Conveying system

Abstract

To provide a conveyance system capable of reducing a drop between an upstream side belt conveyor and a downstream side belt conveyor more than before.SOLUTION: The conveyance system 1 includes a first belt conveyor 10 and a second belt conveyor 30. The first belt conveyor 10 includes a first flat belt 13 having a first carrying part 13a and a first return part 13b. The second belt conveyor 30 includes a second flat belt 33 having a second carrying part 33a and a second return part 33b. The second carrier portion 33a and the second return portion 33b are located between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b. A first slide plate 16 is interposed between the first portion 13a and the second portion 33a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] Belt conveyors have been used to transport objects in factories, etc. For example, in Patent Document 1, a downstream belt conveyor is placed below an upstream belt conveyor. The objects are then dropped from the upstream belt conveyor onto the downstream belt conveyor and transferred thereto. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-153926 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the case of Patent Document 1, the difference in height between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor needs to be equal to or greater than the height of the downstream belt conveyor, so there is room for improvement.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above points, and its purpose is to provide a conveying system that can reduce the drop between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream side belt conveyor more than in the past. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention provides a conveying system comprising an upstream belt conveyor extending in a first conveying direction and a downstream belt conveyor extending in a second conveying direction intersecting the first conveying direction, wherein the upstream belt conveyor comprises an upstream flat belt that is endlessly wound around a first upstream pulley and a first downstream pulley, and has a first carrier section and a first return section located below the first carrier section, and the downstream belt conveyor comprises a downstream flat belt that is endlessly wound around a second upstream pulley and a second downstream pulley, and has a second carrier section and a second return section located below the second carrier section, the second carrier section and the second return section being located between the first carrier section and the first return section in the vertical direction, and a sliding member is interposed between the first carrier section and the second carrier section in the vertical direction.

[0007] According to the present invention configured as described above, the second carrier section and the second return section are positioned between the first carrier section and the first return section in the vertical direction, so the second carrier section can be brought closer to the first carrier section in the vertical direction. Furthermore, because a sliding member is interposed between the first carrier section and the second carrier section in the vertical direction, it is not necessary to provide a large gap between the first carrier section and the second carrier section to reliably prevent interference between the first carrier section and the second carrier section. In other words, the second carrier section can be brought closer to the first carrier section than in a case where a sliding member is not provided. Therefore, the drop between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor can be reduced more than in the past.

[0008] In the present invention, preferably, the upstream belt conveyor further includes a first support that rotatably supports the first upstream pulley and the first downstream pulley, and the sliding member is plate-shaped and supported by the first support in an orientation in which the thickness direction faces the vertical direction.

[0009] According to the present invention configured as described above, the plate-shaped sliding member is interposed between the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion, thereby reliably suppressing interference between the upstream flat belt and the downstream flat belt. Furthermore, since the sliding member is supported by the first support member with its thickness oriented in the vertical direction, the vertical dimension of the sliding member located between the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion is reduced. Therefore, the drop between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor can be reduced more than in the past.

[0010] In the present invention, preferably, the downstream belt conveyor further includes a second support body that rotatably supports the second upstream pulley and the second downstream pulley, and the second upstream pulley is positioned between the first carrier portion and the first return portion in the vertical direction and is configured to support the first carrier portion, the sliding member, and the second carrier portion from below.

[0011] According to the present invention configured as described above, the second upstream pulley is located between the first carrier portion and the first return portion in the vertical direction and is configured to support the first carrier portion, the sliding member, and the second carrier portion from below, so that the upper surface of the sliding member contacts the lower surface of the first carrier portion, and the lower surface of the sliding member contacts the upper surface of the second carrier portion. As a result, the difference in height between the upstream flat belt and the downstream flat belt is approximately the sum of the thickness of the upstream flat belt and the thickness of the sliding member, so that the difference in height between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor can be reduced more than before.

[0012] In the present invention, preferably, the first downstream pulley has a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley, and the second upstream pulley is disposed between the first carrier portion and the first return portion at a position closer to the first downstream pulley than the first upstream pulley.

[0013] According to the present invention configured as described above, the first downstream pulley has a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley, so the distance between the first carrier portion and the first return portion on the first downstream pulley side is larger than the distance between the first carrier portion and the first return portion on the first upstream pulley side. The second upstream pulley is disposed closer to the first downstream pulley than the first upstream pulley, i.e., the second upstream pulley is disposed at a position where the distance between the first carrier portion and the first return portion is relatively large, so that the diameter of the second upstream pulley located between the first carrier portion and the first return portion can be prevented from becoming too small.

[0014] In the present invention, preferably, the downstream belt conveyor further includes a drive pulley that is wound around the second return portion and drives the downstream flat belt, and the drive pulley is arranged at a position closer to the second upstream pulley than the second downstream pulley.

[0015] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the drive pulley is disposed at a position closer to the second upstream pulley than the second downstream pulley, so that the force of the drive pulley to drive the downstream flat belt can be ensured.

[0016] In the present invention, the upstream flat belt and the downstream flat belt are preferably rubber belts, and the sliding member is preferably made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

[0017] According to the present invention configured in this manner, the sliding members are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which is relatively resistant to wear of rubber belts, so that the upstream flat belt and the downstream flat belt can be prevented from wearing out due to sliding with the sliding members.

[0018] In the present invention, the transported goods preferably include heavy goods.

[0019] According to the present invention configured as described above, the difference in height between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor can be reduced compared to the conventional case, making it possible to transport heavy objects such as castings. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a conveying system that can reduce the difference in height between the upstream belt conveyor and the downstream belt conveyor more than ever before. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic plan view illustrating a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 3 is a schematic side view showing a first belt conveyor. [Figure 3] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a second belt conveyor. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a third belt conveyor. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature.

[0023] 1 shows a conveying system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The conveying system 1 is installed in a factory and is configured to convey, for example, a cast object G (e.g., a heavy object such as a disc plate for an automobile brake).

[0024] The conveying system 1 includes a first belt conveyor 10 extending in a first conveying direction, a second belt conveyor 30 extending in a second conveying direction intersecting the first conveying direction, and a third belt conveyor 50 extending in a third conveying direction intersecting the second conveying direction.

[0025] The goods G are conveyed by the first belt conveyor 10, the second belt conveyor 30, and the third belt conveyor 50 in this order.

[0026] The first belt conveyor 10 is configured to convey the object G from the upstream side in the first conveying direction to the downstream side in the first conveying direction. The second belt conveyor 30 is configured to convey the object G from the upstream side in the second conveying direction to the downstream side in the second conveying direction. The third belt conveyor 50 is configured to convey the object G from the upstream side in the third conveying direction to the downstream side in the third conveying direction. In this embodiment, the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction are perpendicular to each other, and the second conveying direction and the third conveying direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the conveying system 1 is configured to transfer the object G from the downstream end of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction to the upstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction.

[0028] A first transfer section C1 between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is provided with a first branching unit 2. The first branching unit 2 has a first pushing member 2a extending in a direction diagonally intersecting the first conveying direction of the first belt conveyor 10. The first pushing member 2a is configured to guide the transfer of the transported object G from the first belt conveyor 10 to the second belt conveyor 30.

[0029] The conveying system 1 is configured so that the object G is transferred from the downstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction to the upstream end of the third belt conveyor 50 in the third conveying direction.

[0030] A second branching unit 3 is provided at a second transfer section C2 between the second belt conveyor 30 and the third belt conveyor 50. The second branching unit 3 includes a second pushing member 3a extending in a direction diagonally intersecting the second conveying direction of the second belt conveyor 30. The second pushing member 3a is configured to guide the transfer of the transported object G from the second belt conveyor 30 to the third belt conveyor 50.

[0031] 2, the first belt conveyor 10 includes a first upstream pulley 11 and a first downstream pulley 12 having a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley 11. The first upstream pulley 11 is provided at the upstream end of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction. The first downstream pulley 12 is provided at the downstream end of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction.

[0032] The first belt conveyor 10 also includes a first flat belt 13 that is endlessly wound around a first upstream pulley 11 and a first downstream pulley 12 .

[0033] The first flat belt 13 is, for example, a rubber belt, and includes a first carrier portion 13a having a conveying surface for placing and conveying the object G thereon, and a first return portion 13b located below the first carrier portion 13a.

[0034] The thickness direction of the first carrier portion 13a and the thickness direction of the first return portion 13b coincide with the up-down direction.

[0035] The first carrier portion 13a is a portion of the first flat belt 13 that moves from the upstream side in the first conveying direction to the downstream side in the first conveying direction, while the first return portion 13b is a portion of the first flat belt 13 that moves from the downstream side in the first conveying direction to the upstream side in the first conveying direction.

[0036] The first belt conveyor 10 also has a plurality of first carrier rollers 14 spaced apart at predetermined intervals to support the first carrier portion 13a from below. A first carrier plate 15 is disposed between each of the first carrier rollers 14 to support the first carrier portion 13a from below. In other words, the first carrier rollers 14 and the first carrier plates 15 are disposed alternately.

[0037] A first sliding plate 16 that supports the first carrier portion 13a from below is disposed between the first downstream pulley 12 and the first carrier roller 14 that is located furthest downstream in the first conveying direction among the multiple first carrier rollers 14. The first sliding plate 16 is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular). The first sliding plate 16 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which has a relatively low coefficient of dynamic friction. This allows the first flat belt 13 to slide easily against the first sliding plate 16.

[0038] Further, a pair of first bend pulleys 17 around which the first return portion 13b is wound is disposed below the first carrier roller 14. A first drive pulley 18 around which the first return portion 13b is wound is disposed below the pair of first bend pulleys 17. The first drive pulley 18 is disposed at a position closer to the first upstream pulley 11 than the first downstream pulley 12.

[0039] A first electric motor 19 is disposed downstream in the first conveying direction of the first drive pulley 18. The first electric motor 19 includes a first output pulley 19a. A first roller chain 20 is wound around the first output pulley 19a and the first drive pulley 18.

[0040] A plurality of first return rollers 21 that support the first return portion 13b from below are arranged at predetermined intervals above the first electric motor 19 and downstream in the first conveying direction.

[0041] The first belt conveyor 10 includes a first support frame 22. The first support frame 22 rotatably supports the first upstream pulley 11, the first downstream pulley 12, the first carrier roller 14, the first bend pulley 17, the first drive pulley 18, and the first return roller 21. The first support frame 22 is also configured to support the first carrier plate 15, the first sliding plate 16, and the first electric motor. In this embodiment, the first sliding plate 16 is supported by the first support frame 22 in an orientation in which its thickness direction faces the vertical direction.

[0042] The first support frame 22 includes a first tail frame 22a, a first intermediate frame 22b, and a first front frame 22c. The downstream end of the first tail frame 22a in the first conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the first intermediate frame 22b in the first conveying direction. The downstream end of the first intermediate frame 22b in the first conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the first front frame 22c in the first conveying direction.

[0043] The first drive pulley 18 is configured to be rotationally driven by a first electric motor 19 via a first roller chain 20. When the first drive pulley 18 is rotationally driven, the first drive pulley 18 drives the first flat belt 13. As a result, the first flat belt 13 moves around the first upstream pulley 11, the first downstream pulley 12, the first carrier roller 14, the first carrier plate 15, the first bend pulley 17, the first drive pulley 18, and the first return roller 21 (in the example of FIG. 2, the first flat belt 13 moves around clockwise).

[0044] 3, the second belt conveyor 30 includes a second upstream pulley 31 and a second downstream pulley 32 having a larger diameter than the second upstream pulley 31. The second upstream pulley 31 is provided at the upstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction. The second downstream pulley 32 is provided at the downstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction.

[0045] The second belt conveyor 30 also includes a second flat belt 33 that is endlessly wound around a second upstream pulley 31 and a second downstream pulley 32 .

[0046] The second flat belt 33 is, for example, a rubber belt, and includes a second carrier portion 33a having a conveying surface for placing and conveying the object G thereon, and a second return portion 33b located below the second carrier portion 33a.

[0047] The thickness direction of the second carrier portion 33a and the thickness direction of the second return portion 33b coincide with the up-down direction.

[0048] The second carrier portion 33a is a portion of the second flat belt 33 that moves from the upstream side in the second conveying direction to the downstream side in the second conveying direction. On the other hand, the second return portion 33b is a portion of the second flat belt 33 that moves from the downstream side in the second conveying direction to the upstream side in the second conveying direction.

[0049] The second belt conveyor 30 also has a plurality of second carrier rollers 34 spaced apart at predetermined intervals to support the second carrier portion 33a from below. A second carrier plate 35 is disposed between each of the second carrier rollers 34 to support the second carrier portion 33a from below. In other words, the second carrier rollers 34 and the second carrier plates 35 are disposed alternately.

[0050] A second sliding plate 46 that supports the second carrier portion 33a from below is arranged between the second carrier roller 34 that is located most upstream in the second conveying direction among the multiple second carrier rollers 34 and the second upstream pulley 31.

[0051] A third sliding plate 36 that supports the second carrier portion 33a from below is arranged between the second carrier roller 34 that is located furthest downstream in the second conveying direction among the multiple second carrier rollers 34 and the second downstream pulley 32.

[0052] The second sliding plate 46 and the third sliding plate 36 are plate-shaped (for example, rectangular). The second sliding plate 46 and the third sliding plate 36 are made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which has a relatively low coefficient of dynamic friction. This allows the second flat belt 33 to slide easily on the second sliding plate 46 and the third sliding plate 36.

[0053] Further, a pair of second bend pulleys 37 around which the second return portion 33b is wound is disposed below the second carrier roller 34. A second drive pulley 38 around which the second return portion 33b is wound is disposed below the pair of second bend pulleys 37. The second drive pulley 38 is disposed at a position closer to the second upstream pulley 31 than the second downstream pulley 32.

[0054] A second electric motor 39 is disposed downstream in the second conveying direction of the second drive pulley 38. The second electric motor 39 includes a second output pulley 39a. A second roller chain 40 is wound around the second output pulley 39a and the second drive pulley 38.

[0055] A plurality of second return rollers 41 are arranged at predetermined intervals above the second electric motor 39 and downstream in the second conveying direction to support the second return portion 33b from below.

[0056] The second belt conveyor 30 includes a second support frame 42. The second support frame 42 rotatably supports the second upstream pulley 31, the second downstream pulley 32, the second carrier roller 34, the second bend pulley 37, the second drive pulley 38, and the second return roller 41. The second support frame 42 is configured to support the second carrier plate 35, the second sliding plate 46, the third sliding plate 36, and the second electric motor 39. In this embodiment, the second sliding plate 46 and the third sliding plate 36 are supported by the second support frame 42 with their thickness directions facing the vertical direction.

[0057] The second support frame 42 includes a second tail frame 42a, a second intermediate frame 42b, and a second front frame 42c. The downstream end of the second tail frame 42a in the second conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the second intermediate frame 42b in the second conveying direction. The downstream end of the second intermediate frame 42b in the second conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the second front frame 42c in the second conveying direction.

[0058] The second drive pulley 38 is configured to be rotationally driven by a second electric motor 39 via a second roller chain 40. When the second drive pulley 38 is rotationally driven, the second drive pulley 38 drives the second flat belt 33. As a result, the second flat belt 33 moves around the second upstream pulley 31, the second downstream pulley 32, the second carrier roller 34, the second carrier plate 35, the second bend pulley 37, the second drive pulley 38, and the second return roller 41 (in the example of FIG. 3, the second flat belt 33 moves around clockwise).

[0059] 4, the third belt conveyor 50 includes a third upstream pulley 51 and a third downstream pulley 52 having a larger diameter than the third upstream pulley 51. The third upstream pulley 51 is provided at the upstream end of the third belt conveyor 50 in the third conveying direction. The third downstream pulley 52 is provided at the downstream end of the third belt conveyor 50 in the third conveying direction.

[0060] The third belt conveyor 50 also includes a third flat belt 53 that is endlessly wound around a third upstream pulley 51 and a third downstream pulley 52 .

[0061] The third flat belt 53 is, for example, a rubber belt, and includes a third carrier portion 53a having a conveying surface for placing and conveying the object G thereon, and a third return portion 53b located below the third carrier portion 53a.

[0062] The thickness direction of the third carrier portion 53a and the thickness direction of the third return portion 53b coincide with the up-down direction.

[0063] The third carrier portion 53a is a portion of the third flat belt 53 that moves from the upstream side in the third conveying direction to the downstream side in the third conveying direction, while the third return portion 53b is a portion of the third flat belt 53 that moves from the downstream side in the third conveying direction to the upstream side in the third conveying direction.

[0064] The third belt conveyor 50 also has a plurality of third carrier rollers 54 that support the third carrier portion 53a from below and are provided at predetermined intervals from one another.

[0065] A fourth sliding plate 66 that supports the third carrier portion 53a from below is disposed between the third upstream pulley 51 and the third carrier roller 54 that is located most upstream in the third conveying direction among the multiple third carrier rollers 54. The fourth sliding plate 66 is plate-shaped (e.g., rectangular). The fourth sliding plate 66 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which has a relatively low coefficient of dynamic friction. This allows the third flat belt 53 to slide easily against the fourth sliding plate 66.

[0066] Further, a pair of third bend pulleys 57 around which the third return portion 53b is wound is disposed below the third carrier roller 54. A third drive pulley 58 around which the third return portion 53b is wound is disposed below the pair of third bend pulleys 57. The third drive pulley 58 is disposed at a position closer to the third upstream pulley 51 than the third downstream pulley 52.

[0067] A third electric motor 59 is disposed downstream in the third conveying direction of the third drive pulley 58. The third electric motor 59 includes a third output pulley 59a. A third roller chain 60 is wound around the third output pulley 59a and the third drive pulley 58.

[0068] A plurality of third return rollers 61 that support the third return portion 53b from below are arranged at predetermined intervals above the third electric motor 59 and downstream in the third conveying direction.

[0069] The third belt conveyor 50 includes a third support frame 62. The third support frame 62 rotatably supports the third upstream pulley 51, the third downstream pulley 52, the third carrier roller 54, the third bend pulley 57, the third drive pulley 58, and the third return roller 61. The third support frame 62 is also configured to support a fourth sliding plate 66 and a third electric motor 59. In this embodiment, the fourth sliding plate 66 is supported by the third support frame 62 with its thickness direction facing the vertical direction.

[0070] The third support frame 62 includes a third tail frame 62a, a third intermediate frame 62b, and a third front frame 62c. The downstream end of the third tail frame 62a in the third conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the third intermediate frame 62b in the third conveying direction. The downstream end of the third intermediate frame 62b in the third conveying direction is connected to the upstream end of the third front frame 62c in the third conveying direction.

[0071] The third drive pulley 58 is configured to be rotationally driven by a third electric motor 59 via a third roller chain 60. When the third drive pulley 58 is rotationally driven, the third drive pulley 58 drives the third flat belt 53. As a result, the third flat belt 53 moves around the third upstream pulley 51, the third downstream pulley 52, the third carrier roller 54, the third bend pulley 57, the third drive pulley 58, and the third return roller 61 (in the example of FIG. 4, the third flat belt 53 moves around clockwise).

[0072] Next, we will explain the first transfer section C1 between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30. Note that the second transfer section C2 between the second belt conveyor 30 and the third belt conveyor 50 is the same as the first transfer section C1, so we will not explain it here.

[0073] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the first transfer section C1, the upstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction is inserted into the lower end side of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction.

[0074] More specifically, the second carrier portion 33a and the second return portion 33b are positioned between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the second carrier portion 33a and the second return portion 33b are disposed closer to the first carrier portion 13a in the vertical direction. The first sliding plate is interposed between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a in the vertical direction. This causes the upper surface of the first sliding plate 16 to contact the lower surface of the first carrier portion 13a, and the lower surface of the first sliding plate 16 to contact the upper surface of the second carrier portion 33a. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drop G1 between the first belt conveyor 10 (first flat belt 13) and the second belt conveyor 30 (second flat belt 33) can be approximately the sum of the thickness of the first carrier portion 13a of the first flat belt 13 and the thickness of the first sliding plate 16. As described above, according to this embodiment, the drop between the belt conveyors can be reduced compared to the drop G2 in the comparative example in which the transported item G shown in Figure 7(a) is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 to the first downstream belt conveyor 71.

[0075] 5, the second upstream pulley 31 is located between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the up-down direction. The second upstream pulley 31 is supported by the second tail frame 42a (second support frame 42). As a result, the second upstream pulley 31 is configured to support the first carrier portion 13a, the first sliding plate 16, and the second carrier portion 33a from below.

[0076] 2, the first downstream pulley 12 has a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley 11. As a result, a first vertical distance I1 between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b on the first downstream pulley 12 side is larger than a second vertical distance I2 between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b on the first upstream pulley 11 side.

[0077] The second upstream pulley 31 is disposed at a position closer to the first downstream pulley 12 than the first upstream pulley 11 (see FIGS. 1, 2, and 6). In other words, the second upstream pulley 31, which has a smaller diameter than the first downstream pulley 12, is disposed in a portion where the vertical distance between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b is the first vertical distance I1. As a result, in this embodiment, the diameter of the second upstream pulley 31 can be prevented from becoming too small, compared to when the second upstream pulley 31 is disposed in a portion of the second vertical distance I2.

[0078] The transfer of the transported object G from the first belt conveyor 10 to the second belt conveyor 30 is performed by the first pushing member 2a of the first branching unit 2 pushing the transported object G at the first transfer section C1. At that time, a part of the transported object G may protrude from the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33, which may prevent the transport of the transported object G from smoothly transferring between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30. In response to this, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, a fifth sliding plate 76 having a substantially triangular shape in a plan view is provided between the first sliding plate 16 and the second sliding plate 46. The fifth sliding plate 76 has a flat upper surface, and the height position of the upper surface is set between the upper surfaces of the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33 (see FIG. 5). As a result, the protruding article G moves toward the second belt conveyor 30 while sliding on the upper surface of the fifth sliding plate 76, thereby enabling smooth transfer of the article G between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a sixth sliding plate 86 having a substantially triangular shape in a plan view is provided between the third sliding plate 36 and the fourth sliding plate 66 in order to enable smooth transfer of the article G between the second belt conveyor 30 and the third belt conveyor 50.

[0079] Furthermore, the effects (1) to (9) achieved by this embodiment will be described.

[0080] (1) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), when the transported object G is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 onto the first downstream belt conveyor 71, the transported object G may bounce back and scatter. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so that the transported object G can be prevented from scattering due to the rebound.

[0081] (2) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), when an object G is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 onto the first downstream belt conveyor 71, the dropped object G may interfere with another object G on the first downstream belt conveyor 71, resulting in damage (for example, dents). In contrast, according to this embodiment, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so that damage to the object G due to the interference can be reduced.

[0082] (3) In the comparative example shown in Fig. 7(a), when the transported object G is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 to the first downstream belt conveyor 71, noise may be generated, which may deteriorate the working environment. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so that the deterioration of the working environment can be suppressed.

[0083] (4) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), if the transported object G is a powder or granular material (for example, foundry sand), there is a risk of dust being generated when the transported object G is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 to the first downstream belt conveyor 71. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so the generation of the above-mentioned dust can be suppressed.

[0084] (5) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), the difference in height between the first upstream belt conveyor 70 and the first downstream belt conveyor 71 is relatively large, and the impact when the transported object G is dropped from the first upstream belt conveyor 70 to the first downstream belt conveyor 71 is relatively large, so there is a risk that a heavy object of a predetermined weight or more cannot be transported as the transported object G. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the difference in height between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so it is possible to transport a heavy object of a predetermined weight or more as the transported object G.

[0085] (6) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), if the transported object G is caught between the first upstream belt conveyor 70 and the first downstream belt conveyor 71, there is a risk that the transported object G will be damaged, or that at least one of the first upstream belt conveyor 70 and the first downstream belt conveyor 71 will be damaged or will be forced to stop suddenly. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, so it is possible to prevent the transported object G from being caught between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30, and therefore the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be prevented.

[0086] (7) According to this embodiment, the first sliding plate 16 is interposed between the first carrier portion 13a of the first flat belt 13 and the second carrier portion 33a of the second flat belt 33, and therefore it is possible to prevent the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a from contacting each other. This makes it possible to prevent meandering of at least one of the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33 due to contact between the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33.

[0087] (8) In the comparative example shown in Figure 7(a), the first downstream belt conveyor 71 is inclined so that it is positioned higher toward the downstream side in the conveying direction, which makes it necessary to provide a difference in height between the first downstream belt conveyor 71 and the belt conveyor of the next process (not shown). This results in an increase in the size of the equipment and restrictions on the layout. In contrast, according to this embodiment, the difference in height between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 is reduced, which makes it possible to prevent the above-mentioned increase in size of the equipment and restrictions on the layout.

[0088] (9) When transporting a heavy object, as in the comparative example shown in FIG. 7(b), the diameters of the pulleys P of the second upstream belt conveyor 72 and the second downstream belt conveyor 73 are relatively large, making it difficult to bring the other first carrier portion 72a of the second upstream belt conveyor 72 and the other second carrier portion 73a of the second downstream belt conveyor 73 close to each other. This may make it difficult to transfer the object G from the second upstream belt conveyor 72 to the second downstream belt conveyor 73. In contrast, in this embodiment, the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a overlap each other in the vertical direction, making it possible to smoothly transfer the heavy object (object G) from the first carrier portion 13a to the second carrier portion 33a.

[0089] As described above, according to this embodiment, the second carrier portion 33a and the second return portion 33b are positioned between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the vertical direction, so the second carrier portion 33a can be brought closer to the first carrier portion 13a in the vertical direction. Furthermore, because the first sliding plate 16 is interposed between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a in the vertical direction, it is not necessary to provide a large gap between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a to reliably prevent interference between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a. In other words, the second carrier portion 33a can be brought closer to the first carrier portion 13a than in a case where the first sliding plate is not provided. Therefore, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 can be reduced compared to the conventional case.

[0090] Furthermore, since the plate-shaped first sliding plate 16 is interposed between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a, interference between the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33 can be reliably suppressed. Furthermore, since the first sliding plate 16 is supported by the first support frame 22 with its thickness direction facing the vertical direction, the vertical dimension of the first sliding plate located between the first carrier portion 13a and the second carrier portion 33a is reduced. Therefore, the drop between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 can be reduced more than before.

[0091] Furthermore, the second upstream pulley 31 is positioned between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the vertical direction and is configured to support the first carrier portion 13a, the first sliding plate 16, and the second carrier portion 33a from below, so that the upper surface of the first sliding plate 16 contacts the lower surface of the first carrier portion 13a, and the lower surface of the first sliding plate 16 contacts the upper surface of the second carrier portion 33a. As a result, the difference in height between the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33 is approximately the sum of the thicknesses of the first flat belt 13 and the first sliding plate 16, so that the difference in height between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 can be reduced more than before.

[0092] Furthermore, since the first downstream pulley 12 has a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley 11, the distance between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b on the first downstream pulley 12 side is larger than the distance between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b on the first upstream pulley 11 side. The second upstream pulley 31 is disposed closer to the first downstream pulley 12 than the first upstream pulley 11. In other words, the second upstream pulley 31 is disposed at a position where the distance between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b is relatively large, which prevents the diameter of the second upstream pulley 31, which is disposed between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b, from becoming too small.

[0093] Furthermore, since the second drive pulley 38 is disposed closer to the second upstream pulley 31 than the second downstream pulley 32, the force of the second drive pulley 38 to drive the second flat belt 33 can be ensured.

[0094] In addition, the first sliding plate 16 is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, which is a rubber belt that is relatively resistant to wear, so that the first flat belt 13 and the second flat belt 33 can be prevented from wearing due to sliding against the first sliding plate 16.

[0095] Furthermore, since the difference in height between the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30 can be reduced compared to the conventional case, it becomes possible to transport heavy objects such as castings, for example.

[0096] In this embodiment, the conveying system 1 is composed of the first belt conveyor 10, the second belt conveyor 30, and the third belt conveyor 50, but it may also be composed of the first belt conveyor 10 and the second belt conveyor 30, or the second belt conveyor 30 and the third belt conveyor 50.

[0097] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the second belt conveyor 30 extends in a direction perpendicular to the first belt conveyor 10, but the extension direction (first conveying direction) of the first belt conveyor 10 and the extension direction (second conveying direction) of the second belt conveyor 30 may intersect at any angle, and for example, the extension direction (second conveying direction) of the second belt conveyor 30 may intersect at an angle with the extension direction (first conveying direction) of the first belt conveyor 10.

[0098] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the upstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction is inserted into the lower end side of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction, but the upstream end of the second belt conveyor 30 in the second conveying direction may also be inserted into a part other than the downstream end of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction (for example, a midway part of the first belt conveyor 10 in the first conveying direction).

[0099] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which one second belt conveyor 30 is inserted into the first belt conveyor 10, but multiple second belt conveyors 30 may be inserted into the first belt conveyor 10.

[0100] In addition, in this embodiment, the first flat belt 13, the second flat belt 33, and the third flat belt 53 have been described using examples of rubber belts, but flat belts other than rubber belts (for example, fiber flat belts, resin flat belts, etc.) may also be used as long as they are capable of transporting the object G.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the second upstream pulley 31 is described as being arranged between the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the vertical direction, but the second upstream pulley 31 may be arranged at a position upstream of the first carrier portion 13a and the first return portion 13b in the second conveying direction, that is, the second upstream pulley 31 may be arranged so as to protrude outward (upstream in the second conveying direction) from the first belt conveyor 10.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which drive pulleys (first drive pulley 18, second drive pulley 38, third drive pulley 58) are provided, but the flat belts (first flat belt 13, second flat belt 33, third flat belt 53) may also be driven by upstream pulleys (first upstream pulley 11, second upstream pulley 31, third upstream pulley 51) or downstream pulleys (first downstream pulley 12, second downstream pulley 32, third downstream pulley 52).

[0103] In addition, in this embodiment, the sliding members (first sliding plate 16, second sliding plate 46, third sliding plate 36, fourth sliding plate 66) are described as having a rectangular plate shape, but they may be in a shape other than a plate shape (for example, a lattice shape).

[0104] In addition, in this embodiment, the sliding members (first sliding plate 16, second sliding plate 46, third sliding plate 36, fourth sliding plate 66) are described as being made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, but they may be made of materials other than ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (for example, Teflon (registered trademark), MC nylon (registered trademark), polyacetal, etc.).

[0105] Although not described in this embodiment, the lengths of the belt conveyors (first belt conveyor 10, second belt conveyor 30, third belt conveyor 50) may be changed by changing the lengths of the intermediate frames (first intermediate frame 22b, second intermediate frame 42b, third intermediate frame 62b). This improves the design freedom of the transport system 1.

[0106] Also, although not described in this embodiment, for example, an industrial robot (not shown) may be used to randomly pick the transported items G on the flat belts (first flat belt 13, second flat belt 33, third flat belt 53).

[0107] In addition, in this embodiment, the example of a cast transported item G (for example, a heavy object such as a disc plate for an automobile brake) has been described, but the transported item G may also be a powder or granular material (for example, grains such as flour, foundry sand), electronic parts, deliveries, food, etc. [Industrial Applicability]

[0108] The present invention is suitable for a transport system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 1. Transport system 10 First belt conveyor (upstream belt conveyor) 11 First upstream pulley 12 First downstream pulley 13 First flat belt (upstream flat belt) 13a First Carrier Section 13b First Return Section 16 First sliding plate (sliding member) 22 First support frame (first support) 30 Second belt conveyor (downstream belt conveyor) 31 Second upstream pulley 32 Second downstream pulley 33 Second flat belt (downstream flat belt) 33a Second Carrier Section 33b Second Return Section 38 Second drive pulley (drive pulley) 42 Second support frame (second support)

Claims

1. A conveying system including an upstream belt conveyor extending in a first conveying direction and a downstream belt conveyor extending in a second conveying direction intersecting the first conveying direction, the upstream belt conveyor includes an upstream flat belt that is endlessly wound around a first upstream pulley and a first downstream pulley, and that has a first carrier portion and a first return portion located below the first carrier portion; the downstream belt conveyor includes a downstream flat belt that is endlessly wound around a second upstream pulley and a second downstream pulley, and that has a second carrier portion and a second return portion located below the second carrier portion; the second carrier portion and the second return portion are located between the first carrier portion and the first return portion in the up-down direction, A conveying system in which a sliding member is interposed between the first carrier portion and the second carrier portion in the vertical direction.

2. 2. The transport system according to claim 1, the upstream belt conveyor further includes a first support that rotatably supports the first upstream pulley and the first downstream pulley, The sliding member is plate-shaped and is supported by the first support body in a position where its thickness direction faces the vertical direction.

3. 2. The transport system according to claim 1, the downstream belt conveyor further includes a second support that rotatably supports the second upstream pulley and the second downstream pulley, A conveying system in which the second upstream pulley is located between the first carrier section and the first return section in the vertical direction and is configured to support the first carrier section, the sliding member, and the second carrier section from below.

4. 4. The transport system according to claim 3, the first downstream pulley has a larger diameter than the first upstream pulley, The second upstream pulley is disposed between the first carrier portion and the first return portion and closer to the first downstream pulley than the first upstream pulley.

5. 5. The transport system according to claim 4, The downstream belt conveyor further includes a drive pulley that is wound around the second return portion and drives the downstream flat belt, The conveying system, wherein the drive pulley is disposed closer to the second upstream pulley than to the second downstream pulley.

6. 2. The transport system according to claim 1, the upstream flat belt and the downstream flat belt are rubber belts, A conveying system in which the sliding member is made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene.

7. The conveying system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The transport system includes heavy items.

Images