Conveying conveyor and V-conveyor comprising the same

Abstract

A conveying conveyor which can reduce the frequency of its maintenance and a V-shaped conveyor including the same are provided. The conveying conveyor includes a first pulley rotating about a first rotation axis, a second pulley rotating about a second rotation axis, a pair of frames supporting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, and a conveyor belt wound around the first pulley and the second pulley and extending therebetween. At least one frame of the pair of frames is configured as a bias frame including bias supports supporting the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis at respective positions inside both ends of the conveyor belt in a width direction thereof.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor and a V-shaped conveying mechanism including the conveyor. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, there are known combination scales that measure the target weight of an object to be weighed. In some cases, such combination scales are equipped with a conveyor mechanism, in which a conveyor belt is used to transport the object to be weighed.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conveying mechanism for transporting an object to be weighed to a hopper before weighing. The conveying mechanism includes two belts (i.e., two conveyor belts) and is configured such that the two belts extend along the conveying direction and are arranged parallel to each other to form a V-shape.

[0004] Patent document 2 discloses a semi-automatic combination scale equipped with a conveying mechanism. This semi-automatic combination scale is constructed such that the object to be weighed is manually supplied to the scale, and then the weighed object is automatically discharged from the scale. The conveying mechanism is used to transport the weighed object discharged from the hopper. The conveying mechanism includes two conveyors arranged parallel to each other, such that the conveying surfaces of the two conveyors are V-shaped when viewed from the conveying direction.

[0005] Citation List

[0006] Patent documents:

[0007] PTL 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2011-209156

[0008] PTL 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-202937 Summary of the Invention

[0009] The problem the invention aims to solve

[0010] However, there is still room for improvement in conveyor mechanisms using conventional conveyors. One type of conveyor includes: a drive pulley and a driven pulley, each pulley configured to rotate about an axis via bearings; a conveyor belt wound around these pulleys; and a pair of left and right frames supporting the axis of the drive and driven pulleys. The drive and driven pulleys are disposed between these frames. In the case of a conventional conveyor, each pulley has an axial length corresponding to the width of the conveyor belt. Therefore, the pair of frames is located outside the two ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction.

[0011] In such conveyor systems, there is a risk that debris, dust, or other contaminants of the object to be weighed can enter the gap between the pulleys and the frame at both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction. In particular, in the case of a V-shaped conveyor mechanism (such as the V-shaped conveyor mechanism disclosed in Patent Documents 1 or 2 above), debris, dust, or other contaminants may enter the end side of the mechanism in the width direction of the conveyor belt, which is located at a lower height. If the object to be weighed is, for example, food, the entry of debris, dust, or other contaminants into the gap between the pulleys and the frame can lead to unsanitary conditions. Furthermore, if debris, dust, or other contaminants that have already entered the gap between the pulleys and the frame accumulate, they can come into contact with the bearings. This can cause problems such as bearing damage or obstruction of pulley rotation. Therefore, there is room for improvement in reducing the maintenance frequency of conveyor mechanisms that use conventional conveyor systems to transport objects to be weighed.

[0012] In view of the above, the object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor that can reduce its maintenance frequency and a V-shaped conveying mechanism including the conveyor.

[0013] Technical means to solve the problem:

[0014] A conveyor according to one aspect of the invention includes: a first pulley that rotates about a first rotation axis; a second pulley that rotates about a second rotation axis; a pair of frames that support the first and second rotation axes; and a conveyor belt wound around the first and second pulleys and extending between the first and second pulleys. At least one of the frames is configured as a biased frame including bias supports that support the first and second rotation axes at corresponding positions located inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction.

[0015] According to the above structure, at the bias bracket of the bias frame, the gap between the frame and the pulley is located inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction. Therefore, even if debris, dust, etc., fall from the bias frame side of the conveyor belt at its width-direction ends, it can prevent debris, dust, etc., from entering these gaps. Thus, the conveyor can remain hygienic and the pulleys can rotate smoothly. This reduces the frequency of maintenance.

[0016] The pair of frames may include: a pair of frame bodies, each including a corresponding outer surface perpendicular to a first rotation axis and a second rotation axis; and a pair of tension adjusters connected to the pair of frame bodies, which adjust the tension of the conveyor belt by adjusting the distance between the first pulley and the second pulley. The pair of tension adjusters may be disposed outside the corresponding outer surfaces of the pair of frame bodies in the width direction of the conveyor belt. The tension adjuster disposed on the bias frame side of the pair of tension adjusters may be located between one of the bias supports and the bias frame side end of the conveyor belt in the width direction.

[0017] According to the above structure, the tension adjuster, located on the bias frame side, is situated inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction. Therefore, for example, in the case of constructing a V-shaped conveyor mechanism by arranging two conveyors in a V-shape, by positioning the bias frame sides of the two conveyors in the recess (i.e., the middle) of the V-shape, the gap between the two conveyor belts can be reduced. This can prevent the objects to be weighed, along with debris from these objects, from falling through the gap between the conveyor belts.

[0018] The pair of frames may include a pair of frame bodies, each including a corresponding outer surface perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes. Each of the first and second pulleys may include: a main pulley disposed between the pair of frame bodies; and an auxiliary pulley disposed outside one of the bias supports of the bias frame in the width direction of the conveyor belt.

[0019] According to the above configuration, the auxiliary pulleys are located outside the bias supports of the bias frames. Therefore, at both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction, the pulleys can contact the conveyor belt, while the support position of the rotation shaft on at least one of the frames is located inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction. As a result, excessive conveyor belt tension can be prevented at the ends of each main pulley on the bias frame side in the width direction of the conveyor belt (i.e., at positions located inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction). Therefore, conveyor belt deterioration due to excessive tension can be suppressed.

[0020] According to another aspect of the invention, the V-shaped conveying mechanism is a V-shaped conveying mechanism in which two conveying conveyors are arranged such that the conveying surfaces of the two respective conveying conveyors, viewed from the conveying direction, form a V-shape. Each of the two conveying conveyors is a conveying conveyor having the above-described configuration, and in each of the two conveying conveyors, the first and second rotating shafts are arranged in an inclined manner such that the offset frame is located at a lower height than the other frame.

[0021] According to the above configuration, each of the two conveyor belts is configured such that its bias frame side is at a lower height. Therefore, even if debris or dust from the object to be weighed falls from the bias frame side of the conveyor belt at its width-direction end, it prevents debris or dust from entering the gap between the bias frame and the pulley. Thus, the conveyor belts can be kept hygienic, and the pulleys can rotate smoothly. This reduces maintenance frequency. Furthermore, since a tension adjuster for adjusting the conveyor belt tension can be located between the bias frame and the bias frame side of the conveyor belt at their width-direction ends, the gap between the two conveyor belts can be reduced. This further suppresses the falling of the object to be weighed and its debris through the gap between the two conveyor belts.

[0022] One of the two conveyors can be configured such that the end of the offset frame side of the conveyor in the width direction is located above the conveyor belt of the other conveyor.

[0023] Based on the above structure, the gap between the two conveyor belts can be further reduced.

[0024] Beneficial effects of the present invention

[0025] This invention can reduce the maintenance frequency of conveyor belts and also reduce the maintenance frequency of V-shaped conveyor mechanisms including conveyor belts. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1 The diagram shows a plan view of a combined scale, to which a conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention is applied.

[0027] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Front view of the combination scale.

[0028] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A detailed enlarged view of the structure near the conveyor in the combined scale.

[0029] Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 A plan view of the structure of the conveyor.

[0030] Figure 5 An example arrangement of a V-shaped conveyor mechanism is shown, in which a V-shaped conveyor mechanism is employed. Figure 4 The conveyor belt.

[0031] Figure 6 Another example of a V-shaped conveyor arrangement is shown, in which a V-shaped conveyor mechanism is employed. Figure 4 The conveyor belt.

[0032] Figure 7 An example arrangement of a V-shaped conveyor mechanism is shown, in which a conveyor based on a comparative example is used. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following describes a conveyor according to one embodiment of the present invention, and a V-shaped conveying mechanism including the conveyor. In this embodiment, a semi-automatic combination scale equipped with the V-shaped conveying mechanism is described as an example. Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the combined scale of this embodiment includes multiple weighing components Cw1 to Cw12, a V-shaped conveying mechanism 3, an operation setting display device 4, a controller 5, etc.

[0034] Each of the plurality of weighing components Cw1 to Cw12 includes: a weighing conveyor 1 configured as a belt conveyor; and a weight sensor 2, which weighs the object to be weighed held on the weighing conveyor 1, the weight sensor 2 including, for example, a load cell supporting the weighing conveyor 1. Each weighing conveyor 1 is provided with a pair of guide plates 11, which prevent the object to be weighed from falling off the sides of the weighing conveyor 1. Specifically, for example, as Figure 3 As shown, guide plates 11 are mounted on conveyor frames 1F. Furthermore, a drive motor 1M is mounted on the bottom surface of the conveyor frame 1F of each weighing conveyor 1, which drives the weighing conveyor 1. The weight sensor 2 is located inside the main body 22 and is fixed to a fixing member (not shown). The conveyor frame 1F is mounted to the top of the weight sensor 2 via a mounting member. That is, the weight sensor 2 supports the weighing conveyor 1, which includes the pair of guide plates 11 and the drive motor 1M. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the weighing conveyor 1 and the weight sensor 2 are distinct from each other. However, in some cases, a device including both the weighing conveyor 1 and the weight sensor 2 may be referred to as a weighing conveyor.

[0035] The V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 includes two conveyor belts 3a and 3b, and is positioned between six weighing components Cw1 to Cw6 and six other weighing components Cw7 to Cw12. The six weighing conveyors 1 of the corresponding weighing components Cw1 to Cw6 are arranged parallel to each other on one lateral side of the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3, such that the conveying direction of each weighing conveyor 1 (indicated by arrow a) is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 (indicated by arrow c). The six weighing conveyors 1 of the corresponding weighing components Cw7 to Cw12 are arranged parallel to each other on the other lateral side of the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3, such that the conveying direction of each weighing conveyor 1 (indicated by arrow b) is perpendicular to the conveying direction of the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 (indicated by arrow c).

[0036] like Figure 3 As shown, the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 is configured such that two conveyors 3a and 3b (each conveyor includes a ring conveyor belt) are arranged parallel to each other, such that the conveying surfaces of the two conveyors 3a and 3b form a V-shape when viewed from the conveying direction of the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3. The two conveyors 3a and 3b are set to the same conveying speed. In this description, the direction of arrow c is defined as the conveying direction. A gap 3s exists between the two conveyors 3a and 3b. A tray 13 for receiving and accommodating debris, dust, etc., falling through the gap 3s is placed below the gap 3s. The tray 13 can be pulled out, allowing the dust and other debris accumulated thereon to be discarded. The angle formed by the conveying surfaces of the two conveyors 3a and 3b is not particularly limited, but can be, for example, approximately 90 degrees. This angle can be adjusted.

[0037] In this embodiment, the V-shaped conveyor 3 conveys the object to be weighed in the direction of arrow c, and discharges the conveyed object from the downstream end of the V-shaped conveyor 3 in the conveying direction. A downstream device is installed at the downstream end of the V-shaped conveyor 3 in the conveying direction. After being conveyed by the V-shaped conveyor 3, the object to be weighed is supplied to the downstream device.

[0038] The main body 22 is mounted on top of the frame 21, and the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 is also mounted on top of the main body 22. It should be noted that the illustrations of the drive motors for the mounting support members and the conveyors 3a and 3b are omitted. The support member 23 is mounted on the lateral side of the main body 22, and the operation setting display device 4 is mounted on the support member 23 via a support column 24.

[0039] The objects to be weighed, held on each weighing conveyor 1, are weighed by weight sensors 2 supporting the weighing conveyor 1. The obtained weighing value (analog weight signal) is converted by an analog-to-digital converter (A / D converter) and then transmitted to the controller 5. The controller 5 is constructed, for example, as a microcontroller. The controller 5 includes: an arithmetic control unit, such as a CPU; and a memory, such as RAM and ROM. The memory stores the running program, operating parameter data, weighing data, etc. When the arithmetic control unit executes the running program stored in the memory, the controller 5 performs control, combined calculation processing, etc., of the entire combined scale.

[0040] The following section provides a more detailed description of conveyor 3a. It should be noted that conveyor 3b is constructed to be linearly symmetrical with respect to the virtual line V1 along the conveying direction with respect to conveyor 3a (i.e., conveyor 3b has a structure that is opposite to that of conveyor 3a in the width direction).

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the conveyor 3a includes a first pulley 31, a second pulley 32, a pair of frames 41 and 42, and a conveyor belt 33. The first pulley 31 is a drive pulley that rotates about a first rotation axis 34. The second pulley 32 is a driven pulley that rotates about a second rotation axis 35. The pair of frames 41 and 42 extend in a direction perpendicular to the first and second rotation axes 34 and 35 (i.e., in the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 33) and support the first and second rotation axes 34 and 35.

[0042] The frame pair includes a first frame 41 and a second frame 42. The first frame 41 includes a first driving-side frame 43 supporting a first rotation axis 34, and a first driven-side frame 44 supporting a second rotation axis 35. Similar to the first frame 41, the second frame 42 includes a second driving-side frame 45 supporting the first rotation axis 34, and a second driven-side frame 46 supporting the second rotation axis 35. Frames 43 and 44 each include a pair of frame bodies 43a and 44a, each including a corresponding outer surface perpendicular to the first rotation axis 34 and the second rotation axis 35; and frames 45 and 46 each include a pair of frame bodies 45a and 46a, each including a corresponding outer surface perpendicular to the first rotation axis 34 and the second rotation axis 35.

[0043] The first drive-side frame 43 and the second drive-side frame 45, as well as the first driven-side frame 44 and the second driven-side frame 46, are connected by a frame connector 47. The drive-side frames 43, 45 and the frame connector 47 are fixedly connected. The driven-side frames 44, 46 and the frame connector 47 are connected by a rotating shaft 48, which is parallel to the first rotating shaft 34 and the second rotating shaft 35. Therefore, the driven-side frames 44, 46 can rotate relative to the drive-side frames 43, 45 and the frame connector 47 about the rotating shaft 48. Thus, with the drive-side frames 43, 45 (i.e., the drive mechanism side of the conveyor belt 33) mounted on the equipment body 22, the tension adjusters 44b, 46b, which will be described below, can be exposed by rotating the driven-side frames 44, 46 about the rotating shaft 48. This allows the tension of the conveyor belt 33 to be easily adjusted using the tension adjusters 44b, 46b, as will be described below.

[0044] A first pulley 31 (hereinafter described as the first main pulley 31a) is provided between the first drive-side frame 43 and the second drive-side frame 45. The first pulley 31 is fixed on the first rotating shaft 34. Since the first rotating shaft 34 rotates about its central axis, the first pulley 31 rotates about the first rotating shaft 34. The driving force from a drive motor (not shown) is transmitted to a power transmitter 36 provided on the first rotating shaft 34, so that the first rotating shaft 34 rotates about its central axis.

[0045] A second pulley 32 (hereinafter referred to as the second main pulley 32a) is provided between the first driven side frame 44 and the second driven side frame 46. A second rotating shaft 35 is fixed to the driven side frames 44 and 46 such that the second rotating shaft 35 cannot rotate about its central axis. The second pulley 32 is mounted on the second rotating shaft 35 via bearings (not shown), allowing the second pulley 32 to rotate relative to the second rotating shaft 35 about the second rotating shaft 35.

[0046] In this embodiment, the first frame 41 (including the first drive-side frame 43 and the first driven-side frame 44) of the pair of frames 41 and 42 is constructed as an offset frame including offset supports 43c and 44c. The offset supports 43c and 44c support the first rotating shaft 34 and the second rotating shaft 35 at corresponding positions located inside both ends (first end 33a and second end 33b) of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. In this embodiment, the first drive-side frame 43 and the first driven-side frame 44 are integrally constructed as offset supports 43c and 44c. That is, the frame body 43a of the first drive-side frame 43 and the frame body 44a of the first driven-side frame 44 are disposed between the first end 33a and the second end 33b of the conveyor belt 33 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33.

[0047] Furthermore, the driven-side frames 44 and 46 included in the pair of frames 41 and 42 include tension adjuster pairs 44b and 46b, which are respectively connected to frame bodies 44a and 46a. The tension adjuster pairs 44b and 46b are disposed on the outer side of the respective outer surfaces of the pair of frame bodies 44a and 46a in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33. That is, the first driven-side frame 44 is provided with a first tension adjuster 44b, the position of which is offset from one end of the frame body 44a toward the second rotation axis 35 (specifically, toward the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33). Furthermore, the second driven-side frame 46 is provided with a second tension adjuster 46b, the position of which is offset from the frame body 46a toward the other end of the second rotation axis 35 (specifically, toward the second end 33b of the conveyor belt 33).

[0048] The first tension adjuster 44b, located on the bias frame side, is situated between the bias bracket 44c and the bias frame side of the conveyor belt 33 at its width-direction end (i.e., the first end 33a). In other words, the outer end of the first tension adjuster 44b is located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. Therefore, the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33 is the outer end of the entire conveyor 3a in its width direction.

[0049] The first tension adjuster 44b adjusts the tension of the conveyor belt 33 by adjusting the distance between the first pulley 31 and the second pulley 32. The first tension adjuster 44b includes: an extension 51 extending from the outer surface of the frame body 44a towards the first end 33a in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33; a flat slider 52 that can slide on the outer surface of the frame body 44a; and a connector 53 connecting the extension 51 and the slider 52. The slider 52 is configured such that one end of the slider 52 supports the second rotating shaft 35 in the longitudinal direction of the first driven side frame 44; the other end of the slider 52 in the longitudinal direction of the first driven side frame 44 extends towards the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33; and one end of the connector 53 is connected to the slider 52. In other words, the frame body 44a of the first driven side frame 44 supports the second rotating shaft 35 via the first tension adjuster 44b (slider 52).

[0050] The connector 53 is configured to adjust the distance between the extension 51 and the slider 52 in the longitudinal direction of the first driven side frame 44. For example, the connector 53 includes a bolt and a nut. In this case, the nut is fixed to the extension 51, in which a through hole is formed. One end of the bolt is fixed to the slider 52. The other end of the bolt passes through the through hole formed in the extension 51 and is threadedly connected to the nut. That is, with the bolt passing through the through hole of the extension 51, the extension 51 is located between the two ends of the bolt. By adjusting the position of the nut on the bolt in the longitudinal direction of the bolt, the distance between the extension 51 and the slider 52 in the longitudinal direction of the first driven side frame can be adjusted.

[0051] The second tension adjuster 46b also adjusts the tension of the conveyor belt 33 by adjusting the distance between the first pulley 31 and the second pulley 32. Similar to the first tension adjuster 44b, the second tension adjuster 46b includes: an extension 54 extending from the outer surface of the frame body 46a towards the second end 33b in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33; and a connector 55. However, the connector 55 connects the extension 54 and the second rotating shaft 35. Therefore, the second rotating shaft 35 has a through hole 56 at its end on the second driven side frame 46 side, which extends radially. With the connector 55 inserted into the through hole 56, the connector 55 is connected to the second rotating shaft 35. That is, the frame body 46a of the second driven side frame 46 supports the second rotating shaft 35 via the second tension adjuster 46b (connector 55).

[0052] The connector 55 is configured to adjust the distance between the longitudinal extension 54 of the second driven side frame 46 and the second rotating shaft 35. For example, the connector 55 also includes a bolt and a nut. In this case, the nut is fixed to the extension 54, in which a through hole is formed. With the bolt inserted through the through hole 56, the bolt is fixed to the second rotating shaft 35. The other end of the bolt passes through the through hole formed in the extension 54 and is threadedly connected to the nut. That is, with the bolt passing through the through hole of the extension 54, the extension 54 is located between the two ends of the bolt. By adjusting the position of the nut on the bolt in the longitudinal direction of the bolt, the distance between the longitudinal extension 54 of the second driven side frame 46 and the second rotating shaft 35 can be adjusted.

[0053] The first pulley 31 includes a first main pulley 31a and a first auxiliary pulley 31b. The first main pulley 31a is disposed between the pair of drive-side frames 43 and 45. The first auxiliary pulley 31b is disposed outside the outer surface of the frame body 43a of the first drive-side frame 43 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33. The first drive-side frame is an offset frame. That is, the first auxiliary pulley 31b is disposed outside the offset bracket 43c of the first drive-side frame 43. Similarly, the second pulley 32 includes a second main pulley 32a and a second auxiliary pulley 32b. The second main pulley 32a is disposed between the pair of driven-side frames 44 and 46. The second auxiliary pulley 32b is disposed outside the outer surface of the frame body 44a of the first driven-side frame 44 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33. The first driven-side frame is an offset frame. That is, the second auxiliary pulley 32b is disposed outside the offset bracket 44c of the first driven-side frame 44. The outer ends of the corresponding auxiliary pulleys 31b and 32b in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33 are located at the same position as the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33 or inside the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33.

[0054] As described above, according to this embodiment, at the bias supports 43c and 44c of the bias frame (first frame 41), the gap between the first frame 41 and the pulleys 31 and 32 is located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. Therefore, even if debris, dust, etc., fall from the bias frame side of the conveyor belt 33 at its width-direction ends, it is possible to prevent debris, dust, etc., from entering these gaps. Therefore, the conveyor belts 3a and 3b can be kept hygienic, and the pulleys 31 and 32 can be kept rotating smoothly. This reduces the maintenance frequency.

[0055] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, auxiliary pulleys 31b and 32b are located outside the bias supports 43c and 44c of the bias frame, respectively. Therefore, at both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction, pulleys 31 and 32 can contact the conveyor belt 33, while the rotation shafts 34 and 35 are supported on at least one of the frames 41 and 42 at positions inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. As a result, in the width direction of the conveyor belt 33, at the ends of each main pulley 31a and 32a on the bias frame side (i.e., at positions located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction), excessive tension on the conveyor belt 33 can be prevented. Therefore, deterioration of the conveyor belt 33 due to excessive tension can be suppressed.

[0056] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first tension adjuster 44b provided on the bias frame side is located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. Therefore, for example, when the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 is constructed by arranging two conveyor belts 3a and 3b in a V-shape, by arranging the two conveyor belts 3a and 3b such that their bias frame sides are located in the recess (i.e., the middle) of the V-shape, the gap 3s between the two conveyor belts 33 can be reduced.

[0057] like Figure 5 As shown, by utilizing Figure 4 In the case where the conveyor 3a is used to construct the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3, the first rotating shaft 34 and the second rotating shaft 35 are arranged at an angle, such that the offset frame of the conveyor 3a (i.e., the first frame 41) is located at a lower height than the other frame (i.e., the second frame 42) (i.e., at the middle of the V-shape). It should be noted that... Figure 5 This is a view viewed from the downstream side in the conveying direction (i.e., from the side of the second pulley 32).

[0058] Furthermore, the conveyor 3b has a structure in which the positional relationship between the bias frame and the other frame is reversed when viewed from the conveying direction (e.g., from the side of the second pulley 32). Also in the conveyor 3b, the first rotating shaft 34 and the second rotating shaft 35 are arranged at an angle, such that the bias frame is located at a lower height than the other frame (i.e., at the middle of the V-shape). In other words, the bias frames of the corresponding two conveyors 3a and 3b are arranged adjacent to each other to form the concave region of the V-shaped conveying mechanism 3.

[0059] As a comparison example Figure 7 A V-shaped conveyor mechanism is shown, which employs a conveyor with a conventional construction. Figure 7A V-shaped conveyor mechanism 300 is shown, comprising two conveyor belts 300c, each conveyor belt including a pair of frames 410, 420. Frames 410, 420 are both aligned with... Figure 4 The second frame 42 shown is constructed in the same manner. That is, the pair of frames 410 and 420 are both located on the outer sides of both ends of the conveyor belt 330 in the width direction. Therefore, the tension adjusters 440b and 460b, respectively provided on the outer sides of the pair of frames 410 and 420, are configured to protrude from the conveyor belt 330 to both sides of the conveyor belt 330 in the width direction.

[0060] Therefore, when constructing a V-shaped conveyor mechanism 300 using these two conveyor belts 300c, the gap 300s between the two conveyor belts 300c cannot be reduced. That is, if the two conveyor belts 300c (specifically, the first end 330a of the corresponding conveyor belt 330) are close to each other, their tension regulators 440b will interfere with each other, and therefore, the width distance Lc between the two conveyor belts 300c cannot be reduced.

[0061] Generally, V-shaped conveyor mechanisms can be used to transport spherical (block-shaped) objects to be weighed (e.g., potatoes, onions, cherry tomatoes, etc.) or rod-shaped objects to be weighed (e.g., carrots, asparagus, etc.). By using a V-shaped conveyor mechanism to transport spherical objects, rolling in the width direction can be prevented. Furthermore, by using a V-shaped conveyor mechanism to transport rod-shaped objects, alignment in the longitudinal direction can be achieved while transporting the rod-shaped objects.

[0062] However, in Figure 7 In the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 300 shown, the gap 300s between the two conveyors 300c is relatively large. Therefore, small objects to be weighed (e.g., cherry tomatoes or asparagus) may fall through the gap 300s or become trapped between the two conveyors 300c. Consequently, it is difficult to weigh them by utilizing... Figure 7 The V-shaped conveyor mechanism 300 shown is used to transport such small objects.

[0063] On the other hand, in the case of constructing the V-shaped conveying mechanism 3 by using the conveying conveyors 3a and 3b of the present embodiment, each first tension regulator 44b for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt 33 is provided between the offset frame and the end portion in the width direction of the offset frame side of the conveyor belt 33 (i.e., the first end 33a). That is, each first tension regulator 44b is located inside the first end 33a of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. Therefore, even if the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b are close to each other, their first tension regulators 44b will not interfere with each other at the gap 3s between the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b. Therefore, the first ends 33a of the conveyor belts 33 of the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b can be made close to each other, so that the width direction distance L1 between the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b can be made smaller (i.e., L1 < Lc). This can prevent the objects to be weighed, debris of these objects, etc. from falling through the gap between the two conveyor belts 33.

[0064] In addition, according to the V-shaped conveying mechanism 3 of the present embodiment, each of the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b is arranged such that its offset frame side is located at a lower height. Therefore, even if debris, dust, etc. of the objects to be weighed fall from the end portion in the width direction of the offset frame side of the conveyor belt 33 (i.e., the first end 33a), it is possible to prevent the debris, dust, etc. from entering the gap between the offset frame and the pulleys 31 and 32. Therefore, the conveying conveyors 3a and 3b can maintain hygiene and can maintain the smooth rotation of the pulleys 31 and 32. This can reduce the maintenance frequency.

[0065] In addition, Figure 6 A modification of the V-shaped conveying mechanism of the present embodiment is shown. Figure 6 The V-shaped conveying mechanism 30 is shown, in which one of the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b, i.e., the conveying conveyor 3a, is arranged such that the end portion in the width direction of the offset frame side of the conveying conveyor 3a (i.e., the first end 33a) is located above the conveyor belt 33 of the other conveying conveyor 3b among the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b. Except that the width of the conveyor belt 33 of the conveying conveyor 3b and the lengths of the corresponding pulleys 31 and 32 (the corresponding rotating shafts 34 and 35) are greater than the width and length of the conveying conveyor 3a, the structures of these conveying conveyors 3a and 3b are the same as those of Figure 5 the conveying conveyors 3a and 3b shown.

[0066] According to Figure 6 the shown modification, no gap is formed directly below the concave region formed by the two conveying conveyors 3a and 3b, but a gap 3s is formed along the conveying surface located on the lower side of the conveying conveyor 3b. According to this structure, the gap between the two conveyor belts 33 can be further reduced.

[0067] It should be noted that the conveyor 3b can be positioned above the conveyor belt 33 of the conveyor 3a. In this case, the width of the conveyor belt 33 of the conveyor 3a and the length of the corresponding pulleys 31, 32 (corresponding rotating shafts 34, 35) can be greater than the width and length of the conveyor 3b. Furthermore, regardless of the vertical positional relationship between the conveyors 3a and 3b, the width of the conveyor belt 33 of the conveyor 3a and the length of the corresponding pulleys 31, 32 (corresponding rotating shafts 34, 35) can be equal to the width and length of the conveyor 3b.

[0068] Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications, additions and deletions can be made to the structure of the above embodiment without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0069] For example, the above embodiments exemplarily describe the construction of conveyors 3a and 3b, wherein one of the frames 41 and 42 (i.e., the first frame 41) is an offset frame. Alternatively, both frames 41 and 42 can be offset frames. In this case, if conveyor 3a is used as a horizontal conveying mechanism, and the horizontal conveying mechanism is configured such that its conveying surface is horizontal, then even if debris, dust, etc. fall from both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction, it is possible to prevent debris, dust, etc. from entering the gap between the frames 41 and 42 and the pulleys 31 and 32.

[0070] The above embodiments describe an example in which the first drive-side frame 43 and the first driven-side frame 44 are integrally constructed as offset supports 43c and 44c. This is merely a non-limiting example, and other alternative constructions may be used, as long as the support positions of the first rotation shaft 34 and the second rotation shaft 35 are located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction. For example, the frame body 43a of the first drive-side frame 43 may include: a first frame portion extending along the conveying direction, i.e., located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction in a first opposing region opposite to the first pulley 31; a second frame portion extending along the conveying direction, i.e., located outside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction in a region other than the first opposing region; and a third frame portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and connected between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. In this case, the first frame portion is constructed as an offset support.

[0071] Furthermore, for example, the frame body 44a of the first driven side frame 44 may include: a first frame portion extending along the conveying direction, i.e., located inside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction in a second opposing region opposite to the second pulley 32 and the first tension adjuster 44b; a second frame portion extending along the conveying direction, i.e., located outside both ends of the conveyor belt 33 in its width direction in a region other than the second opposing region; and a third frame portion extending in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and connected between the first frame portion and the second frame portion. In this case, the first frame portion is configured as an offset support.

[0072] The above embodiment describes an example in which the two conveyors 2a and 2b included in the V-shaped conveying mechanism 3 form an angle of approximately 90 degrees. Alternatively, this angle may be greater than or less than 90 degrees. Furthermore, the angle formed by the two first rotating shafts 34 and the angle formed by the two second rotating shafts 35 may be different from each other. For example, the angle formed by the two first rotating shafts 34 (i.e., the angle formed on the upstream side of the conveying direction) may be approximately 90 degrees, while the angle formed by the two second rotating shafts 35 (i.e., the angle formed on the downstream side of the conveying direction) may be approximately 120 degrees.

[0073] The above embodiments describe an example in which each of the two conveyors 3a and 3b included in the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 includes an offset frame (including offset supports 43c and 44c) and is arranged at an angle such that the offset frame is at a lower height than the other frame. Alternatively, only one of the two conveyors included in the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 may be arranged at an angle such that its offset frame is positioned at a lower height than the other frame.

[0074] For example, a V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3 can be constructed using two conveyor belts 3a. In this case, one conveyor belt 3a is tilted such that its offset frame is at a lower height than the other frame, while the other conveyor belt 3a is tilted such that its offset frame is at a higher height than the other frame. As another example, it can be constructed by utilizing... Figure 4 The conveyor 3a shown and Figure 7 The conveyor 300c shown is used to construct the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 3. In both examples, a tension adjuster is present at the gap between the two conveyors. Therefore, in these examples, the width distance between the two conveyors is greater than... Figure 5 and Figure 6 The distance in the width direction in the example shown is less than... Figure 7The width distance shown in the comparative example is smaller than the width distance in a conventional construction with two tension regulators in the gap between two conveyors.

[0075] exist Figure 6 In the V-shaped conveyor mechanism 30 shown, conveyor 3a or conveyor 300c can be used instead of conveyor 3b, with conveyor 3b located below conveyor 3a. Similarly, in these cases, the width distance L2 between the two conveyors is... Figure 6 In the case where the width direction distance is equal, the gap between the two conveyor belts 33 can be reduced.

[0076] The above embodiments describe examples of the application of conveyor belts 3a and 3b and V-shaped conveyor mechanisms 3 and 30 to semi-automatic combination scales. According to the above embodiments and variations, conveyor belts 3a and 3b or V-shaped conveyor mechanisms 3 and 30 are also applicable to automatic combination scales. According to the above embodiments and variations, conveyor belts 3a and 3b or V-shaped conveyor mechanisms 3 and 30 are applicable not only to combination scales, but also to various devices or systems including mechanisms for conveying predetermined items (i.e., objects to be weighed).

[0077] List of reference numerals

[0078] (3, 30) V-shaped conveyor mechanism

[0079] (3a, 3b) Conveyor

[0080] (31) First pulley

[0081] (31a) First main pulley

[0082] (32a) First auxiliary pulley

[0083] (32) Second pulley

[0084] (32a) Second main pulley

[0085] (32b) Second auxiliary pulley

[0086] (33) Conveyor belt

[0087] (34) First rotation axis

[0088] (35) Second rotation axis

[0089] (41) First frame (biased frame)

[0090] (42) Second Frame

[0091] (43) First drive-side frame (offset frame)

[0092] (43a, 44a) Frame

[0093] (43c, 44c) Bias bracket

[0094] (44) First driven side support (offset frame)

[0095] (44b) First tension adjuster (tension adjuster located on the bias frame side)

Claims

1. A conveyor system, comprising: The first pulley rotates about the first axis of rotation; The second pulley rotates around the second axis of rotation; A pair of frames that support the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis; as well as A conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being wound around and extending between a first pulley and a second pulley, characterized in that at least one of the frames is configured as an offset frame including an offset bracket that supports the first and second rotating shafts at corresponding positions located inside both ends of the conveyor belt in its width direction. The frame comprises a pair of frame bodies, each having an outer surface perpendicular to the first rotation axis and the second rotation axis, respectively. Each of the first pulley and the second pulley includes: The main pulley, which is disposed between the pair of frame bodies; and An auxiliary pulley is disposed on the outside of one of the bias supports of the bias frame in the width direction of the conveyor belt.

2. The conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The framework includes: The frame body; and A pair of tension adjusters, connected to the pair of frame bodies, adjust the tension of the conveyor belt by adjusting the distance between the first pulley and the second pulley. The tension adjusters are positioned on the outer side of the corresponding outer surface of the frame bodies in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and In this pair of tension adjusters, the tension adjuster disposed on the bias frame side is located between one of the bias brackets and the end of the bias frame side of the conveyor belt in the width direction.

3. A V-shaped conveying mechanism, wherein two conveying conveyors are arranged such that, viewed from the conveying direction, the conveying surfaces of the two conveying conveyors are V-shaped, characterized in that, One of the two conveyor belts is... The conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, and In this conveyor, the first rotating shaft and the second rotating shaft are arranged at an angle, such that the bias frame is located at a lower height than the other frame.

4. The V-shaped conveying mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveyor is configured such that the end of the offset frame side of the conveyor in the width direction is located above the conveyor belt of the other of the two conveyors.

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