Conveying device

Abstract

The present invention provides a compact conveying device that performs both lifting and conveying operations using a single power source. [Solution] The conveying device 1 includes a first unit 10 which includes a rotating member 11 and a roller 13 which rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 11 to move the object to be conveyed, and a second unit 20 which has a mounting surface 22 provided with a low position 22L and a high position 22H. The second unit 20 moves between a position on which the rotating member 11 is placed at the high position 22H and a position on which it is placed at the low position 22L, thereby moving the first unit 10 up and down. When the rotating member 11 is at the low position 22L, the roller 13 is below the reference surface, and when it is at the high position 22H, at least a part of the roller 13 is above the reference surface, and when the rotating member 11 moves relatively between the low position 22L and the high position 22H, at least the second unit 20 moves in the intersecting direction CD.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] In a device for sending out an object conveyed on the main line of a conveyor in a predetermined direction such as a sub-line, there is a device that performs a lift-up operation and a sending-out operation in a predetermined direction using a single electric motor. This device includes a work transfer carriage provided with a running sprocket row at four corners of a box-shaped chassis and driving the running sprocket row via a chain with a single electric motor, and a pedestal having an inclined rack that engages with the running sprocket row and moves up and down (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the device described in Patent Document 1, the carriage provided with the running sprocket moves up and down by the running sprocket moving on the inclined surface of the inclined rack. However, due to the characteristic that the running sprocket moves on the inclined surface, the carriage inevitably moves horizontally. Since the horizontal movement of the carriage does not contribute to the lift-up operation of the object and the sending-out operation in a predetermined direction, an ineffective space is generated in the horizontal direction, leading to an increase in the size of the device.

[0005] In view of the above problems, this disclosure relates to providing a conveying device that suppresses the generation of ineffective space and achieves miniaturization while performing lifting and conveying operations with one power source.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] A conveying device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a first unit including a rotating member rotatable about an axis and a roller that moves an object to be conveyed by rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member, and a second unit which moves the first unit up and down by moving the rotating member between a position on the mounting surface at the high position and a position on the low position, wherein when the rotating member is placed on the mounting surface at the low position, the roller is located below a reference plane, and when the rotating member is placed on the mounting surface at the high position, at least a part of the roller is located above the reference plane, and when the rotating member moves relatively between the low position and the high position, at least the second unit moves in the intersecting direction.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, the rotation of the rotating member rotates the roller and moves at least the second unit in a crossing direction, thereby moving the first unit up and down. This makes it possible to miniaturize the device while performing both lifting and conveying operations with a single power source.

[0008] Furthermore, as a conveying device according to a second aspect of the present disclosure, in the conveying device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, the rotating member may be a motor roller with a built-in motor.

[0009] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, the space occupied by the rotating member can be relatively small, and the degree of freedom in placement can be improved.

[0010] Furthermore, as a conveying device according to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the conveying device according to the first or second aspect of the present disclosure comprises a third unit having a plurality of conveying rollers that support the object to be conveyed so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the object is moved by the rollers, each of the conveying rollers is arranged to form a gap between adjacent conveying rollers, and the highest point of each conveying roller is located on the reference plane, and the first unit may be arranged so that the rollers are located in the gaps.

[0011] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, when the rollers of the first unit are kept below the reference plane, the transport direction of the transported objects transported by the third unit can be kept unchanged, while when at least a portion of the rollers is raised above the reference plane, the transport direction can be changed, thereby enabling sorting of the transported objects.

[0012] Furthermore, as a conveying device according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, in a conveying device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present disclosure, the second unit may include a rotation direction limiting member that the rotating member contacts when the rotating member is in the high position, which rotates when the rotating member rotates in the direction in which the rotating member moves relatively from the low position to the high position, but does not rotate when the rotating member rotates in the direction in which the rotating member moves relatively from the high position to the low position.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of this disclosure, a rotating member can continue to rotate while maintaining a high position with a simple configuration, and consequently, the roller can continue to rotate while at least a portion of it is located above the reference plane.

[0014] Furthermore, as a transport device according to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, in the transport device according to the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the high position has a first high position and a second high position facing each other in the intersecting direction with the low position in between, and the rotation direction limiting member includes a first rotation direction limiting member provided on the side of the first high position and a second rotation direction limiting member provided on the side of the second high position, and when the rotating member rotates in the first direction while the rotating member is in the low position, the rotating member moves relative to the first high position The rotating member may move and come into contact with the first rotation direction limiting member, and the object to be transported may be transported in a predetermined direction as the rotating member continues to rotate in the first direction. If the rotating member rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the rotating member is in the low position, the rotating member may move relatively to a second high position and come into contact with the second rotation direction limiting member, and the object to be transported may be transported in a direction opposite to the predetermined direction as the rotating member continues to rotate in the second direction.

[0015] According to a fifth aspect of this disclosure, the rotating member can rotate in either direction and continue rotating while maintaining a first high position or a second high position, thereby allowing the rollers that move the object being conveyed to rotate in either direction.

[0016] Furthermore, as a transport device according to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, a transport device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects of the present disclosure may be provided with a guide that defines the range in which the first unit can move in the intersecting direction.

[0017] According to a sixth aspect of this disclosure, it is possible to suppress excessive movement of the first unit in the intersecting direction and to suppress the generation of invalid space.

[0018] Furthermore, as a conveying device according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure, in the conveying device according to the sixth aspect of this disclosure, the guide may substantially restrict the direction in which the first unit moves to a vertical position.

[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the first unit can be prevented from moving substantially in the crossing direction, and the generation of an ineffective space can be prevented.

Advantages of the Invention

[0020] According to the present disclosure, due to the rotation of the rotating member, the roller is rotated and at least the second unit is moved in the crossing direction to move the first unit vertically, so that the lifting and lowering operation and the conveying operation can be performed with one power while miniaturizing the device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] It is an exploded perspective view of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view of a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] It is a perspective view of a second unit included in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5] (A) is a partial perspective view around a guide included in a conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and (B) is a partial front view around the guide. [Figure 6] (A) is a partial cross-sectional view around a rotating member at a low position, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view around the rotating member at a high position. [Figure 7] It is a perspective view of a conveying device according to a modified example of an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each figure, members that are the same or corresponding to each other are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions are omitted. Also, the dimensions and ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation and may be different from the actual ratios.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conveying device 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The conveying device 1 is a device (a so-called (right-angle) branching unit) that can change the direction of movement of an object to be conveyed (hereinafter referred to as "workpiece W") moving in the main direction MD to the branch direction BD as needed. Specifically, the conveying device 1 has a plurality of elongated cylindrical conveying rollers 31 that rotate in the main direction MD, arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals, and a plurality of rollers 13 that rotate in the branch direction BD are arranged between adjacent conveying rollers 31. When the conveying device 1 is conveying the workpiece W in the main direction MD, the rollers 13 are retracted below the upper surface of the conveying rollers 31 (corresponding to the reference plane described later), and when the conveying device 1 is conveying the workpiece W in the branch direction BD, the upper surface of the rollers 13 is raised above the upper surface of the conveying rollers 31 (i.e., the reference plane), and the rollers 13 convey the workpiece W in the branch direction BD. In this embodiment, the main direction MD and the branch direction BD are both in the horizontal plane and are mutually orthogonal. However, the main direction MD and / or the branch direction BD may be in a plane inclined from the horizontal, and may intersect each other at angles other than orthogonal. One of the features of the conveying device 1 is that the rotation and raising and lowering of the roller 13 are performed by a single power source. The configuration of the conveying device 1 will be described below.

[0024] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view showing the schematic configuration of the conveying device 1. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the conveying device 1. Figure 3 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the main direction MD (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the conveying device 1 comprises a first unit 10 including the aforementioned roller 13, a second unit 20, a third unit 30 including the aforementioned conveying roller 31, a housing 40 that accommodates these, and a guide 50. The first unit 10 moves up and down with the help of the second unit 20 and functions as a lifting unit. The second unit 20 moves the first unit 10 up and down by sliding itself and functions as a sliding unit. The third unit 30 can move the workpiece W (see Figure 1), which is the object to be conveyed, in a straight line in the main direction MD and functions as a straight-line unit.

[0025] The first unit 10 mainly includes the aforementioned roller 13 as well as a rotating member 11 (located slightly to the right of the center in Figure 3). The rotating member 11 rotates the roller 13 itself and provides power to move the first unit 10, including the roller 13, up and down. The rotating member 11 is formed in an elongated cylindrical (or columnar) shape. The rotating member 11 has an axis 12. The axis 12 is a hypothetical straight line that passes through the center of gravity in a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 11. The axis 12 coincides with the axis of the rotating body when the cylindrical shape of the rotating member 11 is viewed as a rotating body formed by rotating an elongated rectangle. Hereinafter, the direction in which the axis 12 extends will be referred to as the "axial direction AD". In this embodiment, the axial direction AD is the direction in which it extends horizontally. The rotating member 11 can rotate in either direction around the axis 12. In this embodiment, a motor roller is used as the rotating member 11. Therefore, in this embodiment, the rotating member 11 has a motor built inside a long, slender cylindrical roller. The rotating member 11 may also incorporate a reduction gear, a drive circuit (for example, located on the circuit board), and / or a control circuit (for example, located on the circuit board), etc., as needed.

[0026] The roller 13 is a component for moving the workpiece W (see Figure 1) in the branch direction BD. The roller 13 is formed in a cylindrical (or cylindrical) shape and rotates around a central axis parallel to the axis 12. Typically, the length in the direction in which the central axis extends (hereinafter referred to as "width") of the roller 13 is shorter than its diameter. However, the roller 13 can have a diameter and width that allows for appropriate transport of the workpiece W, taking into consideration the arrangement described later. Preferably, the cylindrical side surface of the roller 13 (i.e., the part corresponding to the width) has a coefficient of friction that substantially prevents slippage against the workpiece W it contacts.

[0027] Multiple rollers 13 are provided in sets of several rollers 13. In this embodiment, four sets of seven rollers 13 are provided, but the number of rollers 13 per set and the number of sets provided can be appropriately determined according to the size, weight, and other characteristics of the workpiece W to be moved. In this embodiment, the seven rollers 13 included in one set are rotatably mounted on the support plate 15. The support plate 15 is a thin, plate-like member formed long in the branch direction BD (see Figure 1), and is typically made of metal, but may be made of synthetic resin or other materials depending on the application of the conveying device 1, taking into consideration the loads that will be applied. In each set, all seven rollers 13 are mounted on the support plate 15 with one end face facing the surface of the support plate 15, and all seven rollers 13 are arranged in a straight line in the branch direction BD. The seven rollers 13 mounted on one support plate 15 are arranged with appropriate intervals between them, so that they all touch the same virtual plane (not shown). In other words, when the two end rollers 13 of the seven rollers are brought into contact with a certain plane, all the rollers 13 sandwiched between the end rollers 13 are arranged in such a manner that they also come into contact with the plane. When viewed from the side facing the end face of each roller 13 (see Figure 3), the upper part of each roller 13 protrudes from the upper edge of the support plate 15.

[0028] Multiple rollers 13 attached to the support plate 15 rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 11 around its axis 12, as the rotational force of the rotating member 11 is transmitted via the belt 17. In this embodiment, a flat belt is preferably used for the belt 17. In this embodiment, where the belt 17 is used as a means of transmitting rotational force, an appropriate number of idlers 14 are rotatably provided at appropriate positions on the support plate 15 to utilize the tension of the belt 17 and press the belt 17 against the rollers 13 (i.e., increase the frictional force between the rollers 13 and the belt 17). In addition, some of the idlers 14 (for example, idlers 14 near the rotating member 11) may be provided so as to be slidable in a direction that increases and decreases the tension of the belt 17, and function as a tensioner for adjusting the tension of the belt 17. Multiple support plates 15, each equipped with multiple rollers 13 and multiple idlers 14 (four in this embodiment), are fixed to a common frame 16, typically with their surfaces parallel to each other and arranged at predetermined intervals. The common support frame 16 is typically an elongated member having approximately the same length as the rotating member 11, and is typically arranged to extend in the axial direction AD. In this embodiment, a total of two common support frames 16 are provided, each supporting near both ends of the elongated support plate 15.

[0029] In this embodiment, the rotating member 11 is positioned near one of the two common frames 16A. The rotating member 11 is typically positioned along the main direction MD (see Figure 1). The rotating member 11 and the common frame 16A are supported at their adjacent end faces by a common flat plate member 18A. In this embodiment, the flat plate member 18A is provided with a projection 19. In this embodiment, the projection 19 protrudes outward from the outer surface of the flat plate member 18A (i.e., the side opposite to the side where the rotating member 11 is positioned). The projection 19 is a component that interacts with the guide 50 and is typically formed in a short cylindrical shape. The projection 19 protrudes in the axial direction AD. The flat plate member 18A is typically provided at both ends of the rotating member 11 and the common frame 16A. The axis of the rotating member 11 (i.e., the shaft through which the axis 12 passes) is fixed to the flat plate-shaped members 18A provided at both ends, and the rotating member 11 can rotate around the axis. The relative positions of the rotating member 11 and the multiple rollers 13 and multiple idlers 14 are determined by the pair of flat plate-shaped members 18A, the common frame 16A, and the multiple support plates 15. A belt 17 is appropriately placed over the rotating member 11 and the multiple rollers 13 and multiple idlers 14 which are positioned relative to each other. With this configuration, each roller 13 and idler 14 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member 11. A flat plate-shaped member 18B is provided on the end face of the other common frame 16B of the two common frames 16. A support roller 18C is rotatably attached to the flat plate-shaped member 18B near the common frame 16B. The flat plate-shaped member 18B to which the support roller 18C is rotatably attached is provided at both ends of the common frame 16B. When the rotating member 11 and the support roller 18C of the first unit 10 move up and down, the entire unit moves up and down, and consequently, each roller 13 moves up and down. As described above, the first unit 10 moves up and down with the help of the second unit 20.

[0030] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the second unit 20. In the following description of the second unit 20, when the configuration of the conveying device 1 other than the second unit 20 is referred to, refer to Figures 1 to 3 as appropriate. The second unit 20 mainly consists of a support member 21 and a support base 25. The support member 21 is on which the rotating member 11 is placed. The support base 25 is on which the support roller 18C is placed. The support member 21 and the support base 25 are separated in a direction that intersects the axial direction AD in a plan view (i.e., horizontally) (hereinafter referred to as the "intersecting direction CD") and are connected by a connecting member 26. In this embodiment, the intersecting direction CD is a direction perpendicular to the axial direction AD (or axis 12), but depending on the embodiment, it may be inclined somewhat with respect to the perpendicular direction (for example, 1° to 15°, 5° to 10°, or other angles). In this embodiment, the support member 21, the support base 25, and the connecting member 26 are integrally formed and extend linearly in the intersecting direction CD, constituting a frame 27. In this embodiment, the frame 27 extends slightly from the support member 21 on the side opposite to the side where the support base 25 is located. In this embodiment, two frames 27 are provided. The two frames 27 are spaced apart in the axial direction AD, typically spaced to support the vicinity of both ends of the rotating member 11 in the longitudinal direction. The two frames 27 are connected by a pair of connectors 28 that connect the support members 21 to each other and the support bases 25 to each other, respectively. The pair of frames 27 connected by the pair of connectors 28 have tires 29 rotatably mounted at both ends of each frame (thus a total of four tires). This configuration allows the second unit 20, including the pair of frames 27, to reciprocate in the intersecting direction CD.

[0031] The support member 21 has length in the intersecting direction CD and width in the axial direction AD, and a mounting surface 22 is formed on its upper surface. The mounting surface 22 is the surface on which a part of the cylindrical side surface of the rotating member 11 (typically the end in the longitudinal direction or a portion near it) is mounted. Preferably, at least one of the mounting surface 22 and the rotating member 11 is provided with an anti-slip measure to suppress slippage between the mounting surface 22 and the rotating member 11. Applying an anti-slip measure means, for example, attaching a rubber sheet. In this embodiment, the mounting surface 22 is inclined in the intersecting direction CD, with the center as the bottom and rising from the center toward both ends. The lowest position in the center of such a mounting surface 22 is called the "low position 22L", and the highest positions at both ends are called the "high position 22H". In other words, in this embodiment, the mounting surface 22 has high positions 22H on both sides separated in the intersecting direction CD from the low position 22L. Of the two high positions 22H, one corresponds to the first high position and the other to the second high position. It is not specified which high position 22H is designated as the first high position. The mounting surface 22 is inclined so that the rotating member 11 can move relatively between the low position 22L and the high position 22H while rotating. The inclination from the low position 22L to the high position 22H is monotonically increasing and is typically linear, but it may also be quadratic. Furthermore, the height difference between the low position 22L and the high position 22H should correspond to the distance that each roller 13 of the first unit 10 moves up and down.

[0032] The support member 21 is provided with a one-way roller 23. The one-way roller 23, also called a one-way clutch, is a component that rotates in one direction but not in the opposite direction, and corresponds to a rotation direction limiting member. The one-way roller 23 is provided at each of the two high positions 22H on each support member 21. Of the one-way rollers 23 provided at each of the high positions 22H on both sides, the one provided at the first high position corresponds to the first rotation direction limiting member, and the one provided at the second high position corresponds to the second rotation direction limiting member. Typically, each one-way roller 23 is positioned such that a portion of its surface is exposed on the mounting surface 22 at the high position 22H, and is substantially flush with the mounting surface 22. On the side opposite to the low position 22L of each one-way roller 23, a bearing 24 is positioned away from the one-way roller 23 in a direction CD intersecting the one-way roller 23. The bearing 24 works in cooperation with the one-way roller 23 to support the rotating member 11 at a high position 22H. Therefore, the distance between the one-way roller 23 and the bearing 24 should be such that the rotating member 11 can be stably supported. The bearing 24 is mounted on the frame 27 so that it can rotate in either direction. Each one-way roller 23 is mounted on the frame 27 such that its upper surface (i.e., the surface visible on the mounting surface 22) can rotate away from the bearing 24, but cannot rotate towards the bearing 24.

[0033] The support base 25, like the support member 21, has length in the intersecting direction CD and width in the axial direction AD, and a support roller 18C can be placed on its upper surface. The upper surface of the support base 25, like the mounting surface 22, is sloped in the intersecting direction CD, with the center as the bottom and rising from the center towards both ends. The lowest position in the center of the upper surface of such a support base 25 is called the "low position 25L," and the highest positions at both ends are called the "high positions 25H." The support base 25 has high positions 25H on both sides separated in the intersecting direction CD from the low position 25L. The height difference between the low position 25L and the high position 25H on the support base 25 is the same as the height difference between the low position 22L and the high position 22H on the mounting surface 22. Furthermore, the incline from the low position 25L to the high position 25H on the support base 25 is typically the same as the corresponding incline on the mounting surface 22, but it may have a different shape from the corresponding incline on the mounting surface 22 depending on the application of the conveying device 1.

[0034] The explanation of the configuration of the conveying device 1 will continue, again mainly referring to Figures 1 to 3. The third unit 30 mainly has multiple conveying rollers 31, and in this embodiment, it has five conveying rollers 31. Of the multiple conveying rollers 31, in this embodiment, one is a drive roller 32 and the rest are driven rollers 33. The drive roller 32 has its own drive unit, such as a motor, and in this embodiment, a motor roller is used. The driven rollers 33 are moved by the power of the drive roller 32, and typically free rollers are used. The drive roller 32 and the driven rollers 33 differ in whether or not they have their own drive unit, but other than that, their dimensions and other configurations are the same. Hereafter, when it is not necessary to distinguish between the drive roller 32 and the driven rollers 33, they will be collectively referred to as conveying rollers 31.

[0035] The conveyor rollers 31 are formed in an elongated cylindrical (or columnar) shape. The conveyor rollers 31 have shafts 35 that protrude outward from both ends of the cylindrical shape. The shafts 35 have a slender, rod-like appearance. The shafts 35 are located at the center of gravity in a cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor rollers 31. The outer cylinder of the conveyor rollers 31 rotates around the shafts 35. One end of the conveyor roller in the longitudinal direction has a reduced diameter section 36, which is smaller in diameter than the other end. The reduced diameter section 36 is the part over which the transmission belt 38, which transmits power from the drive roller 32 to the driven roller 33, is attached. Each conveyor roller 31 is arranged to extend in the intersecting direction CD. The length of the conveyor rollers 31 in the intersecting direction CD (i.e., the longitudinal distance) is typically about the same as the length of the support plate 15. The length of the conveyor rollers 31 in the intersecting direction CD and the diameter of the cylindrical shape may be determined considering the size of the workpiece W, etc.

[0036] Each of the multiple transport rollers 31 is typically arranged such that the shafts 35 are parallel to each other and the end faces of each shaft 35 are aligned in a straight line. While each transport roller 31 is typically arranged so that the shaft 35 extends horizontally, the shaft 35 may be inclined at a predetermined angle relative to the horizontal depending on how the transport device 1 is used. Furthermore, each transport roller 31 is arranged such that a gap 39 is formed between adjacent transport rollers 31. In this embodiment, where five transport rollers 31 are arranged, four gaps 39 are formed. Each gap 39 is a space that can accommodate one set of rollers 13 (seven in this embodiment) of the first unit 10. Therefore, it is preferable that the distance of the gap 39 in the direction perpendicular to the shaft 35 is greater than the width of the roller 13, so that the gap between the roller 13 and the transport roller 31 does not become too large. Each transport roller 31 is arranged such that the virtual straight lines formed by connecting the highest points along the direction in which the shaft 35 extends in each transport roller 31 lie on the same virtual plane. In other words, each of the multiple transport rollers 31 is arranged such that its cylindrical side surface is in contact with a single virtual plane by a line. In this embodiment, this virtual plane is defined as the reference plane SF. The reference plane SF can be viewed as a plane on which the workpiece W can move, depending on the viewpoint.

[0037] The housing 40 is a container that houses the first unit 10, the second unit 20, and the third unit 30, and also serves as a support for each of the transport rollers 31 of the third unit 30. The shafts 35 of each transport roller 31 are fixedly supported in the housing 40. The housing 40 has a case 41, which is the main component, and a retaining piece 48 for positioning the transport rollers 31 to be supported. The case 41 has a bottom plate 42 and end plates 43. In this embodiment, the bottom plate 42 is made of a thin plate-like member formed in a rectangle (i.e., a rectangle or a square). The end plates 43 are provided on a pair of opposing sides of the rectangular bottom plate 42. In this embodiment, the end plates 43 are made of a thin plate-like member that has been bent into a channel shape (so-called channel steel). In this embodiment, the end plate 43 has a web surface perpendicular to the base plate 42, with both flanges protruding from the web to the opposite side of the base plate 42, and the intersection line of the lower flange and the web is attached to the edge of the base plate 42. The end plate 43 has support holes 43H formed at the intersection line of the upper flange and the web. The support holes 43H are holes into which the shafts 35 of the transport rollers 31 are fitted. In this embodiment, since there are five transport rollers 31, five support holes 43H are formed on each end plate 43, spaced to match the arrangement of the multiple transport rollers 31.

[0038] In this embodiment, case 41 also has side plates 44. The side plates 44 are plate-shaped members provided on a pair of sides of the bottom plate 42 that are different from the pair of sides to which the end plates 43 are attached. The side plates 44 are provided on the bottom plate 42 so as to extend on the same side as the side where the end plates 43 are located. The side plates 44 may be a separate member that is subsequently connected to the bottom plate 42, or they may be a part that is formed by bending a member that is integral with the bottom plate 42. The bottom plate 42, end plates 43, and side plates 44 are typically made of metal, but they may be made of materials other than metal, such as synthetic resin, taking into consideration load capacity and usage.

[0039] In this embodiment, the case 41 further includes rails 46. The rails 46 are members that restrict the movement of the second unit 20 in the axial direction AD when it moves in the intersecting direction CD. In this embodiment, the rails 46 are made up of rectangular bar-shaped members and are fixed to the bottom plate 42 inside the case 41. In this embodiment, two rails 46 are provided, spaced apart in the axial direction AD, with each extending in the intersecting direction CD, in a position where there is virtually no gap between them and the tires 29. Here, the position of the rails 46 where there is virtually no gap between them and the tires 29 is a position where, ideally, the tires 29 and the rails 46 do not come into contact when the second unit 20 moves in the intersecting direction CD, but contact within an acceptable range of friction is not permitted.

[0040] The retaining piece 48 is a component that is fitted from the outside of the end plate 43 onto the shaft 35, which is passed through a support hole 43H from the inside to the outside of the end plate 43. The retaining piece 48 is a small plate-shaped piece with an insertion hole 49 through which the shaft 35 can pass. In this embodiment, a total of 10 retaining pieces 48 are provided, as they are attached to both ends of the five transport rollers 31. Each retaining piece 48 is fixed to the outer surface of the end plate 43 with screws or the like after the shaft 35 is passed through the insertion hole 49 from the outside of the end plate 43.

[0041] Figure 5(A) is a partial perspective view of the area around the guide 50 of the conveying device 1, and Figure 5(B) is a partial front view of the area around the guide 50 of the conveying device 1. The guide 50 is provided to restrict the movement of the first unit 10 in the intersecting direction CD when the first unit 10 moves up and down. In this embodiment, the guide 50 has a plate-shaped body 51 through which a regulating hole 52 is formed, through which a projection 19 provided on the flat plate-shaped member 18A of the first unit 10 passes. The regulating hole 52 is a hole that penetrates both sides of the plate-shaped body 51. In this embodiment, the regulating hole 52 is an elongated hole. In this embodiment, the width of the elongated hole 52 is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the projection 19, and it is formed to be elongated in the direction that allows movement of the first unit 10. The statement that the width of the elongated hole is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the projection 19 means that, strictly speaking, it is larger than the outer diameter of the projection 19 in such a way that the projection 19 can be accommodated in the elongated hole, but the widthwise movement is kept to a minimum so as not to hinder the longitudinal movement of the projection 19 within the elongated hole. The regulating hole 52 may be formed such that the elongated hole extends at a predetermined angle relative to the surface of the bottom plate 42 to which the first unit 10 is to be moved, and in this embodiment, it is formed to extend in the vertical direction (i.e., at 90°). The guide 50 is typically fixed to the bottom plate 42 by screwing a screw 53 into the end face of the main body 51 that is in contact with the bottom plate 42 from the back side of the bottom plate 42, but the main body 51 may be joined to the bottom plate 42 by adhesive, welding, etc.

[0042] Referring again to Figures 1 to 5(B), the procedure for constructing the transport device 1 will be explained. The units described so far can be assembled to form the transport device 1 in the following manner. First, the second unit 20 is placed inside the case 41 of the housing 40. At this time, the direction in which the rails 46 extend and the direction in which the frame 27 extends (i.e., the intersecting direction CD) are aligned, and each tire 29 is positioned outside the two rails.

[0043] Next, the first unit 10 is placed on the second unit 20. At this time, each support plate 15 is placed in an orientation that extends in the intersecting direction CD. Then, the mounting surface 22 supports the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction of the rotating member 11, and the support base 25 supports the support rollers 18C. At this time, the shapes and arrangement spacing of the rotating member 11, support rollers 18C, support member 21, and support base 25 are determined such that when the rotating member 11 is in the low position 22L, the support rollers 18C are also in the low position 25L, and when the rotating member 11 is in the high position 22H, the support rollers 18C are also in the high position 25H.

[0044] Next, the third unit 30 is installed. At this time, the transport rollers 31 are installed between the sets of support plates 15 to which multiple rollers 13 and idlers 14 are attached in the already installed first unit 10, and on the outside of the sets on both sides. In this embodiment, the middle of the five transport rollers 31 is designated as the drive roller 32, and two driven rollers 33 are installed on each side of the drive roller 32. However, the ratio and arrangement of the number of drive rollers 32 and driven rollers 33 can be appropriately changed according to the characteristics of the workpiece W to be transported. When installing the transport rollers 31, a transmission belt 38 is placed over the reduced diameter portion 36 of adjacent transport rollers 31 so that the power of the drive roller 32 is transmitted to all driven rollers 33. Each transport roller 31 to which the transmission belt 38 is placed has its shafts 35 at both ends inserted into the support holes 43H of the respective end plates 43. When each transport roller 31 is supported by the end plates 43 in this way, the rollers 13 will be positioned in the gap 39 formed between adjacent transport rollers 31.

[0045] Next, the retaining piece 48 is attached to the end plate 43 from the outside. At this time, the shaft 35 is passed through the insertion hole 49 of the retaining piece 48, and the retaining piece 48 is fixed to the end plate 43 with screws or the like. Finally, the projection 19 of the flat plate member 18A is passed through the regulating hole 52, and the guide 50 is fixed to the bottom plate 42. Note that the fixing of the guide 50 to the bottom plate 42 may be done after the first unit 10 is placed on the second unit 20, but before the third unit 30 is installed.

[0046] The conveying device 1 configured as described above typically includes a control device 60 (see Figure 2). The control device 60 controls the operation of the conveying device 1. In this embodiment, the control device 60 is connected to the rotating member 11 by a communication line (wired or wireless; the same applies hereinafter) and can control the starting / stopping and rotation direction of the rotating member 11. The control device 60 is also connected to the drive roller 32 by a communication line and can control the starting / stopping and rotation direction of the drive roller 32. The control device 60 may be installed inside the case 41 or at a location away from the case 41.

[0047] Next, the operation of the conveying device 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to Figures 6(A) and 6(B) in conjunction with Figures 1 to 5(B). In this embodiment, the conveying device 1 is installed so that the bottom plate 42 of the container 40 is horizontal. Therefore, in this embodiment, the reference plane SF, which is on the virtual plane to which the upper ends of each conveying roller 31 touch, is horizontal. In the initial state, the rotating member 11 is at a low position 22L, and the support roller 18C is at a low position 25L. As a result, all rollers 13 are located below the reference plane SF. In steady state, the workpiece W is conveyed in the main direction MD as shown in Figure 1. Although not shown in Figure 1, typically, roller conveyors are installed adjacent to the conveying device 1 in the main direction MD and the branch direction BD. In other words, the conveying device 1 is provided at the intersection of a roller conveyor extending in the main direction MD (not shown) and a roller conveyor extending in the branch direction BD (not shown). The workpiece W can be moved in either direction along the main direction MD, but typically, while a certain operation is ongoing, the workpiece W is transported along a predetermined main direction MD.

[0048] When the conveying device 1 receives a workpiece W from an adjacent roller conveyor (not shown) upstream of the main direction MD, or before receiving it, it moves the conveying rollers 31. Specifically, the drive roller 32, upon receiving a command from the control device 60, begins to rotate around the shaft 35 in the direction specified by the command. As the drive roller 32 rotates, the driven roller 33, connected to the drive roller 32 via the transmission belt 38, also rotates in conjunction with it around the shaft 35. In this way, all the conveying rollers 31 rotate around the shaft 35 in the same direction. When the workpiece W reaches a rotating conveying roller 31, the rotation of the conveying roller 31 carries the workpiece W in the main direction MD. At this time, since each roller 13 is retracted below the reference plane SF, the workpiece W moving in the main direction MD can continue moving without being hindered by the rollers 13. Once the conveying device 1 has transported the workpiece W to the downstream side in the conveying direction, it hands it over to the adjacent roller conveyor (not shown) downstream in the conveying direction. After the conveying device 1 has transferred the workpiece W to the downstream roller conveyor, if there is no indication of receiving the next workpiece W, it may temporarily stop the operation of the drive roller 32.

[0049] The conveying device 1 operates as follows when a workpiece W flowing on a roller conveyor (not shown) adjacent to the upstream side of the main direction MD is to be sent in the branch direction BD. Note that a sensor (not shown) connected to the control device 60 by a communication line may detect whether or not the workpiece W is to be sent in the branch direction BD. When the workpiece W is to be sent in the branch direction BD, the conveying device 1 moves the rotating member 11 when the entire workpiece W is positioned on the conveying rollers 31. Specifically, the rotating member 11, having received a command from the control device 60, begins to rotate around the axis 12 in the direction specified by the command. For example, when moving the workpiece W in the branch direction BD diagonally to the upper left of the paper in Figure 1, the rotating member 11 rotates in the direction of arrow A in Figure 6(A). When the rotating member 11, which was at the low position 22L, begins to rotate in the direction of arrow A, it begins to move relatively across the mounting surface 22 toward the high position 22H on the side of the common frame 16A. The reason we say "starting to move relative to" here is that, in this embodiment, the movement of the first unit 10 in the intersecting direction CD is restricted by the guide 50, so the first unit 10 does not move in the intersecting direction CD, while the second unit 20 moves. Also, when the rotating member 11 starts to rotate, the roller 13 starts to rotate in the direction of arrow C via the belt 17. In this way, the relative movement of the first unit 10 with respect to the second unit 20 and the rotation of the roller 13 can be achieved with the power of the drive roller 32 alone.

[0050] As the second unit 20 moves in the direction of CD due to the rotation of the rotating member 11 around its axis 12, which does not move in the direction of CD, the rotating member 11 reaches the high position 22H, as shown in Figure 6(B). When the rotating member 11 moves relatively from the low position 22L to the high position 22H, the support roller 18C also moves relatively from the low position 25L to the high position 25H. When the rotating member 11 and the support roller 18C move in the direction of CD relative to the second unit 20 in this way, the first unit 10 rises substantially vertically in this embodiment by the amount of the height difference between the low position 22L (or low position 25L) and the high position 22H (or high position 25H). The reason why the first unit 10 rises substantially vertically is that in this embodiment, the bottom plate 42 is installed so as to be horizontal, and the regulating holes 52 of the guide 50 are formed so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the bottom plate 42. Furthermore, the fact that the first unit 10 rises substantially vertically takes into account that the width of the elongated hole 52 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the projection 19 so as not to obstruct the movement of the projection 19, allowing for movement in a direction perpendicular to the vertical. Due to this rise of the first unit 10, the upper part of each roller 13 appears above the reference plane SF. At this time, the rotating member 11 continues to rotate in the direction of arrow A, supported by the one-way roller 23 and the bearing 24, as shown in Figure 6(B). As mentioned above, the one-way roller 23 is permitted to rotate in the direction away from the bearing 24 (i.e., in the direction of arrow C in Figure 6(B)), and the bearing 24 can rotate in both the direction of arrow C and the direction of arrow D. Therefore, the rotating member 11 supported by the one-way roller 23 and the bearing 24 can continue to rotate about the axis 12 in the direction of arrow A without moving in three-dimensional space. The continuous rotation of the rotating member 11 allows each roller 13 to continue rotating as well. The combined effect of a portion of each roller 13 protruding above the reference plane SF to support the workpiece W, and the rotation of the roller 13 in the direction of arrow C, causes the workpiece W to be transported in the branch direction BD.

[0051] As described above, when the first unit 10 rises, the organic connection between the guide 50 that restricts the movement of the first unit 10 in the intersecting direction CD and the second unit 20 that moves in the intersecting direction CD eliminates the need to provide space outside the intersecting direction CD of the first unit 10 to allow its movement to escape. In other words, in order to raise the first unit 10 by the height difference between the low position 22L and the high position 22H, it is possible to suppress the generation of ineffective space equivalent to the cosine (cos) of the angle between the imaginary line connecting the low position 22L and the high position 22H and the horizontal plane. In conventional devices, this ineffective space was reserved as the space necessary for the transport trolley to move up and down along a fixed incline. The transport device 1 according to this embodiment can suppress the generation of ineffective space while performing the lifting and lowering operation of the roller 13 and the transport operation of the workpiece W by the roller 13 with the power of one rotating member 11.

[0052] When the workpiece W being transported in the branch direction BD moves from the transport device 1 to the roller conveyor (not shown) downstream of the branch direction BD, the transport device 1 moves the rotating member 11 to a lower position 22L. Specifically, the rotating member 11, having received a command from the control device 60, begins to rotate in the direction of arrow B in Figure 6(B). At this time, since the one-way roller 23 is not permitted to rotate in the direction of arrow D, the rotating member 11 begins to move relatively on the mounting surface 22 toward the lower position 22L. As the rotating member 11 rotates in the direction of arrow B, the roller 13 rotates in the direction of arrow D via the belt 17. When the rotating member 11 reaches the lower position 22L, the rotating member 11 stops rotating around the axis 12. At this time, the support roller 18C has also reached the lower position 25L, and each roller 13 has retracted below the reference plane SF. Thereafter, in accordance with the above procedure, the rotation of the rotating member 11 around its axis 12 should be controlled as appropriate depending on whether the workpiece W is flowing in the main direction MD or being transported in the branch direction BD.

[0053] Furthermore, by rotating the rotating member 11, which is located at the low position 22L, in the direction of arrow B, and moving it relative to the high position 22H on the side of the support base 25, the roller 13 can be continuously rotated in the direction of arrow D while moving a part of it above the reference plane SF. As a result, the workpiece W can be moved in the branch direction BD that is diagonally downward to the right of the paper in Figure 1. Thus, the conveying device 1 according to this embodiment can branch and convey the workpiece W, which has been moving in the main direction MD, to either branch direction BD as required.

[0054] As described above, according to the conveying device 1 of this embodiment, the second unit 20 is moved in the intersecting direction CD in order to rotate the roller 13 with the power of one rotating member 11 and move a part of it above the reference plane SF, thereby suppressing the generation of wasted space. Furthermore, since the guide 50 has a vertically long regulating hole 52 formed therein, the first unit 10 can be moved vertically up and down, preventing the generation of wasted space in the intersecting direction CD. In addition, since the one-way roller 23 is provided at a high position 22H, it is possible to supply continuous rotation of the roller 13 above the reference plane SF with a simple configuration while quickly retracting the roller 13 below the reference plane SF.

[0055] Next, with reference to Figure 7, a modified version of the conveying device 1A of the embodiment of this disclosure will be described. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the modified conveying device 1A. Compared to conveying device 1 (see Figure 1), conveying device 1A does not have conveying rollers 31 (see Figure 1) and the accompanying transmission belt 38 (see Figure 1). In other words, conveying device 1A does not have a third unit 30 (see Figure 1). Instead of the third unit 30, conveying device 1A is provided with a stage 131. The configuration of conveying device 1A other than the above is the same as that of conveying device 1 (see Figure 1), except for the configuration around the end plate 43A which will be described later. Therefore, in this modified version, conveying device 1A has the same first unit 10 and second unit 20 as in conveying device 1 (see Figure 1). In the following description of conveying device 1A, when a configuration similar to that of conveying device 1 (see Figure 1) is referred to, refer to Figures 1 to 6(B) as appropriate.

[0056] In this modified example, the stage 131 in the conveying device 1A is made of a long, slender, lightweight channel-shaped steel member. In this modified example, the stage 131 has an upper surface 132 corresponding to the web surface facing upward, and the side surfaces 133 corresponding to both flanges protruding downward from the upper surface 132, with both ends in the longitudinal direction attached to the end plate 43A. The stage 131 may be made of metal, or it may be made of a material other than metal, such as synthetic resin. The stage 131 may be fixed to the end plate 43A by a method suitable for the material, such as welding, bonding, or screwing. The conveying device 1A differs from the end plate 43 (see Figure 2) in the conveying device 1 (see Figure 1) in that the end plate 43A does not have support holes 43H (see Figure 2) and does not have retaining pieces 48 (see Figure 2).

[0057] In this modified example, the conveying device 1A is provided with five stages 131. Each stage 131 is typically installed in the same location where the conveying rollers 31 (see Figure 1) were installed in the conveying device 1 (see Figure 1). Therefore, the stages 131 are installed between sets of support plates 15 to which multiple rollers 13 and idlers 14 are attached, and on the outside of both sets. For multiple stages 131, a gap 39 is formed between adjacent stages 131. In the conveying device 1A, the rollers 13 are located in the gap 39 formed between adjacent stages 131. Furthermore, in the conveying device 1A, each stage 131 is arranged such that the upper surfaces 132 of all stages 131 lie on the same virtual plane. In the conveying device 1A, the upper surface 132 of each stage 131 is designated as the reference plane SF.

[0058] The operation of the conveying device 1A configured as described above is the same as that of the conveying device 1 (see Figure 1), except that it cannot move the workpiece W sent to the conveying device 1A in the main direction MD. The workpiece W sent to the conveying device 1A is moved by an external force provided, for example, by a biasing device (not shown) provided upstream of the main direction MD, and can reach the conveying device 1A by the inertial force of that motion. Since the conveying device 1A does not have power to move the workpiece W in the main direction MD, the surface of the upper surface 132 of the stage 131 may be treated to reduce friction. Alternatively, all stages 131 may be replaced with free rollers that do not have power. Or, instead of multiple stages 131, a flat plate with a surface having a low coefficient of friction may be used, with slits formed in it that allow the rollers 13 to protrude. When the workpiece W, which has moved in the main direction MD, is placed on the stage 131, the conveying device 1A, similar to the conveying device 1 (see Figure 1), does not move the rotating member 11 if it is to send the workpiece W in the main direction MD, and rotates the rotating member 11 in the appropriate time if it is to send it in the branch direction BD.

[0059] In the above explanation, the rotating member 11 was assumed to be a motor roller, but it may also be a free roller without a built-in motor. In this case, typically the motor is installed at a distance from the free roller, and the free roller (i.e., the rotating member 11) is indirectly driven by the motor by being connected to the motor via a belt or gear.

[0060] In the above explanation, the member that transmits the rotational force of the rotating member 11 to the roller 13 is described as a flat belt, but it may also be a V-belt, or something other than a belt, such as a chain, or even a gear.

[0061] In the above explanation, it was assumed that the support member 21 has high positions 22H on both sides of the low position 22L, but the high position 22H is not limited to both sides of the low position 22L, and may be provided only on one side of the low position 22L. The same applies to the high position 25H on the support base 25.

[0062] In the above explanation, it was assumed that a diameter-reducing portion 36 is provided on the side of one end of the conveyor roller 31, but a pulley or sprocket may be provided instead of the diameter-reducing portion 36. If a pulley is used, the transmission belt 38 should be placed on the pulley. If a sprocket is used, a chain should be placed on the sprocket instead of the transmission belt 38.

[0063] In the above description, it was assumed that the elongated hole in the restricting hole 52 formed in the guide 50 extends perpendicular to the bottom plate 42 (at 90°), but it may be formed to extend at an angle other than 90°, such as 75° to 85° (including 80°). Alternatively, the width of the elongated hole in the restricting hole 52 may be made larger than the outer diameter of the projection 19, and the width may correspond to the distance that allows the first unit 10 to move in the intersecting direction CD. In this case, the restricting hole 52 does not have to be an elongated hole.

[0064] In the above description, it is assumed that the projection 19 is provided on the flat plate member 18A of the first unit 10, but the position of the projection 19 is not limited to this. For example, the projection 19 may be provided on the flat plate member 18B instead of the flat plate member 18A, or together with the flat plate member 18A. Alternatively, the projection 19 may be provided on a member constituting the first unit 10 other than the flat plate member 18A and / or the flat plate member 18B (for example, the support plate 15). In this case, the guide 50 is provided adjacent to the member on which the projection 19 is provided. Furthermore, instead of the projection 19 being provided on the first unit 10 (for example, the flat plate member 18A) and the regulating hole 52 being formed in the body 51 of the guide 50, the projection 19 may be provided on the body 51 of the guide 50 and the regulating hole 52 may be formed on the first unit 10 (for example, the flat plate member 18A).

[0065] In the above description, the guide that determines the range in which the first unit 10 can move in the intersecting direction CD is assumed to be a guide 50 with a restricting hole 52 formed in the main body 51. However, end plates 43 and 43A provided on the housing 40 may also be used as guides. In this case, the support plate 15 contacts the end plates 43 and 43A, thereby restricting the first unit 10 from moving further in the intersecting direction CD. When this configuration is adopted, it is preferable to provide rollers on the ends of the support plate 15 that contact the end plates 43 and 43A to reduce frictional resistance when the support plate 15 moves up and down along the end plates 43 and 43A. When end plates 43 and 43A are used as guides, it is not necessary to provide the projection 19 on the first unit 10 (for example, the flat plate member 18A) (i.e., the projection 19 can be omitted). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1. 1A Conveyor device 10 Unit 1 11 Rotating member 12 axis 13 Laura 20 Unit 2 21 Support member 22 Mounting surface 22H high position 22L low position 23 One-way roller (rotation direction limiting member) 30 Unit 3 31 Transport rollers 32 drive rollers 33 Driven roller 39 gaps 43, 43A End plate (guide) 50 Guides CD crossing direction SF reference plane W Work (object to be transported)

Claims

1. A first unit including a rotating member that can rotate about an axis, and a roller that moves an object to be conveyed by rotating in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating member, The device comprises a mounting surface on which the rotating member is placed, the mounting surface having a lower position and a higher position that is higher than the lower position, which are spaced apart in an intersecting direction that intersects horizontally with respect to the axis, and a second unit that moves the first unit up and down by moving the rotating member between a position on the mounting surface at the higher position and a position on the lower position, When the rotating member is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface at the low position, the roller is located below the reference plane, and when the rotating member is placed on the aforementioned mounting surface at the high position, at least a portion of the roller is located above the reference plane, and when the rotating member moves relative to the low position and the high position, at least the second unit moves in the intersecting direction. Conveying device.

2. The rotating member is a motor roller with a built-in motor. The conveying device according to claim 1.

3. The third unit comprises a plurality of transport rollers that support the object to be transported so as to be movable in a direction intersecting the direction in which the object is moved by the rollers, wherein each of the transport rollers is arranged to form a gap between adjacent transport rollers, and the highest point of each transport roller is located on the reference plane, The first unit is arranged such that the roller is positioned in the gap. The conveying device according to claim 1.

4. The second unit includes a rotation direction limiting member that the rotating member contacts when the rotating member is in the high position, which rotates when the rotating member rotates in the direction in which the rotating member moves relatively from the low position to the high position, but does not rotate when the rotating member rotates in the direction in which the rotating member moves relatively from the high position to the low position, and includes a rotation direction limiting member. The conveying device according to claim 1.

5. The aforementioned high position has a first high position and a second high position that are opposite each other in the intersecting direction, with the low position in between. The rotation direction limiting member includes a first rotation direction limiting member provided on the first high position side and a second rotation direction limiting member provided on the second high position side. When the rotating member is in the low position and rotates in the first direction, the rotating member moves relative to the first high position and comes into contact with the first rotation direction limiting member, and the object to be conveyed is conveyed in the predetermined direction as the rotating member continues to rotate in the first direction. When the rotating member is in the low position and rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the rotating member moves relatively to the second high position and comes into contact with the second rotation direction limiting member, and the object to be transported is transported in the opposite direction to the predetermined direction as the rotating member continues to rotate in the second direction. The conveying device according to claim 4.

6. The first unit is provided with a guide that defines the range in which it can move in the intersecting direction. The conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The guide restricts the direction in which the first unit moves to substantially vertically. The conveying device according to claim 6.

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