Conveyance device

Abstract

To provide a conveyance device capable of reliably reading information attached to a conveyed article.SOLUTION: A conveyance device comprises conveyance means 2 for conveying a conveyed article, sensors 20, 21 for optically reading information, and one or a plurality of mirrors A, B. The conveyed article in which information is attached to any surface thereof is conveyed by the conveyance means 2. Any of the sensors can directly read the information attached to the conveyed article, and can indirectly read the information reflected in the mirrors A, B.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device, and more particularly to a conveying device having a function of reading information attached to an object to be conveyed. [Background technology]

[0002] Conveyor systems are often installed in delivery areas, collection points, warehouses, etc. For example, at delivery areas, it is necessary to sort transported items by delivery destination. For this reason, conveyor systems installed at delivery areas often have multiple delivery destinations. For example, a conveyor system installed at a delivery area needs to transport transported items to specific delivery destinations. For this reason, the transported goods are marked with information that identifies the goods and their destination. The conveyor system also has an information reading area at a specific location. A sensor is installed in the information reading area to read the information marked on the goods and transport them to the specified location. The information attached to the transported item may be, for example, a bar code, a two-dimensional code, etc. The information may also be in the form of characters or graphics. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-112196 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] There is a wide variety of items handled at delivery sites and other locations. That is, the items handled at delivery sites and other locations vary in size and shape. The positions of barcodes and other marks also vary. Therefore, when placing items on a conveyor system, it is necessary to align the orientation of the items so that the barcode faces the sensor. If the barcode is not positioned facing the surface facing the sensor, the sensor will not be able to read it. In addition, the position of the transported item may change during movement, so even if the item is placed on the conveyor so that the barcode faces the sensor, the position of the item may change during transport, resulting in a reading error. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention focuses on the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide a conveying device that can more reliably read information attached to an object to be conveyed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] An aspect for solving the above-mentioned problem is a conveying device having a conveying means for conveying an object to be conveyed, a sensor for optically reading information, and one or more mirrors, wherein the conveying means conveys an object to be conveyed having information attached to one of its surfaces, and one of the sensors is capable of directly reading the information attached to the object to be conveyed and also capable of indirectly reading the information reflected in the mirror.

[0006] "Information" can be, for example, a barcode or two-dimensional code. Information can also be characters or figures. Sensors can be, for example, barcode readers or two-dimensional code readers. A camera can also be used as a sensor to read characters and symbols. The conveying device of this aspect can directly read information attached to the object using a sensor, or can indirectly read the information by projecting the information onto a mirror and reading the image using a sensor. Therefore, in the transport device of this aspect, the range over which the sensors can read information is wide, and reading errors are reduced.Furthermore, according to this aspect, a small number of sensors are sufficient.

[0007] Another aspect for solving a similar problem is a conveying device having a conveying means for conveying an object, a sensor for optically reading information, and one or more mirrors, wherein the conveying means conveys an object with information on one of its surfaces, and the information reflected in the mirror can be indirectly read by the sensor.

[0008] In the transport device of this aspect, the range over which the sensors can read information is wide, and reading errors are few. Furthermore, according to this aspect, a small number of sensors are sufficient.

[0009] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that the normal line of the mirror is inclined with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying means.

[0010] According to this aspect, it is possible to capture images of multiple sides of the transported object.

[0011] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that the mirror be capable of reflecting multiple faces of the object.

[0012] According to this aspect, it is possible to read information attached to either side of the transported object.

[0013] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that a specific sensor and a specific mirror are paired, and that the information reflected on the specific mirror can be read by the specific sensor.

[0014] According to this aspect, the information reflected in the mirror can be read more reliably.

[0015] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that information reflected in a plurality of mirrors can be read by a single sensor.

[0016] According to this aspect, fewer sensors are required, and information can be read more accurately.

[0017] In each of the above-mentioned aspects, assuming that the object is transported by the transport means in an undistorted posture, the surface facing the transport direction of the object is defined as the front surface, the surface opposite thereto as the back surface, the right side of the object relative to the transport direction as the right side, and the left side of the object relative to the transport direction as the left side, one or more mirrors A can reflect information attached to the back surface of the object and information attached to either the right side or the left side, and a specific sensor a can indirectly read the information attached to the back surface of the object reflected in mirror A and the information attached to one of the sides, and the specific sensor a can directly read the information attached to the front surface of the object and the information attached to the other side. is desirable.

[0018] In the conveying device of this aspect, two sides of the conveyed object are reflected on one or more mirrors A, and the reflected information can be read by sensor a. In this embodiment, information attached to one of the other two sides of the conveyed object can also be directly read by sensor a. Therefore, the conveying device of this aspect can cover all four sides of the conveyed object with one sensor a.

[0019] In each of the above-mentioned aspects, assuming that the transported item is transported in an undistorted posture by the transport means, the surface facing the transport direction of the transported item is defined as the front surface, the surface opposite to that as the back surface, the right side of the transported item in the transport direction as the right side surface, and the left side of the transported item in the transport direction as the left side surface, it is desirable that one or more mirrors B can reflect information attached to the front surface of the transported item and information attached to either the right side or the left side surface, and that a specific sensor b can indirectly read the information attached to the front surface of the transported item reflected in mirror B and the information attached to one of the sides, and that the specific sensor b can directly read the information attached to the back surface of the transported item and the information attached to the other side surface.

[0020] In the conveying device of this aspect, two sides of the conveyed object are reflected on one or more mirrors B, and the reflected information can be read by sensor b. In this embodiment, information attached to one of the other two sides of the conveyed object can also be directly read by sensor b. Therefore, the conveying device of this aspect can cover all four sides of the conveyed object with one sensor b.

[0021] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable to have a top surface sensor that reads information attached to the top surface of the transport device.

[0022] According to this aspect, it is also possible to read information attached to the top surface of the transported object.

[0023] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the conveying means has a gap on the conveying surface, and that a bottom sensor for reading information attached to the bottom surface of the conveyed object is provided below the conveying surface.

[0024] According to this aspect, the information attached to the bottom surface of the object can be read through the gap in the conveying surface.

[0025] In each of the above aspects, it is desirable that the conveying means is provided with a light-transmitting member, and that a bottom sensor is provided below the conveying surface to optically read information attached to the bottom surface of the object being conveyed.

[0026] According to this aspect, the bottom surface of the transported object can be seen through the light-transmitting member, and the information attached to the bottom surface of the transported object can be read.

[0027] In each of the above-mentioned aspects, it is desirable that the conveying means has a high region and a low region, that a translucent member is provided between the high region and the low region, and that a bottom sensor is provided below the conveying surface to optically read information attached to the bottom surface of the conveyed object.

[0028] According to this aspect, the bottom surface of the transported object can be seen through the light-transmitting member, and the information attached to the bottom surface of the transported object can be read. Furthermore, in the conveying device of this aspect, since the conveying means has high and low regions, the posture of the conveyed object changes when passing through these regions, and since the conveying device of this aspect has a light-transmitting member between the high and low regions, the conveyed object passes over the light-transmitting member when its posture changes, causing the conveyed object to sway and eliminating blind spots. In addition, the shaking of the transported object increases the chances that other sensors will pick up information.

[0029] In each of the above-described aspects, it is desirable that the high region and the low region are connected by an inclined surface, and that a light-transmitting member is provided on the inclined surface.

[0030] According to this aspect, the bottom surface of the transported object can be seen through the light-transmitting member, and the information attached to the bottom surface of the transported object can be read. Furthermore, in the conveying device of this aspect, the high and low areas of the conveying means are inclined surfaces, so the posture of the conveyed object changes when passing through these areas. In the conveying device of this aspect, there is a translucent member on the inclined surface between the high and low areas, so the conveyed object passes over the translucent member when its posture changes. In other words, the conveyed object is swung, eliminating blind spots. In addition, the shaking of the transported object increases the chances that other sensors will pick up information.

[0031] In each of the above aspects, the conveying device according to claim 1 is characterized in that a mirror and a sensor that optically reads information are provided below the conveying surface, and information attached to the bottom surface of the conveyed object reflected in the mirror can be indirectly read by the bottom sensor.

[0032] According to this aspect, the overall height of the transport device can be reduced.

[0033] Another aspect for solving the same problem includes a conveying means for conveying an object to be conveyed, a plurality of sensors for optically reading information, and at least one or a plurality of mirrors A and one or a plurality of mirrors B, the normals of mirrors A and B being inclined with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying means, and assuming that an object having information attached to one of its surfaces is conveyed by the conveying means and that the object is conveyed in an undistorted posture by the conveying means, the surface of the object facing the conveying direction is defined as the front surface, the surface opposite to the front surface as the back surface, and the side surface to the right of the conveying direction of the object as the right surface, and the side surface to the left of the conveying direction as the left surface, mirror A can reflect the information attached to the back surface of the object and information attached to either the right surface or the left surface, and a specific sensor a can indirectly read the information attached to the back surface of the object reflected in mirror A and the information attached to one of the surfaces, and sensor a can directly read the information attached to the front surface of the object and the other surface, Mirror B can reflect information attached to the front of the transported object and information attached to either the right or left side, and sensor b can indirectly read the information attached to the front of the transported object reflected in mirror B and the information attached to one of the sides, and sensor b can directly read information attached to the back of the transported object and the information attached to the other side, and is a transporting device characterized by having a bottom sensor that reads information attached to the bottom of the transported object and a top sensor that reads information attached to the top of the transporting device.

[0034] According to this aspect, no matter which side of the object has information attached to it, the information can be read by any of the sensors. [Effects of the Invention]

[0035] According to the conveying device of the present invention, information attached to an object to be conveyed can be read more reliably, and errors in reading the information are reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2(a) is a plan view of the conveying device of FIG. 1, and FIG. 2(b) is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device of FIG. [Figure 3] 10(a) to 10(f) are perspective views of the transported object, illustrating the surface on which the barcode is attached. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transport device of FIG. 1, illustrating the detection range of a sensor a. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the transport device of FIG. 1, illustrating the detection range of a sensor b. [Figure 6] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor a detects and indirectly reads the barcode attached to the right side of the transported item reflected in mirror A, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor a detects and indirectly reads the barcode attached to the back of the transported item reflected in mirror A. [Figure 7] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor a detects and directly reads a barcode attached to the front of the transported item, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor a detects and directly reads a barcode attached to the left side of the transported item. [Figure 8] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor b detects and indirectly reads the barcode attached to the front of the transported item reflected in mirror B, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor b detects and indirectly reads the barcode attached to the right side of the transported item reflected in mirror B. [Figure 9] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor b detects and directly reads the barcode attached to the left side of the transported item, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which sensor b detects and directly reads the barcode attached to the back of the transported item. [Figure 10] 2(a) to 2(c) are cross-sectional views of the conveying device of FIG. 1, showing how an object is conveyed from the upstream side to the downstream side via an inclined portion. [Figure 11] 2 is a plan view of the conveying device of FIG. 1, showing a state in which an object to be conveyed is conveyed in a distorted position. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a transport device according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conveying roller of the conveyor device of FIG. 1. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the conveying area of ​​the conveyor device of FIG. 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0037] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The transport device 1 of this embodiment includes a transport means 2, four sensors 20, 21, 22, and 23, and three mirrors A, B, and C. The conveying means 2 constitutes a part of a long conveying line, and as shown in Figures 2 and 10, is made up of two zone conveyors 13 and 15 connected with a difference in height.

[0038] The zone conveyors 13 and 15 are both roller conveyors with a short overall length, and each include a frame body 7 and a plurality of transport rollers (rotating members) 5. The frame main body 7 has left and right frame pieces 3a and 3b arranged in parallel. In this embodiment, the object is transported in the direction of arrow R, and the frame pieces are referred to as the left frame piece 3a and the right frame piece 3b. A plurality of transport rollers (rotating members) 5 are attached in parallel to the left and right frame pieces 3a and 3b.

[0039] The conveying rollers 5 are axially supported at predetermined intervals in the conveying direction. Each conveying roller 5 rotates freely. The conveying roller 5 has a conveying region 51 in which a plurality of roller members 50 are arranged in series, and a power transmission region 37 in which a pulley 12 is provided. In this embodiment, a double pulley 12 is employed. A geared motor (not shown) is installed below the conveying rollers 5, and a drive power transmission belt is wound around a pulley attached to the geared motor and a pulley 12 of one of the conveying rollers 5 to drive that conveying roller 5. In addition, a belt is wound between the pulleys of adjacent conveying rollers 5, transmitting rotational force sequentially. Therefore, in the zone conveyors 13 and 15 used in this embodiment, all of the conveying rollers 5 rotate to convey the objects.

[0040] As described above, the conveying means 2 employed in this embodiment is configured by connecting two zone conveyors 13, 15 with a drop between them, as shown in Figures 2 and 10. In other words, the upstream zone conveyor 13 has a higher conveying surface than the downstream zone conveyor 15. For convenience of explanation, the upstream zone conveyor 13 will be referred to as the high region 40 of the conveying means 2, and the zone conveyor 15 will be referred to as the low region 41 of the conveying means 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, there is a gap 42 between the high region 40 and the low region 41. A transparent plate (translucent member) 45 made of acrylic resin or the like is attached to the gap 42. As described above, since there is a difference in height between the two zone conveyors 13 and 15, the transparent plate 45 forms an inclined surface.

[0042] 1 and 2, the conveying device 1 of this embodiment has four sensors 20, 21, 22, and 23. The sensors 20, 21, 22, and 23 are all barcode readers that can optically read barcodes (information). In this embodiment, the sensors 20, 21, 22, and 23 are referred to as sensor (a) 20, sensor (b) 21, top sensor 22, and bottom sensor 23 according to their positions. 1 and 2, sensor (a) 20 and sensor (b) 21 are installed with a gap between them on the outside of the left frame piece 3a of the conveying means 2. Sensor (a) 20 is installed on the front side in the conveying direction, tilted backward with respect to the conveying direction. Sensor (b) 21 is installed on the rear side in the conveying direction, tilted toward the conveying direction.

[0043] Both the sensor (a) 20 and the sensor (b) 21 are equipped with a variable-focus lens. Specifically, a liquid lens is attached. The variable-focus lens can be set to multiple focal lengths.

[0044] The top surface sensor 22 is installed on the conveying means 2 by a support member (not shown) as shown in Figures 1, 2, and 10. The detection part of the top surface sensor 22 faces downward. In this embodiment, the top surface sensor 22 faces slightly backward with respect to the traveling direction of the conveyed object 100. As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, the bottom sensor 23 is installed below the conveying surface of the conveying means 2, and the detection portion faces horizontally. In this embodiment, a mirror C is installed directly below the gap 42 between the high region 40 and the low region 41, and the detection portion of the bottom sensor 23 faces the mirror C. Mirror C is installed below conveyor roller 5, and is installed at a position where the upper side can be seen through a transparent plate 45 from a gap 42 between the installation surfaces of high region 40 and low region 41. Bottom sensor 23 is installed at a position where the image reflected on mirror C can be received.

[0045] Mirror A and mirror B are installed with a gap between them on the outside of the right frame piece 3b of the conveying means 2. Mirror A is located at the rear in the conveying direction and is inclined toward the conveying direction. Mirror B is located at the front in the conveying direction and is inclined toward the rear with respect to the conveying direction. The normal lines Na and Nb of mirror A and mirror B are both inclined with respect to the conveying direction R of the conveying means 2. That is, as shown in Figure 2(a), when the line passing through the center of the conveying means 2 and extending in the conveying direction is defined as the X axis, and the line perpendicular to the X axis and passing through the center of the gap between mirror A and mirror B is defined as the Y axis, mirror A is installed in the first quadrant 201 in an attitude inclined toward the conveying direction. The normal line Na of mirror A points from the first quadrant 201 to the third quadrant 203 as shown in Figure 2. Mirror B is located in the second quadrant 202 and is installed in a tilted position facing in the opposite direction to the conveying direction. A normal Nb of mirror B faces from the second quadrant 202 to the fourth quadrant 205.

[0046] In this embodiment, mirror A and sensor (a) 20 are in a paired relationship, and sensor (a) 20 faces the direction of mirror A. That is, sensor (a) 20 is located in the third quadrant 203 as shown in FIG. 2 and is installed facing the first quadrant 201. In this embodiment, mirror B and sensor (b) 21 are in a paired relationship, and sensor (b) 21 faces the direction of mirror B. That is, sensor (b) 21 is located in the fourth quadrant 205 as shown in FIG. 2 and is installed facing the second quadrant 202.

[0047] As described above, both the sensor (a) 20 and the sensor (b) 21 are equipped with variable focus lenses, and a plurality of focal lengths can be set. 4, the sensor (a) 20 has a first focal point on the surface of mirror A and a second focal point on the conveying surface of conveying means 2. That is, the sensor (a) 20 has a first detection range 30 on the surface of mirror A and a second detection range 31 on the conveying surface. 5, the sensor (b) 21 has a first focal point on the surface of mirror B and a second focal point on the conveying surface of conveying means 2. That is, the sensor (b) 21 has a first detection range 33 on the surface of mirror B and a second detection range 35 on the conveying surface.

[0048] 6 to 10, the object 100 is conveyed from right to left in the drawings. For ease of explanation, it is assumed that the object 100 is conveyed by the conveying means 2 in an unwarped position, and the surface of the object 100 facing the conveying direction R is defined as the front surface 110, and the surface opposite thereto is defined as the back surface 111. In addition, the side surface on the right side of the object 100 with respect to the conveying direction R is defined as the right surface 113, and the side surface on the left side with respect to the conveying direction R is defined as the left surface 115.

[0049] A barcode 120 is attached to one side of the article 100 as information for identifying the article 100. The barcode 120 is affixed to only one of the surfaces. Fig. 3(a) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the left side surface 115 of the transported item 100. Fig. 3(b) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the front surface 110 of the transported item 100, Fig. 3(c) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the top surface 116 of the transported item 100, and Fig. 3(d) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the back surface 111 of the transported item 100. Fig. 3(e) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the right side surface 113 of the transported item 100, and Fig. 3(f) shows an example in which the barcode 120 is affixed to the bottom surface 117 of the transported item 100.

[0050] Mirror A is located outside right frame piece 3b and faces the traveling direction of transported article 100, and is installed in a position that allows it to reflect right side surface 113 and rear surface 111 of transported article 100. If a barcode 120 is attached to the right side surface 113 of the article 100 or the back surface 111 of the article 100, the barcode 120 will be reflected in the mirror A. Sensor (a) 20 is paired with mirror A and faces mirror A. The first focal point of sensor (a) 20 is near the surface of mirror A, and mirror A is included in first detection range 30, so sensor (a) 20 can input the image reflected on mirror A. If a barcode 120 is reflected on mirror A, the image of the barcode will enter sensor (a) 20.

[0051] That is, as shown in FIG. 6(a), a barcode 120 is on the right side 113 of the transported object 100, and when the transported object 100 moves and the barcode 120 is reflected in mirror A, the image enters the sensor (a) 20 and the barcode 120 is read. Also, as shown in FIG. 6(b), there is a barcode 120 on the back surface 111 of the transported object 100, and when the transported object 100 moves further and the barcode 120 is reflected in mirror A, the image enters the sensor (a) 20 and the barcode 120 is read.

[0052] Furthermore, sensor (a) 20 faces the opposite side to the traveling direction of the transported object 100, and is installed in a position that allows it to face the left side surface 115 and front surface 110 of the transported object 100. Since the second detection range 31 of sensor (a) 20 is on the transport surface of the transport means 2, sensor (a) 20 can input an image on the transport surface. If a barcode 120 is attached to the left side surface 115 or front surface 110 of the transported object 100, sensor (a) 20 can read the barcode 120.

[0053] That is, as shown in FIG. 7(a), a barcode 120 is on the front 110 of the transported object 100, and when the transported object 100 moves and the barcode 120 reaches the second detection range 31 of the sensor (a) 20, the barcode 120 is directly read. Also, as shown in Figure 7(b), there is a barcode 120 on the left side surface 115 of the transported item 100, and when the transported item 100 moves further and the barcode 120 reaches the second detection range 31 of the sensor (a) 20, the barcode 120 is read directly.

[0054] Mirror B is located outside right frame piece 3b and faces the opposite direction to the traveling direction of transported article 100, and is installed in a position that allows it to reflect right side surface 113 and front surface 110 of transported article 100. If a barcode 120 is attached to the right side surface 113 of the article 100 or to the front surface 110 of the article 100, the barcode 120 will be reflected in the mirror B. Sensor (b) 21 is paired with mirror B and faces mirror B. The first focal point of sensor (b) 21 is near the surface of mirror B, and mirror B is included in the first detection range 33 of sensor (b) 21, so sensor (b) 21 can input the image reflected on mirror B. If a barcode 120 is reflected on mirror B, the image of the barcode will enter sensor (b) 21.

[0055] That is, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a barcode 120 is on the front 110 of the transported object 100, and when the transported object 100 moves and the barcode 120 is reflected on mirror B, the image enters sensor (b) 21 and the barcode 120 is read. Also, as shown in FIG. 8(b), there is a barcode 120 on the right side surface 113 of the transported item 100, and when the transported item 100 moves further and the barcode 120 is reflected in mirror B, the image enters sensor (b) 21 and the barcode 120 is read.

[0056] Furthermore, the sensor (b) 21 faces in the direction of travel of the transported object 100 and is installed in a position that allows it to face the left side surface 115 and rear surface 111 of the transported object 100. The second detection range 35 of the sensor (b) 21 is on the transport surface of the transport means 2, so the sensor (b) 21 can input an image on the transport surface of the transport means 2. If a barcode 120 is attached to the left side surface 115 or rear surface 111 of the transported object 100, the sensor (b) 21 can read the barcode 120.

[0057] That is, as shown in FIG. 9(a), when a barcode 120 is present on the left side surface 115 and the transported object 100 moves and the barcode 120 reaches the second detection range 35 of the sensor (b) 21, the barcode 120 is directly read. Also, as shown in Figure 9(b), if there is a barcode 120 on the back surface 111 of the transported item 100, and the transported item 100 moves further and the barcode 120 reaches the second detection range 35 of the sensor (b) 21, the barcode 120 is read directly.

[0058] In this embodiment, a top surface sensor 22 is further provided as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 10, so that even if a barcode 120 is present on the top surface 116 of the transported item 100, the barcode 120 can be read. In this embodiment, a bottom surface sensor 23 is further provided, so that even if a barcode 120 is present on the bottom surface 117 of the transported article 100, the barcode 120 can be read. As described above, in the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, there is a gap 42 between the high region 40 and the low region 41. A transparent plate (light-transmitting member) 45 made of acrylic resin or the like is attached to the gap 42. As shown in Fig. 10 , the article 100 passes over the transparent plate (light-transmitting member) 45 when it moves. Therefore, if a barcode 120 is attached to the bottom surface 117 of the conveyed article 100, the barcode 120 will be reflected in the lower mirror C, and will be detected and read by the bottom surface sensor 23.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since there is a step between the high region 40 and the low region 41, the posture of the transported article 100 is forcibly changed. That is, when the article 100 passes between the high region 40 and the low region 41, the article 100 assumes a posture inclined in the height direction as shown in Figures 10(b) and 10(c). Therefore, as shown in Figure 10(a), when the article 100 is entirely in the high region 40, the front 110, back 111, right side 113, and left side 115 of the article 100 are all vertical, but these surfaces assume an inclined posture. As a result, the surface facing the top surface sensor 22 increases, allowing the top surface sensor 22 to read the barcodes 120 attached to the front 110, back 111, right side 113, and left side 115 of the transported object 100. Furthermore, since the transported object is shaken when passing between the high area 40 and the low area 41, blind spots are eliminated.

[0060] In the above-described embodiment, for the sake of convenience, it has been described that the transported object 100 is transported in an undistorted posture. However, in reality, the posture of the transported object 100 changes during transport and becomes distorted, as shown in Fig. 11. According to the transport device 1 of this embodiment, even if the posture is distorted, the four sides of the transported object 100 always face mirror A, mirror B, sensor (a) 20, and sensor (b) 21, and a barcode on any side will always be read.

[0061] In the embodiment described above, sensor (a) 20 and sensor (b) 21 are installed on the left frame piece 3a side of the conveying means 2, and mirror A and mirror B are installed on the right frame piece 3b side of the conveying means 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and sensor (a) 20 and sensor (b) 21 may be installed on the right frame piece 3b side of the conveying means 2, and mirror A and mirror B may be installed on the left frame piece 3a side of the conveying means 2. Alternatively, one of mirror A and mirror B may be installed on the right frame piece 3b side, and the other mirror may be installed on the left frame piece 3a side, and sensor (a) 20 and sensor (b) 21 may be installed on the frame piece opposite mirror A and mirror B. In short, mirror A only needs to be installed in a position where it can reflect the information attached to the back surface 111 of the transported item 100 and the information attached to either the right side surface 113 or the left side surface 115. Furthermore, the paired sensor (a) 20 only needs to be installed in a position where it can indirectly read the information attached to the back surface 111 of the transported item 100 reflected in mirror A and the information attached to one side surface of the transported item 100 reflected in mirror A, and can directly read the information attached to the front surface of the transported item 100 and the information attached to the other side surface of the transported item 100.

[0062] Similarly, mirror B may be installed in a position where it can reflect the information attached to the front surface 110 of the transported item 100 and the information attached to either the right side surface 113 or the left side surface 115. Furthermore, the paired sensor (b) 21 may be installed in a position where it can indirectly read the information attached to the front surface 110 of the transported item 100 reflected in mirror B and the information attached to one side surface of the transported item 100 reflected in mirror B, and where it can directly read the information attached to the back surface 111 of the transported item 110 and the information attached to the other side surface of the transported item 110.

[0063] In the embodiment described above, one mirror A is placed in the first quadrant 201, and one mirror B is placed in the second quadrant 202. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and multiple mirrors may be placed in the first quadrant 201 as mirror A, and multiple mirrors may be placed in the second quadrant 202 as mirror B, as shown in FIG. That is, there may be a plurality of mirrors A and B.

[0064] Furthermore, the transport device 1 of this embodiment is provided with two combinations of mirrors and sensors. That is, the transport device 1 of this embodiment has a first combination of mirror A and sensor (a) 20, and a second combination of mirror B and sensor (b) 21. The present invention does not necessarily require two sets of mirror and sensor combinations, and may use only one of the sets, or may use more sets. The conveying means 2 employed in this embodiment employs special conveying rollers 5, which have small gaps between the conveying rollers 5. Therefore, the distance between the upstream zone conveyor 13 and the downstream zone conveyor 15 is widened to provide a gap 42 on the conveying surface. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and gaps may be provided by removing the conveying rollers 5 or by removing some of the roller members 50 of the conveying rollers 5. Also, cylindrical rollers may be used, and the gap between the cylindrical rollers may be configured so that the bottom surface 117 of the object 100 to be conveyed is visible.

[0065] In the embodiment described above, the first set of mirror A and sensor (a) 20 and the second set of mirror B and sensor (b) 21 are intended to detect barcodes 120 on the vertical surfaces of the transported object 100, namely the front surface 110, the back surface 111, the right side surface 113, and the left side surface 115. Therefore, it is desirable that the installation height of these devices be approximately the same as the height of the transported object 100. Alternatively, both or one of the first and second sets may be used to read the barcode 120 on the top surface 116. In this case, it is desirable to make the heights of the mirrors A and B and the sensors 20 and 21 slightly higher.

[0066] In this embodiment, the top surface sensor 22 is installed on the conveying means 2 and faces slightly backward with respect to the traveling direction of the transported object 100. In this embodiment, the top surface sensor 22 is installed in a slightly inclined position, so in some cases it can detect not only the top surface 116 of the transported object 100, but also the barcodes 120 attached to the vertical surfaces of the transported object 100, namely the front surface 110, the back surface 111, the right side surface 113, and the left side surface 115. The mounting position of the top surface sensor 22 is arbitrary as long as it is above the expected height of the transported object 100, and it may be provided outside the transport means 2. The mounting orientation of the top surface sensor 22 is arbitrary, and it may be mounted facing vertically downward or at a larger inclination angle. Also, if the barcode 120 on the top surface 116 can be read using the first and second sets, the top surface sensor 22 is not necessarily required. If a simpler device is desired, the bottom sensor 23 etc. may be omitted.

[0067] Mirror C is installed mainly for the purpose of allowing the image of barcode 120 to enter the detection section of bottom sensor 23, but the image on mirror C may also be detected by top sensor 22 above. For example, barcode 120 attached to bottom surface 117 of transported item 100 may be reflected on mirror C below, and the image may be detected and read by top sensor 22 above. In addition, the front surface 110 of the transported object 100 or a barcode 120 attached to the transported object 100 may be reflected in the lower mirror C, and the image may be detected and read by the upper top surface sensor 22 .

[0068] Each of the mirrors A, B, and C may have a fixed position and orientation, or may have a mechanism for changing its position and angle. That is, it may have a structure equipped with a hinge or a spherical support to allow fine adjustment of the angle. Also, each of the mirrors A, B, and C may be attached via a slider or the like to allow its position to be changed. Similarly, the sensors 20, 21, 22, and 23 may be fixed in position and orientation, or may be provided with a mechanism for changing the position and angle.

[0069] Next, the conveying roller 5 and other components employed in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in FIG. 13, the conveying roller 5 used in the conveying device 1 of this embodiment has holding members 52 at both ends, a pulley member 53 inside the holding member 52 on one end side, and a conveying portion 55 in the middle.

[0070] As shown in Figure 13, the conveying section 55 is configured by connecting multiple roller members 50 and spacing members 56 in series, with a rotation core (shaft member) (not shown) inserted through these members. The aforementioned pulley member 53 and the multiple roller members 50 and spacing members 56 that make up the conveying section 55 are engaged with each other at adjacent members, and rotate integrally. The rotation core (shaft member), the aforementioned members, and the pulley member 53 are engaged and integrated in the rotation direction. Therefore, when the pulley member 53 rotates, the rotation core (shaft member), the multiple roller members 50, and spacing members 56 rotate integrally.

[0071] In the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying rollers 5 have a large diameter portion where the roller members 50 are located and a small diameter portion formed by the spacing member 56, and the large diameter portion of a particular conveying roller 5 is located at a position corresponding to the small diameter portion of an adjacent conveying roller 5, and the small diameter portion of a particular conveying roller 5 is located at a position corresponding to the large diameter portion of an adjacent conveying roller 5, and the axis-to-axis distance between adjacent conveying rollers 5 is shorter than the diameter of the large diameter portion.

[0072] Therefore, in the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying rollers 5 are arranged closely, and there are many opportunities for the conveyed object to come into contact with the conveying rollers 5, so the conveyed object is less likely to rattle. Therefore, the impact on the conveyed object is small.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 14, the external appearance of the conveying roller 5 is such that large diameter portions 121 and small diameter portions 122 are alternately provided on the central shaft. The large diameter portions 121 have a hollow structure. Because the conveying roller 5 has a cavity inside, the roller members easily deform when an object collides with them, cushioning the impact of the collision. Therefore, even if an object collides with them, noise is unlikely to be generated. In addition, the conveying portion is unlikely to be damaged. In the transport device 1 of this embodiment, both ends of a transport roller 5 are rotatably supported by opposing frame pieces 3a and 3b. In the conveying device 1, the conveying rollers 5 are arranged closely together, and the large diameter portion 121 of one of the adjacent conveying rollers 5 is positioned in the position of the small diameter portion 122 of the other conveying roller 5. 14, the center distance L between adjacent conveying rollers 5 is short in the conveying device 1. Furthermore, when the diameter of the large diameter portion 121 is D, the center distance L is smaller than the diameter D of the large diameter portion 121. If the diameter of the small diameter portion 122 is d, then (D+d) / 2 is slightly smaller than the center distance L. That is, (D+d) / 2 is 70 percent or more of the center distance L, and more preferably 80 percent or more.

[0074] Therefore, the gap Sa between the small diameter portion 122 and the large diameter portion 121 of adjacent conveying rollers 5 is extremely small, and the gap Sa is 15% or less of the diameter D of the large diameter portion 121, and more preferably 10% or less.

[0075] Furthermore, when the length of large diameter portion 121 is A and the length of small diameter portion 122 is B, length A of large diameter portion 121 is slightly smaller than length B of small diameter portion 122. That is, the length A of the large diameter portion 121 is 70 percent or more of the length B of the small diameter portion 122, and more preferably 80 percent or more. Therefore, the gap Sb in the axial direction between the large diameter portions 121 of the adjacent conveying rollers 5 is extremely small. Therefore, the conveying device 1 has few gaps overall and is in a dense state.

[0076] Although not limited thereto, the diameter D of the large diameter portion 121 is about 25 mm to 80 mm, and preferably about 30 mm to 60 mm. The gap Sa between the small diameter portion 122 and the large diameter portion 121 of the adjacent conveying rollers 5 is 10 mm or less, and preferably 3 mm or less.

[0077] In the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the conveying rollers 5 are arranged closely, which increases the chances of the conveyed object coming into contact with the conveying rollers 5, making it less likely for the conveyed object to rattle. In addition, since the conveying device 1 of this embodiment has small gaps, even when conveying an object with a small outer shape, the object is less likely to fall between the conveying rollers 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0078] 1: conveying device, 2: conveying means, 20: sensor (a), 21: sensor (b), 22: Top sensor, 23: Bottom sensor, 42: Gap, 45: Transparent plate, 100: conveyed object, 110: front, 111: back, 113: right side, 115: left side, 116: Top, 117: Bottom, 120: Barcode, A: Mirror, B: Mirror, C: Mirror Na: normal, Nb: normal

Claims

1. The system includes a conveying means for conveying an object, a sensor for optically reading information, and one or more mirrors, The conveying means conveys an object having information on one side thereof, A conveying device characterized in that any one of the sensors is capable of directly reading information attached to the object being conveyed and is also capable of indirectly reading the information reflected in a mirror.

2. The system includes a conveying means for conveying an object, a sensor for optically reading information, and one or more mirrors, A conveying device characterized in that the conveying means conveys an object having information on one of its surfaces, and the information reflected in the mirror can be indirectly read by the sensor.

3. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the normal of the mirror is inclined with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying means.

4. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the mirror is capable of reflecting a plurality of faces of the object being conveyed.

5. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein a specific sensor and a specific mirror are paired, and the information reflected on the specific mirror can be read by the specific sensor.

6. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein information reflected on a plurality of mirrors can be read by a single sensor.

7. Assuming that the object is conveyed by the conveying means in an unwarped position, the surface of the object facing the conveying direction is defined as the front, the opposite surface as the back, the right side of the object in the conveying direction as the right side, and the left side of the object in the conveying direction as the left side, The conveying device described in claim 1, characterized in that one or more mirrors A can reflect information attached to the back of the transported item and information attached to either the right or left side, and a specific sensor a can indirectly read the information attached to the back of the transported item reflected in the mirror A and the information attached to one of the sides, and the specific sensor a can directly read the information attached to the front of the transported item and the information attached to the other side.

8. Assuming that the object is conveyed by the conveying means in an unwarped position, the surface of the object facing the conveying direction is defined as the front, the opposite surface as the back, the right side of the object in the conveying direction as the right side, and the left side of the object in the conveying direction as the left side, The conveying device described in claim 1, characterized in that one or more mirrors B are capable of reflecting information attached to the front of the transported item and information attached to either the right or left side, and a specific sensor b is capable of indirectly reading the information attached to the front of the transported item reflected in the mirror B and the information attached to one of the sides, and the specific sensor b is capable of directly reading the information attached to the back of the transported item and the information attached to the other side.

9. 2. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a top surface sensor for reading information attached to a top surface of the conveying device.

10. 2. The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the conveying means has a gap on the conveying surface, and a bottom sensor is provided below the conveying surface for reading information attached to the bottom surface of the conveyed object.

11. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveying means is provided with a translucent member, and a bottom sensor is provided below the conveying surface to optically read information attached to the bottom surface of the object being conveyed.

12. The conveying device described in claim 1, characterized in that the conveying means has a high area and a low area, a translucent member is provided between the high area and the low area, and a bottom sensor is provided below the conveying surface to optically read information attached to the bottom surface of the object being conveyed.

13. 13. The conveying device according to claim 12, wherein the high area and the low area are connected by an inclined surface, and a light-transmitting member is provided on the inclined surface.

14. A conveying device as described in claim 1, characterized in that a mirror and a sensor for optically reading information are provided below the conveying surface, and the information attached to the bottom surface of the conveyed object reflected in the mirror can be indirectly read by the bottom sensor.

15. a conveying means for conveying an object to be conveyed, a plurality of sensors for optically reading information, and at least one or a plurality of mirrors A and one or a plurality of mirrors B, wherein the normals of the mirrors A and B are inclined with respect to the conveying direction of the conveying means; The conveying means conveys an object having information on one side thereof, Assuming that the object is conveyed by the conveying means in an unwarped position, the surface of the object facing the conveying direction is defined as the front, the opposite surface as the back, the right side of the object in the conveying direction as the right side, and the left side of the object in the conveying direction as the left side, Mirror A can reflect information attached to the back of the transported item and information attached to either the right or left side, and a specific sensor a can indirectly read the information attached to the back of the transported item reflected in mirror A and the information attached to one of the sides, and sensor a can directly read the information attached to the front of the transported item and the information attached to the other side, Mirror B can reflect information attached to the front of the transported item and information attached to either the right or left side, and sensor b can indirectly read the information attached to the front of the transported item and the information attached to one of the sides reflected in mirror B, and sensor b can directly read the information attached to the back of the transported item and the information attached to the other side, A conveying device characterized by having a bottom sensor for reading information attached to the bottom surface of an object to be conveyed, and a top sensor for reading information attached to the top surface of the conveying device.

16. 16. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the sensor includes a sensor capable of setting a plurality of focal lengths.

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