Carrying device, discharge fairing and skirt

Abstract

Improvement of attraction of a conveying device. A conveying device (100) has a swirl flow forming body (1), a discharge fairing (2), and a skirt (3). The swirl flow forming body (1) has a columnar first body, an end face formed at a lower end of the first body, a cylindrical recess formed at the end face, and a pair of fluid passages formed so as to extend in a substantially tangential direction with respect to an inner peripheral face of the recess, which supply fluid into the recess to form a swirl flow. The discharge fairing (2) has a second body which is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a substantially circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion which is vertically provided at a peripheral edge of the bottom plate portion, and which is disposed so as to cover the recess, a suction port formed at the bottom plate portion, and a discharge passage formed at the peripheral wall portion so as to extend in a substantially tangential direction with respect to an inner peripheral face of the peripheral wall portion. The skirt (3) is a cylindrical skirt composed of an elastic film, and an upper portion opening of the skirt (3) is connected to the suction port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveying device, a fairing, and a skirt. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document 1 describes an aspiration device 10 for drawing out excess oil from fried foods or drawing out moisture from foods boiled in hot water. Figure 26 (a) is a top view of the attraction device 10. Figure 26 (b) is Figure 26 (a) is a cross-sectional view along line JJ. As shown in these figures, the suction device 10 has a swirling flow forming body 11 and a housing 12 that houses the swirling flow forming body 11.

[0003] The suction device 10 uses a swirling flow forming body 11 to attract objects through the Bernoulli effect. Specifically, the swirling flow forming body 11 discharges fluid into a recess formed on its lower surface to generate a swirling flow, and attracts objects through the negative pressure at the center of the generated swirling flow. On the other hand, the housing 12 is a component for guiding the fluid flowing out of the recess of the swirling flow forming body 11 upward. With the suction device 10 having these swirling flow forming bodies 11 and housing 12, collisions between the attracted objects and the discharged fluid can be suppressed.

[0004] Existing technical documents

[0005] Patent documents

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-35350 Summary of the Invention

[0007] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0008] The present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned background technology, and its object is to improve the attractiveness of the conveying device.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues, the conveying device of the present invention comprises: a swirling flow forming body; and a discharge shroud mounted on the lower end of the swirling flow forming body. The swirling flow forming body is characterized by having: a columnar first main body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first main body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow. The discharge shroud comprises: a second main body in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a substantially circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the bottom plate portion, and the second main body configured to cover the recess; a suction port formed on the bottom plate portion; and a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0011] Another conveying device of the present invention comprises: a swirling flow forming body; and a discharge shroud mounted on the lower end of the swirling flow forming body, wherein the swirling flow forming body comprises: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, providing fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow, and the discharge shroud comprises: a second body, which is a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a generally circular bottom plate portion and a vertical... The second body is provided with a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, and is configured to cover the recess; a suction port formed on the base plate portion; a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion in a generally radially extending manner relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; and a guide wall, which is generally L-shaped, erected on the base plate portion, and the base end of the guide wall is connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage, the front end of the guide wall being disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port, the guide wall guiding the fluid flowing in the second body to the discharge passage.

[0012] Another conveying device of the present invention comprises: a columnar portion; an end face formed at the lower end of the columnar portion; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, providing fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow; a bottomed cylindrical portion having a substantially circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the bottom plate portion, and the bottomed cylindrical portion being arranged to cover the recess; a suction port formed in the bottom plate portion; and a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0013] Another conveying device of the present invention comprises: a swirling flow forming body; and a skirt mounted on the lower end of the swirling flow forming body, characterized in that the swirling flow forming body comprises: a generally circular base plate portion; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion; a cover portion covering the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion in a spaced-apart manner; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; and a pair of fluid passages formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, providing fluid into the peripheral wall portion to form a swirling flow, wherein the skirt is a cylindrical skirt made of an elastic film, and the upper opening of the skirt is connected to the suction port.

[0014] The discharge shroud of the present invention is mounted on the lower end of a swirling flow forming body, characterized in that the swirling flow forming body has: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, providing fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow, the discharge shroud having: a second body in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a generally circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the bottom plate portion, and the second body being arranged to cover the recess; a suction port formed at the bottom plate portion; and a discharge passage formed at the peripheral wall portion in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0015] Another discharge shroud of the present invention is mounted on the lower end of a swirling flow forming body, wherein the swirling flow forming body has: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow, the discharge shroud having: a second body in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a generally circular bottom plate portion and an upright portion disposed on the bottom plate portion. The second body comprises a peripheral wall portion and is configured to cover the recess; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion in a generally radially extending manner relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; and a guide wall, which is generally L-shaped and erected in the base plate portion, wherein the base end of the guide wall is connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage, and the front end of the guide wall is disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port, the guide wall guiding fluid flowing in the second body to the discharge passage.

[0016] The skirt of the present invention is mounted on the lower end of an exhaust shroud, which is mounted on the lower end of a swirling flow forming body. The swirling flow forming body is characterized by having: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow. The exhaust shroud has: a second body in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a substantially circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the bottom plate portion, and the second body configured to cover the recess; a suction port formed on the bottom plate portion; and an exhaust passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion. The skirt is a tubular skirt made of an elastic membrane, and the upper opening of the skirt is connected to the suction port.

[0017] Another skirt of the present invention is mounted on the lower end of a swirling flow forming body, characterized in that the swirling flow forming body has: a generally circular base plate portion; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion; a cover portion covering the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion in a spaced-apart manner; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; and a pair of fluid passages formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, providing fluid into the peripheral wall portion to form a swirling flow, wherein the skirt is a cylindrical skirt made of an elastic film, and the upper opening of the skirt is connected to the suction port.

[0018] Invention Effects

[0019] According to the present invention, the attractiveness of the conveying device is improved. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 from an obliquely upward angle.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a top view of the conveying device 100.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a side view of the conveying device 100.

[0024] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 A sectional view along line AA.

[0025] Figure 6 yes Figure 3 BB line section view.

[0026] Figure 7 This is a top view of the swirling flow formation 1.

[0027] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 CC-line sectional view.

[0028] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 DD-line sectional view.

[0029] Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the fairing 2 as seen from an obliquely upward angle.

[0030] Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the fairing 2 as seen from a slightly lower angle.

[0031] Figure 12 This is a top view of the exhaust fairing 2.

[0032] Figure 13 This is a side view of the exhaust fairing 2.

[0033] Figure 14 yes Figure 12 EE line section view.

[0034] Figure 15 This is a diagram showing an example of an object being transported by a transport device 100.

[0035] Figure 16 This is a three-dimensional view of the conveying device 200 viewed from an oblique angle above.

[0036] Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 200 viewed from a slightly lower angle.

[0037] Figure 18 This is a top view of the conveying device 200.

[0038] Figure 19 This is a side view of the conveying device 200.

[0039] Figure 20 yes Figure 18 FF line section view.

[0040] Figure 21 yes Figure 18 GG line sectional view.

[0041] Figure 22 This is a top view of the swirling flow formation 4.

[0042] Figure 23 yes Figure 22 HH-line cross-sectional view.

[0043] Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Sectional view along line II.

[0044] Figure 25 This is a top view of the exhaust fairing 2A.

[0045] Figure 26 This is a diagram showing the structure of the suction device 10. Detailed Implementation

[0046] 1. First Implementation Method

[0047] Reference Figures 1-6 The conveying device 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. References made in this description are as follows: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 from an oblique angle above. Figure 2 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 3 This is a top view of the conveying device 100. Figure 4 This is a side view of the conveying device 100. Figure 5 yes Figure 3 AA-line sectional view, Figure 6 yes Figure 3 BB line section view.

[0048] As shown in these figures, the conveying device 100 includes: a cylindrical swirling flow forming body 1; a bottomed cylindrical discharge shroud 2, which is mounted on the lower end of the swirling flow forming body 1; and a conical skirt 3, which is mounted on the lower end of the discharge shroud 2. This conveying device 100 is used to attract and convey food items such as apple slices and strawberries, and is mainly used by mounting it on the front end of a robotic arm. The following describes the various components of the conveying device 100.

[0049] First, refer to Figures 7-9 The swirling flow form 1 will be described. References made in this description are as follows: Figure 7 This is a top view of the swirling flow formation 1. Figure 8 yes Figure 7 CC-line sectional view. Figure 9 yes Figure 8 DD-line sectional view.

[0050] As shown in these figures, the swirling flow forming body 1 has: a cylindrical body 101; a flat end face 102 formed on the lower surface of the body 101; a cylindrical recess 103 formed at the center of the end face 102; and an inclined surface 104 formed at the opening edge of the recess 103.

[0051] Additionally, the swirling flow forming body 1 has: an upper surface supply port 105 formed at the center of the upper surface of the body 101; a side supply port 106 formed on the side of the body 101; an annular passage 107 connected to the side supply port 106 and formed to surround the recess 103; a straight connecting passage 108 that connects the annular passage 107 to the upper surface supply port 105; and a set of fluid passages 109, one end of which is connected to the annular passage 107 and the other end of which opens on the inner peripheral surface 110 of the recess 103.

[0052] like Figure 9 As shown, the set of fluid passages 109 of the swirling flow forming body 1 is formed in a manner that extends approximately tangentially relative to the inner peripheral surface 110. Furthermore, the set of fluid passages 109 is formed in a manner that extends approximately perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 110. Additionally, the set of fluid passages 109 is arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the recess 103.

[0053] Next, refer to Figures 10-14 The exhaust fairing 2 will be explained. References made in this explanation are as follows: Figure 10 This is a three-dimensional view of the fairing 2 being discharged from an angle above. Figure 11 This is a three-dimensional view of the fairing 2 as seen from a slightly lower angle. Figure 12 This is a top view of the exhaust fairing 2. Figure 13 This is a side view of the exhaust fairing 2. Figure 14 yes Figure 12 EE line section view.

[0054] As shown in these figures, the discharge fairing 2 has: a generally circular base plate portion 21; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 22, which is erected on the periphery of the base plate portion 21; an annular step portion 23, which is formed on the opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 22; a set of discharge passages 24, which is formed on the peripheral wall portion 22; a circular suction port 25, which is formed in the center of the base plate portion 21; a cylindrical portion 26, which is provided to extend downward from the opening edge of the suction port 25; and a protrusion 27, which is in the form of annular extending circumferentially, provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 26.

[0055] like Figure 12 As shown, the exhaust fairing 2 has one set of exhaust passages 24 that extend approximately tangentially relative to the inner circumferential surface 28 of the peripheral wall 22. The exhaust direction of the air discharged from the one set of exhaust passages 24 is along the direction in which the air is rectified within the peripheral wall 22 (see reference). Figure 12(Arrows A3 and A4). Furthermore, a set of discharge passages 24 is formed extending substantially perpendicular to the inner circumferential surface 28. Additionally, this set of discharge passages 24 is configured to be point-symmetrical with respect to the central axis Ax2 of the peripheral wall portion 22. Furthermore, the diameter of the suction port 25 of the discharge shroud 2 is smaller than the diameter of the recess 103 of the swirling flow forming body 1. This is to prevent air flowing into the discharge shroud 2 from flowing out of the suction port 25.

[0056] Next, refer to Figures 1-6 The skirt part 3 will be explained.

[0057] As shown in the figure, the skirt 3 has: a conical skirt body 31; a cylindrical part 32 connected to the upper end of the skirt body 31; and a recess 33, which is annular in shape extending circumferentially and disposed on the inner circumferential surface of the cylindrical part 32.

[0058] The main body 31 of the skirt 3 is made of a thin film of silicon. Furthermore, the length of the main body 31 is the length that completely encloses the object being transported.

[0059] Next, an example of the assembly process of the conveying device 100 will be described.

[0060] First, insert the cylindrical portion 32 of the skirt 3 into the cylindrical portion 26 of the discharge fairing 2, and engage the concave portion 33 of the cylindrical portion 32 with the convex portion 27 of the cylindrical portion 26, thereby installing the skirt 3 onto the discharge fairing 2.

[0061] Next, the lower end of the swirling flow forming body 1 is inserted into the stepped portion 23 of the discharge shroud 2, thereby installing the discharge shroud 2 onto the swirling flow forming body 1. At this time, the positional relationship between the fluid passage 109 of the swirling flow forming body 1 and the discharge passage 24 of the discharge shroud 2 in a top view is not particularly limited.

[0062] Next, the function of the conveying device 100 will be explained. In addition, in the following explanation, it is assumed that air is supplied from the upper surface supply port 105 through the side supply port 106 of the sealed swirling flow forming body 1.

[0063] First, when an air compressor (not shown) supplies air to the upper surface supply port 105 via a pipe, the supplied air is discharged into the recess 103 through the connecting passage 108, the annular passage 107, and the fluid passage 109. The air discharged into the recess 103 is rectified by the inner circumferential surface 110 of the recess 103, forming a swirling flow within the recess 103 (see reference). Figure 9(Arrows A1 and A2). The resulting swirling flow reduces the air density in the center of the recess 103 due to its centrifugal force. Furthermore, when the skirt 3 is placed over the transported object in this state, the transported object restricts the inflow of external air into the recess 103, thereby further reducing the air density in the center of the recess 103. As a result, a negative pressure is generated in the center of the recess 103.

[0064] The generated negative pressure draws the object being transported within the skirt 3. The drawn object is fixed in place by abutting the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion 32 of the skirt 3. Furthermore, the generated negative pressure draws the skirt body 31, which covers the object being transported. The drawn skirt body 31 deforms to conform to the shape of the object being transported and fits snugly against it. This snug fit prevents lateral displacement of the object. Additionally, by further restricting the inflow of external air into the recess 103, the negative pressure within the recess 103 is increased.

[0065] Figure 15 This is a diagram illustrating an example of an object being transported by the transport device 100. The object being transported shown in the diagram is an apple slice AP cut into a comb shape. As shown in the diagram, the apple slice AP is transported while being enveloped by a skirt body 31. The skirt body 31 enclosing the apple slice AP is deformed to resemble the shape of the apple slice AP and fits snugly against the apple slice AP.

[0066] Air swirling within the recess 103 flows out along the inclined surface 104 of the swirling flow forming body 1 and into the discharge shroud 2. The air flowing into the discharge shroud 2 is rectified by the inner circumferential surface 28 of the discharge shroud 2 and discharged through the discharge passage 24 (see reference). Figure 12 Arrows A3 and A4).

[0067] Next, the effects of the conveying device 100 will be explained.

[0068] The inventors conducted an experiment comparing the performance of the conveying device 100 and the suction device 10 described in the prior art. According to the experiment, when the air flow rate was set to 25 slm, the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 was approximately 1.9 times that of the suction device 10. Furthermore, when the air flow rate was set to 50 slm, the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 was approximately 1.5 times that of the suction device 10.

[0069] The reason why the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 is higher than that of the suction device 10 is due to the construction of the discharge shroud 2. As described above, the discharge shroud 2 has a set of discharge passages 24 through which air is discharged. In contrast, the housing 12 of the suction device 10 has an annular opening formed on its upper surface, through which air is discharged over its entire circumference. That is, compared with the housing 12, the path for air discharge from the discharge shroud 2 is narrower. Therefore, in the discharge shroud 2, the inflow of external air into the recess 103 is restricted compared to the suction device 10. As a result, the negative pressure in the recess 103 is increased in the discharge shroud 2 compared to the suction device 10.

[0070] Another major reason is the presence of the skirt 3. As described above, the skirt body 31 of the skirt 3 is deformed to resemble the shape of the object being transported and fits snugly against it. The skirt body 31, fitting snugly against the object being transported, further restricts the inflow of external air into the recess 103. As a result, the negative pressure within the recess 103 increases.

[0071] 2. Second Implementation Method

[0072] Reference Figures 16-21 The conveying device 200 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. References made in this description are as follows: Figure 16 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 200 from an oblique top angle. Figure 17 This is a perspective view of the conveying device 200 viewed from a slightly lower angle. Figure 18 This is a top view of the conveying device 200. Figure 19 This is a side view of the conveying device 200. Figure 20 yes Figure 18 FF line section view, Figure 21 yes Figure 18 GG line sectional view.

[0073] As shown in these figures, the conveying device 200 includes a cylindrical swirling flow forming body 4 and a conical skirt 3, which is mounted on the lower end of the swirling flow forming body 4. This conveying device 200 is used to attract and convey food items such as apple slices and strawberries, and is primarily mounted on the front end of a robotic arm for use. The swirling flow forming body 4, one of the constituent elements of the conveying device 200, will be described below. The skirt 3 has already been described in a section of the first embodiment, so its description is omitted here.

[0074] Figures 22-24 This is a diagram showing the structure of the swirling flow form 4. Figure 22 This is a top view of the swirling flow formation 4. Figure 23 yes Figure 22 HH-line cross-sectional view. Figure 24 yes Figure 23 Sectional view along line II.

[0075] As shown in these figures, the swirling flow forming body 4 has: a generally circular base plate portion 401; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 402, which is erected on the periphery of the base plate portion 401; an annular step portion 403, which is formed on the opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 402; a circular plate-shaped cover portion 404, which is embedded in the step portion 403; a circular suction port 405, which is formed in the center of the base plate portion 401; a cylindrical portion 406, which is provided in a manner extending downward from the opening edge of the suction port 405; and a protrusion 407, which is in the form of a ring extending circumferentially, and is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 406.

[0076] The peripheral wall portion 402 of the swirling flow forming body 4 has an inner peripheral surface 408 that gradually widens upwards. Furthermore, the cover portion 404 of the swirling flow forming body 4 is fixed relative to the stepped portion 403 with a gap between them. Air discharged into the peripheral wall portion 402 is discharged through the gap formed between the cover portion 404 and the stepped portion 403. Additionally, the inner diameter of the suction port 405 of the swirling flow forming body 4 is smaller than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 402. This is to prevent air discharged into the peripheral wall portion 402 from flowing out of the suction port 405.

[0077] Additionally, the swirling flow forming body 4 has: a first supply port 409 and a second supply port 410, which are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion 402; an annular passage 411, which connects the first supply port 409 and the second supply port 410 and is formed to surround the inner peripheral surface 408; and a set of fluid passages 412, one end of which is connected to the annular passage 411 and the other end of which is open on the inner peripheral surface 408.

[0078] like Figure 24 As shown, the set of fluid passages 412 of the swirling flow forming body 4 is formed in a manner that extends approximately tangentially relative to the inner peripheral surface 408. Furthermore, the set of fluid passages 412 is formed in a manner that extends approximately perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 408. Additionally, the set of fluid passages 412 is configured to be point-symmetrical with respect to the central axis Ax3 of the peripheral wall portion 402.

[0079] A skirt 3 is installed at the lower end of the swirling flow forming body 4 described above. When installing the skirt 3 onto the swirling flow forming body 4, the cylindrical portion 32 of the skirt 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 406 of the swirling flow forming body 4. Then, the skirt 3 is installed onto the swirling flow forming body 4 by engaging the concave portion 33 of the cylindrical portion 32 with the convex portion 407 of the cylindrical portion 406.

[0080] Next, the function of the conveying device 200 will be explained. In addition, in the following explanation, it is assumed that the second supply port 410 of the sealed swirling flow forming body 4 supplies air from the first supply port 409.

[0081] First, when an air compressor (not shown) supplies air to the first supply port 409 via a pipe, the supplied air is discharged into the peripheral wall portion 402 through the annular passage 411 and the fluid passage 412. The air discharged into the peripheral wall portion 402 is rectified by the inner peripheral surface 408 and forms a swirling flow within the peripheral wall portion 402 (see reference). Figure 24 (Arrows A5 and A6). The resulting swirling flow reduces the air density in the center of the peripheral wall portion 402 due to its centrifugal force. Furthermore, when the skirt portion 3 covers the transported object in this state, the transported object restricts the inflow of external air into the peripheral wall portion 402, thereby further reducing the air density in the center of the peripheral wall portion 402. As a result, a negative pressure is generated in the center of the peripheral wall portion 402.

[0082] The generated negative pressure attracts the object being transported within the skirt portion 3. The attracted object is fixed in a state where it abuts against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion 32 of the skirt portion 3. Furthermore, the generated negative pressure attracts and covers the skirt body 31 of the object being transported. The attracted skirt body 31 deforms according to the shape of the object being transported and fits snugly against it. This snug fit prevents lateral displacement of the object. Moreover, by further restricting the inflow of external air into the peripheral wall portion 402, the negative pressure within the peripheral wall portion 402 is increased.

[0083] Air that forms a swirling flow within the peripheral wall portion 402 flows upward along the inner peripheral surface 408 and exits through the gap between the stepped portion 403 and the cover portion 404 (see reference). Figure 20 and Figure 21 Arrows A7 and A8).

[0084] The conveying device 200 described above has a skirt 3. As described above, the skirt body 31 of the skirt 3 is deformed to resemble the shape of the object being conveyed and fits snugly against the object. The skirt body 31, which fits snugly against the object, further restricts the inflow of external air into the peripheral wall portion 402. As a result, the negative pressure within the peripheral wall portion 402 increases.

[0085] 3. Variations

[0086] The above-described embodiments can also be modified as follows. Furthermore, the following modifications can be combined with each other.

[0087] 3-1. Variation Example 1

[0088] The handling devices 100 and 200 are not limited to handling food. They can also be used to handle items other than food.

[0089] 3-2. Variation Example 2

[0090] As the fluid used in the conveying devices 100 and 200, liquids such as pure water and carbonated water can be used instead of air.

[0091] 3-3. Variation Example 3

[0092] The shapes of the swirling flow formations 1 and 4 are not limited to cylindrical. They can also be elliptical cylindrical or prismatic.

[0093] 3-4. Variation Example 4

[0094] The number of fluid passages 109 in the swirling flow former 1 is not limited to one. The number of fluid passages 109 can also be appropriately varied according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passages 109 and the air flow rate. Similarly, the number of fluid passages 412 in the swirling flow former 4 can also be appropriately varied according to its cross-sectional area and the air flow rate.

[0095] 3-5. Variation Example 5

[0096] The fluid passages 109 of the swirling flow forming body 1 may not necessarily be configured in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the recess 103. Similarly, the fluid passages 412 of the swirling flow forming body 4 may not necessarily be configured in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax3 of the peripheral wall portion 22.

[0097] 3-6. Variation Example 6

[0098] The number of exhaust passages 24 of the exhaust fairing 2 is not limited to two. The number of exhaust passages 24 can also be appropriately changed according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the exhaust passages 24 and the air flow rate.

[0099] In addition, the set of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 does not necessarily need to extend perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 28 of the peripheral wall 22, and can also be formed in an inclined manner.

[0100] In addition, the set of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 may not necessarily be configured to be point-symmetric with respect to the central axis Ax2 of the peripheral wall portion 22.

[0101] Furthermore, the set of discharge passages 24 for the discharge fairing 2 may not necessarily be formed in a manner that extends approximately tangentially to the inner circumferential surface 28 relative to the peripheral wall portion 22. For example, it may be formed in a manner that extends approximately radially relative to the inner circumferential surface 28 instead of extending approximately tangentially relative to the inner circumferential surface 28. Hereinafter, refer to Figure 25 The discharge passage 24A, extending approximately radially relative to the inner circumferential surface 28, will be described. References in this description are as follows: Figure 25 It is a top view of the discharge rectifier 2A with discharge passage 24A.

[0102] As shown in the figure, the discharge fairing 2A differs from the discharge fairing 2 in that it has a discharge passage 24A instead of a set of discharge passages 24. As described above, the discharge passage 24A is formed in the peripheral wall portion 22 in a manner that extends approximately radially relative to the inner peripheral surface 28.

[0103] Furthermore, unlike the discharge shroud 2, the discharge shroud 2A has a roughly L-shaped guide wall 29 vertically mounted on the base plate 21. In a top view, the base of this guide wall 29 connects to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage 24A, and the front end of this guide wall 29 is positioned between the discharge passage 24A and the suction port 25. Figure 25 As indicated by arrow A9, the guide wall 29 guides the air flowing within the exhaust shroud 2A toward the exhaust passage 24A.

[0104] The combination of the discharge passage 24A and the guide wall 29 described above also enables the air flowing inside the discharge shroud 2A to be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0105] 3-7. Variation Example 7

[0106] The shape of the suction port 25 of the exhaust fairing 2 is not limited to a circle. It can also be elliptical or rectangular. The same applies to the suction port 405 of the swirling flow forming body 4.

[0107] Furthermore, the size of the suction port 25 can be appropriately changed according to the size of the object being transported. The same applies to the suction port 405 of the swirling flow forming body 4.

[0108] 3-8. Variation Example 8

[0109] The swirling flow forming body 1 and the discharge shroud 2 can also be integrally formed. This integrally formed conveying device has: a cylindrical portion; an end face formed at the lower end of the cylindrical portion; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending approximately tangentially relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow. Additionally, the conveying device has: a bottomed cylindrical portion having a generally circular bottom plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the bottom plate portion, and the bottomed cylindrical portion being arranged to cover the recess; a suction port formed in the bottom plate portion; and a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending approximately tangentially relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0110] 3-9. Variation Example 9

[0111] Skirt 3 can also be made from elastic raw materials other than silicon.

[0112] Furthermore, the thickness of the skirt body 31 of the skirt 3 can be appropriately changed depending on the raw material used. However, regardless of the raw material, the thickness of the skirt body 31 is such that it can deform to conform to the shape of the object being transported.

[0113] Furthermore, while the conical shape of the skirt body 31 is a versatile shape, it is not always necessary to use this shape. The shape of the skirt body 31 can also be modified to fit the shape of the object being transported. For example, if the object being transported has a left-right asymmetrical shape, the shape of the skirt body 31 can also be left-right asymmetrical.

[0114] Furthermore, the length of the skirt body 31 does not necessarily have to be the length that completely encloses the object being transported. Depending on the shape and weight of the object being transported, it may also be the length that only encloses a portion of the object.

[0115] Alternatively, the skirt 3 can be installed on the exhaust fairing 2 by a method other than engaging the protrusion 27 of the exhaust fairing 2 with the recess 33 of the skirt 3. For example, it can also be threaded onto the lower surface of the exhaust fairing 2. Similarly, the skirt 3 can be installed on the swirling flow forming body 4 by a method other than engaging the protrusion 407 of the swirling flow forming body 4 with the recess 33 of the skirt 3.

[0116] 3-10. Variation Example 10

[0117] In the conveying device 100, the use of the skirt 3 is not necessary. Depending on the raw material and shape of the object being conveyed by the conveying device 100, it may be used without installing the skirt 3. In addition, if the skirt 3 is not installed, the cylindrical part 26 for installing the skirt 3 may not be provided in the discharge shroud 2.

[0118] Label Explanation

[0119] 1: Swirl flow forming body; 2, 2A: Exhaust fairing; 3: Skirt; 4: Swirl flow forming body; 10: Suction device; 11: Swirl flow forming body; 12: Shell; 21: Base plate; 22: Peripheral wall; 23: Stepped section; 24, 24A: Exhaust passage; 25: Suction port; 26: Cylindrical section; 27: Protrusion; 28: Inner peripheral surface; 29: Guide wall; 31: Skirt body; 32: Cylindrical section; 33: Recess; 100: Transport device; 101: Body; 102: End face; 103: Recess 104: Inclined surface; 105: Upper surface supply port; 106: Side supply port; 107: Annular passage; 108: Connecting passage; 109: Fluid passage; 110: Inner circumferential surface; 200: Conveying device; 401: Base plate; 402: Peripheral wall; 403: Stepped section; 404: Cover; 405: Suction port; 406: Cylindrical section; 407: Protrusion; 408: Inner circumferential surface; 409: First supply port; 410: Second supply port; 411: Annular passage; 412: Fluid passage.

Claims

1. A conveying device, comprising: swirling flow formations; and The exhaust fairing is installed at the lower end of the swirling flow forming body. Its features are, The swirling flow form has: The first main body is columnar; An end face is formed at the lower end of the first body; A cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and A pair of fluid passages, formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supply fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow. The discharge rectifier has: The second body is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a generally circular bottom plate and a peripheral wall that is erected on the periphery of the bottom plate, and the second body is configured to cover the recess. A suction port is formed in the bottom plate portion; as well as The discharge passage is formed on the peripheral wall in a generally tangential direction relative to the portion of the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall that is located between the end face of the swirling flow forming body and the suction port in the vertical direction.

2. A conveying device, comprising: swirling flow formations; and The exhaust fairing is installed at the lower end of the swirling flow forming body. Its features are, The swirling flow form has: The first main body is columnar; An end face is formed at the lower end of the first body; A cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and A pair of fluid passages, formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supply fluid into the recess to form a swirling flow. The discharge rectifier has: The second body is in the shape of a bottomed cylinder, having a generally circular bottom plate and a peripheral wall that is erected on the periphery of the bottom plate, and the second body is configured to cover the recess. A suction port is formed in the bottom plate portion; A discharge passage is formed in the peripheral wall portion in such a manner that it extends substantially radially relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; as well as A guide wall, which is approximately L-shaped, is erected on the base plate. The base end of the guide wall is connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage. The front end of the guide wall is disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port. The guide wall guides the fluid flowing in the second body to the discharge passage.

3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The conveying device has a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the opening edge of the suction port.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying device also has a skirt made of an elastic membrane, the skirt having a cylindrical skirt body and a cylindrical portion connected to the upper end of the skirt body, the cylindrical portion of the discharge shroud being inserted into the cylindrical portion of the skirt and installed on the discharge shroud, the skirt body covering and tightly adhering to the object being conveyed, which is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the swirling flow formed in the recess and is fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion of the skirt.

5. A conveying device comprising: swirling flow formations; and The skirt is installed at the lower end of the swirling flow forming body. Its features are, The swirling flow form has: The base plate is roughly circular. A cylindrical peripheral wall portion is vertically disposed on the periphery of the base plate portion; A cover portion that covers the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion by means of a gap; A suction port is formed in the bottom plate portion; The cylindrical portion is provided such that it extends downward from the opening edge of the suction port; as well as A pair of fluid passages, formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the peripheral wall portion, supply fluid into the peripheral wall portion to form a swirling flow. The skirt is made of an elastic film and has a tubular skirt body and a cylindrical part connected to the upper end of the skirt body. The cylindrical part of the swirling flow forming body is inserted into the cylindrical part of the skirt and installed on the swirling flow forming body. The skirt body covers and is held in place by the negative pressure generated by the swirling flow formed in the space inside the peripheral wall and is fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical part of the skirt.

6. The conveying device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The skirt is conical in shape.

7. The conveying device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that, The skirt has dimensions that allow it to completely enclose the object being transported.

8. A discharge fairing, mounted at the lower end of a swirling flow forming body, characterized in that, The discharge rectifier has: The main body is cylindrical with a bottom, having a roughly circular bottom plate and a peripheral wall that is erected around the periphery of the bottom plate, and the main body is configured to cover the space in which the swirling flow forming body forms the swirling flow. A suction port is formed in the bottom plate portion; as well as The discharge passage is formed in the peripheral wall portion in a generally tangential direction relative to the space between the space in the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion and the suction port.

9. A discharge fairing, installed at the lower end of a swirling flow forming body, characterized in that, The discharge rectifier has: The main body is cylindrical with a bottom, having a roughly circular bottom plate and a peripheral wall that is erected around the periphery of the bottom plate, and the main body is configured to cover the space in which the swirling flow forming body forms the swirling flow. A suction port is formed in the bottom plate portion; A discharge passage is formed in the peripheral wall portion in such a manner that it extends substantially radially relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; as well as A guide wall, which is approximately L-shaped, is erected on the base plate. The base end of the guide wall is connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage, and the front end of the guide wall is disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port. The guide wall guides the fluid flowing in the body to the discharge passage.

10. A skirt, which is the skirt of the conveying device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The skirt has a tubular skirt body made of an elastic membrane and a cylindrical part connected to the upper end of the skirt body. The cylindrical portion of the exhaust fairing is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the skirt and thus installed on the exhaust fairing. The skirt body covers and is held in close contact with the object being transported, which is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the swirling flow formed in the swirling flow forming body and is fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical part of the skirt.

11. A skirt, which is the skirt of the conveying device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The skirt has a tubular skirt body made of an elastic membrane and a cylindrical part connected to the upper end of the skirt body. The cylindrical portion of the swirling flow forming body is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the skirt and installed on the swirling flow forming body. The skirt body covers and is held in close contact with the object being transported, which is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the swirling flow formed in the swirling flow forming body and is fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical part of the skirt.

Images