members 25 arranged at the regulation positions Pr1
contact the lateral edges of a bag bundle 90 held by the delivery
unit 17 arranged in the second rotation state Sr2 so as to regulate
the position of the bag bundle 90 in the width direction Dw.
Therefore, when a bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17 is
regulated by the guide members 25 (for example, when the bag bundle
90 is caused to move from the delivery unit 17 toward the supply
unit 22), the guide members 25 are disposed at the regulation
positions Pr1.
[0059] The two guide members 25 forming a pair move symmetrically
with respect to the width direction Dw in this manner and are
provided so as to be able to reciprocate in a direction such that
the two guide members 25 approach each other and in a direction
such that the two guide members 25 move away from each other. Such
movement of the guide members 25 can be realized by any mechanism.
The illustrated guide members 25 move in the width direction Dw
based on the rotation of a screw shaft 64.
[0060] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the guide members 25 are
installed on a stand 66 via the screw shaft 64 and screw support
members 65. The screw shaft 64 is rotatably supported by the screw
support members 65 via bearings 72. The two guide members 25
forming a pair are engaged with one screw shaft 64, and when the
screw shaft 64 is rotated around its axis, these two guide members
25 move symmetrically in the width direction Dw. Two screw portions
70 are formed on the screw shaft 64, and a screw rotation portion
71 is provided at a central portion of the screw shaft 64 between
the two screw portions 70. The two guide members 25 forming a pair
are coupled in a screw engagement manner to the two screw portions
70 disposed on the opposite sides via the screw rotation portion
71, respectively. The orientations of the grooves of the two screw
portions 70 formed in each screw shaft 64 are opposite to each
other, and when the screw shaft 64 is rotated around its axis in
one direction, the two guide members 25 approach each other, and
when the screw shaft 64 is rotated around its axis in the other
direction, the two guide members 25 move away from one another.
Each screw shaft 64 is rotated around its axis by causing the screw
rotation portion 71 to be rotated by a screw drive unit 76 (see
FIG. 5).
[0061] A bag bundle 90 pushed by the push unit 20 and conveyed from
the delivery unit 17 is disposed at the supply position Pt of the
supply unit 22.
[0062] The supply unit 22 includes a support member 28, a front
position regulation member 29, side position regulation members 30
and rear position regulation members 31. A bag bundle 90 in a lying
posture which has been conveyed from the delivery unit 17 is placed
on the support member 28. The front position regulation member 29
restricts the front portion 92 (corresponding to the left position
in FIG. 1) of a bag bundle 90 on the support member 28 by
contacting the front portion 92 of the bag bundle 90. The side
position regulation members 30 restrict the side positions
(corresponding to the upper position and the lower position in FIG.
1) of a bag bundle 90 on the support member 28 by contacting the
side portions 93 of the bag bundle 90. The rear position regulation
members 31 restrict the rear position (corresponding to the right
position in FIG. 1) of a bag bundle 90 on the support member 28 by
contacting the rear portion 94 of the bag bundle 90.
[0063] The front position regulation member 29 forms a contact
surface which is to be in contact with the front end of a bag
bundle 90 based on the conveyance direction Dc. The side position
regulation members 30 form contact surfaces which is to be in
contact with the ends of a bag bundle 90 in the width direction Dw.
The side position regulation members 30 are members separate from
the guide members 25. The front position regulation member 29 and
side position regulation members 30 illustrated in drawings are
fixedly provided at predetermined positions. However, it is
possible to manually adjust the positions in the horizontal
direction Dh of the front position regulation member 29, the side
position regulation members 30, and the rear position regulation
members 31. Thus, when the sizes of a bag 91 and a bag bundle 90
are changed, the positions in the horizontal direction Dh of the
front position regulation member 29, the side position regulation
members 30, and the rear position regulation members 31 can be
adjusted according to the sizes of a bag 91 and a bag bundle
90.
[0064] The front position regulation member 29, the side position
regulation members 30, and/or the rear position regulation members
31 may be movably provided by a mechanism (not shown) under the
control of a control unit 50 (see FIG. 5) described later. The
positions in the horizontal direction Dh of a bag 91 and a bag
bundle 90 at the supply position Pt may be detected by a sensor
(not shown), and according to the detection results, the positions
in the horizontal direction Dh of the front position regulation
member 29, the side position regulation members 30 and/or the rear
position regulation members 31 may be automatically adjusted by a
movement mechanism (not shown). For example, when the position
adjustment of a bag 91 is performed in the supply position Pt, the
front position regulation member 29 and the side position
regulation members 30 may be protruded above the support member 28.
On the other hand, when a bag 91 (or a bag bundle 90) is sent from
the supply position Pt to the subsequent stage (for example, a
packaging machine), the front position regulation member 29 and/or
the side position regulation members 30 can be moved downward so as
not to protrude above the support member 28. In this situation, the
bag 91 (or the bag bundle 90) can be easily and smoothly sent from
the supply position Pt to the subsequent stage.
[0065] The method of sending a bag bundle 90 from the supply
position Pt to the subsequent stage is not limited, and the bag
bundle 90 may be moved by a push unit or a holding member (not
shown). In particular, when bags 91 are taken out one by one from
the supply position Pt with a suction device such as a suction cup
and sent to the subsequent stage, each bag 91 can be smoothly sent
from the supply position Pt to the subsequent stage without causing
the front position regulation member 29 and the side position
regulation members 30 to move in the height direction Dd.
[0066] The illustrated bag conveyance apparatus 11 further includes
a regulation drive unit 27 that drives the rear position regulation
members 31. The regulation drive unit 27 has an extendable rod 67
extending in the height direction Dd, and the rear position
regulation members 31 are attached to the tip end of the extendable
rod 67. The amount of protrusion of the extendable rod 67 from the
main body of the regulation drive unit 27 in the height direction
Dd is variable, and the regulation drive unit 27 can be configured
by an air cylinder for example. The position in the height
direction Dd of the rear position regulation members 31 is variable
according to the amount of expansion and contraction (that is, the
amount of protrusion from the main body) of the extendable rod 67.
When the amount of protrusion of the extendable rod 67 is maximum,
the rear position regulation members 31 are placed in the
protrusion position Ps1, and when the amount of protrusion of the
extendable rod 67 is minimum, the rear position regulation members
31 are placed in the avoidance position Ps2.
[0067] Protrusion grooves 42 are formed in the support member 28.
The protrusion grooves 42 are provided at positions corresponding
to the rear position regulation members 31. In the illustrated bag
conveyance apparatus 11, two rear position regulation members 31
are provided, and two protrusion grooves 42 are formed in the
support member 28 at positions corresponding to the two rear
position regulation members 31 respectively. The rear position
regulation members 31 placed in the protrusion positions Ps1
penetrate the corresponding protrusion grooves 42 and protrude
above the support member 28, and the rear position regulation
members 31 placed in the avoidance positions Ps2 are disposed below
the support member 28 without penetrating the corresponding
protrusion grooves 42.
[0068] A regulation drive unit 27 moves the rear position
regulation members 31 in the height direction Dd, and places the
rear position regulation members 31 in the protrusion positions Ps1
and the avoidance positions Ps2. The rear position regulation
members 31 disposed at the protrusion positions Ps1 protrude upward
beyond the support member 28 and can contact a bag bundle 90 on the
support member 28. On the other hand, the rear position regulation
members 31 disposed at the avoidance position Ps2 do not protrude
upward beyond the support member 28 and do not contact a bag bundle
90 moving from the delivery unit 17 toward the supply unit 22.
Thus, during at least a part of the period in which the push unit
20 moves a bag bundle 90 from the delivery unit 17 toward the
supply position Pt of the supply unit 22, the regulation drive unit
27 arranges the rear position regulation members 31 in the
avoidance positions Ps2. On the other hand, after a bag bundle 90
conveyed from the delivery unit 17 is disposed on the support
member 28 (in particular, at the supply position Pt), the
regulation drive unit 27 arranges the rear position regulation
members 31 in the protrusion positions Ps1.
[0069] Thus, of the area above the support member 28, the range
surrounded by the front position regulation member 29, the side
position regulation members 30 and the rear position regulation
members 31 corresponds to the supply position Pt. A
forward-backward groove 43 extending in the conveyance direction Dc
is formed in the support member 28, and the push unit 20 can enter
and retreats from the forward-backward groove 43. In a state where
the two disks 41 and the delivery unit 17 are placed in the second
rotation state Sr2, the groove 24, the forward-backward groove 43
and the disk notch portion 69 are located on the same straight line
extending in the conveyance direction Dc. When the push unit 20
conveys a bag bundle 90 to the supply position Pt, the push unit 20
enters the forward-backward groove 43 from the groove 24 and moves
in the conveyance direction Dc in the forward-backward groove 43 to
push the bag bundle 90 up to the supply position Pt. While a bag
bundle 90 pushed by the push unit 20 passes through the position
corresponding to the rear position regulation members 31, the rear
position regulation members 31 are placed in the avoidance
positions Ps2 and do not obstruct the movement of the bag bundle
90.
[0070] The illustrated bag conveyance apparatus 11 further includes
a detection unit 32 that detects the presence or absence of a bag
91 at the supply position Pt of the supply unit 22, as shown in
FIG. 2. The conveyance drive mechanism 21 drives the push unit 20
according to the detection results of the detection unit 32, and a
new bag bundle 90 is conveyed toward the supply position Pt
according to the presence or absence of a bag 91 at the supply
position Pt.
[0071] The detection unit 32 of the present embodiment emits a
laser beam LL, and detects the presence or absence of a bag 91 in
the supply position Pt according to the presence or absence of the
reflection of the laser beam LL. The detection unit 32 is fixedly
supported by a regulation drive unit 27 via a sensor support unit
68 below the support member 28. On the other hand, a detection hole
44 is formed in the support member 28, and the detection hole 44 is
provided at a position corresponding to the supply position Pt. The
laser beam LL emitted from the detection unit 32 passes through the
detection hole 44. When a bag 91 is disposed at the supply position
Pt, the laser beam LL is reflected by the bag 91, and at least a
part of the reflected laser beam LL is received by the detection
unit 32. On the other hand, when a bag 91 is not disposed at the
supply position Pt, the laser beam LL is not reflected toward the
detection unit 32. Thus, the presence or absence of a bag 91 at the
supply position Pt can be detected according to whether or not the
detection unit 32 receives the reflected laser beam LL.
[0072] As described above, the holding members 16 pick up a bag
bundle 90 from the stocker 15 and deliver the bag bundle 90 to the
delivery unit 17. The stocker 15 holds one or more bag bundles 90
in an arbitrary posture. The specific form of the stocker 15 is not
limited, and it is possible to suitably use, for example, the
stocker 15 as shown in FIG. 4.
[0073] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration example
of the stocker 15. The stocker 15 shown in FIG. 4 has wheels 101
and can move between a bag bundle replenishment position for
replenishing new bag bundles 90 to the stocker 15, and a bag bundle
supply position where a bag bundle 90 is taken out of the stocker
15 by the holding members 16. A main body portion 102 of the
stocker 15 supports a plurality of accommodation units 103, and
each accommodation unit 103 is provided to be able to slide to be
arranged in a pullout position in which each accommodation unit 103
protrudes from the main body portion 102 in the horizontal
direction Dh. A partition member 104 is provided in each
accommodation unit 103, and a plurality of bag bundles 90 are held
in a standing posture by the partition member 104. In the example
shown in FIG. 4, many bag bundles 90 are accommodated in each
accommodation unit 103 in a state where a lateral edge of each bag
bundle 90 is directed upward and the locally thick portion (the
bottom portion in the present embodiment) of each bag bundle 90
(and bags 91) is directed towards the pullout side (i.e., to the
left side in FIG. 4).
[0074] The three-dimensional transferring unit 80, the main body
portion of which is not illustrated in the drawings, adjusts the
direction and the posture of the holding members 16 so as to grip
each bag bundle 90 held by the partition member 104 from one
lateral edge side of each bag bundle 90 (i.e., the lateral edge
side directed upward). Then, the holding members 16 move upward
while gripping a bag bundle 90 so as to pick up the bag bundle 90
from an accommodation unit 103. Then, the holding members 16 move
to above the delivery unit 17 while gripping the bag bundle 90. At
this time, the holding members 16 adjust the direction and the
posture of the bag bundle 90 in such a manner that one lateral edge
side of the bag bundle 90 gripped by the holding members 16 is
directed upward. Then, the holding members 16 approach the delivery
unit 17 from above, release the bag bundle 90 to place the bag
bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17, and then move upward to move
away from the delivery unit 17. The holding members 16 repeatedly
perform the above-described operation so as to sequentially supply
bag bundles 90 from the stocker 15 to the delivery unit 17.
[0075] The bag conveyance system 10 further includes a control unit
50 that controls the operation of each bag conveyance apparatus 11
having the above-described configuration. The control unit 50 is
directly or indirectly connected to various devices controlled by
wire or wireless. The installation position of the control unit 50
is not limited, and the control unit 50 may be installed at any
place. Further, the control unit 50 may be configured by a single
device or may be configured by two or more devices, and such two or
more devices may be installed at mutually separated positions.
[0076] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing a control
mechanism in each bag conveyance apparatus 11. A conveyance drive
unit 35, a rotation drive unit 34, a screw drive unit 76, a
regulation drive unit 27, a detection unit 32, and a
three-dimensional transferring unit 80 are connected to the control
unit 50.
[0077] The detection results of the detection unit 32 are sent to
the control unit 50. When the detection result of the detection
unit 32 indicates that a bag 91 is not present at the supply
position Pt, the control unit 50 controls the conveyance drive unit
35 to move the push unit 20 in the conveyance direction Dc to
convey a bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17 towards the supply
unit 22. Further, the control unit 50 drives the regulation drive
unit 27 based on the detection results of the detection unit
32.
[0078] The control unit 50 controls the conveyance drive unit 35,
the rotation drive unit 34, the screw drive unit 76, the regulation
drive unit 27, and the three-dimensional transferring unit 80 in
association with one another. Specifically, the control unit 50
adjusts the position of the push unit 20, the position of the
holding members 16, the rotational state of the delivery unit 17,
the positions of the rear position regulation members 31, and the
positions of the guide members 25 in association with one
another.
[0079] The control unit 50 may control other elements.
[0080] Next, an overall flow of processing for conveying a bag
bundle 90 from the delivery unit 17 to the supply unit 22 will be
described.
[0081] FIGS. 6 to 11 are plan views schematically showing the flow
of conveyance of a bag bundle 90. In the following description, the
bag conveyance apparatus 11 shown below of the two bag conveyance
apparatuses 11 illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 11 will be mainly
described.
[0082] First, a bag bundle 90 is taken out of the stocker 15 (see
FIG. 4) by the holding members 16. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the
holding members 16 arrange the bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit
17 while holding the bag bundle 90. At this time, the holding
members 16 place the bag bundle 90 in a standing posture state.
Moreover, the delivery unit 17 and the disks 41 are placed in the
first rotation state Sr1. Further, the guide members 25 are
disposed at the retreat positions Pr2. Furthermore, the push unit
20 is disposed at the home position between the disks 41. Although
a bag 91 is disposed at the supply position Pt of the supply unit
22 in FIG. 6, a bag 91 may not be present at the supply position
Pt.
[0083] Then, the holding members 16 perform a release operation to
release the bag bundle 90, and after that, evacuate upward and
perform preparation for supplying a next bag bundle 90 to the
delivery unit 17. As shown in FIG. 7, the bag bundle 90 released
from the holding members 16 is placed on the delivery unit 17 while
maintaining a standing posture. Actually, in many cases, the bag
bundle 90 released from the restraint by the holding members 16 is
placed on the delivery unit 17 in a state of leaning against one
side wall portion of the delivery unit 17.
[0084] Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the delivery unit 17 is rotated
along with the disks 41 to be placed in the second rotation state
Sr2, and the posture of the bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17
is changed from a standing posture to a lying posture. At this
time, the guide members 25 are disposed at the retreat positions
Pr2 and does not inhibit the rotation of the delivery unit 17.
[0085] Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the guide members 25 are moved
from the retreat positions Pr2 to the regulation positions Pr1, and
the extension portions 74 of the guide members 25 are disposed in
the corresponding cutout portions 26. Consequently, the bag bundle
90 taking a lying posture on the delivery unit 17 is restricted
from the width direction Dw by the guide members 25 (in particular,
the extension portions 74) and is arranged at an appropriate
position in the horizontal direction Dh (in particular, the width
direction Dw).
[0086] Then, according to the detection results of the detection
unit 32, the bag conveyance apparatus 11 maintains the state shown
in FIG. 9 until a bag 91 is not present at the supply position Pt
of the supply unit 22.
[0087] Although a bag(s) 91 is disposed at the supply position Pt
of the supply unit 22 in FIGS. 6 to 9, one or more bags 91. may be
transferred from the supply position Pt of the supply unit 22 to
the subsequent stage by a conveyance system (not shown) during the
states shown in FIGS. 6 to 9. Further, the transfer of all the bags
91 arranged at the supply position Pt of the supply unit 22 to the
subsequent stage may be completed within the period of the states
shown in FIGS. 6 to 9.
[0088] After a bag 91 is not present at the supply position Pt of
the supply unit 22, the rear position regulation members 31 are
moved to the avoidance positions Ps2 as shown in FIG. 10. On the
other hand, the push unit 20 is moved in the conveyance direction
Dc to push a bag bundle 90 on the delivery unit 17 to the supply
position Pt of the supply unit 22. Actually, after the control unit
50 confirms that a bag bundle 90 is not present at the supply
position Pt based on the detection results of the detection unit
32, the push unit 20 is moved in such a manner that a new bag
bundle 90 is conveyed from on the delivery unit 17 onto the supply
unit 22. At this time, the bag bundle 90 is conveyed up to the
supply position Pt while the width direction position of the bag
bundle 90 is restricted by the side position regulation members 30
and the guide members 25 arranged in the regulation positions Pr1.
Further, the rear position regulation members 31 are disposed at
the avoidance positions Ps2 at least while the bag bundle 90 passes
the position corresponding to the rear position regulation members
31.
[0089] Then, after the bag bundle 90 has passed the position
corresponding to the rear position regulation members 31
(preferably, after the bag bundle 90 is disposed at the supply
position Pt), the rear position regulation members 31 are placed in
the protrusion positions Ps1 as shown in FIG. 11. The timing at
which the rear position regulation members 31 are arranged from the
avoidance positions Ps2 to the protrusion positions Ps1 may be
determined based on the detection results of the detection unit 32
or may be determined based on information directly or indirectly
indicating the position of the push unit 20 (i.e., for example,
information indicating the drive state of the conveyance drive unit
35 (the conveyance drive mechanism 21)). The control unit 50 can
control the regulation drive unit 27 to arrange the rear position
regulation members 31 at the protrusion positions Ps1 at an
appropriate timing.
[0090] After the bag bundle 90 is disposed at the supply position
Pt, the bag conveyance apparatus 11 is returned to the state shown
in FIG. 6 again, and prepares to deliver a next bag bundle 90 from
the holding members 16 to the delivery unit 17. For example, while
the delivery unit 17 and the disks 41 are placed in the second
rotation state Sr2, the push unit 20 is moved towards the disks 41
through the forward-backward groove 43, the groove 24 and the disk
notch portion 69 and is disposed at the home position between the
disks 41. In addition, while the delivery unit 17 and the disks 41
are placed in the second rotation state Sr2, the guide members 25
are returned from the regulation positions Pr1 to the retreat
positions Pr2. Further, after the push unit 20 returns to the home
position and the guide members 25 returns to the retreat positions
Pr2, the delivery unit 17 and the disks 41 are rotated to be placed
in the first rotation state Sr1.
[0091] By performing the above-described series of processes under
the control of the control unit 50, the bag conveyance apparatus 11
can deliver a bag bundle 90 in a standing posture from the holding
members 16 to the delivery unit 17 and deliver a bag bundle 90 in a
lying posture from the delivery unit 17 to the supply unit 22. By
repeating the above-described series of processes, the bag
conveyance apparatus 11 can continuously supply a plurality of bag
bundles 90 to the supply unit 22.
[0092] Not only the bag conveyance apparatus 11 shown in the lower
side of FIGS. 6 to 11 but also the bag conveyance apparatus 11
shown in the upper side can convey bag bundles 90 in the same
manner. The bag conveyance apparatuses 11 included in the bag
conveyance system 10 may convey bag bundles 90 while correlating
each other or may convey bag bundles 90 independently of each
other. In order to correlate the operations of two or more bag
conveyance apparatuses 11 with each other, transmission and
reception of information may be performed between the control units
50 that control the operations of the bag conveyance apparatuses 11
respectively, or the operations of two or more bag conveyance
apparatuses 11 may be controlled by a single control unit 50.
[0093] Further, while a new bag bundle 90 is delivered to the
delivery unit 17 in a state where a bag bundle 90 exists at the
supply position Pt in the example shown in FIGS. 6 to 11, a new bag
bundle 90 may be delivered to the delivery unit 17 as shown in FIG.
6 after all the bags 91 are taken out of the supply position Pt and
no bag bundle 90 exists at the supply position Pt (specifically,
based on the detection results of the detection unit 32).
[0094] As described above, according to the present embodiment, a
bag bundle 90 in a standing posture can be delivered from the
holding members 16 to the delivery unit 17, and a bag bundle 90 in
a lying posture can be supplied to the supply unit 22. Further, the
increase in the size in the horizontal direction Dh of the whole
apparatus can be prevented by reducing the working space in the
horizontal direction Dh for the holding members 16 necessitated for
the delivery of a bag bundle 90 (in particular, the working space
for delivering a bag bundle 90 to the delivery unit 17). In
particular, even when a plurality of posture change mechanisms 19
are provided adjacent to each other in the horizontal direction Dh,
the distance between the posture change mechanisms 19 can be made
relatively small, and therefore the bag conveyance system 10 can be
properly installed in a limited space while the interference
between members is avoided. Further, when a bag bundle 90 is
delivered from the holding members 16 to the delivery unit 17, it
can be effectively avoided that the holding members 16 collide with
the delivery unit 17 or the like, and thus a bag bundle 90 can be
delivered stably and accurately.
[0095] Further, according to the present embodiment, in the
delivery unit 17, the postures of all the bags 91 included in a bag
bundle 90 can be changed at one time. Thus, the posture of each bag
91 can be changed from a standing posture to a lying posture in a
very short time as compared with a case where the posture of the
bags 91 is individually changed.
[0096] Further, since the delivery unit 17 is configured as a
rotation body, by rotating the delivery unit 17 about its axis, the
posture of a bag bundle 90 can be changed. Thus, there is no need
to provide a separate mechanism for changing the posture of a bag
bundle 90.
[0097] Further, the holding members 16 can avoid a part of a bag
bundle 90 where the thickness is locally changing and can hold a
part which has a uniform thickness. Thus, a bag bundle 90 including
a plurality of bags 91 and having a locally different thickness
part can be accurately held and conveyed.
[0098] Further, since the groove 24 and the cutout portions 26 are
formed in the delivery unit 17, the push unit 20 and the guide
members 25 can perform a desired operation without colliding with
the delivery unit 17. Thus, there is no need to provide a special
mechanism for preventing such a collision, and further enlargement
of the apparatus can be prevented.
[0099] Further, bags 91 disposed at the supply position Pt can be
accurately positioned by the front position regulation member 29,
the side position regulation members 30, and the rear position
regulation members 31. As a result, a bag 91 can be properly taken
out from the supply position Pt, and the bag 91 in a desired
posture can be accurately supplied to the subsequent stage. For
example, in a case where a sealing process of the mouth portion of
a bag 91 is performed in the subsequent stage, if the supply
posture and the supply position of a bag 91 are not stable with
respect to the subsequent stage, the seal position and the seal
width may vary to cause a seal failure. On the other hand, by
arranging bags 91 at a desired position in the supply position Pt
with high accuracy as in the present embodiment, such sealing
failure can be effectively prevented.
[0100] Further, the presence or absence of a bag 91 in the supply
position Pt of the supply unit 22 can be accurately detected by the
detection unit 32, and a bag bundle 90 can be supplied to the
supply position Pt at an appropriate timing.
[Modifications]
[0101] The present invention is not limited to the above-described
embodiment and modifications, and various modifications may be
added.
[0102] For example, when a bag bundle 90 is delivered from he
holding members 16 to the delivery unit 17, the movement direction
of the holding members 16 is not limited. In the above embodiment,
the holding members 16 are moved in a direction basically parallel
to the height direction Dd at least immediately before and after a
bag bundle 90 is delivered to the delivery unit 17, but, the
movement direction of the holding members 16 is not limited to the
direction parallel to the height direction Dd. For example, the
holding members 16 may be moved in an oblique direction including a
direction component in the height direction Dd.
[0103] Further, the position of a portion of a bag bundle 90 of
which the thickness locally varies (for example, a portion of which
the thickness is locally increased) is not limited, and one end of
a bag bundle 90 or a part near the one end may have a locally large
thickness. In the above embodiment, a self-standing bag having a
locally large thickness at the bottom portion is used as a bag 91,
but the above-described apparatus and method can be applied to a
bag having a locally large thickness at the mouth portion (for
example, a zippered package bag).
[0104] Further, the specific direction in which a bag bundle 90 is
delivered in a standing posture to the delivery unit 17 is not
limited, and for example, a bag bundle 90 in a standing posture may
be delivered to the delivery unit 17 in a state where the bottom
side, the mouth side, or the other end side of each bag 91 included
in a bag bundle is directed downward. Further, the gripping
direction of the holding members 16 with respect to a bag bundle 90
is not limited, and the holding members 16 may hold a bag bundle 90
from the bottom side, the mouth side, or the other end side of the
bag bundle 90.
[0105] In the above embodiment, the second rotation state Sr2 of
the disks 41 and the delivery unit 17 is shifted by 90 degrees
around the rotation axis with respect to the first rotation state
Sr1, but the angular shift amount between the first rotation state
Sr1 and the second rotation state Sr2 is not limited to 90 degrees.
For example, the opening direction of the opening part 17a of the
delivery unit 17 placed in the first rotation state Sr1 may be a
direction inclined with respect to the height direction Dd.
Further, the bottom surface of the delivery unit 17 placed in the
first rotation state Sr1 may extend in parallel with the horizontal
direction Dh or may extend in a direction inclined with respect to
the horizontal direction Dh. In a case where the extension
direction of the bottom surface of the delivery unit 17 placed in
the first rotation state Sr1 is not parallel to the horizontal
direction Dh, it is possible that a bag bundle 90 (that is, bags
91) having been released from the holding members 16 and being
placed on the bottom surface can lean against a desired side wall
surface and can be stably supported.
[0106] Further, a bag bundle detection device capable of detecting
whether or not a bag bundle 90 to be picked up by the holding
members 16 actually exists at a predetermined place (that is, a
planned place) may be provided. In this case, it is possible to
perceive in advance whether or not a bag bundle 90 is disposed at
the planned location. If a bag bundle 90 is not arranged at the
planned place, the holding members 16 may omit the operation for
picking up a bag bundle 90 from the planned place and may pick up a
bag bundle 90 from another planned place. For example, as shown in
FIG. 12, a bag bundle detection device 85 may be attached to a
holding member 16. The bag bundle detection device 85 shown in FIG.
12 includes: a detection sensor 86 which performs emission of a
detection light such as a laser light and performs reception of the
reflected light (i.e., the detection light); and a through hole 87
which is formed in a holding member 16 at a position facing the
detection sensor 86. The detection light emitted from the detection
sensor 86 passes through the through hole 87 and travels toward the
location (between the holding member pair 16) at which a bag bundle
90 held by the holding members 16 is disposed.
[0107] In the bag conveyance apparatus 11 having the configuration
shown in FIG. 12, when a bag bundle 90 arranged in the planned
place (for example, the stocker 15) is picked up by the holding
members 16, the holding members 16 are moved toward the planned
place in a state where the holding members 16 forming a pair is
widened to have a larger distance therebetween than the bag bundle
90, and the holding members 16 are placed in a posture and in a
position such that the bag bundle 90 arranged in the planned place
is disposed between the holding members 16. In this arrangement, if
a bag bundle 90 is actually arranged in the planned place, the bag
bundle 90 faces the detection sensor 86 via the through hole 87. On
the other hand, in this arrangement, if a bag bundle 90 is not
arranged in the planned place, the detection sensor 86 faces no bag
bundle 90 via the through hole 87. Thus, if a bag bundle 90 is
actually disposed at the planned place, the detection light from
the detection sensor 86 is incident on the bag bundle 90 via the
through hole 87 and is reflected by the bag bundle 90, and the
reflected light is incident on the detection sensor 86 via the
through hole 87. On the other hand, if no bag bundle 90 is arranged
at the planned place, the detection light from the detection sensor
86 passes through the through hole 87 but does not enter a bag
bundle 90 and is not reflected by a bag bundle 90, and therefore,
the reflected light does not enter the detection sensor 86.
Actually, even if the detection light is not reflected by a bag
bundle 90, the detection light may be reflected by another member
such as the holding members 16 or the like. However, the detection
sensor 86 can determine whether or not the reflected light is the
light reflected by a bag bundle 90 according to the intensity of
the reflected light received by the detection sensor 86. In order
to prevent the incidence of light reflected by objects (for
example, the holding members 16) other than a bag bundle 90 on the
detection sensor 86, an object (a holding member 16 or the like)
disposed at a position facing the detection sensor 86 via the
through hole 87 may be subjected to any processing for suppressing
light reflection, for example.
[0108] As described above, it is possible to determine whether or
not a bag bundle 90 is actually disposed at a planned place
according to the light reception state of the reflected light in
the detection sensor 86. If a bag bundle 90 is actually disposed at
a planned place, the bag bundle 90 is picked up by the holding
members 16 as described above. On the other hand, if a bag bundle
90 is not actually arranged at a planned place, the holding members
16 may be moved so as to pick up a bag bundle 90 arranged at
another planned place. As a result, it is possible to avoid the
wasteful pick-up operation of a bag bundle 90 in a case where a bag
bundle 90 is not arranged at a planned place and to speed up the
process. The control of the above-described bag bundle detection
device 85, the judgment of the presence or absence of arrangement
of a bag bundle 90 at a planned place, and the drive control of the
holding members 16 based on that judgment can be performed by the
control unit 50 or another control device.
[0109] The effects brought about by the present invention are not
limited to the above-described effects, and specific effects
corresponding to the specific configuration of each embodiment may
be exerted. As described above, various additions, changes and
partial deletions may be made to each element described in the
claims, specification, abstract and drawings without departing from
the technical concept and spirit of the present invention.
* * * * *