Retractable slide chute and transport system

Abstract

The retractable slide chute (1) easily secures space where the chutes are located. The retractable slide chute (1) includes a plurality of chutes (2, 3) having inclined surfaces (21a, 31a) that slide articles received from above downward, and a moving unit (34) that moves at least one of the chutes (2, 3) from a use state in which the inclined surfaces (21a, 31a) are aligned consecutively so that the articles slide down all of the inclined surfaces (21a, 31a) to a retracted state in which at least a portion of at least one of the inclined surfaces (21a, 31a) vertically overlaps with another inclined surface (21a, 31a).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a chute or the like for sliding down objects. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, as disclosed in Patent Document 1, a chute receives and slides down articles that have been conveyed and sorted by a conveying and sorting device such as a conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-189268 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] For example, at airports, they are located adjacent to the conveyor that transports baggage, so there is usually no space between the conveyor and the chute for workers to stand.

[0005] If you need to secure the above-mentioned space for maintenance purposes, etc., you need to move the entire chute away from the conveyor, and the larger or heavier the chute is, the more time-consuming the moving operation becomes. Also, if the chute is installed in a narrow space and a path for its movement cannot be secured, the chute cannot be moved in the first place, making it impossible to secure the above-mentioned space.

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is to easily free up space where the chute is located. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, one embodiment of the present invention provides a retractable slide chute comprising a plurality of chutes having inclined surfaces that slide items received from above downward, and a moving unit that moves at least one of the chutes from a use state in which the inclined surfaces are lined up consecutively so that the items can slide down all of the inclined surfaces, to a retracted state in which at least a portion of at least one of the inclined surfaces vertically overlaps with another of the inclined surfaces. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, a retractable slide chute can easily secure space where the chute is located. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the retractable slide chute. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing the retractable slide chute in a state where the upper chute has moved to the lower chute side. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the retractable slide chute in a state where the upper chute has moved toward the lower chute. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a portion of the movable leg of the upper chute. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a side view showing a configuration of a part of the movable leg. [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a front view showing a configuration of a part of the movable leg. [Figure 8] 10 is an enlarged front view showing a connection structure between the support of the movable leg and the fixed member. FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a side view showing the retractable slide chute shown in FIG. 9 in a state where the lower chute has moved toward the upper chute. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a side view showing the retractable slide chute shown in FIG. 11 in a state where the upper chute and the middle chute have moved to the lower chute side. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 14 is a side view showing the retractable slide chute shown in FIG. 13 in a state where the lower chute and the middle chute have moved to the upper chute side. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transport system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for controlling a conveyor by a control device of the transport system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

[0011] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute 1 according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the retractable slide chute 1. Hereinafter, the retractable slide chute 1 will be simply referred to as the chute 1.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, chute 1 includes lower chute 2, upper chute 3, rails 4, and roller plates 5. Chute 1 is installed on installation surface F adjacent to conveyor 101. Chute 1 receives articles 100 transported by conveyor 101 and slides them downward.

[0013] Conveyor 101 is a conveying and sorting device that conveys articles 100 to a destination position, and is installed on installation surface F. Conveyor 101 has a main body 102, a moving body 103, and a tray 104 (sorter). Moving body 103 is arranged to move on main body 102. Tray 104 is attached to moving body 103 so as to move together with moving body 103. Articles 100 are placed on tray 104 one by one, and when it reaches the sorting position, it tilts toward chute 1 as shown in FIG. 2, and sends out the articles 100 to chute 1.

[0014] The lower chute 2 is located at the lower stage of the chute 1. The lower chute 2 has an inclined plate 21, a side guide 22, and a fixed leg 23.

[0015] The inclined plate 21 has a long rectangular shape and is made of a material with a smooth surface such as stainless steel. The inclined plate 21 has an inclined surface 21a (second inclined surface) on the upper side along which the article 100 slides.

[0016] The inclined surface 21a is formed so that the angle of inclination from the upper end to the middle portion is greater than the angle of inclination from the middle portion to the lower end. As a result, the article 100 slides from the upper end of the inclined surface 21a through the region of the middle portion, and decelerates when it reaches the region of the lower end from the middle portion. In addition, the inclined surface 21a is provided with a pushing member 21b. The pushing member 21b is disposed at an angle with respect to the side guide 22 so as to push the article 100 sliding down the inclined surface 21a toward the center of the inclined surface 21a.

[0017] The side guides 22 are fixed one by one to the side edges on the short sides of the inclined plate 21. The side guides 22 are plate members that guide the articles 100 so that they do not protrude laterally from the inclined plate 21. The peripheral portions of the side guides 22 are bent outward to increase their strength.

[0018] The fixed legs 23 are structures arranged on the installation surface F to fixedly support the inclined plate 21, and are formed of, for example, steel. A plurality of fixed legs 23 are provided, and are arranged side by side at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 21. The fixed legs 23 have a base 231, a support 232, and a fixing member 233.

[0019] The base 231 is a flat plate-shaped member and is placed on the installation surface F. The base 231 may be fixed to the installation surface F with bolts or the like. The support pillar 232 is formed to stand perpendicular to the base 231. The fixing member 233 is a member that fixes the fixing leg 23 to the back surface of the inclined plate 21. The fixing member 233 is provided at the upper end of the support pillar 232.

[0020] The upper chute 3 is located at the upper stage of the chute 1. The upper chute 3 has an inclined plate 31, a side guide 32, and a movement mechanism 33 (movement unit).

[0021] The inclined plate 31 has a long rectangular shape and is made of a material with a smooth surface, such as stainless steel. The inclined plate 31 has a flat inclined surface 31a (first inclined surface) on the upper side of which the article 100 slides. The inclined surface 31a has the same inclination angle as the inclined surface 21a from the upper end to the middle portion.

[0022] One or more ribs 31b are fixed to the rear surface of the inclined plate 31. The ribs 31b are rod-shaped members extending in the short side direction of the inclined plate 31. When multiple ribs 31b are fixed to the rear surface of the inclined plate 31, the ribs 31b are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 31. The ribs 31b are provided to increase the strength of the inclined plate 31. For convenience, only one rib 31b is depicted in FIG. 1.

[0023] The side guides 32 are fixed one by one to the side edges on the short sides of the inclined plate 31. The side guides 32 are plate members that guide the articles 100 so that they do not protrude laterally from the inclined plate 31. The peripheral portions of the side guides 32 are bent outward to increase their strength.

[0024] The moving mechanism 33 supports the inclined plate 31 so that it can move toward the lower chute 2 on the installation surface F. The moving mechanism 33 has two movable legs 34, one movable leg 35, and cross members 331 and 332. One movable leg 34 is provided on each side edge of the short sides of the inclined plate 31. The movable leg 35 is located in the middle of the inclined plate 31, i.e., between the movable legs 34.

[0025] The movable leg 34 includes a base 340 , support posts 341 and 342 , fixed members 343 and 344 , bearing members 345 and 346 , and rollers 347 and 348 .

[0026] Base 340 is a flat, rectangular member. Base 340 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of base 340 is parallel to the direction in which the longitudinal direction of side guide 32 is projected onto installation surface F. Support columns 341 and 342 are formed to rise perpendicularly to the upper surface of base 340. Support column 341 is shorter than support column 342 and is disposed at a distance from support column 342.

[0027] The support posts 342 of the two movable legs 34 are connected by a cross member 331 arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 31. Two handles 3422a are provided on the support post 342. The handles 3422a are respectively arranged on the surface of the support post 342 facing the support post 341 and on the surface opposite to that surface.

[0028] The fixing members 343, 344 are members that fix the movable legs 34 to the rear surface of the inclined plate 31 and are arranged at a distance from each other. The fixing members 343, 344 are provided on the upper ends of the supports 341, 342, respectively. The fixing members 343, 344 are fixed to the lower end surfaces of the side guides 32. The fixing members 343 of the two movable legs 34 are connected by a cross member 332 that is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 31.

[0029] Bearing member 345 is a member that rotatably supports roller 347. Bearing member 346 is a member that rotatably supports roller 348. Bearing members 345 and 346 are arranged below support columns 341 and 342, respectively, on the lower surface of base 340. Rollers 347 and 348 are arranged to roll on rail 4. The contact surfaces of rollers 347 and 348 that come into contact with rail 4 are formed concavely.

[0030] Two rails 4 are provided for moving each of the movable legs 34. The rails 4 are arranged parallel to each other at a distance slightly wider than the width of the inclined plate 31. The rail 4 has a support plate 41, a protrusion 42, rising plates 43 and 44, and stoppers 45 and 46.

[0031] The support plate 41 is a long, thin plate-like member, and is disposed so that its longitudinal direction coincides with the direction of movement of the base 340. The protrusion 42 is formed on the upper surface of the support plate 41 at the center of the width of the support plate 41 along the longitudinal direction of the support plate 41. The protrusion 42 is formed so that its cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the support plate 41 has a convex shape (e.g., a triangle). The specific shape of the protrusion 42 is not limited as long as it is formed in a shape that allows good contact with the contact surfaces of the rollers 347, 348 that contact the rail 4.

[0032] The rising plate 43 is a plate-like member provided so as to rise from the end of the upper surface of the support plate 41 on the side of the lower chute 2. The rising plate 44 is a plate-like member provided so as to rise from the end of the upper surface of the support plate 41 on the side of the upper chute 3. The rising plates 43 and 44 are arranged so as to face each other.

[0033] The stopper 45 has a head 45a that prevents the roller 347 from moving, and a shaft 45b. The head 45a is disposed on the side of the rising plate 43 that faces the rising plate 44, i.e., the side that faces the roller 347. The shaft 45b is a male screw that is inserted into a female screw hole formed in the rising plate 43 so as to pass through it.

[0034] The stopper 46 has a head 46a that prevents the roller 348 from moving, and a shaft 46b. The head 46a is disposed on the side of the rising plate 44 that faces the rising plate 43, i.e., the side that faces the roller 348. The shaft 46b is a male screw that is inserted into a female screw hole formed in the rising plate 44 so as to pass through it.

[0035] Rotating the head 45a of the stopper 45 clockwise moves the head 45a toward the rising plate 43, and rotating the head 45a counterclockwise moves the head 45a away from the rising plate 43. Rotating the head 46a of the stopper 46 clockwise moves the head 46a toward the rising plate 44, and rotating the head 46a counterclockwise moves the head 46a away from the rising plate 44. In this way, the positions of the heads 45a and 46a of the stoppers 45 and 46, respectively, i.e., the positions at which the movement of the rollers 347 and 348 is blocked, can be adjusted.

[0036] The movable leg 35 includes a base 350 , a support 351 , a fixed member 352 , a bearing member 353 , and a roller 354 .

[0037] Base 350 is a flat, rectangular member. Base 350 is disposed parallel to base 340. Support pillar 351 is formed to stand perpendicular to the upper surface of base 350. Support pillar 351 is joined to horizontal member 331 at the center of the horizontal member 331 in the longitudinal direction so as to intersect perpendicularly with horizontal member 331. As a result, movable leg 35 is formed to move in conjunction with movable leg 34.

[0038] The fixing members 352 are members that fix the movable legs 35 to the ribs 31b of the inclined plate 31, and are arranged one on each side surface of the rib 31b. The fixing members 352 are provided on the upper ends of the support columns 351, respectively.

[0039] The bearing member 353 is a member that rotatably supports the roller 354. The bearing member 353 is disposed below the support column 351 on the lower surface of the base 350. The roller 354 is disposed so as to roll on the roller plate 5. The contact surface of the roller 354 with the roller plate 5 is formed in a flat or convex curved shape, unlike the contact surfaces of the rollers 347 and 348 described above.

[0040] The roller plate 5 is disposed so as to be parallel to the two rails 4. The roller plate 5 has a support plate 51 and a stopper 52.

[0041] The support plate 51 is a plate-like member having an elongated rectangular shape. The stoppers 52 are provided at positions that prevent the movement of the rollers 354 on both the lower chute 2 side and the upper chute 3 side. The stoppers 52 have surfaces that are inclined with respect to the support plate 51 so that the rollers 354 can easily come into contact with the stoppers 52. For convenience, only the stoppers 52 provided on the lower chute 2 side are shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, which will be described later, and the stoppers 52 provided on the upper chute 3 side are omitted.

[0042] Next, the movement of the upper chute 3 in the chute 1 configured as above will be described.

[0043] Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the chute 1 in a state where the upper chute 3 has moved toward the lower chute 2. Fig. 4 is a side view showing the chute 1 in a state where the upper chute 3 has moved toward the lower chute 2.

[0044] 1 and 2, in the normal operating state of chute 1, inclined surfaces 21a, 31a are aligned in succession so that articles 100 can slide down all of the inclined surfaces 21a, 31a. As a result, inclined surface 21a of lower chute 2 receives and slides articles 100 sliding down inclined surface 31a of upper chute 3. In this operating state, movable leg 34 is fixed at a position where roller 348 abuts stopper 46.

[0045] 2, the end of base 340 on the roller 348 side overlaps the upper end surface of riser plate 44 at the position where roller 348 abuts against head 46a of stopper 46. In this state, a bolt is passed through an elongated hole (not shown) formed in the end of base 340 on the roller 348 side, and the bolt is then tightened into a hole (not shown) formed in the upper end surface of riser plate 44, thereby fixing movable leg 34 to rail 4.

[0046] In this operating state, an operator holds the handle 3422a of the support 342 and pushes the support 342 in the X1 direction (i.e., in the direction to pull the upper chute 3 away from the conveyor 101). This causes the movable legs 34 of the movement mechanism 33 to move on the rails 4, and the movable legs 35 of the movement mechanism 33 to move on the roller plates 5. As a result, the upper chute 3 moves toward the lower chute 2 in the X1 direction, as shown in Figures 3 and 4.

[0047] 4, the end of base 340 on the roller 347 side overlaps the upper end surface of rising plate 43 at the position where roller 347 abuts against head 45a of stopper 45. In this state, a bolt is passed through an elongated hole (not shown) formed in the end of base 340 on the roller 347 side, and the bolt is then tightened into a hole (not shown) formed in the upper end surface of rising plate 43, thereby fixing movable leg 34 to rail 4.

[0048] As a result, as shown in FIG. 4, the upper chute 3 is positioned on the side of the lower chute 2 so that the inclined surface 31a vertically overlaps the inclined surface 21a. In this stored state, a space SP1 can be created in the location where the upper chute 3 was located when in use. In this way, the space SP1 can be easily secured in part of the location where the chute 1 is located. Since this space SP1 is formed on the front side of the conveyor 101, it can be used not only as a passageway but also for work such as maintenance of the conveyor 101. Here, the front side of the conveyor 101 is the side from which the tray 104 sends out the articles 100.

[0049] Furthermore, if the upper chute 3 can be moved until the chute 1 is in a stored state so that at least a portion of the inclined surface 31a of the upper chute 3 vertically overlaps with the inclined surface 21a of the lower chute 2, a space can be secured, although it is not as large as the space SP1.

[0050] Furthermore, instead of fixing the base 340 to the rail 4 as described above, the movable leg 34 may be provided with a mechanism that can fix the rollers 347, 348 at any position.

[0051] Next, the movable leg 34 will be described in detail. Fig. 5 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a portion of the movable leg 34 of the upper chute 3. Fig. 6 is a side view showing the configuration of a portion of the movable leg 34. Fig. 7 is a front view showing the configuration of a portion of the movable leg 34. Fig. 8 is an enlarged front view showing the connection structure between the support 342 of the movable leg 34 and the fixed member 344.

[0052] 5 to 7, the support 342 of the movable leg 34 is divided into an upper part 3421 and a lower part 3422. The lower part 3422 is formed in a cylindrical shape so that the upper part 3421 can be inserted, and has a rectangular cross section in the horizontal direction. The upper part 3421 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and has a rectangular cross section in the horizontal direction that is slightly smaller than the cross section of the lower part 3422.

[0053] Upper portion 3421 has fixed surface 3421a and opposing surface 3421b. Fixed surface 3421a is a surface that is fixed to fixing member 344. Opposing surface 3421b is a surface that faces fixed surface 3421a. Fixed surface 3421a has multiple through holes 3421c. Through holes 3421c are formed so as to be spaced apart along the longitudinal direction of upper portion 3421 and to penetrate upper portion 3421 in its thickness direction. Opposing surface 3421b has slits 3421d that extend in the vertical direction.

[0054] The lower end of the upper part 3421 is inserted into the interior of the lower part 3422 from the upper end of the lower part 3422, and is supported by two bolts 3423. Specifically, the bolts 3423 penetrate the lower part 3422 and are passed through the through holes 3421c. The tips of the bolts 3423 are fitted into screw holes (not shown) formed in the lower part 3422.

[0055] The position at which upper portion 3421 is supported by lower portion 3422 can be changed by changing through-hole 3421c through which bolt 3423 is passed. This makes it possible to change the height of the upper end of upper portion 3421, i.e., the height of support 342. In this way, upper portion 3421, lower portion 3422, through-hole 3421c, and bolt 3423 constitute a height adjustment unit that adjusts the height of inclined surface 31a.

[0056] Like support 342, support 341 can be structured such that it is divided into upper and lower parts, or such that the upper part is supported by the lower part. This allows the height of support 341 to be changed. Similarly, like support 342, support 232 of fixed leg 23 can be structured such that it is divided into upper and lower parts, or such that the upper part is supported by the lower part. This allows the height of support 232 to be changed.

[0057] 8, the upper end of upper portion 3421 is fixed to fixing member 344 by bolts 3424, 3425 and nuts 3426, 3427. Here, as shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, fixing member 344 has first fixing portion 344a, second fixing portion 344b, and bracket 344c.

[0058] The first fixing portion 344a is a plate-shaped portion to which the upper portion 3421 is fixed, and has a through-hole 344d and an arc-shaped hole 344e. The through-hole 344d is a hole that passes through the first fixing portion 344a. The arc-shaped hole 344e is a hole that is formed in an arc centered at the through-hole 344d. The arc-shaped hole 344e passes through the first fixing portion 344a and is formed below the through-hole 344d. The second fixing portion 344b has a plate-shaped portion that is fixed to the back surface of the inclined plate 31. The bracket 344c connects the first fixing portion 344a and the second fixing portion 344b, thereby increasing the overall strength of the fixing member 344.

[0059] A head 3424a of the bolt 3424 is disposed on the inner surface side of the first fixing portion 344a. A shaft 3424b of the bolt 3424 is passed through a through-hole 344d of the first fixing portion 344a and an uppermost through-hole 3421c of the upper portion 3421. A nut 3426 is disposed inside the upper portion 3421 and is fitted onto the shaft 3424b.

[0060] Head 3425a of bolt 3425 is disposed on the inner surface side of first fixing portion 344a. Shank 3425b of bolt 3425 is passed through arc hole 344e of first fixing portion 344a and second through-hole 3421c from the top of upper portion 3421. Nut 3427 is disposed inside upper portion 3421 and is fitted onto shaft 3425b.

[0061] The upper portion 3421 is fixed to the fixing member 344 with nuts 3426 and 3427 tightened onto the bolts 3424 and 3425, respectively. Furthermore, with the nuts 3426 and 3427 loosened, the fixing member 344 can rotate about the shaft 3424b as the shaft 3425b of the bolt 3425 moves through the arc-shaped hole 344e. This allows the inclination angle θ of the fixing member 344 with respect to the upper portion 3421 to be adjusted, as shown in FIG. 6 . In this way, the bolts 3424 and 3425, the nuts 3426 and 3427, the through-hole 344d, and the arc-shaped hole 344e form an angle adjustment unit that adjusts the inclination angle θ of the inclined surface 31a.

[0062] The movable leg 34 has a pair of ratchet mechanisms 349 (movement restricting portions). The pair of ratchet mechanisms 349 are provided on the outer sides of the rollers 347. The ratchet mechanisms 349 restrict the rotation of the rollers 347 in one direction. The ratchet mechanisms 349 have a gear 349a, a support plate 349b, a support shaft 349c, and a pawl 349d. The gear 349a is fixed to the rotation shaft of the rollers 347 and rotates integrally with the rollers 347. The support plate 349b is attached to the base 340 and the lower portion 3422 so as to be disposed to the side of the bearing member 346. The support shaft 349c is fixed to the support plate 349b. The pawl 349d is rotatably supported on the support plate 349b by the support shaft 349c. The pawl 349d is biased toward the center of the gear 349a by a spring.

[0063] 6 and configured as described above, when gear 349a tries to rotate counterclockwise (CCW), the teeth of gear 349a push up the tip of pawl 349d, thereby maintaining the rotation of gear 349a. On the other hand, when gear 349a tries to rotate clockwise (CW), the tip of pawl 349d hits the teeth of gear 349a, thereby preventing the rotation of gear 349a.

[0064] As a result, the ratchet mechanism 349 rotates the roller 347 counterclockwise (CCW) but does not rotate it clockwise (CW), so the ratchet mechanism 349 restricts the movement of the moving mechanism 33 to one direction.

[0065] Furthermore, the pawl 349d of each of the pair of ratchet mechanisms 349 blocks rotation of the gear 349a in opposite directions. As described above, the ratchet mechanism 349 on the left side in FIG. 7 does not block counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the gear 349a, but blocks clockwise (CW) rotation of the gear 349a. In contrast, the ratchet mechanism 349 on the right side in FIG. 7 does not block clockwise (CW) rotation of the gear 349a, but blocks counterclockwise (CCW) rotation of the gear 349a, as viewed from the left side. Therefore, by releasing the blockage of rotation of the gear 349a by the pawl 349d of either of the ratchet mechanisms 349, the movement direction of the movement mechanism 33 can be restricted to one of two directions.

[0066] [Embodiment 2] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 9 and 10. For ease of explanation, in the second embodiment, components having the same functions as those described in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0067] 9 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute 1A according to embodiment 2. Hereinafter, the retractable slide chute 1A will be simply referred to as the chute 1A.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 9, chute 1A includes lower chute 2A, upper chute 3A, rails 4, and roller plates (not shown). Chute 1A is installed on installation surface F close to conveyor 101. Chute 1A receives articles 100 transported by conveyor 101 and slides them downward.

[0069] The lower chute 2A has an inclined plate 21, a side guide 22, and a moving mechanism 24 (moving section).

[0070] The moving mechanism 24 is a mechanism that supports the inclined plate 21 so that it can move toward the upper chute 3A on the installation surface F. The moving mechanism 24 has two movable legs 25, one movable leg (not shown), and cross members 241, 242. One movable leg 25 is provided on each side edge of the short side of the inclined plate 21. The one movable leg is located in the middle of the inclined plate 21, i.e., between the movable legs 25.

[0071] The movable leg 25 has a base 250, support posts 251 and 252, fixed members 253 and 254, bearing members 255 and 256, and rollers 257 and 258.

[0072] The base 250 is a flat, rectangular member. The base 250 is disposed so that the longitudinal direction of the base 250 is parallel to the direction in which the longitudinal direction of the side guides 22 is projected onto the installation surface F. The support columns 251 and 252 are formed to rise perpendicularly to the upper surface of the base 250. The support column 251 is shorter than the support column 252 and is disposed at a distance from the support column 252.

[0073] The support columns 252 of the two movable legs 25 are connected by a cross member 241 arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 21. Although not shown, the support columns 252 are provided with handles similar to the two handles 3422a provided on the upper chute 3 of the chute 1 in embodiment 1. These handles are respectively provided on the surface of the support column 252 facing the support column 251 and on the surface opposite to that surface.

[0074] The fixing members 253, 254 are members that fix the movable legs 25 to the rear surface of the inclined plate 21 and are arranged at a distance from each other. The fixing members 253, 254 are provided on the upper ends of the supports 251, 252, respectively. The fixing members 253, 254 are fixed to the lower end surfaces of the side guides 22. In addition, the fixing members 253 of the two movable legs 25 are connected by a cross member 242 that is arranged to extend in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 21.

[0075] Bearing member 255 is a member that rotatably supports roller 257. Bearing member 256 is a member that rotatably supports roller 258. Bearing members 255 and 256 are disposed below support columns 251 and 252, respectively, on the lower surface of base 250. Rollers 257 and 258 are configured in the same manner as rollers 347 and 348, respectively, provided in upper chute 3 of chute 1 of embodiment 1.

[0076] The movable leg (not shown) provided between the two movable legs 25 is configured in the same manner as the movable leg 35 provided in the upper chute 3 of the chute 1 of embodiment 1. However, since the inclined plate 21 does not have a rib such as rib 31b on the back surface thereof like the inclined plate 31, the fixing member of the movable leg corresponding to fixing member 352 of the movable leg 35 is fixed directly to the back surface of the inclined plate 21. In addition, the support of the movable leg is joined to the center of the cross member 241 so as to perpendicularly intersect with the cross member 241. As a result, the movable leg is formed to move in conjunction with the movable leg 25.

[0077] The roller plate (not shown) is arranged so as to be parallel to the two rails 4. The roller plate is configured in the same manner as the roller plate 5 provided in the upper chute 3 of the chute 1 of the first embodiment.

[0078] The upper chute 3A has an inclined plate 31, a side guide 32, and a fixed leg .

[0079] The fixed legs 36 are structures that are placed on the installation surface F and fixedly support the inclined plate 31, and are formed of, for example, steel. A plurality of fixed legs 36 are provided, and are arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the inclined plate 31. The fixed legs 36 have a base 361, a support 362, and a fixing member 363.

[0080] The base 361 is a flat plate-shaped member and is placed on the installation surface F. The base 361 may be fixed to the installation surface F with bolts or the like. The support pillars 362 are formed to stand perpendicular to the base 361. The fixing members 363 are members that fix the fixing legs 36 to the back surface (ribs 31b) of the inclined plate 31. The fixing members 363 are provided at the upper ends of the support pillars 362.

[0081] Next, the movement of the lower chute 2A in the chute 1A configured as above will be described.

[0082] FIG. 10 is a side view showing the chute 1A shown in FIG. 9 in a state where the lower chute 2A has moved toward the upper chute 3A.

[0083] In the normal use state of chute 1A shown in Figure 9, inclined surfaces 21a, 31a are aligned consecutively so that articles 100 can slide down all of the inclined surfaces 21a, 31a. As a result, inclined surface 21a of lower chute 2A receives and slides articles 100 sliding down inclined surface 31a of upper chute 3A. In this use state, movable leg 25 is fixed at a position where roller 257 abuts stopper 45.

[0084] 9, the end of base 250 on the roller 257 side overlaps the upper end surface of rising plate 43 at the position where roller 257 abuts against head 45a of stopper 45. In this state, a bolt is passed through an elongated hole (not shown) formed in the end of base 250 on the roller 257 side, and the bolt is then tightened into a hole (not shown) formed in the upper end surface of rising plate 43, thereby fixing movable leg 25 to rail 4.

[0085] In this operating state, an operator holds the handle of support column 252 and pushes it in the X2 direction (i.e., in the direction that moves lower chute 2A closer to conveyor 101). This causes movable legs 25 of movement mechanism 24 to move on rails 4, and a movable leg (not shown) provided in the center of movement mechanism 24 moves on a roller plate (not shown). As a result, as shown in FIG. 10, lower chute 2A moves in the X2 direction toward upper chute 3A.

[0086] 10, the end of base 250 on the roller 258 side overlaps the upper end surface of rising plate 44 at the position where roller 258 abuts against head 46a of stopper 46. In this state, a bolt is passed through an elongated hole (not shown) formed in the end of base 250 on the roller 258 side, and the bolt is then tightened into a hole (not shown) formed in the upper end surface of rising plate 44, thereby fixing movable leg 25 to rail 4.

[0087] As a result, as shown in Figure 10, the lower chute 2A is positioned on the upper chute 3A side so that the inclined surface 31a vertically overlaps the inclined surface 21a. In this stored state, a space SP2 can be created in the location where the lower chute 2A was located when in use. In this way, the space SP2 can be easily secured in part of the location where the chute 1A is located. This allows the space on the side where the chute 1A slides down the articles 100 to be expanded.

[0088] Furthermore, if the lower chute 2A can be moved until the chute 1A is in a stored state so that at least a portion of the inclined surface 21a of the lower chute 2A overlaps vertically with the inclined surface 31a of the upper chute 3A, a space can be secured, although not as large as the space SP2.

[0089] Furthermore, instead of fixing the base 250 to the rail 4 as described above, the movable leg 25 may be provided with a mechanism that can fix the rollers 257, 258 at any position.

[0090] [Embodiment 3] In the above-described first and second embodiments, a retractable slide chute having two chutes has been described, but the retractable slide chute may have three or more chutes. Therefore, in a third embodiment of the present invention, an example of a retractable slide chute having three chutes will be described in detail with reference to Figures 11 and 12. For ease of explanation, in the third embodiment, components having the same functions as those described in the first and second embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and their description will not be repeated.

[0091] 11 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable sliding chute 1B according to embodiment 3. Hereinafter, the retractable sliding chute 1B will be simply referred to as the chute 1B.

[0092] As shown in Figure 11, chute 1B includes lower chute 2, upper chute 3, middle chute 6, rails 4 and 7, roller plate 5, and another roller plate (not shown). Chute 1B is installed on installation surface F close to conveyor 101. Chute 1B receives articles 100 transported by conveyor 101 and slides them down. In order for chute 1B to slide articles 100 down, lower chute 2, upper chute 3, and middle chute 6 each have inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a of different heights that are formed so that articles 100 can slide continuously.

[0093] The intermediate chute 6 has an inclined plate 61, a side guide 62, and a moving mechanism 63 (moving section).

[0094] The inclined plate 61 has the same structure as the inclined plate 31. The inclined plate 61 is disposed at a position higher than the inclined plate 21 and lower than the inclined plate 31. The side guide 62 has the same structure as the side guide 32.

[0095] The moving mechanism 63 supports the inclined plate 61 so that it can move toward the lower chute 2 on the installation surface F. The moving mechanism 63 has two movable legs 64, one intermediate movable leg (not shown), and cross members 631, 632. One movable leg 64 is provided on each side edge of the short sides of the inclined plate 61. The intermediate movable leg is disposed in the intermediate portion of the inclined plate 61, i.e., between the movable legs 64. The intermediate movable leg can move in the same direction as the movable leg 35 in the first embodiment described above, but is disposed in a position that does not interfere with the movable leg 35. The movable leg 64 has a base 640, supports 641, 642, fixed members 643, 644, bearing members 645, 646, and rollers 647, 648.

[0096] The moving mechanism 63 is configured in the same way as the moving mechanism 33, except that the heights of the support columns 641 and 642 are lower than the heights of the support columns 341 and 342, respectively, and the spacing between the movable legs 64 is narrower than the spacing between the movable legs .

[0097] The rail 4 is formed to be longer than the rail 4 in the chute 1 of the first embodiment.

[0098] Two rails 7 are provided to move each of the movable legs 64. The rails 7 are formed to the same length as the rails 4 in the chute 1 of embodiment 1. The rails 7 are arranged parallel to each other between the rails 4 at an interval slightly wider than the width of the inclined plates 61. The rails 7 have a support plate 71, a protrusion 72, rising plates 73 and 74, and stoppers 75 and 76.

[0099] Rail 7 has the same structure as rail 4 except for its length, so a detailed description of its structure will be omitted here.

[0100] In the third embodiment, the upper chute 3 moves on rails 4 and the middle chute 6 moves on rails 7 .

[0101] Next, the movement of the upper chute 3 and the middle chute 6 in the chute 1B configured as above will be described.

[0102] FIG. 12 is a side view showing the chute 1B shown in FIG. 11 in a state where the upper chute 3 and the middle chute 6 have moved toward the lower chute 2. As shown in FIG.

[0103] In the normal use state of chute 1B shown in Figure 11, lower chute 2, upper chute 3, and middle chute 6 are positioned in their normal positions. In addition, inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a are lined up consecutively so that article 100 can slide down all of inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a. In this use state, movable leg 34 is fixed in a position where roller 348 abuts against stopper 46, and movable leg 64 is fixed in a position where roller 648 abuts against stopper 76.

[0104] From this usage state, as with the chute 1 of embodiment 1, the worker pushes the support 342 of the movable leg 34 in the X1 direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper chute 3 moves toward the lower chute 2 in the X1 direction. Also, the worker holds the handle of the support 642 of the movable leg 64 and pushes the support 642 in the X1 direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the movable leg 64 of the movement mechanism 63 moves on the rail 7. Also, the middle movable leg of the movement mechanism 63, which is provided near the center, moves on the separate roller plate described above. As a result, the middle chute 6 moves toward the lower chute 2 in the X1 direction, as shown in FIG. 12.

[0105] Here, the separate roller plate is arranged parallel to the roller plate 5 in the area where the intermediate movable leg moves.

[0106] In the position shown in FIG. 12, the upper chute 3 is fixed to the rail 4, and the middle chute 6 is fixed to the rail 7. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper chute 3 and the middle chute 6 are positioned on the lower chute 2 side so that the inclined surfaces 31a and 61a are vertically overlapping with the inclined surface 21a. In this stored state, a space SP3 can be created in the location where the upper chute 3 and the middle chute 6 were located when in use. In this way, the space SP3 can be easily secured in part of the location where the chute 1B is located. This space SP3 is formed between the lower chute 2 and the conveyor 101, so the space in front of the conveyor 101 can be expanded.

[0107] It is sufficient that the moving mechanism 33 of the upper chute 3 and the moving mechanism 63 of the middle chute 6 can move until at least a portion of at least one of the inclined surfaces 31a, 61a vertically overlaps with the inclined surface 21a of the lower chute 2. This ensures a space that is not as large as the space SP3.

[0108] Furthermore, the chute 1B may be provided with two or more intermediate chutes of different heights instead of the intermediate chute 6. This also applies to the fourth embodiment described below.

[0109] [Embodiment 4] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, another example of a retractable slide chute equipped with three chutes will be described in detail with reference to Figures 13 and 14. For ease of explanation, in the fourth embodiment, members having the same functions as those described in the first to third embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0110] 13 is a side view showing the configuration of a retractable slide chute 1C according to embodiment 4. Hereinafter, the retractable slide chute 1C will be simply referred to as the chute 1C.

[0111] As shown in Figure 13, chute 1C includes lower chute 2A, upper chute 3A, middle chute 6, rails 4 and 7, roller plate 5, and another roller plate (not shown). Chute 1C is installed on installation surface F close to conveyor 101. Chute 1C receives articles 100 transported by conveyor 101 and slides them down. In order for chute 1C to slide articles 100 down, lower chute 2A, upper chute 3A, and middle chute 6 each have inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a of different heights that are formed so that articles 100 can slide continuously.

[0112] Rail 4 has the same length as rail 4 in chute 1 of embodiment 1. Rail 7 is formed to be longer than rail 7 in chute 1B of embodiment 3. In embodiment 4, lower chute 2A moves on rail 7, and middle chute 6 moves on rail 4.

[0113] Next, the movement of the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 in the chute 1C configured as above will be described.

[0114] FIG. 14 is a side view showing the chute 1C shown in FIG. 13 in a state where the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 have moved toward the upper chute 3A.

[0115] In the normal use state of chute 1C shown in Figure 13, lower chute 2A, upper chute 3A, and middle chute 6 are positioned in their normal positions. In addition, inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a are arranged in succession so that article 100 can slide down all of inclined surfaces 21a, 31a, and 61a. In this use state, movable leg 25 is fixed in a position where roller 257 abuts stopper 75, and movable leg 64 is fixed in a position where roller 647 abuts stopper 45.

[0116] From this usage state, as with the chute 1A of embodiment 2, the worker pushes the support 252 of the movable leg 25 in the X2 direction. This causes the lower chute 2A to move toward the upper chute 3A in the X2 direction, as shown in FIG. 14. Also, as with the chute 1B of embodiment 3, the worker pushes the support 642 of the movable leg 64 in the X2 direction. This causes the middle chute 6 to move toward the upper chute 3A in the X2 direction, as shown in FIG. 14.

[0117] In the position shown in FIG. 14, the lower chute 2A is fixed to the rail 7, and the middle chute 6 is fixed to the rail 4. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 are positioned on the upper chute 3A side so that the inclined surfaces 21a and 61a are vertically overlapping with the inclined surface 31a. In this stored state, a space SP4 can be created in the location where the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 were located when in use. In this way, the space SP4 can be easily secured in part of the location where the chute 1C is located. This makes it possible to expand the space on the side where the chute 1C slides down the article 100.

[0118] It is sufficient that the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 can move so that at least a portion of the inclined surface 31a of the upper chute 3A is positioned above the inclined surface 21a of the lower chute 2A and the inclined surface 61a of the middle chute 6. This ensures a space that is not as large as the space SP4.

[0119] [Modifications of Embodiments 1 to 4] The chute 1 of embodiment 1 is configured so that the upper chute 3 moves. On the other hand, the chute 1A of embodiment 2 is configured so that the lower chute 2A moves. However, the retractable slide chute may be configured so that the movement mechanism 33 of the chute 1 and the movement mechanism 24 of the chute 1A are combined. This allows both the upper chute and the lower chute to move toward the lower chute and the upper chute, respectively.

[0120] Furthermore, the chute 1B of embodiment 3 is configured such that the upper chute 3 and the middle chute 6 are movable. On the other hand, the chute 1C of embodiment 4 is configured such that the lower chute 2A and the middle chute 6 are movable. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The retractable slide chute may be configured by combining the movement mechanism 33, 63 of the chute 1B with the movement mechanism 24 of the chute 1C. This allows both the upper chute and the middle chute, or both the lower chute and the middle chute, to move toward the lower chute and the upper chute, respectively.

[0121] Furthermore, in chute 1B of embodiment 3, the lower chute 2 may be changed to the lower chute 2A of embodiment 4 so that it is movable, and the lower chute 2A and the upper chute 3 may be moved toward the middle chute 6. On the other hand, in chute 1C of embodiment 4, the upper chute 3A may be changed to the upper chute 3 so that it is movable, and the lower chute 2A and the upper chute 3 may be moved toward the middle chute 6. With this configuration, it is not possible to ensure the large spaces SP3 and SP4 as shown in Figures 12 and 14, but it is possible to ensure space after the lower chute 2A and the upper chute 3 have moved.

[0122] [Embodiment 5] A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 15 and 16. For ease of explanation, in the fifth embodiment, members having the same functions as those described in the first to fourth embodiments will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

[0123] FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a transport system 1000 according to the fifth embodiment.

[0124] 15, the conveying system 1000 includes the above-mentioned conveyor 101, any one of the above-mentioned chutes 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C, a control device 301, and a sensor 401. For convenience, in the following description, when the chutes 1, 1A, 1B, and 1C are described, the chute 1 will be described as a representative.

[0125] The chute 1 has a linear motion actuator 202 (linear motion mechanism) and an operating unit 203. The chute 1 may have the linear motion actuator 202 and the operating unit 203 so as to replace the rollers 347, 348 and the rail 4 of the movement mechanism 33. Alternatively, the chute 1 may have the linear motion actuator 202 and the operating unit 203 in addition to the rollers 347, 348 and the rail 4.

[0126] The sensor 401 detects when the chute 1 is in use and also detects when the chute 1 is not in use. As shown in Fig. 2, the sensor 401 detects when the moving upper chute 3 is positioned in a normal use position. As an example, the sensor 401 is an optical sensor and is positioned near the conveyor 101 on the installation surface F, but is not limited to this.

[0127] The sensor 401 emits light upward and receives the reflected light from the end of the inclined plate 31 of the upper chute 3, which is positioned as shown in Fig. 2, on the conveyor 101 side. In this case, the sensor 401 detects that the inclined surfaces 21a and 31a of the lower chute 2 and the upper chute 3 are in positions where they can continuously slide the articles 100, i.e., that the chute 1 is in use. For this reason, the inclined plate 31 has a reflective surface (not shown) on the underside of the inclined plate 31 that reflects the light from the sensor 401.

[0128] Furthermore, when the upper chute 3 is positioned as shown in Fig. 4, the sensor 401 does not receive returning light from the inclined plate 31. In this case, the sensor 401 detects that the inclined surfaces 21a, 31a of the lower chute 2 and the upper chute 3 are not in positions that allow the articles 100 to slide continuously, i.e., the chute 1 is not in use. The sensor 401 may be a non-optical sensor, such as a sensor that detects whether the chute 1 is in use by using an image.

[0129] The linear motion actuator 202 is a mechanism that moves linearly, and although not shown, it has a motor and a motion conversion mechanism. The motion conversion mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion. Examples of the motion conversion mechanism include a ball screw, a rack and pinion, and a timing belt.

[0130] The operation unit 203 includes a switch that an operator operates to activate and stop the linear motion actuator 202 .

[0131] The control device 301 controls the operation of the conveyor 101 and the linear motion actuator 202. The control device 301 has a moving body control unit 302, a tray control unit 303, and an actuator control unit 304.

[0132] The moving body control unit 302 controls the operation of the moving body 103 on the conveyor 101 .

[0133] The tray control unit 303 controls the operation of the tray 104 on the conveyor 101. Specifically, the tray control unit 303 controls the tilt of the tray 104 on which the article 100 is placed so that the article 100 conveyed by the moving body 103 is sent to chute 1, which is a predetermined destination for the article 100. Furthermore, when the tray control unit 303 receives a first detection signal (detection output) from the sensor 401 indicating that the chute 1 is in use, the tray control unit 303 controls the tray 104 so that it operates when it reaches a position from which the article 100 is sent to chute 1. On the other hand, when the tray control unit 303 receives a second detection signal (detection output) from the sensor 401 indicating that the chute 1 is not in use, the tray control unit 303 controls the tray 104 so that it does not operate even when it reaches a position from which the article 100 is sent to chute 1.

[0134] The actuator control unit 304 controls the operation of the linear motion actuator 202. Specifically, while the moving body control unit 302 and the tray control unit 303 control the moving body 103 and the tray 104 to operate, respectively, the actuator control unit 304 controls the linear motion actuator 202 so that the linear motion actuator 202 does not operate in response to the operation of the operation unit 203.

[0135] Next, a description will be given of the control of the operation of the tray 104 by the control device 301 using the sensor 401. Fig. 16 is a flowchart showing the procedure for controlling the conveyor 101 by the control device 301 of the transport system 1000.

[0136] 16, first, tray control unit 303 determines whether chute 1 is in use based on a signal from sensor 401 (step S1). In step S1, if the signal from sensor 401 is a first detection signal, tray control unit 303 determines that chute 1 is in use (YES), and controls tray 104 to operate (step S2).

[0137] Then, the tray control unit 303 determines whether the conveyor 101 will stop (step S3). In step S3, if the tray control unit 303 determines that the conveyor 101 will stop based on the fact that an operation signal indicating that the conveyor 101 is in operation has not been generated (YES), the tray control unit 303 ends the process. On the other hand, in step S3, if the tray control unit 303 determines that the conveyor 101 will not stop based on the fact that the operation signal has been generated (NO), the tray control unit 303 returns the process to step S1.

[0138] Also, in step S1, if the signal from sensor 401 is the second detection signal, tray control unit 303 determines that chute 1 is not in use (NO), does not operate tray 104 (step S4), and returns the process to step S1.

[0139] As described above, in the conveying system 1000, the actuator control unit 304 controls the linear actuator 202 so that it does not operate in response to operation of the operation unit 203 when the conveyor 101 is in a movable state. As a result, when the conveyor 101 is in a movable state, the upper chute 3 of the chute 1 does not move toward the lower chute 2. This makes it possible to prevent the conveyed article 100 from falling into the space SP1.

[0140] When the control device 301 is not activated and the conveyor 101 is not operating, the linear actuator 202 can be operated by operating the operation unit 203. Therefore, if the linear actuator 202 is operated by operating the operation unit 203 and the conveyor 101 starts operating when the chute 1 is not in use, there is a risk that the transported articles 100 will fall into the space SP1.

[0141] To prevent this, in the conveying system 1000, the tray control unit 303 controls the tray 104 not to operate when it determines that the chute 1 is not in use based on the second detection signal from the sensor 401. This makes it possible to prevent the conveyed article 100 from falling into the space SP1.

[0142] Furthermore, if the chute 1 is configured not to include the linear actuator 202 and the upper chute 3 is configured to move on the rails 4 by rollers 347, 348, the control device 301 cannot prevent the worker from moving the upper chute 3. Even in this case, the tray control unit 303 controls the tray 104 not to operate when it determines that the chute 1 is not in use based on the second detection signal from the sensor 401. This makes it possible to prevent the transported article 100 from falling into the space SP1.

[0143] The aspects of the present invention can be expressed as follows.

[0144] The retractable slide chute according to aspect 1 of the present invention comprises a plurality of chutes having inclined surfaces that slide articles received from above downward, and a moving unit that moves at least one of the chutes from a use state in which the inclined surfaces are aligned consecutively so that the articles can slide down all of the inclined surfaces, to a retracted state in which at least a portion of at least one of the inclined surfaces vertically overlaps with another of the inclined surfaces.

[0145] According to the above configuration, at least one of the chutes moves to the other side. This creates a space where the moved chute was located before the movement. This space can therefore be used for passageways, work, etc.

[0146] The retractable slide chute of aspect 2 of the present invention may include two chutes: an upper chute located on the upper level and a lower chute located on the lower level, and the moving unit may move at least one of the upper chute and the lower chute so that at least a portion of the inclined surface of the upper chute is positioned above the inclined surface of the lower chute.

[0147] According to the above configuration, at least one of the upper chute and the lower chute moves to the other side. This creates a space where the moved upper chute or lower chute was located before the movement. This space can therefore be used for passageways, work, etc.

[0148] A retractable slide chute according to aspect 3 of the present invention may be configured such that, in aspect 2, the lower chute is fixed to the installation surface of the retractable slide chute, and the moving unit moves the upper chute between a fixed position of the upper chute and a position above the lower chute.

[0149] According to the above configuration, the upper chute moves toward the lower chute. This creates a space where the moved upper chute was located before the movement. This space can therefore be used for passageways, work, etc. In particular, when the retractable slide chute slides items sorted by the conveyor, the above space can be created between the conveyor and the retractable slide chute. This makes it easy to perform maintenance work on the conveyor.

[0150] A retractable slide chute according to aspect 4 of the present invention may be configured such that, in aspect 2, the upper chute is fixed to the installation surface of the retractable slide chute, and the moving unit moves the lower chute between a fixed position of the lower chute and a position below the upper chute.

[0151] According to the above configuration, the lower chute moves toward the upper chute. This creates a space where the moved lower chute was located before the movement. This space can therefore be used for passageways, work, etc. In particular, when the retractable slide chute is installed in a narrow space, the space on the side where the retractable slide chute slides down the articles can be expanded.

[0152] The retractable slide chute according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is in any one of the first to fourth aspects and may further include a movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the moving portion in one direction.

[0153] According to the above configuration, it is possible to prevent the moving part from moving in an undesired direction.

[0154] The retractable slide chute according to a sixth aspect of the present invention may be any one of the first to fifth aspects, in which the moving part is a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly.

[0155] According to the above configuration, at least one of the plurality of chutes can be moved without manual intervention.

[0156] A retractable slide chute according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the chute may have a height adjustment portion that adjusts the height of the inclined surface.

[0157] According to the above configuration, the height of the inclined surface can be adjusted as desired, and therefore the height of the inclined surface can be properly adjusted to match the height of the conveyor on which the retractable slide chute is installed.

[0158] A retractable slide chute according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the chute may have an angle adjustment portion that adjusts the inclination angle of the inclined surface.

[0159] According to the above configuration, the inclination angle of the inclined surface can be adjusted as desired, and therefore the inclination angle of the inclined surface can be adjusted appropriately according to the length of the inclined surface in the inclined direction.

[0160] A conveying system according to aspect 9 of the present invention comprises a retractable slide chute according to any one of aspects 1 to 8, a conveyor for transporting articles to the retractable slide chute, a control device for controlling the conveyor, and a sensor for detecting whether the retractable slide chute is in the use state, and the control device controls the conveyor based on the detection output of the sensor.

[0161] According to the above configuration, the conveyor can be controlled depending on whether the retractable slide chute is in use or not.

[0162] A conveying system according to aspect 10 of the present invention is the same as aspect 9, in which the conveyor has a sorter that sends the items to the retractable slide chute, and when the control device determines based on the detection output that the retractable slide chute is not in the used state, it may control the sorter so as not to send out the items.

[0163] According to the above configuration, when the retractable slide chute is not in use, the sorter does not deliver any articles, thereby preventing an article delivered from the sorter from being dropped because it cannot be slid down by the retractable slide chute.

[0164] [Software implementation example] The control function of the control device 301 (hereinafter referred to as the "device") can be realized by a program for causing a computer to function as the device. The program causes a computer to function as each control block of the device (the functions of the mobile object control unit 302, tray control unit 303, and actuator control unit 304).

[0165] In this case, the device includes a computer having at least one control unit (e.g., a processor) and at least one storage device (e.g., a memory) as hardware for executing the program. The control unit and storage device execute the program, thereby realizing the functions described in the fifth embodiment.

[0166] The program may be non-transitory and may be recorded on one or more computer-readable recording media. The recording media may or may not be included in the device. In the latter case, the program may be supplied to the device via any wired or wireless transmission medium.

[0167] Furthermore, some or all of the functions of the control blocks can be realized by logic circuits. For example, an integrated circuit on which a logic circuit that functions as each of the control blocks is formed is also included in the scope of the present invention.

[0168] [Additional Notes] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Furthermore, embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. Furthermore, new technical features can be formed by combining the technical means disclosed in each embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0169] 1, 1A, 1B, 1C Retractable Slide Chute 2,2A Down shot (shot) 3,3A Upper shot (shot) 6. Mid-range shot (shot) 21a,31a,61a Slope 24, 33, 63 Moving mechanism (moving part) 100 goods 101 Conveyor 104 Tray (sorter) 202 Linear Actuator (Linear Actuator) 303 Tray control section 349 Ratchet mechanism (movement control part) 344d through hole 344e Arc hole 1000 Transport System 3421 Upper 3423 Lower 3421c Through hole 3423, 3424, 3425 volts 3426,3427 Nut 401 Sensors F Installation surface θ Tilt angle

Claims

1. a plurality of chutes each having an inclined surface for sliding and sending down the articles received from above; and a moving unit that moves at least one of the chutes from a use state in which the inclined surfaces are aligned consecutively so that the article can slide down all of the inclined surfaces, to a storage state in which at least a portion of at least one of the inclined surfaces vertically overlaps with another of the inclined surfaces.

2. The chutes include an upper chute located at an upper level and a lower chute located at a lower level, The retractable slide chute according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves at least one of the upper chute and the lower chute so that at least a portion of the inclined surface of the upper chute is positioned above the inclined surface of the lower chute.

3. The lower chute is fixed to the installation surface of the retractable slide chute, The retractable slide chute according to claim 2 , wherein the moving unit moves the upper chute between a home position of the upper chute and a position above the lower chute.

4. The upper chute is fixed to the installation surface of the retractable slide chute, The retractable slide chute according to claim 2 , wherein the moving unit moves the lower chute between a home position of the lower chute and a position below the upper chute.

5. The retractable slide chute according to claim 1 , further comprising a movement restricting portion that restricts movement of the moving portion in one direction.

6. The retractable slide chute according to claim 1 , wherein the moving part is a linear motion mechanism that moves linearly.

7. The retractable slide chute according to claim 1 , wherein the chute has a height adjustment section that adjusts the height of the inclined surface.

8. The retractable slide chute according to claim 1 , wherein the chute has an angle adjustment section that adjusts the inclination angle of the inclined surface.

9. A retractable slide chute according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a conveyor for transporting articles to the retractable slide chute; a control device for controlling the conveyor; a sensor that detects whether the retractable slide chute is in the use state; The control device controls the conveyor based on the detection output of the sensor.

10. the conveyor includes a sorter that delivers the articles to the retractable slide chute; The conveying system according to claim 9 , wherein the control device controls the sorter not to send out the article when it determines based on the detection output that the retractable slide chute is not in the used state.

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