Goods handling equipment

Abstract

The intermediate guide section (13) is disposed between the first transport section (11) and the second transport section (12) in the width direction, and is disposed in the transport direction (X) region of the conveyor device (1) including the connecting section (J) connected to the support transport device (2). It is configured as the middle part of the bottom surface between the first part of the bottom surface and the second part of the bottom surface of the guide bottom surface (90) in the width direction. The intermediate guide surface (13F) of the middle part of the guide bottom surface of the intermediate guide section (13) is disposed on the reference plane (SF) at the connecting section (J) and is inclined downward as it moves away from the connecting section (J).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an article handling device, and more particularly, to an article handling device for handling articles in a supported position from below. Background Technology

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-022560 (Patent Document 1) discloses an article handling device that includes a conveyor device for transporting articles in a supported state from below. In the following background art description, the reference numerals in parentheses are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The conveyor device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes three chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c) arranged along the transport direction of the transported items. Each of the three chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c) has a pair of side frames (11) arranged apart in the width direction, and a chain (19) is provided at each of these pairs of side frames (11) to support and transport items from below. The items transported by the conveyor device are supported from below at both ends of the bottom surface in the width direction by means of the chain (19). The middle part of the bottom surface of the items in the width direction is not supported by the chain (19) and is in a suspended state. In this state, the items transported by the conveyor device move while being transferred between the three chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c).

[0004] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-022560.

[0005] However, when only the two ends of the bottom surface of the item are supported in the width direction, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the item in the width direction deflects slightly downwards due to the weight of the item or the load acting on it. In particular, the deflection is greater when the weight of the item itself is large or the load acting on it is large. In the technology of Patent Document 1, the three chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c) are configured to support only the two ends of the bottom surface of the item in the width direction, so even if the middle portion of the bottom surface of the item deflects downwards as described above, this state can be maintained and the transfer of the item between adjacent chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c) can be carried out smoothly. However, when moving items from such chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c) to a transport device that supports the items in a state where the flatness is higher than that of the chain conveyors (10a, 10b, 10c), such as a roller conveyor, the deflection of the bottom surface of the items can become an obstacle, making it impossible to transfer the items smoothly. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned actual situation, the present invention aims to realize a technology that, in an article handling device that carries articles in a state of being supported from below, can effectively transfer articles between a handling device that carries articles in a state of being partially flexed downward and a handling device that supports articles in a state of high flatness.

[0007] An article handling device is provided for handling an object article along a handling direction. The object article is the object to be handled. The device is characterized by comprising a conveyor assembly and a supporting conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly handles the object article, and the supporting conveyor assembly is arranged adjacent to the conveyor assembly in the handling direction, supporting and handling the object article with a flatness higher than the conveyor assembly. The width direction is defined as the direction orthogonal to the handling direction when viewed from above. The conveyor assembly includes a first handling section, a second handling section, and an intermediate guide section. The first handling section, the second handling section, and the intermediate guide section are respectively arranged along the handling direction and are separated from each other in the width direction. The side of the width direction where the first handling section is located opposite the second handling section is defined as the first side of the width direction, and the opposite side is defined as the second side of the width direction. The first handling section is configured to handle the object article along the handling direction while supporting a first portion of a bottom surface from below. The first portion of the bottom surface is a portion of the bottom surface of the object article in the width direction. The second handling section is configured as follows... The object is transported along the aforementioned transport direction with the second portion of the bottom surface supported from below. The second portion of the bottom surface is the part of the bottom surface that is located on the second side of the aforementioned width direction compared to the first portion of the bottom surface. The total length of the aforementioned transport direction of the aforementioned intermediate guide is shorter than the total length of the aforementioned transport directions of both the aforementioned first transport part and the aforementioned second transport part. The aforementioned intermediate guide is configured to be disposed between the aforementioned first transport part and the aforementioned second transport part in the aforementioned width direction, and to be disposed in the aforementioned transport direction area of ​​the aforementioned conveyor device, including the connecting part connected to the aforementioned support transport device. The region, the portion between the aforementioned bottom surface 1 and the aforementioned bottom surface 2 in the aforementioned width direction, i.e., the middle portion of the bottom surface, the first support surface of the aforementioned first transport part supporting the aforementioned bottom surface 1 and the second support surface of the aforementioned second transport part supporting the aforementioned bottom surface 2 are disposed on the same reference plane, the intermediate guide surface of the aforementioned middle guide part guiding the aforementioned bottom surface middle portion is disposed on the aforementioned reference plane at the aforementioned connecting part, and is inclined in the following direction, which is the direction that moves downward from the aforementioned reference plane as it moves away from the aforementioned connecting part in the aforementioned transport direction.

[0008] In the conveyor apparatus described above, which includes a first transport section and a second transport section, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object article, which is not supported by either the first support surface of the first transport section or the second support surface of the second transport section, deflects downwards relative to the reference plane on which the first and second support surfaces are arranged due to the weight and strength of the object article. However, according to this structure, the intermediate guide surface guiding such a middle portion of the bottom surface tilts downwards from the reference plane as it moves away from the connection between the conveyor apparatus and the supporting transport device in the transport direction. Therefore, when the object article moves on the conveyor apparatus toward the supporting transport device, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object article contacts the intermediate guide surface at a certain distance away from the connection, and is gradually pushed upwards as it approaches the connection. This intermediate guide surface is arranged on the same reference plane as the first and second support surfaces at the connection. Therefore, the deflection of the middle portion of the bottom surface is eliminated when the object article passes through the connection. Therefore, according to this structure, in an article handling device that transports articles from a state where the article is supported from below, it is possible to efficiently transfer articles between a handling device that transports articles in a state where a portion of the article is flexed downwards and a handling device that supports the article in a state of high flatness.

[0009] Furthermore, according to this structure, the total length of the intermediate guide section in the transport direction is shorter than the total length of the transport directions of both the first and second transport sections. Therefore, it is possible to configure the intermediate guide section to be provided only for a portion of the transport direction of the conveyor assembly comprising the first and second transport sections. Thus, for example, compared to a structure in which a third transport section having the same structure as the first and second transport sections is provided between the first and second transport sections along the width direction of the entire transport direction of the conveyor assembly, cost reduction is easily achieved.

[0010] Further features and advantages of the technology described in this application will become clearer from the following exemplary and non-limiting description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0011] Figure 1 It is a top view showing a part of the goods handling equipment.

[0012] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the peripheral structure of the connecting part.

[0013] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Sectional view III-III.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 IV-IV view.

[0015] Figure 5This is a width-oriented view showing the first or second transport section.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a view showing the width of the central guide section.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a motion diagram of an object being moved.

[0018] Figure 8 This is a top view showing an article handling device according to other embodiments.

[0019] Figure 9 This is a view showing the width of the intermediate guide section in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The implementation method of the goods handling equipment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 As shown, the material handling equipment 100 moves the object 9, which is the object to be moved, along the moving direction X.

[0021] Hereinafter, the direction of the object being transported, item 9, is defined as the transport direction X, and the direction orthogonal to the transport direction X when viewed from above is defined as the width direction Y. Furthermore, one side of the width direction Y is defined as the first side of the width direction Y1, and the other side is defined as the second side of the width direction Y2.

[0022] The object item 9 is, for example, a pallet or container holding goods intended for picking or sorting operations, or a pallet or container holding semi-finished or finished products. In this embodiment, the object item 9 is a pallet. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, multiple products are placed on the pallet that serves as the object item 9. The object item 9 is transported with its bottom surface 90 supported. Hereinafter, as... Figures 2-4 As shown, a portion of the bottom surface 90 of the object 9 in the width direction Y is designated as the first part 91 of the bottom surface, the portion of the bottom surface 90 that is closer to the second side Y2 in the width direction than the first part 91 of the bottom surface is designated as the second part 92 of the bottom surface, and the portion between the first part 91 of the bottom surface and the second part 92 of the bottom surface in the width direction Y is designated as the middle part 93 of the bottom surface.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, the item handling equipment 100 includes a conveyor device 1 for handling the item 9 and a support handling device 2 that is arranged adjacent to the conveyor device 1 in the handling direction X and supports and handles the item 9 with a higher flatness than the conveyor device 1.

[0024] Here, "flatness" refers to the degree of deviation of the bottom surface 90 of the object item 9 from a geometrically normal plane. "High flatness" means that the bottom surface 90 of the object item 9 is closer to a geometrically normal plane than that of a comparison object. Therefore, in this article handling equipment 100, the bottom surface 90 of the object item 9 being handled by the supporting handling device 2 is closer to a geometrically normal plane than the bottom surface 90 of the object item 9 being handled by the conveyor device 1. Furthermore, in the "high flatness" state, compared to the low flatness state, the parallelism between the handling surface supporting the object item 9 and the bottom surface 90 of the object item 9 is also high during handling.

[0025] The support and transport device 2 transports the object article 9 from below, supporting its bottom surface 90. In this embodiment, the support and transport device 2 is a roller conveyor. The support and transport device 2 includes a roller 21 that supports the bottom surface 90 of the object article 9, a support frame 20 for supporting the roller 21, and a drive device (not shown) that drives the roller 21 to rotate. Specifically, the support and transport device 2 includes a plurality of rollers 21 arranged along the transport direction X. Furthermore, the plurality of rollers 21 are configured to cover the entire area of ​​the bottom surface 90 of the object article 9 in the width direction Y, and rotate about a rotation axis in the width direction Y. Here, the rotation axis of the plurality of rollers 21 is arranged in a reference plane. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of each of the plurality of rollers 21 is formed into a cylindrical shape with the same radius covering the entire area in the width direction Y. Thus, the imaginary transport surface formed by connecting the upper ends of the plurality of rollers 21 is a shape that is approximately parallel to the reference plane. Therefore, compared with the conveyor device 1 described later, it is possible to support and transport the bottom surface 90 of the object 9 with a high degree of flatness.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, the support and handling device 2 is provided in the work area WA where operations are performed relative to the object article 9. In this example, "operations relative to the object article 9" means various operations performed relative to multiple products on the pallet (object article 9).

[0027] In this embodiment, the work area WA includes an inspection work unit WA1 for inspecting products and a picking work unit WA2 for picking products. However, these work units are just one example; the work area WA may also include work units for operations other than inspection and picking.

[0028] In the inspection work unit WA1, an inspection imaging device C1 is installed to capture images of the object articles 9 supported on the support and handling device 2 from above. In other words, the inspection work unit WA1 is configured to perform image recognition processing on the products on the tray (object articles 9) using the inspection imaging device C1. During the image recognition processing, the type, quantity, arrangement, and presence or absence of damage of the products on the tray (object articles 9) are identified.

[0029] In this embodiment, the inspection work unit WA1 is configured such that operator M also performs inspection work on the object article 9. Specifically, operator M performs inspection work such as checking and verifying the products on the tray (object article 9). For example, operator M verifies the inspection results of the image recognition processing by the inspection camera C1 at a position downstream of the inspection camera C1 in the transport direction X. That is, in this case, operator M additionally verifies the type, quantity, arrangement, or presence of damage of the products on the tray (object article 9).

[0030] A robot R is installed in the picking operation unit WA2 to perform picking operations relative to the target item 9. In other words, the picking operation unit WA2 is configured to perform picking operations on the pallet (target item 9) by means of the robot R. In this embodiment, the picking operation unit WA2 is also equipped with a picking image imaging device C2, which is used to perform image recognition processing on the products that are the targets of the picking operation of the robot R. The picking image imaging device C2 is configured to perform image recognition processing on the products on the pallet (target item 9) from above the area where the robot R performs the picking operation. In this image recognition processing, the type, quantity, and arrangement status of the products on the pallet (target item 9) are identified. Furthermore, in the picking operation, the robot R picks products from the pallet (target item 9) based on the image recognition results of the picking image imaging device C2 and the picking information. The picking information is set, for example, based on the product type, shipping destination, etc.

[0031] In the illustrated example, robot R is positioned adjacent to support and transport device 2 in the width direction Y. Robot R is configured to move its arm based on the arrangement of products on the tray (object item 9) as identified from images captured by the picking camera C2, performing a picking operation from above on the object item 9. As described above, support and transport device 2 is configured to support and transport the object item 9 with high flatness, thus minimizing tilting of the products on the tray (object item 9) during the picking operation. Therefore, high-precision picking operations are easily performed on products on such a tray (object item 9).

[0032] Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the inspection camera C1 and the picking camera C2 are configured to be positioned above the support and transport device 2, with the support and transport device 2 as a background, to capture images of the object item 9. Here, when the inspection camera C1 and the picking camera C2 perform image recognition processing, if the flatness of the tray (object item 9) is low, tilting or skewing may occur at the product on the tray, potentially reducing the accuracy of image recognition processing. However, as described above, the support and transport device 2 can support and transport the object item 9 with high flatness, thus enabling high-accuracy image recognition processing relative to the object item 9. Additionally, light reflection caused by the roller 21 may be reflected into the images of the inspection camera C1 and the picking camera C2, potentially reducing the accuracy of image recognition processing. In this case, the support and transport device 2 could be configured using a roller 21 with a surface that minimizes such light reflection, or using a belt conveyor instead of a roller 21.

[0033] The conveyor device 1 and the support and handling device 2 have different structures. The conveyor device 1 transports the object 9 from both the bottom surface 1 part 91 and the bottom surface 2 part 92 supporting the object 9 below (see reference). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor device 1 is arranged adjacent to the support and transport device 2 in the transport direction X. The conveyor device 1 has a connecting part J that connects to the support and transport device 2. Specifically, the connecting part J and the support and transport device 2 are arranged with a small gap between them in the transport direction X. When transporting the object article 9 from the conveyor device 1 to the support and transport device 2, the object article 9 is transferred from the conveyor device 1 to the support and transport device 2 through the connecting part J of the conveyor device 1. Afterward, the object article 9 is transported to the location where various operations related to the object article 9 are performed as described above. In the article transport equipment 100, it is also possible to transport the object article 9 from the support and transport device 2 to the conveyor device 1 in the opposite manner. In this case, the object article 9 is transferred from the support and transport device 2 to the connecting part J of the conveyor device 1.

[0035] Thus, the article handling device 100 of this embodiment is configured to handle the object article 9 to each side in the handling direction X. However, the structure described below assumes the case of handling the object article 9 from the conveyor device 1 to the support handling device 2. Therefore, "handling the object article 9 in the handling direction X" means handling the object article 9 from the conveyor device 1 side in the handling direction X to the support handling device 2 side.

[0036] like Figure 2As shown, the conveyor device 1 includes a first transport section 11, a second transport section 12, and an intermediate guide section 13, which are respectively arranged along the transport direction X and separated in the width direction Y. The "first side Y1 in the width direction" as defined above refers to the side in the width direction Y where the first transport section 11 is arranged relative to the second transport section 12. Furthermore, the "second side Y2 in the width direction" is the opposite side. That is, here, the side in the width direction Y where the first transport section 11 is arranged relative to the second transport section 12 is designated as the first side Y1 in the width direction, and its opposite side is designated as the second side Y2 in the width direction.

[0037] The first transport unit 11 is configured to transport the object article 9 along the transport direction X while supporting the bottom first portion 91 of the object article 9 from below. The second transport unit 12 is configured to transport the object article 9 along the transport direction X while supporting the bottom second portion 92 of the object article 9 from below.

[0038] In this embodiment, each of the first transport unit 11 and the second transport unit 12 is a chain conveyor. Specifically, the first transport unit 11 includes a pair of first sprocket teeth 111 (an example of a rotating body) disposed apart in the transport direction X and rotating about a rotation axis along the width direction Y, and a first chain 112 (an example of a ring body) wound around the pair of first sprocket teeth 111 and disposed in the transport direction X. The first chain 112 forms a first support surface 11F for supporting the bottom first portion 91 of the object article 9 from below. Similarly, the second transport unit 12 includes a pair of second sprocket teeth 121 (an example of a rotating body) disposed apart in the transport direction X and rotating about a rotation axis along the width direction Y, and a second chain 122 (an example of a ring body) wound around the pair of second sprocket teeth 121 and disposed in the transport direction X. The second chain 122 forms a second support surface 12F for supporting the bottom second portion 92 of the object article 9 from below. In addition, the first support surface 11F of the first chain 112 and the second support surface 12F of the second chain 122 actually include the unevenness caused by the unevenness of the chain, but here it is defined as an ideal surface without unevenness formed along the extension direction of the chain.

[0039] like Figure 5 As shown, in this embodiment, the first transport unit 11 includes a first support frame 110. The first support frame 110 supports a pair of first sprocket teeth 111 and a first chain 112 wound around the pair of first sprocket teeth 111. In this embodiment, the first support frame 110 supports the pair of first sprocket teeth 111, which are positioned away from the ground in the transport direction X, at the same height. Furthermore, in this example, the first support frame 110 supports the first chain 112 along the transport direction X, such that each portion of the first support surface 11F in the transport direction X is at the same height. The first support surface 11F is formed as a straight line when viewed in the width direction Y.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first transport unit 11 has multiple groups along the transport direction X, and the aforementioned groups are configured to include a first support frame 110, a first sprocket tooth 111 supported on the first support frame 110, and a first chain 112 (also refer to...) Figure 1 In other words, multiple first support frames 110 supporting the first sprocket teeth 111 and the first chain 112 are arranged along the transport direction X.

[0041] In this embodiment, the second transport section 12 includes a second support frame 120. The second support frame 120 supports a pair of second sprocket teeth 121 and a second chain 122 wound around the pair of second sprocket teeth 121. In this embodiment, the second support frame 120 supports the pair of second sprocket teeth 121, which are positioned apart from each other in the transport direction X, at the same height. Furthermore, in this example, the second support frame 120 supports the second chain 122 along the transport direction X, such that each portion of the second support surface 12F in the transport direction X is at the same height. The second support surface 12F is formed as a straight line when viewed in the width direction Y.

[0042] In this embodiment, the second transport unit 12 has multiple groups along the transport direction X. The aforementioned groups are configured to include a second support frame 120, a second sprocket tooth 121 supported on the second support frame 120, and a second chain 122 (also refer to...). Figure 1 In other words, multiple second support frames 120 supporting the second sprocket teeth 121 and the second chain 122 are arranged along the transport direction X.

[0043] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the first support surface 11F of the first support base 11 of the first transport unit 11 and the second support surface 12F of the second support base 92 of the second transport unit 12 are disposed on the same reference plane SF. The reference plane SF is an imaginary plane, and in this embodiment, it is configured to be horizontal when viewed along the transport direction X. Therefore, the first support surface 11F and the second support surface 12F are disposed at the same height. Furthermore, in this example, the reference plane SF is also configured to be horizontal when viewed along the width direction Y. Thus, the first support surface 11F and the second support surface 12F are disposed at the same height throughout the entire area of ​​the transport direction X.

[0044] like Figures 2-4As shown, the intermediate guide portion 13 is disposed between the first transport portion 11 and the second transport portion 12 in the width direction Y. In this embodiment, the intermediate guide portion 13 is disposed at the center of the distance between the first transport portion 11 and the second transport portion 12 in the width direction Y. In other words, in the width direction Y, the distance between the intermediate guide portion 13 and the first transport portion 11 is equal to the distance between the intermediate guide portion 13 and the second transport portion 12. The intermediate guide portion 13 is configured to guide the portion between the first bottom portion 91 and the second bottom portion 92 of the bottom surface 90 of the object 9, i.e., the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface.

[0045] like Figure 1 As shown, the intermediate guide 13 is disposed in the region of the conveyor device 1 in the transport direction X, including the connecting portion J connected to the support and transport device 2. Hereinafter, the region of the conveyor device 1 in the transport direction X where the intermediate guide 13 is disposed is designated as the connecting side region JA, and the region farther from the connecting portion J than the connecting side region JA is designated as the departure side region FA. In this embodiment, the intermediate guide 13 is disposed only in the connecting side region JA and not in the departure side region FA. On the other hand, the first transport portion 11 and the second transport portion 12 are disposed on both the connecting side region JA and the departure side region FA. Therefore, the total length of the intermediate guide 13 in the transport direction X is shorter than the total length of the transport direction X of both the first transport portion 11 and the second transport portion 12.

[0046] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the intermediate guide 13 is configured to transport the object article 9 in the transport direction X while supporting the bottom middle portion 93 from below. In this example, the intermediate guide 13 is a chain conveyor. Specifically, the intermediate guide 13 includes a pair of intermediate sprocket teeth 131 (an example of a rotating body) disposed apart in the transport direction X and rotating about a rotation axis along the width direction Y, and an intermediate chain 132 (an example of a ring-shaped body) wound around the pair of intermediate sprocket teeth 131 and disposed in the transport direction X. The intermediate chain 132 forms an intermediate guide surface 13F that guides the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9. At least a portion of the intermediate guide surface 13F contacts the bottom middle portion 93 from below.

[0047] like Figure 6 As shown, in this embodiment, the intermediate guide portion 13 includes an intermediate support frame 130. The intermediate support frame 130 supports a pair of intermediate sprocket teeth 131 and an intermediate chain 132 wound around the pair of intermediate sprocket teeth 131. Furthermore, the intermediate guide surface 13F of the intermediate guide portion 13 is inclined in a downward direction, which is the direction in which it moves downward from the reference plane SF as it leaves the connecting portion J in the transport direction X. Additionally, as... Figure 3As shown, the intermediate guide surface 13F is disposed on the reference plane SF at the connecting portion J. As described above, in this embodiment, the reference plane SF is configured to be horizontal when viewed in the width direction. Furthermore, the intermediate support frame 130 supports a pair of intermediate sprocket teeth 131 disposed at different heights in the transport direction X. Specifically, the intermediate support frame 130 supports the intermediate sprocket teeth 131 disposed on the connecting portion J side in the transport direction X at a position higher than the other intermediate sprocket teeth 131 disposed on the opposite side. That is, the end of the intermediate guide surface 13F on the side closest to the connecting portion J in the transport direction X, i.e., the connecting side end 132j, is disposed at a position higher than the end of the side furthest from the connecting portion J in the transport direction X, i.e., the departing side end 132f. In addition, in this embodiment, the intermediate sprocket teeth 131 disposed on the connecting portion J side in the transport direction X are disposed at the same height as the first sprocket tooth 111 and the second sprocket tooth 121 disposed on the connecting portion J side. Therefore, the first support surface 11F of the first transport section 11, the second support surface 12F of the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide surface 13F of the intermediate guide section 13 are arranged on the same reference plane SF on the connecting section J side. Furthermore, in this example, the intermediate guide surface 13F is formed as a straight line when viewed in the width direction Y (see reference). Figure 6 ).

[0048] Here, as Figure 1 As shown, in the departure side region FA where the intermediate guide 13 is not configured, the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9 is not supported by either the first support surface 11F of the first transport section 11 or the second support surface 12F of the second transport section 12. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, due to the weight of the products on the object item 9 (pallet), the strength of the object item 9 (pallet), etc., the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface deflects downwards compared to the reference plane SF on which the first support surface 11F and the second support surface 12F are arranged. However, in this conveyor device 1, as described above, the middle guide surface 13F that guides the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface is inclined downwards in a direction that moves downwards from the reference plane SF as it leaves the connection part J connected to the support and transport device 2 of the conveyor device 1 in the transport direction X (see reference). Figure 6 Therefore, when the object article 9 moves on the conveyor device 1 towards the support and transport device 2, the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface of the object article 9 contacts the middle guide surface 13F at a position a certain distance away from the connecting portion J. Furthermore, as... Figure 7 As shown, the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface of the object article 9 is gradually pushed upward as it is transported towards the connecting portion J. As described above, the middle guide surface 13F is positioned on the same reference plane SF as the first support surface 11F and the second support surface 12F at the connecting portion J. Therefore, when the object article 9 passes through the connecting portion J, as... Figure 7 As shown in the figure below, the deflection of the middle portion 93 of the bottom surface is eliminated. Therefore, the object article 9 can be transferred smoothly between the conveyor device 1, which transports the object article 9 in a state where a part of it is deflected downwards, and the support transport device 2, which supports the object article 9 in a state of high flatness.

[0049] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the departure end 132f of the intermediate guide surface 13F is positioned below the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9, which is supported by the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 and whose bottom middle portion 93 is bent downward relative to the bottom first portion 91 and the bottom second portion 92. Therefore, the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9, which is transported towards the support transport device 2, first contacts the portion of the intermediate guide surface 13F that is closer to the connecting portion J than the departure end 132f, i.e., the inclined surface portion of the intermediate guide surface 13F. Thus, the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9, which is bent downward, can be appropriately guided. In this embodiment, the position (height) of the bottom middle portion 93 is calculated based on the maximum deflection of the object article 9 under the assumption of a maximum load acting on it, and the departure end 132f of the intermediate guide surface 13F is positioned below this position. In addition, in this example, the state in which the heaviest product is placed on the object item 9 (pallet) is assumed to be the state of maximum load.

[0050] like Figures 2-4 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveyor device 1 includes a drive device 14 that drives the first transport section 11, the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide section 13. The drive device 14 drives the first transport section 11, the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide section 13 in a synchronized manner.

[0051] In this embodiment, the drive device 14 includes a rotating body disposed at the end of the connecting portion J side of the first transport portion 11, the second transport portion 12, and the intermediate guide portion 13, a connecting shaft 140 that coaxially connects the first sprocket teeth 111, the second sprocket teeth 121, and the intermediate sprocket teeth 131 to each other in this example, and a drive portion 14m that drives the connecting shaft 140 to rotate.

[0052] The connecting shaft 140 is configured such that a first sprocket tooth 111, a second sprocket tooth 121, and an intermediate sprocket tooth 131 pass through it in the width direction Y. These teeth are arranged at the same height and overlap when viewed in the width direction Y. The first sprocket tooth 111, the second sprocket tooth 121, and the intermediate sprocket tooth 131 are fixed to the connecting shaft 140 in a manner that allows them to rotate integrally with the shaft. Therefore, the connecting shaft 140 is driven to rotate by the drive unit 14m, thereby causing the first sprocket tooth 111, the second sprocket tooth 121, and the intermediate sprocket tooth 131 to rotate synchronously. In this example, the diameters of the first sprocket tooth 111, the second sprocket tooth 121, and the intermediate sprocket tooth 131 are equal. Therefore, the chains 112, 122, 132 wound around each of these sprocket teeth 111, 121, 131 are driven at the same speed due to the rotation of the connecting shaft 140. The drive unit 14m is configured, for example, to include an electric motor and a speed reducer that reduces the rotation of the electric motor to transmit the speed to the connecting shaft.

[0053] Here, refer to Figure 1 As described above, the total length of the transport direction X of the intermediate guide section 13 is shorter than the total length of the transport direction X of both the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12. Furthermore, when multiple first transport sections 11 and 2 transport sections 12 are arranged along the transport direction X, the total length of the transport direction X is the sum of the lengths of these multiple first transport sections 11 and 2 transport sections 12. By making the total length of the transport direction X of the intermediate guide section 13 shorter than the total length of the transport direction X of the first transport sections 11 and 2 transport sections 12, the cost of the article handling equipment 100 can be reduced. That is, in the case where the conveyor device 1 equipped with the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 is configured to have a third transport section (not shown) (so-called a 3-column conveyor) with the same structure as the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 along the entire length of the transport direction X, between the width direction Y of the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12, the structure and size of the third transport section are equivalent to the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12. However, according to the structure of this embodiment, such a third transport section is not necessary, and the intermediate guide section 13 can be arranged only in a part of the transport direction X, so it is easier to reduce costs compared to the case where such a third transport section is provided.

[0054] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as Figure 1As shown, the conveyor device 1 is configured to be divisible into a connecting side unit JU and a departing side unit FU. The connecting side unit JU is disposed in the connecting side region JA, and the first transport section 11, the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide section 13 are connected thereto. The departing side unit FU is disposed in the departing side region FA, and the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 are connected thereto. The departing side unit FU does not include the intermediate guide section 13. According to this structure, an existing conveyor unit that does not have the intermediate guide section 13 can be used as the departing side unit FU. Here, the existing conveyor unit refers to a conveyor unit that has the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 but does not have the intermediate guide section 13. By setting it up in this way, the conveyor device 1 described above can be realized by replacing only a part of the existing conveyor unit configured in the transport direction X with the connecting side unit JU that has the intermediate guide section 13. Therefore, the article handling equipment 100 can be realized, which can efficiently transfer the object article 9 from the conveyor device 1 to the supporting handling device 2 at a relatively low cost.

[0055] According to the article handling equipment 100 described above, the transfer of the object article 9 between the conveyor device 1, which transports the object article 9 in a state of downward bending with a portion thereof, and the support handling device 2, which supports the object article 9 in a state of high flatness, can be performed efficiently. Furthermore, the total length of the transport direction X of the intermediate guide section 13 is shorter than the total length of the transport direction X of both the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12, so it is possible to configure the intermediate guide section 13 to be provided only in a portion of the transport direction X of the conveyor device 1, which includes the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12. Therefore, compared to the following situation, a structure that easily reduces costs can be achieved, for example, as described above, in which a third transport section having the same structure as the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 is provided along the entire length of the transport direction X of the conveyor device 1 in the width direction Y.

[0056] [Other Implementation Methods]

[0057] Next, other embodiments of the goods handling equipment will be described.

[0058] (1) In the above embodiments, the following example is described: the conveyor device 1 is configured to be divisible into a connecting side unit JU, which connects a first transport section 11, a second transport section 12, and an intermediate guide section 13, and a departure side unit FU, which connects the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12. However, it is not limited to this example; the conveyor device 1 may also be a single, integral structure that is not divided in the transport direction X. For example, Figure 8As shown, the conveyor device 1 can also be configured to have a first transport section 11 and a second transport section 12 continuously constructed covering the entire area of ​​the transport direction X. In this case, similar to the embodiment described above, an intermediate guide section 13 may be disposed in a portion of the area of ​​the conveyor device 1 in the transport direction X, and the total length of the intermediate guide section 13 in the transport direction X may be shorter than the total length of the transport direction X of both the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12.

[0059] (2) In the above embodiments, an example in which the intermediate guide surface 13F is formed as a straight line when viewed in the width direction Y has been described (see reference). Figure 6 However, not limited to such an example, the intermediate guide surface 13F can also be, for example, as shown below. Figure 9 As shown, it is curved when viewed in the width direction Y. In the same manner as in the embodiment described above, the intermediate guide surface 13F is configured to slope downwards from the reference plane SF as it leaves the connecting portion J in the transport direction X. Therefore, for example, the intermediate guide surface 13F can be formed as a curved shape that bulges upwards. With such a structure, the height of the departing end 132f of the intermediate guide surface 13F can be sufficiently low, and the length of the intermediate guide portion 13 in the transport direction X can be kept short.

[0060] (3) In the above embodiments, the following example is described: the departure end 132f of the intermediate guide surface 13F is configured to be lower than the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9 in a state of downward bending relative to the bottom first portion 91 and the bottom second portion 92. However, it is not limited to this example; the departure end 132f of the intermediate guide surface 13F may also be configured to be at the same height as the bottom middle portion 93 of the object article 9 in a state of downward bending.

[0061] (4) In the above embodiments, the following example is described: the drive device 14 drives the first transport section 11, the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide section 13 synchronously by means of a connecting shaft 140 that coaxially connects the first sprocket tooth 111, the second sprocket tooth 121, and the intermediate sprocket tooth 131. However, it is not limited to this example; the drive device 14 may also include a drive unit that drives the first transport section 11, the second transport section 12, and the intermediate guide section 13 separately. Alternatively, it may also include a drive unit that drives the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 synchronously and a drive unit that drives the intermediate guide section 13 separately.

[0062] (5) In the above embodiments, an example of each of the first transport unit 11 and the second transport unit 12 being a chain conveyor has been described. However, it is not limited to such an example, and each of the first transport unit 11 and the second transport unit 12 may also be a belt conveyor. In this case, the rotating body is a pulley and the annular body is a belt.

[0063] (6) In the above embodiments, an example of a chain conveyor being used as the intermediate guide 13 has been described. However, it is not limited to such an example; the intermediate guide 13 may also be a conveyor other than a chain conveyor, such as a belt conveyor or a roller conveyor. In the case where the intermediate guide 13 is a belt conveyor, the rotating body is a pulley and the annular body is a belt. In the case where the intermediate guide 13 is a roller conveyor, the intermediate guide 13 has a plurality of rollers arranged in a manner along the transport direction X and rotating about a rotation axis along the width direction Y. In this case, the plurality of rollers may have a transport function that is driven by a drive source such as an electric motor to apply a force toward the transport direction X to the object article 9, or they may not have such a transport function and only have a guiding function that rotates as the bottom surface 90 of the object article 9 slides. That is, the intermediate guide 13 may not be configured to transport the object article 9 in the transport direction X.

[0064] (7) In the above embodiments, an example of a roller conveyor for the support and transport device 2 has been described. However, it is not limited to such an example; the support and transport device 2 can be configured to support and transport the object article 9 in a state with a higher flatness than the conveyor device 1. As long as the object article 9 is transported in this way, the support and transport device 2 can also be various conveyors such as belt conveyors and chain conveyors, or various transport devices such as automated guided vehicles and stacker cranes. In addition, for example, in addition to the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 of the conveyor device 1, the support and transport device 2 can also be configured to have a third transport section (not shown) with the same structure as the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12 (so-called a 3-column conveyor) between the width direction Y of the first transport section 11 and the second transport section 12.

[0065] (8) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can also be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely examples in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0066] [Summary of the above embodiments]

[0067] The following is a description of the material handling equipment mentioned above.

[0068] An article handling device is provided for handling an object article along a handling direction. The object article is the object to be handled. The device is characterized by comprising a conveyor assembly and a supporting conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly handles the object article, and the supporting conveyor assembly is arranged adjacent to the conveyor assembly in the handling direction, supporting and handling the object article with a flatness higher than the conveyor assembly. The width direction is defined as the direction orthogonal to the handling direction when viewed from above. The conveyor assembly includes a first handling section, a second handling section, and an intermediate guide section. The first handling section, the second handling section, and the intermediate guide section are respectively arranged along the handling direction and are separated from each other in the width direction. The side of the width direction where the first handling section is located opposite the second handling section is defined as the first side of the width direction, and the opposite side is defined as the second side of the width direction. The first handling section is configured to handle the object article along the handling direction while supporting a first portion of a bottom surface from below. The first portion of the bottom surface is a portion of the bottom surface of the object article in the width direction. The second handling section is configured as follows... The object is transported along the aforementioned transport direction with the second portion of the bottom surface supported from below. The second portion of the bottom surface is the part of the bottom surface that is located on the second side of the aforementioned width direction compared to the first portion of the bottom surface. The total length of the aforementioned transport direction of the aforementioned intermediate guide is shorter than the total length of the aforementioned transport directions of both the aforementioned first transport part and the aforementioned second transport part. The aforementioned intermediate guide is configured to be disposed between the aforementioned first transport part and the aforementioned second transport part in the aforementioned width direction, and to be disposed in the aforementioned transport direction area of ​​the aforementioned conveyor device, including the connecting part connected to the aforementioned support transport device. The region, the portion between the aforementioned bottom surface 1 and the aforementioned bottom surface 2 in the aforementioned width direction, i.e., the middle portion of the bottom surface, the first support surface of the aforementioned first transport part supporting the aforementioned bottom surface 1 and the second support surface of the aforementioned second transport part supporting the aforementioned bottom surface 2 are disposed on the same reference plane, the intermediate guide surface of the aforementioned middle guide part guiding the aforementioned bottom surface middle portion is disposed on the aforementioned reference plane at the aforementioned connecting part, and is inclined in the following direction, which is the direction that moves downward from the aforementioned reference plane as it moves away from the aforementioned connecting part in the aforementioned transport direction.

[0069] In the conveyor apparatus described above, which includes a first transport section and a second transport section, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object article, which is not supported by either the first support surface of the first transport section or the second support surface of the second transport section, deflects downwards relative to the reference plane on which the first and second support surfaces are arranged due to the weight and strength of the object article. However, according to this structure, the intermediate guide surface guiding such a middle portion of the bottom surface is inclined in the following direction, which is the direction that moves downwards from the reference plane as the object article moves away from the connection between the conveyor apparatus and the supporting transport device in the transport direction. Therefore, when the object article moves on the conveyor apparatus toward the supporting transport device, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object article contacts the intermediate guide surface at a certain distance away from the connection portion and is gradually pushed upwards as it approaches the connection portion. This intermediate guide surface is arranged on the same reference plane as the first and second support surfaces at the connection portion. Therefore, when the object article passes through the connection portion, the deflection of the middle portion of the bottom surface is eliminated. Therefore, according to this structure, in an article handling device that transports articles from a state where the article is supported from below, it is possible to efficiently transfer articles between a handling device that transports articles in a state where a portion of the article is flexed downwards and a handling device that supports the article in a state of high flatness.

[0070] Furthermore, according to this structure, the total length of the intermediate guide section in the transport direction is shorter than the total length of the transport directions of both the first and second transport sections. Therefore, it is possible to configure the intermediate guide section to be provided only for a portion of the transport direction of the conveyor assembly comprising the first and second transport sections. Thus, for example, compared to a structure in which a third transport section having the same structure as the first and second transport sections is provided between the first and second transport sections along the width direction of the entire transport direction of the conveyor assembly, cost reduction is easily achieved.

[0071] Here, preferably, the end of the intermediate guide surface that is furthest from the connection portion in the aforementioned transport direction, i.e. the departure end, is configured to be located below the aforementioned intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the object article, which is supported by the aforementioned first transport portion and the aforementioned second transport portion and whose aforementioned intermediate portion of the bottom surface is bent downward relative to the aforementioned first portion of the bottom surface and the aforementioned second portion of the bottom surface.

[0072] According to this structure, the portion of the object being transported towards the support and conveying device that is closer to the connecting portion than the distal end of the intermediate guide surface, i.e., the inclined portion of the intermediate guide surface, makes the first contact. Therefore, the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object being transported towards the support and conveying device can be appropriately guided in a downwardly flexed state.

[0073] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned intermediate guide portion is configured to transport the aforementioned object in the aforementioned transport direction while supporting the aforementioned bottom surface middle portion from below.

[0074] When the middle portion of the bottom surface of the object is guided in the transport direction by contacting the middle guide surface of the middle guide section, the middle portion of the bottom surface is pushed by the middle guide surface, thus generating resistance in the direction that hinders the transport of the object. According to this structure, in addition to the first transport section and the second transport section, the object is also transported in the transport direction by means of the middle guide section, so the object can be transported more smoothly.

[0075] Furthermore, preferably, when the aforementioned intermediate guide portion is configured to transport the aforementioned object article in the aforementioned transport direction while supporting the aforementioned bottom middle portion from below, the aforementioned first transport portion, the aforementioned second transport portion, and the aforementioned intermediate guide portion each have an annular body and a pair of rotating bodies. The aforementioned pair of rotating bodies are configured to move away from the aforementioned transport direction and rotate about a rotation axis along the aforementioned width direction. The aforementioned annular body is wound around this pair of rotating bodies and is arranged along the aforementioned transport direction. The aforementioned conveyor device has a drive device for driving the aforementioned first transport portion, the aforementioned second transport portion, and the aforementioned intermediate guide portion. The aforementioned drive device has a connecting shaft and a drive portion. The aforementioned connecting shaft coaxially connects the aforementioned rotating bodies arranged at the ends of the aforementioned first transport portion, the aforementioned second transport portion, and the aforementioned intermediate guide portion at the aforementioned connecting portion side to each other. The aforementioned drive portion drives the aforementioned connecting shaft to rotate.

[0076] The first support surface, the second support surface, and the intermediate guide surface are arranged on a reference plane at the connecting portion. This allows the rotating bodies of the first transport section, the second transport section, and the intermediate guide section, each positioned at the end of the pair of rotating bodies at the connecting portion, to overlap when viewed in the width direction. In this structure, the three rotating bodies are coaxially connected by a connecting shaft using the relative positions of their rotating bodies. Therefore, according to this structure, the connecting shaft is driven to rotate by a drive unit, thereby enabling the first transport section, the second transport section, and the intermediate guide section to drive synchronously, and simplifying the structure of the drive device.

[0077] Furthermore, preferably, the region in the transport direction where the aforementioned intermediate guide portion is arranged in the aforementioned conveyor device is designated as the connecting side region, and the region on the side farther from the aforementioned connecting portion compared to the aforementioned connecting side region is designated as the departure side region. The aforementioned conveyor device is configured to be divisible into a connecting side unit and a departure side unit. The aforementioned connecting side unit is arranged in the aforementioned connecting side region, and the aforementioned first transport portion, the aforementioned second transport portion, and the aforementioned intermediate guide portion are connected. The aforementioned departure side unit is arranged in the aforementioned departure side region, and the aforementioned first transport portion and the aforementioned second transport portion are connected.

[0078] According to this structure, an existing conveyor unit without an intermediate guide section can be used as the departure side unit. Therefore, by replacing only a portion of the conveyor device that arranges existing conveyor units in the transport direction with a connection side unit having an intermediate guide section, the aforementioned conveyor device can be realized. Thus, an article handling device can be realized that can efficiently transfer articles from the conveyor device to the supporting handling device at a relatively low cost.

[0079] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned support and conveying device is a roller conveyor, which has multiple rollers arranged to cover the entire area of ​​the aforementioned bottom surface of the aforementioned object in the aforementioned width direction, and rotates about a rotation axis along the aforementioned width direction. These multiple rollers are arranged in the aforementioned conveying direction.

[0080] According to this structure, objects can be transported in a highly flat state using a support and transport device. Furthermore, the high flatness of the objects facilitates various operations related to them, such as picking operations using robots and inspection operations using image recognition processing.

[0081] Furthermore, preferably, the aforementioned intermediate guide section is a chain conveyor, belt conveyor, or roller conveyor.

[0082] According to this structure, the intermediate guide section can be implemented using a known conveyor. Therefore, cost reduction can be achieved.

[0083] Furthermore, preferably, each of the aforementioned first conveying unit and the aforementioned second conveying unit is a chain conveyor or a belt conveyor.

[0084] Compared to other conveyors such as chain conveyors, belt conveyors, and roller conveyors, this type of conveyor can transport the object with greater friction against the bottom surface. Therefore, according to this structure, in the transport of the object, the object can also be transported appropriately with less slippage by using an intermediate guide section to guide the middle part of the bottom surface.

[0085] Industrial availability

[0086] The technology of this application can be used in article handling equipment that moves objects along the transport direction.

[0087] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0088] 100: Goods handling equipment

[0089] 1: Conveyor unit

[0090] 11: First Transport Department

[0091] 11F: First support surface

[0092] 112: Chain

[0093] 12: Second Transport Department

[0094] 122: Chain

[0095] 12F: Second support surface

[0096] 13: Central guide section

[0097] 132: Chain

[0098] 132f: Departure from the side end

[0099] 13F: Intermediate guide surface

[0100] 14: Drive unit

[0101] 140: Connecting shaft

[0102] 14m: Drive unit

[0103] 2: Support and transport device

[0104] 21: Roller

[0105] 9: Target Items

[0106] 90: Bottom

[0107] 91: Bottom Part 1

[0108] 92: Bottom surface, part 2

[0109] 93: Middle part of the bottom surface

[0110] FA: Leaving the lateral region

[0111] FU: Departure side unit

[0112] J: Connecting part

[0113] JA: Connecting side region

[0114] JU: Connecting side unit

[0115] SF: Reference plane

[0116] X: Direction of transport

[0117] Y: Width direction

[0118] Y1: First side in the width direction

[0119] Y2: The second side in the width direction.

Claims

1. A goods handling device for transporting object goods along a transport direction, wherein the object goods are the items being transported, and the goods handling device is characterized in that... Equipped with conveyor equipment and support and handling equipment, The aforementioned conveyor device transports the aforementioned objects. The aforementioned support and transport device is arranged adjacent to the aforementioned conveyor device in the aforementioned transport direction, and supports and transports the aforementioned object article with a flatness higher than that of the aforementioned conveyor device. The direction orthogonal to the aforementioned transport direction when viewed from above is defined as the width direction. The aforementioned conveyor device includes a first transport section, a second transport section, and an intermediate guide section. The first transport section, the second transport section, and the intermediate guide section are respectively arranged along the aforementioned transport direction and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the aforementioned width direction. The side in the width direction where the first transport unit is disposed relative to the second transport unit is designated as the first side in the width direction, and the opposite side is designated as the second side in the width direction. The aforementioned first conveying unit is configured to convey the aforementioned object article along the aforementioned conveying direction while supporting the first portion of the bottom surface from below, wherein the first portion of the bottom surface is a portion of the aforementioned width direction of the bottom surface of the aforementioned object article. The aforementioned second transport unit is configured to transport the aforementioned object article along the aforementioned transport direction while supporting the second portion of the bottom surface from below. The aforementioned second portion of the bottom surface is the portion of the aforementioned bottom surface that is located on the second side of the aforementioned width direction compared to the aforementioned first portion of the bottom surface. The total length of the aforementioned transport direction of the aforementioned intermediate guide section is shorter than the total length of the aforementioned transport direction of both the aforementioned first transport section and the aforementioned second transport section. The aforementioned intermediate guide portion is configured to be disposed between the aforementioned first transport portion and the aforementioned second transport portion in the aforementioned width direction, and disposed in the aforementioned transport direction region of the aforementioned conveyor device, including the connecting portion connected to the aforementioned support transport device, guiding the portion between the aforementioned first portion and the aforementioned second portion of the aforementioned bottom surface in the aforementioned width direction, i.e., the intermediate portion of the bottom surface. The first support surface of the first transport unit supporting the first portion of the aforementioned bottom surface and the second support surface of the second transport unit supporting the second portion of the aforementioned bottom surface are arranged on the same reference plane. The intermediate guide surface of the aforementioned intermediate guide portion, located on the aforementioned reference plane at the aforementioned connecting portion, is inclined in the following direction: the direction in which it moves downward from the aforementioned reference plane as it leaves the aforementioned connecting portion in the aforementioned transport direction. The end of the aforementioned intermediate guide surface that is furthest from the aforementioned connection portion in the aforementioned transport direction, i.e. the departure end, is configured to be located below the aforementioned intermediate portion of the bottom surface of the aforementioned object article, which is supported by the aforementioned first transport portion and the aforementioned second transport portion and whose aforementioned intermediate portion of the bottom surface is bent downward relative to the aforementioned first portion of the bottom surface and the aforementioned second portion of the bottom surface.

2. A goods handling device for transporting object goods along a transport direction, wherein the object goods are the items being transported, and the goods handling device is characterized in that... Equipped with conveyor equipment and support and handling equipment, The aforementioned conveyor device transports the aforementioned objects. The aforementioned support and transport device is arranged adjacent to the aforementioned conveyor device in the aforementioned transport direction, and supports and transports the aforementioned object article with a flatness higher than that of the aforementioned conveyor device. The direction orthogonal to the aforementioned transport direction when viewed from above is defined as the width direction. The aforementioned conveyor device includes a first transport section, a second transport section, and an intermediate guide section. The first transport section, the second transport section, and the intermediate guide section are respectively arranged along the aforementioned transport direction and are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the aforementioned width direction. The side in the width direction where the first transport unit is disposed relative to the second transport unit is designated as the first side in the width direction, and the opposite side is designated as the second side in the width direction. The aforementioned first conveying unit is configured to convey the aforementioned object article along the aforementioned conveying direction while supporting the first portion of the bottom surface from below, wherein the first portion of the bottom surface is a portion of the aforementioned width direction of the bottom surface of the aforementioned object article. The aforementioned second transport unit is configured to transport the aforementioned object article along the aforementioned transport direction while supporting the second portion of the bottom surface from below. The aforementioned second portion of the bottom surface is the portion of the aforementioned bottom surface that is located on the second side of the aforementioned width direction compared to the aforementioned first portion of the bottom surface. The total length of the aforementioned transport direction of the aforementioned intermediate guide section is shorter than the total length of the aforementioned transport direction of both the aforementioned first transport section and the aforementioned second transport section. The aforementioned intermediate guide portion is configured to be disposed between the aforementioned first transport portion and the aforementioned second transport portion in the aforementioned width direction, and disposed in the aforementioned transport direction region of the aforementioned conveyor device, including the connecting portion connected to the aforementioned support transport device, guiding the portion between the aforementioned first portion and the aforementioned second portion of the aforementioned bottom surface in the aforementioned width direction, i.e., the intermediate portion of the bottom surface. The first support surface of the first transport unit supporting the first portion of the aforementioned bottom surface and the second support surface of the second transport unit supporting the second portion of the aforementioned bottom surface are arranged on the same reference plane. The intermediate guide surface of the aforementioned intermediate guide portion, located on the aforementioned reference plane at the aforementioned connecting portion, is inclined in the following direction: the direction in which it moves downward from the aforementioned reference plane as it leaves the aforementioned connecting portion in the aforementioned transport direction. The area in the aforementioned conveyor device, where the aforementioned intermediate guide is located, is designated as the connecting side area, and the area on the side farther from the aforementioned connecting part compared to the aforementioned connecting side area is designated as the departure side area. The aforementioned conveyor device is configured to be divisible into a connecting side unit and a departing side unit. The connecting side unit is disposed in the connecting side region, and the first transport section, the second transport section, and the intermediate guide section are connected in the connecting side unit. The departing side unit is disposed in the departing side region, and the first transport section and the second transport section are connected in the departing side unit.

3. The article handling equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned intermediate guide is configured to transport the aforementioned object in the aforementioned transport direction while supporting the aforementioned bottom surface middle portion from below.

4. The goods handling equipment as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The aforementioned first transport section, the aforementioned second transport section, and the aforementioned intermediate guide section each have an annular body and a pair of rotating bodies. The pair of rotating bodies are configured to move away from each other in the aforementioned transport direction and rotate about a rotation axis along the aforementioned width direction. The aforementioned annular body is wound around this pair of rotating bodies and is arranged along the aforementioned transport direction. The aforementioned conveyor device includes a drive unit for driving the aforementioned first transport unit, the aforementioned second transport unit, and the aforementioned intermediate guide unit. The aforementioned drive device includes a connecting shaft and a drive unit. The connecting shaft coaxially connects the aforementioned rotating bodies, which are respectively disposed at the ends of the aforementioned first transport unit, the aforementioned second transport unit, and the aforementioned intermediate guide unit on the side of the aforementioned connecting portion, to each other. The aforementioned drive unit drives the aforementioned connecting shaft to rotate.

5. The article handling equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned support and conveying device is a roller conveyor, which has multiple rollers arranged to cover the entire area of ​​the aforementioned bottom surface of the aforementioned object in the aforementioned width direction and rotates about a rotation axis along the aforementioned width direction. The multiple rollers are arranged along the aforementioned conveying direction.

6. The article handling equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned intermediate guide section is a chain conveyor, belt conveyor, or roller conveyor.

7. The article handling equipment as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, Each of the aforementioned first transport section and the aforementioned second transport section is a chain conveyor or a belt conveyor.

Images