Right-angle transfer device

Abstract

A right-angle transfer device according to the present invention comprises: a first conveyance unit that forms a first conveyance surface and conveys, in one direction, an object to be conveyed that is placed on the first conveyance surface; a second transport unit that forms a second transport surface different from the first transport surface and transports the transport object placed on the second transport surface in the other direction; and a movement mechanism that moves the first and second conveyance units so as to move the first conveyance surface and the second conveyance surface in opposite directions to each other in a normal direction to the first conveyance surface, each of the first and second conveyance units stops the conveyance during a period from the start to the end of the movement by the movement mechanism, and the first conveyance unit is provided with a blocking member that blocks the conveyance by the second conveyance unit.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a right-angle transfer device used in a conveying device and capable of conveying conveyed objects in two vertical directions. Background Art

[0002] Conveying devices are often used to move (convey) conveyed objects, for example, in production sites and circulation sites. The conveying devices are roughly divided into roller conveying devices and belt conveying devices. The roller conveying device is a device that has a plurality of rollers arranged in parallel in one direction, and uses the top of the plurality of rollers as a conveying channel to convey the conveyed object. The belt conveying device is a device that has a plurality of rollers arranged in parallel in one direction and a conveyor belt sleeved on the plurality of rollers, and uses the top of the conveyor belt as a conveying channel to convey the conveyed object. In many cases, such conveying devices are provided with a first conveying portion extending in one direction and a second conveying portion extending in another direction different from the one direction in order to convey the conveyed object to a variety of conveying destinations. In addition, the second conveying portion can be one or more relative to the first conveying portion. In this case, in order to transfer the conveyed object between the first and second conveying portions, a transfer device capable of conveying in both the one direction and the other direction is arranged at the intersection of the one direction and the other direction. Such transfer devices are disclosed in, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] The transfer device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a main transport section, an auxiliary transport section, and a lifting unit, wherein the lifting unit lifts at least one of the main transport section or the auxiliary transport section, and the lifting unit has a motor, and the main transport section is provided with a plurality of main transport bodies that are connected to the transported object and rotate or move to transport the transported object in a specified direction, and the auxiliary transport section is provided with a plurality of auxiliary transport bodies that are connected to the transported object and rotate or move to transport the transported object in a direction intersecting with the transport direction of the main transport section. The main transport section and the auxiliary transport section are arranged in the same plane area, and the lifting unit is used to raise one transport section to be higher than the other transport section to transport the transported object in a desired direction, and the motor The plane configuration position is a plane area overlapping with the main transport part and the auxiliary transport part, and the height direction configuration position of the motor is that when any transport part is lowered, a part or the whole of the motor is located at a higher position compared to the height of the lower end of the rotation trajectory or the travel trajectory of any transport body. The transport body of one transport part is a rotating body composed of rollers or a group of small rotating bodies arranged on the same axis, and the transport body of the other transport part is a narrow conveyor with a narrow width. The rotating bodies are arranged in parallel with a certain interval, and the narrow conveyor is located between the rotating bodies and enters and exits from between the rotating bodies. The height direction configuration position of a part or the whole of the motor is higher than the height of the lowest end of the rotating body.

[0004] The transfer device disclosed in the patent document 2 forms a part of a conveyor device, and includes: a main conveyor portion that carries the conveyed object on a conveying surface and can convey the conveyed object in a direction along a main conveying path of the conveyor device; an auxiliary conveyor portion that is arranged in the same area as the main conveyor portion, carries the conveyed object on the conveying surface, and conveys the conveyed object in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction of the main conveyor portion; and a lifting unit that lifts and lowers both the main conveyor portion and the auxiliary conveyor portion, and when the conveyed object to be conveyed along the main conveying path of the conveyor device approaches the transfer device, the main conveyor portion is in a position to lift and lower the conveyed object. The conveying surface of the conveyor section is moved to a state above the conveying surface of the auxiliary conveyor section. When the conveyed object to be discharged from the main conveying path of the conveyor device approaches the transfer device or reaches the transfer device, the conveying surface of the auxiliary conveyor section is moved to a height above the conveying surface of the main conveyor section. While the conveyed object to be discharged from the main conveying path maintains the inertial force and moves on the conveying surface of the auxiliary conveyor section in the direction along the main conveying path, the auxiliary conveyor section performs a conveying action, and the auxiliary conveyor section applies a force in a direction intersecting with the inertial force to the conveyed object, thereby discharging the conveyed object from the main conveying path.

[0005] In order to quickly change the conveying direction, the transfer device disclosed in Patent Document 2 does not completely stop the conveyed object and changes the conveying direction. Therefore, the posture of the conveyed object may be damaged or the conveyed object may be caught by the auxiliary conveyor during the transfer process, and thus the transfer may not be performed properly.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent Literature

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Gazette No. 6304486

[0009] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Gazette No. 5725768 Summary of the invention

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a right-angle transfer device capable of more appropriately performing transfer.

[0011] The right-angle transfer device involved in the present invention includes: a first conveying part, forming a first conveying surface, conveying the conveyed object loaded on the first conveying surface along the one direction; a second conveying part, forming a second conveying surface different from the first conveying surface, conveying the conveyed object loaded on the second conveying surface along the other direction; and a moving mechanism, so that the first and second conveying parts are moved in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions to each other along the normal direction of the first conveying surface, wherein the first and second conveying parts each stop the conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism, and the first conveying part has an obstruction component that obstructs the conveying of the second conveying part.

[0012] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the structure of the right-angle transfer device in embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2 3. It is a bottom view of the right-angle transfer device.

[0015] Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the right-angle transfer device.

[0016] Figure 4 It is a perspective view mainly showing a base frame in the first conveying section of the right-angle transfer device.

[0017] Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the rubber pad of the said right angle transfer device.

[0018] Figure 6 It is a diagram for explaining a cam mechanism in a belt conveying unit of the right-angle transfer device.

[0019] Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the moving states of the first and second conveying units in the right-angle transfer device.

[0020] Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the right-angle transfer device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Below, an embodiment of the present invention is described based on the accompanying drawings. In addition, the structures with the same symbols in each figure represent the same structure, and their descriptions are appropriately omitted. In addition, in this specification, when referring to a general term, it is represented by a reference symbol with a suffix omitted, and when referring to an individual structure, it is represented by a reference symbol with a suffix attached.

[0022] The right-angle transfer device in the embodiment is a device that is arranged at a portion where the one direction and the other direction intersect in a conveying device having a first conveying portion extending in one direction and a second conveying portion extending in another direction perpendicular to the one direction, and is capable of conveying in both the one direction and the other direction, so as to transfer the conveyed object between the first and second conveying portions. The first and second conveying portions may be roller conveying devices, belt conveying devices, or one of the first and second conveying portions may be a roller conveying device and the other may be a belt conveying device. The right-angle transfer device includes a first conveying portion, a second conveying portion, and a moving mechanism. The first conveying portion forms a first conveying surface, and conveys the conveyed object placed on the first conveying surface in the one direction. The second conveying portion forms a second conveying surface different from the first conveying surface, and conveys the conveyed object placed on the second conveying surface in the other direction. The moving mechanism is a mechanism for moving the first and second conveying portions in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions to each other along the normal direction of the first conveying surface. Furthermore, the first and second conveying parts stop conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement by the moving mechanism, and the first conveying part includes an obstruction member for obstructing the conveying of the second conveying part. The right-angle transfer device will be described in more detail below.

[0023] Figure 1 It is a figure which shows the structure of the right-angle transfer device in embodiment. Figure 1 A is a side view. Figure 1 B is the top view. Figure 1 C is the rear view, Figure 1 D is the other side view. Figure 1 E is the front view. Figure 2 3. It is a bottom view of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 3 It is an exploded perspective view of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 4 1 is a perspective view mainly showing a base frame in the first conveying section of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 4 A first auxiliary transport unit SMC-6 and an M roller 17 are also shown. Figure 5 It is a figure for demonstrating the rubber pad of the said right angle transfer device. Figure 5 A is a top view of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 5 B is Figure 5 A is a cross-sectional view of the II cutting line, Figure 5 C is Figure 5 The enlarged view of the part surrounded by ○ in B. Figure 5 D is Figure 5 A is a partial enlarged view of the portion surrounded by the mouth. Figure 6It is a diagram for explaining a cam mechanism in a belt conveying unit of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 6 A is a partial enlarged view of the cam mechanism and its surroundings in the right-angle transfer device. Figure 6 B is a diagram of cams 38a, 39a and cam followers 41a. Figure 6 In B, the cam 38a and the cam 39a are shown in a transparent state. Figure 7 It is a diagram for explaining a method of detecting the moving states of the first and second conveying units in the right-angle transfer device. Figure 7 A represents the cam 39a, Figure 7 B represents the cam 38a, Figure 7 C is a diagram showing the cam 38a and the cam 39a in a transparent state. Figure 7 D is a timing chart of each output of the position detection sensors 5 and 6.

[0024] The right angle transfer device RM in the embodiment is, for example, Figures 1 to 7 The illustrated embodiment includes a base portion (base portion) BS, a first conveying portion MC, a second conveying portion SC, and a moving mechanism MV.

[0025] The base BS is a member supporting the first and second conveying parts MC, SC and the moving mechanism MV. The base BS, for example, comprises: a bottom panel member 1e in a rectangular ring shape; and a side panel member 1a, another side panel member 1b, a front panel member 1c and a rear panel member 1d extending from each side of the bottom panel member 1e and bent and erected at a right angle from each side of the bottom panel member 1e. By setting the cross section to an L-shaped shape, the mechanical strength of the base BS is improved. A side panel member 1a, another side panel member 1b, a front panel member 1c and a rear panel member 1d are respectively slender plates. In the front part of one side panel member 1a, a mounting member 2a having a cross section of a substantially L-shaped shape is mounted on the bottom panel member 1e and one side panel member 1a on each inner side of the substantially L-shaped shape, and in the front part of the other side panel member 1b, a mounting member 2b having a cross section of a substantially L-shaped shape is mounted on the bottom panel member 1e and the other side panel member 1a on each inner side of the substantially L-shaped shape relative to the mounting member 2a. In the rear part of one side panel member 1a, a mounting member 2c having a substantially L-shaped cross section is mounted on the bottom panel member 1e and one side panel member 1a on the inner surfaces of the substantially L-shaped, and in the rear part of the other side panel member 1b, a mounting member 2d having a substantially L-shaped cross section is mounted on the bottom panel member 1e and the other side panel member 1b on the inner surfaces of the substantially L-shaped opposite to the mounting member 2c. The moving mechanism MV is mounted on these four mounting members 2a to 2d as described later. One side panel member 1a has a protruding portion 3a extending toward the outside (upper) at a position relatively rearward relative to the central position, and a fastening hole 4a is formed in the protruding portion 3a. The other side panel member 1b has a protruding portion 3b extending toward the outside (upper) at a position relatively rearward relative to the central position, the protruding portion 3b is opposite to the protruding portion 3a, and a fastening hole 4b is formed in the protruding portion 3b opposite to the fastening hole 4a.

[0026] The first conveying section MC forms a first conveying surface and carries the conveyed object Ob (see Figure 8 ) is a device for conveying in one direction. The first conveying unit MC will be further described later.

[0027] The second conveying unit SC is a device that forms a second conveying surface different from the first conveying surface and conveys the conveyed object Ob placed on the second conveying surface in another direction perpendicular to the one direction. The one direction is the conveying direction of the first conveying unit MC (the main conveying direction, the direction of the main line conveying), and the other direction is the conveying direction of the second conveying unit SC (the secondary conveying direction, the direction of the branch conveying). The second conveying unit SC includes: a frame; and a plurality of roller tubes arranged in parallel in the frame along the other direction and supported by the frame frame axis in a rotatable manner, at least one of the plurality of roller tubes includes a motor arranged inside the roller tube and generating a driving force for rotating the roller tube. The second conveying surface is formed by the plurality of roller tubes. In other words, the second conveying unit SC includes: a frame; and a plurality of rollers arranged in parallel in the frame along the other direction and supported by the frame frame axis in a rotatable manner, at least one of the plurality of rollers is a built-in motor roller. The second conveying surface is formed by the plurality of roller tubes (the plurality of rollers). The second conveying surface is parallel to the first conveying surface.

[0028] More specifically, the second conveying section SC comprises: a pair of frame members 20c, 20d which are opposite to each other at a specified interval (third interval) in the one direction and are arranged in parallel in the other direction; and connecting members 20a, 20b which connect the pair of frame members 20c, 20d at their respective ends. The pair of frame members 20c, 20d are respectively rectangular plate-like members which are long in the other direction, and the connecting members 20a, 20b are slender plate-like members which have a length corresponding to the third interval. These frame members 20c, connecting members 20b, frame members 20d and connecting members 20a are sequentially connected at each end in this order to form the rectangular ring-shaped frame frame. A plurality of rollers which are rotatably supported by the frame frame shaft are arranged in parallel in the frame frame along the other direction, and at least one of the plurality of rollers is a built-in motor roller. Figures 1 to 7 In the example shown, the second conveying section SC has seven rollers 21, 22a to 22f, the roller 21 located in the center in the other direction is a built-in motor roller (motor roller, hereinafter appropriately referred to as "M roller") 21, and three rollers 22a to 22c are arranged in parallel on both sides of the M roller 21; 22d to 22f are driven rollers (free rollers, hereinafter appropriately referred to as "F rollers") 22a to 22f. Figures 1 to 7 In the example shown, there is one M roller 21, but there may be more than one. The M roller 21 is a roller that is rotated by a motor built therein. The F rollers 22a to 22f are rotatable rollers that are driven by the rotation of the M roller 21 and rotate.

[0029] The M roller 21 includes, for example, a roller tube (M roller tube); a pair of first and second support shafts (M support shafts) disposed opposite to each other and rotatably supporting the M roller tube at both ends thereof; and a motor disposed inside the M roller tube and generating a driving force for rotating the M roller tube. The motor is fixedly disposed in, for example, an inner cylinder fixedly connected to the first M support shaft, and an output shaft is connected to a power transmission plate outside the inner cylinder through a speed reducer. The power transmission plate is, for example, cylindrical, and its outer peripheral surface is fixedly connected to the inner peripheral surface of the M roller tube. Accordingly, when the motor rotates, the M roller tube rotates through the speed reducer and the power transmission plate. The first M support shaft connected to the inner cylinder of the pair of first and second support shafts is a hollow structure, and a cable for supplying power to the motor is inserted therethrough. By controlling (adjusting) the supplied power, the motor can be controlled to rotate forward, reverse, and at a rotation speed. In addition, the M rollers 17 and 37 described later are also configured in the same manner as the M roller 21.

[0030] The F roller FR includes, for example, a roller tube (F roller tube) and a pair of first and second support shafts (F support shafts) that are disposed opposite to each other and that rotatably support the F roller tube at both ends thereof.

[0031] A plurality of through openings for inserting the first and second F support shafts of the F rollers 22a to 22f are formed at predetermined intervals (fourth intervals) along the other direction on each of the pair of frame members 20c and 20d. The first and second F support shafts of the F rollers 22a to 22f are inserted through the through openings in the pair of frame members 20c and 20d, and are fixed to the pair of frame members 20c and 20d by fixing members 25a to 25f (the latter fixing members are not shown).

[0032] A through opening for inserting the second M support shaft of the M drum 21 is formed at the center position in the other direction of the frame member 20d. A plate-shaped mounting member 24 having a cross section in the shape of a Chinese character "E" (a shape in which the center "-" of the English letter E is removed) for mounting the first M support shaft of the M drum 21 is installed at the center position in the other direction of the frame member 20c, and a through opening for inserting the first M support shaft of the M drum 21 is formed in the mounting member 24. The first and second M support shafts of the M drum 21 are respectively inserted through the through openings of these mounting members 24 and the through openings of the frame member 20d, and are respectively fixed to the mounting member 24 and the frame member 20d by respective fixing members (not shown). The cable of the M drum 21 is pulled out from the space formed by the Chinese character "E" of the mounting member 24.

[0033] The second conveying surface is formed by the seven M rollers 21 and the roller tubes of the F rollers 22a to 22f.

[0034] The connecting member 20a has a protruding portion 201a extending outward (downward) at a substantially central position in the one direction, and a support shaft (C support shaft) 44a is mounted on the protruding portion 201a. A cam follower 45a (at the inner side of the connecting member 20a) is mounted. Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cam follower 45a is rotatably supported by the C support shaft 44a. The connecting member 20a has protruding portions 202a and 202c extending outward (downward) at the front and rear portions. As described later, engaging shafts 26a and 26c that are rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV are respectively installed on these protruding portions 202a and 202c.

[0035] Similarly, the connecting member 20b has a protruding portion 201b extending outward (downward) and opposite to the protruding portion 201a at a substantially central position in the one direction, and a C support shaft 44b is mounted on the protruding portion 201b. A cam follower 45b is mounted on the inner side of the connecting member 20b (at Figure 1 and Figure 3 The cam follower 45b is rotatably supported by the C support shaft 44b. The connecting member 20b has protruding portions 202b and 202d extending outward (downward) and facing the protruding portions 202a and 202c at the front and rear portions, and as described later, engaging shafts 26b and 26d that are rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV are installed on the protruding portions 202b and 202d, respectively.

[0036] Furthermore, between the M roller 21 and the rollers 21, 22a to 22c adjacent to each other among the three F rollers 22a to 22c arranged in parallel on the other side thereof, the respective transfer belts 23a to 23c are sequentially put on the ends of the rear side and connected, and when the M roller 21 rotates, the rotation of the M roller 21 is sequentially transmitted to the F rollers 22a to 22c through the respective transfer belts 23a to 23c, and the F rollers 22a to 22c rotate respectively. Similarly, between the M roller 21 and the rollers 21, 22d to 22f adjacent to each other among the three F rollers 22d to 22f arranged in parallel on one side thereof, the respective transfer belts 23d to 23f are sequentially put on the ends of the rear side and connected, and when the M roller 21 rotates, the rotation of the M roller 21 is sequentially transmitted to the F rollers 22d to 22f through the respective transfer belts 23d to 23f, and the F rollers 22d to 22f rotate respectively. According to this, in the second conveyance section SC, the conveyance object Ob placed on the M roller 21 and the six F rollers 22a to 22f can be moved (conveyed) in the other direction.

[0037] The first conveying section MC is further described. The first conveying section MC includes a plurality of first auxiliary conveying sections arranged between a plurality of roller tubes of the second conveying section SC. Figures 1 to 7 In the example shown, the first conveying section MC includes six first auxiliary conveying sections SMC-1 to SMC-6, and each of these first auxiliary conveying sections SMC-1 to SMC-6 is respectively arranged between the seven M rollers 21 and each of the F rollers 22a to 22f of the second conveying section SC. The first auxiliary conveying section includes a plurality of pulleys arranged in parallel along the one direction, a conveyor belt sleeved on the plurality of pulleys, a supporting member supporting the plurality of pulleys, and the obstruction member, and the first conveying section also includes a driving section for driving each of the conveyor belts in the plurality of first auxiliary conveying sections. The first conveying surface is formed by each of the conveyor belts in the plurality of first auxiliary conveying sections.

[0038] Each of the six first sub-conveying parts SMC has the same structure except for the point of the arrangement position of the connecting member 11e and the point that only the first sub-conveying part SMC-3 has the rubber pads 19a and 19b. As a representative, the first sub-conveying part MSC-3 having the rubber pads 19a and 19b will be described in more detail. The first sub-conveying part SMC-3 includes: a pair of frame members 11a and 11b that are arranged in parallel in the one direction and face each other with a narrow specified interval (first interval) in the other direction; and connecting members 11c, 11d, and 11e that connect the pair of frame members 11a and 11b at each end and each upper side. The pair of frame members 11a and 11b are rectangular plate-shaped members having a length corresponding to the length of the F roller 22 except for the portion where the drive belt 23 is wound, and the connecting members 11c, 11d, and 11e are rectangular plate-shaped members having a width corresponding to the narrow first interval. These frame members 11a, connecting members 11c, frame members 11b, and connecting members 11d are connected in this order at each end to form a ring-shaped frame frame with a slit-shaped gap. The connecting member 11e connects a pair of frame members 11a and 11b at a position further forward than the central position in the one direction. Here, the first sub-conveyor units SMC-1 and SMC-5 are provided with the connecting member 11e at the same position as the first sub-conveyor unit SMC-3, but the first sub-conveyor units SMC-2, SMC-4, and SMC-6 are provided with the connecting member 11e at a position further back than the central position in the one direction.

[0039] A plurality of through openings for mounting the support shaft (P support shaft) 12 are formed at predetermined intervals (second intervals) along the one direction in the pair of frame members 11a and 11b. Figures 1 to 7In the example shown, nine through openings are formed, and nine P support shafts 12a to 12i are inserted through the nine through openings of the pair of frame members 11a and 11b, respectively. The nine P support shafts 12a to 12i connect nine pulleys 13a to 13i ( Figure 3 The nine pulleys 13a to 13i are rotatably supported by the shafts (indicated by dotted lines in the figure), and are arranged in the slit-shaped gap formed between the pair of frame members 11a and 11b. An endless conveyor belt 14 having a width corresponding to the first interval is sleeved on these pulleys 13a to 13i in such a manner that the surface of the conveyor belt 14 faces the outside. A through opening for installing a support shaft (S support shaft) 14a is formed near the connecting member 1ie in the pair of frame members 11a and 11b, and the S support shaft 14a is inserted and installed in the through opening. The S support shaft 14a rotatably supports a pulley (tension maintaining pulley) (not shown) for maintaining the tension of the conveyor belt 14, and the tension maintaining pulley is arranged in the slit-shaped gap. Through the tension maintaining pulley, the conveyor belt 14 is wound around the tension maintaining pulley in a manner of leaving from the surface and approaching the surface again. Accordingly, the tension of the conveyor belt 14 is maintained.

[0040] The frame member 11a is provided with a pair of protrusions 151a and 151c extending outward (downward) at a predetermined interval (fifth interval) in the one direction at a position forward of the central position in the one direction so as to form a substantially semicircular recess 152 into which the M roller 17 enters, and a pair of through openings for mounting a pair of S support shafts 15c and 15d are formed in the pair of protrusions 151a and 151c, respectively. Similarly, the frame member 11b is provided with a pair of protrusions 151b and 151d extending outward (downward) at the fifth interval in the one direction so as to form the recess 152 and facing the pair of protrusions 151a and 151c, and a pair of through openings for mounting the pair of S support shafts 15c and 15d are formed in the pair of protrusions 151b and 151d, respectively. The pair of S support shafts 15c and 15d are inserted through a pair of through openings installed in the pair of protruding parts 151a and 151c and a pair of through openings of the pair of protruding parts 151b and 151d, respectively. The pair of S support shafts 15c and 15d each rotatably support a pair of pulleys (power transmission pulleys) (not shown) for making the surface of the conveyor belt 14 contact the surface of the M roller 37 and transmitting the rotational force of the M roller 37 to the conveyor belt 14, and the pair of power transmission pulleys are arranged in the slit-shaped gap. In the pair of frame members 11a and 11b, the S support shaft 15b is respectively installed between the P support shaft 12a installed near the front and the S support shaft 15c. The S support shaft 15b rotatably supports the pulley (track adjustment pulley) for adjusting the track of the conveyor belt 14, so that the conveyor belt 14 wound on the pulley 13a axially supported by the P support shaft 12a faces the power transmission pulley axially supported by the S support shaft 15c, and the track adjustment pulley is arranged in the slit-shaped gap. In addition, in a pair of frame members 11a, 11b, an S support shaft 15e is respectively installed between the P support shaft 12i and the S support shaft 15d installed near the rear. The S support shaft 15e rotatably supports the track adjustment pulley for adjusting the track of the conveyor belt 14, so that the conveyor belt 14 wound on the pulley 13i axially supported by the R support shaft 12i faces the power transmission pulley axially supported by the S support shaft 15d, and the track adjustment pulley is arranged in the slit-shaped gap.

[0041] The conveyor belt 14 is sequentially mounted on the pulleys 13a to 13d, and is wound around the tension maintaining pulley, and is sequentially mounted on the pulleys 13e to 13t, and is wound around the track adjustment pulley supported by the S support shaft 15e, and is wound around the power transmission pulley supported by the S support shaft 15d, and contacts and moves along the surface of the M roller 17, and is wound around the power transmission pulley supported by the S support shaft 15c, and is wound around the track adjustment pulley supported by the S support shaft 15b, and is then mounted on the pulley 13a. The conveyor belt 14 has a track as described above, and the rotational force of the M roller 17 is transmitted as the driving force of the conveyor belt 14 by the friction force acting between the surface of the M roller 17 and the surface of the conveyor belt 14, and the conveyor belt 14 moves along the track. The conveyor belt 14 faces outward at the portion mounted on the pulleys 13a to 13i.

[0042] Furthermore, a pair of rubber pads 19a and 19b are installed on the outer side surface of the frame member 11a at a specified interval (sixth interval) in the one direction. In more detail, the pair of rubber pads 19a and 19b are respectively rectangular and have a plate-like shape with a tapered portion that becomes thinner toward the distal end. The rubber pad 19a is installed near the recess 152, and the rubber pad 19b is installed near the back. These rubber pads 19a and 19b are equivalent to an example of an obstruction member that obstructs the conveyance of the second conveying section, and are respectively provided on the pair of frame members 11a and 11b in a manner that obstructs the rotation of each of the multiple roller tubes in the second conveying section SC when the conveying object Ob can be conveyed by the first conveying surface and the conveying object Ob cannot be conveyed by the second conveying surface. In more detail, for example Figure 5 B and Figure 5 As shown in FIG. C, the rubber pad 19a is formed with a thickness and elasticity such that when the first conveying surface of the first conveying section MC is located at a specified upper limit position as described later and the second conveying surface of the second conveying section SC is located at a specified lower limit position, the M roller 21 in the second conveying section SC abuts against the rubber pad 19a and further presses it, and is provided on the frame member 11a of the first sub-conveying section SMC-3. The same is true for the rubber pad 19b.

[0043] In addition, Figures 1 to 7 In the example shown, as described above, the rubber pads 19a and 19b are provided only on the first auxiliary conveying portion SMC-3 adjacent to the M roller 21 in the other direction, and are not provided on the remaining first auxiliary conveying portions SMC-1, SMC-2, SMC-4 to SMC-6. However, a pair of rubber pads similar to the rubber pads 19a and 19b may be provided on one or more of the remaining first auxiliary conveying portions SMC-1, SMC-2, SMC-4 to SMC-6.

[0044] The six first auxiliary conveying units SMC-1 to SMC-6 of this structure are arranged on the base member 16 at the first intervals in the other direction and supported by the base member 16. More specifically, the base member 16 is, for example Figure 4 As shown, it comprises: a first sub-base member 161 which is a plate-shaped member bent in a roughly U-shaped shape; a second sub-base member 162 which is long in the other direction and has a roughly L-shaped cross-section and is connected between the distal ends of the first sub-base member 161 which is roughly U-shaped; a pair of plate-shaped mounting members 163a, 163b which are mounted on the second sub-base member 162 in a manner that they protrude to the front side along the one direction at a specified interval (seventh interval) in the other direction; a pair of plate-shaped mounting members 164a, 164b which are mounted on the first sub-base member 161 in a manner that they protrude to the rear side along the one direction at a specified interval (eighth interval) in the connecting portion of the first sub-base member 161 which is roughly U-shaped; and a third sub-base member 165 which is roughly U-shaped and is mounted on the pair of mounting members 164a, 164b. Each of these first sub-conveying parts SMC-1 to SMC-6 is installed on the first and third sub-base members 162 and 163 at a predetermined interval (ninth interval) in the other direction in such a manner that the seven M rollers 21 and the F rollers 22a to 22f are respectively arranged in the second conveying part SC. At this time, the M rollers 17 are installed on the arm portions extending in the one direction of the substantially U-shaped first sub-base member 161 so that the M rollers 17 enter the respective recesses 152 of each of the first sub-conveying parts SMC-1 to SMC-6. Accordingly, if the M rollers 17 rotate, each of the conveying belts 14 of each of the first sub-conveying parts SMC-1 to SMC-6 is driven, and the first conveying surface is formed by each surface of each conveying belt 14 of each of the first sub-conveying parts SMC-1 to SMC-6 facing outward. As described later, the pair of mounting members 163a and 163b are respectively provided with engaging shafts 166a and 166b that are rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV. The pair of mounting members 164a and 164b are respectively provided with C-support shafts 42a and 42b at substantially central positions thereof. The cam followers 41a and 41b are respectively supported and mounted by the C-support shafts 42a and 42b so as to be rotatable.

[0045] Furthermore, each of the first sub-transport units SMC-1 to SMC-6 is also mounted on the rear side of a plate-shaped auxiliary sub-base member 18 having a substantially L-shaped cross section and being long in the other direction. A pair of plate-shaped mounting members 181a and 181b are mounted on the auxiliary sub-base member 18 so as to protrude to the front side in the one direction at a distance of the seventh interval in the other direction. As described later, engaging shafts 182a and 182b that are rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV are mounted on the pair of mounting members 181a and 181b, respectively.

[0046] The moving mechanism MV is a device that moves the first and second conveying parts in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions along the normal direction of the first conveying surface. The moving mechanism MV comprises: a first link mechanism connected to the first conveying part; a second link mechanism connected to the second conveying part; a cam mechanism that engages with the first and second link mechanisms, respectively, and moves the first and second conveying parts in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions through the first and second link mechanisms; and a driving unit that drives the cam mechanism. The first conveying surface and the second conveying surface are parallel to each other as described above, and therefore, the normal direction of the first conveying surface is also the normal direction of the second conveying surface.

[0047] More specifically, the moving mechanism MV has four first connecting rods 33a to 33d connected to the first conveying part MC. The four first connecting rods 33a to 33d are respectively plate-like members in a roughly L-shaped shape. Through openings are formed at each end portion of the roughly L-shaped first connecting rods 33a and 33b, and a pair of engaging shafts 166a and 166b of the first conveying part MC are respectively inserted through these through openings, and can be rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV and connected. Similarly, through openings are formed at each end portion of the roughly L-shaped first connecting rods 33c and 33d, and a pair of engaging shafts 182a and 182b of the first conveying part MC are respectively inserted through these through openings, and can be rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV and connected.

[0048] The other end portion of the first substantially L-shaped link 33a is rotatably connected to one end of the second link 34a, which is a plate-like member that is long in the one direction, and the other end portion of the first substantially L-shaped link 33c is rotatably connected to the other end of the second link 34a. Similarly, the other end portion of the first substantially L-shaped link 33b is rotatably connected to one end of the second link 34b, which is a plate-like member that is long in the one direction, and the other end portion of the first substantially L-shaped link 33d is rotatably connected to the other end of the second link 34b.

[0049] The moving mechanism MV is provided with four third connecting rods 31a to 31d connected to the second conveying section SC. The four third connecting rods 31a to 31d are respectively plate-shaped members in a roughly L-shaped shape. Through openings are formed at each end portion of the roughly L-shaped third connecting rods 31a and 31b, and a pair of engaging shafts 26a and 26b of the second conveying section SC are respectively inserted through these through openings, and can be rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV and connected. Similarly, through openings are formed at each end portion of the roughly L-shaped third connecting rods 31c and 31d, and a pair of engaging shafts 26c and 26d of the second conveying section SC are respectively inserted through these through openings, and can be rotatably engaged with the moving mechanism MV and connected.

[0050] The other end portion of the third link 31a having a substantially L shape is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth link 32a, which is a plate-like member long in the one direction, and the other end portion of the third link 31c having a substantially L shape is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth link 32a. Similarly, the other end portion of the third link 31b having a substantially L shape is rotatably connected to one end of the fourth link 32b, which is a plate-like member long in the one direction, and the other end portion of the third link 31d having a substantially L shape is rotatably connected to the other end of the fourth link 32b.

[0051] Each through opening is formed in each bending part of the first connecting rod 33a, 33b and the third connecting rod 31a, 31b. The rotating shaft 35a, which is a cylindrical (or cylindrical) member extending in the other direction, is inserted through each through opening of the third connecting rod 31a, the first connecting rod 33a, the first connecting rod 33b and the third connecting rod 31b in sequence, and is respectively installed on the mounting members 2a and 2b at both ends of the rotating shaft 35a. Similarly, each through opening is formed in each bending part of the first connecting rod 33c, 33d and the third connecting rod 31c, 31d. The rotating shaft 35b, which is a cylindrical (or cylindrical) member extending in the other direction, is inserted through each through opening of the third connecting rod 31c, the first connecting rod 33c, the first connecting rod 33d and the third connecting rod 31d in sequence, and is respectively installed on the mounting members 2c and 2d at both ends of the rotating shaft 35b. Accordingly, the moving mechanism MV is installed on the base BS. Between the first connecting rods 33a and 33b, the two ends of the cylindrical (or cylindrical) member, i.e., the support member 36a, which extends in the other direction, are respectively mounted on the first connecting rods 33a and 33b. Similarly, between the first connecting rods 33c and 33d, the two ends of the cylindrical (or cylindrical) member, i.e., the support member 36b, which extends in the other direction, are respectively mounted on the first connecting rods 33c and 33d.

[0052] The moving mechanism MV includes an M roller 37. The cam 38a and the cam 39a are sequentially mounted on one end of the M roller 37 coaxially (concentrically) with the M support shaft 43a of the M roller 37 from the inside toward the outside in this order so as to rotate with the rotation of the M roller 37. Similarly, the cam 38b and the cam 39b are sequentially mounted on the other end of the M roller 37 coaxially (concentrically) with the M support shaft 43b of the M roller 37 from the inside toward the outside in this order so as to rotate with the rotation of the M roller 37. The M support shafts 43a, 43b of the M roller 37 are respectively fixed to the fastening holes 4a, 4b of the base BS.

[0053] The cams 38a, 38b, 39a, 39b are each, for example Figure 7 A and Figure 7 B shows the same structure with the same size and shape, and is a shape formed by cutting a part of a circular plate roughly flatly in a manner that leaves the center. The surface of the cut portion is not completely flat, and ridges are formed on both sides of the valley in a manner that forms a valley above the center. The cam 38a and the cam 39a are arranged so that the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC and the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC move in opposite directions to each other and the second conveying surface is located at a specified lower limit position when the first conveying surface is located at a specified upper limit position, and the second conveying surface is located at the upper limit position when the first conveying surface is located at the lower limit position, for example Figure 7 As shown in FIG. C, the cutout portion of the cam 38a and the cutout portion of the cam 39a are fixed to the one end of the M roller 37 in a manner that the cutout portion of the cam 38a and the cutout portion of the cam 39a are located at different positions. Similarly, the cam 38b and the cam 39b are fixed to the other end of the M roller 37 in a manner that the cutout portion of the cam 38b and the cutout portion of the cam 39b are located at different positions so that the first conveying surface of the first conveying portion MC and the second conveying surface of the second conveying portion SC move in opposite directions to each other and the second conveying surface is located at a specified lower limit position when the first conveying surface is located at a specified upper limit position and the second conveying surface is located at the upper limit position when the first conveying surface is located at the lower limit position. For example Figure 6 As shown, the cam 38a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam follower 41a rotatably supported by the C support shaft 42a of the first conveying section MC. Similarly, the cam 38b is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam follower 41b rotatably supported by the C support shaft 42b of the first conveying section MC. Similarly, the cam 39a is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam follower 45a rotatably supported by the C support shaft 44a of the second conveying section SC, and the cam 39b is in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the cam follower 45b rotatably supported by the C support shaft 44b of the second conveying section MC.

[0054] In the moving mechanism MV, when the M roller 37 rotates, the cams 38a, 38b and the cams 39a, 39b also rotate, and the cam followers 41a, 41b of the first conveying section MC follow the outer peripheral surfaces of the cams 38a, 38b, thereby the first conveying section MC moves along the normal direction of the first conveying surface, and the cam followers 45a, 45b of the second conveying section SC follow the outer peripheral surfaces of the cams 39a, 39b, thereby the second conveying section SC moves along the normal direction of the first conveying surface in the opposite direction to the first conveying section MC. More specifically, when the cam followers 41a, 41b follow the cutout portions of the cams 38a, 38b, the first conveying surface of the first conveying section MC descends, and when the cam followers 41a, 41b follow the circular portions of the cams 38a, 38b, which are the remaining portions except the cutout portions, the first conveying surface of the first conveying section MC rises. If the cam followers 45a and 45b follow the cutouts of the cams 39a and 39b, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC descends, and if the cam followers 45a and 45b follow the circular portion of the cams 39a and 39b, which is the remaining portion except the cutouts, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC rises. Here, in order to prevent interference (contact) with the cams 38a and 38b during the rotation of the cams 38a and 38b, recessed portions 341a and 341b are formed in the second connecting rods 34a and 34b, respectively. Similarly, in order to prevent interference (contact) with the cams 39a and 39b during the rotation of the cams 39a and 39b, recessed portions 321a and 321b are formed in the fourth connecting rods 32a and 32b, respectively.

[0055] Furthermore, the right-angle transfer device RM includes position detection sensors 5 and 6. The position detection sensor 6 is a sensor for detecting the position of the first conveying surface of the first conveying portion MC along the normal direction of the first conveying surface, and is, for example, an inductive proximity sensor. Figure 7 As shown, the position detection sensor 6 is mounted on the other side panel member 1b of the base BS in such a manner that the through opening formed on the front side of the fastening hole 4b faces the cam 39b. The position detection sensor 5 is a sensor for detecting the position of the second conveying surface of the second conveying portion SC along the normal direction of the second conveying surface (the normal direction of the first conveying surface), for example, an inductive proximity sensor. Figure 7 As shown, the position detection sensor 5 is mounted on the other side panel member 1b of the base BS in such a manner as to face the cam 39b from the through opening formed on the rear side of the fastening hole 4b. In order to operate the position detection sensors 5 and 6, for example Figure 6 , Figure 7 A. Figure 7 B and Figure 7As shown in C, a through opening, i.e., a detection port 7, is formed in the cam 38b and the cam 39b, which passes through the cam 38b and the cam 39b at the same position. The detection port 7 is directly opposite (facing the front) to the position detection sensor 6 when the first conveying surface of the first conveying portion MC is located at the upper limit position, and is directly opposite (facing the front) to the position detection sensor 5 when the second conveying surface of the second conveying portion SC is located at the upper limit position. In the case where the position detection sensors 5 and 6 are inductive proximity sensors, the cam 38b and the cam 39b are formed of metal (including alloy) in order to generate an induced current and make it flow. In the position detection sensors 5 and 6, as shown in FIG. Figure 7 As shown in D, if the cam 38b and the cam 39b are rotated by the M roller 37, the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC is located at the upper limit position, and the detection port 7 is opposite to the position detection sensor 6, then the position detection sensor 5 outputs a cut-off (OFF) signal, and the position detection sensor 6 outputs an on (ON) signal. Accordingly, it can be detected that the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC is located at the upper limit position. In this case, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC is located at the lower limit position. On the other hand, if the cam 38b and the cam 39b are rotated by the M roller 37, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC is located at the upper limit position, and the detection port 7 is opposite to the position detection sensor 5, then the position detection sensor 6 outputs a cut-off (OFF) signal, and the position detection sensor 5 outputs an on (ON) signal. Accordingly, it can be detected that the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC is located at the upper limit position. In this case, the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC is located at the lower limit position.

[0056] The first links 33a to 33d, the second links 34a and 34b, and the rotating shafts 35a and 35b are equivalent to an example of a first link mechanism connected to the first conveying section. The third links 31a to 31d, the fourth links 32a and 32b, and the rotating shafts 35a and 35b are equivalent to an example of a second link mechanism connected to the second conveying section. The cams 38a, 38b, 39a and 39b and the cam followers 41a, 41b, 45a and 45b that are paired with them are equivalent to an example of a cam mechanism that engages with the first and second link mechanisms, respectively, and moves the first and second conveying sections in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions to each other through the first and second link mechanisms. The M roller 37 is equivalent to an example of a driving section that drives the cam mechanism.

[0057] Furthermore, the right-angle transfer device RM includes a control unit CL and a pair of conveyed object detection sensors DSa and DSb (see Figure 8). The control unit CL is a device connected to the M rollers 17, 21, 37, the position detection sensors 5, 6, and the conveyed object detection sensors DSa, DSb, respectively, and controls the M rollers 17, 21, 37 based on the outputs of the position detection sensors 5, 6 and the outputs of the conveyed object detection sensors DSa, DSb, respectively, and is composed of, for example, a computer having a microprocessor and its peripheral circuits. The control unit CL controls the M rollers 17, 21 of the first and second conveying parts MC, SC in a manner that stops the conveyance during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism MV. The conveyed object detection sensors DSa, DSb are sensors for detecting the conveyed object Ob, respectively, such as laser rangefinders for measuring the distance to the object. A pair of conveyed object detection sensors DSa, DSb are arranged on the diagonal lines of the first and second conveying surfaces so as to face each other across the first and second conveying surfaces. The control unit CL obtains the outputs of the pair of conveyed object detection sensors DSa, DSb at a predetermined sampling interval.

[0058] Next, the operation of the right-angle transfer device RM having the above-mentioned structure will be described. Figure 8 It is a diagram for explaining the operation of the right-angle transfer device. Figure 8 A represents the case where the conveyed object Ob is conveyed in one direction (main line conveyance case), Figure 8 B stands for z Figure 8 A is the right angle transfer device RM viewed from one direction, Figure 8 C represents the case where the conveyed object Ob is conveyed in the other direction (the case of branching conveyance), Figure 8 D stands for Figure 8 In case C, the right-angle transfer device RM is viewed from the one direction.

[0059] When the conveyed object Ob is conveyed in the one direction, the control unit CL rotates the M roller 37, and stops the rotation of the M roller 37 if an off signal is received from the position detection sensor 5 and an on signal is received from the position detection sensor 6. Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 2B , the first conveying surface of the first conveying section MC is located at the upper limit position, and the second conveying surface of the second conveying section SC is located at the lower limit position. The rotation of the M roller 21 of the second conveying section SC is hindered by the rubber pads 19a and 19b of the first conveying section MC. Then, the control section CL rotates the M roller 17 of the first conveying section MC. Accordingly, each conveyor belt 14 moves, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown in A, the conveyance object Ob on each conveyor belt 14 is conveyed in the one direction.

[0060] When conveying the conveyed object Ob from the one direction to the other direction, the control unit CL first rotates the M roller 37, and if it receives a cut-off signal from the position detection sensor 5 and a connection signal from the position detection sensor 6, it stops the rotation of the M roller 37. Accordingly, similarly to the above, the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC is located at the upper limit position, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC is located at the lower limit position, and the rotation of the M roller 21 of the second conveying unit SC is hindered by the rubber pads 19a and 19b of the first conveying unit MC. Then, the control unit CL rotates the M roller 17 of the first conveying unit MC. Accordingly, Figure 8 As shown in FIG. C, each conveyor belt 14 moves, and the conveyed object Ob on each conveyor belt 14 is conveyed in the one direction. Next, the control unit CL determines whether the conveyed object Ob is conveyed and the conveyed object Ob is located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces (the intersection position of the two diagonal lines). When making this judgment, for example, when the distances measured by the pair of conveyed object detection sensors DSa and DSb are approximately the same, the control unit CL determines that the conveyed object Ob is located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces. More specifically, when the absolute value of the difference between the distances measured by the pair of conveyed object detection sensors DSa and DSb is less than a preset threshold value (judgment threshold), the control unit CL determines that the conveyed object Ob is located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces, and when the absolute value exceeds the judgment threshold, the control unit CL determines that the conveyed object Ob is not located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces. As a result of this judgment, if it is determined that the conveyed object Ob is not located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces, the control unit CL continues to make this judgment. On the other hand, as a result of this judgment, if it is determined that the conveyed object Ob is located at a substantially central position between the first and second conveying surfaces, the control unit CL stops the M roller 17 of the first conveying unit MC in order to stop the conveyance of the conveyed object Ob in the one direction. At this time, the M roller 21 of the second conveying unit SC also stops. Therefore, the first and second conveying units MC, SC stop their conveyances, respectively. Next, the control unit CL rotates the M roller 37 in order to move the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC and the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC in opposite directions to each other, and if the position detection sensor 6 outputs a cut-off signal and the position detection sensor 5 outputs a connection signal, the rotation of the M roller 37 is stopped. Accordingly, the second conveying surface of the second conveying unit SC is located at the upper limit position, and the first conveying surface of the first conveying unit MC is located at the lower limit position. Accordingly, if Figure 8As shown in D, the second conveying surface of the second conveying section SC is located at the upper limit position, and the first conveying surface of the first conveying section MC is located at the lower limit position. The rotation of the M roller 21 of the second conveying section SC is not hindered by the rubber pads 19a, 19b of the first conveying section MC. Then, the control section CL rotates the M roller 21 of the second conveying section MC. Accordingly, the M roller 21 and the F rollers 22a to 22f rotate, and the conveyed object Ob on the M roller 21 and the F rollers 22a to 22f is conveyed to the other direction. Therefore, the first and second conveying sections MC, SC each stop conveying the conveyed object Ob during the period from the start to the end of the movement of the first and second conveying surfaces performed by the moving mechanism MV.

[0061] As described above, in the right-angle transfer device RM of the embodiment, the first and second conveying parts MC and SC each stop conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism MV. Therefore, during the transfer process, the possibility of the posture of the conveyed object Ob being destroyed is reduced, and the possibility of being caught by the second conveying part is reduced, so the right-angle transfer device RM can transfer more appropriately. The right-angle transfer device RM is equipped with rubber pads 19a and 19b as an example of an obstruction member, so that during the conveying process of the first conveying part, the conveying in the other direction can be obstructed, so during the conveying process of the first conveying part, the possibility of the posture of the conveyed object Ob being destroyed is reduced, and the possibility of being caught by the second conveying part is reduced. Therefore, the right-angle transfer device can transfer more appropriately. The right-angle transfer device RM stops conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism MV, so it can be arranged not only at the branching part branching from the first conveying part to the second conveying part, but also at the corner part bent at a right angle from the first conveying part to the second conveying part.

[0062] The right angle transfer device RM can be constructed by using the M roller and the F roller of the roller conveyor, so the manufacturing component can be reduced compared to the case where they are not used. In particular, the M roller 17 is used as the power source of the first conveyor MC, and the M roller 37 is used as the power source of the moving mechanism MV, so the manufacturing cost can be reduced, and the controller for controlling the M roller of the roller conveyor can be used.

[0063] The right-angle transfer device RM can realize the above-mentioned movement of the first and second conveying parts by using one cam mechanism.

[0064] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, the conveyed object Ob is detected by the conveyed object detection sensors DSa and DSb of the laser rangefinder, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the conveyed object Ob may be detected by a camera disposed above the right-angle transfer device RM (for example, above the first and second conveying surfaces on the normal line passing through the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces, etc.). In this case, an image of the first and second conveying surfaces captured in advance by the camera is stored in the control unit CL as a background image, and the control unit CL generates a differential image as a difference between the image generated by the camera and the background image. If the conveyed object Ob is within the capturing range of the camera, the conveyed object Ob is reflected in the differential image, and therefore, the control unit CL determines whether the conveyed object Ob is located at the approximate center position of the first and second conveying surfaces by using the position of the conveyed object Ob reflected in the differential image in the differential image.

[0065] As described above, this specification discloses the technologies of various embodiments, and the main technologies therein are summarized as follows.

[0066] A right-angle transfer device involved in a technical solution is a device that is arranged at a portion where the one direction and the other direction intersect in a conveying device having a first conveying portion extending in one direction and a second conveying portion extending in another direction perpendicular to the one direction, and is capable of conveying in both the one direction and the other direction, so as to transfer a conveyed object between the first and second conveying portions. The right-angle transfer device includes: a first conveying portion that forms a first conveying surface and conveys the conveyed object placed on the first conveying surface in the one direction; a second conveying portion that forms a second conveying surface different from the first conveying surface and conveys the conveyed object placed on the second conveying surface in the other direction; and a moving mechanism that moves the first and second conveying portions in a manner that the first and second conveying surfaces move in opposite directions along the normal direction of the first conveying surface, wherein the first and second conveying portions each stop conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism, and the first conveying portion includes an obstruction member that obstructs the conveying of the second conveying portion.

[0067] In the right-angle transfer device, the first and second conveying parts each stop conveying during the period from the start to the end of the movement performed by the moving mechanism. Therefore, during the transfer process, the possibility of the posture of the conveyed object being destroyed is reduced, and the possibility of being stuck by the second conveying part is reduced, so the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device can transfer more appropriately. The above-mentioned right-angle transfer device has an obstruction member, so that during the conveyance process of the first conveying part, the conveyance in the other direction can be obstructed. Therefore, during the conveyance process of the first conveying part, the possibility of the posture of the conveyed object being destroyed is reduced, and the possibility of being stuck by the second conveying part is reduced. Therefore, the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device can transfer more appropriately.

[0068] In another technical solution, in the right-angle transfer device, the second conveying part includes: a frame; and a plurality of roller tubes arranged in parallel in the frame along the other direction, and supported by the frame shaft in a rotatable manner, at least one of the plurality of roller tubes includes a motor arranged inside the roller tube and generating a driving force for rotating the roller tube, the first conveying part includes a plurality of first auxiliary conveying parts arranged between the plurality of roller tubes, the first auxiliary conveying parts include: a plurality of pulleys arranged in parallel along the one direction; a conveyor belt sleeved on the plurality of pulleys; a supporting member supporting the plurality of pulleys; and the obstruction member, the first conveying part also includes a driving part for driving each of the conveyor belts in the plurality of first auxiliary conveying parts, and the obstruction member is arranged on the supporting member in a manner to obstruct the rotation of each of the plurality of roller tubes in the second conveying part when the conveyed object can be conveyed by the first conveying surface and the conveyed object cannot be conveyed by the second conveying surface. Preferably, in the right-angle transfer device, the first conveying surface is formed by the surface of each of the conveyor belts in the plurality of first auxiliary conveying parts. Preferably, in the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device, the second conveying surface is formed by each surface of the plurality of roller tubes. Preferably, in the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device, the obstruction member is a rubber pad. Preferably, in the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device, the driving unit of the first conveying unit is a motor roller including a roller tube and a motor disposed inside the roller tube and generating a driving force for rotating the roller tube, and the surfaces of the conveyor belts are brought into contact with the surfaces of the roller tube to drive the conveyor belts.

[0069] This right-angle transfer device can be configured by utilizing the motor roller and the free roller of the roller-type conveyor device, and therefore, the manufacturing component can be reduced compared to the case where the motor roller and the free roller are not utilized.

[0070] In another technical solution, in the above-mentioned right-angle transfer device, the moving mechanism includes: a first link mechanism connected to the first conveying part; a second link mechanism connected to the second conveying part; a cam mechanism that is respectively engaged with the first and second link mechanisms and moves the first and second conveying parts in opposite directions through the first and second link mechanisms; and a driving part that drives the cam mechanism.

[0071] The right-angle transfer device can realize the above-mentioned movement of the first and second conveying parts by using one cam mechanism.

[0072] In order to describe the present invention, the present invention is appropriately and fully described above with reference to the accompanying drawings and through the embodiments, but it should be recognized that those skilled in the art can easily change and / or improve the above-mentioned embodiments. Therefore, as long as the modified embodiments or improved embodiments implemented by those skilled in the art do not deviate from the level of the protection scope of the claims recorded in the claims, the modified embodiments or improved embodiments can be interpreted as being included in the protection scope of the claims.

[0073] Industrial Applicability

[0074] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a right-angle transfer device that is used in a conveying device and can convey a conveyed object in two perpendicular directions.

Claims

1. A right-angle transfer device, characterized in that: The right-angle transfer device is arranged at a position where the one direction and the other direction intersect in a conveying device having a first conveying portion extending in one direction and a second conveying portion extending in another direction perpendicular to the one direction, and can convey in both the one direction and the other direction so as to transfer the conveyed object between the first and second conveying portions, and comprises: A first conveying unit, forming a first conveying surface, and conveying the conveyed object placed on the first conveying surface along the one direction; a second conveying portion, forming a second conveying surface different from the first conveying surface, and conveying the conveyed object placed on the second conveying surface in the other direction; and A moving mechanism moves the first and second conveying parts in a manner that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions along a normal direction of the first conveying surface, wherein: The first and second conveying units each stop conveying during a period from the start to the end of the movement by the moving mechanism, The first conveying portion includes an obstruction member that obstructs the conveying of the second conveying portion.

2. The right-angle transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second conveying unit comprises: Frames; and A plurality of roller tubes are arranged in parallel in the frame along the other direction and are rotatably supported by the frame shaft. At least one of the plurality of roller tubes includes a motor disposed inside the roller tube and generating a driving force to rotate the roller tube, The first conveying part includes a plurality of first auxiliary conveying parts arranged between the plurality of roller tubes. The first auxiliary conveying part comprises: a plurality of pulleys arranged in parallel along the one direction; a conveying belt sleeved on the plurality of pulleys; a supporting member supporting the plurality of pulleys; and the obstructing member. The first conveying unit further includes a driving unit for driving each conveying belt of the plurality of first auxiliary conveying units. The obstruction member is provided on the supporting member so as to obstruct rotation of each of the plurality of roller tubes in the second conveying section when the conveyance object can be conveyed by the first conveying surface but cannot be conveyed by the second conveying surface.

3. The right-angle transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The moving mechanism comprises: A first connecting rod mechanism connected to the first conveying part; a second link mechanism connected to the second conveying portion; a cam mechanism engaged with the first and second link mechanisms respectively, and moving the first and second conveying parts through the first and second link mechanisms so that the first conveying surface and the second conveying surface move in opposite directions to each other; and The driving unit drives the cam mechanism.

Images