Conveyance shooter and conveyance device

Abstract

To stably change the direction of a conveyance object.SOLUTION: A conveyance shooter which conveys a conveyance object whose content displaces during transport in such a manner that the direction of the initial surface of the conveyance object is changed includes: an inlet opening for receiving the conveyance object; an outlet opening from which the conveyance object received from the inlet opening slides out; and a conveyance passage twisted and extending along the conveyance direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. The conveyance passage includes: a first wall for restricting floating of the conveyance object; a second wall opposing the first wall; and a side wall extending from the first wall to the second wall.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport chute that transports an object so that its orientation can be changed, and a transport device that includes the transport chute. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a parts supply device having a cylindrical chute tube. A chute plate is disposed inside the chute tube. The chute plate has a torsional deformation section that reverses the position of the parts. The torsional deformation section is formed by twisting the center of the chute plate by 180 degrees. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Jitszen Showa 59-068723 Publication Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In factories or processing plants, the orientation of the original top or bottom surface of an object may be changed midway along a production line or processing line that transports the object. For example, the original top surface of an object being transported may be turned over to invert it. This allows printing to be performed on the side opposite the original top surface, the other side to be inspected, or the object to be packaged with the correct orientation. In this case, a reversing twisting conveyor with a twisted conveyor belt may be used to invert the object. However, a reversing twisting conveyor is a long machine and requires a large installation space, making it difficult to install in a small factory.

[0005] It is also possible to turn the product upside down using a twisting inversion chute with a twisted chute plate. However, if the product contains a content (e.g., a liquid) whose position changes within the product, the inversion operation may become unstable. For example, if the temperature of the content is high or the viscosity of the content is low, the content is likely to shift. This may cause the inversion operation to become unstable. Therefore, there is a demand for a conveying means that can stably change the orientation of the product. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A conveying chute according to one embodiment is a conveying chute that conveys an object whose contents are displaced during movement so that the orientation of the initial surface of the object is changed, an entrance opening for receiving the conveyed object; an exit opening through which the conveyed object received from the entrance opening slides out; a conveying path extending in a twisted manner along a conveying direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, The transport path has a first wall that prevents the object from floating up, a second wall that faces the first wall, and a side wall that extends from the first wall to the second wall. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a transport device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the transfer chute of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a transfer chute of a comparative example. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer chute according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a modified transport chute. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, and relative positions of components described in the following embodiments can be arbitrarily set and can be changed depending on the configuration or various conditions of the device or method to which the present invention is applied. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments specifically described below.

[0009] [First embodiment] The schematic configuration of a conveying device 100 equipped with a conveying chute 10 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. Note that Figure 1 shows the conveying chute 10 as seen from the side. Figure 1 also schematically shows the moving device 20, storage section 30, blowing device 40, and vibration device 50 equipped in the conveying device 100. However, at least one or all of the moving device 20, storage section 30, blowing device 40, and vibration device 50 may be omitted. Figure 2 also shows a schematic perspective view of the conveying chute 10 as seen from above. Note that the upper side corresponds to the upper side in the direction of gravity, and the lower side corresponds to the lower side in the direction of gravity.

[0010] The transport chute 10 shown in Fig. 2 transports an article CA, whose contents are displaced during transport, in such a way that the orientation of the initial surface C1 of the article CA is changed. For example, the orientation of the initial surface C1 shown in Fig. 1 is changed by 180 degrees, and the article CA is turned upside down (hereinafter, this may be simply referred to as "inverted"). Furthermore, when the orientation of the initial surface C1 is changed by 90 degrees, the initial surface C1 faces to the side. Note that the following explanation will mainly focus on an example in which the article CA is turned upside down and transported, so that the initial surface C1, which faces upward, now faces downward.

[0011] The contents are an object or a collection of objects contained within the conveyance CA. The position of the contents within the conveyance CA may change during transportation. For example, the contents may be concentrated at the front or rear of the conveyance CA. As an example, the contents may be a liquid such as a seasoning or beverage. As another example, the contents may be a solid mass such as small pieces of food or processed products, granules, semi-solid gels, sols, powders, or various other tangible objects. Note that the following explanation will mainly focus on an example in which the conveyance CA contains seasonings as the contents.

[0012] The shape of the item CA may be bag-like, cylindrical, columnar, prismatic, pillow-like, or any other shape. The item CA is flexible enough that its outer shape changes as the position of the contents changes. As an example, the item CA is a small bag or pouch made of synthetic resin, and the contents are contained in the small bag. The following explanation will mainly focus on an example in which the item CA is a flexible small bag made of synthetic resin and rectangular.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying chute 10 is installed so as to incline downward. This allows the conveying chute 10 to be placed in a narrow installation space by utilizing the difference in elevation for the movement of the conveyed object CA. For example, the inclination angle of the conveying chute 10 is defined by the angle between a line parallel to the conveying direction CD shown in FIG. 2 and the ground surface. Note that the inclination angle can be set arbitrarily, but if the inclination angle is too gentle, the sliding conveyed object CA is more likely to stop inside the conveying chute 10. Furthermore, if the inclination angle is too gentle, the space required for installation will be longer. Therefore, as an example, the conveying chute 10 is installed so as to incline at an angle between 35 degrees and 50 degrees with respect to the ground surface.

[0014] The conveying device 100 includes a moving device 20 that moves the conveyed object CA to the entrance opening 11 of the conveying chute 10. As an example, the moving device 20 is a conveyor device having a conveyor belt. Alternatively, the moving device 20 may be a robot arm that grabs the conveyed object CA and moves it to the entrance opening 11. Furthermore, the moving device 20 may include another moving device that moves the conveyed object CA that has slid out of the exit opening 12 of the conveying chute 10.

[0015] Furthermore, the conveying device 100 has a storage unit 30 that receives and stores the conveyed goods CA that have slid out of the exit opening 12 of the conveying chute 10. As an example, the storage unit 30 is a box with an open top. The conveyed goods CA that slide through the conveying chute 10 and fall out of the exit opening 12 are accumulated in the storage unit 30. Alternatively, the conveying device 100 may have, as the storage unit 30, a platform on which the conveyed goods CA that have slid out of the exit opening 12 are placed.

[0016] The conveying device 100 also includes a blowing device 40 that blows gas flowing toward the exit opening 12 of the conveying chute 10 into the conveying chute 10. As an example, the blowing device 40 is a blower or fan that blows air into the conveying chute 10 from the entrance opening 11 of the conveying chute 10. As a result, the conveyed object CA is pushed by the blown air and is pushed out from the exit opening 12. In particular, when the internal dimensions of the conveying chute 10 are small, the blowing device 40 can prevent the conveyed object CA from clogging.

[0017] Furthermore, if the transported object CA stops inside the transport chute 10, the transported object CA can be pushed out by the blowing device 40. The blowing device 40 can blow in any gas. Furthermore, the blowing device 40 may blow in cooled gas to cool the transported object CA. Furthermore, the blowing device 40 may blow in heated gas to warm the transported object CA.

[0018] Alternatively, the blowing device 40 may blow gas into the conveying chute 10 through an air supply port formed in the conveying path 13. The blowing device 40 may also be detachable. For example, the blowing device 40 may be connected to the conveying path 13 when the conveyed object CA stops in the conveying chute 10. If there is no need to push out the conveyed object CA, the blowing device 40 can be omitted. The blowing device 40 may also blow gas continuously during conveyance, or may blow gas at any timing.

[0019] The conveying device 100 also includes a vibrating device 50 that applies vibration to the conveying path 13. As an example, the vibrating device 50 is a motor-driven or air-driven vibrating device 50. When the vibrating device 50 applies vibration to the conveying path 13, the object CA is shaken off from the exit opening 12. In particular, when the internal dimensions of the conveying chute 10 are small, the vibrating device 50 can prevent the object CA from clogging. Furthermore, if the object CA stops inside the conveying chute 10, the vibrating device 50 can slightly lift the object CA so that it can resume sliding. Note that if there is no need to shake off the object CA, the vibrating device 50 can be omitted. Furthermore, the vibrating device 50 may apply vibration continuously during conveyance, or at any timing.

[0020] [Comparative Example] Before describing the transfer chute 10 in detail, a reversing chute CE according to a comparative example will be described with reference to Figure 3. The reversing chute CE according to the comparative example has a cylindrical chute tube CE1. A chute plate CE2 is disposed within this chute tube CE1. The center of the chute plate CE2 is twisted 180 degrees to reverse the orientation of the parts.

[0021] When a flexible object CA is transported, the initial surface C1 faces upward at the initial position P1. Then, at the center position P2 of the chute tube CE1, the object CA is rotated 90 degrees, and the initial surface C1 faces sideways. Furthermore, at the latter half position P3, the object CA moves away from the chute tube CE1 and rises, and the initial surface C1 faces upward again. In other words, the initial surface C1 does not face downward. Then, when the object CA falls into the storage section 30, the initial surface C1 faces upward.

[0022] In this way, in the reverse chute CE, the item CA may float up and be thrown out during transportation. This is because the contents inside the item CA are displaced, making the item's posture unstable. In particular, the item CA is likely to float up inside the chute cylinder CE1 from the time it is rotated 90 degrees until it slides out of the exit of the chute cylinder CE1. In the example of Figure 3, the item CA is floating up at the latter half position P3, and the posture of the item CA is not controlled by the chute plate CE2.

[0023] As a result, the transported object CA returns from the 90-degree rotated state to a state in which the initial surface C1 faces upward. Furthermore, the transported object CA may rotate more than 90 degrees from the 90-degree rotated state (i.e., more than 180 degrees from the initial orientation). In this case, the transported object CA changes from a position in which the initial surface C1 faces downward to a position in which the initial surface C1 faces sideways, and then the initial surface C1 faces downward again. In this way, due to the lifting of the transported object CA, the orientation of the transported object CA sliding out of the exit cannot be stably changed, and the reversal operation becomes unstable. In other words, a situation occurs in which the orientation of the transported object CA sliding out is incorrect.

[0024] [Transport Shooter 10] Therefore, the transfer chute 10 according to this embodiment shown in Fig. 2 prevents the object CA from floating up during transfer. This allows the transfer chute 10 to stably change the orientation of the object CA. In other words, it is possible to prevent the object CA from sliding out and changing its orientation.

[0025] Specifically, the transport chute 10 has an entrance opening 11 that receives the transported item CA. The transport chute 10 also has an exit opening 12 through which the transported item CA received from the entrance opening 11 slides out. The transport chute 10 also has a transport path 13 that extends in a twisted manner along a transport direction CD from the entrance opening 11 to the exit opening 12. This transport path 13 forms a transport path CP that extends in a twisted manner inside the transport chute 10 from the entrance opening 11 to the exit opening 12. The transport direction CD is the direction in which the transport path 13 extends, and is, for example, the direction along the center line CL of the transport path 13 shown in FIG. 4. Here, the center line CL of the transport path 13 is a line connecting the center of the entrance opening 11 and the center of the exit opening 12.

[0026] Furthermore, the conveying path 13 has a first wall 15 that prevents the article CA from floating up, a second wall 16 that faces the first wall 15, and a side wall 17 that extends from the first wall 15 to the second wall 16. The first wall 15, the second wall 16, and the side wall 17 are inner walls that guide the article CA from the entrance opening 11 to the exit opening 12. In the example of FIG. 2, the first wall 15 and the second wall 16 extend twisted by 180 degrees along the conveying direction CD. The section from the entrance opening 11 to the part where the conveying chute 10 is twisted 90 degrees constitutes the first half of the conveying path 13. The section from the part where the conveying chute 10 is twisted 90 degrees to the exit opening 12 constitutes the second half of the conveying path 13.

[0027] The first wall 15 is located higher than the second wall 16 in the rear half of the conveying path 13. As a result, if the article CA floats up from the second wall 16 in the rear half, the first wall 15 and the article CA come into contact, preventing the article CA from floating up. As a result, the article CA returns to the second wall 16 side and slides on the second wall 16. The first wall 15 is located lower than the second wall 16 in the front half of the conveying path 13. Near the center of the conveying path 13, the first wall 15 faces laterally with respect to the center line CL of the conveying path 13.

[0028] The center line CL of the conveying path 13 will be described with reference to FIG. 4, which shows the front of the conveying chute 10 as viewed from the exit opening 12 side. The center line CL of the conveying path 13 is a line connecting the center of the entrance opening 11 and the center of the exit opening 12. That is, when viewed from the exit opening 12 side, if the entrance opening 11 is rotated 180 degrees around the center line CL, it will coincide with the position of the exit opening 12. Similarly, when viewed from the entrance opening 11 side, if the exit opening 12 is rotated 180 degrees around the center line CL, it will coincide with the position of the entrance opening 11. However, the center of the entrance opening 11 and the center of the exit opening 12 may be offset as long as the orientation of the initial surface C1 of the conveyed object CA can be changed by the desired angle. Furthermore, the shape of the entrance opening 11 and the shape of the exit opening 12 may be different.

[0029] As an example, the heights of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 are set to twice the thickness of the article CA. This makes it difficult for the article CA to come into contact with the upper inner wall even if the article CA is deformed. However, the heights of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 can be set arbitrarily as long as they are higher than the height of the article CA. Furthermore, the widths of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 are set slightly larger than the width of the article CA (for example, 10 mm larger). However, the widths of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 can be set arbitrarily as long as they are larger than the width of the article CA.

[0030] The heights of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 are lengths in a height direction HD that is perpendicular to the conveying direction CD or the center line CL and along the direction of gravity. The widths of the entrance opening 11, the exit opening 12, and the conveying path 13 are lengths in a width direction WD that is perpendicular to the conveying direction CD or the center line CL and the height direction HD.

[0031] Returning to FIG. 2, the second wall 16 is located lower than the first wall 15 in the rear half of the conveying path 13. The second wall 16 is located higher than the first wall 15 in the front half of the conveying path 13. The second wall 16 faces laterally with respect to the center line CL of the conveying path 13 near the center of the conveying path 13. Although the side wall 17 is curved, it may also extend so as to have a flat surface. Furthermore, the side wall 17 may have a bent or inflected portion.

[0032] For example, if the conveying path 13 is twisted 180 degrees, the rear half of the conveying chute 10 is located downstream of the portion of the conveying path 13 twisted to 90 degrees. In this case, the front half of the conveying chute 10 is located upstream of the portion of the conveying path 13 twisted to 90 degrees. In other words, the rear half of the conveying chute 10 is the downstream portion of the portion of the conveying path 13 between the entrance opening 11 and the exit opening 12 that is twisted to half the twist angle of the conveying path 13. The twist angle of the conveying path 13 is the angle at which the first wall 15 or the second wall 16 is displaced along the conveying direction CD, centered on the center line CL of the conveying path 13.

[0033] Furthermore, in the conveying direction CD, the first wall 15 and the second wall 16 extend parallel to each other. That is, the first wall 15 and the second wall 16 extend while twisting at the same twist angle. Alternatively, there may be an area in the conveying path 13 where the first wall 15 and the second wall 16 are not parallel to each other, as long as it does not affect the sliding of the conveyed article CA. Furthermore, as long as it does not affect the sliding of the conveyed article CA, the inner surfaces of the first wall 15 and the second wall 16 may be formed with unevenness, slits, holes, or the like.

[0034] As an example, the conveying path 13 is twisted in the range of 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less between the entrance opening 11 and the exit opening 12. For example, when the conveying path 13 is twisted 180 degrees, the initial surface C1 changes from facing upward to facing downward, and the conveyed article CA slides out from the exit opening 12. When the conveying path 13 is twisted 90 degrees, the initial surface C1 changes from facing upward to facing sideways, and the conveyed article CA slides out from the exit opening 12. Note that the conveying path 13 may be twisted in the range of more than 0 degrees and less than 90 degrees, as necessary.

[0035] As an example, the length of the transport path 13 along the transport direction CD from the entrance opening 11 to the exit opening 12 is 400 mm. The transport path 13 is twisted evenly. That is, the twist angle of the transport path 13 is 0.45 degrees per mm. Therefore, the transport path 13 is twisted 90 degrees over 200 mm. The first half of the transport path 13 is from the entrance opening 11 to a position 200 mm away, and the second half of the transport path 13 is from the position 200 mm away to the exit opening 12. However, the length of the transport path 13 can be set arbitrarily and may be between 200 mm and 800 mm. For example, the transport path 13 may be twisted 180 degrees over 200 mm, or may be twisted 90 degrees over 800 mm.

[0036] The width of the entrance opening 11 is longer than the height of the entrance opening 11. Furthermore, the width of the exit opening 12 is longer than the height of the entrance opening 11. In the first embodiment, the entrance opening 11 and the exit opening 12 are both oval and have the same shape. However, the entrance opening 11 may have a different shape from the exit opening 12, or may be taller or wider than the exit opening 12. Furthermore, the entrance opening 11 and the exit opening 12 can be designed to have any shape that is the same as or similar to the outer shape of the transported item CA.

[0037] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the conveying path 13 is the same as or similar to the shape of the entrance opening 11 and / or the exit opening 12. Specifically, the cross-sectional shape of the conveying path 13 is oval or elliptical. However, the entrance opening 11 and the exit opening 12 can be designed to have a shape that is the same as or similar to the outer shape of the conveyed object CA. Therefore, the cross-sectional shape of the conveying path 13 may be a polygon such as a rectangle or a square, an oval, a teardrop, or the like. Even when designed to have these cross-sectional shapes, the conveying path 13 has a first wall 15 and a second wall 16, and a side wall 17 extending from the first wall 15 to the second wall 16.

[0038] For example, if the cross-sectional shape of the transport path 13 is elliptical, the inner wall located on the upper side in the direction of gravity at or near the exit opening 12 is the upper wall. Also, the inner wall located on the lower side in the direction of gravity is the lower wall. As an example, at the exit opening 12, the inner wall of the transport path 13 is divided into three equal parts along the height direction HD. Then, the inner wall located on the upper side is the upper wall, which corresponds to the first wall 15. Also, the inner wall located on the lower side is the lower wall, which corresponds to the second wall 16. And, the inner wall located in the middle, between the upper wall and the lower wall, corresponds to the side wall 17.

[0039] Furthermore, at least one of the first wall 15, the second wall 16, and the side wall 17 may be subjected to a friction resistance reduction treatment. For example, the friction resistance reduction treatment may be a treatment of applying a lubricant or a treatment of forming irregularities on the surface. The irregularities on the surface may be formed simultaneously with the manufacture of the conveying chute 10. It is particularly desirable that the friction resistance reduction treatment be applied to the first wall 15 located below the entrance opening 11 or its vicinity, and the second wall 16 located below the exit opening 12 or its vicinity. For example, it is desirable that the friction resistance reduction treatment be applied to the first wall 15 in the front half of the conveying path 13 and the second wall 16 in the rear half of the conveying path 13. This reduces the friction resistance of the inner wall that the conveyed item CA comes into contact with as it slides.

[0040] As an example, the transfer chute 10 is made of synthetic resin or metal. For example, the transfer chute 10 can be manufactured by 3D printing. Alternatively, the transfer chute 10 may be manufactured by a machining center. Furthermore, the transfer chute 10 may be manufactured as a single unit, or may be manufactured by assembling or joining multiple separate parts.

[0041] The conveying path 13 may have an outlet for the transported object CA. As an example, the outlet is formed in the first wall 15 or the second wall 16. The outlet formed in the first wall 15 is closed by a lid that is flush with the first wall 15. The outlet formed in the second wall 16 is closed by a lid that is flush with the second wall 16. This allows the transported object CA to be removed through the outlet if it stops inside the conveying chute 10. The number of outlets may be one or more.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying device 100 includes a guide section 90 connected to the entrance opening 11 of the conveying path 13 of the conveying chute 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the guide section 90 has a receiving section 91 that receives the conveyed object CA. The receiving section 91 has a width greater than that of the entrance opening 11. As an example, the guide section 90 is open at the top and has a connecting section 92 that is connected to the entrance opening 11. The connecting section 92 has an opening that communicates with the entrance opening 11. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the guide section 90 as viewed from above.

[0043] The guide portion 90 has a dustpan-like shape. That is, the guide portion 90 has a tapered shape that gradually narrows from the receiving portion 91 to the connecting portion 92. The guide portion 90 guides the article CA to the entrance opening 11, thereby preventing the article CA from coming into contact with the edge of the entrance opening 11. Alternatively, the guide portion 90 may be covered from above. The guide portion 90 may also have a pyramidal or conical shape that gradually narrows toward the connecting portion 92.

[0044] The transfer chute 10 according to the first embodiment described above can prevent the object CA from floating up during transport. This allows the transfer chute 10 to stably change the orientation of the object CA. In particular, the transfer chute 10 can stably turn the object CA upside down. Furthermore, by tilting the transfer chute 10 downward, the difference in height can be used to move the object CA, allowing the transfer chute 10 to be placed in a narrow installation space.

[0045] [Second embodiment] A transfer chute 210 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The transfer chute 210 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes multiple divided paths 219 (i.e., divided paths 219A to 219H). Figure 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the transfer chute 210 as viewed from above. Figure 7 shows a schematic perspective view of divided path 219H, which includes the outlet opening 12, as viewed from above, out of the multiple divided paths 219. In the following description, divided paths 219A to 219H may be collectively referred to as "divided path 219."

[0046] In the description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and the same reference numerals will be used for the components already described, and their description will be omitted. Unless otherwise specified, the components with the same reference numerals perform substantially the same operations and functions, and have substantially the same effects.

[0047] The conveying path 213 of the conveying chute 210 shown in Fig. 6 has a plurality of divided paths 219. As an example, the conveying path 213 is composed of eight divided paths 219A to 219H. However, the number of divided paths 219 may be seven or less or nine or more. Furthermore, the first wall 15 is located above the second wall 16 in one divided path 219H of the plurality of divided paths 219, which includes the outlet opening 12. As an example, the divided path 219H is shown in Fig. 7.

[0048] Each dividing path 219 has a connecting portion JP that protrudes outward. Specifically, in the example of FIG. 7, four connecting portions JP that protrude upward are formed. Also, four connecting portions JP that protrude downward are formed. However, the number of connecting portions JP may be one on the upper side or one on the lower side. Furthermore, the number of connecting portions JP may be three or more on the upper side or three or more on the lower side. Furthermore, the connecting portions JP on the upper side or the lower side may be omitted. Alternatively, the connecting portions JP may be formed to protrude laterally.

[0049] Two adjacent divided paths 219 are connected by screws inserted into each other's connecting portions JP. Alternatively, adjacent divided paths 219 may be connected by other methods, such as adhesive bonding or welding. When connected by other methods, the connecting portions JP can be omitted. In this way, since the conveying path 13 has multiple divided paths 219, the connection can be released and the conveyed object CA in the conveying path 13 can be removed. In particular, if the conveyed object CA becomes stuck in the conveying chute 210, the conveyed object CA can be easily removed. Furthermore, the conveying chute 210 can be manufactured and assembled more easily.

[0050] The transfer chute 210 according to the second embodiment described above can also prevent the object CA from floating up during transport. This allows the transfer chute 210 to stably change the orientation of the object CA. In particular, the transfer chute 210 can stably turn the object CA upside down. Furthermore, by tilting the transfer chute 210 downward, the difference in height can be used to move the object CA, allowing the transfer chute 210 to be placed in a narrow installation space.

[0051] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to each embodiment, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Inventions modified without violating the present invention, and inventions equivalent to the present invention, are also included in the present invention. Furthermore, each embodiment and each modified form, and technical means included in each embodiment or each modified form, can be combined as appropriate without violating the present invention.

[0052] For example, as in a modified embodiment shown in Fig. 8, the transfer chute 310 may include a cylindrical body 381 connected to the inlet opening 311 and a torsion plate 382 disposed within the cylindrical body 381. In the example of Fig. 8, the front half of the transfer chute 310 includes the cylindrical body 381 and the torsion plate 382. The rear half of the transfer chute 310 includes a first wall 15, a second wall 16, and a side wall 17. Fig. 8 shows the transfer chute 310 as viewed from the side.

[0053] Even with this type of transfer chute 310, it is possible to prevent the object CA from floating up during transfer. In particular, the transfer path 313 is provided with a first wall 15 that prevents the object CA from floating up in the latter half of the transfer path 313, where the object CA may float up. This allows the transfer chute 310 to prevent the object CA from floating up and stably change the orientation of the object CA. In the example of FIG. 8, the twist plate 382 is twisted 90 degrees, and the transfer path 313 is twisted 90 degrees. However, the twist angles of the twist plate 382 and the transfer path 313 can be set arbitrarily.

[0054] Furthermore, the side wall 17 does not have to be formed at the end of the first wall 15 or the second wall 16. For example, the side wall 17 may be formed more inward than the end of the first wall 15 or the second wall 16. In this case, the side wall 17 and the first wall 15 or the second wall 16 form a structure with a T-shaped cross section. In other words, a structure is formed in which the end of the first wall 15 or the second wall 16 extends outward from the side wall 17.

[0055] A part or all of the above-described embodiments can be described as, but not limited to, the following supplementary notes.

[0056] (Appendix 1) A transport chute that transports an object whose contents are displaced during movement so that the orientation of the initial surface of the object is changed, an entrance opening for receiving the conveyed object; an exit opening through which the conveyed object received from the entrance opening slides out; a conveying path extending in a twisted manner along a conveying direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, The transport path of the transport chute has a first wall that prevents the transported object from floating up, a second wall that faces the first wall, and a side wall that extends from the first wall to the second wall.

[0057] (Appendix 2) 2. The transport chute of claim 1, wherein the transport path is twisted in the range of 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less between the entrance opening and the exit opening.

[0058] (Appendix 3) 3. The transport chute according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the transport path is oval or elliptical.

[0059] (Appendix 4) 4. The transport chute of claim 1, wherein the transport path has a plurality of divided paths.

[0060] (Appendix 5) 5. The transport chute according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first wall is located above the second wall in a rear half of the transport path.

[0061] (Appendix 6) a cylinder connected to the inlet opening; A conveying chute as described in any one of appendixes 1 to 5, comprising a torsion plate disposed within the cylindrical body and extending in a twisted manner.

[0062] (Appendix 7) The transfer chute according to any one of appendices 1 to 6; a guide portion connected to the entrance opening of the conveying path of the conveying chute and having a receiving portion for receiving the conveyed object; The width of the inlet opening is greater than the height of the inlet opening, The receiving portion has a width greater than the entrance opening.

[0063] (Appendix 8) The transfer chute according to any one of appendices 1 to 6; a blowing device for blowing gas flowing toward the outlet opening into the conveying chute.

[0064] (Appendix 9) The transfer chute according to any one of appendices 1 to 6; a vibration device that applies vibration to the conveying path. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 10: Transport Shooter 11: Entrance opening 12:Exit opening 13: Transport path 15:First wall 16:Second wall 17: Side wall 40: Blowing device 50: Vibration device 90: Information department 91: Receiving section 100: Transport device 210: Transport Shooter 213: Transport path 219: Divided road 310: Transport Shooter 311: Entrance opening 313: Transport path 381: Cylindrical body 382: Twisted plate C1: Original CA: Conveyed item CD: Transport direction

Claims

1. A transport chute that transports an object whose contents are displaced during movement so that the orientation of the initial surface of the object is changed, an entrance opening for receiving the conveyed object; an exit opening through which the conveyed object received from the entrance opening slides out; a conveying path extending in a twisted manner along a conveying direction from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, The transport path of the transport chute has a first wall that prevents the transported object from floating up, a second wall that faces the first wall, and a side wall that extends from the first wall to the second wall.

2. 2. The transfer chute according to claim 1, wherein the transfer path is twisted in the range of 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less between the entrance opening and the exit opening.

3. The transfer chute according to claim 1 , wherein the cross-sectional shape of the transfer path is oval or elliptical.

4. 2. The transfer chute according to claim 1, wherein the transfer path has a plurality of divided paths.

5. The transfer chute according to claim 1 , wherein the first wall is located above the second wall in a rear half of the transfer path.

6. a cylinder connected to the inlet opening; The transfer chute according to claim 1 , further comprising a torsion plate disposed within the cylindrical body and extending in a twisted manner.

7. The transfer chute according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a guide portion connected to the entrance opening of the conveying path of the conveying chute and having a receiving portion for receiving the conveyed object; The width of the inlet opening is greater than the height of the inlet opening, The receiving portion has a width greater than the entrance opening.

8. The transfer chute according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a blowing device for blowing gas flowing toward the outlet opening into the conveying chute.

9. The transfer chute according to any one of claims 1 to 6; a vibration device that applies vibration to the conveying path.

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