Transport device and planar transport device

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveying device and a planar conveying device having a simple structure and capable of conveying articles in any direction. The conveying device comprises: a force-applying mechanism portion (2) for applying force to an article to move it; and a rotation mechanism portion (3) for rotating the force-applying mechanism portion itself. The force-applying mechanism portion (2) is rotated by the rotation mechanism portion (3), thereby changing the moving direction of the article. The force-applying mechanism portion (2) comprises a force-applying mechanism side motor (10), which is an outer rotor type motor having a coil (32) on the center side and an outer contour body (30) surrounding the coil (32). The outer contour body (30) is rotatable. The force-applying mechanism side motor (10) is arranged in a manner such that the center axis of the outer contour body (30) is approximately horizontal. The outer contour body (30) contacts the article directly or via a rotatable rotating body (7) to apply force to the article.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying articles, and in particular to a conveying device for conveying articles in multiple directions or for conveying articles in multiple directions. Background Art

[0002] Distribution centers, freight centers, warehouses, and the like sometimes have to handle a wide variety of items. Furthermore, large quantities of items sometimes need to be sorted and loaded onto trucks or delivered to specific shelves.

[0003] Conventionally, articles are sorted using a sorting system provided with a plurality of transfer devices as disclosed in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3.

[0004] The transfer devices described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 include a main transport path for allowing articles to pass in a straight line and a secondary transport path for delivering articles in a perpendicular direction, and can replace articles and place them on other conveyor lines.

[0005] The transfer device described in Patent Document 3 includes a main conveying path for allowing articles to pass in a straight line and a discharge mechanism for discharging articles in an oblique direction. The transfer device can also discharge articles in an oblique direction and replace them on another conveyor line.

[0006] The conventional sorting system is equipped with multiple transfer devices, which branches the conveyor line in a complex manner. The sorting system is used to transport items by transferring the items from the original conveyor line to the branched conveyor line, gradually moving the items to the target delivery destination.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-163549

[0010] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2012-51680

[0011] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-163547 Summary of the Invention

[0012] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0013] The conventional transfer device is a device that selectively sends out introduced articles in two specific directions.

[0014] Therefore, the conventional sorting system is a complex and branched conveyor line, which is a very large-scale system. In other words, a large installation site is required to build the conventional sorting system.

[0015] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to develop a conveying device and a planar conveying device that have a simple structure and can convey articles in any direction, while paying attention to the above-mentioned problems of the conventional technology.

[0016] Technical solutions to problems

[0017] In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, a conveying device is provided, which comprises: a force-applying mechanism part for applying force to an article to move it; and a rotation mechanism part for rotating the force-applying mechanism part itself, wherein the force-applying mechanism part is rotated by the rotation mechanism part so as to change the moving direction of the article. In the conveying device, the force-applying mechanism part has a force-applying mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor, which has a coil on the center side and an outer contour body surrounding the coil, and the outer contour part is rotatable. The force-applying mechanism side motor is arranged in a manner such that the center axis of the outer contour body is in a roughly horizontal posture, and the outer contour body contacts the article directly or via a rotatable rotating body to apply force to the article.

[0018] The "center axis of the outer body" is a hypothetical rotational axis. In many cases, an outer rotor type motor has a physical shaft inserted through the center. In many cases, this shaft is the "center axis of the outer body," but sometimes there is no physical shaft.

[0019] The “substantially horizontal posture” is a posture that is closer to horizontal than a vertical posture.

[0020] In the conveying device of this embodiment, the urging mechanism portion is provided with an urging mechanism-side motor. The urging mechanism-side motor is an outer rotor type motor whose outer contour portion rotates.

[0021] In the transport device of this embodiment, the article comes into direct or indirect contact with the outer shell of the outer rotor type electric motor, thereby moving the article.

[0022] Furthermore, the transport device of this embodiment includes a rotating mechanism portion, and the biasing mechanism portion is rotated by the rotating mechanism portion, thereby being able to change the moving direction of the article.

[0023] The transport device of this method does not necessarily need to be provided with power transmission components such as gears in the mechanical portion that applies force to the article, and a small number of components can meet the needs.

[0024] In the above-mentioned method, it is preferred that the rotating mechanism part has a rotating mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor, which has a coil on the center side and an outer contour body surrounding the coil, and the outer contour part is capable of rotating. The rotating mechanism side motor is configured in such a way that the center axis of the outer contour body is in a roughly vertical posture, and the outer contour body is directly or indirectly engaged with the force applying mechanism part.

[0025] The "center axis of the outer body" is a hypothetical rotational axis. In many cases, an outer rotor motor has a shaft inserted at the center. This shaft is often the "center axis of the outer body," but sometimes there is no shaft.

[0026] The “substantially vertical posture” is a posture that is closer to vertical than horizontal.

[0027] In the conveying device of this embodiment, a rotation mechanism-side motor is disposed in the rotation mechanism portion. The rotation mechanism-side motor is an outer rotor type motor whose outer contour portion rotates.

[0028] The conveying device of this method does not necessarily need to be provided with power transmission components such as gears in the mechanical part that changes the moving direction of the article, and a small number of components can meet the needs.

[0029] In each of the above aspects, it is preferable that a rotatable roller is provided, a portion of the roller is in contact with the biasing mechanism-side motor, and a portion of the roller is in contact with the article to bias the article.

[0030] In each of the above aspects, it is preferable that one or more of the rollers have a degree of freedom in the vertical direction.

[0031] Alternatively, a structure may be adopted in which a friction imparting member is provided on the outer periphery of the outer shell of the urging mechanism side motor, and the urging mechanism side motor contacts the article to urge the article.

[0032] According to this aspect, the outer shell directly contacts the article and can apply force to the article.

[0033] Another method for solving the same problem is a conveying device comprising: a force-applying mechanism portion for applying force to an article to move it; and a rotating mechanism portion for rotating the force-applying mechanism portion itself, wherein the force-applying mechanism portion is rotated by the rotating mechanism portion to change the moving direction of the article. In the conveying device, the rotating mechanism portion has a rotating mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor having a coil on the center side and an outer contour body surrounding the coil, and the outer contour portion is rotatable. The rotating mechanism side motor is arranged in such a way that the center axis of the outer contour body is in a roughly vertical posture, and the outer contour body is directly or indirectly engaged with the force-applying mechanism portion.

[0034] In the conveying device of this embodiment, a rotation mechanism-side motor is disposed in the rotation mechanism portion. The rotation mechanism-side motor is an outer rotor type motor whose outer contour portion rotates.

[0035] In the conveying device of this aspect, the outer shell of the outer rotor type electric motor is directly or indirectly engaged with the urging mechanism portion to rotate the urging mechanism portion.

[0036] The transport device of this method does not necessarily need to be equipped with power transmission components such as gears in the mechanical part that changes the moving direction of the article, and a small number of components can meet the needs.

[0037] The aspect of the planar transport device is characterized in that a plurality of any of the above-mentioned transport devices are arranged in a planar shape.

[0038] According to the planar transport device of this aspect, articles can be transported in any direction.

[0039] Effects of the Invention

[0040] The conveying device and the planar conveying device of the present invention have simple structures and can convey articles in any direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 It is a front cross-sectional view of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention (including basic components of a planar conveying device).

[0042] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A plan view of the transport device.

[0043] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the upper side of the conveying device.

[0044] Figure 4 It will Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a state in which the conveying device is separated into a force applying mechanism portion and a rotation mechanism portion.

[0045] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 Exploded perspective view of the conveying device.

[0046] Figure 6 It is a plan view of the planar conveying device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

[0047] Figure 7 It is a front cross-sectional view of a conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention (including basic components of a planar conveying device).

[0048] Figure 8 It is a front cross-sectional view of a conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention (including basic components of the planar conveying device).

[0049] Figure 9 It is a perspective view of a planar conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0050] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A perspective view of a region of a flat transport device is shown.

[0051] Figure 11 yes Figure 9 An exploded perspective view of a region of a planar transport device is shown.

[0052] Figure 12 yes Figure 9 A cross-section of two areas of a flat transport device is shown.

[0053] Figure 13 is included in Figure 9 The drawings show the basic components of the conveying device used in the planar conveying device shown, (a) is a front view thereof, (b) is a top view thereof, and (c) is a bottom view thereof.

[0054] Figure 14 yes Figure 9 The top surface member and the base member of the planar conveying device shown are perspective views showing a state where a plurality of them are combined.

[0055] Figure 15 Observed from the back side Figure 9 A perspective view of the top surface component of the planar transport device is shown.

[0056] Figure 16 It is a plan view of a conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Figure 17 yes Figure 16 A cross-sectional view of the upper side of the conveying device.

[0058] Figure 18 It is a plan view of a planar conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be further described.

[0060] The transport device 1 of this embodiment is composed of a biasing mechanism 2 for biasing an article to move it, and a rotation mechanism 3 for rotating the biasing mechanism itself.

[0061] The urging mechanism portion 2 includes an urging mechanism-side motor 10 formed of an outer rotor type motor as a main component. The urging mechanism-side motor 10 is installed with its central axis 31 in a horizontal posture.

[0062] The outer shell 30 of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 rotates. A roller (a freely rotatable rotating body) 7 is provided on the upper portion of the outer shell 30 , and the roller 7 rotates in response to the rotational force from the outer shell 30 .

[0063] An article (not shown) is placed on the roller 7 and is moved by being urged by the roller 7. That is, the roller 7 functions as an urging portion for urging the article.

[0064] The rotating mechanism portion 3 includes a rotating mechanism-side motor 20 formed of an outer rotor type motor as a main component. The rotating mechanism-side motor 20 is installed with its central axis in a vertical position.

[0065] The outer shell 50 of the turning mechanism side motor 20 rotates, and the urging mechanism portion 2 engages with the outer shell 50. Therefore, the rotation of the turning mechanism side motor 20 causes the urging mechanism portion 2 to rotate about the vertical axis, and the conveying direction changes.

[0066] Hereinafter, each component will be described.

[0067] like Figure 4 、 Figure 5 As shown, the urging mechanism portion 2 includes an urging mechanism-side motor 10 , a motor holding member 12 , two rollers 7 , and a cover member 13 .

[0068] The urging mechanism-side motor 10 is an outer rotor type motor, and a center shaft 31 , a coil 32 , and a magnet 33 are built into an outer shell 30 .

[0069] The center shaft 31 is hollow, and the coil 32 is integrally mounted on the center shaft 31 .

[0070] The outer shell 30 is a drum-shaped hollow member. The outer shell 30 has a barrel-shaped appearance, and the outer diameter of the middle portion is larger than that of the end portions, and the middle portion is bulging.

[0071] The outer shell 30 is rotatably mounted on the central shaft 31 via a bearing 35 .

[0072] The magnet 33 is integrally mounted on the inner surface of the outer shell 30 .

[0073] To summarize the positional relationship of the components of the urging mechanism-side motor 10, a central shaft 31 and a coil 32 are located at the center, and a magnet 33 and an outer shell 30 surround the coil 32. Both ends of the central shaft 31 protrude from the outer shell 30.

[0074] The central shaft 31 and the coil 32 do not rotate, but the magnet 33 and the outer body 30 surrounding them rotate about the central shaft 31 .

[0075] As described above, the central shaft 31 is hollow, and the power supply line 45 is inserted through the hollow portion to supply power from the outside to the internal coil 32, thereby rotating the outer shell 30. In this embodiment, the central shaft 31 coincides with the central axis of the outer shell 30.

[0076] In this embodiment, the entire outer shell 30 is shown as a single piece for drawing purposes, but in reality, it is often divided into several parts because the coil 32 needs to be inserted inside. In addition, the outer shell 30 may be formed as a plurality of tubes nested together.

[0077] The motor holding member 12 is a cylinder with a larger outer diameter than the entire length. Both ends of the motor holding member 12 are open. The motor holding member 12 has locking grooves 36 provided at positions facing each other around the upper end side of the motor holding member 12 in the installed posture.

[0078] The motor holding member 12 has an engaging recess 38 formed on the periphery of the lower end side based on the posture when installed. A cable holding portion 37 is provided on the side surface of the motor holding member 12 .

[0079] The cover member 13 has a circular shape in plan view, and has two rectangular openings 40 formed in parallel. A roller support portion 41 is provided on a side surface of the cover member 13 .

[0080] At both ends of the roller 7 , shafts 46 protrude.

[0081] Next, the positional relationship among the components constituting the urging mechanism 2 will be described.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the urging mechanism unit 2 is configured such that the urging mechanism-side motor 10 is disposed on the upper side of the motor holding member 12, with the urging mechanism-side motor 10 positioned in its installed position. The central shaft 31 protruding from each end of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 engages with the retaining groove 36 of the motor holding member 12. A retaining member (not shown) is provided between the central shaft 31 of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 and the retaining groove 36 of the motor holding member 12, preventing the central shaft 31 from rotating relative to the motor holding member 12.

[0083] Two rollers 7 are arranged on the upper portion of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 , and a cover member 13 is provided thereon.

[0084] The shaft 46 of the roller 7 is rotatably supported by the roller bearing portion 41 of the cover member 13 . The roller 7 is held in a horizontal posture, with its upper portion exposed from the opening 40 of the cover member 13 .

[0085] On the other hand, the lower portion of the roller 7 is in contact with the urging mechanism-side motor 10. Therefore, when the urging mechanism-side motor 10 rotates, the roller 7 receives power transmission from the urging mechanism-side motor 10 and rotates.

[0086] Next, the rotation mechanism portion 3 will be described.

[0087] In this embodiment, the rotating mechanism portion 3 can be regarded as the rotating mechanism side motor 20 itself. The rotating mechanism side motor 20 is an outer rotor type motor, and a center shaft 51, a coil 52, and a magnet 53 are built into an outer shell 50.

[0088] The outer shell 50 of the rotating mechanism motor 20 has a special shape. In this embodiment, the outer shell 50 of the rotating mechanism motor 20 includes a cavity 60 surrounding the coil 52 and a recess 61 covering the lower portion of the urging mechanism motor 10 .

[0089] That is, the outer shell 50 of the rotating mechanism-side electric motor 20 has a bowl-shaped recessed portion 61 on the upper side and a hollow portion 60 on the lower side, based on the posture when installed.

[0090] The engaging protrusion 58 is formed on the peripheral wall of the recess 61 .

[0091] Furthermore, a protrusion 57 is provided at the lower end of the outer shell 50. A cable holding portion 56 is provided on the side surface of the outer shell 50.

[0092] The center shaft 51 is hollow, and the coil 52 is integrally mounted on the center shaft 51. The outer shell 50 is rotatably mounted on the center shaft 51 via the bearing 62, with the region of the coil 52 contained within the cavity 60.

[0093] The magnet 53 is integrally mounted on the inner surface of the cavity 60 of the outer shell 50 .

[0094] To summarize the positional relationships of the various components of the rotating mechanism-side motor 20, a central shaft 51 and coil 52 are located at the center. A magnet 53 and a cavity 60 of the outer shell 50 surround the coil 52. The upper end of the central shaft 51 is housed in a recess 61 on the upper side of the outer shell 50. The upper end of the central shaft 51 protrudes from the lower portion of the outer shell 50.

[0095] The central shaft 51 and the coil 52 do not rotate, but the magnet 53 and the outer body 50 surrounding them rotate about the central shaft 51 .

[0096] As described above, the central shaft 51 is hollow, and the power supply line 55 is inserted into the hollow portion to supply power from the outside to the internal coil 52, thereby rotating the outer shell 50. In this embodiment, the central shaft 51 coincides with the central axis of the outer shell 50.

[0097] In this embodiment, the entire outer shell 50 is shown as a single piece for drawing purposes, but in reality, it is often divided into several parts because the coil 52 needs to be inserted inside. In addition, the outer shell 50 may be formed as a plurality of tubes nested together.

[0098] Next, the posture and positional relationship between the urging mechanism 2 and the rotating mechanism 3 will be described.

[0099] like Figure 1 As shown, the rotation mechanism 3 is arranged with the recessed portion 61 facing upward and the central axis 51 in a vertical position. The urging mechanism 2 is positioned above the rotation mechanism 3 to maintain the central axis 31 in a horizontal position. Specifically, the urging mechanism 2 is superimposed on the rotation mechanism 3, and the motor retaining member 12 of the urging mechanism 2 is positioned coaxially with the outer shell 50 of the rotation mechanism-side motor 20.

[0100] Then, the lower portion of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 of the urging mechanism portion 2 enters the recessed portion 61 of the rotating mechanism portion 3 , and the engaging protrusion 58 of the rotating mechanism portion 3 engages with the engaging recessed portion 38 of the motor holding member 12 .

[0101] The conveying device 1 of this embodiment is preferably used as Figure 6 As shown, a plurality of planar conveying devices 70 are arranged on a plane.

[0102] The planar conveying device 70 has Figure 4 、 Figure 5 The base member 71 is shown. The base member is provided with a center hole 72 and an arc-shaped long hole 73 centered on the center hole 72. In addition, a cable insertion hole 75 is also provided.

[0103] The center shaft 51 protruding from the bottom of the rotating mechanism 3 of the conveyor 1 engages with the center hole 72 of the base member 71. A locking member (not shown) is provided between the center hole 72 of the base member 71 and the center shaft 51, preventing the center shaft 51 from rotating relative to the base member 71.

[0104] Furthermore, a protrusion 57 protruding from the lower portion of the rotation mechanism 3 engages with an arcuate elongated hole 73 of the base member 71. The power supply line 55 of the rotation mechanism 3 is led from the center shaft 51 to the outside through the center hole 72 of the base member 71. The power supply line 45 of the urging mechanism 2 is led from the center shaft 31, held by the cable holders 37 and 56, and then led to the outside through the cable insertion hole 75.

[0105] Power is supplied from the outside to each conveying device 1 of the planar conveying device 70 individually. That is, power is supplied to the urging mechanism side motor 10 and the turning mechanism side motor 20 of each conveying device 1 individually.

[0106] When power is supplied to the urging mechanism side motor 10, the urging mechanism side motor 10 rotates, and the roller 7 exposed from the top rotates. The urging mechanism side motor 10 is switched on and off and its speed is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0107] When power is supplied to the turning mechanism side motor 20, the outer shell 50 of the turning mechanism side motor 20 rotates, and the upper motor holding member 12 engaged therewith rotates, thereby changing the direction of the urging mechanism part 2 and the conveying direction of the article.

[0108] The rotating mechanism-side motor 20 is pulse-controlled and vector-controlled by a control device (not shown) and rotates within a certain angular range.

[0109] The planar conveyor device 70 of the present embodiment is provided with a stock sensor (not shown) corresponding to each conveyor device 1 .

[0110] When an article arrives on any conveying device 1 of the planar conveying device 70, the rotating mechanism side motor 20 rotates in the conveying direction of the article, changing the direction of the urging mechanism 2. The urging mechanism side motor 10 is then started to move the article in the desired direction.

[0111] Therefore, the planar transport device 70 of this embodiment can receive articles from any direction and deliver them in any direction.

[0112] In the embodiment described above, the two rollers 7 are provided on the cover member 13 .

[0113] The present invention does not limit the number of rollers 7 , and the number may be one or more than three.

[0114] Figure 16 、 Figure 17 An example having three rollers is shown. Figure 16 、 Figure 17 The transport device 21 shown is provided with a roller 22 in addition to the two rollers 7 of the above embodiment. The roller 22 is provided between the two rollers 7.

[0115] The diameter of the central roller 22 is smaller than that of the rollers 7 on both sides. In addition, the total length of the central roller 22 is longer than that of the rollers 7 on both sides.

[0116] The central roller 22 is also rotatably supported by the cover member 13. However, the central roller 22 is attached to the cover member 13 with some vertical clearance, allowing for vertical freedom. The roller 22 is held in a horizontal position, with its upper portion exposed through the opening of the cover member 13.

[0117] Meanwhile, the lower portion of the roller 22 contacts the urging mechanism-side motor 10. Since the roller 22 has vertical freedom, the contact pressure between the roller 22 and the urging mechanism-side motor 10 is small when there is no object (transported object) above.

[0118] In contrast, when an object (transported object) passes over roller 22, the weight of the object pushes roller 22 toward motor 10, increasing the engagement force between the two. This reduces the slippage of roller 22, allowing it to rotate strongly and apply force to the object above it.

[0119] As described above, the reason for adopting a structure in which the central roller 22 is movable up and down is that it is difficult to make the three rollers 7 and 22 contact the circular outer shell 30 simultaneously and evenly due to dimensional tolerances.

[0120] The urging mechanism-side motor 10 used in the conveying device 21 is provided with a friction-applying member 23 on the outer shell 30, and the friction-applying member 23 contacts the rollers 7 and 22. The friction-applying member 23 is made of a material having a high friction coefficient, such as rubber.

[0121] The friction applying member 23 is a part of the outer shell 30 and rotates integrally with the other parts of the outer shell 30 .

[0122] The conveying device 21 of this embodiment has less slippage between the outer shell 30 and the rollers 7 and 22 , and can more effectively transmit the rotational force of the biasing mechanism-side motor 10 to the article.

[0123] Figure 18 It is a plan view of a planar transport device 25 in which the transport devices 21 are arranged in a plane.

[0124] In the above-described conveying device 1 , a rotatable roller 7 is provided on the outer shell 30 of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 , and the roller 7 is rotated by the rotational force of the outer shell 30 to urge the article.

[0125] Specifically, in the conveying device 1 , the urging mechanism-side motor 10 is installed with the central axis of the outer body 30 being substantially horizontal. The outer body 30 contacts the article via the rotatable rotating body (roller 7 ) to urge the article.

[0126] However, the present invention is not limited to this structure, and the outer shell 30 may be brought into direct contact with the article to apply force to the article.

[0127] Figure 7 The transport device 80 shown is a device that allows the outer contour body 30 to directly contact the article to apply force to the article. Figure 7 The transport device 80 shown does not include the rollers 7 , and the outer shell 30 of the urging mechanism-side motor 10 is directly exposed to the outside and comes into contact with the article.

[0128] The urging mechanism-side motor 10 employed in the conveying device 80 of this embodiment has a friction-imparting member 83 provided on the surface of the outer body 30. The friction-imparting member 83 is, for example, an annular rubber member wrapped around the surface of the main portion of the outer body 30. In this embodiment, the main portion of the outer body 30 has an engaging groove 85 formed on its surface, and a rib 86 provided on the inner circumference of the friction-imparting member 83 engages with the engaging groove 85.

[0129] The other parts of the conveying device 80 are the same as those of the above-mentioned conveying device 1 , and therefore the same reference numerals are given to the same components, and redundant descriptions are omitted.

[0130] In the embodiment described above, an engaging protrusion 58 is provided on the rotating mechanism portion 3, and an engaging recess 38 is provided on the motor holding member 12, so that the two are engaged. This structure is merely an example of a structure for transmitting the rotational force of the rotating mechanism portion 3 to the side of the forcing mechanism portion 2, and either one can be a recess or a protrusion. In addition, the rotating mechanism portion 3 and the forcing mechanism portion 2 can also be integrally combined using screws or adhesives. Moreover, it is also possible to have a structure in which the forcing mechanism side motor 10 is directly supported on the upper part of the outer contour body 50 of the rotating mechanism side motor 20.

[0131] The urging mechanism motor 10 and the rotating mechanism motor 20 both have magnets 33 and 53, but coils can be used instead. In other words, the urging mechanism motor 10 and the rotating mechanism motor 20 can also be reluctance motors. When reluctance motors are used as the motors, coils are attached to the inner surfaces of the outer shells 30 and 50.

[0132] In the embodiment described above, the power supply wire 45 on the urging mechanism portion 2 side is held by the cable holding portion 37, 56 provided on the outside, but it may also be Figure 8 As shown, an opening 63 is provided in a portion of the outer shell 50 and the like, and the liquid is guided into the outer shell 50 and led out to the outside via the central axis 51 of the rotating mechanism portion 3 .

[0133] According to this embodiment, the power supply line 45 is organized.

[0134] The conveying devices 1 and 80 described above do not have power transmission components such as gears or belts, and have a simple structure and a small number of components.

[0135] Therefore, manufacturing and maintenance are easy.

[0136] Both the urging mechanism 2 and the rotating mechanism 3 of the conveying devices 1 and 80 described above are outer rotor type motors, but either one may be another type of motor, or the driving mechanism may include gears or the like.

[0137] Next, refer to Figure 9 A planar conveying device 65 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0138] The planar conveying device 65 is provided with a plurality of top surface members 67 , and a plurality of biasing portions (rollers 7 ) are arranged on the top surface members 67 .

[0139] The planar conveyor 65 includes a plurality of top surface members 67 and a plurality of base members 68. A plurality of column members 76 are provided between the top surface members 67 and the base members 68, and the top surface members 67 are supported by the column members 76. Several column members 76 support the top surface members 67 at the boundaries between adjacent top surface members 67 and across the plurality of top surface members 67. A plurality of conveyor devices 1 are disposed between the top surface members 67 and the base members 68.

[0140] A common bottom plate 77 is provided at the bottommost stage of the planar transport device 65 .

[0141] In the column member 76, as Figure 11 The sensor 108 is shown mounted. There is a signal line 106 in the column part 76. Figure 11 As shown, there is a terminal 105 at the lower part of the column part 76, as shown in FIG. Figure 12 As shown, the terminal 105 is connected to the signal line 106 .

[0142] like Figure 11 As shown, the base member 68 has a terminal receiving member 107, and the terminal 105 of the column member 76 is inserted into the terminal receiving member 107 to be electrically connected. Figure 12 As shown, a control substrate 130 is arranged in the base member 68 .

[0143] like Figure 9 As shown in FIG. 6 , the planar transport device 65 of this embodiment is divided into a plurality of blocks 66 . Specifically, the planar transport device 65 is divided into 12 blocks 66 .

[0144] like Figure 11 As shown, each block 66 includes one top surface component 67, one base component 68 and four conveying devices 1.

[0145] In addition, if Figure 11 As shown, a plurality of column members 76 are located on the boundary lines of the blocks 66 , and the plurality of column members 76 are shared by adjacent blocks 66 .

[0146] In the present embodiment, a sensor 108 is provided on each column member 76 .

[0147] Hereinafter, each component will be described.

[0148] The top surface member 67 is a plate-like member made of metal or resin, such as Figure 11 、 1415, the planar shape is substantially square. In the center portion of the top surface member 67, four large circular openings 87 are provided in a row.

[0149] A small circular opening 78 is provided at the center of the top surface member 67. In addition, notches 88 and 90 are provided on each side of the top surface member 67.

[0150] The notch 88 at the center of each side is a semicircle, and the notch 90 at the corner of each side is a quarter circle.

[0151] The notches 88 , 90 provided on each side are each formed into a small circular shape when matched with the notches 88 , 90 provided on the top surface member 67 of the adjacent block 66 .

[0152] On the back side of the top surface member 67, as shown Figure 15 As shown, an upper support frame 120 having a square edge is provided around the central circular small opening 78. Similarly, upper frame pieces 121 and 122 are provided on the back side of each side of the top member 67.

[0153] The square upper support frame 120 that is arranged on the back side of top surface component 67 and is positioned at its center is the frame of reference size in this embodiment. The upper frame piece 121,122 that is arranged on each side is all when being matched with the upper frame piece 121,122 that is arranged on the top surface component 67 of adjacent block 66, forms the square shape of reference size.

[0154] That is, the upper frame pieces 121 and 122 provided on each side constitute a part of an upper support frame of a square having a standard size.

[0155] Specifically, the upper frame piece 121 provided at the center of each side is a rectangle half the size of a square of the standard size, and has a U-shape having long and short sides.

[0156] The upper frame piece 122 provided at the corner of each side is a square that is one-fourth the size of a square of the standard size, and has a triangular shape surrounded by two short sides.

[0157] The base member 68 is composed of a main body portion 82 and a cover member 92 .

[0158] The main body 82 is molded from resin and has a peripheral wall 93 and a bottom 95. Four engaging portions 91 are arranged in a row on the main body 82. The engaging portions 91 are frames formed on the bottom 95 and protrude from the bottom 95. The engaging portions 91 are frames with a specific shaped engaging recess 96 formed on their inner surface. The engaging recess 96 is non-circular; in this embodiment, it is roughly D-shaped, with a portion of a circle missing.

[0159] The bottom of the engagement recess 96 is provided with an opening 123 communicating with the back side.

[0160] A column insertion frame 97 is provided in the center of the main body 82. In addition, column insertion frame pieces 98 and 100 are provided on each side of the main body 82, with a portion thereof being missing.

[0161] In the present embodiment, the square column insertion frame 97 provided at the center is in the shape of a square having a standard size.

[0162] The column insertion frame pieces 98 , 100 provided on each side are each shaped like a square of a reference size when mated with the column insertion frame pieces 98 , 100 provided on the main body 82 of the adjacent base member 68 .

[0163] That is, the column insertion frame pieces 98 and 100 provided on each side constitute a part of a square opening of a standard size.

[0164] Specifically, the column insertion frame piece 98 provided at the center of each side has a rectangular shape half the size of a square constituting the reference size, and is in the shape of a U (half-opened on the left) with long and short sides.

[0165] The column insertion frame piece 100 provided at the corner of each side is a square having a size one-quarter of the square of the standard size, and has a triangular shape surrounded by two short sides.

[0166] A terminal receiving member 107 is provided at the bottom of each of the column insertion frames 97 and the column insertion frame pieces 98 and 100 .

[0167] The cover member 92 is a metal plate that covers the main body 82. The cover member 92 is provided with openings 101, 102, 103, 104 of corresponding positions and sizes to the engaging portion 91, the column insertion frame 97, and the column insertion frame pieces 98, 100 of the main body 82.

[0168] The column member 76 is a column made of resin and has a square cross-sectional shape. The column member 76 is hollow inside.

[0169] A sensor 108 is provided at the top of the column member 76. The sensor 108 is a photoelectric sensor having a light emitting portion and a light receiving portion (not shown), and is used to determine whether an object is present in front of the column member 76. In this embodiment, the sensor is used as an inventory sensor to determine whether an object (transported object) is present above the column member 76.

[0170] A terminal 105 protrudes from the bottom of the column member 76 .

[0171] Furthermore, a signal line 106 is provided inside the column member 76, and the upper sensor 108 and the lower terminal 105 are connected via the signal line 106. The signal line 106 may be provided outside the column member 76 and along the column member 76.

[0172] A base member 110 having a different shape from that of the above embodiment is integrally mounted on the conveyor 1. The base member 110 is substantially square in plan view, with notches 112 provided at each corner. The base member 110 has a recess on its surface into which the lower portion of the conveyor 1 fits.

[0173] An engaging protrusion 115 protrudes from the back surface of the base member 110 . The shape of the engaging protrusion 115 matches the shape of the engaging portion 91 of the main body 82 .

[0174] Next, the positional relationship among the components constituting the planar transport device 65 will be described.

[0175] In the planar transport device 65 of the present embodiment, a common bottom plate 77 is arranged at the bottom, and other components are provided and integrated on the common bottom plate 77 .

[0176] That is, the components constituting the block 66 are laid on the common bottom plate 77. For example, Figure 9 In the planar transport device 65 shown, components constituting twelve blocks 66 are mounted on a common base plate 77 .

[0177] Figure 14 The lower figure shows a state where the base member 68 is laid on the common bottom plate (not shown) 77.

[0178] Depend on Figure 14 As can be clearly seen from a schematic view of the state where the base member 68 is laid, the quadrilateral column insertion frames 131 are arranged in rows and columns.

[0179] Specifically, each base member 68 has a column insertion frame 97 and a corresponding opening (cover member) 102 at its center. The column insertion frame 97 and the corresponding opening 102 are quadrilaterals having the same cross-sectional shape as the column member 76, and the column insertion frame 97 alone constitutes the column insertion frame 131.

[0180] As previously mentioned, the sides of each base member 68 are provided with column insertion frame pieces 98, 100 and corresponding openings (cover members) 103, 104. Focusing on the column insertion frame piece 98 provided in the center of each side, the column insertion frame piece 98 and the like are rectangular, but when combined with the column insertion frame piece 98 of the adjacent base member 68, they appear to be a quadrilateral with the same cross-sectional shape as the column member 76, forming a column insertion frame 131.

[0181] Focus on the column insertion frame pieces 100 set at the corners of each side. The column insertion frame pieces 100 are in the shape of a small triangle, but when combined with the column insertion frame pieces 100 at the corners of the adjacent base part 68, they appear to be a quadrilateral with the same cross-sectional shape as the column part 76, forming a column insertion frame 131.

[0182] Therefore, as described above, in a state where the base member 68 is laid, the quadrilateral column insertion frames 131 are arranged in a row.

[0183] Figure 14 The upper figure shows the state where the top surface component 67 is installed.

[0184] Depend on Figure 14 It can be clearly seen that the large circular openings 87 are arranged in rows and columns when the top surface member 67 is generally observed.

[0185] In addition, the small openings 135 surround the large opening 87 and are arranged in rows and columns.

[0186] That is, each base member 68 has a circular opening 78 at its center.

[0187] As described above, each top surface member 67 has notches 88 and 90 on its sides. Focusing on the notch 88 provided in the center of each side, the notch 88 is semicircular, but combined with the adjacent top surface member 67, it becomes a circular opening 135 in appearance.

[0188] Focusing on the notches 90 provided at the corners of each side, the notches 90 are quarter-circular, but when combined with the notches 90 at the corners of the adjacent top surface member 67 , they become circular openings 135 in appearance.

[0189] like Figure 14 As shown by the middle dotted line, in a state where the top surface member 67 is installed, a quadrangular upper support frame 140 is provided on the back side, and the upper support frames 140 are arranged in rows and columns.

[0190] That is, an upper support frame 120 having a square edge is provided on the back side of the top surface member 67, centered around the circular opening 78. The upper support frame 140 is constituted by the upper support frame 120 alone.

[0191] As described above, the sides of each top surface member 67 are provided with upper frame pieces 121, 122. Focusing on the upper frame piece 121 provided at the center of each side, the upper frame piece 121 is rectangular, but when combined with the upper frame piece 121 of the adjacent top surface member 67, it becomes a quadrilateral having the same cross-sectional shape as the column member 76 from the appearance, forming an upper support frame 140.

[0192] Focus on the upper frame piece 122 set at the corners of each side. The upper frame piece 122 is a small triangle shape, but when combined with the upper frame piece 122 at each corner of the adjacent top surface part 67, it becomes a quadrilateral with the same cross-sectional shape as the column part 76 from the appearance, forming an upper support frame 140.

[0193] In the planar conveying device 65 of this embodiment, the lower portion of each column member 76 is inserted into a quadrilateral column insertion frame 131 arranged in a row at the lower portion, and the upper portion of each column member 76 is inserted into a quadrilateral upper support frame 140 arranged in a row at the upper portion.

[0194] That is, the surface conveying device 65 of this embodiment has a quadrilateral column insertion frame 131 at the bottom, which is composed of the openings of each base component 68 and the notches of each base component 68, and has a quadrilateral upper support frame 140 at the top, which is composed of the upper support frame 120 of each top surface component 67 and the frame pieces 121 and 122 of each top surface component 67, and has a column component 76 between the two.

[0195] Four conveying devices 1 are respectively installed between each top surface member 67 and the base member 68 .

[0196] The upper portion of the conveyor device 1 is attached to the circular opening 87 of the top surface member 67 . Furthermore, focusing on the lower portion of the conveyor device 1 , the engaging protrusion 115 of the base member 110 engages with the engaging portion 91 of the main body 82 .

[0197] When viewing the assembled planar conveyor 65 from above, and focusing on one conveyor 1 , sensors 108 are provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of the conveyor 1 .

[0198] Specifically, a small circular opening 78 is formed in the center of the top surface member 67 at one corner of a region including one conveyor device 1. The tip of the column member 76 is located below the opening 78, and the sensor 108 is provided.

[0199] At a position on a diagonal line beyond the center point of the conveyor 1 from the opening 78, there is a small circular opening 135 formed by gathering the notches 90 of the corners of the four top surface parts 67. At the lower part of the opening 135, there is a column part 76 and a sensor 108 is provided.

[0200] Furthermore, at another diagonal position, there is a small circular opening 135 formed by cooperating with the notch 88 provided in the center of each side. The pillar member 76 and the sensor 108 are provided in the opening 132 .

[0201] Therefore, in the planar conveying device 65 of the present embodiment, sensors 108 are provided at positions corresponding to the four corners of one conveying device 1 .

[0202] As described above, in the planar transport device 65 of this embodiment, the lower portion of each column member 76 is inserted into the quadrilateral column insertion frame and the quadrilateral opening arranged in a row at the lower portion.

[0203] Here, as described above, the terminal 105 protrudes from the lower portion of the column member 76. Meanwhile, a terminal receiving member 107 is provided at the bottom of the column insertion frame 97 and the column insertion frame pieces 98 and 100 on which the column member 76 is provided. Therefore, by attaching the column member to the column insertion frame 97 and the column insertion frame pieces 98 and 100, the terminal 105 of the column member 76 engages with the terminal receiving member 107 of the column insertion frame 97 and the like.

[0204] In this embodiment, a control board 130 for controlling the conveyor device 1 is disposed on the base member 68 , and the terminal receiving member 107 is connected to the control board 130 . Therefore, the sensor 108 is connected to the control board 130 via the mounting column member 76 .

[0205] Description of Reference Numerals

[0206] 1.80 conveyor device

[0207] 2 Force-applying mechanism

[0208] 3 Rotating mechanism

[0209] 7 rollers (rotatable rotating body force application part)

[0210] 10 Motor on the force-applying mechanism side

[0211] 12Motor retaining components

[0212] 20 Rotating mechanism side motor

[0213] 30 outer contour body

[0214] 31 Center Axis

[0215] 32 coils

[0216] 33 magnets

[0217] 50 outer contour body

[0218] 51 center axis

[0219] 52 coils

[0220] 53 magnets

[0221] 65, 70 Surface conveying device

[0222] 83 friction imparting component.

Claims

1. A transport device comprising: a force applying mechanism for applying force to an article to move the article; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the force applying mechanism, wherein the force applying mechanism is rotated by the rotation mechanism to change the direction of movement of the article. The conveying device is characterized in that: The urging mechanism portion includes an urging mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor having a coil at the center side and an outer body surrounding the coil, and the outer body is rotatable. The motor on the side of the urging mechanism is arranged so that the central axis of the outer contour body is in a substantially horizontal posture. The outer contour body contacts the object directly or through a rotatable rotating body to apply force to the object. The rotating mechanism portion includes a rotating mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor having a coil at the center side and an outer body surrounding the coil, and the outer body of the rotating mechanism side motor is rotatable. The rotation mechanism side motor is arranged such that the center axis of the outer shell of the motor is substantially vertical, and the outer shell of the motor is directly or indirectly engaged with the urging mechanism portion.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein: A rotatable roller is provided, a portion of the roller is in contact with the biasing mechanism-side motor, and a portion of the roller is in contact with the article to bias the article.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein: One or more of the rollers have a degree of freedom in the vertical direction.

4. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The urging mechanism-side motor has a friction imparting member on the outer periphery of the outer shell, and the urging mechanism-side motor contacts the article to urge the article.

5. A transport device comprising: a force applying mechanism for applying force to an article to move the article; and a rotation mechanism for rotating the force applying mechanism, wherein the force applying mechanism is rotated by the rotation mechanism to change the direction of movement of the article. The conveying device is characterized in that: The rotating mechanism portion includes a rotating mechanism side motor, which is an outer rotor type motor having a coil at the center side and an outer body surrounding the coil, and the outer body is rotatable. The rotation mechanism-side motor is disposed so that the center axis of an outer shell is substantially vertical, and the outer shell is directly or indirectly engaged with the urging mechanism portion.

6. A planar conveying device, characterized in that: A plurality of the conveying devices according to any one of claims 1 to 5 are arranged in a planar manner.

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