Conveying device and sorting system

Abstract

To provide a conveying device and a sorting system that allows for simplifying a mechanism to push up the conveying device and reducing manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A conveying device according to an embodiment comprises a conveyor body, a motor, a support part, a cam and a transmission mechanism. The conveyor body conveys an object loaded thereon. The motor drives the conveyor body. The support part is provided at an end of a secondary side along a transport direction of the object of the conveyor body and rotatably supports the conveyor body about one axis parallel with a width direction of the conveyor body. The cam pushes up the conveyor body using the support part as an axis from a first position for conveying the object up to a second position for allowing the object to pass through between a preceding device and a primary side of the conveyor body. The transmission mechanism transmits to the cam, rotational power of the motor in a reverse direction to the rotational direction in driving the conveyor body.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a conveying device for conveying luggage and a sorting system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the process of transporting luggage, a sorting device is known that sorts luggage according to its destination. As this type of sorting device, a sorting device is used in the transport direction of a transport device that constitutes a part of a transport path for transporting luggage. downstream( secondary ) The end of the conveying device is lowered, and the conveying device downstream A technique is known in which a gap is provided between the conveyor and the conveyor path on the side to allow luggage to pass through. The conveyor is, for example, a belt conveyor. downstream A gap is formed between the two side conveying paths, and the luggage is separated by dropping through this gap into the box below. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-101244 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] An object of the present invention is to provide a conveying device and a sorting system that can simplify the mechanism for pushing up the conveying device and reduce manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] According to an embodiment, a conveying device includes a conveyor body, a motor, a support portion, a cam, and a transmission mechanism. The conveyor body conveys an object placed thereon. The motor drives the conveyor body. The support portion moves the conveyor body along a conveying direction of the object placed on the conveyor body. downstreamThe cam is provided at an end of the conveyor body on the conveyor side and supports the conveyor body rotatably around a single axis parallel to the width direction of the conveyor body. Upstream Between the side edge To The object can pass through Forming a gap The conveyor body is pushed up to a second position with the support part as an axis. When the motor is rotated in a first rotation direction, the power generated by the rotation in the first rotation direction is not transmitted to the cam, and when the conveyor body is driven in the conveying direction and the motor is rotated in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, the power generated by the rotation in the second rotation direction is transmitted to the cam. It transmits power through rotation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a transport device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a sorting system in which the conveying device is used. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sorting system. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the sorting system. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the sorting system. [Figure 9] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the sorting system. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a conveying device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] An example of a rotary conveying device 10 according to a first embodiment and a sorting system 1 in which the rotary conveying device 10 is used will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9. FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating conveying device 10, and shows a state in which the rotating conveying device 10 is in a first position P1 for conveying an object. FIG. 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the rotating conveying device 10, and shows a state in which the rotating conveying device 10 is in the first position. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating conveying device 10, and shows a state in which the rotating conveying device 10 is in a second position rotated from the first position P1. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the rotating conveying device 10, and shows a state in which the rotating conveying device 10 is in a second position P2. FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing an example of a sorting system 1 in which the rotating conveying device 10 is used. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sorting system 1. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the sorting system 1. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the operation of the sorting system 1. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing another example of the operation of the sorting system 1.

[0008] The rotary conveying device 10 is configured to be capable of conveying the luggage 2 in one direction. The luggage 2 is an example of an object conveyed by the rotary conveying device 10. The luggage 2 is, for example, a postal item such as a letter. Note that the object is not limited to a letter.

[0009] In addition, the rotary conveying device 10 is downstream( secondary ) The end portion on the side is configured to be rotatable around a single axis parallel to the width direction of the conveying path 3. Here, the conveying path 3 is a path along which the luggage 2 is conveyed, and is configured by the rotary conveying device 10. In this embodiment, the conveying path 3 is configured, as an example, by a placement surface of the rotary conveying device 10 on which the luggage 2 is placed. The width direction is a direction perpendicular to both the conveying path 3 and the placement surface.

[0010] The rotary conveying device 10 rotates about the rotation axis by being pushed up from below, and the rotary conveying device 10 Upstream ( primary ) The rotating conveying device 10 is configured to be able to form a gap S between the sides through which the baggage 2 can pass. UpstreamThe side is, for example, in the conveying path of the sorting system 1 in which the rotary conveying device 10 is used, Upstream This is the side transport path.

[0011] As shown in Figures 1 to 4, the rotary conveying device 10 includes, for example, a conveyor body 20 that conveys luggage 2, a support part 30 that supports the conveyor body 20, a motor 40 that drives the conveyor body 20, a push-up mechanism 50 that pushes up the conveyor body 20, a guide 60, a first sensor 70, a second sensor 80, and a control device 90.

[0012] The conveyor body 20 has a conveyor section 22 that constitutes a placement surface 21 on which the luggage 2 is placed. The conveyor section 22 is driven by a motor 40. In this embodiment, the conveyor body 20 is, as an example, a belt conveyor, and the conveyor section 22 is, as an example, an endless belt.

[0013] The conveyor body 20 includes, for example, a conveyor section 22, a pair of support plates 23, a driving roller 24, a driven roller 25, and a contact section 26. Here, the width direction of the conveyor body 20 is defined. The width direction is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveyor body 20 and parallel to the placement surface of the conveyor section 22 on which the cargo 2 is placed.

[0014] The support plates 23 are provided on both sides of the conveying path 3 in the width direction.

[0015] The driving roller 24 is rotatably supported between a pair of support plates 23. The driving roller 24 is arranged parallel to the width direction of the conveying path 3. The driving roller 24 is arranged in the conveying direction of the conveyor body 20. downstream( secondary ) It is placed at the end of the side.

[0016] A motor 40 is directly or indirectly connected to the drive roller 24. Here, "directly" means that the rotating shaft of the motor 40 is directly connected to the drive roller 24. "Indirectly connected" means that the rotating shaft of the motor 40 is connected to the drive roller 24 via a reduction mechanism or the like. The drive roller 24 is rotated by the motor 40.

[0017] The driven roller 25 is rotatably supported between the pair of support plates 23. The driven roller 25 is disposed apart from the driving roller 24 in the conveying direction. Upstream ( primary ) It is placed at the end of the side.

[0018] The conveyor unit 22 is, for example, an endless belt. The conveyor unit 22 is looped around a drive roller 24 and a driven roller 25. The conveyor unit 22 rotates in accordance with the rotation of the drive roller 24.

[0019] The contact portion 26 comes into contact with a lever 54 (described later) of the push-up mechanism 50 and is pushed up by the lever 54. The contact portion 26 is provided, for example, at an end portion in the width direction of the conveyor body 20 and configured as a protrusion that protrudes outward in the width direction. The contact portion 26 is provided, for example, on the outer surface of the support plate 23. The contact portion 26 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape.

[0020] The conveyor body 20 also includes an abutment portion against which a first stopper 55 (described later) of the transmission mechanism 52 abuts. The abutment portion is a component of the conveyor body 20 other than the conveyor section 22. Even when the abutment portion abuts against the first stopper 55, the conveyor section 22 does not impede the transport of the luggage 2. In the present embodiment, for example, the support plate 23 is an example of the abutment portion against which the first stopper 55 abuts.

[0021] The support portion 30 is downstream The support unit 30 is configured to support the end of the conveyor 10 on the conveyor side so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the width direction. The support unit 30 includes, for example, a shaft portion 31 that is provided on the conveyor body 20 and parallel to the width direction, and a support member 32 that rotatably supports the shaft portion 31.

[0022] The shaft portion 31 is provided, for example, coaxially with the drive roller 24. The shaft portion 31 is provided, for example, so as to be rotatable integrally with the drive roller 24. Since the shaft portion 31 is rotatable integrally with the drive roller 24, the shaft portion 31 is rotatable integrally with the motor 40.

[0023] Further, the shaft portion 31 protrudes outward in the width direction from the support plate 23. The shaft portions 31 are provided on both sides of the conveyor body 20 in the width direction.

[0024] In addition, on the side in the width direction where the motor 40 is provided, for example, a part of the transmission mechanism that connects the rotating shaft of the motor 40 and the drive roller 24 and transmits the rotation of the motor 40 to the drive roller 24 may constitute the side shaft portion 31.

[0025] One support member 32 is disposed on one outer side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor body 20. One support member 32 rotatably supports one shaft portion 31. The other support member 32 is disposed on the other outer side in the width direction with respect to the conveyor body 20. The other support member 32 rotatably supports the other shaft portion 31. The support member 32 includes, for example, a vertical wall portion 33 extending in the up-down direction and supporting the shaft portion 31, and a bottom wall portion 34 extending in the width direction.

[0026] The motor 40 is fixed to, for example, one of the support members 32. The motor 40 is directly or indirectly connected to the drive roller 24. The motor 40 is configured to be rotatable in both directions. The motor 40 is, for example, a servo motor. Here, one rotation direction of the motor 40 is a first rotation direction R1, and the other rotation direction is a second rotation direction R2. The first rotation direction R1 is a rotation direction that drives the conveyor body 20 in a direction to transport the luggage 2. In this embodiment, the first rotation direction R1 is a direction that rotates the drive roller 24 in the transport direction of the luggage 2.

[0027] The push-up mechanism 50 is configured to be able to push up the conveyor body 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2 around the shaft portion 31. The push-up mechanisms 50 are provided, for example, on both sides of the conveyor body 20 in the width direction.

[0028] The first position P1 is a position where the conveyor body 20 conveys the baggage 2. The second position P2 is a position where the rotary conveyor device 10 Upstream This is a position where a gap S through which the luggage 2 can pass is formed between the conveying path 3 on the side and the conveyor body 20. The push-up mechanism 50 converts the rotation of the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2 into a force pushing up the conveyor body 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0029] The push-up mechanism 50 includes, for example, a cam 51 that pushes up the conveyor body 20 from a first position P1 to a second position P2, a transmission mechanism 52 including a one-way clutch 53 that transmits the rotation of the motor 40 to the cam 51, a lever 54 driven by the cam 51, a first stopper 55, a second stopper 56, and a biasing member 57.

[0030] The cam 51 is provided on the shaft portion 31 via a one-way clutch 53. The cam 51 can rotate integrally with the shaft portion 31 via the one-way clutch 53. The cam 51 is configured in a shape that pushes up the conveyor body 20 via a lever 54, thereby pushing up the conveyor body 20 from a first position P1 to a second position P2.

[0031] The transmission mechanism 52 is configured not to transmit the rotation of the motor 40 in the first rotation direction R1 to the cam 51, but to transmit the rotation of the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2 to the cam 51. The transmission mechanism 52 includes a one-way clutch 53. In this embodiment, the drive roller 24 and the shaft portion 31 of the support portion 30 form a part of the transmission mechanism 52.

[0032] The one-way clutch 53 is provided on the shaft portion 31. The one-way clutch 53 is configured to be unable to transmit rotation of the shaft portion 31 in a first rotation direction R1 to the cam 51, and to be able to transmit rotation of the shaft portion 31 in a second rotation direction R2 to the cam 51.

[0033] The lever 54 rotates the cam 51 in the conveying direction of the conveyor body 20. Upstream The lever 54 is configured to be capable of being converted into a rotation that pushes up the end portion of the lever 54 from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The lever 54 is, for example, a rod-shaped member that is long in one direction. A midway portion of the lever 54 in the longitudinal direction is rotatably supported by the support portion 30, for example the support member 32, via a shaft portion 54a. The shaft portion 54a functions as a fulcrum.

[0034] The cam 51 comes into contact with one end 54b of the lever 54. The one end 54b functions as a point of force application. Specifically, the cam 51 comes into contact with the one end 54b from above toward below.

[0035] The other end 54c of the lever 54 is connected to the conveyor body 20. In this embodiment, a long hole 54d is formed in the other end 54c of the lever 54 along the longitudinal direction of the lever 54. The hole 54d rotatably positions the contact portion 26 of the conveyor body 20. The hole 54d functions as a point of action. In this way, as an example, the contact portion 26 is positioned in the hole 54d, whereby the lever 54 is connected to the conveyor body 20.

[0036] The length of the hole 54d in the longitudinal direction is set to a length that allows the conveyor body 20 to move between the first position P1 and the second position P2. The lever 54 pushes the contact portion 26 with the edge of the hole 54d, thereby pushing the conveyor body 20 up from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0037] For example, the dimension of the lever 54 configured in this manner from one end 54b functioning as the force point to the shaft portion 54a functioning as the fulcrum is set to be longer than the length from the shaft portion 54a to the hole 54d functioning as the action point.

[0038] Therefore, the lever 54 can increase the amount of movement of the portion of the cam 51 that abuts against the lever 54, and convert this into an amount of lifting of the conveyor body 20.

[0039] The first stopper 55 is configured to be able to prevent the conveyor body 20 from rotating from the first position P1 toward the opposite side to the second position P2 by abutting against a portion of the conveyor body 20 other than the conveyor portion 22 at the first position P1. The first stopper 55 abuts against, for example, the support plate 23. The first stopper 55 is provided on, for example, the support member 32.

[0040] The second stopper 56 is provided on, for example, the support member 32, and is configured to be able to prevent the cam 51 from rotating in the first rotation direction R1 by abutting against the cam 51 of the conveyor body 20 at the first position P1.

[0041] The biasing member 57 is configured to be capable of biasing the conveyor body 20 from the second position P2 side to the first position P1 side. In other words, the biasing member 57 biases the conveyor body 20 toward the first stopper 55. The biasing member 57 is, for example, a tension coil spring. One end of the biasing member 57 is supported by the support member 32. The other end of the biasing member 57 is supported on the hole 54d side of the shaft portion 54a of the lever 54.

[0042] The guide 60 covers at least a part of the lower surface of the conveyor body 20. Here, the lower surface of the conveyor body 20 refers to the lower surface when the conveyor body 20 is in the first position P1. The guide 60 is provided, for example, on the two support parts 30, and covers at least a part of the lower surface of the conveyor body 20. The guide 60 is configured, for example, in a plate shape having a size that can prevent the luggage 2 passing through the gap S from contacting the conveyor part 22 of the conveyor body 20. In other words, the guide 60 functions as a cover that covers the gap S side of the conveyor body 20 when it is in the second position P2. The guide 60 covers, for example, the lower surface of the support plate 23. Upstream From one end of the side downstream It is provided in a range up to one end of the side.

[0043] The guide 60 is also configured to have a shape capable of guiding the abutted cargo 2 to a destination of the cargo 2, which is provided below the conveyor body 20. In this embodiment, the destination is, as an example, a second sorting box 4, which will be described later. The lower surface of the guide 60 is, for example, in the conveying direction when the rotary conveying device 10 is in the second position P2. Upstream Against the side downstream The side is configured as a downwardly positioned inclined surface.

[0044] The guide 60 is arranged to guide the conveyor body 20 to the rotary conveying device 10 when the conveyor body 20 is in the second position P2. Upstream The guide 60 contacts the luggage 2 that has fallen from the conveyance path on the side, causing the luggage 2 to fall into, for example, a storage box for sorting that is installed below the rotary conveyor 10. Depending on the weight of the luggage 2, it may fall into the box for sorting before contacting the guide 60. The guide 60 is not limited to being configured to contact all luggage 2. The guide 60 may be configured to contact the luggage 2 of the rotary conveyor 10. Upstream When the luggage 2 that has fallen from the side conveying path passes, due to inertia, above, for example, a storage box for sorting installed below the rotating conveying device 10, the configuration may be such that the luggage 2 comes into contact with the luggage 2 and falls into the storage box for sorting.

[0045] 2 and 4, the first sensor 70 is configured to be able to detect that the conveyor body 20 has rotated to the second position P2. Note that the first sensor 70 is omitted in FIGS. 1 and 3.

[0046] The first sensor 70 is provided at a position that does not hinder the transport of the luggage 2. The first sensor 70 is provided, for example, on one of the support members 32. The first sensor 70 transmits the detection result to the control device 90. For example, a proximity sensor or a contact sensor is used as the first sensor 70. Alternatively, the first sensor 70 may be configured to detect that the conveyor body 20 has reached the second position P2 by detecting the rotation angle of the motor 40. The first sensor 70 transmits the detection result to the control device 90.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, the second sensor 80 is Upstream The second sensor 80 is provided on the side of the luggage 2 and detects the luggage 2. The second sensor 80 is also configured to be able to read information about the luggage 2. The second sensor 80 reads information about the luggage 2, for example, from a tag 2a provided on the luggage 2. The second sensor 80 transmits the read information about the luggage 2 to the control device 90.

[0048] The control device 90 has sorting information for multiple pieces of luggage 2. The control device 90 controls the driving of the conveyor body 20 based on the information of the pieces of luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80. The control device 90 includes, for example, a communication unit 91, a memory unit 92, and a control unit 93. The control device 90 is provided, for example, on the support unit 30, on the floor surface on which the sorting system 1 is installed, or in a monitoring room in which a monitor for monitoring the sorting system 1 is installed.

[0049] The communication unit 91 communicates with an external device. The external device transmits sorting information of the luggage 2 to the control device 90. The external device may be, for example, a control device that controls the entire sorting system 1.

[0050] The memory unit 92 stores sorting information for the baggage 2.

[0051] The control unit 93 controls the motor 40 based on the detection results of the first sensor 70 and the second sensor 80, and the sorting information of the luggage 2 stored in the memory unit 92. The control unit 93 is, for example, a processor including one or more central processing units (CPUs) and memories, or an ASIC.

[0052] Such a control device 90 may be configured by one control terminal, or may be configured by combining a plurality of control terminals. For example, a computer constituting the control device 90 includes a control unit 93 configured by a processor including a CPU and a memory, a storage unit 92 such as a read-only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM), and a communication unit 91. Various programs are stored in the storage unit 92. The control unit 93 loads the control program stored in the ROM of the storage unit 92 into the RAM of the storage unit 92 and executes it.

[0053] The controller 90 is not limited to being used for one rotating conveying device 10. For example, one controller 90 may be used for a plurality of rotating conveying devices 10. Alternatively, a controller that controls the entire sorting system 1 may have the functions of the controller 90.

[0054] The rotary conveying device 10 configured in this manner is used, for example, as a part of a sorting system 1. As shown in Fig. 1 to Fig. 9, the sorting system 1 has a conveying path 3a for conveying luggage 2, and is configured to be able to sort the luggage 2 during the course of conveying the luggage 2.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, in this embodiment, the sorting system 1 is used, for example, in customs. The sorting system 1 includes, for example, a first sorting device 95 for sorting baggage 2 to be inspected by an X-ray inspection device, and a second sorting device 95 for sorting baggage 2 to be inspected by an X-ray inspection device. Upstream ( primary ) The inspection system is provided with a second sorting device 100 provided on the side of the first sorting device for sorting baggage 2 that is not to be inspected by the X-ray inspection device, and a conveying device 5 for conveying the baggage 2 to the second sorting device 100.

[0056] Examples of baggage 2 that is not subject to classification include baggage containing metal and baggage that is heavier than a predetermined weight. The baggage 2 has a tag 2a that has information for identifying the baggage 2. The tag 2a is attached, for example, to the top surface of the baggage 2. The tag 2a has, for example, a barcode attached thereto.

[0057] 7, the first sorting device 95 includes, for example, a conveying device 96 and a sorting box 97. The first sorting device 95 sorts the luggage 2 by moving the luggage 2 to be sorted to the sorting box 97 by the conveying device 96.

[0058] The conveying device 96 is configured to be able to convey the luggage that has passed through the second sorting device 100 to a sorting box 97. The conveying device 96 is, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0059] The sorting box 97 is configured, for example, to be capable of accommodating the luggage 2 that drops from the conveying device 96. The sorting box 97 is configured, for example, in a box shape having an opening at the upper end.

[0060] For example, multiple second sorting devices 100 are used, and two are used as a specific example in this embodiment. The two second sorting devices 100 are arranged, for example, side by side in the conveying direction. The second sorting devices 100 sort, for example, baggage 2 not subject to inspection according to weight. For example, one of the second sorting devices 100 sorts baggage 2 not subject to inspection that is equal to or greater than a predetermined weight. The other second sorting device 100 sorts baggage 2 not subject to inspection that is less than a predetermined weight.

[0061] The second sorting device 100 includes a rotating conveying device 10 and a second sorting box 4. The second sorting box 4 is disposed below the rotating conveying device 10.

[0062] The rotating conveying device 10 is installed in a position where the conveying direction of the rotating conveying device 10 is aligned with the conveying direction of the sorting system 1. The guide 60 of the rotating conveying device 10 is configured to be able to accommodate the luggage 2 that has fallen through the gap S in the second sorting box 4.

[0063] The second sensor 80 of the rotary conveying device 10 is configured to be able to detect the baggage 2 conveyed by the conveying device 5 and to be able to read the tag 2a, for example. The second sensor 80 is provided on the conveying path of the conveying device 5, for example.

[0064] In this embodiment, as an example, the control device 90 is used in common for the two second sorting devices 100. In other words, one control device 90 is used for the two rotary conveying devices 10.

[0065] The control device 90 receives at least one of information about luggage 2 that is subject to inspection and information about luggage 2 that is not subject to inspection from an external device via the communication unit 91, and stores the information in the memory unit 92.

[0066] The second sorting box 4 is configured to be capable of containing the luggage 2 that falls from the conveying path 3. The second sorting box 4 is configured, for example, in a box shape having an opening at the upper end.

[0067] Where: Upstream ( primary ) The second sorting device 100 disposed on the side of the first sorting device 100 is designated as a third sorting device 100A. downstream( secondary ) The second sorting apparatus 100 disposed on the side of the first sorting apparatus 100 is referred to as a fourth sorting apparatus 100B. Upstream ( primary ) The second division box 4 arranged on the side is designated as the third division box 4A, downstream( secondary ) The second division box 4 placed on the side is referred to as the fourth division box 4B.

[0068] The conveying device 5 is configured to be capable of conveying the luggage 2 to the second sorting device 100. The conveying device 5 conveys the placed luggage 2. The conveying device 5 is, for example, a belt conveyor.

[0069] The conveying device 5 and the first sorting device 95 are controlled, for example, by a control device separate from the control device 90 .

[0070] Next, the operation of the sorting system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 5, the conveying device 5 conveys the baggage 2 to the second sorting device 100 side.

[0072] When the second sensor 80 detects the luggage 2 and reads the tag 2a of the luggage 2, it transmits the read information of the luggage 2 to the control device 90. The control device 90 consults the memory unit 92 for information of the luggage 2, and if the luggage 2 is not subject to inspection, rotates the motors 40 of the rotary conveying devices 10 of both the third sorting device 100A and the fourth sorting device 100B in the first rotation direction R1 as shown in FIG.

[0073] As the motors 40 of the rotary conveying devices 10 of both the third sorting device 100A and the fourth sorting device 100B rotate in the first rotation direction R1, the conveyor sections 22 formed as endless belts of both rotary conveying devices 10 are rotated in the direction of conveying the luggage 2. Also, since the cam 51 is not rotated, the conveyor body 20 is maintained at the first position P1 by the biasing member 57. Therefore, the luggage 2 passes through the two rotary conveying devices 10 and is conveyed to the conveying device 96 of the first sorting device 95.

[0074] The luggage 2 transported to the transport device 96 is transported by the transport device 96 and falls into a sorting box 97.

[0075] As shown in Figure 8, the control unit 93 queries the memory unit 92 for information on the luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80, and if the luggage 2 is not to be sorted and is to be sorted into the third sorting box 4A, the control unit 93 pushes up the conveyor body 20 of the rotating conveying device 10 of the third sorting device 100A from the first position P1 to the second position P2 before the luggage 2 reaches the rotating conveying device 10 of the third sorting device 100A.

[0076] 2 and 4, the control unit 93 rotates the motor 40 of the rotary conveying device 10 of the third sorting device 100A in the second rotation direction R2. When the motor 40 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the shaft portion 31 rotates in the second rotation direction R2. The rotation of the shaft portion 31 in the second rotation direction R2 is transmitted to the cam 51 by the one-way clutch 53.

[0077] The cam 51 presses one end 54b of the lever 54 downward. The lever 54 rotates around the shaft 54a by being pressed by the cam 51. As the lever 54 rotates around the shaft 54a, the edge of the hole 54d of the other end 54c of the lever 54 presses the contact portion 26 of the conveyor body 20 upward from below. As a result, the conveyor body 20 is pushed up from the first position P1 toward the second position.

[0078] The conveyor body 20 is pushed up toward the second position P2 by the lever 54, and rotates against the biasing force of the biasing member 57 toward the second position P2.

[0079] The first sensor 70 transmits the detection result to the control device 90 when it detects that the conveyor body 20 has rotated to the second position P2.

[0080] When the control unit 93 detects that the conveyor body 20 has rotated to the second position P2 based on the detection result of the first sensor 70, it stops the rotation of the motor 40 and maintains the conveyor body 20 at the second position P2. The control unit 93 causes the motor 40 to generate a torque that maintains the conveyor body 20 at the second position P2.

[0081] As shown in Figure 4, the conveyor body 20 is rotated to the second position P2 and maintained at the second position P2, thereby forming a gap S between the conveying device 5 and the conveyor body 20 of the third sorting device 100A, through which the luggage 2 can pass.

[0082] The baggage 2 conveyed by the conveying device 5 is downstream( secondary ) When the baggage 2 falls from one end of the side, it passes through the gap S and falls into the third sorting box 4A. In this way, the baggage 2 is sorted into the third sorting box 4A.

[0083] When the luggage 2 is sorted into the third sorting box 4A, the control unit 93 stops the generation of torque that maintains the conveyor body 20 at the second position P2, for example by stopping the supply of electricity to the motor 40.

[0084] The control unit 93 may determine that the luggage 2 has been sorted into the third sorting box 4A, for example, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second sensor 80 detected the luggage 2. The predetermined time is determined in advance by experiment or the like. Alternatively, a sensor that detects that the luggage 2 has been sorted into the third sorting box 4A may be provided in the third sorting box 4A, and the control unit 93 may determine that the luggage 2 has been sorted into the third sorting box 4A based on the detection result of this sensor.

[0085] When the generation of the torque that maintains the conveyor body 20 at the second position P2 is stopped, the conveyor body 20 is rotated from the second position P2 to the first position P1 by the biasing force of the biasing member 57. When the support plate 23 of the conveyor body 20 abuts against the first stopper 55, the conveyor body 20 stops rotating at the first position P1 and is maintained at the first position P1.

[0086] As shown in Fig. 9, the control device 90 queries the memory unit 92 for information on the luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80, and if the luggage 2 is not a luggage to be sorted and is to be sorted into the fourth sorting box 4B, the control device 90 pushes up the conveyor body 20 of the fourth sorting device 100B from the first position P1 to the second position P2 before the luggage 2 arrives at the conveyor body 20 of the fourth sorting device 100B. Note that the operation of pushing up the conveyor body 20 of the fourth sorting device 100B from the first position P1 to the second position P2 is similar to the operation of pushing up the conveyor body 20 of the third sorting device 100A from the first position P1 to the second position P2.

[0087] When the luggage 2 is sorted into the fourth sorting box 4B, the control unit 93 stops the motor 40 from generating the torque that maintains the conveyor body 20 at the second position P2. Note that the control unit 93 may determine that the luggage 2 has been sorted into the fourth sorting box 4B when a predetermined time has elapsed since the second sensor 80 detected the luggage 2. Alternatively, a sensor that detects that the luggage 2 has been sorted into the fourth sorting box 4B may be provided in the fourth sorting box 4B.

[0088] In the rotary conveying device 10 configured in this manner, the push-up mechanism 50 uses the motor 40 that drives the conveyor section 22 as a drive device. This simplifies the configuration of the rotary conveying device 10. Furthermore, since no drive device is required for the push-up mechanism 50 in addition to the motor 40 that drives the conveyor section 22, the manufacturing cost of the conveyor body 20 can be reduced.

[0089] Furthermore, since there is no need for a drive device used in the push-up mechanism 50 in addition to the motor 40 that drives the conveyor unit 22, the installation space for the rotary transport device 10 can be reduced. Therefore, the installation space for the sorting system 1 can be reduced.

[0090] Furthermore, the rotary conveying device 10 is provided with a guide 60, so that the luggage 2 can be smoothly sorted into the second sorting box 4. For example, Upstream ( primary ) The luggage 2 that has fallen from the conveying path 3 on the side moves in the conveying direction due to inertia while falling. At this time, if the moving speed of the luggage 2 in the conveying direction is high, there is a risk that the luggage 2 will come into contact with the conveyor unit 22 before falling into the second sorting box 4.

[0091] However, the guide 60 is configured to be able to change the trajectory of the luggage 2 by contacting the luggage 2, and to drop the luggage 2 into the second sorting box 4. This makes it possible to smoothly sort the luggage 2 into the second sorting box 4.

[0092] Furthermore, in a configuration in which an endless belt is used as the conveyor section 22, as in this embodiment, there is a risk that the luggage 2 will come into contact with the belt when it falls and rub against it, but by the luggage 2 abutting against the guide 60, the luggage 2 can be prevented from coming into contact with and rubbing against the conveyor section 22.

[0093] Furthermore, by using the shaft portion 31 as a part of the transmission mechanism 52 that transmits the rotation of the motor 40 to the cam 51, the configuration of the transmission mechanism 52 can be simplified.

[0094] Furthermore, by providing the first stopper 55, it is possible to stop the conveyor body 20 at the first position P1.

[0095] Furthermore, by providing the biasing member 57, the conveyor body 20 can be prevented from moving from the first position P1 toward the second position P2 when the luggage 2 is being transported.

[0096] Furthermore, by providing the transmission mechanism 52 with the lever 54, the amount of lift of the conveyor body 20 relative to the rotation angle of the cam 51 can be increased.

[0097] As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to provide a conveying device and a sorting system that can simplify the mechanism for pushing up the conveying device and reduce manufacturing costs.

[0098] In the above example, the lever 54 is configured such that the dimension from the force point to the fulcrum is shorter than the dimension from the fulcrum to the point of action, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the dimension from the force point to the fulcrum may be longer than the dimension from the fulcrum to the point of action. In this configuration, the rotation torque of the cam 51 can be increased and converted into a force that pushes up the conveyor body 20.

[0099] Next, a rotary conveying device 10A according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 13. Note that components having the same functions as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0100] Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating conveyor device 10A at the first position P1. Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotating conveyor device 10A at the first position P1. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the rotating conveyor device 10A at the second position P2. Fig. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the rotating conveyor device 10A at the second position P2.

[0101] As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the rotary conveying device 10A includes a conveyor body 20A, a support portion 30, a motor 40, a pulley 101, a transmission belt 102, a push-up mechanism 50A, a guide 60, a first sensor 70, a second sensor 80, and a control device 90.

[0102] The conveyor body 20A includes, for example, a conveyor section 22, a pair of support plates 23, a driving roller 24, a driven roller 25, and a contact section 26A.

[0103] The abutment portion 26A is abutted by a cam 51A of the push-up mechanism 50A. The abutment portion 26A is provided, for example, at the lower end of the inner surface of the support plate 23. Here, the inner surface of the support plate 23 is the inner surface in the width direction. The abutment portion 26A is configured, for example, in a cylindrical shape with an axis parallel to the width direction.

[0104] The motor 40 includes a rotating shaft 41 and, for example, a pulley 42. The pulley 42 is disposed coaxially with the rotating shaft 41. Kera The pulley 42 is configured to be rotatable integrally with the rotating shaft 41. The pulley 42 may be connected to the rotating shaft 41 via a reducer or the like.

[0105] The pulley 101 is provided coaxially with the shaft portion 31. The pulley 101 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with the shaft portion 31.

[0106] The transmission belt 102 transmits the rotation of the motor 40 to the pulley 101. For example, the transmission belt 102 is wound around the pulley 42 of the motor 40 and the pulley 101.

[0107] The push-up mechanism 50A includes, for example, two cams 51A, a transmission mechanism 52A, two first stoppers 55, and two urging members 57. One cam 51, the transmission mechanism 52A, one first stopper 55, and one urging member 57 are provided on one side in the width direction of the conveyor body 20, for example, on the side where the motor 40 is provided. The other cam 51, the other first stopper 55, and the other urging member 57 are provided on the other side in the width direction of the conveyor body 20.

[0108] The cam 51A is, for example, a conveyor body 20A. Upstream ( primary ) The cams 51A are provided below the end of the conveyor 51A on the side of the conveyor 51A. The cams 51A are formed, for example, in a disk shape. The cams 51A abut against a portion of the conveyor body 20A other than the conveyor portion 22. The cams 51A abut against the abutment portion 26A from below, for example. The two cams 51A are fixed by a shaft member 103 so as to be rotatable together. The shaft member 103 is fixed at a position eccentric to the center of the cams 51A.

[0109] The transmission mechanism 52A is configured to transmit the rotation of the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2 to the cam 51A, but is configured not to transmit the rotation of the motor 40 in the first rotation direction R1 to the cam 51A. In this embodiment, the pulley 101 and the transmission belt 102 form a part of the transmission mechanism 52A.

[0110] The transmission mechanism 52A includes a one-way clutch 53, a pulley 101, a transmission belt 102, a shaft portion 104, and a pulley 105.

[0111] One-way clutch 53 is provided on cam 51A. The rotation shaft of one-way clutch 53 is provided at a position eccentric to the center of cam 51A. Shaft portion 104 is provided on one-way clutch 53. Shaft portion 104 transmits rotation to one-way clutch 53. Pulley 105 is provided coaxially with shaft portion 104. Pulley 101 is provided so as to be rotatable integrally with shaft portion 104. Pulley 105 is wound around transmission belt 102.

[0112] The push-up mechanism 50A configured in this manner may include, for example, one or more tension pulleys 106 that apply tension to the transmission belt 102.

[0113] Furthermore, the cam 51A may be rotatably supported around a rotation axis parallel to the width direction by the support portion 30. For example, the cam 51A may be rotatably supported by the vertical wall portion 33 of the support portion 30 via a shaft portion 104.

[0114] The rotary conveying device 10A configured in this manner may be used, for example, in the second sorting device 100 of the sorting system 1.

[0115] Next, the operation of the rotary conveying device 10A will be described using the case where it is used in the sorting system 1 as an example.

[0116] The control unit 93 consults the memory unit 92 for information on the luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80, and if the luggage 2 is not a luggage 2 not subject to inspection, rotates the motors 40 of both the third sorting device 100A and the fourth sorting device 100B in the first rotation direction R1.

[0117] When the motor 40 is rotated in the first rotation direction R1, the rotation of the motor 40 is transmitted to the drive roller 24 via the transmission belt 102 and the pulley 101, rotating the conveyor unit 22 in the conveying direction. As a result, the luggage 2 passes through the third sorting device 100A and the fourth sorting device 100B and is conveyed to the conveying device 96 of the first sorting device 95. The luggage 2 conveyed to the conveying device 96 is sorted into sorting boxes 97.

[0118] The control unit 93 queries the memory unit 92 for information on the luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80, and if it determines that the luggage 2 is not to be sorted and is to be sorted into the third sorting box 4A, it pushes the conveyor body 20 up from the first position P1 to the second position P2, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, before the luggage 2 reaches the conveyor body 20A of the third sorting device 100A.

[0119] Specifically, the control unit 93 rotates the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2. When the motor 40 rotates in the second rotation direction R2, the rotation of the motor 40 is transmitted to the pulley 105 via the transmission belt 102. When the pulley 105 receives the rotation of the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2 via the transmission belt 102, the pulley 105 rotates. The rotation of the pulley 105 is transmitted to the two cams 51A via the shaft portion 104 and the one-way clutch 53. As a result, the two cams 51A rotate.

[0120] As the two cams 51A rotate, the conveyor body 20 is pushed up from the first position P1 to the second position P2 by the two cams 51A.

[0121] When the control unit 93 detects that the conveyor body 20A has reached the second position P2 by the first sensor 70, it stops the rotation of the motor 40. Then, it causes the motor 40 to generate a torque that maintains the conveyor body 20A at the second position P2.

[0122] By pushing up the conveyor body 20A to the second position P2, a gap S through which the baggage 2 can pass is formed between the transport device 5 and the conveyor body 20 of the third sorting device 100A.

[0123] Conveyor device 5 downstream( secondary ) The baggage 2 that falls from one end of the side passes through the gap S and falls into the third sorting box 4A.

[0124] When the luggage 2 is sorted into the third sorting box 4A, the control unit 93 rotates the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2. By rotating the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2, the conveyor body 20A returns to the first position P1. When the conveyor body 20A returns to the first position P1, the control unit 93 stops the rotation of the motor 40 in the second rotation direction R2.

[0125] The control unit 93 may determine that the conveyor body 20A has rotated to the first position P1 based on the rotation angle of the motor 40. Alternatively, a sensor may be provided to detect the conveyor body 20A at the first position P1, and the control unit 93 may determine that the conveyor body 20A has rotated to the first position P1 based on the detection result of the sensor.

[0126] The control device 90 consults the memory unit 92 for information on the luggage 2 read by the second sensor 80, and if it determines that the luggage 2 is not to be sorted and is to be sorted into the fourth sorting box 4B, it rotates the motor 40 of the third sorting device 100A in the first rotation direction R1 to transport the luggage 2 to the fourth sorting device 100B.

[0127] In addition, before the luggage 2 arrives at the conveyor body 20A of the fourth sorting device 100B, the conveyor body 20A of the fourth sorting device 100B is pushed up from the first position P1 to the second position P2. The pushing up operation of the fourth sorting device 100B is similar to the pushing up operation of the third sorting device 100A.

[0128] In the sorting system 1 of this embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

[0129] In the above-mentioned example, the conveyor body 20, 20A is moved from the first position P1 to the Upstream The configuration in which the end of the conveyor body 20 is pushed upward has been described as an example, but is not limited to this. In another example, the conveyor body 20, 20A is Upstream The side end may be configured to be rotatable downward.

[0130] In the above example, the conveyor body 20, 20A is configured such that the second position P2 is set to a fixed position, but the present invention is not limited to this. In another example, the second position P2 may be set multiple times. Alternatively, the conveyor body 20, 20A may be configured such that the gap S can be adjusted according to the size of the luggage 2 by adjusting the rotation angle of the motor 40.

[0131] In the above example, the conveyor main body 20, 20A is configured as a belt conveyor using an endless belt as the conveyor section 22 on which the luggage 2 is placed, but is not limited thereto. In another example, the conveyor main body 20, 20A may be configured as a roller conveyor using a plurality of rollers as the conveyor section 22 on which the luggage 2 is placed.

[0132] In the above-mentioned example, the rotary conveying device 10, 10A is a first sorting device 95 for sorting the baggage 2 to be inspected by the X-ray inspection device of the customs. Upstream ( primary )The configuration used for the second sorting device 100 provided on the side of the X-ray inspection device has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. Upstream ( primary ) It may also be used in a sectioning device provided on the side.

[0133] In the above example, the rotary conveying device 10 is used in the sorting system 1 used in customs as an example, but is not limited to this. In another example, the rotary conveying device 10 may be used in a picking robot that picks up the baggage 2 and moves it to another location. Upstream ( primary ) The rotary conveying device 10 may be provided on the side of the picking robot and used as a sorting device for sorting luggage other than the luggage moved by the picking robot. Upstream ( primary ) The first sorting device 95 may be provided on the side of the baggage handling apparatus 100 and used as a sorting device for sorting baggage 2 that is not subject to the predetermined process. Here, examples of devices that perform the predetermined process are the first sorting device 95, the X-ray inspection device, and the picking robot described above.

[0134] Alternatively, the rotary conveying device 10 may be a device for carrying out a predetermined process on the baggage 2. Upstream ( primary ) For example, the device may be used as a sorting device of a sorting system that sorts the luggage 2 according to its destination.

[0135] In the above example, the second sorting box 4 is provided below the conveyor main body 20, 20A as an example of a destination of the luggage 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. In other examples, another conveying path may be provided below the conveyor main body 20, 20A. Or, a chute may be provided.

[0136] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, the motor 40 that drives the conveyor section 22 is utilized as part of the mechanism for pushing up the conveyor body 20 from the first position P1 to the second position P2, thereby simplifying the mechanism for pushing up the conveyor body 20 and reducing manufacturing costs.

[0137] Although some embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. The claims as of the time of filing the patent application are set forth below. [Appendix 1] A conveyor body that conveys objects placed on the conveyor; A motor that drives the conveyor body; a support portion provided at a secondary end portion of the conveyor body along a conveying direction of the object, the support portion supporting the conveyor body rotatably about a single axis parallel to a width direction of the conveyor body; a cam that pushes up the conveyor body about the support portion as an axis from a first position where the object is transported to a second position where the object can pass between the first side of the conveyor body and the support portion; a transmission mechanism that transmits, to the cam, power generated by the rotation of the motor in a direction opposite to a rotation direction when the conveyor body is driven; A conveying device comprising: [Appendix 2] 2. The conveying device of claim 1, further comprising a biasing member that biases the conveyor body in a direction from the second position to the first position. [Appendix 3] a contact portion that contacts the conveyor body in a direction from the second position to the first position to support the conveyor body at the first position; 3. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2. [Appendix 4] 4. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a guide covering at least a portion of a lower surface of the conveyor body. [Appendix 5] The support portion includes a shaft portion provided at an end portion in the width direction of the end portion of the secondary side of the conveyor body, and a support member that rotatably supports the shaft portion, the transmission mechanism includes a one-way clutch that is provided on the shaft portion and does not transmit power generated by rotation of the motor when driving the conveyor body to the cam; The cam is provided on the one-way clutch. 5. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4. [Appendix 6] A conveying device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, A sorting device that sorts the objects transported by the transport device; Equipped with The conveying device is A communication unit that acquires classification information for classifying the objects; a sensor provided on a primary side along a conveying direction of the object, the sensor detecting the object; a control unit rotating the motor in the reverse direction based on the sorting information and a detection result of the sensor; A classification system comprising: [Explanation of symbols]

[0138] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...sorting system, 2...baggage, 3...conveyor path, 4...second sorting box, 4A...third sorting box, 4B...fourth sorting box, 5...conveyor device, 10...rotating conveying device, 10A...rotating conveying device, 20...conveyor body, 20A...conveyor body, 21...placement surface, 22...conveyor section, 23...support plate, 24...driving roller, 25...driven roller, 26...contact portion, 26A...contact portion, 30...support portion, 31...shaft portion, 32...support member, 33...vertical wall portion, 34...bottom wall portion, 40...motor, 41...rotating shaft, 42...pulley, 50...push-up mechanism, 50A...push-up mechanism, 51...cam, 51A...cam, 52 ...transmission mechanism, 52A...transmission mechanism, 53...one-way clutch, 54...lever, 55...first stopper, 56...second stopper, 57...biasing member, 60...guide, 70...first sensor, 80...second sensor, 90...control device, 91...communication unit, 92...memory unit, 93...control unit, 95...first sorting device, 96...conveying device, 97...sorting box, 100...second sorting device, 101...pulley, 102...transmission belt, 103...shaft member, 104...shaft portion, 105...pulley, P1...first position, P2...second position, R1...first rotation direction, R2...second rotation direction, S...gap.

Claims

1. A conveyor body that conveys objects placed on the conveyor; A motor that drives the conveyor body; a support portion provided at a downstream end of the conveyor body along a transport direction of the object placed on the conveyor body, the support portion supporting the conveyor body rotatably about a single axis parallel to a width direction of the conveyor body; a cam that pushes up the conveyor body about the support portion as an axis from a first position where the object is transported to a second position where a gap through which the object can pass is formed between the first position and an upstream end of the conveyor body; a transmission mechanism that, when the motor is rotated in a first rotation direction, does not transmit power generated by the rotation in the first rotation direction to the cam, and, when the conveyor body is driven in the transport direction and the motor is rotated in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction, transmits power generated by the rotation in the second rotation direction to the cam; A conveying device comprising:

2. The conveying device according to claim 1 , further comprising a biasing member that biases the conveyor body in a direction from the second position toward the first position.

3. a contact portion that contacts the conveyor body in a direction from the second position to the first position to support the conveyor body at the first position; The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1 , further comprising a guide covering at least a portion of a lower surface of the conveyor body.

5. The transmission mechanism includes a one-way clutch provided on the support portion, driving the conveyor body in the conveying direction and preventing the transmission of rotation in the first rotation direction to the cam. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. A conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, A sorting device that sorts the objects transported by the transport device; Equipped with The conveying device is A communication unit that acquires classification information for classifying the objects; a sensor provided upstream along a conveying direction of the object and detecting the object; a control unit that rotates the motor in the reverse direction based on the classification information and the detection result of the sensor; A classification system comprising:

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