Conveying device

Abstract

To provide a conveying device that can transport objects across straight and curved sections using the same strip-shaped conveyor without having to transfer them. [Solution] The conveying device 1 comprises a strip-shaped conveyor 2, an outer endless rotating body 3, an inner endless rotating body 4, and an inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 that travels at a lower speed than the inner endless rotating body 4. In a straight section, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. In a curved section, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

Description

Technical Field

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[0001] The present invention relates to a conveying device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a curved wave conveyor in which a conveying path is curved in an arc shape of 90°. The conveying belt of this curved wave conveyor is pulled at both ends in the width direction of the conveying belt by an outer peripheral side chain and an inner peripheral side chain.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the curved wave conveyor of Patent Document 1, the conveying path is curved in an arc shape, and both ends of the long support rod are installed on the outer peripheral side chain and the inner peripheral side chain. As is clear from FIGS. 2, FIG. 4, etc., since the inner peripheral side chain travels a shorter path than the outer peripheral side chain, the inner peripheral side chain needs to travel at a lower speed than the outer peripheral side chain. Then, it is impossible to extend these outer peripheral side chain and inner peripheral side chain to form a straight section because a speed difference will occur between the left and right tunes. Therefore, when using the curved wave conveyor of Patent Document 1 in a conveying path where an arc section and a straight section are mixed, it is necessary to transfer the work between the straight conveyor and the curved wave conveyor at the inlet and outlet of the curved wave conveyor.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device that conveys an object to be conveyed by the same belt-like conveyor without transferring it across a straight section and a curved section.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The characteristic configuration of the conveying device for achieving the above objective is a conveying device for conveying an object over a straight section and a curved section, comprising: a strip-shaped conveying body on which the object to be conveyed is placed and which travels over the straight section and the curved section; an outer endless rotating body provided outside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveying body and extending over the straight section and the curved section, which is driven and travels; and an inner rotating body provided inside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveying body and extending over the straight section and the curved section, which is driven and travels at the same speed as the outer endless rotating body. The conveyor comprises an endless rotating body and an inner low-speed endless rotating body provided in the curved section inside the center in the width direction of the strip conveyor, which is driven and travels at a lower speed than the inner endless rotating body, wherein in the straight section, the outer portion of the strip conveyor is moved by the outer endless rotating body and the inner portion of the strip conveyor is moved by the inner endless rotating body, and in the curved section, the outer portion is moved by the outer endless rotating body and the inner portion is moved by the inner low-speed endless rotating body.

[0007] According to the above configuration, in a straight section, the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is conveyed by an inner endless rotating body that travels at the same speed as the outer endless rotating body. On the other hand, in a curved section, the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is conveyed by an inner low-speed endless rotating body that travels at a lower speed, so the strip-shaped conveyor travels in an arc. This makes it possible for the strip-shaped conveyor to travel from a straight section to a curved section (or from a curved section to a straight section). Therefore, the conveyed object can be transported across a straight section and a curved section using the same strip-shaped conveyor without having to transfer it.

[0008] Another characteristic configuration of the conveying device according to the present invention is that the strip-shaped conveying body is arranged inward from the center in the width direction and has a plurality of contactable portions that can selectively contact the inner endless rotating body and the inner low-speed endless rotating body, the contactable portions travel in the conveying direction by being pushed by the inner endless rotating body or the inner low-speed endless rotating body, the strip-shaped conveying body is deformable at least in the lateral direction intersecting the conveying direction, the distance between the contactable portions when they are in contact with the inner endless rotating body in the straight section is a first distance, and the distance between the contactable portions when they are in contact with the inner low-speed endless rotating body in the curved section becomes a second distance, which is narrower than the first distance, due to the deformation of the strip-shaped conveying body.

[0009] According to the above characteristic configuration, the strip-shaped conveyor deforms laterally in a direction intersecting the conveying direction, making it easier for the strip-shaped conveyor to travel across both straight and curved sections.

[0010] Another characteristic configuration of the conveying device according to the present invention is that the inner endless rotating body and the inner low-speed endless rotating body are provided with protruding portions that protrude in a direction intersecting the direction of travel, and the protruding portions contact the contacted portion from behind in the direction of travel, pushing the contacted portion forward in the direction of travel, thereby causing the strip-shaped conveying body to travel in the conveying direction.

[0011] According to the above characteristic configuration, the protruding portion presses against the contacted portion, causing the strip-shaped conveyor to travel in the conveying direction. In other words, the strip-shaped conveyor travels in the conveying direction even if the protruding portion and the contacted portion are not fixed together. Therefore, it becomes easy to switch between the state in which the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is conveyed by the inner endless rotating body and the state in which it is conveyed by the inner low-speed endless rotating body.

[0012] Another characteristic configuration of the conveying device according to the present invention is that, in the curved section, the inner endless rotating body travels on top of the inner low-speed endless rotating body.

[0013] According to the above characteristic configuration, in curved sections, the inner endless rotating body and the inner low-speed endless rotating body travel at different height positions. In other words, by changing the height position of the contacted area from a height that the inner endless rotating body can contact to a height that the inner low-speed endless rotating body can contact, the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor can be conveyed by the inner low-speed endless rotating body in curved sections.

[0014] Another characteristic configuration of the conveying device according to the present invention is that it includes a guide member that supports and guides the portion of the strip-shaped conveying body that is inward from the center in the width direction from at least below, and the guide member guides the strip-shaped conveying body such that the height of the contacted portion in the curved section is lower than the height of the contacted portion in the straight section.

[0015] According to the above-described configuration, the guide member guides the strip-shaped conveyor so that the height of the contact area in the curved section is reduced, allowing the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor to be transported to the inner low-speed endless rotating body in the curved section.

[0016] Another characteristic configuration of the conveying device according to the present invention is that the strip-shaped conveying body comprises a flexible strip-shaped conveying member and a plurality of rod-shaped support members attached to the conveying member at predetermined intervals in a position extending along a direction intersecting the conveying direction, wherein the conveying member is in a state of downward slack between the support members.

[0017] According to the above-described configuration, the object to be transported can be placed on the lower, slack portion between the support members of the transporting member. This suppresses displacement of the object to be transported, ensuring reliable transport.

[0018] Another characteristic feature of the conveying device according to the present invention is that the inner end of the support member is the contacted portion.

[0019] According to the above-described configuration, the inner endless rotating body or inner low-speed endless rotating body that contacts the contact area can be moved in a position that is less likely to interfere with the object being transported, which is placed in the lower, slack portion between the support members of the transporting member.

[0020] Another characteristic feature of the conveying device according to the present invention is that the outer end of the support member is attached to the outer endless rotating body.

[0021] According to the above characteristic configuration, since the outer end of the support member is attached to the outer endless rotating body, the position of the outer endless rotating body and the support member in the transport direction can be fixed, and the outer portion of the strip-shaped transport body is reliably moved by the outer endless rotating body.

[0022] Another characteristic configuration of a conveying device to achieve the above objective is a conveying device for conveying an object over a straight section and a curved section, comprising: a strip-shaped conveying body on which the object to be conveyed is placed and which travels over the straight section and the curved section; an outer endless rotating body provided outside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveying body and extending over the straight section and the curved section, which is driven and travels; and an inner rotating body provided inside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveying body and extending over the straight section and the curved section, which is driven and travels at the same speed as the outer endless rotating body. The conveyor comprises a side endless rotating body and an outer high-speed endless rotating body provided in the curved section outside the center in the width direction of the strip conveyor, which is driven and travels at a higher speed than the outer endless rotating body, wherein in the straight section, the outer portion of the strip conveyor is moved by the outer endless rotating body and the inner portion of the strip conveyor is moved by the inner endless rotating body, and in the curved section, the outer portion is moved by the outer high-speed endless rotating body and the inner portion is moved by the inner endless rotating body.

[0023] According to the above characteristic configuration, in the straight section, the outer portion of the belt conveyor is conveyed by an outer endless rotating body that travels at the same speed as the inner endless rotating body. On the other hand, in the curved section, since the outer portion of the belt conveyor is conveyed by an outer high-speed endless rotating body that travels at a high speed, the belt conveyor travels in an arc shape. As a result, the belt conveyor can travel from the straight section to the curved section (or from the curved section to the straight section). Therefore, it is possible to convey the conveyed object by the same belt conveyor without transferring it across the straight section and the curved section.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0024] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view showing a conveying device. [Figure 2] It is a plan view showing a conveying device. [Figure 3] It is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control device. [Figure 4] It is a plan view showing an enlarged curved section of a conveying device. [Figure 5] It is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the V-V arrow in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the VI-VI arrow in FIG. 4. [Figure 7] It is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the VII-VII arrow in FIG. 4. [Figure 8] It is a longitudinal sectional view taken along the VIII-VIII arrow in FIG. 4. [Figure 9] It is a developed side view showing an inner endless rotating body, an inner low-speed endless rotating body, and a guide member. [[ID=3�]] [Figure 10] It is a side view showing a boundary portion between an upstream straight section and a curved section. [Figure 11] It is a side view showing a boundary portion between a curved section and a downstream straight section. [Figure 12] It is a plan view showing a conveying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 13] It is a developed side view showing an outer endless rotating body, an outer high-speed endless rotating body, and a guide member. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The conveying device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the direction of arrow U is "up" and the direction of arrow D is "down". Also, the inside of the bend in the conveying device is referred to as "inside" and the outside of the bend is referred to as "outside".

[0026] The conveying device 1 is a device that conveys the object WK to be conveyed along the conveying direction DR1 from the upstream side to the downstream side.

[0027] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the conveying device 1 conveys the object WK to be conveyed over a straight section E extending in a straight line and a curved section C extending in an arc. The curved section C is adjacent to the straight section E in the conveying direction DR1. In this embodiment, the straight section E has an upstream straight section E1 on the upstream side of the curved section C and a downstream straight section E2 on the downstream side of the curved section C. In the illustrated example, the conveying device 1 is curved approximately 90 degrees to the left with respect to the upstream straight section E1 in the curved section C. As a result, the object WK to be conveyed is changed direction by approximately 90 degrees by the curved section C. Alternatively, the curved section C may be curved approximately 90 degrees to the right with respect to the upstream straight section E1.

[0028] As shown in Figure 2, the object to be transported WK is cylindrical. For example, the object to be transported WK is a metal part formed by press molding by a press molding machine M. The object to be transported WK by the transport device 1 is supplied to a washing machine that washes the object to be transported WK. The object to be transported WK is supplied to the washing machine while maintaining an orientation along the lateral direction perpendicular to the transport direction DR1 across the straight section E and the curved section C.

[0029] The upstream linear section E1 extends away from the press molding machine M. The downstream linear section E2 extends along the press molding machine M. This allows the press molding machine M, the conveying device 1, the washing machine, and other devices to be placed in a close area, compared to a configuration where the entire conveying device 1 extends linearly away from the press molding machine M.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, the conveying device 1 comprises a strip-shaped conveyor 2 on which the object to be conveyed WK is placed and which travels across a straight section E and a curved section C; an outer endless rotating body 3 provided on the outer side of the center of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the width direction, extending across the straight section E and the curved section C; an inner endless rotating body 4 provided on the inner side of the center of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the width direction, extending across the straight section E and the curved section C; an inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 provided in the curved section C on the inner side of the center of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the width direction; a guide member 6 that supports and guides the portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 on the inner side of the center in the width direction from at least below; and a control device 12.

[0031] The outer endless rotating body 3 and the inner endless rotating body 4 are driven by a first rotating body 9 that rotates around axes A1 and A2 extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DR1. The first rotating body 9 is an axial member extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DR1. In this embodiment, two first rotating bodies 9 are provided at the upstream end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 and at the downstream end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2, respectively. The first rotating bodies 9 are driven by power from a drive source such as a motor.

[0032] The first rotating body 9 includes an outer sprocket 9a provided outside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveyor 2, and an inner sprocket 9b provided inside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveyor 2.

[0033] The outer endless rotating body 3 and the inner endless rotating body 4 are endless chains. The outer endless rotating body 3 is wound around multiple outer sprockets 9a. The inner endless rotating body 4 is wound around multiple inner sprockets 9b. With this configuration, the outer endless rotating body 3 and the inner endless rotating body 4 are driven by the same first rotating body 9 and travel at the same speed.

[0034] The inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 is driven by a second rotating body 10 that rotates around axes A3 and A4 extending in the vertical direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DR1, as will be described in more detail later. The second rotating body 10 is an axial member extending in the vertical direction. The second rotating body 10 is driven by power from a drive source such as a motor. The upstream second rotating body 10 and the downstream second rotating body 10 rotate in opposite directions.

[0035] The inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 is an endless chain. The outer endless rotating body 3 has a larger radius of curvature than the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 in the curved section C.

[0036] The inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 travels at a lower speed than the inner endless rotating body 4. As shown in Figure 3, the rotational speed of the first rotating body 9 and the rotational speed of the second rotating body 10 are controlled by the control device 12. The control device 12 has a storage unit and a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs. The storage unit is composed of, for example, an HDD, ROM, or non-volatile memory.

[0037] The control device 12 controls the rotation speed of the second rotating body 10 so that it is less than the rotation speed of the first rotating body 9. For example, the control device 12 controls the rotation speed of the first rotating body 9 so that it is equal to the value obtained by multiplying the rotation speed of the second rotating body 10 by the ratio of the radius of curvature of the inner endless rotating body 4 to the radius of curvature of the outer endless rotating body 3. However, the control device 12 may also control the first rotating body 9 and the second rotating body 10, respectively, at preset rotation speeds.

[0038] [Strip-shaped transporter] The center line CH shown in Figure 2 is a virtual line extending along the center of the width direction of the strip-shaped conveyor 2. The left and right central portions of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 are located on the center line CH. In other words, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is the part of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 that is outside the center line CH. Conversely, the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is the part of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 that is inside the center line CH.

[0039] In the straight section E, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. Also, in the curved section C, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5. In this embodiment, in the straight section E, the outer end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. Also, in the curved section C, the outer end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0040] The strip-shaped conveyor 2 extends in a straight line in the straight section E. Furthermore, the strip-shaped conveyor 2 deforms to the right or left in the curved section C. However, it is not limited to this; the strip-shaped conveyor 2 may also be deformable in the width direction and the vertical direction. In other words, the strip-shaped conveyor 2 deforms at least in the width direction intersecting the conveying direction DR1.

[0041] The strip-shaped conveyor 2 comprises a flexible strip-shaped conveying member 21 and a plurality of rod-shaped support members 22 attached to the conveying member 21 at predetermined intervals in a position extending along a lateral direction intersecting the conveying direction DR1. Here, the lateral direction intersecting the conveying direction DR1 includes cases where the conveyor is inclined in the forward, backward, up, and down directions with respect to a direction perpendicular to the lateral direction of the conveying direction DR1.

[0042] [Conveying components] The conveying member 21 is a mesh-like member. The conveying member 21 is made of metal wires woven together in a grid pattern. The conveying member 21 is endless. The inner end of the conveying member 21 is located outside the inner end of the support member 22. Also, the outer end of the conveying member 21 is located inside the outer end of the support member 22.

[0043] The conveying member 21 is supported by a plurality of support members 22. The conveying member 21 is also in a state of downward slack between the plurality of support members 22. The object to be conveyed WK is placed on the downward slackened placement portion 21a of the conveying member 21 between the plurality of support members 22.

[0044] [Support members] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, each support member 22 is positioned inward from the center in the width direction and has a contact portion 22a that can selectively contact the inner endless rotating body 4 and the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5. In other words, the strip-shaped conveyor 2 has a plurality of contact portions 22a. In this embodiment, the inner end of the support member 22 is the contact portion 22a. The contact portion 22a is the part of the support member 22 that is located inward from the conveyor member 21. The contact portion 22a travels in the conveying direction DR1 by being pushed by the inner endless rotating body 4 or the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5. However, it is not limited to this, and the middle part of the support member 22 may also be the contact portion 22a. The inner end of the support member 22 is not fixed to the inner endless rotating body 4 or the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0045] The outer end of the support member 22 is attached to the outer endless pivot body 3. Specifically, the outer end of the support member 22 is attached to the outer endless pivot body 3 by bolts 8 in a swingable manner.

[0046] As shown in Figure 5, the distance between adjacent contacted portions 22a when the contacted portion 22a is in contact with the inner endless rotating body 4 in the straight section E is defined as the first interval I1.

[0047] As shown in Figure 6, the distance between adjacent contacted portions 22a when they are in contact with the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 in the curved section C is defined as the second interval I2. Due to the deformation of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the width direction in the curved section C, the second interval I2 is narrower than the first interval I1.

[0048] [Outer endless rotating body] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 8, the outer endless rotating body 3 travels along the outer end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 across a straight section E and a curved section C.

[0049] The outer endless rotating body 3 has left and right outer link members 31 that are spaced apart and facing each other, left and right inner link members 32 that are spaced apart and facing each other, a cylindrical pin 33 that connects the outer link members 31 and the inner link members 32, and a protruding portion 34 that protrudes laterally and intersects the travel direction DR2 (see Figure 9). The left and right inner link members 32 are located between the left and right outer link members 31. The large diameter portion of the pin 33 is located between the left and right inner link members 32 and extends laterally intersects the travel direction DR2. The protruding portion 34 protrudes from the outer link member 31 toward the strip-shaped conveyor 2 side (inward).

[0050] The protruding portion 34 is a plate-shaped member. The outer end of each support member 22 is attached to the protruding portion 34 by bolts 8.

[0051] The conveying device 1 includes a rail-shaped outer rail member 13 that extends along the outer endless rotating body 3. The outer rail member 13 extends in a straight line in the straight section E. In addition, the outer rail member 13 extends in an arc shape along the strip-shaped conveying body 2 in the curved section C.

[0052] The outer rail member 13 comprises an upper member 13a that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 33 on the outer endless rotating body 3 from above, and a lower member 13b that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 33 on the outer endless rotating body 3 from below. With this configuration, the pin 33 is sandwiched from above and below by the outer rail member 13, so the posture of the outer endless rotating body 3 is maintained. In other words, the outer endless rotating body 3 maintains a posture that extends in a straight line in the straight section E. Also, the outer endless rotating body 3 maintains a posture that extends in an arc along the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the curved section C.

[0053] [Inner endless rotating body] Figure 9 is a side view exploded view showing the inner endless rotating body 4, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5, and the guide member 6 as viewed from the strip-shaped conveyor 2 side. As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, the inner endless rotating body 4 has left and right outer link members 41 that are spaced apart and facing each other, left and right inner link members 42 that are spaced apart and facing each other, a cylindrical pin 43 that connects the outer link members 41 and the inner link members 42, and a protruding portion 44 that protrudes laterally and intersects the travel direction DR2. The left and right inner link members 42 are located between the left and right outer link members 41. The large diameter portion of the pin 43 is located between the left and right inner link members 42 and extends laterally and intersects the travel direction DR2. The protruding portion 44 protrudes from the outer link member 41 toward the strip-shaped conveyor 2 side (outside).

[0054] The conveying device 1 includes a rail-shaped inner rail member 14 that extends along the inner endless rotating body 4. The inner rail member 14 extends linearly in the straight section E. In addition, the inner rail member 14 extends in an arc shape along the strip-shaped conveying body 2 in the curved section C.

[0055] The inner rail member 14 comprises an upper member 14a that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 43 in the inner endless rotating body 4 from above, and a lower member 14b that contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 43 in the outer endless rotating body 3 from below. With this configuration, the pin 43 is sandwiched from above and below by the inner rail member 14, thus maintaining the posture of the inner endless rotating body 4. In other words, the inner endless rotating body 4 maintains a posture that extends in a straight line in the straight section E. Furthermore, the inner endless rotating body 4 maintains a posture that extends in an arc along the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the curved section C.

[0056] The protruding portion 44 is a plate-shaped member. In the straight section E, the protruding portion 44 contacts the contacted portion 22a of each support member 22 from behind in the travel direction DR2, pushing the contacted portion 22a forward in the travel direction DR2, thereby causing the strip-shaped conveyor 2 to travel in the conveying direction DR1.

[0057] Here, the travel direction DR2 refers to the direction in which the outer endless rotating body 3, the inner endless rotating body 4, and the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 travel. As shown in Figure 9, the travel direction DR2 is the same direction as the transport direction DR1 in the outward journey OR. Also, the travel direction DR2 is the opposite direction to the transport direction DR1 in the return journey RR. The same applies to the outer endless rotating body 3 and the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0058] [Inner low-speed endless rotating body] As shown in Figures 4, 8, and 9, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 extends along the inner end of the conveying member 21 in the curved section C. In other words, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 extends in an arc along the strip-shaped conveying body 2.

[0059] The inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 has upper and lower outer link members 51 that are spaced apart and facing each other, upper and lower inner link members 52 that are spaced apart and facing each other, a cylindrical pin 53 that connects the outer link members 51 and the inner link members 52, and a protruding portion 54 that protrudes laterally and intersects the travel direction DR2. The upper and lower inner link members 52 are located between the upper and lower outer link members 51. The pin 53 has a large diameter portion that is located between the upper and lower inner link members 52 and extends in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 54 protrudes away from the outer link members 51.

[0060] The protruding portion 54 is a plate-shaped member. In the curved section C, the protruding portion 54 contacts the contacted portion 22a of each support member 22 from behind in the travel direction DR2, pushing the contacted portion 22a forward in the travel direction DR2, causing the strip-shaped conveyor 2 to travel in the conveying direction DR1.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 is composed of an upper chain 5A that extends along the forward path OR of the strip-shaped conveyor 2, and a lower chain 5B that extends along the return path RR of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 and is located below the upper chain 5A.

[0062] The conveying device 1 includes an upper rail member 15 adjacent to the inside of the upper chain 5A and extending along the upper chain 5A, and a lower rail member 16 adjacent to the inside of the lower chain 5B and extending along the lower chain 5B. The end of the upper rail member 15 on the upper chain 5A side is curved. The end of the lower rail member 16 on the lower chain 5B side is also curved.

[0063] The upper rail member 15 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 53 in the upper chain 5A from the inside. The lower rail member 16 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 53 in the lower chain 5B from the inside. With this configuration, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 maintains an arc-shaped position extending along the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the curved section C.

[0064] The upper chain 5A travels beneath the inner endless rotating body 4 during the outward journey OR. The lower chain 5B travels beneath the inner endless rotating body 4 during the return journey RR. In other words, in the curved section C, the inner endless rotating body 4 travels above the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0065] In this embodiment, two second rotating bodies 10 are provided at the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C, and at the boundary between the curved section C and the downstream straight section E2. Each second rotating body 10 comprises an upper sprocket 10a (see Figure 1) and a lower sprocket 10b (see Figure 1) located below the upper sprocket 10a.

[0066] The upper chain 5A is wound around multiple upper sprockets 10a. The lower chain 5B is wound around multiple lower sprockets 10b. The upper chain 5A is driven by the upstream upper sprocket 10a. The downstream upper sprocket 10a is held relative to the second rotating body 10 via bearings and is freely rotatable relative to the second rotating body 10. The downstream upper sprocket 10a is driven by the rotation of the upstream upper sprocket 10a and the movement of the upper chain 5A.

[0067] The lower chain 5B is driven by the downstream lower sprocket 10b. The upstream lower sprocket 10b is held relative to the second rotating body 10 via a bearing and is freely rotatable relative to the second rotating body 10. The upstream lower sprocket 10b is driven by the rotation of the downstream lower sprocket 10b and the movement of the lower chain 5B. With this configuration, the upper chain 5A and the lower chain 5B are driven by the second rotating body 10. Furthermore, the upper chain 5A and the lower chain 5B move in opposite directions at the same speed.

[0068] [Guidance component] As shown in Figure 9, the guide member 6 comprises an upstream frame 61, a downstream frame 62 located downstream of the upstream frame 61, and an intermediate frame 63 located between the upstream frame 61 and the downstream frame 62.

[0069] [Upstream frame] As shown in Figures 7 and 9, the upstream frame 61 extends along the inner end of the conveying member 21 in the upstream straight section E1. In plan view, the upstream frame 61 overlaps with the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0070] The upstream frame 61 includes a forward guide member 61a that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the forward path OR, and a return guide member 61b that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the return path RR.

[0071] The forward-path guide member 61a is a plate-shaped member that extends vertically. The upper end of the forward-path guide member 61a guides the support member 22 from below in the forward-path OR. The lower end of the forward-path guide member 61a guides the support member 22 from above in the return-path RR. A downward-sloping first inclined portion 61c is provided at the upper end of the forward-path guide member 61a. The first inclined portion 61c is provided at the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C in the forward-path OR. The forward-path guide member 61a holds the inner end of the first rotating body 9.

[0072] The return-path guide member 61b is a horizontally oriented U-shaped member. The lower part of the return-path guide member 61b guides the support member 22 from below in the return-path RR. The upper part of the return-path guide member 61b guides the support member 22 from above in the forward-path OR. An upward-sloping second inclined section 61d is provided at the lower part of the return-path guide member 61b. The second inclined section 61d is provided at the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C in the return-path RR.

[0073] In the uphill path UR, which extends vertically between the return path RR and the outward path OR, the support member 22 is guided by the outward path guide member 61a and the return path guide member 61b.

[0074] [Downstream frame] As shown in Figure 9, the downstream frame 62 extends along the inner end of the conveying member 21 in the downstream straight section E2. In plan view, the downstream frame 62 overlaps with the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0075] The downstream frame 62 includes a forward guide member 62a that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the forward path OR, and a return guide member 62b that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the return path RR of the conveying member 21.

[0076] The forward-path guide member 62a is a plate-shaped member that extends vertically. The upper end of the forward-path guide member 62a guides the support member 22 from below in the forward-path OR. The lower end of the forward-path guide member 62a guides the support member 22 from above in the return-path RR. An upward-sloping second inclined portion 62d is provided at the upper end of the forward-path guide member 62a. The second inclined portion 62d is provided at the boundary between the curved section C and the downstream straight section E2 in the forward-path OR. The forward-path guide member 62a holds the inner end of the first rotating body 9.

[0077] The return-path guide member 62b is a horizontally oriented U-shaped member. The lower part of the return-path guide member 62b guides the support member 22 from below in the return-path RR. The upper part of the return-path guide member 62b guides the support member 22 from above in the forward-path OR. A downward-sloping first inclined section 62c is provided at the lower part of the return-path guide member 62b. The first inclined section 62c is provided at the boundary between the downstream straight section E2 and the curved section C in the return-path RR.

[0078] In the downhill path DW that extends vertically between the outbound path OR and the return path RR, the support member 22 is guided by the outbound guide member 62a and the return guide member 62b.

[0079] [Intermediate frame] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the intermediate frame 63 extends along the inner end of the conveying member 21 in the curved section C. In a plan view, the intermediate frame 63 overlaps with the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4 and the protruding portion 54 of the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0080] The intermediate frame 63 includes a forward guide member 63a that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the forward path OR, and a return guide member 63b that supports and guides the support member 22 from below in the return path RR. The forward guide member 63a and the return guide member 63b are positioned opposite each other vertically with a gap between them.

[0081] With the above configuration, the guide member 6 guides the strip-shaped conveyor 2 such that the height of the contact portion 22a of the support member 22 in the curved section C is lower than the height of the contact portion 22a in the straight section E. This will be explained in detail below.

[0082] [Regarding the boundary between the straight section and the curved section on the outbound journey] Figure 10 shows the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C in the outbound OR route. At a position adjacent to the downstream side of the first inclined section 61c, the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4 and the protruding portion 54 of the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 overlap in a plan view. The support member 22, which is being pushed by the inner endless rotating body 4, is guided diagonally downward by the first inclined section 61c. As a result, at a position adjacent to the downstream side of the first inclined section 61c, the contacted portion 22a of the support member 22 is at a height where it is pushed by the protruding portion 54 of the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0083] On the other hand, at a position adjacent to the downstream side of the first inclined section 61c, the contacted portion 22a of the support member 22 is at a height that does not come into contact with the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4. As a result, at the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C, the support member 22 is transferred from the inner endless rotating body 4 to the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5.

[0084] Figure 11 shows the boundary between the curved section C and the downstream straight section E2 in the outbound OR route. At a position adjacent to the upstream side of the second inclined section 62d, the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4 and the protruding portion 54 of the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 overlap in a plan view. The support member 22, which is being pushed by the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5, is guided diagonally upward by the second inclined section 62d. As a result, at a position adjacent to the downstream side of the second inclined section 62d, the contacted portion 22a of the support member 22 is at a height where it is pushed by the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0085] On the other hand, the position of the contacted portion 22a of the support member 22 is such that it does not come into contact with the protruding portion 54 of the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5. As a result, at the boundary between the downstream straight section E2 and the curved section C, the support member 22 is transferred from the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5 to the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0086] [Second Embodiment] A conveying device according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Components similar to those in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0087] As shown in Figure 12, the conveying device 1 includes an outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 provided in a curved section C outside the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveying body 2, which is driven and travels at a higher speed than the outer endless rotating body 3, and a guide member 6 that supports and guides the portion of the strip-shaped conveying body 2 outside the center in the width direction from at least below.

[0088] The outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 is driven by a third rotating body 17 that rotates around axes A5 and A6 that extend vertically perpendicular to the conveying direction DR1. The third rotating body 17 is an axial member that extends vertically. The upstream third rotating body 17 and the downstream third rotating body 17 rotate in opposite directions. The third rotating body 17 is driven by power from a drive source such as a motor. The outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 is an endless chain. In the curved section C, the radius of curvature of the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 is larger than that of the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0089] The rotational speeds of the first rotating body 9 and the third rotating body 17 are controlled by the control device 12. The control device 12 controls the rotational speed of the third rotating body 17 to be greater than that of the first rotating body 9. For example, the control device 12 multiplies the rotational speed of the third rotating body 17 by the ratio of the radius of curvature of the outer high-speed rotating body 11 to the radius of curvature of the inner endless rotating body 4. However, the control device 12 may also control the first rotating body 9 and the third rotating body 17, respectively, at preset rotational speeds.

[0090] [Strip-shaped transporter] In the straight section E, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. Also, in the curved section C, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. In this embodiment, in the straight section E, the outer end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer endless rotating body 3, and the inner end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4. Also, in the curved section C, the outer end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11, and the inner end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 is moved by the inner endless rotating body 4.

[0091] [Support members] Each support member 22 is positioned outside the center in the width direction and has a contact portion 22a that can selectively contact the outer endless rotating body 3 and the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11. In this embodiment, the outer end of the support member 22 is the contact portion 22a. In other words, the contact portion 22a is the part of the support member 22 that is located outside the conveying member 21. The contact portion 22a travels in the conveying direction DR1 by being pushed by the outer endless rotating body 3 or the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11. However, it is not limited to this, and the middle part of the support member 22 may also be the contact portion 22a. The outer end of the support member 22 is not fixed to the outer endless rotating body 3 or the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11.

[0092] The inner end of the support member 22 is attached to the inner endless rotating body 4. Specifically, the inner end of the support member 22 is attached to the protruding portion 44 of the inner endless rotating body 4 by a bolt 8 in a swingable state.

[0093] [Outer high-speed endless rotating body] The outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 extends along the outer end of the conveying member 21 in the curved section C. In other words, the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 extends in an arc shape along the strip-shaped conveying body 2.

[0094] Although not shown in the diagram, the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 has upper and lower outer link members 11a that are spaced apart and facing each other, upper and lower inner link members 11b that are spaced apart and facing each other, a cylindrical pin 11c that connects the outer link members 11a and the inner link members 11b, and a protruding portion 11d that protrudes laterally and intersects the travel direction DR2. The upper and lower inner link members 11b are located between the upper and lower outer link members 11a. The pin 11c has a large diameter portion located between the upper and lower inner link members 11b and extends in the vertical direction. The protruding portion 11d protrudes away from the upper outer link member 11a.

[0095] Figure 13 is a side view exploded view showing the outer endless rotating body 3, the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11, and the guide member 6 as viewed from the strip-shaped conveyor 2 side. As shown in Figure 13, the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 is composed of an upper chain 11A that extends along the forward path OR of the strip-shaped conveyor 2, and a lower chain 11B that extends along the return path RR of the strip-shaped conveyor 2 and is located below the upper chain 11A.

[0096] The conveying device 1 includes an upper rail member 18 adjacent to the inside of the upper chain 5A and extending along the upper chain 11A, and a lower rail member 19 adjacent to the inside of the lower chain 5B and extending along the lower chain 11B. The end of the upper rail member 18 on the upper chain 11A side is curved. The end of the lower rail member 19 on the lower chain 11B side is also curved.

[0097] The upper rail member 18 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 11c in the upper chain 11A from the inside. The lower rail member 19 contacts the outer circumferential surface of the pin 11c in the lower chain 11B from the inside. With this configuration, the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 maintains a curved posture along the strip-shaped conveyor 2 in the curved section C.

[0098] The outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 travels beneath the outer endless rotating body 3 during the outward journey OR. The outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 travels beneath the outer endless rotating body 3 during the return journey RR. In other words, in the curved section C, the outer endless rotating body 3 travels above the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11.

[0099] In this embodiment, two third rotating bodies 17 are provided at the boundary between the upstream straight section E1 and the curved section C, and at the boundary between the downstream straight section E2 and the curved section C. Although not shown in the figures, each third rotating body 17 comprises an upper sprocket 17a and a lower sprocket 17b located below the upper sprocket 17a.

[0100] The upper chain 11A is wound around multiple upper sprockets 17a. The lower chain 11B is wound around multiple lower sprockets 17b. The upper chain 11A is driven by the upstream upper sprocket 17a. The downstream upper sprocket 17a is held by the third rotating body 17 via bearings and is freely rotatable relative to the third rotating body 17. The downstream upper sprocket 17a is driven by the rotation of the upstream upper sprocket 17a and the movement of the upper chain 11A.

[0101] The lower chain 11B is driven by the downstream lower sprocket 17b. The upstream lower sprocket 17b is held by the third rotating body 17 via a bearing and is freely rotatable relative to the third rotating body 17. In other words, the upstream lower sprocket 17b is driven by the rotation of the downstream lower sprocket 17b and the movement of the lower chain 11B. With this configuration, the upper chain 11A and the lower chain 11B are driven by the third rotating body 17. Furthermore, the upper chain 11A and the lower chain 11B rotate at the same speed.

[0102] [Upstream frame] As shown in Figure 13, the upstream frame 61 extends along the outer end of the conveying member 21 in the upstream straight section E1. In plan view, the upstream frame 61 overlaps with the protruding portion 34 of the outer endless rotating body 3.

[0103] [Downstream frame] As shown in Figure 13, the downstream frame 62 extends along the outer end of the conveying member 21 in the downstream straight section E2. In plan view, the downstream frame 62 overlaps with the protruding portion 34 of the outer endless rotating body 3.

[0104] [Intermediate frame] As shown in Figure 13, the intermediate frame 63 extends along the outer end of the conveying member 21 in the curved section C. In a plan view, the intermediate frame 63 overlaps with the protruding portion 34 of the outer endless rotating body 3 and the protruding portion 11d of the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11.

[0105] [Another embodiment] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. For example, it may be configured as in the following alternative embodiments. In the alternative embodiments described below, components identical to those in the embodiments are denoted by the same numbers and reference numerals as in the embodiments described above.

[0106] [1] In the above embodiment, the straight section E has an upstream straight section E1 and a downstream straight section E2. However, the straight section E may have only the upstream straight section E1. Alternatively, the straight section E may have only the downstream straight section E2. Furthermore, multiple curved sections C may be provided.

[0107] [2] In the above embodiment, the conveying device 1 is curved by approximately 90 degrees to the right or left in the curved section C. However, the angle at which the conveying device 1 curves in the curved section C is arbitrary. For example, the conveying device 1 may be curved by approximately 45 degrees or approximately 180 degrees in the curved section C.

[0108] [3] In the above embodiment, the object to be conveyed WK is cylindrical and is a metal part formed by pressure molding. However, it is not limited to this, and for example, the shape of the object to be conveyed WK may be cubic or the like. Also, the object to be conveyed WK may be in other forms, such as food or electronic components. In this case, the object to be conveyed WK conveyed by the conveying device 1 does not have to be supplied to the washing machine.

[0109] [4] The number of first rotating bodies 9 may be two or more. Also, the first rotating bodies 9 may be provided at a location other than the upstream end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2. Also, the first rotating bodies 9 may be provided at a location other than the downstream end of the strip-shaped conveyor 2.

[0110] Furthermore, one of the two first rotating bodies 9 may move in accordance with the rotation of the other first rotating body 9. The number of second rotating bodies 10 may be two or more.

[0111] [5] In the above embodiment, the outer endless rotating body 3, the inner endless rotating body 4, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5, and the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 are chains. However, the outer endless rotating body 3, the inner endless rotating body 4, the inner low-speed endless rotating body 5, and the outer high-speed endless rotating body 11 may be an endless belt or an endless wire.

[0112] [6] In the above embodiment, the conveying member 21 is a mesh-like member. The conveying member 21 is made of metal wires woven together in a grid pattern. However, the conveying member 21 is not limited to this and may take other forms. For example, the conveying member 21 may be a plurality of flat plate-like members, a mesh-like member, or a plurality of wires extending in a lateral direction perpendicular to the conveying direction DR1.

[0113] [7] In the above-described embodiment, the transport member 21 is endless. However, the transport member 21 is not limited to this and may take other forms. For example, the transport member 21 may be divided into multiple parts. Alternatively, the transport member 21 may consist of multiple mesh-like members wound around two adjacent support members 22 and arranged at intervals in the transport direction DR1.

[0114] [8] Both ends of each support member 22 may be contacted from behind in the travel direction DR2 by the protruding portion 34 of the outer endless rotating body 3 and pushed forward in the travel direction DR2. In other words, both ends of each support member 22 do not have to be fixed to the outer endless rotating body 3.

[0115] [9] In the above-described embodiment, the forward guide members 61a and 62a are plate-shaped members. However, the forward guide members 61a and 62a are not limited to this and may take other forms. For example, the forward guide members 61a and 62a may be rail-shaped.

[0116]

[10] In the above-described embodiment, the upstream frame 61 and the downstream frame 62 are provided with first inclined portions 61c, 62c and second inclined portions 61d, 62d. However, the intermediate frame 63 may also be provided with first inclined portions and second inclined portions.

[0117]

[11] The first inclined sections 61c and 62c may be in an upward inclination. In this case, the second inclined sections 61d and 62d may be in a downward inclination. In this embodiment, the guide member 6 guides the strip-shaped conveyor 2 such that the height of the contacted portion 22a of the support member 22 in the curved section C is higher than the height of the contacted portion 22a in the straight section E. [Industrial applicability]

[0118] The present invention is applicable to a conveying device that transports objects over straight sections and curved sections. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0119] 1: Conveying device 2: Strip-shaped conveyor 21: Conveying component 22: Support member 22a:Touched part 3 :Outer endless rotating body 34:Protruding part 4: Inner endless rotating body 44:Protruding part 5: Inner low speed endless rotating body 54:Protruding part 6: Guide member 11:Outer high speed endless rotating body 11d: Protrusion area C: Curved section DR1: Conveying direction DR2: Direction of travel E: Straight section I1: First interval I2: Second interval WK: Object to be transported

Claims

1. A conveying device that transports objects across straight sections and curved sections, A strip-shaped conveyor on which the object to be conveyed is placed and which travels across the straight section and the curved section, An outer endless rotating body is provided on the outer side of the widthwise center of the strip-shaped conveyor, extending across the straight section and the curved section, and is driven to travel. An inner endless rotating body is provided on the inside of the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveyor body, extending across the straight section and the curved section, and is driven to travel at the same speed as the outer endless rotating body. The strip-shaped conveyor is provided in the curved section inward from the center in the width direction, and includes an inner low-speed endless rotating body that is driven and travels at a lower speed than the inner endless rotating body, The aforementioned strip-shaped conveyor, In the aforementioned straight section, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is moved by the outer endless rotating body, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is moved by the inner endless rotating body. A conveying device in which, in the curved section, the outer portion is moved by the outer endless rotating body, and the inner portion is moved by the inner low-speed endless rotating body.

2. The strip-shaped conveyor is positioned inward from the center in the width direction and has a plurality of contactable portions that can selectively contact the inner endless rotating body and the inner low-speed endless rotating body, and travels in the conveying direction when the contactable portions are pushed by the inner endless rotating body or the inner low-speed endless rotating body. The strip-shaped conveyor is deformable at least in a lateral direction intersecting the conveying direction, The distance between the contacted portions when they are in contact with the inner endless rotating body in the aforementioned straight section is the first interval. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein when the contacted portion is in contact with the inner low-speed endless rotating body in the curved section, the distance between the contacted portions becomes a second distance that is narrower than the first distance due to the deformation of the strip-shaped conveyor.

3. The inner endless rotating body and the inner low-speed endless rotating body are provided with protruding portions that project in a direction intersecting the direction of travel, The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the protruding portion contacts the contacted portion from behind in the direction of travel, pushing the contacted portion forward in the direction of travel, thereby causing the strip-shaped conveyor to travel in the conveying direction.

4. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein in the curved section, the inner endless rotating body travels on top of the inner low-speed endless rotating body.

5. The strip-shaped conveyor is provided with a guide member that supports and guides the portion of the conveyor that is inward from the center in the width direction, at least from below. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the guide member guides the strip-shaped conveyor such that the height of the contacted portion in the curved section is lower than the height of the contacted portion in the straight section.

6. The aforementioned strip-shaped conveyor, A flexible, strip-shaped conveying member, The system comprises a plurality of rod-shaped support members attached to the conveying member at predetermined intervals in a position extending along a direction intersecting the conveying direction, The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein the conveying member is in a state of being slackened downward between the support members.

7. The conveying device according to claim 6, wherein the inner end of the support member is the contacted portion.

8. The conveying device according to claim 7, wherein the outer end of the support member is attached to the outer endless rotating body.

9. A conveying device that transports objects across straight sections and curved sections, A strip-shaped conveyor on which the object to be conveyed is placed and which travels across the straight section and the curved section, An outer endless rotating body is provided on the outer side of the widthwise center of the strip-shaped conveyor, extending across the straight section and the curved section, and is driven to travel. An inner endless rotating body is provided on the inside of the center in the width direction of the strip-shaped conveyor body, extending across the straight section and the curved section, and is driven to travel at the same speed as the outer endless rotating body. The strip-shaped conveyor is provided in the curved section outside the center in the width direction, and includes an outer high-speed endless rotating body that is driven and travels at a higher speed than the outer endless rotating body. The aforementioned strip-shaped conveyor, In the aforementioned straight section, the outer portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is moved by the outer endless rotating body, and the inner portion of the strip-shaped conveyor is moved by the inner endless rotating body. A conveying device in which, in the curved section, the outer portion is moved by the outer high-speed endless rotating body, and the inner portion is moved by the inner endless rotating body.

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