Roller support member, transport device, and method for assembling transport device

Abstract

The invention provides a technology for easily adjusting the contact position between each conveying roller and an article in a conveying device provided with a plurality of conveying rollers with different roller diameters to be within a range in which the article can be conveyed. The roller support member (40) is provided with a first support section (61) formed so as to be able to support an end of the first transport roller (10), and a second support section (62) formed so as to be able to support an end of the second transport roller (20) having a different roller diameter from the first transport roller (10), and is formed so that the difference between the first distance (d1) and the second distance (d2) is within a range in which an article can be transported. The first distance is the distance between a first contact position (p1) of the first conveying roller (10) and the article in the first mounting state (s1) and a reference part of the frame (30), and the second distance is the distance between a second contact position (s2) of the second conveying roller (20) and the article in the second mounting state (s2) and the reference part of the frame (30).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a roller support member, a conveying device, and an assembling method of the conveying device. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, there are known conveying devices such as roller conveyors that convey articles using conveyor rollers.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conveyor device characterized by comprising: a motor roller having a motor portion, a roller portion rotated by the motor portion, and a rotation detection portion for detecting the rotation of the output roller portion; a conveying mechanism for conveying an object using the motor roller; and a control unit for monitoring the detection output of the motor roller's rotation detection portion and detecting the object to be conveyed based on changes in the rotation of the roller portion. Patent Document 1 also discloses that a plurality of motor rollers and a plurality of free rollers are arranged in parallel along the conveying direction between side frames on both sides of a conveyor frame, with the plurality of motor rollers and the plurality of free rollers forming a conveying surface for conveying the object to be conveyed.

[0004] Prior art literature

[0005] Patent Literature

[0006] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-318825 Summary of the Invention

[0007] Problems to be solved by the invention

[0008] In general, multiple conveying rollers of the same diameter are used in conveying devices. In this case, the drive roller disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a built-in motor, and the roller diameter becomes larger relative to the article. Therefore, the gap between the drive roller and the free roller along the conveying direction also becomes larger, leaving room for improvement in terms of stable conveying of articles. As a countermeasure, the inventors have come up with the idea of ​​reducing the gap between the drive roller and the free roller along the conveying direction by making the roller diameter of the free roller smaller than the roller diameter of the drive roller. However, in general, the drive roller and the free roller are installed in the conveying device using different roller support members. Therefore, it is not easy to adjust the contact position between each conveying roller and the article to a range that allows the article to be conveyed.

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in view of this situation and aims to provide a technology for easily adjusting the contact position between each conveyor roller and an article in a conveyor device including a plurality of conveyor rollers having different roller diameters to within a range enabling conveyance of the article.

[0010] Solutions to Problems

[0011] The roller supporting member of one embodiment of the present disclosure is used to support the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller in a conveying device that is provided with a plurality of first conveying rollers and a plurality of second conveying rollers and conveys articles, wherein the first conveying rollers are respectively formed with a first roller diameter, and the second conveying rollers are respectively formed with a second roller diameter different from the first roller diameter, wherein the roller supporting member comprises: a mounting portion that is detachably mounted on either one of a pair of frames, the pair of frames being arranged in the conveying device in a manner facing each other so as to clamp the plurality of first conveying rollers and the plurality of second conveying rollers arranged in a prescribed pattern along a conveying direction; a first supporting portion that is formed so as to be able to support an end portion of the first conveying roller; and a second supporting portion that is formed so as to be able to support an end portion of the second conveying roller, wherein the first supporting portion The attachment part is mounted on the frame in a first mounting state in which the attachment part is mounted on the frame for supporting an end portion of the first conveying roller, so that a distance between a first contact position where the first conveying roller contacts the article and a reference portion of the frame becomes a first distance in a height direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the direction in which the pair of frames face each other. The second supporting part is mounted on the frame in a second mounting state in which the attachment part is mounted on the frame for supporting an end portion of the second conveying roller, so that a distance between a second contact position where the second conveying roller contacts the article and the reference portion of the frame becomes a second distance in the height direction. The first supporting part and the second supporting part are formed so that a difference between the first distance and the second distance is within a range capable of conveying the article.

[0012] 18. The conveying device of claim 17, wherein the conveying device comprises: a plurality of first conveying rollers, each of which is formed with a first roller diameter; a plurality of second conveying rollers, each of which is formed with a second roller diameter different from the first roller diameter; a pair of frames, which are arranged opposite to each other in a manner of sandwiching the plurality of first conveying rollers and the plurality of second conveying rollers arranged in a predetermined pattern along a conveying direction; and a plurality of roller supporting members, which are used to support the first conveying rollers and the second conveying rollers, each roller supporting member comprising: a mounting portion, which is detachably mounted on either one of the pair of frames; a first supporting portion, which is formed to be able to support an end portion of the first conveying roller; and a second supporting portion, which is formed to be able to support an end portion of the second conveying roller, the first supporting portion being formed so that, when the mounting portion is mounted to the frame in a first mounting state for supporting the end portion of the first conveying roller, the first conveying roller contacts the article at a first contact position. The distance between the second conveyor roller and the reference portion of the frame is a first distance in a height direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the facing direction of the pair of frames, the second supporting portion is formed so that when the mounting portion is mounted on the frame in a second mounting state for supporting the end portion of the second conveyor roller, the distance between the second contact position of the second conveyor roller and the article and the reference portion of the frame is a second distance in the height direction, the first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are formed so that the difference between the first distance and the second distance is within a range capable of conveying the article, the pair of end portions of each first conveyor roller are respectively placed on the first supporting portions of the pair of roller supporting members respectively corresponding to the pair of frames and mounted in the first mounting state, and the pair of end portions of each second conveyor roller are respectively placed on the second supporting portions of the pair of roller supporting members respectively corresponding to the pair of frames and mounted in the second mounting state.

[0013] Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, in a conveyance device including a plurality of conveyance rollers having different roller diameters, the contact position between each conveyance roller and an article can be easily adjusted to within a range enabling article conveyance. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Figure 1 This is an external view of a conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 2 Viewed from the end side Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first conveying roller and a second conveying roller included in a conveying device.

[0017] Figure 3 These are diagrams illustrating a first mounted state and a second mounted state of a roller supporting member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 This is an external view of the frame of the conveying device.

[0019] Figure 5 This is an external view of the roller support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure as viewed from the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0020] Figure 6 This is an external view of the roller support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from the other end side along the extending direction of the mounting portion.

[0021] Figure 7 From the other side along Figure 1 An external view of a roller support member according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, which is attached to a frame, as viewed in the extending direction of a frame included in a conveying device.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an external view of the roller support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, viewed from the opposite side of the first support portion and the second support portion.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an external view of the roller support member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, as viewed from one end side along the extending direction of the mounting portion.

[0024] Figure 10 This is an external view of a roller pressing member applicable to the roller supporting member according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for assembling a conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a roller support member according to a first modified example of the present disclosure.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a roller support member according to a second modified example of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of a roller support member according to a third modified example of the present disclosure.

[0029] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a roller support member according to a fourth modified example of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In addition, in this specification and the accompanying drawings, components having substantially the same functional structure are denoted by the same reference numerals to omit repeated descriptions.

[0031] (1. Conveying device)

[0032] Reference Figure 1 The conveying device 100 includes a plurality of first conveying rollers 10, a plurality of second conveying rollers 20, a pair of frames 30a and 30b (hereinafter referred to as "frames 30" unless otherwise specified), and a plurality of roller support members 40a, 40b, 40c, and 40d (hereinafter referred to as "roller support members 40" unless otherwise specified). The conveying device 100 is a roller conveyor for conveying articles. In the following description using the figures, the direction in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other is sometimes referred to as the X direction, the conveying direction is sometimes referred to as the Y direction, and the height direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the facing direction is sometimes referred to as the Z direction. However, these definitions are for ease of explanation and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0033] (1-1. Conveyor roller)

[0034] The plurality of first conveyor rollers 10 and the plurality of second conveyor rollers 20 are arranged in a predetermined pattern along the conveying direction (Y direction). For example, the predetermined pattern may be a pattern in which one or more (e.g., two or three) second conveyor rollers 20 are repeatedly arranged between two first conveyor rollers 10. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this pattern and may be appropriately set depending on the articles being conveyed by the conveyor device 100.

[0035] Also refer to Figure 2 The first conveying roller 10 may also be a driving roller, and includes a roller body 11, a pair of end portions 12a and 12b (hereinafter referred to as "end portions 12" unless otherwise specified) that support the roller body 11 so as to be rotatable and protrude from the roller body 11, and a motor built into the roller body. The driving roller applies a conveying force to the article by rotating the roller body 11 using the motor. Figure 3 The end surface 13 of the end portion 12 may include a first curved surface 13a supported by the roller support member 40 in the first mounted state s1 and convex toward the side opposite to the first contact position p1 in the height direction (Z direction); a first side surface 13b extending from one end of the first curved surface 13a and extending along a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction (Y direction) in the first mounted state s1; a second side surface 13c extending from the other end of the first curved surface 13a and opposing the first side surface 13b; and a second curved surface 13d opposing the first curved surface 13a and convex toward the first contact position p1 in the height direction (Z direction) in the first mounted state s1. Furthermore, in the first mounted state s1, the rotation axis of the first conveying roller 10 extends along the opposing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30.

[0036] Reference Figure 2The second conveying roller 20 may also be a free roller, comprising a roller body 21 and a pair of end portions 22a and 22b (hereinafter referred to as "end portions 22" unless otherwise specified) that support the roller body 21 so as to be rotatable and that protrude from the roller body 21. Unlike the drive roller, the free roller is a roller that does not have a built-in motor and rotates in accordance with the drive rotation of the drive roller. Figure 3 The end surface 23 of the end portion 22 may include a first curved surface 23a supported by the roller support member 40 in the second mounted state s2 and convex toward the side opposite to the second contact position p2 in the height direction (Z direction); a first side surface 23b extending from one end of the first curved surface 23a and extending along a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction (Y direction) in the second mounted state s2; a second side surface 23c extending from the other end of the first curved surface 23a and opposing the first side surface 23b; and a second curved surface 23d opposing the first curved surface 23a and convex toward the second contact position p2 in the height direction (Z direction) in the second mounted state s2. Furthermore, in the second mounted state s2, the rotation axis of the second conveying roller 20 extends along the opposing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30.

[0037] Reference Figure 2 The first conveyor rollers 10 are each formed with a first roller diameter r1. The second conveyor rollers 20 are each formed with a second roller diameter r2 that is different from the first roller diameter r1. The ratio of the second roller diameter r2 to the first roller diameter r1 can also be 0.5 to 0.9. For example, if the first roller diameter is set to 30 mm to 100 mm, the second roller diameter can be set to 15 mm to 90 mm. However, the first and second roller diameters are not limited to these values ​​and can be set to any values.

[0038] (1-2. Framework)

[0039] Reference Figure 1 The pair of frames 30 a and 30 b are disposed facing each other so as to sandwich the plurality of first conveying rollers 10 and the plurality of second conveying rollers 20 arranged in a predetermined pattern along the conveying direction (Y direction).

[0040] Reference Figure 4Alternatively, a guide extending in the conveying direction (Y direction) may be formed in the frame 30. Alternatively, a guide groove 32 extending in the conveying direction (Y direction) may be formed in the frame 30 as a guide. In this case, the mounting portion 50 of the roller support member 40 described later is configured to be movable along the guide or the guide groove 32. However, the guide is not limited to the guide groove 32, as long as it allows the mounting portion 50 of the roller support member 40 to be inserted and moved along the guide. It can be set to any structure, for example, a guide rail extending in the conveying direction (Y direction). An example of the shape of the guide groove 32 is described below. However, the shape of the guide groove 32 can be set to any shape, as long as it allows the mounting portion 50 of the roller support member 40 to be inserted and moved along the guide.

[0041] The guide groove 32 may include an opening 32a that opens toward the side where the first and second conveyor rollers 10 and 20 are positioned and extends in the conveyance direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the guide groove 32 may include a first groove inner surface 32b that extends toward the opening 32a and in the conveyance direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the guide groove 32 may include a second groove inner surface 32c that continues from the first groove inner surface 32b toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30 and is inclined toward the opening 32a. Furthermore, the guide groove 32 may include a third groove inner surface 32d that continues from the second groove inner surface 32c and is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first groove inner surface 32b. Furthermore, the guide groove 32 may include a fourth groove inner surface 32e that continues from the third groove inner surface 32d toward the lower surface (bottom surface) of the frame 30 and faces the first groove inner surface 32b. The guide groove 32 may also include a fifth groove inner surface 32f that continues from the first groove inner surface 32b toward the lower surface (bottom) of the frame 30 and is inclined toward the opening 32a. The guide groove 32 may also include a sixth groove inner surface 32g that continues from the fifth groove inner surface 32f and is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the first groove inner surface 32b. The guide groove 32 may also include a seventh groove inner surface 32h that continues from the sixth groove inner surface 32g toward the upper surface (top) of the frame 30 and faces the first groove inner surface 32b.

[0042] In addition to the guide grooves 32, the frame 30 may also be formed with one or more mounting grooves 33 for mounting a known or arbitrary sensor capable of detecting an object during transport. Furthermore, one or more mounting grooves 34 may be formed for mounting the frame 30 on a known or arbitrary stand, etc. Furthermore, mounting grooves 35 may be formed for mounting a fixing member for fixing the pair of frames 30a and 30b to each other.

[0043] The frame 30 can also be formed so that its XZ cross-section is L-shaped as a whole. Specifically, the frame 30 can be provided with a guide groove 32 and a mounting groove 33 on one side of the L-shape along the Z direction, and with a mounting groove 34 and a mounting groove 35 on the other side of the L-shape along the X direction. This allows the outer shape of the frame 30 to be formed without the mounting groove 34 protruding outward. This allows the lateral width of the entire conveyor device 100 to be reduced while maintaining the roller lengths of the first and second conveyor rollers 10 and 20. Furthermore, by maintaining the roller lengths long, the lateral width of the conveying surface can be ensured, allowing even a compact conveyor device 100 to convey relatively large workpieces and other objects. When the conveyor device 100 includes an upper roller conveyor and a lower roller conveyor, the conveying height of the upper roller conveyor is sometimes set to a height that is convenient for operators (e.g., 600 mm to 900 mm). In order for the lower roller conveyor to convey the items, it is necessary to maintain a sufficient gap between the conveying rollers of the upper roller conveyor and those of the lower roller conveyor. However, if the conveying height of the lower roller conveyor is reduced, the frame 30 may come into contact with the ground. Therefore, the thickness of the frame 30 in the height direction (Z direction) is preferably small. Even in such a situation, by forming the frame 30 in an overall L-shape as described above, the mounting grooves 34 and 35 can be arranged without being offset in the height direction (Z direction). Therefore, the thickness of the frame 30 in the height direction (Z direction) does not need to be increased, and the frame 30 can be prevented from coming into contact with the ground.

[0044] The frame 30 can be manufactured by integral molding or the like using a mold for molding the outer shape of the frame 30. Specifically, the frame 30 is obtained by injecting molten metal or resin into the mold for molding the outer shape of the frame 30 and removing the mold after cooling. Examples of the metal include aluminum and aluminum alloys, and examples of the resin include polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0045] (1-3. Roller Support Member)

[0046] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 5 The roller support member 40 can support the first conveying roller 10 and can support the second conveying roller 20. The roller support member 40 includes a mounting portion 50, a first support portion 61, and a second support portion 62.

[0047] The mounting portion 50 is detachably mounted on one of a pair of frames 30 a and 30 b disposed in the conveying device 100 so as to face each other and sandwich the plurality of first conveying rollers 10 and the plurality of second conveying rollers 20 arranged in a predetermined pattern along the conveying direction (Y direction).

[0048] The mounting portion 50 may also be formed so as to extend along a guide member formed on the frame 30. When the guide groove 32 described above is formed as a guide member, the mounting portion 50 may also be formed so as to extend along the guide groove 32. An example of the shape of the mounting portion 50 is described below. However, the shape of the mounting portion 50 can be set to any shape as long as it can be inserted into the guide groove 32 and can move along the guide groove 32. In addition, in the description using the following figures, the thickness direction of the mounting portion 50 is sometimes expressed as the x-direction, the extension direction of the mounting portion 50 is expressed as the y-direction, and the height direction of the mounting portion 50 is expressed as the z-direction, but these are definitions for the convenience of description and do not limit the present disclosure.

[0049] Reference Figure 5 The mounting portion 50 may also be a plate-shaped member extending along the guide groove 32 formed in the frame 30. The cross section of the mounting portion 50 perpendicular to the extending direction (y direction) may have any shape as long as it can be inserted into the guide groove 32. For example, see Figure 6 and Figure 7 The mounting portion 50 may also include a protrusion 51a that fits into the opening 32a of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30. In addition, the mounting portion 50 may also include a first outer surface 51b that faces the first groove inner surface 32b of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30. In addition, the mounting portion 50 may also include a second outer surface 51c that faces the second groove inner surface 32c of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous from the first outer surface 51b. In addition, the mounting portion 50 may also include a third outer surface 51d that faces the third groove inner surface 32d of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous from the second outer surface 51c. In addition, the mounting portion 50 may also include a fourth outer surface 51e that faces the fourth groove inner surface 32e of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous from the third outer surface 51d. Furthermore, the mounting portion 50 may include a fifth outer surface 51f that faces the fifth groove inner surface 32f of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous with the first outer surface 51b. Furthermore, the mounting portion 50 may include a sixth outer surface 51g that faces the sixth groove inner surface 32g of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous with the fifth outer surface 51f. Furthermore, the mounting portion 50 may include a seventh outer surface 51h that faces the seventh groove inner surface 32h of the guide groove 32 when mounted on the frame 30 and is continuous with the sixth outer surface 51g.

[0050] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 5The first support portion 61 is formed to support the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10. When the mounting portion 50 is mounted to the frame 30 in a first mounted state s1 to support the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10, the distance between a first contact position p1 where the first conveyor roller 10 contacts an article and a reference portion (e.g., the top surface) of the frame 30 is a first distance d1 in a height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) and the conveying direction (Y direction) of the pair of frames 30a and 30b. Meanwhile, the second support portion 62 is formed to support the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20. The second support portion 62 is formed so that, when the mounting portion 50 is mounted to the frame 30 in a second mounted state s2 for supporting the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20, the distance between a second contact position p2, where the second conveyor roller 20 contacts an article, and a reference portion (e.g., the top surface) of the frame 30 is a second distance d2 in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the opposing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b and the conveyance direction (Y direction). Furthermore, the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 are formed so that the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 is within a range capable of conveying articles.

[0051] In this way, the roller support member 40, by including the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62, can simultaneously support the first conveyor roller 10 and the second conveyor roller 20. Furthermore, to support the first conveyor roller 10, the roller support member 40a can be mounted on the frame 30 in the first mounting position s1. On the other hand, to support the second conveyor roller 20, the roller support member 40c can be mounted on the frame 30 in the second mounting position s2. Furthermore, the difference between the first distance d1 (the distance between the first contact position p1, where the first conveyor roller 10 contacts an article, in the first mounting position s1) and the second distance d2 (the distance between the second contact position p2, where the second conveyor roller 20 contacts an article, in the second mounting position s2) is designed to be within a range that allows for conveyance of articles. Therefore, in a conveyor device 100 equipped with first and second conveyor rollers 10, 20 having different roller diameters, the first contact position p1 between the first conveyor roller 10 and the article, and the second contact position p2 between the second conveyor roller 20 and the article, can be easily adjusted to within a range that allows the article to be conveyed. The difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 can also be less than a predetermined threshold. For example, the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 is preferably less than 5 mm, and more preferably less than 3 mm.

[0052] In addition, Figure 3In the illustrated example, the reference location of the frame 30 is the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. However, the reference location of the frame 30 in the present disclosure is not limited to this and may be any location on the frame 30. For example, the reference location of the frame 30 may be the lower surface (bottom surface) of the frame 30, or the location where the roller support member 40 is attached to the frame 30. Examples of the location where the roller support member 40 is attached to the frame 30 include the central axis of the guide groove 32, which extends along the guide groove 32, but the present disclosure is not limited to this.

[0053] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The first support portion 61 may also include a first recess 63 that is formed to be open toward the first contact position p1 when in the first mounting state s1 and capable of placing the end portion 12 of the first conveying roller 10. In this case, the first distance d1 can be determined by adjusting the depth of the first recess 63. Figure 2 and Figure 5 The first recess 63 may also include a support surface 63a capable of supporting the first curved surface 13a of the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10, a first wall surface 63b extending from one end of the support surface 63a and extending along the direction in which the first recess 63 is recessed, and a second wall surface 63c extending from the other end of the support surface 63a and facing the first wall surface 63b. In this case, in the first mounted state s1, the support surface 63a contacts the first curved surface 13a of the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10, the first wall surface 63b contacts the second side surface 13c of the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10, and the second wall surface 63c contacts the first side surface 13b of the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10. However, the shape of the first recess 63 is not limited to this and may be any shape as long as it can support the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10 and prevent the end portion 12 from rotating during the rotation of the roller body 11.

[0054] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 as well as Figure 5 The second support portion 62 may also include a second recess 64 that is formed to be open toward the second contact position p2 when in the second mounting state s2 and capable of receiving the end portion 22 of the second conveying roller 20. In this case, the second distance d2 can be determined by adjusting the depth of the second recess 64. In particular, referring to Figure 2 and Figure 5The second recess 64 may also include a support surface 64a capable of supporting the first curved surface 23a of the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20; a first wall surface 64b extending from one end of the support surface 64a and extending along the direction in which the second recess 64 is recessed; and a second wall surface 64c extending from the other end of the support surface 64a and facing the first wall surface 64b. In this case, in the second mounted state s2, the support surface 64a contacts the first curved surface 23a of the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20, the first wall surface 64b contacts the second side surface 23c of the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20, and the second wall surface 64c contacts the first side surface 23b of the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20. However, the shape of the second recess 64 is not limited to this and may be any shape as long as it can support the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20 and prevent the end portion 22 from rotating during the rotation of the roller body 21.

[0055] Reference Figure 5 The first recess 63 and the second recess 64 of the roller support member 40 are both recessed in the height direction (z direction) of the mounting portion 50, open in opposite directions in the height direction (z direction) of the mounting portion 50, and their central axes along the height direction (z direction) are aligned with each other. Figure 3 As shown, the mounting portion 50 is mounted relative to the frame 30 in a first mounting state s1 and in a second mounting state s2, in a second mounting state different from the first. The first mounting state is a position obtained by rotating half a turn from the second mounting state along a plane (YZ plane) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b. Furthermore, when the mounting portion 50 is in the first or second mounting state, the first and second supporting portions 61, 62 are arranged along a height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b and the conveying direction (Y direction).

[0056] Reference Figure 5 Alternatively, the first concave portion 63 may include at least one first cutout portion 65 cut out in the direction in which the first concave portion 63 is recessed, on the placement surface 63a of the first conveyor roller 10. As a result, the number of contact points between the first conveyor roller 10 and the first concave portion 63 increases according to the number of first cutout portions 65. Therefore, the first conveyor roller 10 can be stably placed on the first concave portion 63. For example, when no first cutout portion 65 is formed, the contact surface with the first curved surface 13a of the first conveyor roller 10 is one, whereas when Figure 5 In the example shown, there are 2. Figure 5In the illustrated example, the first cutout 65 has a generally rectangular shape in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction (x-direction) of the mounting portion 50. However, any shape is acceptable as long as it increases the number of contact points between the first conveyor roller 10 and the first recess 63. Furthermore, the number of first cutouts 65 is not necessarily one and can be appropriately set to ensure stable placement of the first conveyor roller 10 in the first recess 63.

[0057] Reference Figure 5 Alternatively, the second concave portion 64 may include a support surface 64a on which the second conveyor roller 20 is placed, formed with at least one second notch 66 cut out in the direction in which the second concave portion 64 is recessed. Consequently, the number of contact points between the second concave portion 64 and the second conveyor roller 20 increases according to the number of second notches 66. Therefore, the second conveyor roller 20 can be stably placed on the second concave portion 64. For example, when no second notch 66 is formed, the contact surface with the first curved surface 23a of the second conveyor roller 20 is one, whereas when Figure 5 In the example shown, there are 2. Figure 5 In the illustrated example, the second cutout 66 has a generally rectangular shape in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the thickness direction (x-direction) of the mounting portion 50. However, any shape is acceptable as long as it increases the number of contact points between the second conveyor roller 20 and the second recess 64. Furthermore, the number of second cutouts 66 is not necessarily one and can be appropriately set to ensure that the second conveyor roller 20 is stably mounted on the second recess 64.

[0058] Reference Figure 5Alternatively, a first support portion 61 and a second support portion 62 may be disposed on one end of the mounting portion 50 in the direction in which it extends (the y-direction). Furthermore, a fastening portion 52 may be formed on the other end of the mounting portion 50 in the direction in which it extends (the y-direction). This fastening portion 52 can be fastened to a fastening member 70 used to secure the mounting portion 50 to the frame 30. Furthermore, a first thread may be formed on the fastening portion 52, and a second thread may be formed on the fastening member 70 that is threadably engaged with the first thread. The first thread may be an internal thread and the second thread an external thread, or both. For example, if a screw with an external thread is used as the fastening member 70, the fastening portion 52 is a through-hole with an internal thread formed on its inner wall. Alternatively, if a nut with an internal thread is used as the fastening member 70, the fastening portion 52 is a protrusion protruding from the surface of the mounting portion 50 and having an external thread formed on its outer wall. However, any known or arbitrary fastening member can be used as the fastening member 70 as long as it can fix the mounting portion 50 to the frame 30, and the structure of the fastening portion 52 can be appropriately designed according to the fastening member 70 used. In addition, the mounting portion 50 does not necessarily need to be fixed to the frame 30 by fastening, and may be fixed to the frame 30 by methods other than fastening.

[0059] Reference Figure 8 , a first protrusion 53 may be formed on one end side of the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50. Figure 5 Alternatively, a second protrusion 54 may be formed on the other end side of the mounting portion 50 in the extending direction (y direction). In this case, by fastening the second thread formed on the fastening member 70 to the first thread formed on the fastening portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 inserted into the guide groove 32 of the frame 30, the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 respectively abut against the inner surface of the guide groove 32, thereby achieving Figure 3 The first mounted state s1 or the second mounted state s2 is shown. Specifically, the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 contact the guide groove 32 of the frame 30 by rotating the screws. This positions the roller support member 40 so that the first recess 63 and the second recess 64 are recessed in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) of the frames 30a and 30b and the conveying direction (Y direction). This allows the mounting portion 50 to be stably mounted in the guide groove 32.

[0060] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9 , the first protrusion 53 may also be formed on the sixth outer surface 51g of the mounting portion 50. Figure 5 and Figure 6, the second protrusion 54 may also be formed on the third outer surface 51d of the mounting portion 50. In addition, the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 may also be arranged at diagonal positions when the mounting portion 50 is viewed from the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62. In this case, also refer to Figure 7 In the first mounting state s1, the first protrusion 53 abuts against the sixth groove inner surface 32g of the guide groove 32, and the second protrusion 54 abuts against the third groove inner surface 32d of the guide groove 32. On the other hand, in the second mounting state s2, the first protrusion 53 abuts against the third groove inner surface 32d of the guide groove 32, and the second protrusion 54 abuts against the sixth groove inner surface of the guide groove 32.

[0061] exist Figures 5 to 9 In the illustrated example, the first protrusion 53 is continuous from the end surface of one end of the mounting portion 50, and the second protrusion 54 is continuous from the end surface of the other end of the mounting portion 50. However, the first protrusion 53 and the second protrusion 54 are not limited to this arrangement, as long as they are arranged diagonally when viewing the mounting portion 50 from the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62. For example, the first protrusion 53 may be arranged at a position separated from the end surface of one end of the mounting portion 50 by a predetermined distance along the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50. Similarly, the second protrusion 54 may be arranged at a position separated from the end surface of the other end of the mounting portion 50 by a predetermined distance along the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50. Furthermore, the predetermined distance can be appropriately designed to take into account the stability of the mounting portion 50 when it is mounted in the guide groove 32.

[0062] Reference Figure 5 、 Figure 8 as well as Figure 9 Alternatively, the mounting portion 50 may include a connecting hole 55 that connects a first opening 55a, which opens toward the first support portion 61, with a second opening 55b, which opens on a surface of the mounting portion 50 separate from the first opening 55a. When the first conveyor roller 10 is a drive roller, the connecting hole 55 in the first mounting state s1 is positioned so that wiring extending from the drive roller can pass from the first opening 55a to the second opening 55b. This eliminates the need for providing additional space between the frame 30 and the drive roller to accommodate the wiring extending from the drive roller. The wiring from the drive roller passes through the connecting hole 55 in the guide groove 32 and is released outside the conveyor device 100. This prevents the distance between the pair of frames 30a and 30b in the facing direction (X direction) from increasing due to the wiring from the drive roller. This is particularly effective when space for installing the conveyor device 100 is limited.

[0063] Reference Figure 8 and Figure 9The second opening 55b can be formed on the surface of the mounting portion 50 facing the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62, or on the surface of the mounting portion 50 on one end side thereof that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension direction (y-direction), or can be formed so as to straddle both surfaces. The shape of the communication hole 55 is not particularly limited as long as it allows the wiring extending from the drive roller to pass therethrough. However, by making the second opening 55b larger than the first opening 55a, flexibility in the amount of wiring to be routed can be provided.

[0064] Here, static electricity may sometimes accumulate on the articles conveyed by the conveyor device 100. The static electricity accumulated on the articles may affect the quality of the articles, etc., so it is preferable to remove the static electricity. Figure 5 As shown, the mounting portion 50 may also be formed with at least one conductive protrusion 56 that protrudes to such an extent that the insulating film formed on the surface of the frame 30 is pierced when the mounting portion 50 is mounted on the frame 30. Thus, static electricity accumulated on the article is discharged to the outside of the conveying device 100 via the conductive protrusion 56. Figure 5 In the example shown, four conductive protrusions 56 are formed. Figure 6 Two of the conductive protrusions 56 are formed on the fourth outer surface 51e facing the fourth groove inner surface 32e of the guide groove 32, and the remaining two conductive protrusions 56 are formed on the seventh outer surface 51h facing the seventh groove inner surface 32h of the guide groove 32. Thus, when the mounting portion 50 is fastened to the frame 30, the two conductive protrusions 56 formed on the fourth outer surface 51e pierce the insulating film, such as the aluminum oxide film, formed on the fourth groove inner surface 32e, and the two conductive protrusions 56 formed on the seventh outer surface 51h pierce the insulating film, such as the aluminum oxide film, formed on the seventh groove inner surface 32h, thereby dissipating the aforementioned static electricity. However, the position and number of the conductive protrusions 56 are not limited to this and can be appropriately set based on factors such as the amount of static electricity released. Furthermore, the shape of the conductive protrusions 56 can also be, for example, conical, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. Any shape can be used as long as it can pierce the insulating film formed on the surface of the frame 30.

[0065] Reference Figure 5The first supporting portion 61 and the second supporting portion 62 may be formed on a protrusion 60, which is located at one end of the mounting portion 50 in the extending direction (y-direction) and protrudes toward the first and second conveyor rollers 10 and 20 in the first mounted state s1 or the second mounted state s2. Furthermore, the protrusion 60 may be a plate-shaped member or extend in the height direction (z-direction) of the mounting portion 50. The protrusion 60 may also include an engaged portion 67 capable of engaging with the roller pressing member 80, described later. Specifically, the protrusion 60 may include a first engaged portion 67a on the first recessed portion 63 side of a first surface of the protrusion 60 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extending direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50, which engages with the first engaging portion 82 of the roller pressing member 80 in the first mounted state s1. Furthermore, the protrusion 60 may include a second engaged portion 67b on the first recessed portion 63 side of a surface opposite the first surface that engages with the second engaging portion 83 of the roller pressing member 80 in the first mounted state s1. The protrusion 60 may also include a fourth engaged portion 67d on the second surface side of the second recess 64 that engages with the first engaging portion 82 of the roller pressing member 80 in the second installation state s2. The protrusion 60 may also include a third engaged portion 67c on the second surface side of the second recess 64 that engages with the second engaging portion 83 of the roller pressing member 80 in the second installation state s2. The shapes of the first engaged portion 67a and the fourth engaged portion 67d are not particularly limited as long as they can engage with the first engaging portion 82 and can be any shape. The shapes of the second engaged portion 67b and the third engaged portion 67c are also not particularly limited as long as they can engage with the second engaging portion 83 and can be any shape.

[0066] The thickness of the first engaged portion 67a and the second engaged portion 67b along the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50 may be formed thinner than the distance between the first wall surface 63b and the second wall surface 63c of the first recess 63 along the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50. The thickness of the third engaged portion 67c and the fourth engaged portion 67d along the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50 may be formed thinner than the distance between the first wall surface 64b and the second wall surface 64c of the second recess 64 along the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50. Thus, as Figure 3 As shown, even when a washer is provided when the roller support member 40 is fixed by the fastening member 70, the first to fourth engaged portions 67a to 67d can be prevented from contacting the washer. Therefore, the roller support member 40 can be further reduced in size and the gap between the rollers can be further narrowed.

[0067] The roller support member 40 can be manufactured by integral molding or the like using a mold that forms the outer shape of the roller support member 40. Specifically, molten metal or resin is injected into a mold that forms the outer shape of the mounting portion 50, the first support portion 61, and the second support portion 62, etc., that constitute the roller support member 40, and the mold is removed after cooling. Examples of metals include die-cast zinc, aluminum, and stainless steel, and examples of resins include polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the mold may be tapered in the demolding direction as appropriate, but this is not essential for achieving the effects of this embodiment.

[0068] (1-4. Roller pressing member)

[0069] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 10 Alternatively, in the first mounted state s1, the roller pressing members 80a and 80b (hereinafter referred to as "roller pressing members 80" unless otherwise specified) may press the end 12 of the first conveyor roller 10 supported on the first support portion 61 from the first contact position p1 side, thereby securing the end 12 of the first conveyor roller 10 against vertical movement in the height direction (Z direction). This is because, in the first mounted state s1, if the end 12 of the first conveyor roller 10 were supported solely by the first support portion 61, the first conveyor roller 10 could potentially jump out during operation of the conveyor device 100. Similarly, in the second mounted state s2, the roller pressing members 80c and 80d (hereinafter referred to as "roller pressing members 80" unless otherwise specified) may press the end 22 of the second conveyor roller 20 supported on the second support portion 62 from the second contact position p2 side, thereby securing the end 22 of the second conveyor roller 20 against vertical movement in the height direction (Z direction). This is because in the second installation state s2 , if the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20 is supported only by the second support portion 62 , the second conveyor roller 20 may jump out during the operation of the conveying device 100 .

[0070] The roller pressing member 80 may also include a main body 81, a first engaging portion 82 extending from one end of the main body, and a second engaging portion 83 extending from the other end of the main body. In the first mounted state s1, the main body 81 abuts the second curved surface 13d of the end portion 12 of the first conveyor roller 10. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 82 engages with the first engaged portion 67a of the roller support member 40. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 83 engages with the second engaged portion 67b of the roller support member 40. Meanwhile, in the second mounted state s2, the main body 81 abuts the second curved surface 23d of the end portion 22 of the second conveyor roller 20. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 82 engages with the fourth engaged portion 67d of the roller support member 40. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 83 engages with the fourth engaged portion 67d of the roller support member 40.

[0071] The roller pressing member 80 may also include a first arm portion 84 and a second arm portion 85, each formed to connect the main body portion 81 at the center of the roller pressing member 80 with the first engaging portion 82 and the second engaging portion 83. Furthermore, the first arm portion 84 and the second arm portion 85 are preferably formed from an elastic resin or metal. Furthermore, the first arm portion 84 and the second arm portion 85 are preferably formed to be thinner than the main body portion 81 of the roller pressing member 80 in the direction in which the first arm portion 84 and the second arm portion 85 protrude. This reduces the distance between the first conveyor roller 10 and the second conveyor roller 20.

[0072] At least one cutout 86 may be formed in the main body 81 at a location that contacts the second curved surface 13d of the first conveyor roller 10 or the second curved surface 23d of the second conveyor roller 20. This increases the number of contact areas between the end 12 of the first conveyor roller 10 or the end 22 of the second conveyor roller 20 and the roller pressing member 80, thereby more stably securing the first conveyor roller 10 or the second conveyor roller 20. The cutout 86 may have the same cross-sectional shape as the first and second cutouts 65 and 66, but is not limited thereto and may have any desired shape.

[0073] The roller pressing member 80 can be manufactured by integral molding, for example, using a mold that forms the outer shape of the roller pressing member 80. Specifically, the roller pressing member 80 is formed by injecting molten resin into the mold that forms the outer shape of the roller pressing member 80 and removing it from the mold after cooling. Examples of resins include polypropylene resin and polyethylene resin, but the present disclosure is not limited to these. However, the roller pressing member 80 can also be formed of metal instead of resin. In this case, the first arm portion 84 and the second arm portion 85 are formed into thin plates using a resilient metal.

[0074] (2. Assembly method of the conveyor device)

[0075] Reference Figure 11, an example of an assembling method of the conveying device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is described.

[0076] (2-1. First step)

[0077] In step S10, a pair of frames 30a and 30b are arranged. Alternatively, the pair of frames 30a and 30b may be arranged by being fixed to a known or arbitrary stand or the like.

[0078] (2-2. Second step)

[0079] In step S20, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b are attached to the frames 30a and 30b so that the first supporting portions 61 are located at the first positions for the first conveyor rollers 10. At this point, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b assume the first position described above. Furthermore, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d are attached to the frames 30a and 30b so that the second supporting portions 62 are located at the second positions for the second conveyor rollers 20. At this point, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d assume the second position described above. The order of placement of the roller supporting members 40a and 40b and the roller supporting members 40c and 40d can be determined as appropriate based on the desired placement pattern for the first conveyor rollers 10 and the second conveyor rollers 20. For example, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b and the roller supporting members 40c and 40d may be alternately positioned.

[0080] exist Figure 1 and Figure 5 In the illustrated example, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b are mounted so that the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 of the roller supporting members 40a and 40b is open in a direction rotated half a turn from the direction in which the first recess 63 is open, along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other (the X direction). Furthermore, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d are mounted so that the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 of the roller supporting members 40c and 40d is open in a direction rotated half a turn from the direction in which the second recess 64 is open, along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other (the X direction).

[0081] Alternatively, in step S20, the mounting portion 50 may be first inserted into the guide groove 32 with the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50 tilted at a predetermined angle relative to the extension direction of the guide groove 32 formed in the frame 30. Subsequently, when the first support portion 61 is located in each of the plurality of first configuration positions, the tilt may be restored so that the flat top surfaces of the first and second protrusions 53, 54 of the mounting portion 50 are parallel to the inner surface of the guide groove 32, and the fastening portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 may be fastened to the fastening member 70 using a known tool. By restoring the tilt of the mounting portion 50, which was tilted during insertion, during fastening, the first and second protrusions 53, 54 formed on the mounting portion 50 contact the inner surface of the guide groove 32, respectively, and the mounting portion 50 is precisely secured to the guide groove 32 with the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50 aligned or substantially aligned with the extension direction of the guide groove 32.

[0082] Similarly, in step S20, the mounting portion 50 may first be inserted into the guide groove 32 with the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50 inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the extension direction of the guide groove 32 formed in the frame 30. Subsequently, when the second support portion 62 is located at each of the plurality of second configuration positions, the aforementioned inclination may be restored so that the flat top surfaces of the first and second protrusions 53, 54 of the mounting portion 50 are parallel to the inner surface of the guide groove 32, and the fastening portion 52 of the mounting portion 50 may be fastened to the fastening member 70 using a known tool. By thus restoring the inclination of the mounting portion 50, which was tilted during insertion, during fastening, the first and second protrusions 53, 54 formed on the mounting portion 50 respectively contact the inner surface of the guide groove 32, and the mounting portion 50 is precisely secured to the guide groove 32 with the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50 aligned or substantially aligned with the extension direction of the guide groove 32.

[0083] (2-3. The third step)

[0084] In step S30 , the pair of end portions 12 a and 12 b of each first transport roller 10 are placed on the first support portions 61 of the pair of roller support members 40 a and 40 b corresponding to the pair of frames 30 a and 30 b , respectively, to form a first mounted state s1 .

[0085] Alternatively, a connecting hole 55 may be formed in the mounting portion 50 of the roller support member 40. When each first transport roller 10 is a drive roller, a wiring extending from each transport roller may be inserted through the first opening 55a of the connecting hole 55 to the second opening 55b. Furthermore, the pair of end portions 12a and 12b of each first transport roller 10 placed on the first support portion 61 may be pressed from the upper surface (top surface) of each frame 30a and 30b by the corresponding roller pressing members 80a and 80b.

[0086] (2-4. Fourth step)

[0087] In step S40 , the pair of end portions 22 a and 22 b of each second transport roller 20 are placed on the second support portions 62 of the pair of roller support members 40 c and 40 d corresponding to the pair of frames 30 a and 30 b , respectively, thereby forming a second mounted state s2 .

[0088] Furthermore, the pair of end portions 22 a and 22 b of each second transport roller 20 placed on the second support portion 62 may be pressed from the upper surface (top surface) side of each frame 30 a and 30 b by the corresponding roller pressing members 80 c and 80 d .

[0089] The conveying device 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is assembled through steps S10 to S40 . The order of steps S30 and S40 is not limited to the above order, and the first assembled state s1 and the second assembled state s2 can be configured in any order.

[0090] (3. Effect)

[0091] As described above, in the roller support member 40, the first support portion 61 is formed so that, when in the first mounted state s1, the distance between the first contact position p1, where the first conveyor roller 10 contacts an article, and the reference portion of the frame 30 is a first distance d1 in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) and the conveying direction (Y direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b. Furthermore, the second support portion 62 is formed so that, when in the second mounted state s2, the distance between the second contact position p2, where the second conveyor roller 20 contacts an article, and the reference portion of the frame 30 is a second distance d2 in the height direction (Z direction) perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) and the conveying direction (Y direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b. Furthermore, the first support portion 61 and the second support portion 62 are formed so that the difference between the first distance d1 and the second distance d2 is within the range capable of conveying articles.

[0092] With this configuration, the roller support member 40 can simultaneously support both the first conveyor roller 10 and the second conveyor roller 20. Thus, to support the first conveyor roller 10, the roller support member 40 can be mounted on the frame 30 in the first mounting position s1. On the other hand, to support the second conveyor roller 20, the roller support member 40 can be mounted on the frame 30 in the second mounting position s2. Furthermore, the difference between the first distance d1 in the first mounting position s1 and the second distance d2 in the second mounting position s2 is designed to be within the range capable of conveying articles. Therefore, in a conveying device 100 equipped with a plurality of first and second conveyor rollers 10, 20 having different roller diameters, the first contact position p1 between the first conveyor roller 10 and the article, and the second contact position p2 between the second conveyor roller 20 and the article, can be easily adjusted to within the range capable of conveying articles. Furthermore, in a conveying device 100 equipped with the roller support member 40 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the contact position between each conveyor roller and the article can also be easily adjusted to within the range capable of conveying articles for the same reason.

[0093] While one embodiment of the present disclosure has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that those skilled in the art may also make various modifications and variations based on the present disclosure. Therefore, it should be noted that such modifications and variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the functions included in each structure or process can be rearranged in a logically consistent manner, and multiple structures or processes can be combined into one or divided.

[0094] (First Modification)

[0095] Reference Figure 12 In the first modified example, the first recess 63 and the second recess 64 of the roller support member 41 may each be recessed along the height direction (z-direction) of the mounting portion 50, open in opposite directions along the height direction (z-direction) of the mounting portion 50, and offset by a predetermined distance d3 along the center axis of the mounting portion 50 in the height direction (z-direction) in the extension direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50. The predetermined distance can be appropriately designed. In this case, in the first mounted state s1, the mounting portion 50 is mounted relative to the frame 30 in a first posture. In the second mounted state s2, the mounting portion 50 is mounted relative to the frame 30 in a second posture different from the first posture. The first posture is a half-turn from the second posture along a plane perpendicular to the facing direction (x-direction) of the pair of frames 30a, 30b.

[0096] In the roller supporting member 41 of the first modified example, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b are installed so that the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 of the roller supporting members 40a and 40b is opened in a direction that is rotated half a rotation away from the first recess 63 along a plane perpendicular to the direction (X direction) in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other. Furthermore, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d are installed so that the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 of the roller supporting members 40c and 40d is opened in a direction that is rotated half a rotation away from the second recess 64 along a plane perpendicular to the direction (X direction) in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other.

[0097] (Second Modification)

[0098] Reference Figure 13 The roller supporting member 42 of the second modified example may also include a first mounting portion 50a and a second mounting portion 50b as the mounting portion 50, whose extending directions are orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to each other. In this case, in the first mounted state s1, the first mounting portion 50a is mounted to the frame 30, and in the second mounted state s2, the second mounting portion 50b is mounted to the frame 30. Alternatively, the roller supporting member 42 may be configured such that the first recess 63 is recessed in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the first mounting portion 50a and along the extending direction of the second mounting portion 50b, and the second recess 64 is recessed in a direction orthogonal or substantially orthogonal to the extending direction of the second mounting portion 50b and along the extending direction of the first mounting portion 50a. In this case, in the first mounted state s1, the mounting portion 50a is mounted in a first posture relative to the frame 30, and in the second mounted state s2, the mounting portion 50b is mounted in a second posture relative to the frame 30, different from the first posture. The first posture is a posture obtained by rotating a quarter of a turn from the second posture along a plane perpendicular to the facing direction (X direction) of the pair of frames 30 a and 30 b.

[0099] In the roller supporting member 42 of the second modified example, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b are installed so that the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 of the roller supporting members 40a and 40b is opened in a direction rotated 1 / 4 turn from the direction in which the first recess 63 is opened, along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other (the X direction). Furthermore, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d are installed so that the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 of the roller supporting members 40c and 40d is opened in a direction rotated 1 / 4 turn from the direction in which the second recess 64 is opened, along a plane perpendicular to the direction in which the pair of frames 30a and 30b face each other (the X direction).

[0100] (Third Modification)

[0101] Reference Figure 14 The first recess 63 and the second recess 64 of the roller support member 43 of the third modification are arranged side by side along the extending direction (y-direction) of the mounting portion 50 and open in the same direction in the height direction (z-direction) of the mounting portion 50. In this case, the mounting portion 50 is mounted in the same orientation relative to the frame 30 in both the first mounted state s1 and the second mounted state s2.

[0102] In the roller supporting member 43 of the third modified example, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40a and 40b are installed so that the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 of the roller supporting members 40a and 40b is open in the same direction as the first recess 63 is open. Furthermore, in step S20 described above, the roller supporting members 40c and 40d are installed so that the second recess 64 of the second supporting portion 62 is open toward the upper surface (top surface) of the frame 30. At this time, the first recess 63 of the first supporting portion 61 of the roller supporting members 40c and 40d is open in the same direction as the second recess 64 is open.

[0103] (Fourth Modification)

[0104] Reference Figure 15The roller supporting member 44 of the fourth modified example is formed with a thickness portion 68, which protrudes in the extension direction (y) from at least a portion of the side surface of the side surface of the protruding portion 60 that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50. The thickness of the thickness portion 68 along the extension direction (y direction) of the mounting portion 50 may be the same as the front end of the first engaged portion 67a and the second engaged portion 67b, or may be thinner than the front end, or may be thicker than the front end. In addition, a predetermined gap is provided between the first engaged portion 67a and the third engaged portion 67c and the thickness portion 68 so that the roller pressing member 80 can engage with the first engaged portion 67a or the third engaged portion 67c. In addition, in Figure 15 In the illustrated example, the thickness portion 68 is formed only on the side surface of the protrusion 60 opposite the fastening portion 52 and is not formed on the side surface of the protrusion 60 on the fastening portion 52 side. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this embodiment; the thickness portion 68 may also be formed on both the side surface of the protrusion 60 on the fastening portion 52 side and the side surface opposite the fastening portion 52. Providing the thickness portion 68 improves the durability of the roller support member 44, thereby enabling it to handle heavy conveyed objects or objects that vibrate significantly during conveyance. Furthermore, by forming the thickness portion 68 only in locations that do not interfere with the gasket, the roller support member 44 can be made both smaller and more durable.

[0105] In addition, the first cutout portion 65, the second cutout portion 66, the first protrusion 53, the second protrusion 54, the connecting hole 55, the conductive protrusion 56, the first engaged portion 67a, the second engaged portion 67b, the third engaged portion 67c, and the fourth engaged portion 67d in the above-mentioned embodiment can also be applied to the roller supporting members 41, 42, 43, and 44 of each modified example.

[0106] Industrial applicability

[0107] The present disclosure is suitable for FA (Factory Automation) applications that control workpieces such as trays and pallets, which are items conveyed by conveyor equipment. However, the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to FA applications.

[0108] Description of Reference Numerals

[0109] 100: Conveying device, 10: First conveying roller, 11: Roller body, 12, 12a, 12b: Ends, 13: End surface, 13a: First curved surface, 13b: First side surface, 13c: Second side surface, 13d: Second curved surface, 20: Second conveying roller, 21: Roller body, 22, 22a, 22b: Ends, 23: End surface, 23a: First curved surface, 23b: First side surface, 23c: Second side surface, 23d: Second curved surface, 30, 30a, 30b: Frame, 32: Guide groove, 32a : opening, 32b: first groove inner surface, 32c: second groove inner surface, 32d: third groove inner surface, 32e: fourth groove inner surface, 32f: fifth groove inner surface, 32g: sixth groove inner surface, 32h: seventh groove inner surface, 33, 34: mounting groove, 40, 40a, 40b, 40c, 40d, 41, 42, 43, 44: roller supporting member, 50: mounting portion, 50a: first mounting portion, 50b: second mounting portion, 51a: protrusion, 51b: first outer surface, 51c: second outer surface Surface, 51d: Third outer surface, 51e: Fourth outer surface, 51f: Fifth outer surface, 51g: Sixth outer surface, 51h: Seventh outer surface, 52: Fastening portion, 53: First protrusion, 54: Second protrusion, 55: Communication hole, 55a: First opening, 55b: Second opening, 56: Conductive protrusion, 60: Protrusion, 61: First supporting portion, 62: Second supporting portion, 63: First recess, 63a: Loading surface, 63b: First wall surface, 63c: Second wall surface, 64: Second recess, 64a : Loading surface, 64b: First wall surface, 64c: Second wall surface, 65: First cutout portion, 66: Second cutout portion, 67: Engaged portion, 67a: First engaged portion, 67b: Second engaged portion, 67c: Third engaged portion, 67d: Fourth engaged portion, 68: Thickness portion, 70: Fastening member, 80, 80a, 80b, 80c, 80d: Roller pressing member, 81: Main body portion, 82: First engaging portion, 83: Second engaging portion, 84: First arm portion, 85: Second arm portion, 86: Cutout portion.

Claims

1. A roller supporting member, wherein the roller supporting member is configured to support the first and second conveyor rollers in a conveying device that includes a plurality of first conveyor rollers and a plurality of second conveyor rollers and that conveys articles, wherein the first conveyor rollers are each formed with a first roller diameter, and the second conveyor rollers are each formed with a second roller diameter different from the first roller diameter. The roller supporting member includes: a mounting portion detachably mounted on either one of a pair of frames disposed in the conveying device so as to face each other so as to sandwich the plurality of first conveying rollers and the plurality of second conveying rollers arranged in a predetermined pattern along the conveying direction; a first supporting portion formed to be able to support an end portion of the first conveying roller; as well as a second supporting portion formed to be able to support an end portion of the second conveying roller, The first supporting portion is formed so that, when the mounting portion is mounted on the frame in a first mounting state for supporting an end portion of the first conveyor roller, a distance between a first contact position of the first conveyor roller with the article and a reference position of the frame is a first distance in a height direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the direction in which the pair of frames face each other. The second supporting portion is formed so that, when the mounting portion is mounted to the frame in a second mounting state for supporting an end portion of the second conveyor roller, a distance between a second contact position where the second conveyor roller contacts the article and the reference portion of the frame becomes a second distance in the height direction. The first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are formed so that a difference between the first distance and the second distance is within a range capable of conveying the article.

2. The roller supporting member according to claim 1, wherein The mounting portion is mounted in a first posture relative to the frame in the first mounting state, and is mounted in a second posture relative to the frame in the second mounting state, which is different from the first posture.

3. The roller supporting member according to claim 2, wherein The first posture of the mounting portion is a posture obtained by rotating a half turn from the second posture along a plane perpendicular to the facing direction.

4. The roller supporting member according to claim 3, wherein The first support portion and the second support portion are arranged along the height direction when the mounting portion is in the first posture or the second posture.

5. The roller supporting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first conveying roller is a driving roller, The second conveying roller is a free roller, The ratio of the second roller diameter to the first roller diameter is 0.5 or more and 0.9 or less.

6. The roller supporting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein The first support portion includes a first recessed portion, the first recessed portion being open toward the first contact position in the first mounting state and capable of placing the end portion of the first conveying roller thereon. The second support portion includes a second recessed portion that is open toward the second contact position in the second mounting state and is formed so as to be capable of placing the end portion of the second conveying roller thereon.

7. The roller supporting member according to claim 6, wherein The placement surface of the first concave portion on which the first conveying roller is placed is formed with at least one first cutout portion cut out in a direction in which the first concave portion is recessed. At least one second cutout portion cut out in a direction in which the second concave portion is recessed is formed on a placement surface of the second concave portion on which the second conveying roller is placed.

8. The roller supporting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A guide extending along the conveying direction is formed on the frame. The mounting portion is configured to be movable along the guide.

9. The roller supporting member according to claim 8, wherein The mounting portion is formed to extend along the guide member. The first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are arranged on one end side of the mounting portion in the extending direction. A fastening portion is formed on the other end side of the mounting portion in the extending direction. The fastening portion can be fastened to a fastening member for fixing the mounting portion to the frame.

10. The roller supporting member according to claim 9, wherein The frame is provided with a guide groove extending in the conveying direction as the guide member. A first thread is formed on the fastening portion of the mounting portion, A first protrusion is formed on the one end side of the mounting portion in the extending direction. A second protrusion is formed on the other end side of the mounting portion in the extending direction. By fastening a second thread formed on the fastening member and capable of threadably engaging with the first thread to the first thread formed on the fastening portion of the mounting portion inserted into the guide groove, the first protrusion and the second protrusion respectively abut against the inner surface of the guide groove to achieve the first mounting state or the second mounting state.

11. The roller supporting member according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein A connecting hole is formed in the mounting portion to connect the first opening portion and the second opening portion. The first opening portion opens toward the first supporting portion, The second opening is opened on a surface of the mounting portion different from the first opening. The first conveying roller is a driving roller, The communicating hole in the first mounting state is arranged at a position where a wiring extending from the driving roller can be inserted from the first opening to the second opening.

12. A conveying device for conveying articles, wherein: The conveying device comprises: a plurality of first conveying rollers, each of which is formed with a first roller diameter; a plurality of second conveying rollers each having a second roller diameter different from the first roller diameter; a pair of frames disposed facing each other so as to sandwich the plurality of first conveying rollers and the plurality of second conveying rollers arranged in a predetermined pattern along the conveying direction; and a plurality of roller supporting members for supporting the first conveying roller and the second conveying roller, Each roller supporting member has: a mounting portion detachably mounted on either one of the pair of frames; a first supporting portion formed to be able to support an end portion of the first conveying roller; as well as a second supporting portion formed to be able to support an end portion of the second conveying roller, The first supporting portion is formed so that, when the mounting portion is mounted on the frame in a first mounting state for supporting an end portion of the first conveyor roller, a distance between a first contact position of the first conveyor roller with the article and a reference position of the frame is a first distance in a height direction perpendicular to the conveying direction and the direction in which the pair of frames face each other. The second supporting portion is formed so that, when the mounting portion is mounted to the frame in a second mounting state for supporting an end portion of the second conveyor roller, a distance between a second contact position where the second conveyor roller contacts the article and the reference portion of the frame becomes a second distance in the height direction. The first supporting portion and the second supporting portion are formed so that the difference between the first distance and the second distance is within a range capable of conveying the article. The pair of end portions of each first conveying roller are placed on the first supporting portions of a pair of roller supporting members respectively corresponding to the pair of frames and mounted in the first mounting state. The pair of end portions of each second conveying roller are placed on the second supporting portions of the pair of roller supporting members respectively corresponding to the pair of frames and mounted in the second mounting state.

13. A method for assembling a conveying device, which is the method for assembling a conveying device according to claim 12, wherein: In the assembling method of the conveying device, configuring a pair of said frames, The roller supporting member is mounted on each frame so that the first supporting portion is located at a plurality of first arrangement positions where a plurality of the first conveying rollers are arranged. The roller supporting member is mounted on each frame so that the second supporting portion is located at a plurality of second arrangement positions where a plurality of second conveying rollers are arranged. The first attachment state is formed by placing the pair of end portions of each first conveying roller on the first support portions of the pair of roller support members corresponding to the pair of frames, respectively. The second mounted state is formed by placing the pair of end portions of each second transport roller on the second support portions of the pair of roller support members corresponding to the pair of frames, respectively.

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