Gear mechanism, gear box for geared motor, geared motor, and motor-integrated roller

Abstract

To provide a gear mechanism that has a simple structure and can appropriately supply a filler, and also provide a geared motor gear box, a geared motor, and a motor incorporated roller using the gear mechanism.SOLUTION: A gear mechanism comprises a first gear part and a second gear part engaged with each other. A lubricant supply part capable of being filled with a lubricant is provided near a portion in which the first gear part and the second gear part are engaged. A first lubricant exists in the portion in which the first gear part and the second gear part are engaged. The lubricant supply part is filled with a second lubricant different from the first lubricant.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 17

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a gear mechanism, and also to a gear box for a geared motor, a geared motor, and a motor-integrated roller that employ such a gear mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] Geared motors in which a motor and a reducer are integrated are widely known. One such geared motor was previously filed by the applicant of the present application (Patent Document 1).

[0003] The geared motor with a fixed member disclosed in Patent Document 1 is a geared motor and a fixed member formed separately. The geared motor is formed by housing a motor and a reducer in a housing cylinder, with the output shaft of the motor connected to the input part of the reducer, and a part of the output shaft of the reducer extending from the inside to the outside of the housing cylinder. The output shaft of this reducer functions as a drive shaft. That is, a pulley is attached to the drive shaft, and the drive shaft rotates with the rotation of the motor, and the pulley rotates with the rotation of the drive shaft.

[0004] In addition, in the geared motor with a fixing member disclosed in Patent Document 1, the fixing member has a fixing base and a pressing member. When fixing the geared motor to another member, a part of the geared motor's housing cylinder is held in a recessed portion of the fixing base, the pressing member is placed above this recessed portion, and a screw is inserted through the pressing member and the fixing base. Then, by driving the tip of this screw into the other member, the geared motor is fixed to the other member via the fixing member.

[0005] In addition, it is known to use a roller with a built-in motor as a power source for a conveyor device. One such roller with a built-in motor is disclosed in Patent Document 2. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-131119 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-103036 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Here, the inventors conceived the idea of manufacturing a geared motor in which a gear portion that contacts the motor output shaft (or a power transmission member that rotates by receiving power from the motor output shaft) is provided inside a rotating body having a pulley shape on its outer surface.

[0008] However, it was discovered that if the rotor is made of a hard material to increase its strength, the belt suspended on the outside of the rotor will wear out significantly if it is operated for a long period of time.On the other hand, if the rotor is made of a relatively soft resin material, the inner gear part may break if it is operated for a long period of time.

[0009] In addition, in such geared motors, lubricant is provided at the contact points between the motor's output shaft and the gears to ensure smooth power transmission. However, the lubricant may run out over long periods of use. To solve this problem, a reservoir (supply unit) capable of being filled with lubricant near the gears has been proposed. However, this solution leaves room for improvement in terms of supplying the lubricant from the reservoir to the gears at an appropriate time. For example, if the lubricant filled in the reservoir is supplied to the gears while sufficient lubricant from a previous reservoir remains, this is undesirable for smooth power transmission over a long period of time. In other words, it is preferable to supply the lubricant filled in the reservoir when the previously supplied lubricant runs out. As described above, there is a need to appropriately time the lubricant filled in the reservoir. Although it is possible to provide the reservoir with an automatically operating mechanical shutter, this would complicate the mechanism and increase manufacturing costs.

[0010] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gear mechanism that is simple in structure and allows for more appropriate supply of filler, as well as a gear box for a geared motor, a geared motor, and a motor-integrated roller that use such a gear mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] One aspect of the present invention for solving the above problem includes a gear train having a first gear portion and a second gear portion that mesh with each other, and a lubricant supply portion capable of filling a lubricant is provided near a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, a first lubricant is present at the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, and the lubricant supply portion is filled with a second lubricant different from the first lubricant, and the second lubricant flows from the lubricant supply portion to the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, and the first lubricant and the second lubricant are greases with different consistencies, and the second lubricant has a smaller consistency than the first lubricant, and it takes a predetermined time for the second lubricant to flow from the lubricant supply portion into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh. The gear train has a plurality of lubricant supply units, at least one of which is filled with the second lubricant and at least one of which is filled with the third lubricant, and the third lubricant has a smaller consistency than the second lubricant, and the second lubricant and the third lubricant flow from the lubricant supply units into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other in this order. The gear mechanism is characterized by the following:

[0012] According to the gear mechanism of this aspect, the lubricant supply section is filled with a lubricant (second lubricant) that is different from the lubricant (first lubricant) present in the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, and that is suitable for filling, thereby enabling an appropriate lubricant to be supplied to the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh.

[0013] In the above aspect, the first lubricant and the second lubricant are greases having different consistencies, and the second lubricant has a smaller consistency than the first lubricant. The above-mentioned aspect has a plurality of lubricant supply units, at least one of the plurality of lubricant supply units is filled with the second lubricant, and at least one of the plurality of lubricant supply units is filled with the third lubricant, and the third lubricant has a smaller consistency than the second lubricant, and the second lubricant and the third lubricant flow from the lubricant supply units into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other in this order. nothing.

[0014] According to this aspect, it becomes possible to supply the second lubricant at the timing when the first lubricant is depleted, and it becomes possible to perform smooth power transmission for a longer period of time.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention is a gear box for a geared motor that is integrally assembled with a motor to form a geared motor. ,teeth A gearbox for a geared motor having a wheel mechanism, the gear mechanism has a first gear portion and a second gear portion that mesh with each other, and a lubricant supply portion capable of filling a lubricant is provided near a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, a first lubricant is present at the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, and the lubricant supply portion is filled with a second lubricant different from the first lubricant, and the second lubricant flows from the lubricant supply portion to the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, the first lubricant and the second lubricant are greases with different consistencies, and the second lubricant has a smaller consistency than the first lubricant, and it takes a predetermined time for the second lubricant to flow from the lubricant supply portion into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, The lubricant supply unit is provided on at least one of the rotating body and the receiving member, and the rotating body has the first gear portion, and the output shaft of the motor or a power transmission member that rotates together with the output shaft of the motor has the second gear portion. the lubricant supply portion of the rotating body and the lubricant supply portion of the receiving member are spaced apart and opposed to each other in an extending direction of a rotation center line of the output shaft, and the second lubricant flows from each of the lubricant supply portions into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other. The gear box for a geared motor is characterized by the above.

[0016] In this aspect, it is also possible to supply an appropriate amount of lubricant to the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other.

[0017] In the above-described aspect, the lubricant supply portion is provided on both the rotating body and the receiving member, and the lubricant supply portion of the rotating body and the lubricant supply portion of the receiving member are spaced apart and opposed to each other in the direction of extension of the rotation center line of the output shaft, and the second lubricant flows from each of them into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh. nothing.

[0018] In this manner, lubricant can be supplied for a longer period of time.

[0019] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the lubricant supply portion is a recessed portion that opens toward the second gear portion and extends in a direction away from the second gear portion.

[0020] In this aspect, the lubricant supply portion can be formed with a simple structure.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention is a geared motor comprising the above-described gear box for a geared motor and a motor unit attached thereto.

[0022] In this aspect, it is also possible to supply an appropriate amount of lubricant to the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other.

[0023] One aspect of a related invention of the present invention is a gearbox for a geared motor that is assembled integrally with a motor to form a geared motor, and has a rotating body that rotates by receiving power from the motor, the rotating body having an outer casing member and an inner member that are integrated together, the outer casing member having a pulley-shaped portion, the inner member having an internal gear, and the inner member engaging with the output shaft of the motor or a power transmission member that rotates together with the output shaft of the motor, and characterized in that the inner member has a harder hardness than the outer casing member.

[0024] In this gearbox for a geared motor, an outer casing member having a pulley-shaped portion and an inner casing member having an internal gear are integrated, and the inner casing member is harder than the outer casing member. This makes it possible to make the inner casing member that engages (screws with) the motor output shaft or the power transmission member less susceptible to damage, and also makes it possible to prevent wear of the belt member suspended on the outer casing member having the pulley-shaped portion. Furthermore, by providing an internal gear on the rotating body that functions as a pulley and making it function as a gear, it is possible to reduce the number of parts, thereby simplifying manufacturing (reducing costs).

[0025] In the gearbox for a geared motor according to the above aspect, the rotating body is preferably formed by integrating the preformed internal member with the external member by insert molding.

[0026] In this aspect, the internal member and the external member can be firmly integrated, and unintentional separation of the internal member and the external member can be prevented, compared to a structure in which the internal member is fitted into the external member to form an integrated unit, which is preferable.

[0027] The gearbox for a geared motor of the above aspect comprises a receiving member to which the rotating body is rotatably attached, the receiving member having a rotating body accommodating portion that accommodates a part of the rotating body, grease being present within the rotating body accommodating portion, and it is preferable that a grease leakage hole is formed in the rotating body accommodating portion, connecting the inner space of the rotating body accommodating portion with the outside.

[0028] In this aspect, the grease inside the rotor housing can be leaked to the outside through the grease leak hole, thereby preventing the grease from dripping to unintended locations.

[0029] In the above-mentioned preferred aspect, it is further preferred that a grease storage member for storing the leaked grease or a grease impregnation member for impregnating the leaked grease is disposed outside the grease leakage hole.

[0030] In this aspect, the grease leaking from the grease leakage hole can be stored or impregnated, so that the grease can be prevented from dripping outside the gear box for the geared motor.

[0031] The gearbox for a geared motor having the above-described configuration has a fixing seat for fixing the gearbox for a geared motor itself to another member, the fixing seat has a fastening element insertion hole for inserting a fastening element, the outer member has an internal member fixing portion to which the internal member is fixed at a position different from the pulley-shaped portion, and it is preferable that at least one of the fastening element insertion holes is located on the pulley-shaped portion side relative to the internal member fixing portion in a plan view.

[0032] According to this aspect, the fastening element insertion hole is located near the pulley-shaped portion to which force is applied from the external belt member, so that the gear box for a geared motor can be firmly fixed to other members.

[0033] In the gearbox for a geared motor having the above configuration, the outer casing member has an output shaft forming portion where the pulley-shaped portion is formed and an internal member fixing portion where the internal member is fixed, and a grease supply portion for filling grease is provided inside the outer casing member, and it is preferable that the grease supply portion is a recessed portion that opens toward the inside of the internal member fixing portion and extends in a direction from the internal member fixing portion toward the output shaft forming portion.

[0034] According to this aspect, grease can be continuously supplied to the internal gear during continuous use.

[0035] Another aspect of the present invention is a geared motor having a motor section attached to the gear box for a geared motor described above.

[0036] In this aspect, as in the above, it is possible to prevent damage to the rotating body of the gear box for the geared motor and wear of the belt member suspended on the rotating body, making it less likely to cause problems even when used over a long period of time.

[0037] The above aspect preferably has a plurality of motor units, and is formed by selectively attaching one of the plurality of motor units to the gear box for the geared motor.

[0038] With this configuration, it is possible to select one of a plurality of motor units each equipped with a motor of a different output and attach it to the gear box for the geared motor, thereby making it easy to change the output of the geared motor.

[0039] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the motor unit has a power supply cable, and the power supply cable is drawn out from the gear box side of the motor unit.

[0040] With this configuration, even if the motor unit is enlarged and one end of the motor unit is positioned farther away from the gearbox for the geared motor, there is no need to increase the length of the power supply cable, unlike a structure in which the power supply cable is pulled out from one end of the motor unit.

[0041] In the above aspect, it is preferable that the motor unit has a motor unit side outer casing member and a control board, and that the control board is located inside the motor unit side outer casing member, at a position on the gearbox side for the geared motor.

[0042] Yet another aspect of the present invention is a conveyor device equipped with a geared motor having a motor section and the above-mentioned gear box for the geared motor, the conveyor device having a conveyor frame and transport rollers, the geared motor being located below the transport rollers, and a belt member suspended between the outer member and a part of the transport rollers to supply power to the transport rollers.

[0043] In this aspect, as in the above, it is possible to prevent damage to the rotating body of the gear box for the geared motor and wear of the belt member suspended on the rotating body, making it less likely to cause problems even when used over a long period of time. [Effects of the Invention]

[0044] The present invention provides a gear mechanism that has a simple structure and is capable of more appropriately supplying filler, as well as a gear box for a geared motor, a geared motor, and a motor-integrated roller that use such a gear mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0045] [Figure 1] FIG. 1A is a plan view showing a conveyor device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1B is an explanatory diagram showing a geared motor, a drive roller, and a round belt in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2]2A and 2B are diagrams showing the geared motor and its surroundings in a schematic manner, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a plan view. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the geared motor of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the geared motor of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the geared motor of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the rotating body of FIG. 3, in which (a) is a perspective view, (b) is a perspective view seen from a different direction from (a), and (c) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 7] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the receiving member of FIG. 3, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the receiving member of FIG. 7, seen from a different direction from that of FIG. 7(a). [Figure 9] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing the receiving member of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the motor unit of FIG. 3, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a cross-sectional view. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the geared motor of FIG. 3. [Figure 12] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the geared motor of FIG. 3, in which (a) and (b) show different motor parts attached to a receiving member. [Figure 13] 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the geared motor of FIG. 3, in which (a) and (b) show different rotating bodies attached to a receiving member. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a rotating body according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the outer member of FIG. [Figure 16] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a receiving member according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which (a) is a perspective view and (b) is a front view. [Figure 17] 16(a) is a rear view showing a schematic diagram of the internal gear of the rotating body shown in FIG. 14 and the grease supply portion where grease is applied, and FIG. 16(b) is a front view showing a schematic diagram of the grease being applied to the grease supply portion of the receiving member shown in FIG. 16. [Figure 18] 1 is a structural diagram showing a motorized roller according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an exploded perspective view of the reducer shown in FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the first stage planetary gear train of FIG. 19 further exploded. [Figure 21] 19. (a) is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the first stage planetary gear train in FIG. 19, and (b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B of the second stage planetary gear train in FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view showing the second stage planetary gear train of FIG. 19 further exploded. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0046] The following describes in detail a conveyor device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to these examples. Note that the up-down direction will be described based on the state shown in Figure 1.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 1( a ), the conveyor device 1 of this embodiment is a so-called roller conveyor, and includes a conveyor frame 3 , a plurality of transport rollers 4 , and a geared motor 5 .

[0048] The conveyor frame 3 has two frame members 3a extending parallel to each other, and a plurality of transport rollers 4 are attached to each of the two frame members 3a. The conveying rollers 4 are each rotatably supported by two frame members 3a and are arranged in parallel at a predetermined interval in the conveying direction of the article. Two adjacent conveying rollers 4 in the parallel direction are connected via an inter-roller belt member 10, and as one conveying roller 4 rotates, the other conveying roller 4 also rotates.

[0049] Here, as shown in Fig. 1(b), one of the plurality of conveying rollers 4, conveying roller 4a, is connected to geared motor 5 by round belt 11. Specifically, round belt 11 is suspended between rotating body 35 (described in detail later) of geared motor 5 and a part of conveying roller 4a so that the round belt 11 has a certain tension or more. As a result, one conveying roller 4a serves as a drive roller that rotates by receiving power from geared motor 5, and the other conveying rollers 4 serve as driven rollers that rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller.

[0050] The geared motor 5 is disposed below (diagonally below) the conveying roller 4a, which serves as a drive roller. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2, the geared motor 5 is fixed to the inside of the frame member 3a via a motor mounting member 12 (another member).

[0051] The motor mounting member 12 has a mounting base portion 20, two side wall portions 21, and two mounting pieces 22. The motor mounting member 12 is fixed in a cantilevered manner to the frame member 3a, which is the member to be fixed to, and extends in a direction away from the inner surface of the frame member 3a.

[0052] The mounting base 20 is a flat plate-like member on which the geared motor 5 is placed, and has a notch 25 located at the center in the width direction of the motor mounting member 12. The notch 25 extends from the tip end side to the base end side (from one end side to the other end side in the longitudinal direction) of the motor mounting member 12. In other words, the mounting base 20 has a first mounting plate portion 20a and a second mounting plate portion 20b on either side of the notch 25, and these first mounting plate portion 20a and second mounting plate portion 20b are each formed as elongated plate-like portions.

[0053] The two side wall portions 21 are upright plate-like portions erected at positions on both ends of the motor mounting member 12 in the width direction, and extend parallel to each other along the longitudinal direction of the motor mounting member 12. Each side wall portion 21 has a thickness in the width direction of the motor mounting member 12, and the height of the portion on the tip side of the motor mounting member 12 is shorter than the height of the portion on the base side.

[0054] The two mounting piece portions 22 are portions located on the base end side of the motor mounting member 12, and extend in directions approaching each other from the two side wall portions 21. In other words, the mounting piece portions 22 are plate-shaped portions that have a thickness in the longitudinal direction of the motor mounting member 12. The mounting piece portions 22 are formed with through holes (not shown) through which fastening elements can be inserted. The term "fastening element" used here is a broader concept of screws, nails, bolts, clamps, pins, etc., and is a general term for mechanical components that can be fastened and released without destroying the fastened object, and in this embodiment is a bolt.

[0055] Therefore, the motor mounting member 12 is fixed to the frame member 3a by overlapping the two mounting piece portions 22 with the frame member 3a and inserting fastening elements such as bolts into each mounting piece portion 22 and the frame member 3a.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the geared motor 5 has a gear box section 30 (gear box for geared motor) and a motor section 31, which are connected together. In the following description of the geared motor 5, unless otherwise specified, the gear box unit 30 side will be referred to as the front side and the motor unit 31 side as the rear side. However, the front-rear direction, the up-down direction, and the left-right direction are directions used for convenience of explanation, and naturally, these directions change depending on the mounting posture of the geared motor 5.

[0057] The gear box portion 30 has a rotating body 35 and a receiving member 36 .

[0058] 6, the rotor 35 is a substantially cylindrical portion formed integrally with an output shaft forming portion 40 on the front side and a gear portion 41 on the rear side. The output shaft forming portion 40 and the gear portion 41 have different diameters, with the gear portion 41 having a larger diameter than the output shaft forming portion 40. Therefore, the output shaft forming portion 40 protrudes forward from the front end face of the gear portion 41, and the outer circumferential surfaces of the output shaft forming portion 40 and the gear portion 41 are continuous with each other via a step.

[0059] As shown in Figures 6(a) and 6(b), the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft forming portion 40 has an uneven shape, allowing different types of belt members to be suspended on the front and rear portions, respectively. That is, the outer peripheral surface of the output shaft forming portion 40 has a first suspension region 45 (pulley-shaped portion) on the front side and a second suspension region 46 (pulley-shaped portion) behind it. The first suspension region 45 is a portion on which a ribbed belt (not shown) can be suspended (engaged), and the second suspension region 46 is a portion on which a round belt 11 (see Figure 1) can be suspended.

[0060] Specifically, in the first suspension region 45, a plurality of thin groove portions are formed in parallel in the longitudinal direction of the output shaft forming portion 40. Each groove portion is a groove that is continuous in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the output shaft forming portion 40, and has a substantially triangular cross section. In other words, these multiple groove portions function as pulley grooves, and in other words, the portion where the first suspension region 45 is formed has a shape like the outer portion of a pulley that suspends the ribbed belt (has the shape of a pulley).

[0061] Furthermore, one groove portion is formed in the second suspension region 46. This groove portion is a groove that continues in an annular shape in the circumferential direction of the output shaft forming portion 40, and is a groove that is recessed so as to be rounded and convex toward the radially inner side of the output shaft forming portion 40. In other words, this groove portion also functions as a pulley groove, and in other words, the portion where the second suspension region 46 is formed has a shape like the outer part of a pulley that suspends the round belt 11 (has the shape of a pulley).

[0062] 6(b), the rotor 35 has a gear forming portion 47 (internal member) inside the gear portion 41. Here, the rotor 35 is formed by insert molding, and the gear forming portion 47 is a portion formed in advance as an insert part.

[0063] That is, the rotating body 35 has a resin outer casing member 48 that forms the output shaft forming portion 40 and most of the gear portion 41, and a gear forming portion 47 that is integrated with the inside of the outer casing member 48. In other words, the rotating body 35 is formed by attaching an appropriate member such as a metal member (bearing member 50) to the integrated outer casing member 48 and gear forming portion 47. That is, outer casing member 48 forms the portion of rotating body 35 excluding gear forming portion 47 and the metal member. Gear forming portion 47 is a sintered body formed by sintering a ceramic compact, and is a portion that is harder than outer casing member 48.

[0064] The gear forming portion 47 is generally short and cylindrical, and has gear-shaped projections and recesses (tooth rows) on the inside of the annular continuous portion. In other words, the projections and recesses form an internal gear. More specifically, this internal gear is a helical gear with spiral-shaped teeth. From the above, it can be said that the gear portion 41 is a portion formed by integrating the rear portion (internal member fixing portion) of the outer shell member 48 and the gear forming portion 47.

[0065] A bearing member 50 is provided inside the rotor 35 at a position slightly rearward of the front end. The bearing member 50 has a front shaft insertion hole 51 which is an inner hole portion. The internal space of the rotor 35 is a space in which the internal space of the output shaft forming portion 40 and the internal space of the gear portion 41 are integrated, and is a space that communicates with the outside at both the front and rear end portions of the rotor 35 (the front and rear end portions are spaces that are open to the outside). The front shaft insertion hole 51 is a hole that has a circular cross section and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0066] As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the receiving member 36 has a main body portion 55 and a fixed seat portion 56 (fixed seat).

[0067] The main body 55 is provided with a rotating body mounting portion 57 on the front side (see FIG. 7), and with a motor fixing portion 58 (see FIG. 9) on the opposite rear side.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 7, the rotating body mounting portion 57 has a rotating body accommodating portion 60, a rotating shaft mounting portion 61, and a shaft member 62.

[0069] Rotating body accommodating section 60 is a generally cylindrical section with a bottom, having an opening on the front side, and a recessed portion on the rear side. That is, rotating body accommodating section 60 has a peripheral wall portion 70 that continues in an annular shape around a horizontal axis, and a bottom portion 71 located on the rear end side, and an accommodating space 72 (inner space) surrounded by peripheral wall portion 70 is formed in front of bottom portion 71.

[0070] 7(a), a grease leakage hole 73 is formed in the peripheral wall 70 of the rotating body accommodating portion 60. This grease leakage hole 73 is provided on the lower side of the peripheral wall 70 at a position adjacent to the front end opening of the accommodating space 72, and is an elongated hole extending in the circumferential direction of the peripheral wall 70. The grease leakage hole 73 penetrates the peripheral wall 70 and connects the accommodating space 72 to an external space located below the peripheral wall 70.

[0071] 9, a grease tank 74 (grease storage member) is attached to a portion of the main body 55 that is located below the rotating body storage portion 60. A grease inlet 74a of the grease tank 74 is located below the grease leakage hole 73 and overlaps with the grease leakage hole 73. As a result, the grease (lubricant) that flows downward from the grease leakage hole 73 enters the grease tank 74 and is stored in the grease tank 74.

[0072] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 9, the rotating shaft mounting portion 61 is a portion that extends forward from the bottom 71 of the rotating body accommodating portion 60, and has a rear base portion 75 and a front extension portion 76 that extends further forward from the front surface of the base portion 75.

[0073] 7, the base 75 is a generally horizontally inclined cylindrical portion with a portion of the lower side missing. Therefore, the base 75 has an arcuate surface 75a on its outer periphery that extends from one side in the left-right direction to the upper side and then to the other side in the left-right direction. A groove-like space is formed between the arcuate surface 75a and the bottom 71 and peripheral wall 70 of the rotor accommodating portion 60.

[0074] The front extension 76 is a part having an elongated, generally horizontally inverted cylindrical shape, and is formed to be thinner than the base 75 (its length in the front-rear direction and its length in the left-right direction are smaller).

[0075] A part of the front end side of this rotating shaft mounting portion 61 (a part of the front extension portion 76) is located forward of the front end opening of the accommodation space 72, and the other part is located rearward of the front end opening of the accommodation space 72 (see FIG. 9). In addition, the front surface of the front extension portion 76, the front surface of the base portion 75, and the front surface of the bottom portion 71 of the rotating body accommodation portion 60 are connected in a stepped manner.

[0076] Furthermore, a shaft mounting hole 78 extending rearward from the front end face is provided in the rotary shaft mounting portion 61. This shaft mounting hole 78 is a hole that has a substantially circular cross section and extends horizontally, and is a hole through which the rear portion of the shaft member 62 is inserted.

[0077] The shaft member 62 is a generally round bar-shaped metal member. That is, the receiving member 36 is formed of resin except for the shaft member 62, while the shaft member 62 is formed of metal. The front portion of the shaft member 62 is located forward of the front end of the rotating shaft mounting portion 61, and extends forward from the front end.

[0078] Here, a eaves-shaped protrusion 80 is formed on the lower side of the rotating shaft mounting portion 61 and the shaft member 62. The eaves-shaped protrusion 80 is a protrusion that extends forward from the bottom 71 of the rotating body accommodating portion 60, and has a cross-sectional shape that extends in a substantially arc shape. The upper portion of the eave-shaped protrusion 80 is located higher than the lower end of the base portion 75. In detail, the base portion 75 is a generally horizontally inclined cylindrical portion with a portion of the lower side missing as described above, and the eave-shaped protrusion 80 is provided so that the upper portion of the eave-shaped protrusion 80 is located in this missing portion.

[0079] 7(b), a shaft insertion hole 81 is provided at a position adjacent to the underside of the eave-shaped protrusion 80. The shaft insertion hole 81 is a hole with a circular opening, has a front opening at the bottom 71, and extends rearward. That is, as shown in FIG. 9, the shaft insertion hole 81 is a hole that penetrates the portion of the rotating body accommodating portion 60 from the bottom 71 to the motor fixing portion 58 in the front-rear direction.

[0080] As shown in Figure 8, the motor fixing portion 58 is a portion that can engage with the front portion of the motor portion 31 (see Figure 10), and has multiple fixing holes 83, an upper engagement piece portion 84, and a lower engagement piece portion 85.

[0081] The fixing holes 83 are bottomed holes through which fastening elements (screws) can be inserted, and more specifically, are screw holes. The upper engagement piece 84 is a thin plate-like protrusion that has a substantially arc-shaped cross section and extends rearward. The lower engagement piece 85 is a thin plate-like protrusion that is provided at a position spaced downward from the upper engagement piece 84 and extends rearward while forming a substantially circular ring. In detail, the lower engagement piece 85 has a missing portion 85a in part of its circumferential direction, and the portion excluding the missing portion 85a is continuous in a circular ring shape.

[0082] Here, a rear recess 86, which is a recess that is recessed forward, is formed in the inner portion of the lower engagement piece 85, and the rear end opening of the shaft insertion hole 81 is located at the bottom of this rear recess 86. In other words, behind the shaft insertion hole 81, there is a space surrounded by a continuous annular peripheral wall portion 90, and the rear end portion of this space is open to the outside.

[0083] The fixed seat portion 56 is a thick plate-like portion that is located on the side of the main body portion 55 and has a thickness in the vertical direction. The receiving member 36 of this embodiment has two fixed seat portions 56, one at each position spaced apart in the left-right direction.

[0084] The fixed seat portion 56 extends in the front-to-rear direction, and as shown in Figure 7(a), the front portion is located forward of the rotating body accommodating portion 60, and as shown in Figure 8, the rear end portion is located rearward of the rotating body accommodating portion 60 and the motor fixing portion 58.

[0085] Here, fastening element insertion holes 92 are provided at positions spaced apart in the front-rear direction in the fixed seat portion 56. The fastening element insertion holes 92 are through holes that pass through the fastening element in the up-down direction and through which fastening elements (bolts) can be inserted. Specifically, the upper portion of the fastening element insertion hole 92 has a shape that allows the head of a bolt to be fitted therein, and the lower portion has a shape that allows the shank of a bolt to be inserted therein (see FIG. 4). That is, the upper portion has a larger cross-sectional area than the lower portion (see FIG. 4). In addition, the front fastening element insertion hole 92 provided in one fixed seat portion 56 is located forward of the rotating body accommodating portion 60 (see Figure 7(a)), and the rear fastening element insertion hole 92 is located rearward of the rotating body accommodating portion 60 and the motor fixing portion 58 (see Figure 8).

[0086] 7(b), the receiving member 36 of this embodiment has two fixed seats 56 located above the lower end. That is, the portion of the main body 55 located between the two fixed seats 56 is located below the two fixed seats 56, and the lower end portion is rounded and has a downwardly convex shape.

[0087] 10, the motor unit 31 has a motor case 95 (motor unit side outer casing member), a motor 96, and a control board 97 that controls the motor 96. One end of a cable member 98 (power supply cable) that extends from the inside to the outside of the motor case 95 is connected to the control board 97. The cable member 98 is a cable that combines a power supply line and a signal line, and functions as a power supply cable.

[0088] The motor case 95 is a metal member and has a motor housing portion 95a that houses the motor 96 and the control board 97, and a cable housing portion 95b that houses a part of the cable member 98. Additionally, a mounting piece 99 that protrudes outward from the peripheral edge is provided at the front end of the motor case 95. The mounting piece 99 is a plate-like portion that has a thickness in the front-to-rear direction and has a fixing hole 99a. The fixing hole 99a is a hole that penetrates the thickness direction and through which a fastening element (screw) can be inserted.

[0089] The motor housing 95a has a generally circular cross section and forms a space extending in the front-to-rear direction. The cable housing 95b has a generally crescent-shaped cross section and forms a space extending in the front-to-rear direction. Both the motor housing 95a and the cable housing 95b have open front ends and are deeper toward the rear. The motor housing 95a forms a space that extends deeper than the cable housing 95b.

[0090] A partition located at the boundary between the motor housing portion 95a and the cable housing portion 95b is provided with a notched portion 95c for arranging a portion of the cable member 98. The cable housing portion 95b is also provided with a holding piece 100 that holds (sandwiches) a portion of the cable member 98. The cable housing portion 95b is also formed with a cable insertion hole 101 that communicates between the inside and outside of the cable housing portion 95b.

[0091] The motor 96 is a brushless motor, and has a stator 105, a rotor 106, and an output shaft 107. A coil is used as the stator 105, and a permanent magnet is used as the rotor 106, with the rotor 106 wound around a portion of the output shaft 107. In other words, the rotor 106 and the output shaft 107 are integrated. Therefore, the output shaft 107 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotor 106. The output shaft 107 extends from the inside to the outside of the motor accommodating portion 95a, with its front portion located forward of the motor accommodating portion 95a (motor case portion 95). Furthermore, a tooth row (first gear portion) that can mesh with (be engaged with) the gear forming portion 47 (see FIGS. 6(b) and 6(c)) is formed on the front portion of the output shaft 107.

[0092] The control board 97 is a substantially annular board, and is also a member that supplies power to the motor 96. In this embodiment, the control board 97 is housed together with the motor 96 in the motor housing portion 95a, and is disposed forward of the motor 96. Specifically, the control board 97 is disposed in a position forward of the center of the motor housing portion 95a in the front-rear direction and slightly rearward of the front end of the motor housing portion 95a.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 10(b), the cable member 98 is pulled out from a position that is a predetermined distance L1 away from the front end of the motor unit 31. In other words, the pull-out position of the cable member 98 is a position that is the predetermined distance L1 away from the front end of the motor unit 31. Note that the "pull-out position of the cable member 98" here refers to the position of the rear opening of the cable insertion hole 101. When the length (length in the front-rear direction) of the motor unit 31 is L2, the predetermined distance L1 is a distance (smaller value) that is shorter than L2 / 2. In other words, the cable member 98 is pulled out from a position that is forward of the center of the motor unit 31 in the front-rear direction and on the front end side of the motor unit 31.

[0094] Next, the assembly structure of the geared motor 5 of this embodiment will be described.

[0095] 11, the geared motor 5 is formed such that the rotor 35 is rotatably attached to the front side of the receiving member 36, and the motor section 31 is fixed to the rear side of the receiving member 36. In other words, the front portion of the motor section 31 is fixed to the receiving member 36, and the motor section 31 is fixed to the receiving member 36 in a cantilevered manner.

[0096] Specifically, the upper engagement piece 84 of the receiving member 36 is inserted into the cable housing 95b of the motor unit 31 and is brought into contact with the inner peripheral wall of the cable housing 95b from the inside. Also, the lower engagement piece 85 of the receiving member 36 is inserted into the motor housing 95a of the motor unit 31 and is brought into contact with the peripheral wall of the motor housing 95a from the inside. Furthermore, the fixing holes 83 (see FIG. 8) of the receiving member 36 and the fixing holes 99a (see FIG. 10a) of the motor unit 31 are aligned in the front-to-rear direction, and screws are inserted from the rear side. This fixes the receiving member 36 and the motor unit 31 together.

[0097] 11, the output shaft 107 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 81 of the receiving member 36 from the rear side, and the front portion of the output shaft 107 is positioned forward of the shaft insertion hole 81. The output shaft 107 is inserted into the shaft insertion hole 81 in a state where it can rotate circumferentially around the central axis.

[0098] Furthermore, on the front side of the receiving member 36, the rear portion (gear portion 41) of the rotating body 35 is accommodated in the rotating body accommodating portion 60 (inside the accommodation space 72). At this time, the internal gear of the rotating body 35 and the output shaft 107 are in mesh. Here, a certain amount of grease (lubricant) is placed in the portion where the internal gear and the output shaft 107 come into contact, i.e., the inner portion of the gear portion 41. In other words, the grease is placed inside the rotating body accommodating portion 60 (inside the accommodation space 72) and in the inner portion of the gear portion 41. As described above, the geared motor 5 of this embodiment is provided with a grease tank 74, which prevents grease from leaking out of the storage space 72 even if it leaks from inside the gear portion 41 as the rotating body 35 rotates.

[0099] Furthermore, at the front side of the geared motor 5, the shaft member 62 is inserted from the rear side into the front shaft insertion hole 51. As a result, the rotating body 35 is attached (journal-supported) to the receiving member 36 in a state in which it can rotate around the shaft member 62 as a rotation axis. Then, the rotating body 35 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the output shaft 107.

[0100] At this time, the rotation axis of the rotor 35 and the output shaft 107 are positioned at positions that are offset in the vertical direction. Naturally, the rotation center line (a virtual line, not shown) of the rotor 35 and the rotation center line (a virtual line, not shown) of the output shaft 107 are positioned at positions that are offset in the vertical direction.

[0101] In this embodiment, a part (rear end portion) of the output shaft forming portion 40 of the rotating body 35 is located inside the rotating body accommodating portion 60 (inside the accommodating space 72). In addition, both the first suspension region 45 and the second suspension region 46 are located forward of the rotating body accommodating portion 60.

[0102] 4, a portion of the front side of the fixed seat 56 and the fastening element insertion hole 92 on the front side of the fixed seat 56 are located forward of the main body 55 (rotating body accommodating portion 60) of the receiving member 36. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the fastening element insertion hole 92 is located laterally (outside in the left-right direction) away from a portion of the output shaft forming portion 40 of the rotating body 35 and below the rotating body 35. Therefore, when the geared motor 5 is viewed from above, as shown in FIG. 4, the output shaft forming portion 40 is disposed between the two front fastening element insertion holes 92 and between the front portions of the two fixed seat portions 56.

[0103] 1(b), the portion of the output shaft forming portion 40 located forward of the rotor accommodating portion 60 is subjected to a force pulling it diagonally upward when the geared motor 5 is in use. Therefore, by providing the front fastening element insertion hole 92 at the above-mentioned position close to this portion, it is possible to prevent the geared motor 5 from unintentionally falling off (separating from the motor mounting member 12). Furthermore, as described above, the geared motor 5 of this embodiment has a small number of parts, making it easy to assemble.

[0104] In addition, a portion of the rear side of the fixed seat portion 56 and at least a portion of the fastening element insertion hole 92 on the rear side of the fixed seat portion 56 are located rearward of the main body portion 55 of the receiving member 36. Specifically, the rear portion of the fixed seat portion 56 is located at a position separated laterally (outside in the left-right direction) from a portion of the motor portion 31. Therefore, when the geared motor 5 is viewed from above, the motor portion 31 is disposed between the rear portions of the two fixed seat portions 56.

[0105] As shown in FIG. 12, the geared motor 5 of this embodiment is configured such that one of a plurality of (two in this embodiment) motor sections 31, 331 can be selected and fixed to the receiving member .

[0106] Here, the other motor unit 331 is longer in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in FIG. 12) than the above-mentioned motor unit 31, and the output of the built-in motor 96 is higher. Furthermore, the front ends of the multiple (two) motor units 31, 331 are all fixed to the receiving member 36 as described above, and the distance from the front ends of the motor units 31, 331 to the pull-out position of the cable member 98 is the same (predetermined distance L1). For this reason, regardless of which of the multiple motor units 31, 331 is selected, there is no need to change the wiring structure of the conveyor apparatus 1 (there is no need to change the length of the cable member 98 itself or the external cable (not shown) connected to the cable member 98).

[0107] 2, the tip end portion of the rotor 35 of the geared motor 5 faces the inner surface of the frame member 3a at a distance from the inner surface. On the other hand, the motor unit 31 is disposed at a position farther away from the frame member 3a than the rotor 35, and faces a wide space. As described above, the insertion direction of the fastening elements when fixing the motor unit 31 to the receiving member 36 is the front-rear direction of the geared motor 5 (the left-right direction in FIG. 2(b), which intersects (is perpendicular to) the conveying direction). As a result of the above, the motor section 31 of the geared motor 5 can be replaced while the receiving member 36 remains fixed to the motor mounting member 12. This makes it easy to change the output of the geared motor 5.

[0108] Furthermore, the geared motor 5 of this embodiment is capable of selecting one from a plurality of (two in this embodiment) rotors 35, 335 and attaching it to the receiving member 36, as shown in FIG.

[0109] Each of the multiple rotating bodies 35, 335 has a suspension region (a pulley-shaped portion, namely, a first suspension region 45 and a second suspension region 46, 346) that engages with an external belt member, and the shapes of these suspension regions differ from one another. In this embodiment, the shapes of the second suspension regions 46, 346 of one rotating body 35 and the other rotating body 335 are different. That is, the second suspension region 46 of one rotating body 35 is a portion that can engage with the round belt 11, while the second suspension region 346 of the other rotating body 335 is a portion that can engage with a V-belt.

[0110] In this way, by selecting one from a plurality of rotating bodies 35, 335 with different shapes of the portion that engages with the belt member and attaching it to the receiving member 36, it becomes possible to engage with a different belt member simply by replacing the rotating body 35, 335. As described above, the geared motor 5 of this embodiment has a plurality of rotating bodies 35, 335 and a plurality of motor sections 31, 331, and can be formed by selecting one of each and attaching it to the receiving member 36. This makes the geared motor 5 of this embodiment highly versatile, being able to accommodate changes in the output of the motor 96 and changes in the belt member it suspends.

[0111] In the embodiment described above, the rotor 35 is formed by insert molding, and the gear forming portion 47 formed as an insert part is integrated with the outer shell member 48 that forms the other part. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the outer shell member and the gear-forming portion may be formed separately and then integrated by assembly. In this case, engaging portions that engage with each other are provided on the inner peripheral surface of the rear end of the outer shell member and the outer peripheral surface of the gear-forming portion. That is, one or more protrusions are provided on one side, and multiple grooves that engage with the protrusions are provided on the other side. Furthermore, the separately formed outer shell member and the gear forming portion may be integrated by press fitting or by adhesive fixation. However, from the viewpoint of facilitating assembly and preventing unintentional detachment, it is preferable to form the rotor 35 by insert molding, as described above.

[0112] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the output shaft 107 of the motor 96 is in direct contact with the gear forming portion 47, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a power transmission member may be attached to the tip (front end) portion of the output shaft 107, and the power transmission member may be configured to come into contact with the gear forming portion 47 (mesh with the internal gear). In other words, the portion in contact with the gear forming portion 47 may rotate as the rotor 106 of the motor 96 rotates. Therefore, when attaching the power transmission member to the output shaft 107, it may be attached directly or via one or more members.

[0113] In the above embodiment, an example was described in which a grease tank 74 is provided below the grease leakage hole 73 and the grease leaking from the grease leakage hole 73 is stored in the grease tank 74, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, instead of the grease tank 74, a member capable of being impregnated with grease, such as felt (grease-impregnated member), may be provided to impregnate the leaked grease.

[0114] The following describes a rotating body 435 and a receiving member 436 according to an embodiment different from the embodiment described above. Note that the same reference numerals are used to designate the same parts as those in the embodiment described above, and redundant description will be omitted.

[0115] As shown in FIG. 14, the rotor 435 of this embodiment is formed by separately forming an outer shell member 448 and a gear forming portion 447 (internal member), which are then integrated by press-fitting.

[0116] The outer member 448 is a substantially cylindrical portion having an output shaft forming portion 440 and a gear mounting portion 441 (internal member fixing portion) on the rear side. The output shaft forming portion 440 and the gear mounting portion 441 have different diameters, and the gear mounting portion 441 has a larger diameter than the output shaft forming portion 440.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 15, a bearing mounting portion 464, a grease box portion 465 (grease supply portion, lubricant supply portion), and an outer shell side engaging portion 467 are provided inside the outer shell member 448. The bearing mounting portion 464 is a portion into which the bearing member 450 (bearing member) can be fitted, and a portion of it is located inside the gear mounting portion 441. In other words, a rear portion 464a of the bearing mounting portion 464 is continuous in annular shape inside the gear mounting portion 441. Bearing members 50, 450 are attached to the inside of the outer casing member 448 at positions spaced apart in the front-to-rear direction (left-to-right direction in Figure 15), and the bearing member 450 on the rear side (right side in Figure 15) is arranged across the inside of the output shaft forming portion 440 and the inside of the gear mounting portion 441.

[0118] The grease box portion 465 is a recessed portion that opens to the inner space of the gear mounting portion 441, has a bottom on the front side, and can be filled with grease (lubricant). In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 14, the gear mounting portion 441 has a plurality of grease box portions 465 arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction. 15, a portion of the side wall of the grease box portion 465 is formed by the bearing mounting portion 464. The rear end portion of the bearing mounting portion 464 is located rearward of the opening of the grease box portion 465 (to the right in FIG. 15). The grease box portion 465 is provided straddling the inside of the output shaft forming portion 440 and the inside of the gear mounting portion 441. Most (or the entire) of the grease box portion 465 is located forward of the portion where the output shaft 107 is located during assembly (see FIG. 11). In other words, grease can be stored forward of the portion where the output shaft 107 engages (meshes) with the internal gear (see FIG. 17(a)). As described above, the grease box portion 465 is a recessed portion formed in a vertical wall-shaped portion of the gear forming portion 447 located close to the internal gear, and is open toward the internal gear side and extends in a direction away from the internal gear side (forward).

[0119] As shown in Figure 15, the outer casing side engagement portion 467 is formed on the inner surface of the gear mounting portion 441, and has multiple first outer casing side engagement portions 467a and second outer casing side engagement portions 467b, each of which is composed of a series of protrusions (tooth rows) arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the gear mounting portion 441.

[0120] The second outer casing side engaging portion 467b is formed between two different first outer casing side engaging portions 467a. This second outer casing side engaging portion 467b has a protruding portion having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape and a groove portion 468 formed in this protruding portion. The groove portion 468 is a groove that extends in the circumferential direction of the gear mounting portion 441, and extends from one end to the other end in the width direction of the protruding portion.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 14, the gear forming portion 447 has a cylindrical main body portion 447a that is continuous in an annular shape, and a front plate portion 447b that is annular and formed integrally with the front portion of the main body portion 447a.

[0122] An internal gear (second gear portion) is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the main body portion 447a, and an internal member side engaging portion 479 is provided on the outer peripheral surface. As is obvious from Fig. 14 etc., this internal gear is a portion that meshes with the tooth row (gear portion, first gear portion) of the output shaft 107, similar to the internal gear of the gear forming portion 47 described above. The internal member side engaging portion 479 has a plurality of first internal member side engaging portions 479a and a plurality of second internal member side engaging portions 479b each formed by a row of projections (rows of teeth) arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 447a.

[0123] The second internal member side engaging portion 479b is formed between two different first internal member side engaging portions 479a. This second internal member side engaging portion 479b is a protruding portion extending in the circumferential direction of the main body portion 447a.

[0124] The outer casing side engaging portion 467 and the internal member side engaging portion 479 are engaging portions that engage with each other when the gear forming portion 447 is press-fitted into the outer casing member 448, and by engaging with each other, they exert a function of preventing rotation and removal of the gear forming portion 447 with respect to the outer casing member 448. In other words, when the gear forming portion 447 is fixed to the outer casing member 448, they restrict relative rotation in the circumferential direction and movement in the front-to-rear direction of the gear forming portion 447 with respect to the outer casing member 448.

[0125] Specifically, the first outer shell side engaging portion 467a and the first inner member side engaging portion 479a engage with each other, and the protrusions (teeth) of one protrusion row (tooth row) fit between the protrusions (teeth) of the other protrusion row, thereby achieving a rotation prevention function. Furthermore, the second outer shell side engaging portion 467b and the second internal component side engaging portion 479b engage with each other, and the protruding portion of the second internal component side engaging portion 479b fits into the groove portion 468 of the second internal component side engaging portion 479b, thereby achieving a retaining function.

[0126] Also, as shown in Figure 16, in the receiving member 436, the gap formed above the eave-shaped protrusion portion 80 and between the eave-shaped protrusion portion 80 and the base portion 75 serves as a receiving member side grease reservoir portion 487 (grease supply portion, lubricant supply portion) for storing grease. In this embodiment, a partition 488 is provided in the receiver-side grease reservoir 487, and the partition 488 divides the receiver-side grease reservoir 487 into two spaces 487a and 487b. That is, each of the two spaces 487a and 487b serves as a space for storing grease (see FIG. 17(b)). As is obvious from FIG. 16 and other figures, the two spaces 487a and 487b are spaces that are open to the front and bottom. The partition 488 is a vertical plate-like portion that extends from the upper surface of the eave-shaped protrusion 80 to the rotating shaft attachment portion 61, and has a thickness in the left-right direction. 11 etc., when the gearbox for a geared motor is assembled, this receiver-side grease reservoir 487 is located in a portion surrounded by the internal gear of the gear forming portion 447 (inside the annularly continuous internal gear). In other words, a part of the internal gear and the tooth row of the output shaft 107 are located below the receiver-side grease reservoir 487. In addition, the receiver-side grease reservoir 487 is disposed at a position facing and separated from the above-mentioned grease box portion 465 in the front-rear direction.

[0127] Here, as shown in Figure 17, the grease 500 (first lubricant, lubricant) that is supplied in advance to the internal gear of the gear forming portion 447 is different from the grease 501 (second lubricant, lubricant) that is filled in the grease box portion 465 and the receiving member side grease storage portion 487. Specifically, the two greases 500, 501 have different consistencies (hardness and viscosity of the grease). The grease 501 filled in the grease box 465 and the receiving member side grease reservoir 487 (hereinafter also referred to as filled grease 501) has a smaller consistency than the grease 500 supplied in advance (hereinafter also referred to as pre-supplied grease 500). In this way, by using a plurality of greases with different consistencies, it is possible to suppress (prevent) the depletion of grease during long-term use.

[0128] That is, the filling grease 501 has a relatively low consistency, and it takes a certain amount of time from when the geared motor starts operating until it flows into the portion where the internal gear is located (the portion where the teeth of the output shaft 107 mesh with the internal gear). This makes it possible to supply the filling grease 501 at the timing when the pre-supplied grease 500 runs out. As a result, the geared motor can be operated for a long period of time without running out of grease.

[0129] In this embodiment, an example in which two greases 500 and 501 are used has been described, but a structure in which three or more greases (lubricants) are used may also be used. For example, the multiple grease box portions 465 may be filled with different grease for each grease box portion 465. Also, the multiple grease box portions 465 may be configured to include multiple groups (supply portion groups) each made up of one or more grease box portions 465, and each group may be filled with a different grease. Moreover, different greases having different consistencies may be filled into the two spaces 487a and 487b of the receiving member side grease reservoir 487. Moreover, different greases having different consistencies may be filled into the grease box portion 465 and the receiving member side grease reservoir 487. That is, the portions (filled portions) to be filled with lubricant, which are each made up of the plurality of grease box portions 465 and the two spaces 487a, 487b of the receiving member side grease reservoir portion 487, may be filled with the same grease or different greases. When filling these filled portions with two or more greases, similarly to the above, the configuration may include multiple groups of one or more filled portions, and each group may be filled with a different grease. That is, the multiple filled portions may have two or more portions filled with the same grease.

[0130] Furthermore, when multiple types of grease are used as the filled grease in this manner, the consistency of all of the filled greases may be lower than that of the pre-supplied grease. This will be explained using an example in which a first grease is used as the pre-supplied grease and a second grease, a third grease, and a fourth grease are used as the filled greases, i.e., a structure in which four greases are used. In this case, the consistencies of the first grease, the second grease, the third grease, and the fourth grease may decrease in order. In this case, a structure in which the second grease, the third grease, and the fourth grease are supplied in this order after the first grease has run out can be used.

[0131] Next, the motorized roller 520 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0132] As shown in FIG. 18, the motorized roller 520 has a roller body 525 having a generally cylindrical outer shape, and includes a motor 526, a reducer 527, a circuit board (not shown), and the like. The roller main body 525 is a metallic cylindrical body with both longitudinal ends open, and these ends are closed by closing members 530, 531. The motorized roller 520 has fixed shafts 532, 533 at both longitudinal ends of the roller main body 525, respectively, and these fixed shafts 532, 533 are attached so as to be rotatable relative to the closing members 530, 531. For this reason, when the motorized roller 520 is supported by the two frame members 3a and the motor 526 is operated, the roller main body 525 rotates, but the two fixed shafts 532, 533 do not rotate.

[0133] The reducer 527 reduces the rotational force of the motor 526 and outputs it, and as shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, has two-stage planetary gear trains 540 and 541. This reducer 527 is used by attaching a first sun gear 550 of a planetary gear train 540 to an output shaft 545 of a motor 526 .

[0134] As shown in Figure 20, the first stage planetary gear train 540 has a first sun gear 550 (first gear portion), a first grease supply member 551, multiple (four) planetary gears 552 (second gear portions), a first power output member 553, and a first orbital internal gear 554.

[0135] The first sun gear 550 is a cylindrical external gear having a toothed portion on its outer circumferential surface. The first grease supplying member 551 has a plate-shaped support portion 551a and a plurality of grease containing portions 551b (lubricant supplying portions). The four planetary gears 552 are attached between the first grease supply member 551 and the first power output member 553 via separate planetary shafts 555, respectively.

[0136] The first power output member 553 has a main body portion 553a in the shape of an upright plate and a power transmission portion 553b protruding from one main surface of the main body portion 553a. The power transmission portion 553b is a rod-shaped portion and has a gear portion (first gear portion) on its outer circumferential surface. This power transmission portion 553b meshes with the four planetary gears 562 (second gear portion, see FIG. 22 ) of the second-stage planetary gear train 541. In other words, this portion transmits power to the second-stage planetary gear train 541 and serves as a sun gear (second sun gear) in the second-stage planetary gear train 541.

[0137] The first orbital internal gear 554 is a substantially cylindrical internal gear, and has a gear portion 554a (first gear portion) on its inner circumferential surface, and this gear portion 554a is a portion configured by a row of teeth arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction.

[0138] 21(a), in the first-stage planetary gear train 540, a first sun gear 550 is engaged (meshed) with four planetary gears 552. At this time, the four planetary gears 552 are arranged so as to surround the periphery of the first sun gear 550 and are arranged in parallel at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotation axis of the first sun gear 550. In addition, each of the four planetary gears 552 is engaged (meshed) with a gear portion 554a of a first orbital internal gear 554. Furthermore, of the parallel planetary gears 552, a grease accommodating portion 551b is located between two adjacent planetary gears 552. The grease accommodating portion 551b has communication portions 556 that communicate the internal accommodating space with the outside, on both the first sun gear 550 side and the gear portion 554a side. For convenience of drawing, only the communication portion 556 of one grease accommodating portion 551b is labeled.

[0139] Grease (first lubricant, not shown) is supplied in advance to the portions where the first sun gear 550 meshes with each planetary gear 552 and the portions where the gear portion 554a meshes with each planetary gear 552. Grease storage portion 551b is filled with grease (second lubricant, not shown) having a lower consistency than the grease supplied in advance. This makes it possible to supply the grease stored in grease storage portion 551b when the previously supplied grease runs out.

[0140] As shown in Figure 22, the second-stage planetary gear train 541 has a second grease supply member 561, multiple (four) planetary gears 562 (second gear portions), a second power output member 563, and a second orbital internal gear 564. Similar to the first grease supplying member 551 described above, the second grease supplying member 561 has a plate-shaped supporting portion 561a and a plurality of grease containing portions 561b (lubricant supplying portions). The four planetary gears 562 are attached between the second grease supply member 561 and the second power output member 563 via separate planetary shafts 565, respectively.

[0141] The second power output member 563 has a main body 563a in the form of an upright plate and an output shaft 563b protruding from one main surface of the main body 563a. The output shaft 563b functions as the output shaft of the reducer 527. The second orbital internal gear 564 is a substantially cylindrical internal gear, and has a gear portion 564a (first gear portion) on its inner circumferential surface, and this gear portion 564a is a portion configured by a row of teeth arranged in parallel in the circumferential direction.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 21(b), the second-stage planetary gear train 541 has a gap 567 in its central portion, and the power transmission unit 553b (see FIG. 19) is disposed in this gap 567. As a result, the power transmission unit 553b engages (meshes) with the four planetary gears 562. At this time, the four planetary gears 562 are disposed so as to surround the periphery of the power transmission unit 553b (gap 567) and are arranged in parallel at intervals in the circumferential direction of the power transmission unit 553b. In addition, each of the four planetary gears 552 engages (meshes) with a gear portion 564a of the second orbital internal gear 564. Furthermore, of the parallel planetary gears 562, a grease accommodating portion 561b is located between two adjacent planetary gears 562. The grease accommodating portion 561b has communication portions 568 that communicate the internal accommodating space with the outside, on both the power transmission portion 553b (gap 567) side and the gear portion 564a side. For convenience of drawing, only the communication portion 568 of one grease accommodating portion 561b is labeled with a reference numeral.

[0143] Grease (first lubricant, not shown) is supplied in advance to the portions where the power transmission portion 553b and each planetary gear 562 mesh and the portions where the gear portion 564a and each planetary gear 562 mesh. Grease storage portion 561b is filled with grease (second lubricant, not shown) having a lower consistency than the grease supplied in advance. This makes it possible to supply the grease stored in grease storage portion 561b when the previously supplied grease runs out.

[0144] As described above, the reducer 527 of this embodiment has two planetary gear trains 540, 541, each of which has a gear mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, too, three or more lubricants may be used in one or more planetary gear trains, as in the above-described embodiment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 1 Conveyor equipment 3 Conveyor Frame 4 Conveyor roller 5 Geared motor 12 Motor mounting parts (other parts) 30 Gearbox section (gearbox for geared motor) 31,331 Motor section 35,335,435 Rotating body 36,436 Receiving member 41 Gear section 45 First suspension area (pulley shape part) 46,346 Second suspension area (pulley shape) 47,447 Gear forming part (internal part) 48,448 Outer shell members 56 Fixed seat (fixed seat) 60 Rotating body housing 72 Containment space (inner space) 73 Grease leakage hole 74 Grease tank (grease storage component) 92 Fastening element insertion hole 95 Motor case (motor side outer shell member) 96 Motor 97 Control Board 98 Cable components (power supply cables) 107 Output shaft 441 Gear mounting part (internal component fixing part) 465 Grease box section (grease supply section, lubricant supply section) 487 Grease reservoir on receiving member side (grease supply section, lubricant supply section) 500 Grease (Daiichi Lubricants, Lubricant) 501 Grease (secondary lubricant, lubricant) 520 Motorized Roller 550 First sun gear (first gear part) 551b Grease storage section (lubricant supply section) 561b Grease storage section (lubricant supply section) 552 Planetary gear (second gear part) 562 Planetary gear (second gear part)

Claims

1. a first gear portion and a second gear portion that mesh with each other; a lubricant supply section capable of filling a lubricant is provided in the vicinity of a portion where the first gear section and the second gear section mesh, a first lubricant is present at a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, a second lubricant different from the first lubricant is filled in the lubricant supply portion, and the second lubricant flows from the lubricant supply portion into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, the first lubricant and the second lubricant are greases with different consistencies, the second lubricant has a smaller consistency than the first lubricant, and requires a predetermined time to flow from the lubricant supply unit into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, A plurality of lubricant supply units are provided. At least one of the plurality of lubricant supply units is filled with the second lubricant, and at least one of the other lubricant supply units is filled with the third lubricant; the third lubricant has a lower consistency than the second lubricant, the second lubricant and then the third lubricant flow from the lubricant supply unit into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh with each other.

2. A gear box for a geared motor is integrally assembled with a motor to form a geared motor, the gear box for a geared motor having a gear mechanism, the gear mechanism includes a first gear portion and a second gear portion that mesh with each other, a lubricant supply section capable of filling a lubricant is provided in the vicinity of a portion where the first gear section and the second gear section mesh, a first lubricant is present at a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, a second lubricant different from the first lubricant is filled in the lubricant supply portion, and the second lubricant flows from the lubricant supply portion into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, the first lubricant and the second lubricant are greases with different consistencies, the second lubricant has a smaller consistency than the first lubricant, and requires a predetermined time to flow from the lubricant supply unit into a portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh, a rotating body that receives power from the motor and rotates; and a receiving member to which the rotating body is rotatably attached, an output shaft of the motor or a power transmission member that rotates together with the output shaft of the motor has the first gear portion, and the rotating body has the second gear portion, the lubricant supply unit is provided on at least one of the rotating body and the receiving member, the lubricant supply unit is provided on both the rotating body and the receiving member, a gearbox for a geared motor, characterized in that the lubricant supply portion of the rotating body and the lubricant supply portion of the receiving member are spaced apart and opposed in the direction of extension of the rotation center line of the output shaft, and the second lubricant flows from each portion into the portion where the first gear portion and the second gear portion mesh.

3. 3. The gearbox for a geared motor according to claim 2, wherein the lubricant supply portion is a recessed portion that opens toward the second gear portion and extends in a direction away from the second gear portion.

4. A geared motor comprising a motor section attached to the gear box for a geared motor according to claim 2 or 3.

5. A motorized roller comprising the gear mechanism according to claim 1.

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