Conveyor

Abstract

To provide a reduction in a mechanical impact of a pitch conversion conveyance device.SOLUTION: A pitch conversion conveyance device includes: a rotation part comprising a rotary wheel provided with a plurality of grippers for gripping an article as a conveyance object; and a pitch conversion part that converts a first pitch of the gripper that receives the article at a first point and a second pitch that is different from the first pitch to deliver the article at a second point. The pitch conversion part includes: a second cam provided corresponding to the second point; a cam follower that follows the second cam to bring the gripper into a delivery posture of the second pitch; and an elastic body that puts the gripper in a standby posture different from the delivery posture between the first point and the second point.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveying device that transfers an article, such as a container filled with a beverage, from an upstream rotating wheel to a downstream rotating wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] A conveying device that transfers continuously conveyed containers from an upstream rotating wheel (hereinafter referred to as the upstream wheel) to a downstream rotating wheel (hereinafter referred to as the downstream wheel) is provided with devices called grippers that grip the containers on the outer periphery of each of the upstream and downstream wheels. Specifications such as the diameter, rotation speed, and number of grippers of the upstream and downstream wheels are determined taking into account the production capacity of the beverage production equipment that includes the conveying device. The diameter of the upstream and downstream wheels refers to the distance from the center of rotation to the position where the container is gripped. Note that, in this application, upstream and downstream are identified based on the flow direction of the conveyed items. Furthermore, upstream and downstream have relative meanings, and the same position may be referred to as both downstream and upstream.

[0003] If the pitch of the grippers on the upstream wheel and the pitch of the grippers on the downstream wheel are equal, containers can be directly transferred from the upstream wheel to the downstream wheel. However, the pitch of the grippers on the upstream wheel may differ from the pitch of the grippers on the downstream wheel. In this case, a pitch-converting rotating wheel is interposed between the upstream wheel and the downstream wheel, as disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example. The pitch-converting wheel converts the pitch of the grippers in the area corresponding to the upstream wheel to a pitch that matches the downstream wheel when the grippers move to the area corresponding to the downstream wheel.

[0004] In order to change the gripper pitch from large to small or small to large, Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a pitch conversion mechanism that includes a cam device that includes a cam with a circular orbital curve and a cam follower that is provided on the gripper and moves following the cam. The rotating wheel on which the gripper with this cam follower is provided is called a pitch conversion wheel. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Special Publication No. 2012-526029 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5874281 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The pitch change wheel rotates at a considerable speed together with the upstream and downstream wheels. Therefore, the cam follower, which rotates together with the pitch change wheel, is subjected to mechanical shock due to contact with the cam. Moreover, in Patent Document 2, the cam has an orbital path, so mechanical shock continues to occur while the pitch change wheel is operating.

[0007] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pitch changer that reduces the mechanical impact of a rotating wheel. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The pitch-changing conveying device of the present disclosure comprises a rotating unit having a rotating wheel on which a plurality of grippers for gripping items to be conveyed are arranged to be swingable, and a pitch-changing unit that converts between a first pitch of the grippers for receiving items at a first location and a second pitch, different from the first pitch, for delivering items at a second location. The pitch conversion unit according to the present disclosure includes a second cam provided corresponding to the second point, a cam follower that operates in accordance with the second cam to set the gripper in a delivery position that is the second pitch, and an elastic body that sets the gripper in a standby position different from the delivery position between the first point and the second point. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an elastic body is provided between the first and second points to set the gripper in a standby position different from the delivery position, so there is no need to provide a cam in the range where the elastic body can set the gripper in the standby position. As a result, the pitch changing conveyance device of the present disclosure can suppress mechanical impacts caused by contact between the cam and cam follower in that range, thereby reducing mechanical impacts. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing the arrangement relationship of three conveying devices, namely, an upstream conveying device, a pitch changing conveying device, and a downstream conveying device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing an upstream conveying device and a pitch changing conveying device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the pitch changing conveying device and the downstream conveying device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial front cross-sectional view showing the pitch changing conveying device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the pitch changing conveying device. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in FIG. 4, showing the pitch changing conveyance device. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a main part of the pitch changing conveying device. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a cam follower that swings the gripper and a coil spring that returns the gripper to a standby position. [Figure 9] 1 is a plan view showing cams in a pitch-changing conveying device, in which the upper part shows a cam corresponding to an upstream conveying device, and the lower part shows a cam corresponding to a downstream conveying device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] [Summary of Transport System 1: Figure 1] Hereinafter, a transport system 1 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying system 1 includes an upstream conveying device 10, a pitch-changing conveying device 30, and a downstream conveying device 100, and conveys containers PB, which are an example of articles, from upstream (U) to downstream (D) in that order. That is, the pitch-changing conveying device 30 receives the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10, and the container PB is then handed over from the pitch-changing conveying device 30 to the downstream conveying device 100. Note that in Fig. 1, as indicated by the arrows, the rotating wheel 11 of the upstream conveying device 10 rotates clockwise, the rotating wheel 41 of the pitch-changing conveying device 30 rotates counterclockwise, and the rotating wheel 101 of the downstream conveying device 100 rotates clockwise.

[0012] The upstream conveying device 10, the pitch-changing conveying device 30, and the downstream conveying device 100 each have grippers that grip a container PB. The first gripper G10 and the third gripper G100 of the upstream conveying device 10 and the downstream conveying device 100 have constant first and second pitches, respectively. In contrast, the second gripper G30 of the pitch-changing conveying device 30 has the first pitch when receiving a container PB from the upstream conveying device 10, but has the second pitch when delivering the container PB to the downstream conveying device 100. In this way, the pitch-changing conveying device 30 converts the pitch of the second gripper G30 from the first pitch to the second pitch while conveying the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10 to the downstream conveying device 100. Furthermore, the pitch-changing conveying device 30 converts the pitch of the second gripper G30 from the second pitch to the first pitch while delivering the container PB to the downstream conveying device 100 and receiving the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10.

[0013] In the pitch changing conveying device 30, pitch change from the first pitch to the second pitch and pitch change from the second pitch to the first pitch are performed by the first cam 51, the second cam 55, and the cam follower 60. However, due to the elastic force applied to the second gripper G30, the contact between the first cam 51 and the cam follower 60 and the contact between the second cam 55 and the cam follower 60 are limited to limited areas related to the pitch change. Hereinafter, the conveying system 1 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 in order.

[0014] [Upstream conveying device 10: Figure 2] The upstream conveying device 10 receives the containers PB conveyed from further upstream (U) and conveys them to the pitch changing conveying device 30. The first pitch of the 24 first grippers G10 provided on the upstream conveying device 10, for example, is fixed constant. 2, the upstream conveying device 10 includes a rotating wheel 11 that is rotated by a drive source (not shown), and a plurality of first grippers G10 attached to the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 11. The upstream conveying device 10 receives a container PB from upstream (U) and transfers the container PB to the pitch changing conveying device 30 at a first point PP1.

[0015] Each first gripper G10 has a first gripping piece 13 and a second gripping piece 15, which are configured to be capable of active opening and closing operations. When receiving a container PB, the first gripping piece 13 and the second gripping piece 15 open, and after receiving the container PB, the first gripping piece 13 and the second gripping piece 15 close to grasp the container PB until the gripper moves to the first point PP1. Then, at the first point PP1, the first gripping piece 13 and the second gripping piece 15 open and deliver the container PB to the pitch changing conveying device 30.

[0016] [Pitch-changing conveying device 30: Figures 2 and 3] The pitch changing conveying device 30 receives the container PB being conveyed by the upstream conveying device 10, and conveys the container PB toward the downstream conveying device 100 while converting the pitch of the second grippers G30 from a first pitch to a second pitch. As an example, the pitch changing conveying device 30 is equipped with 24 second grippers G30. 2, the pitch changing conveying device 30 includes a rotating wheel 41 that is rotated by a drive source, and a plurality of second grippers G30 attached to the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 41. The pitch changing conveying device 30 receives the container PB at a first pitch at a first point PP1, and delivers the container PB to the downstream conveying device 100 at a second pitch at a second point PP2.

[0017] Each second gripper G30 has a first gripping piece 33 and a second gripping piece 35. Unlike the first gripper G10, the second gripper G30 does not have the first gripping piece 33 and the second gripping piece 35 that can perform active opening and closing operations. However, when a container PB is transferred from the first gripper G10 to the second gripper G30, a passive opening and closing operation is performed by the first gripper G10 and the third gripper G100. Other configurations of the pitch changing conveying device 30 will be described in detail after the description of the downstream conveying device 100.

[0018] [Downstream conveying device 100: Figure 3] The downstream conveying device 100 receives the container PB conveyed by the pitch changing conveying device 30 and conveys it further downstream (D). The second pitch of the 32 third grippers G100 provided in the downstream conveying device 100, for example, is fixed constant. 3, the downstream conveying device 100 includes a rotating wheel 101 that is rotated by a drive source (not shown), and a plurality of third grippers G100 that are attached to the outer periphery of the rotating wheel 101. The downstream conveying device 100 receives the container PB from the pitch changing conveying device 30 at the second point PP2, and further conveys the container PB downstream (D).

[0019] Each third gripper G100 has a first gripping piece 103 and a second gripping piece 105, which are configured to be capable of active opening and closing operations. When receiving a container PB at the second point PP2, the first gripping piece 103 and the second gripping piece 105 open, and after receiving the container PB, the first gripping piece 103 and the second gripping piece 105 close to grasp the container PB. The first gripping piece 103 and the second gripping piece 105 then open, delivering the container PB downstream (D).

[0020] [Details of the pitch-changing conveying device 30: Figures 4 to 9] Next, the pitch changing conveying device 30 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. The pitch changing conveying device 30 has the following configuration including the above-mentioned rotating wheel 41 and a plurality of second grippers G30. As shown in Figure 4, the pitch conversion conveying device 30 comprises a rotating wheel 41, a rotating unit 40 having elements for rotating the rotating wheel 41, a pitch conversion unit 50 supported by the rotating unit 40 and converting the pitch of the second gripper G30, and a fixed unit 90 rotatably supporting the rotating unit 40.

[0021] [Rotating part 40: Figure 4] The rotating unit 40 includes, as elements involved in the rotational movement of the rotating wheel 41, a rotating shaft 42 that supports the rotating wheel 41 and rotates together with the rotating wheel 41, and a drive source that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 42. The drive source includes a drive shaft 44 that is connected to the rotating shaft 42 via a coupling 46, and a drive motor 45 that rotates the drive shaft 44. Because the drive motor 45 is fixed non-rotatably to the fixed unit 90 and the drive shaft 44 is rotatably supported by the fixed unit 90, when the drive motor 45 rotates the drive shaft 44, the rotating wheel 41 rotates in a predetermined direction. As the rotating wheel 41 rotates, the multiple second grippers G30 supported by the rotating wheel 41 also rotate.

[0022] [Pitch conversion unit 50: Figures 4, 5, 6, and 7] The pitch conversion unit 50 converts the pitch of the second gripper G30 involved in receiving the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10, which is P1, to the pitch of the second gripper G30 involved in delivering the container PB to the downstream conveying device 100, which is P2. The pitch conversion unit 50 uses a cam mechanism to convert between the first pitch and the second pitch.

[0023] Before specifically describing the configuration of the pitch conversion unit 50, the relationship between the number of grippers and the gripper pitch in the upstream conveying device 10, the pitch conversion conveying device 30 (pitch conversion unit 50), and the downstream conveying device 100 will be described below. Note that the conveying diameter R (the distance from the center of rotation to the conveying trajectory of the container PB) is the same in the upstream conveying device 10, the pitch conversion conveying device 30, and the downstream conveying device 100. In addition, the relationship is such that the number of grippers N1 < the number of grippers N2 and the first pitch (P1) > the second pitch (P2). Upstream conveying device 10: Number of grippers N1, pitch: P1 Pitch conversion unit 50: Number of grippers N1, pitch; P1, P2 Downstream conveying device 100: Number of grippers: N2, pitch: P2

[0024] The pitch conversion unit 50 converts between the first pitch and the second pitch using a cam mechanism similar to a linear cam among planar cams. However, in a typical linear cam, the cam moves in a first direction, and as this movement occurs, a cam follower in contact with the cam moves in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. In contrast, in the pitch conversion unit 50, the cam follower moves in both the first and second directions relative to the cam, whose position is fixed. In the pitch conversion unit 50, the cams correspond to plate-like first cams 51 and second cams 55, which will be described later, and the cam followers 60 provided for each of the second grippers G30 correspond to these. The first cam 51 is involved in the pitch conversion when receiving a container PB from the upstream conveyance device 10, and the second cam 55 is involved in the pitch conversion when transferring a container PB to the downstream conveyance device 100. While the first cam 51 and the second cam 55 are fixed in position, the cam follower 60 is involved with the first cam 51 and the second cam 55 in the process of rotating and moving along a circular movement locus together with the second gripper G30. In other words, the cam follower 60 is a common cam follower for both the first cam 51 and the second cam 55.

[0025] [First cam 51, second cam 55: Figures 4 and 6] As shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, the first cam 51 is provided on the side corresponding to the upstream conveying device 10, and is fixed to and supported by a cam support 93 that constitutes the fixed portion 90. 9, the first cam 51 includes a first cam plate 52 and a first cam groove 54 formed in the first cam plate 52, into which the cam pin 65 of the cam follower 60 is inserted. As the cam pin 65 moves through the first cam groove 54, the pitch of the second gripper G30 becomes the first pitch, and the second gripper G30 receives the container PB. As shown in FIG. 4, the first cam 51 is disposed so that the first cam groove 54 faces downward, and the cam pin 65 is inserted into the first cam groove 54 from below.

[0026] Next, the second cam 55 is provided on the side corresponding to the downstream conveying device 100, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, and is fixed to and supported by a cam support 93 constituting the fixed portion 90. As shown in the lower part of Fig. 9, the second cam 55 includes a second cam plate 56 and a second cam groove 58 formed in the second cam plate 56, into which a cam pin 65 is inserted. As the cam pin 65 moves through the second cam groove 58, the pitch of the second gripper G30 becomes the second pitch, and the container PB is handed over. As shown in Fig. 4, the second cam 55 is disposed so that the second cam groove 58 faces downward, and the cam pin 65 is inserted into this second cam groove 58 from below.

[0027] [Cam follower 60: Figures 6, 7, 8, and 9] Next, a description will be given of the cam followers 60 which constitute a cam mechanism together with the first cam 51 and the second cam 55. As shown in Fig. 6, the cam followers 60 are provided corresponding to the respective second grippers G30. 7 and 8, the cam follower 60 includes a main shaft 61 fixed to the second gripper G30, and a swing arm 63 having one end rotatably attached to the main shaft 61. The cam follower 60 also includes a cam pin 65 rotatably attached to the other end of the swing arm 63, and a regulating body 67 that limits the swing range of the swing arm 63.

[0028] The cam pin 65 has a cylindrical shape. When the cam pin 65 is inserted into the second cam groove 58 of the second cam 55 as shown in Fig. 7, for example, and the second gripper G30 corresponding to the cam pin 65 rotates, the cam pin 65 moves along the second cam groove 58, causing the swing arm 63 to swing, and the second gripper G30 to swing in the direction of the double arrow in Fig. 8. The swing of the second gripper G30 will be described in detail later. 8, the regulating body 67 abuts against the swinging arm 63 when the swinging movement of the swinging arm 63 is zero. That is, in FIG. 8, the swinging arm 63 swings counterclockwise as the cam pin 65 moves inside the second cam groove 58, and when the cam pin 65 comes out of the second cam groove 58, the swinging arm 63 swings clockwise and returns to the standby position, but the swinging arm 63 abuts against the regulating body 67, and further swinging is restricted.

[0029] As described above, when the cam pin 65 comes out of the second cam groove 58, the swing arm 63 swings clockwise and returns to the standby position. However, the cam follower 60 uses an elastic force to return to this standby position, as will be explained below. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a support body 69 to which the second gripper G30 is fixed is rotatably supported on the main shaft 61 of the cam follower 60. A first support cylinder 72 is provided on the support body 69, supporting a coil spring CS that exerts an elastic force related to returning to the standby position. The cam follower 60 is provided with a second support cylinder 73 at a position corresponding to the first support cylinder 72, which supports the coil spring CS together with the first support cylinder 72. A coil spring CS is attached between the first support cylinder 72 and the second support cylinder 73 so as to apply a tensile elastic force to the first support cylinder 72 and the second support cylinder 73.

[0030] [Fixed part 90: Figure 4] Next, the fixed portion 90 that rotatably supports the rotating portion 40 will be described. 4, the fixed part 90 includes a retaining cylinder 91 that houses the rotating shaft 42 of the rotating part 40, the drive motor 45, etc., and a cam support 93 that is fixed below the rotating wheel 41 near the upper end of the retaining cylinder 91. The cam support 93 supports the first cam 51 and the second cam 55.

[0031] [Sealing structure: Figure 4] As shown in Fig. 4, the pitch-changing conveying device 30 is provided with a sealing structure 80 extending from the rotating part 40 to the fixed part 90. The sealing structure 80 isolates the interior from the outside air and supplies air to create a positive pressure inside, thereby preventing water from entering the sealing structure 80.

[0032] The sealing structure 80 is configured above the pitch changing conveying device 30 and includes a rotating wheel 41 and a rotating shaft 42 that integrally supports the rotating wheel 41. In other words, the rotating wheel 41 and the rotating shaft 42 are airtight against the outside air.

[0033] Next, the sealing structure 80 is composed of a first enclosure 81 and a second enclosure 87 on the radially outer and lower sides of the pitch changing conveying device 30. The first enclosure 81 rotates together with the rotating part 40, whereas the second enclosure 87 does not move and is fixed in position together with the fixed part 90.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4, the first enclosure 81 includes a side wall 83 that hangs downward from the outside in the radial direction of the rotating wheel 41, and a bottom wall 85 that extends inward from the lower end of the side wall 83 toward the rotation shaft 42. The side wall 83 has a cylindrical shape. The bottom wall 85 has a disk shape, and its inner end is spaced a predetermined distance from the rotation shaft 42. An upwardly rising first labyrinth element 86 is formed on the inner periphery of the bottom wall 85, and together with the outer periphery of the second enclosure 87, a labyrinth structure 89 is formed.

[0035] The second surrounding body 87 has an inner circumferential side fixed to the outer circumferential side of the retaining cylinder 91, and is in the form of a disk extending toward the inner circumferential side of the bottom wall 85. A second labyrinth element 88 having a U-shaped cross section that opens downward is formed on the outer circumferential side of the second surrounding body 87, and a labyrinth structure 89 is formed by inserting the first labyrinth element 86 of the bottom wall 85 into it.

[0036] The sealing structure 80 is provided with an air supply pipe 82 that penetrates the second enclosure 87 to supply air to the inside of the sealing structure 80. By supplying air to the inside of the sealing structure 80 through the air supply pipe 82, the inside of the sealing structure 80 becomes positive pressure relative to the outside, which, together with the labyrinth structure 89, can prevent water from entering the inside of the sealing structure 80.

[0037] [Operation of the second gripper G30 in the pitch-changing conveying device 30: Figures 5 and 6] Next, with reference to Figures 5 and 6, the operation of the second gripper G30 in the pitch changing conveying device 30 will be explained by dividing it into the following first to fourth regions shown in Figures 5 and 6. In the pitch changing conveying device 30, the second gripper G30 moves repeatedly through these first to fourth regions.

[0038] First area A1: an area involved in the transfer of the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10 to the pitch changing conveying device 30. Second area A2: An area from the first area A1 to the next third area A3, which is involved in the transfer of the container PB from the pitch changing conveying device 30 to the downstream conveying device 100. Third area A3: an area involved in the transfer of the container PB from the pitch changing conveying device 30 to the downstream conveying device 100. Fourth area A4: an area from the third area A3 to the next first area A1 involved in the transfer of the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10 to the pitch-changing conveying device 30.

[0039] [Operation in the first area A1: Figures 5 and 6] In the first region A1, the pitch of the second gripper G30 is set to a first pitch so as to match the fixed first pitch of the first gripper G10 of the upstream conveyance device 10. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pitch between the second gripper G30A, which transfers the container PB at the first point PP1, and the second gripper G30B, which transfers the container PB after the second gripper G30A, is adjusted to the first pitch. After the second gripper G30A finishes receiving the container PB at the first point PP1, the second gripper G30A moves counterclockwise from the first point PP1, and the second gripper G30B reaches the first point PP1 and receives the container PB. At this time, the pitch between the second gripper G30C, which receives the container PB after the second gripper G30B, and the second gripper G30B is set to the first pitch. Thereafter, in the same manner, the pitch between the second gripper G30 that receives the next container PB and the second gripper G30 that receives the container PB at the first point PP1 is set to the first pitch.

[0040] The second gripper G30A, which receives the container PB at the first point PP1, needs to have its central axis C, in a plan view, intersect with the center of rotation CC of the rotating wheel 41 in order to receive the container PB smoothly. This also applies to the first gripper G10, which delivers the container PB in the upstream conveyance device 10. In this regard, the second gripper G30B, which receives the container PB next, and the second gripper G30X, which receives the container PB before the second gripper G30A, are as follows. Note that the central axis C symmetrically divides the first gripping piece 33 and the second gripping piece 35 when the second gripper G30A is viewed in a plan view. 5 and 6, it is also preferable that the central axis C of the second gripper G30B and the second gripper G30X intersect with the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41. However, for the second gripper G30B, it is sufficient that the central axis C intersects with the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41 at least by the time the second gripper G30B reaches the first point PP1. Furthermore, for the second gripper G30X, the central axis C may be deviated from the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41 after receiving the container PB.

[0041] The above-described pitch adjustment operation is realized by the cam pins 65 associated with each of the second grippers G30A, G30B, G30C, . . . passing through the first cam grooves 54 of the first cam 51. As described above, since the conveying diameters of the upstream conveying device 10 and the pitch changing conveying device 30 are the same, it is sufficient to adjust only the first pitch in the first region A1.

[0042] [Operation in the second area A2: Figures 5 and 6] The second gripper G30 receives the container PB in the first area A1 and moves to the second area A2. In the second area A2, the pitch of the second gripper G30 is not adjusted, and the second gripper G30 operates as follows. 5 and 6, the second gripper G30W, which receives the container PB before the second gripper G30X, is still in a position where it engages with the first cam 51, but its central axis C is shifted from the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41 and swings clockwise in the drawings. Then, the second gripper G30 moves while tilting clockwise until it passes through the first area A1 and reaches the third area A3.

[0043] [Operation in the third area A3] In the third region A3, the pitch of the second gripper G30 is set to the second pitch so as to match the fixed second pitch of the third gripper G100 of the downstream conveyance device 100. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the pitch between the second gripper G30K that transfers the container PB at the second point PP2 and the second gripper G30L that transfers the container PB after the second gripper G30K is adjusted to the second pitch. After the second gripper G30K finishes transferring the container PB at the second point PP2, the second gripper G30K moves counterclockwise from the second point PP2, and the second gripper G30L reaches the second point PP2 and transfers the container PB. At this time, the pitch between the second gripper G30 that transfers the container PB after the second gripper G30L and the second gripper G30L is set to the second pitch. Thereafter, in the same manner, the pitch between the second gripper G30 that will next transfer the container PB at the second point PP2 and the second gripper G30 that will transfer the container PB at the second point PP2 is set to the second pitch.

[0044] To ensure a smooth transfer, the second gripper G30K, which delivers the container PB at the second point PP2, needs to have its central axis C, in a plan view, intersect with the center of rotation CC of the rotating wheel 41. The same applies to the third gripper G100, which receives the container PB in the downstream conveyance device 100. In this regard, the central axes C of the second gripper G30L, which delivers the container PB next, and the second gripper G30J, which delivered the container PB before the second gripper G30K, do not intersect with the center of rotation CC of the rotating wheel 41. In other words, the central axis C of the second gripper G30K, which is directly involved in the delivery of the container PB, intersects with the center of rotation CC, but the central axes C of the second grippers G30J and G30L, which are involved in the delivery of the container PB before and after the second gripper G30K, do not intersect with the center of rotation CC of the rotating wheel 41.

[0045] The above-described pitch adjustment operation is realized by the cam pins 65 associated with each of the second grippers G30K, 30L . . . passing through the second cam grooves 58 of the second cam 55. As described above, since the conveying diameters of the upstream conveying device 10 and the pitch changing conveying device 30 are the same, it is sufficient to adjust only the second pitch in the third area A3.

[0046] [Operation in the fourth area A4] The second gripper G30, which has received and handed over the container PB in the third area A3, moves through the fourth area A4. In the fourth area A4, the pitch of the second gripper G30 is not adjusted, and the second gripper G30 operates as follows. 5 and 6, the second gripper G30I, which receives the container PB before the second gripper G30J, swings clockwise in the drawings with its central axis C offset from the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41. Then, the second gripper G30 moves while tilting clockwise until it passes through the fourth area A4 and reaches the first area A1.

[0047] [Effects of the pitch-changing conveying device 30] The pitch changing conveying device 30 described above has the following advantages. The pitch-changing conveying device 30 allows the pitch to be selected from a first pitch and a second pitch when receiving the container PB from the upstream conveying device 10 and when transferring it to the downstream conveying device 100. Therefore, even if the first pitch in the upstream conveying device 10 and the second pitch in the downstream conveying device 100 are different, by interposing the pitch-changing conveying device 30 therebetween, processing in the upstream conveying device 10 and the downstream conveying device 100 can be performed continuously.

[0048] Next, the pitch changing conveying device 30 has a first cam 51 and a second cam 55 corresponding to the first region A1 and the third region A3 where pitch changing is performed, but no cams are provided in the second region A2 and the fourth region A4 between the first region A1 and the third region A3. Therefore, the cam pins 65 do not come into contact with the cams in the second region A2 and the fourth region A4, so that the impact of the pitch changing conveying device 30 is reduced.

[0049] [Note] The pitch-changing conveying device 30 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a rotating unit 40 having a rotating wheel 41 on which a plurality of grippers G30 for gripping items to be conveyed are arranged to be swingable, and a pitch-changing unit 50 for converting between a first pitch of the grippers G30 for receiving items at a first point PP1 and a second pitch, different from the first pitch, for handing over the items at a second point PP2. The pitch conversion unit 50 according to the first embodiment includes a second cam 55 provided corresponding to the second point PP2, a cam follower 60 that operates in accordance with the second cam 55 to set the gripper G30 in a delivery position that is the second pitch, and an elastic body CS that sets the gripper G30 in a standby position different from the delivery position between the first point PP1 and the second point PP2.

[0050] The pitch changing conveying device 30 according to the first embodiment is provided with a second cam 55 corresponding to the third region A3 involved in pitch changing, but no cams are provided in the second region A2 and the fourth region A4 before and after the third region A3. Therefore, the cam pins 65 do not come into contact with the cams in the second region A2 and the fourth region A4, thereby reducing the impact of the pitch changing conveying device 30.

[0051] The pitch conversion unit 50 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a first cam 51 provided corresponding to the first point PP1, a cam follower 60 that operates in accordance with the first cam 51 to set the gripper G30 in a receiving position that is the first pitch, and an elastic body CS that sets the gripper G30 in a standby position different from the receiving position between the first point PP1 and the second point PP2.

[0052] The pitch changing conveying device 30 according to the second embodiment is provided with a first cam 51 corresponding to the first region A1 involved in pitch changing, but no cams are provided in the fourth region A4 and the second region A2 located before and after the first region A1. Therefore, the cam pins 65 do not come into contact with the cams in the second region A2 and the fourth region A4, thereby reducing the impact of the pitch changing conveying device 30.

[0053] The cam follower 60, which operates in accordance with the second cam 55 according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure, puts the gripper G30 into a delivery position at the second pitch against the elastic force of the coil spring CS.

[0054] According to the pitch conversion conveying device 30 of the third embodiment, the elastic force of the coil spring CS acts on the cam follower 60, thereby returning the second gripper G30 to the standby position in the second area A2 and the fourth area A4 where the second cam 55 is not provided.

[0055] In the transfer posture according to the fourth embodiment of the present disclosure, the central axis C of the gripper G30 directly involved in the transfer of the container PB intersects with the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41, and the central axis C of the gripper G30 involved in the transfer of the container PB in front of and behind the gripper G30 does not intersect with the rotation center CC of the rotating wheel 41.

[0056] According to the pitch-changing conveying device 30 of the fourth embodiment, the container PB can be easily transferred to the downstream conveying device 100.

[0057] The cam follower 60, which operates in accordance with the first cam 51 according to the fifth embodiment of the present disclosure, opposes the elastic force of the coil spring CS and puts the gripper G30 into a receiving position corresponding to the first pitch.

[0058] According to the pitch changing conveying device 30 of the fifth embodiment, even if no other special configuration is provided, when the cam follower 60 separates from the first cam 51, the second gripper G30 can be returned to the standby position.

[0059] In the receiving posture according to the sixth embodiment of the present disclosure, the central axis C of the second gripper G30, which is directly involved in receiving the container PB, and the central axis C of the second gripper G30, which is involved in receiving the container PB in front of and behind the second gripper G30, intersect with the center of rotation CC of the rotating wheel 41.

[0060] The pitch-changing conveying device 30 according to the seventh embodiment of the present disclosure includes a sealing structure 80 that covers the rotating part 40 and an air supply pipe 82 that supplies air to the inside of the sealing structure 80.

[0061] The pitch-changing conveying device 30 according to the seventh embodiment is provided with a sealing structure 80, which isolates the interior from the outside air and supplies air to create a positive pressure inside, thereby preventing water from entering the sealing structure 80.

[0062] In addition to the above, it is possible to select and discard the configurations given in the above embodiments, or to change them to other configurations as appropriate. For example, although the coil spring CS is used as the elastic body for keeping the gripper in the standby position, this is merely a preferred example, and other elastic bodies, such as a leaf spring, can be used. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, the first cam 51 and the second cam have been described as being used to change the pitch when transferring and receiving the container PB as an article, but either the first cam 51 or the second cam may be used to change the pitch between the upstream conveying device 10 or downstream conveying device 100 and the pitch changing conveying device 30, respectively. Furthermore, even if there is a difference in peripheral speed (the difference between the conveying diameter and the rotation speed) between the upstream conveying device 10 or downstream conveying device 100 and the pitch conversion conveying device 30, the difference in peripheral speed with the gripper directly involved in the delivery or receipt of the item can be reduced by oscillating the central axis C of the gripper. [Explanation of symbols]

[0063] 1. Transport system 10. Upstream transport device G10 First gripper 11 Spinning Wheel 13 First grip piece 15 Second grip piece 30 Pitch conversion conveyor device G30 Second gripper 33 1st grip piece 35 Second grip piece 40 Rotating part 41 Spinning Wheel 42 Rotation axis 44 Drive shaft 45 Drive motor 46 Joint 50 Pitch conversion section 51 First Cam 52 First cam plate 54 First cam groove 55 Second Cam 56 Second cam plate 58 Second cam groove 60 Cam follower 61 Spindle 63 Swing arm 65 Campin 67 Regulatory Body 69 Support 72 1st support tube 73 Second support tube 80 Sealing structure 81 First Enclosure 82 Air supply pipe 83 Side wall 85 bottom wall 86 First Labyrinth Element 87 Second Enclosure 88 Second Labyrinth Element 89 Labyrinth Structure 90 Fixed part 91 Holding tube 93 Cam support G30 Second gripper 100 downstream conveying device 101 Spinning Wheel G100 3rd gripper 103 1st grip piece 105 Second grip piece CS coil spring PB container PP1 1st point PP2 Point 2

Claims

1. a rotating unit including a rotating wheel on which a plurality of grippers for gripping an object to be conveyed are swingably mounted; a pitch conversion unit that converts between a first pitch of the gripper that receives the item at a first point and a second pitch that is different from the first pitch that delivers the item at a second point, The pitch conversion unit a second cam provided corresponding to the second point; a cam follower that moves in accordance with the second cam to set the gripper in a delivery position corresponding to the second pitch; an elastic body that sets the gripper to a standby position different from the delivery position between the first point and the second point; A pitch changing conveying device comprising:

2. The pitch conversion unit a first cam provided corresponding to the first point; the cam follower that moves in accordance with the first cam to place the gripper in a receiving position that corresponds to the first pitch; the elastic body that sets the gripper to the standby position that is different from the receiving position between the first point and the second point; The pitch changing conveying device according to claim 1 .

3. The cam follower that operates in accordance with the second cam is the gripper is brought into the delivery position at the second pitch against the elastic force of the elastic body; The pitch changing conveying device according to claim 2.

4. The delivery posture is: a central axis of the gripper directly involved in the delivery of the article intersects with the rotation center of the rotating wheel; the central axis of each of the grippers involved in the transfer of the article in front of and behind the gripper does not intersect with the rotation center of the rotating wheel; The pitch changing conveying device according to claim 3.

5. The cam follower that operates in accordance with the first cam is the gripper is brought into the receiving position at the first pitch against the elastic force of the elastic body; The pitch changing conveying device according to claim 2.

6. The receiving posture is the central axis of the gripper directly involved in receiving the article; the central axes of the grippers involved in receiving the article in front of and behind the grippers; Intersects with the center of rotation of the rotating wheel, The pitch changing conveying device according to claim 4.

7. a sealing structure that covers the rotating part; an air supply pipe that supplies air to the inside of the sealing structure; The pitch changing conveying device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images