Conveying assistance device and conveying device

Abstract

To provide a transport assist device that has a simple configuration but can smoothly transport objects at connection points between transport units. [Solution] The conveying assist device comprises a rod-shaped member extending in the first axial direction and a support part that supports the rod-shaped member. The rod-shaped member has a size that allows it to be positioned between the first conveying section and the second conveying section in a first orientation in which the first axis intersects with the conveying direction of the object to be conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section that follows the first conveying section. The support part can support the rod-shaped member in the first orientation between the first conveying section and the second conveying section in a position that allows it to contact the object to be conveyed, so that the object to be conveyed is conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyance assisting device and a conveyance device.

Background Art

[0002] After agricultural products such as vegetables and fruits are harvested from arable land, they are aggregated at a collection and shipping yard and delivered to consumers through distribution to wholesale and retail stores. In this distribution process, at the collection and shipping yard, operations such as washing, inspection, and sorting are performed on the agricultural products. The agricultural products are aligned in an arbitrary number of units, then undergo operations such as washing, inspection, and sorting, and are transferred into a packaging container and packed. Generally, such operations are performed manually. In order to achieve a certain processing capacity, quality assurance, and labor reduction, for example, a conveyance device such as a conveyor is used.

[0003] It may be difficult to convey agricultural products to each process of the collection and shipping yard using only one conveyor. In this case, for example, as shown in Patent Document 1, a plurality of conveyors are connected and used.

[0004] At the connection part of the conveyor, a gap occurs on the conveyance path. Therefore, the agricultural products may get stuck in the gap and may not be conveyed smoothly. Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a small conveyor for closing the gap between the conveyors is installed at the connection part.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The small conveyor described in Patent Document 1 has a complex structure and requires complicated maintenance such as adjusting belt tension and suppressing belt meandering. Furthermore, the connection mechanism between the small conveyor and the conveyors before and after it is also complex.

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the embodiments of this disclosure aim to provide a transport assist device that has a simple configuration but can smoothly transport objects at connection points between transport units, and a transport device equipped with such a transport assist device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A conveying assist device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a rod-shaped member extending in a first axial direction and a support portion for supporting the rod-shaped member. The rod-shaped member has a size that allows it to be positioned between the first conveying section and the second conveying section in a first orientation in which the first axis intersects with the conveying direction of the object to be conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section that follows the first conveying section. The support portion can support the rod-shaped member in the first orientation between the first conveying section and the second conveying section in a position that allows it to contact the object to be conveyed, so that the object to be conveyed is conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a conveying assist device is provided that has a simple configuration but can smoothly convey objects at connection points between conveying units, and a conveying device equipped with such a conveying assist device is provided. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A plan view and a side view of a packaging device including a conveying assist device and a conveying device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] This is an enlarged schematic diagram of a partial configuration of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] This is an external perspective view of the conveying device, corresponding to Figure 2. [Figure 4]This is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a conveying device when an object is conveyed from a first conveying unit to a second conveying unit, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of each part of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6] This is a schematic diagram showing the dimensions of each part of a transport device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] This is a schematic diagram showing the state of a transport device during cleaning according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] This is a schematic diagram of the conveying device according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 9] This is a schematic diagram of the transport device relating to Comparative Example and Modification Example 2. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the conveying device according to modified example 3. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The following description relates to a transport assist device and a transport device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. Common or corresponding elements are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted or simplified as appropriate. In each figure, the configuration is shown enlarged, reduced, or omitted as appropriate for the sake of explanation. To improve the visibility of the drawings, elements in the figures are shown with lines other than solid lines (such as dashed lines or dotted lines) as necessary.

[0012] In the following explanation, two mutually orthogonal horizontal directions are referred to as the X and Y directions. The vertical direction perpendicular to both the X and Y directions is referred to as the Z direction. That is, the X, Y, and Z directions are mutually orthogonal. The XYZ coordinate system is a left-handed system. For convenience, the axes extending in the X, Y, and Z directions may be referred to as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis, respectively. The X direction may also be called the left-right direction. The Y direction may also be called the front-back direction. The Z direction may also be called the up-down direction. Note that these directional names are used for convenience to explain the relative positional relationships of the components and do not indicate absolute directions. For example, depending on the orientation of the device, the X direction may not necessarily be the left-right direction, but may be the front-back direction.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a plan view and a side view of a packing device 1 including a conveyance assisting device and a conveyance device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The packing device 1 transfers an object 2 such as a crop (an example of an object to be conveyed) to a container 3 and packs it. The packing device 1 includes a conveyance device 20, a transfer device 40, a detection device 50, and a control device 60. The conveyance device 20 conveys the object 2 along a conveyance path. The transfer device 40 holds the object 2 conveyed on the conveyance path and arranges it in the container 3. The detection device 50 detects the position and state of the object 2 conveyed on the conveyance path. The control device 60 controls the operations of each part of the packing device 1.

[0014] In the present embodiment, the object 2 is, for example, a crop having a fragile property, a complicated shape, or an unstable shape such as vegetables or fruits. In the present embodiment, an example in which a cucumber is used as the object 2 is shown as an example of a crop having a fragile property, a complicated shape, or an unstable shape. The object 2 may be other than a cucumber (for example, a gourd family such as bitter gourd or zucchini, banana, okra, shishito, pepper, green onion, ginger). The object 2 may be other than a crop (for example, a special forest product such as a mushroom). The object 2 may be livestock products, fishery products, or the like.

[0015] The container 3 is, for example, a box on which the object 2 is placed and accommodated. Exemplarily, the container 3 is formed in a box shape with an open upper side. The object 2 is transferred into the container 3 from above, and the container 3 is covered with a cover, a lid, a plastic bag, newspaper, or the like.

[0016] The conveyance device 20 includes a first conveyance unit 20A and a second conveyance unit 20B. The first conveyance unit 20A and the second conveyance unit 20B are, for example, belt conveyor type conveyance mechanism units. The first conveyance unit 20A and the second conveyance unit 20B convey the object 2 in the conveyance direction (Y direction) while the object 2 is in a lying state.

[0017] Note that any reference to elements using designations such as "first", "second", etc. used in this disclosure does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. These designations are used for convenience to distinguish between two or more elements. Therefore, references to the first and second elements do not mean, for example, that only two elements are employed, or that the first element must precede the second element, etc.

[0018] The first transport unit 20A includes a transport guide member, a transport belt, transport rollers, a transport speed detector, and a motor. The transport guide member is installed along the first transport path A1 of the object 2. The transport belt is supported by the transport guide member and is arranged across the entire first transport path A1. A plurality of transport rollers are provided. The transport rollers are provided on the back side of the transport belt and feed the transport belt. The transport speed detector is attached to the transport roller and detects the transport speed by the first transport unit 20A. The motor is a drive source that rotationally drives the transport roller.

[0019] The object 2 is supplied to the first transport unit 20A from the preprocessing area 70. The object 2 is placed in a lying state on the transport road surface 20a of the transport belt of the first transport unit 20A. The first transport unit 20A guides and transports the object 2 along the first transport path A1 while keeping it in a lying state by the feeding movement of the transport belt accompanying the rotation of the transport roller. As a result, the object 2 is transported downstream in the transport direction Y. The first transport path A1 can be set as appropriate. For example, the first transport path A1 may be curved, bent, or inclined.

[0020] The second transport unit 20B is connected downstream of the first transport unit 20A. The second transport unit 20B includes a transport guide member, a transport belt, transport rollers, a transport speed detector, and a motor, similarly to the first transport unit 20A.

[0021] The object 2 is transported from the first transport unit 20A to the second transport unit 20B. The object 2 is placed in a horizontal position on the transport surface 20b of the transport belt of the second transport unit 20B. The second transport unit 20B guides and transports the object 2 along the second transport path A2 while it remains in a horizontal position, by the feed movement of the transport belt due to the rotation of the transport rollers. As a result, the object 2 is transported downstream in the transport direction Y. The second transport path A2 can also be set as appropriate. For example, the second transport path A2 may be curved, bent, or inclined.

[0022] The detection device 50 is installed at a predetermined location on the transport path. The detection device 50 includes an illumination device, an imaging device (not shown), and an image processing device VS. The image processing device VS includes an image sensor that detects the position and state of the object 2. On the transport path formed by the transport device 20, a pre-processing area 70 is provided on the primary side of the detection device 50 for carrying in and sorting processes before transport. On the secondary side of the detection device 50, a pickup position is provided where the transfer device 40 picks up the object 2 being transported by the second transport unit 20B.

[0023] The detection device 50 is connected to the control device 60. The detection device 50 captures an image of the object 2 being transported on the transport surface 20b of the second transport unit 20B from above, acquires image information, and transmits the acquired image information to the control device 60.

[0024] The control device 60 is connected to the drive mechanisms and various sensors of each of the devices 20, 40, and 50. The control device 60 performs data processing such as calculations and decisions based on identification information and controls the operation of each part. The control device 60 has a processing circuit that includes, for example, at least one processor. By executing an operating system or application program stored in the memory of the control device 60 and controlling each part, various functions of the packaging device 1 are realized.

[0025] For example, the control device 60 drives the motors of the first transport unit 20A and the second transport unit 20B while monitoring the output of the transport speed detector. As a result, the object 2 on the transport surface 20a is transported along the first transport path A1 at a first speed, and the object 2 on the transport surface 20b is transported along the second transport path A2 at a second speed.

[0026] The control device 60 drives the imaging device of the detection device 50 at a predetermined timing. This causes the object 2 to be imaged and an image to be acquired. Based on the image captured by the imaging device of the detection device 50 and detection data from various sensors, the control device 60 detects the position and state of the object 2 being transported on the transport surface 20b.

[0027] The control device 60 drives and controls the transfer device 40. The transfer device 40 moves and opens / closes the holding hand 41 to pick up the object 2 at the pickup position. The transfer device 40 moves the holding hand 41 to near the transfer position in the destination container 3, and releases the holding hand 41 near the transfer position to place the object 2 on it. In other words, the transfer device 40 transfers the object 2 from the pickup position to the transfer position.

[0028] More specifically, the transfer device 40 includes a transfer arm 42. The transfer arm 42 is a hand movement mechanism that supports and moves the holding hand 41. The transfer arm 42 can move the holding hand 41 to near the transfer position within the container 3.

[0029] The transfer arm 42 is formed by extending upward and horizontally across the transport path from a base end located adjacent to the second transport section 20B. The transfer arm 42 supports the holding hand 41 so that it can move and rotate. Specifically, the transfer arm 42 comprises a support column 46, a first rotating arm 47, a second rotating arm 48, a rotating mechanism 49, and a lifting mechanism 51.

[0030] The support column 46 is erected upward from a position adjacent to the side of the second conveying section 20B or the downstream end of the second conveying section 20B. The support column 46 supports the first rotating arm 47 so that it can rotate around an axis in the Z direction. To further save space, the support column 46 may be connected to the ceiling and support the first rotating arm 47 from there.

[0031] The first rotating arm 47 comprises an arm portion 47a and a drive source 47b. The arm portion 47a is connected to the upper end of the support column portion 46 and extends perpendicular to the Z-axis, which is the extension direction of the support column portion 46. The drive source 47b includes a rotary motor for rotating the arm portion 47a. The second rotating arm 48 is connected to the tip of the arm portion 47a.

[0032] The second rotating arm 48 comprises an arm portion 48a and a drive source 48b. The arm portion 48a is connected to the tip of the arm portion 47a of the first rotating arm 47 and extends perpendicular to the Z-axis. The drive source 48b includes a rotary motor for rotating the arm portion 48a. A holding hand 41 is connected to the tip of the arm portion 48a via a rotating mechanism 49 and a lifting mechanism 51.

[0033] The rotational movement of the first rotating arm 47 and the second rotating arm 48 is controlled by the control device 60. The direction and amount of rotation of the first rotating arm 47 and the second rotating arm 48 are determined based on the information detected by the detection device 50. By adjusting the amount of rotation with correction conditions calculated according to the position of the detected object 2, the holding hand 41 supported by the transfer arm 42 can be moved to a position suitable for each individual object 2.

[0034] The rotating mechanism 49 is provided at the tip of the second rotating arm 48. The rotating mechanism 49 rotatably supports the base portion 43 about an axis along the Z direction. The rotational movement of the rotating mechanism 49 is controlled by the control device 60. The rotational direction and amount of rotation of the rotating mechanism 49 are determined based on information detected by the detection device 50. The rotating mechanism 49 corrects the orientation of the holding hand 41 to match the orientation of each individual object 2 by rotating the holding hand 41 according to correction conditions calculated according to the orientation of the detected object 2.

[0035] The lifting mechanism 51 is equipped with a cylinder mechanism capable of linear motion and has a lifting shaft that is movable in the Z direction. That is, the lifting mechanism 51 supports the holding hand 41 so that it is movable in the Z direction relative to the tip of the second rotating arm 48.

[0036] The lifting and lowering operation of the lifting mechanism 51 is controlled by the control device 60. The stroke of the lifting and lowering operation is determined based on the information detected by the detection device 50. That is, the lifting mechanism 51 raises and lowers the holding hand 41 according to correction conditions calculated according to the detected position of the object 2.

[0037] The transfer arm 42 can position the holding hand 41 at any position within a predetermined movable surface and range of motion determined by the stroke of the multiple arms, starting from the base adjacent to the second transport section 20B, and can also move the holding hand 41 up and down and rotate.

[0038] Figure 2 is an enlarged schematic diagram of a part of the conveying device 20 (the part enclosed by block B in Figure 1). Figure 3 is an external perspective view of the conveying device 20 corresponding to Figure 2. In the example in Figure 1, the width of the conveying surface 20a of the first conveying section 20A (the length in the X direction perpendicular to the conveying direction Y, and an example of the first width) and the width of the conveying surface 20b of the second conveying section 20B (the length in the X direction perpendicular to the conveying direction Y, and an example of the second width) are the same. From Figure 2 onward, the case in which the width of the conveying surface 20a is wider than the width of the conveying surface 20b will be explained.

[0039] Thus, there is design flexibility in the size (e.g., width) of the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B, and various configurations are possible. The size of the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B may be set appropriately depending on the type of object 2.

[0040] As shown in Figure 2, the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B are positioned with a gap between them to avoid mechanical interference (such as friction between their conveying belts). There is a risk that an object 2, when conveyed to the downstream end of the conveying surface 20a, may get stuck in this gap and continue to rotate or bounce while remaining in the gap, preventing it from being smoothly conveyed to the second conveying section 20B. In particular, agricultural products such as cucumbers are fragile, irregularly shaped, and of varying sizes. Therefore, it is conceivable that when an object 2 gets stuck in the gap, it may get damaged by friction between the object 2 and the conveying belt. It is also conceivable that thin cucumbers may get stuck in the gap and be unable to be conveyed to the second conveying section 20B.

[0041] Therefore, in one embodiment of the present disclosure, a transport assist device 200 is installed between the first transport unit 20A and the second transport unit 20B. The transport assist device 200 includes a roller 22 (an example of a rod-shaped member) and a support unit 24.

[0042] As shown in Figure 3, a support portion 24 is attached to one side surface 21B of the second conveying section 20B. The support portion 24 is a crank-shaped metal fitting (an example of a support member) and consists of a plate-shaped base portion 241, an intermediate portion 242, and a tip portion 243. In the mounting example in Figure 3, the base portion 241 is formed extending in the Y direction. The intermediate portion 242 is formed extending outward from the second conveying section 20B in the X direction, perpendicular to the base portion 241 (and the side surface 21B). The tip portion 243 is formed extending in the Y direction, perpendicular to the intermediate portion 242, parallel to the base portion 241 (and the side surface 21A of the first conveying section 20A), and away from the base portion 241.

[0043] The support portion 24 is fixed to the second transport portion 20B by fastening the base portion 241 to the side surface 21B of the second transport portion 20B with screws 26. Similarly, a support portion 24 is also attached to the other side surface 21B of the second transport portion 20B (not visible in the drawing).

[0044] The support portion 24 (more specifically, the tip portion 243) is positioned at a distance from the side surface 21A of the first conveying portion 20A. That is, the support portion 24 is not fixed to the first conveying portion 20A. In another embodiment, the support portion 24 may be fixed to the first conveying portion 20A instead of the second conveying portion 20B, or it may be fixed to both the first conveying portion 20A and the second conveying portion 20B.

[0045] The support portion 24 is not limited to metal. The support portion 24 may be made of other materials, such as resin, as long as it is a material capable of supporting the roller 22.

[0046] A hole 24a is formed in the tip 243 of the support portion 24. One end of the roller 22 is inserted through one hole 24a of the pair of support portions 24. The other end of the roller 22 is inserted through the other hole 24a of the pair of support portions 24. A retaining member (not shown, for example, an E-type retaining ring) is fitted to each end of the roller 22 that protrudes from the hole 24a.

[0047] Although the roller 22 and the hole 24a are approximately the same diameter, the diameter of the hole 24a is slightly larger than the diameter of the roller 22. Therefore, the pair of support parts 24 support the roller 22 so that it can rotate around a central axis (an example of a first axis) that extends in its longitudinal direction (the X direction in the mounting state shown in Figure 3). In other words, the pair of support parts 24 rotatably support each of the two ends of the roller 22.

[0048] The roller 22 is positioned between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B with its central axis (an example of a first axis) oriented in the X direction, which is perpendicular to the conveying direction Y (an example of the conveying direction of the object to be conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section following the first conveying section) (an example of a first orientation). In other words, the roller 22 has a size that allows it to be positioned between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B with its central axis oriented in the X direction.

[0049] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the operation of the conveying device 20 when the object 2 is conveyed from the first conveying section 20A to the second conveying section 20B.

[0050] As shown in Figure 4, when the object 2 is transported to the downstream end of the transport surface 20a, it comes into contact with the surface (outer circumferential surface) of the roller 22. The roller 22 is, for example, a cylindrical metal (e.g., stainless steel) part with a longitudinal length of 306 mm and a radius of 3 mm. That is, the roller 22 is lightweight and has a low coefficient of friction with the support part 24, which is a metal fitting. Therefore, the roller 22 can rotate with a small force (e.g., 0.05 N or more). Consequently, when the object 2 comes into contact with it, the roller 22 rotates.

[0051] The roller 22 is not limited to metal. The roller 22 may be made of other materials such as resin, as long as it can reduce the force required for rotation and does not bend under the weight of the object 2.

[0052] The number of rollers 22 is not limited to one. Multiple rollers 22 may be arranged. In this case, the rollers 22 are arranged at intervals such that, for example, the object 2 does not get stuck in the gaps between them.

[0053] The roller 22 rotates around its central axis in a direction (clockwise in the example in Figure 4) in which the contact point with the object 2 moves in the transport direction Y. The object 2 is carried on the rotating roller 22 from the downstream end of the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A to the upstream end of the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B.

[0054] From another perspective, the support unit 24 supports the roller 22 in a position where it can contact the object 2, between the first conveying unit 20A and the second conveying unit 20B, so that the object 2 is conveyed from the first conveying unit 20A to the second conveying unit 20B by the roller 22 which rotates upon contact with the object 2.

[0055] The length of the roller 22 in the central axis direction (X direction) is longer than the width of the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A and the width of the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B. In other words, the roller 22 is positioned across the entire width of the first transport path A1 and the second transport path A2. Therefore, an object 2 that has reached the downstream end of the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A can come into contact with the roller 22 and move onto the roller 22, regardless of its position in the width direction of the transport surface 20a, and move to the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B.

[0056] In this embodiment, a roller 22 is supported by a support part 24 between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B in a simple configuration. This seals the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B, and the roller 22 assists in the conveyance of the object 2 from the first conveying section 20A to the second conveying section 20B. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the object 2 from getting stuck in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B. For example, even if the object 2 is thin or small, it is possible to prevent the object 2 from getting stuck in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B and not being conveyed smoothly. It is also possible to prevent the object 2 from being rubbed against the conveying belt and damaged when it gets stuck in the gap.

[0057] Thus, the conveying assist device 200, including the roller 22 and the support part 24, is an example of a conveying assist device that assists in the conveying of the object 2.

[0058] In this embodiment, only the roller 22 is placed in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B. Therefore, even when the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B is narrow, the conveying assist device 200 can be incorporated into the conveying device 20.

[0059] From another perspective, since the roller 22 only needs to be placed in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B, the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B can be placed in close proximity. Therefore, the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B itself can be kept small. Consequently, this is advantageous for smoothly conveying the object 2.

[0060] Figures 5 and 6 are schematic diagrams showing the dimensions of each part of the conveying device 20. As shown in Figure 5, the downstream end of the conveying surface 20a of the first conveying section 20A is formed in a curved shape to follow the shape of the conveying roller 120A. The upstream end of the conveying surface 20b of the second conveying section 20B is formed in a curved shape to follow the shape of the conveying roller 120B. Therefore, the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B is not uniform. Specifically, the gap is narrowest at the center in the height direction (Z direction), with a gap D1, and widens as you move upward (or downward) from the center.

[0061] Thus, the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B has both a wide and a narrow section. The gap D1 is preferably smaller than the diameter R1 of the roller 22. The roller 22 is supported by the support section 24 so as to be located in a space having a gap D2 wider than the diameter R1. By blocking this wide gap with the roller 22, it is possible to prevent problems such as the object 2 getting stuck in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B.

[0062] From another perspective, by not placing the rollers 22 in areas with narrow spacing, the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B can be placed in close proximity. Therefore, the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B can be kept small. Consequently, this is advantageous for smoothly conveying the object 2.

[0063] In Figure 6, reference numeral D3 indicates the widest gap between the downstream end of the conveying surface 20a of the first conveying unit 20A and the roller 22. Reference numeral D4 indicates the widest gap between the roller 22 and the upstream end of the conveying surface 20b of the second conveying unit 20B. In this embodiment, the gaps are set so that the object 2 does not get stuck in the gap between the first conveying unit 20A and the roller 22, or in the gap between the roller 22 and the second conveying unit 20B. Specifically, the gaps D3 and D4 are set so that they are smaller than the diameter R2 of the object 2.

[0064] As mentioned above, the object 2 varies in size. In this embodiment, for example, the value of diameter R is set assuming that the object 2 being transported by the transport device 20 is small in size (for example, a cucumber with a small diameter).

[0065] As an example, the smallest diameter of a cucumber that falls within ±3σ of the standard deviation of its diameter is set as diameter R. The gaps between the first conveying section 20A and the roller 22, and the gap between the roller 22 and the second conveying section 20B are set so that the intervals D3 and D4 are smaller than the set diameter R. By keeping these gaps small, the object 2 can be conveyed smoothly.

[0066] Dirt and debris may be attached to the surface of object 2 (for example, a cucumber). Such dirt and debris gradually accumulate in the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B while the conveying device 20 is in operation. Therefore, periodic cleaning is necessary.

[0067] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the state of the conveying device 20 during cleaning. As described above, the conveying auxiliary device 200 (more specifically, the support part 24) is fastened and fixed to the side surface 21B of the second conveying section 20B with screws 26. When cleaning, the worker slightly loosens the screws 26 and lifts the tip 243 of the support part 24. As a result, the entire conveying auxiliary device 200 rotates around the part that is loosely fixed with screws 26, as shown in Figure 7. By moving the support part 24, the roller 22 is moved out of the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B.

[0068] Because the roller 22 has moved out of the gap between the first conveying section 20A and the second conveying section 20B, it becomes easier to insert cleaning tools such as brushes into this gap. This allows the operator to perform cleaning with less effort.

[0069] The entire conveying assist device 200 may be removed from the second conveying section 20B by completely unscrewing the screw 26. Since the conveying assist device 200 has a simple structure consisting of rollers 22 and support parts 24, complex disassembly work is unnecessary, thus reducing the workload on the operator. By removing the conveying assist device 200 from the second conveying section 20B, the operator can more thoroughly remove dirt and debris.

[0070] The above is a description of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. Embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the present disclosure. For example, embodiments of the present application include combinations of embodiments explicitly shown in the specification or obvious embodiments as appropriate.

[0071] For example, in the above embodiment, the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A and the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B are formed in a planar shape. In another embodiment, these transport surfaces may be formed such that the cross-sectional shape in the X direction perpendicular to the transport direction Y is bowl-shaped (or concave). That is, both sides of the transport surface may be sloped. In this case, the object 2 placed on the widthwise edge of the transport surface slides down the slope and moves towards the center of the transport surface. This eliminates the need for the operator to move the object 2 to the center of the transport surface.

[0072] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the support portion 24 supports the roller 22 such that the roller 22 does not protrude beyond the transport surface 20a of the first transport portion 20A in the height direction (Z direction). More specifically, the support portion 24 supports the roller 22 at a position where the surface (outer peripheral surface) of the roller 22 is in contact with the extension of the transport surface 20a. Because the roller 22 does not protrude from the transport surface 20a, the object 2 can be smoothly placed on the roller 22 and moved to the second transport portion 20B.

[0073] The position of the roller 22 is not limited to that shown in the above embodiment. Figure 8 shows a schematic configuration of the conveying device 20 according to Modification 1. As shown in Figure 8, the support part 24 may support the roller 22 at a position in the height direction (Z direction) where the roller 22 is below the conveying surface 20a of the first conveying section 20A (see enlarged view in Figure 8). In this case as well, since the roller 22 does not protrude from the conveying surface 20a, the object 2 can be smoothly placed on the roller 22 and moved to the second conveying section 20B. Thus, there is a degree of design freedom regarding the position of the roller 22, and there are various embodiments.

[0074] In the above embodiment, the height position (position in the Z direction) of the transport surface 20a of the first transport unit 20A and the height position of the transport surface 20b of the second transport unit 20B are the same. These height positions are set so that the object 2 can move smoothly from the transport surface 20a to the transport surface 20b.

[0075] Figure 9 shows the schematic configurations of the transport device 300 according to the comparative example and the transport device 20 according to the modified example 2. The transport device 300 according to the comparative example is the transport device 20 according to the modified example 2 with the transport assist device 200 removed.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the height of the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A may be higher than the height of the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B. However, in the comparative example, rollers 22 are not installed. Therefore, there is a risk that the object 2 may get stuck in the gap between the first transport section 20A and the second transport section 20B, and continue to rotate or bounce while remaining in the gap, thus not being smoothly transported to the second transport section 20B.

[0077] In contrast, in modified example 2, rollers 22 are installed. This prevents the object 2 from getting stuck in the gap between the first transport section 20A and the second transport section 20B. As a result, the object 2 is smoothly transported to the second transport section 20B. In this way, even when the transport surface 20a of the first transport section 20A and the transport surface 20b of the second transport section 20B are at different heights, the transport assist device 200 ensures smooth transport of the object 2.

[0078] Figure 10 shows a schematic configuration of the conveying device 20 according to the third modification. As shown in Figure 10, the support part 24 may be attached to a member 80 other than the second conveying part 20B. The other member 80 may be, for example, the base member of the conveying device 20 or the floor surface on which the conveying device 20 is installed. In other words, there is design freedom regarding where to attach the support part 24, and there are various configurations.

[0079] The conveying assist device 200 may be equipped with a shaft (an example of a rod-shaped member) instead of rollers 22. The shaft is fixed to a support 24, for example, and does not rotate around its central axis. In this case, the configuration of the conveying assist device 200 becomes simpler, and for example, maintainability is improved. When the object 2 is conveyed to the downstream end of the conveying surface 20a of the first conveying unit 20A, it comes into contact with the surface (outer surface) of the shaft and slides along the surface of the shaft, being carried from the downstream end of the conveying surface 20a to the upstream end of the conveying surface 20b of the second conveying unit 20B. For example, by applying a surface treatment to the shaft to improve its sliding properties, the object 2 can be conveyed more smoothly from the first conveying unit 20A to the second conveying unit 20B. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0080] 20: Conveying device 20A: First conveying section 20B: Second transport section 20a: Conveyor surface 20b: Conveyor surface 22: Laura 24: Support part 24a: hole 26: Screw 200: Conveying support device A1: First transport route A2: Second transport route

Claims

1. A rod-shaped member extending in the first axial direction, It comprises a support portion that supports the rod-shaped member, The rod-shaped member has a size that allows it to be positioned between the first conveying section and the second conveying section with its first axis in a first orientation that intersects with the conveying direction of the object to be conveyed from the first conveying section to the second conveying section that follows the first conveying section. The support portion is capable of supporting the rod-shaped member in the first orientation in a position where it can contact the object to be transported, so that the object to be transported is transported from the first transport portion to the second transport portion. Conveying assistance device.

2. The rod-shaped member is a roller that can rotate around the first axis, The support portion supports the roller so that it can rotate around the first axis, The support portion is capable of supporting the roller in the first orientation in a position where it can contact the object to be conveyed, so that the object to be conveyed is conveyed from the first conveying portion to the second conveying portion by the roller which rotates upon contact with the object to be conveyed. The transport assist device according to claim 1.

3. The first transport unit and, The second transport unit and, A transport assist device according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising: The support portion supports the rod-shaped member in the first orientation at the position between the above. Conveying device.

4. The support portion is detachably attached to one of the first transport portion and the second transport portion. The conveying device according to claim 3.

5. The support portion includes a pair of support members that pivotally support each of the ends of the rod-shaped member. Each of the pair of support members is attached to each of the two sides of the first and second transport sections. The conveying device according to claim 4.

6. The height of the conveying surface of the first conveying unit is the same as or higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying unit. The conveying device according to claim 3.

7. The support portion supports the rod-shaped member in such a way that the rod-shaped member does not protrude above the conveying surface of the first conveying section in the height direction. The conveying device according to claim 6.

8. The conveying surface of the first conveying section has a first width in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, The transport surface of the second transport section has a second width in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The first width is wider than the second width. The conveying device according to claim 3.

9. The conveying surface of the first conveying section has a first width in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, The transport surface of the second transport section has a second width in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction, The length of the rod-shaped member in the first axial direction is longer than the first width and the second width. The conveying device according to claim 3.

10. The aforementioned rod-shaped member is made of metal. The conveying device according to claim 3.

11. Between the aforementioned parts, there is a portion wider than the diameter of the rod-shaped member and a portion narrower than the diameter of the rod-shaped member. The rod-shaped member is located in the wide portion, The conveying device according to claim 3.

12. The gaps between the first conveying section and the rod-shaped member and the gap between the second conveying section and the rod-shaped member are set so that the object to be conveyed does not get stuck in them. The conveying device according to claim 3.

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