Conveying device

Abstract

To provide a conveying device that can sufficiently increase the magnetic force of the conveyor belt and enable smooth operation. [Solution] The system comprises a driving pulley 16 and a driven pulley 17, and a conveyor belt 20 stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 to convey the workpiece WK. The conveyor belt 20 is stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 and comprises an elastic belt base material and a plurality of magnetic members 24 attached to the belt base material and arranged in the direction in which the belt base material is stretched.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a conveyor belt for conveying magnetic metal products, which includes a pair of pulleys and a magnetic conveyor belt stretched over these pulleys.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since the conveyor belt itself is magnetized, in order to convey magnetic metal products with increased weight, it is necessary to increase the magnetic force of the magnetic conveyor belt by increasing the thickness of the magnetic conveyor belt. In this case, as the thickness of the magnetic conveyor belt increases (the rigidity increases), the magnetic conveyor belt may not be able to follow the pulley smoothly, and there is a risk of hindering the smooth operation of the conveyor belt for conveying.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a conveying device capable of sufficiently increasing the magnetic force of the conveying belt and enabling smooth operation.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In the present disclosure, a pair of pulleys and a conveying belt stretched over the pair of pulleys for conveying an object are provided. The conveying belt includes a belt base material stretched over the pair of pulleys and having elasticity, and a plurality of magnet members attached to the belt base material and arranged in the stretching direction of the belt base material. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, it is possible to realize a conveying device that can sufficiently increase the magnetic force of the conveyor belt and enable smooth operation. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the conveying device. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a view taken along arrow A in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view along line BB in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view illustrating the internal structure of the conveying device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the detailed structure of the conveyor belt. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a view from arrow C in Figure 4, illustrating the operation of the cam mechanism. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the assembly procedure for the conveyor belt. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 2. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 3. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 4. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 5. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a magnified section illustrating a magnetic sensor that detects the movement of a conveyor belt. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 6. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 7. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3, which shows the transport device of Embodiment 8. [Figure 16]Figure 16 is a partially enlarged view for explaining the operation of the conveying device of Figure 15. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a partially enlarged view for explaining a modification example of the conveyor belt of Figure 16.

Embodiments for Carrying out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0010] <Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conveying device, FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow A of FIG. 1, FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line B-B of FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the internal structure of the conveying device, FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the detailed structure of the conveyor belt, FIG. 6 is a view taken in the direction of arrow C of FIG. 4 for explaining the operation of the cam mechanism, and FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the assembly procedure of the conveyor belt.

[0011] <Definition of Directions> Here, as shown in FIG. 1, the side where the driving pulley 16 over which the conveyor belt 20 is spanned is arranged is defined as "left", and the side where the driven pulley 17 over which the conveyor belt 20 is spanned is arranged is defined as "right". Also, the side where the dial 13a of the housing 11 is arranged is defined as "upper", and the side where the bottom wall portion 11c of the housing 11 is arranged is defined as "lower". Further, the side where the pulley accommodating portion 11b of the housing 11 is arranged is defined as "front", and the side where the component accommodating portion 11a of the housing 11 is arranged is defined as "rear".

[0012] <Conveying Device> The conveying device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 is, for example, a belt conveyor used in an inspection line for manufactured parts. For example, the conveying device 10 adsorbs and conveys a workpiece (conveyed object) WK made of a magnetic material such as a bag nut by the magnetic force of the conveyor belt 20. Then, for example, the first camera C1 and the second camera C2 installed above and below the conveying device 10 respectively image the conveyed workpiece WK. Thereby, the control unit CU to which the first and second cameras C1 and C2 are electrically connected determines the quality (qualified or unqualified) of the workpiece WK.

[0013] The conveying device 10 includes a housing 11 formed by bending a steel plate or the like. The housing 11 has a component accommodating portion 11a formed in a substantially box shape. Inside the component accommodating portion 11a, an electric motor 12, a speed adjusting portion 13, and a power supply connecting portion 14 are accommodated. These electric motor 12, speed adjusting portion 13, and power supply connecting portion 14 are electrically connected via wiring (not shown). Here, a power supply line (not shown) connected to an external power supply is electrically connected to the power supply connecting portion 14. Further, the speed adjusting portion 13 includes a dial 13a, and the rotational speed of the electric motor 12 is adjusted by rotating the dial 13a.

[0014] Also, inside the component accommodating portion 11a, a driving gear 12b fixed to the motor shaft 12a of the electric motor 12 and a driven gear 16b fixed to the rotating shaft 16a of the driving pulley 16 are rotatably accommodated. A timing belt 15 having a gear 15a on its inner peripheral portion is wound around the driving gear 12b and the driven gear 16b. Thereby, the driven gear 16b is rotated as the motor shaft 12a rotates.

[0015] Furthermore, the housing 11 is provided with a pulley accommodating portion 11b so as to be aligned with the component accommodating portion 11a, and the pulley accommodating portion 11b is exposed to the outside. Thus, the conveying belt 20 wound around the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 is visible from the outside. Therefore, the work WK conveyed by the conveying belt 20 can be imaged by the first camera C1 and the second camera C2.

[0016] The pulley accommodating portion 11b is formed by a bottom wall portion 11c, a side wall portion 11d standing up from the bottom wall portion 11c, and a partition wall 11e partitioning the pulley accommodating portion 11b and the component accommodating portion 11a. And the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 are rotatably provided on both longitudinal sides (the left and right sides in FIG. 3) of the pulley accommodating portion 11b. That is, the conveying device 10 has a pair of pulleys 16, 17, and these driving pulley 16 and driven pulley 17 are rotatably supported by the housing 11.

[0017] A rotating shaft 16a is fixed to the rotation center of the driving pulley 16 by press-fitting or the like. One axial side of the rotating shaft 16a (the rear side on the side of the component housing 11a) penetrates the partition wall 11e and is located inside the component housing 11a. A driven gear 16b is fixed to the axial side of the rotating shaft 16a. As a result, the driving pulley 16 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the driven gear 16b.

[0018] One axial side of the rotating shaft 16a is rotatably supported by a first bearing 16c (see Figure 2) mounted on the partition wall 11e. On the other hand, the other axial side of the rotating shaft 16a (side wall 11d side) is rotatably supported by a second bearing 16d mounted on the side wall 11d. Here, the first and second bearings 16c and 16d are both ball bearings having an inner ring, an outer ring, and steel balls.

[0019] The driven pulley 17 is rotatable around the support shaft 17a. Specifically, a third bearing 17b is mounted on one axial side of the support shaft 17a (the rear side on the component housing section 11a side). A fourth bearing 17c is mounted on the other axial side of the support shaft 17a (the side wall section 11d side). The driven pulley 17 is rotatably supported on both axial sides by the third and fourth bearings 17b and 17c, respectively. The third and fourth bearings 17b and 17c are both ball bearings having an inner ring, an outer ring, and steel balls.

[0020] Here, as shown in Figure 4, the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 have a so-called crown shape, with the largest diameter at their axial center. This prevents the conveyor belt 20, which is stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, from being biased to one side in the axial direction or from meandering relative to the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17.

[0021] One axial side of the support shaft 17a penetrates the partition wall 11e and is positioned inside the component housing section 11a. An eccentric cam 30 is fixed to the axial side of the support shaft 17a via a first fixing bolt BT1. Here, the axial side of the support shaft 17a is slidable relative to a first elongated hole H1 (see Figure 6) provided in the partition wall 11e. Specifically, the first elongated hole H1 extends in the direction in which the conveyor belt 20 is stretched (Figure 3 and the left-right direction in Figure 3). In other words, one axial side of the support shaft 17a is slidable in the direction in which the conveyor belt 20 is stretched.

[0022] Furthermore, a cam housing recess 31 (see Figures 4 and 6) is provided on the component housing portion 11a side of the partition wall 11e, in which the eccentric cam 30 is rotatably housed. Specifically, the cam housing recess 31 is formed in a substantially rectangular shape when viewed in the axial direction of the eccentric cam 30. The eccentric cam 30 is rotatable inside the cam housing recess 31 while abutting against the side wall WL of the cam housing recess 31. By rotating the eccentric cam 30 inside the cam housing recess 31, one axial side of the support shaft 17a slides relative to the first elongated hole H1. This allows the tension of the conveyor belt 20 to be adjusted.

[0023] On the other hand, the other axial side (front side) of the support shaft 17a is inserted through a second elongated hole H2 (see Figure 1) provided in the side wall portion 11d. The second elongated hole H2, like the first elongated hole H1, extends in the direction in which the conveyor belt 20 is stretched. By tightening the second fixing bolt BT2 (see Figures 1 and 2) attached to the other axial side of the support shaft 17a, the other axial side of the support shaft 17a can be positioned at any position in the longitudinal direction of the second elongated hole H2 (the direction in which the conveyor belt 20 is stretched).

[0024] Specifically, the eccentric cam 30 is rotated after temporarily fixing the other axial side of the support shaft 17a to the second elongated hole H2. Then, the tension of the conveyor belt 20 is adjusted to the specified tension while keeping the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 parallel to each other. The method of aligning the conveyor belt 20 with the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 (the assembly method of the conveying device 10) will be described in detail later.

[0025] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2 to 4, an auxiliary roller 18 is provided in the pulley housing section 11b. The auxiliary roller 18 is positioned between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 in the direction in which the conveyor belt 20 is stretched. The auxiliary roller 18 prevents the conveyor belt 20 from bending due to the weight of the workpiece WK. In other words, the auxiliary roller 18 is able to support the conveyor belt 20 when the workpiece WK is being conveyed.

[0026] The auxiliary roller 18 comprises a central shaft 18a and a roller body 18b that is rotatable relative to the central shaft 18a. One axial side (rear side) of the central shaft 18a is fixed to the partition wall 11e, and the other axial side (front side) of the central shaft 18a is fixed to the side wall portion 11d by a fixing screw SC.

[0027] <Conveyor belt> The conveyor belt 20, which is stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, employs the structure shown in Figure 5. The conveyor belt 20 is an endless flat belt and is driven by the driving pulley 16. The driving force of the driving pulley 16 is transmitted to the driven pulley 17 via the conveyor belt 20. As a result, the workpiece WK (see Figure 3) placed on the surface SF1 of the conveyor belt 20 moves as the conveyor belt 20 moves. The driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 and the back surface SF2 of the conveyor belt 20 are in frictional contact with each other without the use of gears or the like.

[0028] <Belt base material> The conveyor belt 20 is stretched between a driving pulley 16 and a driven pulley 17 and is equipped with an elastic belt base material 21. The belt base material 21 is made of an elastic material such as polyester, and the tension of the belt base material 21 can be adjusted by adjusting the distance between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17.

[0029] The belt base material 21 is positioned on the back side of the conveyor belt 20, and a first base material surface 21a and a second base material surface 21b are provided on both sides along the thickness direction of the belt base material 21. Here, the first base material surface 21a of the belt base material 21 forms the back surface SF2 of the conveyor belt 20.

[0030] <Sheet-shaped magnets> Furthermore, the conveyor belt 20 has a sheet-shaped magnet 22 attached to the belt base material 21 that attracts the workpiece WK, which is a magnetic material. Specifically, the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is fixed to the belt base material 21 via thin double-sided tape TE. The sheet-shaped magnet 22 is made of, for example, a neodymium magnet that is harder than the belt base material 21 and has a certain degree of flexibility.

[0031] The sheet-shaped magnet 22 is positioned on the front side of the conveyor belt 20, and a first magnetic surface 22a and a second magnetic surface 22b are provided on both sides along the thickness direction of the sheet-shaped magnet 22. The first magnetic surface 22a is attached to the second base material surface 21b of the belt base material 21 via double-sided tape TE. The second magnetic surface 22b forms the surface SF1 of the conveyor belt 20.

[0032] On the side of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 where the second magnetic surface 22b is provided (the surface SF1 side), a plurality of notches 23 are provided, extending in the axial direction of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, and aligned in the direction of the belt base material 21. In addition, on the side of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 where the second magnetic surface 22b is provided (the surface SF1 side), a plurality of magnetic members 24 are provided, aligned in the direction of the belt base material 21.

[0033] Here, the multiple notches 23 are each positioned between adjacent magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched. In other words, the multiple magnetic members 24 are each positioned between adjacent notches 23 in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched. That is, the notches 23 and the magnetic members 24 are arranged alternately in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched.

[0034] Furthermore, the depth dimension D of the notch 23 along the thickness direction of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is such that it does not separate adjacent magnet members 24. Specifically, in this embodiment, when the thickness dimension of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is T, the depth dimension D of the notch 23 is approximately 3 / 4 of the thickness dimension T (D ≈ T × 3 / 4). In other words, the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is connected at a point that is 1 / 4 of the thickness dimension T.

[0035] In this way, by providing multiple notches 23 on the second magnetic surface 22b (surface SF1) of the sheet-shaped magnet 22, and arranging multiple magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21, the sheet-shaped magnet 22 can easily follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. That is, as shown in Figure 5, when the multiple notches 23 provided on the second magnetic surface 22b reach the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 as the conveyor belt 20 moves, they open up in a roughly V-shape when the conveyor belt 20 is viewed from the side. As a result, the surface SF1 of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is not subjected to a load that would cause it to be forcibly pulled in the direction of the conveyor belt 20. Therefore, even if the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is made thicker to increase its magnetic force, for example, it is possible to prevent cracks from forming on the surface SF1 of the sheet-shaped magnet 22.

[0036] Here, the width dimension W of the magnetic member 24 along the direction of the conveyor belt 20 is adjusted according to the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. Specifically, when the radius R is large, the curvature of the conveyor belt 20 becomes gentler, so it can easily follow even if the width dimension W is large. On the other hand, when the radius R is small, the curvature of the conveyor belt 20 becomes sharper, so it will not be able to follow unless the width dimension W is reduced. In other words, the width dimension W of the magnetic member 24 is set so that a large load is not placed on the surface SF1 of the sheet-shaped magnet 22, and so that it can easily follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. This not only improves the durability of the sheet-shaped magnet 22, but also suppresses premature peeling of the double-sided tape TE and reduces the load on the electric motor 12.

[0037] <Method for arranging the conveyor belt> Next, the method of connecting the conveyor belt 20 to the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 (the assembly method of the conveying device 10) will be explained in detail using Figures 6 and 7.

[0038] First, the belt base material 21 that will form the conveyor belt 20 is prepared, along with the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. Next, with the first base material surface 21a (back surface SF2) of the belt base material 21 facing the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, the belt base material 21 is placed over the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. Then, in this state, the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 are assembled into the housing 11 (see Figures 1 and 2).

[0039] At this time, on the driven pulley 17 side, the second fixing bolt BT2 (see Figures 1 and 2) and the eccentric cam 30 are adjusted to position the support shaft 17a (first fixing bolt BT1) closer to the driving pulley 16 in the longitudinal direction of the first elongated hole H1 (right side of Figure 6), as shown in the upper left of Figure 6. Specifically, the first fixing bolt BT1 is assembled so that the distance between the center of the first fixing bolt BT1 and the end of the first elongated hole H1 closer to the driving pulley 16 is L1. Here, the eccentric cam 30 abuts against the side wall WL of the cam housing recess 31 closer to the driving pulley 16 at the contact point CP (white circle) closest to the center of the first fixing bolt BT1. The top TP of the eccentric cam 30, that is, the point furthest from the center of the first fixing bolt BT1 (star), is positioned on the opposite side of the contact point CP with the first fixing bolt BT1 in between.

[0040] This minimizes the distance between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, resulting in the lowest tension F1 in the belt base material 21. Therefore, the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 can be easily assembled to the housing 11.

[0041] Subsequently, the second fixing bolt BT2 and the eccentric cam 30 are adjusted so that the tension of the belt base material 21 becomes the specified tension F4 (see lower right of Figure 6) (F4 > F1). When adjusting the second fixing bolt BT2 and the eccentric cam 30, the support shaft 17a and the rotation shaft 16a are made parallel to each other.

[0042] Specifically, first, the second fixing bolt BT2 is "temporarily tightened" while checking the tension of the belt base material 21. Next, the eccentric cam 30 is rotated in the direction of arrow R1 (clockwise), and the distance between the center of the first fixing bolt BT1 and the end of the first long hole H1 closer to the driving pulley 16 is increased from L1 to L2 and further to L3 (L1 < L2 < L3). As a result, the tension of the belt base material 21 increases from F1 to F2 and further to F3 (F1 < F2 < F3). At this time, the top TP (star mark) of the eccentric cam 30 approaches the contact point CP (white circle mark) between the eccentric cam 30 and the side wall WL, and when the distance between the center of the first fixing bolt BT1 and the end of the first long hole H1 closer to the driving pulley 16 reaches L3, the top TP of the eccentric cam 30 abuts against the side wall WL. That is, it becomes the state shown in the lower left of FIG. 6, and this state is the state where the tension of the belt base material 21 is the largest.

[0043] Next, when the eccentric cam 30 is further rotated in the direction of arrow R2 (clockwise), the eccentric cam 30 is rotated by the tension of the belt base material 21, and the top TP of the eccentric cam 30 is moved downward from the contact point CP between the eccentric cam 30 and the side wall WL (see the lower right of FIG. 6). Thereafter, the eccentric cam 30 abuts against the tension adjusting screw TA at the abutting portion BP (black circle mark) and is fixed (locked) in place. That is, the eccentric cam 30 is supported and fixed at two points, the contact point CP and the abutting portion BP. Thereafter, while confirming that the support shaft 17a and the rotating shaft 16a are parallel to each other, the second fixing bolt BT2 is "finally tightened".

[0044] As a result, the distance between the center of the first fixing bolt BT1 and the end of the first long hole H1 closer to the driving pulley 16 becomes L4 (L4 ≒ L2), and the tension of the belt base material 21 becomes the specified tension F4 (F4 ≒ F2).

[0045] Here, the tension of the belt base material 21 can be adjusted by adjusting the amount that the tension adjustment screw TA protrudes into the cam housing recess 31. Specifically, the tension adjustment screw TA is screw-connected to a female screw portion FT formed in the partition wall 11e that forms the housing 11. Increasing the amount that the tension adjustment screw TA protrudes into the cam housing recess 31 brings it closer to the tension F3 in the lower left of Figure 6, and decreasing the amount that the tension adjustment screw TA protrudes into the cam housing recess 31 brings it closer to the tension F2 in the upper right of Figure 6.

[0046] Next, a sheet magnet 22 with double-sided tape TE attached is prepared. Then, as shown by arrow M1 in Figure 7, the sheet magnet 22 is attached to the belt base material 21 which has been adjusted to a specified tension F4. At this time, while pulling the sheet magnet 22 to prevent it from slackening, the double-sided tape TE attached to the first magnetic surface 22a of the sheet magnet 22 is attached to the second base material surface 21b of the belt base material 21. Therefore, the sheet magnet 22 can be properly attached to the belt base material 21 which has been adjusted to a specified tension F4 without slackening.

[0047] As a result, the belt base material 21 and the sheet-shaped magnet 22 are stretched over the drive pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 with a specified tension F4, completing the process of stretching the conveyor belt 20 over the drive pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 (assembly of the conveying device 10).

[0048] As described in detail above, the conveying device 10 of Embodiment 1 comprises a driving pulley 16 and a driven pulley 17, and a conveying belt 20 that is stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 and conveys the workpiece WK. The conveying belt 20 comprises an elastic belt base material 21 that is stretched between the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17, and a plurality of magnetic members 24 that are attached to the belt base material 21 and arranged in the direction in which the belt base material 21 is stretched.

[0049] This allows for an increase in the thickness of the magnetic member 24, thereby increasing its magnetic force. Furthermore, the conveyor belt 20 can easily bend to follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and driven pulley 17, allowing the conveying device 10 to operate smoothly. Additionally, the magnetic member 24 is not subjected to a large load, and the double-sided tape TE does not peel off prematurely, extending the lifespan of the conveyor belt 20. This also reduces the load on the electric motor 12.

[0050] Furthermore, according to the conveying device 10 of Embodiment 1, notches 23 are provided between adjacent magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched.

[0051] As a result, a conveyor belt 20 that can follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17 can be easily formed by simply making cuts on the surface SF1 side of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 using a cutting blade or the like.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the conveying device 10 of Embodiment 1, the multiple notches 23 provided in the conveying belt 20 have a depth dimension D such that adjacent magnetic members 24 are not separated (D ≈ T × 3 / 4).

[0053] This allows multiple magnetic members 24 to be easily attached to the belt base material 21 while maintaining the single sheet-shaped magnet 22. Therefore, the ease of assembly of the conveying device 10 can be improved.

[0054] <Embodiment 2> Next, the conveyor belt 40 of Embodiment 2 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 2. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8, the conveyor belt 40 of Embodiment 2 differs from the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 5) in that it has a first double-sided tape TE1 and a second double-sided tape TE2, as well as a reinforcing layer 41. Furthermore, the depth dimension D1 of the notch 42 provided in the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is larger than the depth dimension D of the notch 23 of the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 (see Figure 5) (D1>D). Note that Figure 8 shows the state before the sheet-shaped magnet 22 is attached to the belt base material 21.

[0056] The reinforcing layer 41 is made of a material such as polyester and has higher strength than the sheet magnet 22, and is placed between the first double-sided tape TE1 and the second double-sided tape TE2. The first double-sided tape TE1 adheres the sheet magnet 22 and the reinforcing layer 41 to each other. The second double-sided tape TE2 adheres the reinforcing layer 41 and the belt base material 21 to each other.

[0057] The notch 42 extends from the second magnetic surface 22b (surface SF1) of the sheet magnet 22, past the first magnetic surface 22a, to the first double-sided tape TE1. In other words, the depth dimension D1 of the notch 42 along the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 40 (sheet magnet 22) is a depth dimension that separates adjacent magnet members 24. Here, the cutting blade CB that forms the notch 42 can easily cut the sheet magnet 22, but does not easily bite into the reinforcing layer 41. As a result, as shown by arrow M2 in Figure 8, the notch 42 can be easily formed by simply lowering the cutting blade CB and bringing it into contact with the reinforcing layer 41.

[0058] In Embodiment 2, which is formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 2, the depth dimension D1 of the notch 42 of the conveyor belt 40 is such that adjacent magnet members 24 are separated (D1>D).

[0059] As a result, the conveyor belt 40 can more easily follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17. In addition, compared to the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1, the raising and lowering of the cutting blade CB that forms the notch 42 can be easily controlled.

[0060] <Embodiment 3> Next, the conveyor belt 50 of Embodiment 3 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 9 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 3. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0061] As shown in Figure 9, the conveyor belt 50 of Embodiment 3 differs from the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 in that it has gaps 51 between adjacent magnet members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21. Specifically, the magnet members 24 and the gaps 51 are arranged alternately in the direction of the belt base material 21. The width dimension G of the gaps 51 along the direction of the belt base material 21 is approximately 1 / 10 of the width dimension W of the magnet member 24 (G ≈ W / 10). Double-sided tape TE is attached to each magnet member 24.

[0062] In Embodiment 3, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 3, since a gap 51 is provided between adjacent magnet members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21, the belt base material 21 corresponding to the location of the gap 51 can expand and contract in the direction of the conveyor belt 50. Therefore, after attaching multiple magnet members 24 to the belt base material 21 and assembling the conveyor belt 50, it becomes possible to perform tension adjustment work on the conveyor belt 50.

[0063] <Embodiment 4> Next, the conveyor belt 60 of Embodiment 4 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 10 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 4. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the conveyor belt 60 of Embodiment 4 differs from the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 in that three connected magnetic members 24 are arranged as a single magnet group GP in the direction of the belt base material 21, and this magnet group GP is arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21 with gaps 61 in between. Specifically, the magnet group GP has three magnetic members 24 arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21, and two notches 23 positioned between adjacent magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21. These magnet groups GP are also attached to the belt base material 21 using double-sided tape TE.

[0065] Here, the gap 61 in Embodiment 4 is the same as the gap 51 in Embodiment 3, and the width dimension G of the gap 61 along the direction of the belt base material 21 is approximately 1 / 10 of the width dimension W of the magnet member 24 (G ≈ W / 10). Note that the number of magnet members 24 connected in the direction of the belt base material 21 is not limited to three as shown in Figure 10, but may be two or four or more.

[0066] In Embodiment 4, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 4, since three magnet members 24 are connected to form a magnet group GP, it is possible to improve the assembly workability of the conveyor belt 60 compared to Embodiment 3 (see Figure 9), in which the magnet members 24 are attached one by one to the belt base material 21.

[0067] <Embodiment 5> Next, the conveyor belt 70 of Embodiment 5 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 11 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 5. Figure 12 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the magnetic sensor that detects the movement of the conveyor belt. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0068] As shown in Figure 11, the conveyor belt 70 of Embodiment 5 differs from the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 in that one magnetic member 24 has been removed in the direction in which the belt base material 21 is stretched. In the area where this one magnetic member 24 was removed, a magnetic member missing section 71 with a width dimension G1 is formed along the direction in which the belt base material 21 is stretched. The width dimension G1 of the magnetic member missing section 71 is approximately the same as the width dimension W of the magnetic member 24 (G1 ≈ W).

[0069] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, the conveying device 72 of Embodiment 5, which has a conveyor belt 70, is equipped with a magnetic sensor 73. The magnetic sensor 73 detects the movement of the magnetic member 24 and is electrically connected to the control unit CU (see Figure 3). Specifically, the magnetic sensor 73 consists of a Hall IC, an MR sensor, etc. The magnetic sensor 73 outputs a detection signal (square wave signal) according to the magnitude of the magnetic force of the sheet-shaped magnet 22 (magnetic member 24) that forms the conveyor belt 70. Here, the magnetic sensor 73 is provided on the partition wall 11e that forms the housing 11 and faces the magnetic member 24 on the side of the conveyor belt 70.

[0070] As a result, the magnetic sensor 73 does not generate a square wave signal when it is facing the missing magnet member portion 71, and the control unit CU can understand the movement state of the conveyor belt 70 based on the absence of the square wave signal.

[0071] For example, the control unit CU can determine the movement speed of the conveyor belt 70 by monitoring the period during which no square wave signal is detected. In this case, when the control unit CU determines that the movement speed has decreased, it can perform an emergency stop (fail-safe operation) of the electric motor 12 (see Figure 4).

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit CU can determine the movement position of the conveyor belt 70 based on the absence of a square wave signal. In this case, the control unit CU can stop the conveyor belt 70 at a predetermined position, and at that predetermined position, it is possible to, for example, supply workpieces WK to the conveyor belt 70 or remove workpieces WK from the conveyor belt 70.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit CU can also send stop information about the conveying device 72 (a signal indicating that the conveying device 72 is stopped) to other devices (such as a work supply device or a passable product conveying device) that are positioned alongside the conveying device 72 on the manufacturing line. In this case, it becomes possible to automate everything from the supply operation of work WK to the extraction operation of passable work WK (passable products).

[0074] In Embodiment 5, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 1 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 5, one magnet member 24 is removed in the direction of the belt base material 21 to provide a missing magnet member portion 71, so that this "missing tooth portion" can be used as a detection point for the magnetic sensor 73. Therefore, it becomes possible to control the drive of various electric motors 12 using the control unit CU (improved convenience).

[0075] Furthermore, the method is not limited to removing one magnet member 24 to create a missing magnet member section 71; two or three consecutive magnet members 24 may be removed in the direction of the belt base material 21 to create missing magnet member sections. In this case, the width dimension G1 of the missing magnet member section 71 can be made larger than the width dimension W of the magnet member 24.

[0076] <Embodiment 6> Next, the conveyor belt 80 of Embodiment 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 13 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 6. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 50 of Embodiment 3 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0077] As shown in Figure 13, the conveyor belt 80 of Embodiment 6 differs from the conveyor belt 50 of Embodiment 3 in that the multiple gaps arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21 include gaps 51, 82, 83, and 84 whose width dimensions along the direction of the belt base material 21 are different from each other, such as G, G2, G3, and G4 (G <G2<G3<G4)。

[0078] Specifically, in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched, the gap 51 with a width dimension G occupies most of the area of ​​the conveyor belt 80, while the gaps 82 with a width dimension G2, 83 with a width dimension G3, and 84 with a width dimension G4 are located only in a portion of the area of ​​the conveyor belt 80. Compared with the width dimension W of the magnetic members 24, the order is "W > G4 > G3 > G2 > G". In addition, double-sided tape TE is attached to each of the magnetic members 24.

[0079] By applying the conveyor belt 80 to the conveying device 72 of Embodiment 5 (see Figure 12) described above, the control unit CU (see Figure 3) can determine the movement speed and position of the conveyor belt 80, similar to the conveyor belt 70 of Embodiment 5.

[0080] In Embodiment 6, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 5 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 6, the control unit CU can detect the direction of arrangement of the gaps 82 (width dimension G2), 83 (width dimension G3), and 84 (width dimension G4), that is, whether gaps 82, 83, and 84 were detected in that order, or whether gaps 84, 83, and 82 were detected in that order. Therefore, the control unit CU can control the direction of movement (forward or reverse) of the conveyor belt 80.

[0081] <Embodiment 7> Next, the conveyor belt 90 of Embodiment 7 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 14 is a partially enlarged view showing the conveyor belt of Embodiment 7. Note that parts having the same function as the conveyor belt 20 of Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanations are omitted.

[0082] As shown in Figure 14, the conveyor belt 90 of Embodiment 7 differs from the conveyor belt 50 of Embodiment 3 in that the multiple magnetic members arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21 include magnetic members 24, 91, and 92 whose width dimensions along the direction of the belt base material 21 are different from each other, such as W, W1, and W2 (W>W2>W1).

[0083] Specifically, in the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched, the magnetic members 24 with a width dimension W occupy most of the area of ​​the conveyor belt 90, while the magnetic members 91 with a width dimension W1 and the magnetic members 92 with a width dimension W2 are arranged only in a portion of the conveyor belt 90. Furthermore, gaps 93 with a width dimension G5 are arranged on both sides of the magnetic member 91 along the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched, and gaps 94 with a width dimension G6 are arranged on both sides of the magnetic member 92 along the direction of the belt base material 21 being stretched (G5 > G6). In addition, double-sided tape TE is attached to each of the magnetic members 24, 91, and 92.

[0084] In Embodiment 7, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 6 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 7, the control unit CU can detect three types of rectangular wave signals corresponding to the width dimensions W, W1, and W2, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to increase the variations in the drive control of the electric motor 12 by the control unit CU.

[0085] <Embodiment 8> Next, the transport device 100 of Embodiment 8 will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 15 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 3, which shows the transport device of Embodiment 8. Figure 16 is a partially enlarged view illustrating the operation of the transport device of Figure 15. Note that parts having the same function as the transport device 72 of Embodiment 5 (see Figure 12) are denoted by the same symbols, and their detailed explanation is omitted.

[0086] As shown in Figure 15, the conveying device 100 of Embodiment 8 differs from the conveying device 72 of Embodiment 5 in the following ways: the structure of the conveying belt 110, the presence of a conveying object abutment member 120 against which the workpiece WK, which is attracted to the conveying belt 110 and moves, abuts, and the presence of a discharge hole HL in the bottom wall portion 11c of the housing 11.

[0087] As shown in the shaded area of ​​Figure 15, the conveyor belt 110 is provided with a first non-magnetic member 111 and a second non-magnetic member 112. These first and second non-magnetic members (non-magnetic members) 111 and 112 are each formed by a total of six non-magnetic materials 111a and 112a, respectively, and are the parts that do not attract the magnetic workpiece WK.

[0088] Furthermore, the width dimension W of the non-magnetic members 111a and 112a along the direction of the conveyor belt 110 is the same as the width dimension W of the magnetic member 24 along the direction of the conveyor belt 110. As a result, even in the areas where the first and second non-magnetic members 111 and 112 of the conveyor belt 110 are provided, they can easily follow the radius R of the driving pulley 16 and the driven pulley 17.

[0089] As described above, in the conveyor belt 110 of Embodiment 8, the first and second non-magnetic members 111 and 112 are provided alongside the multiple magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21. The width dimension LG of the first and second non-magnetic members 111 and 112 along the direction of the conveyor belt 110 is larger than the width dimension WW of the workpiece WK attracted to the magnetic members 24 (LG > WW).

[0090] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the housing 11 is equipped with a conveying object abutment member 120. The conveying object abutment member 120 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape and is positioned between the side wall portion 11d (see Figures 1 to 3) and the partition wall 11e that form the housing 11. Specifically, both axial sides of the conveying object abutment member 120 are fixed to the side wall portion 11d and the partition wall 11e, respectively, by fixing screws (not shown).

[0091] The conveyed object abutment member 120 is positioned between the conveyor belt 110 and the bottom wall portion 11c, and near the discharge hole HL. A small gap S is formed between the conveyor belt 110 and the conveyed object abutment member 120, so that the conveyed object abutment member 120 does not come into contact with the conveyor belt 110 when the conveying device 100 is driven. Therefore, the conveyor belt 110 can move smoothly.

[0092] Then, as shown in Figures 15 and 16, the workpiece WK, which is attracted to the magnetic member 24 of the conveyor belt 110, moves as the conveyor belt 110 moves, as indicated by arrow M3. After being imaged by the first camera C1 and the second camera C2 (see Figure 3), and after the quality is determined by the control unit CU (see Figure 3), the workpiece WK then moves between the conveyor belt 110 and the bottom wall 11c and abuts against the conveyor object abutment member 120.

[0093] Then, as shown by arrow M4 in Figure 16, the workpiece WK, attracted to the magnetic member 24, slides against the magnetic member 24 while abutting against the conveying object abutment member 120. That is, the conveying object abutment member 120 has the function of moving the workpiece WK while rubbing against the magnetic member 24. As the conveying belt 110 moves toward arrow M3, the workpiece WK reaches the area of ​​the first non-magnetic member 111, and as shown by arrow M5, the workpiece WK falls into the discharge hole HL by its own weight (see dashed line). At this time, since the width dimension LG of the first non-magnetic member 111 is larger than the width dimension WW of the workpiece WK, the workpiece WK falls reliably into the discharge hole HL.

[0094] In Embodiment 8, formed as described above, substantially the same effects and advantages as in Embodiment 5 can be achieved. In addition, in Embodiment 8, the conveyor belt 110 has first and second non-magnetic members 111 and 112 arranged alongside a plurality of magnetic members 24 in the direction of the belt base material 21, and the housing 11 is equipped with a conveyed object abutment member 120 against which the workpiece WK moved by the conveyor belt 110 abuts, and the conveyed object abutment member 120 moves the workpiece WK while rubbing against the magnetic members 24.

[0095] This allows the workpiece WK, which is attracted to the magnetic member 24, to be easily removed (detached) from the conveyor belt 110 without using a complex removal mechanism that includes a drive unit. Therefore, in an inspection line or the like, the control unit CU (see Figure 3) can efficiently determine the quality of each workpiece WK one after another.

[0096] <Variation> Figure 17 is a magnified view illustrating a modified version of the conveyor belt shown in Figure 16.

[0097] As shown in Figure 17, in the modified conveyor belt 110 of Embodiment 8, a protective film 113 is provided on the surface of the magnetic member 24. Here, the protective film 113 is made of a film made of PEEK (Poly Ether Ether Ketone) material. Furthermore, in order to improve the sliding properties of the workpiece WK (see Figure 16), it is desirable to use a PEEK material that is filled with PTFE (Poly Tetra Fluoro Etylene) or the like as the base material.

[0098] This makes it possible to achieve substantially the same effects as in Embodiment 8 described above, and in addition, it is possible to prevent scratches not only on the workpiece WK but also on the surface of the magnetic member 24 on which the workpiece WK slides.

[0099] In the embodiments described above, the multiple magnetic members 24 arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21 are shown to be neodymium magnets. However, the invention is not limited to this disclosure, and other types of magnets (such as alnico magnets or ferrite magnets) may be used. Furthermore, for example, high-hardness magnets formed in a tablet shape may be arranged in the direction of the belt base material 21.

[0100] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, the workpiece WK used as the conveyed object was shown to be a cap nut made of a magnetic material. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this invention, and the workpiece WK may be, for example, a bolt made of a magnetic material or other parts made of a relatively small magnetic material.

[0101] Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, as shown in Figure 4, the driving force of the electric motor 12 is transmitted to the driving pulley 16 to which the driven gear 16b is fixed via the timing belt 15. However, the invention is not limited to this disclosure, and the motor shaft 12a and the rotating shaft 16a may be integrated, and the driving pulley 16 may be driven in a direct drive manner.

[0102] Furthermore, this technology can be configured as follows:

[0103] (1) A conveying device comprising a pair of pulleys and a conveying belt stretched between the pair of pulleys for conveying an object, wherein the conveying belt comprises an elastic belt base material stretched between the pair of pulleys and a plurality of magnetic members attached to the belt base material and arranged in the direction in which the belt base material is stretched.

[0104] (2) The conveying device according to (1), wherein a notch is provided between adjacent magnetic members in the direction of the belt base material being spanned.

[0105] (3) The conveying device according to (1), wherein a gap is provided between adjacent magnetic members in the direction of the belt base material being spanned.

[0106] (4) The conveying device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein at least one magnetic member missing portion is provided in the direction in which the belt base material is spanned.

[0107] (5) The conveying device according to (3), wherein the plurality of gaps arranged in the direction of the span of the belt base material include a plurality of gaps having different width dimensions along the direction of the span of the belt base material.

[0108] (6) The conveying device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the plurality of magnet members arranged in the direction of the span of the belt base material include a plurality of magnet members having different width dimensions along the direction of the span of the belt base material.

[0109] (7) The conveying device according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein a non-magnetic member is provided alongside the magnetic member in the direction in which the belt base material is spanned.

[0110] (8) The conveying device according to (7), wherein a pair of pulleys are rotatably supported in a housing, the housing includes a conveying object abutment member against which the conveyed object, which is moved by the conveying belt, abuts, and the conveying object abutment member moves the conveyed object while rubbing against the magnetic member.

[0111] (9) The conveying device according to (8), wherein the magnetic member is provided with a protective film to protect the surface of the magnetic member.

[0112] (10) A transport device according to any one of (1) to (9), wherein the transport device has a magnetic sensor facing the magnetic member, and the magnetic sensor outputs a detection signal according to the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnetic member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0113] 10...Conveying device, 11...Housing, 11a...Parts storage section, 11b...Pulley storage section, 11c...Bottom wall section, 11d...Side wall section, 11e...Partition wall, 12...Electric motor, 12a...Motor shaft, 12b...Driver gear, 13...Speed ​​adjustment section, 13a...Dial, 14...Power connection section, 15...Timing belt, 15a...Gear, 16...Driver pulley (pulley), 16a...Rotating shaft, 16b...Driven gear, 16c...First bearing, 16d...Second bearing, 17...Driven pulley (pulley), 17 a...support shaft, 17b...third bearing, 17c...fourth bearing, 18...auxiliary roller, 18a...central shaft, 18b...roller body, 20...conveyor belt, 21...belt base material, 21a...first base material surface, 21b...second base material surface, 22...sheet-shaped magnet, 22a...first magnet surface, 22b...second magnet surface, 23...cut section, 24...magnet member, 30...eccentric cam, 31...cam housing recess, 40...conveyor belt, 41...reinforcement layer, 42...cut section, 50...conveyor belt, 51...gap section, 60...conveyor belt, 6 1...Gap section, 70...Conveyor belt, 71...Magnetic member missing section, 72...Conveyor device, 73...Magnetic sensor, 80...Conveyor belt, 82~84...Gap section, 90...Conveyor belt, 91,92...Magnetic member, 93,94...Gap section, 100...Conveyor device, 110...Conveyor belt, 111...First non-magnetic member (non-magnetic member), 111a...Non-magnetic material, 112...Second non-magnetic member (non-magnetic member), 112a...Non-magnetic material, 113...Protective film, 120...Conveyor object abutment member, BP...Abutment section, BT1... BT2…Second fixing bolt, C1…First camera, C2…Second camera, CB…Cutting blade, CP…Contact point, CU…Control unit, FT…Female thread section, GP…Magnet group, H1…First elongated hole, H2…Second elongated hole, HL…Discharge hole, S…Micro gap, SC…Fixing screw, SF1…Front surface, SF2…Back surface, TA…Tension adjustment screw, TE…Double-sided tape, TE1…First double-sided tape, TE2…Second double-sided tape, TP…Top, WK…Workpiece (conveyed object), WL…Side wall

Claims

1. A pair of pulleys, A conveyor belt is stretched across a pair of the aforementioned pulleys and conveys the material being transported, Equipped with, The aforementioned conveyor belt is A belt base material having elasticity is stretched across a pair of the aforementioned pulleys, A plurality of magnetic members are attached to the belt base material and arranged in the direction of the span of the belt base material, It is equipped with Conveying device.

2. In the conveying device according to claim 1, A notch is provided between adjacent magnet members in the direction in which the belt base material is spanned. Conveying device.

3. In the conveying device according to claim 1, A gap is provided between adjacent magnet members in the direction in which the belt base material is spanned. Conveying device.

4. In a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the direction in which the belt base material is stretched, at least one portion where a magnet member is missing is provided. Conveying device.

5. In the conveying device according to claim 3, The plurality of gaps arranged in the direction of the span of the belt base material include a plurality of gaps having different width dimensions along the direction of the span of the belt base material. Conveying device.

6. In a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The plurality of magnet members arranged in the direction of the span of the belt base material include a plurality of magnet members having different width dimensions along the direction of the span of the belt base material. Conveying device.

7. In a conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, In the direction in which the belt base material is spanned, a non-magnetic member is provided alongside the magnetic member. Conveying device.

8. In the conveying device according to claim 7, The pair of pulleys are rotatably supported in the housing, The housing includes a conveyed object abutment member against which the conveyed object, which is moved by the conveyed belt, abuts. The conveying object abutment member moves the conveying object while rubbing it against the magnetic member. Conveying device.

9. In the conveying device according to claim 8, The magnetic member is provided with a protective film to protect the surface of the magnetic member. Conveying device.

10. In the conveying device according to claim 1, The magnetic sensor has a magnetic sensor facing the aforementioned magnetic member, The magnetic sensor outputs a detection signal according to the magnitude of the magnetic force of the magnetic member. Conveying device.

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