Handling device, discharge fairing and sleeve

Abstract

[Problem] The present invention aims to improve the attractiveness of a conveying device. [Solution] The conveying device (100) comprises: a vortex forming body (1), a discharge shroud (2), and a sleeve (3). The vortex forming body (1) comprises: a cylindrical first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex. The discharge shroud (2) comprises: a substantially circular base plate; a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the base plate portion, and a second body disposed to cover the recess; an suction port formed in the base plate portion; and a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The sleeve (3) is a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic membrane, with its upper opening connected to the suction port.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This instruction pertains to the handling device, the discharge fairing, and the sleeve. [Previous Technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a suction device 10 for attracting excess oil from fried foods or for attracting moisture from foods boiled in hot water. Figure 26(a) is a plan view of this suction device 10, and Figure 26(b) is a cross-sectional view along line JJ of Figure 26(a). The suction device 10, as shown in the figures, includes: a vortex forming body 11, and a housing 12 that houses the vortex forming body 11.

[0003] The vortex-forming body 11 of this suction device 10 is a device that attracts objects using the Bernoulli effect. Specifically, this vortex-forming body 11 generates a vortex by ejecting fluid into a recess formed below it, and attracts the object by the negative pressure at the center of the generated vortex. On the other hand, the housing 12 is a member for guiding the fluid flowing out of the recess of the vortex-forming body 11 upward. According to the suction device 10 equipped with these vortex-forming bodies 11 and housing 12, the conflict between the attracted object and the discharged fluid can be suppressed. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-35350 [Summary of the Invention]

[0005] [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0006] This invention was developed in view of the aforementioned background technology, with the aim of improving the attractive force of the conveying device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned problems, the conveying device related to the present invention includes a vortex forming body and a discharge shroud installed at the lower end of the vortex forming body. The vortex forming body includes: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex. The discharge shroud includes: a bottom plate portion having a substantially circular shape, and a bottomed cylindrical second body erected on the peripheral wall portion of the periphery of the bottom plate portion, the second body being disposed to cover the recess; an suction port formed on the bottom plate portion; and a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0008] Other conveying devices related to the present invention include a vortex forming body and a discharge shroud installed at the lower end of the vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body includes: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; the discharge shroud includes: a base plate portion having a substantially circular shape, and a base plate portion erected on the base plate portion. A bottomed cylindrical second body with a periphery wall portion surrounding the plate portion, a second body portion disposed to cover the aforementioned recess; an suction port formed in the aforementioned base plate portion; a discharge passage formed in the aforementioned periphery wall portion extending substantially radially relative to the inner periphery surface of the aforementioned periphery wall portion; and a substantially L-shaped guide wall erected in the aforementioned base plate portion, with its base end connected to the inner opening edge of the aforementioned discharge passage, and its front end disposed between the aforementioned discharge passage and the aforementioned suction port, guiding the fluid flowing in the aforementioned second body portion to the guide wall of the aforementioned discharge passage.

[0009] Another conveying device related to the present invention includes: a columnar portion; an end face formed at the lower end of the columnar portion; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; a bottomed cylindrical portion having a substantially circular base plate portion and a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, the bottomed cylindrical portion being disposed to cover the recess; a suction port formed on the base plate portion; and a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0010] Another conveying device related to the present invention includes a vortex forming body and a sleeve installed at the lower end of the vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body includes: a generally circular base plate portion; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion; a cover portion covering the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion with a gap; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, supplying fluid into the peripheral wall portion and forming a vortex, wherein the sleeve is a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic film, with its upper opening connected to the suction port.

[0011] The discharge shroud related to the present invention is installed at the lower end of a vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; the discharge shroud comprises: a substantially circular base plate; a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate, and a second body disposed to cover the recess; an suction port formed on the base plate; and a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0012] Another discharge shroud related to the present invention is installed at the lower end of a vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; the discharge shroud comprises: a substantially circular base plate; a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the base plate, and a second body disposed to cover the recess; an suction port formed in the base plate; a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; and a substantially L-shaped guide wall erected in the base plate portion, with its base end connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage and its front end disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port, guiding the fluid flowing in the second body to the guide wall of the discharge passage.

[0013] The sleeve related to the present invention is installed at the lower end of the discharge shroud of the lower end of the vortex forming body. It is characterized in that: the vortex forming body includes: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed at the end face; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex. The discharge shroud includes: a substantially circular base plate; a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate, and a second body disposed to cover the recess; a suction port formed in the base plate; and a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion. The sleeve is a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic film, with its upper opening connected to the suction port.

[0014] Another sleeve related to the present invention is installed at the lower end of a vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a generally circular base plate; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate; a cover portion covering the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion with a gap; an suction port formed in the base plate; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion, supplying fluid into the peripheral wall portion and forming a vortex, wherein the sleeve is a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic film, with its upper opening connected to the suction port. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, the attractiveness of the conveying device can be improved.

Implementation Method

[0017] 1. First Implementation Form

[0018] The conveying device 100 related to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 shown from an oblique upward, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 shown from an oblique downward, FIG. 3 is a plan view of the conveying device 100, and FIG. 4 is a side view of the conveying device 100. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along line AA of FIG. 3, and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view along line BB of FIG. 3.

[0019] The conveying device 100, as shown in the figures, comprises: a cylindrical vortex forming body 1; a bottomed cylindrical discharge shroud 2 mounted on the lower end of the vortex forming body 1; and a conical sleeve 3 mounted on the lower end of the discharge shroud 2. This conveying device 100 is used for conveying food products such as apple slices or berries, and is primarily mounted on the front end of a robotic arm. The constituent components of this conveying device 100 will be described below.

[0020] First, the vortex-forming body 1 will be described with reference to Figures 7 to 9. Figure 7 is a plan view of the vortex-forming body 1. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view along line CC of Figure 7. Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view along line DD of Figure 8.

[0021] The vortex forming body 1 is shown in the figure as described above, having: a cylindrical body 101; a flat end face 102 formed on the lower surface of the body 101; a cylindrical recess 103 formed at the center of the end face 102; and an inclined surface 104 formed at the opening edge of the recess 103.

[0022] Furthermore, the vortex forming body 1 has: an upper supply port 105 formed at the center of the upper surface of the body 101; a side supply port 106 formed on the side of the body 101; an annular passage 107 connected to the side supply port 106 to form a surrounding recess 103; a straight connecting passage 108 connecting the annular passage 107 and the upper supply port 105; and a set of fluid passages 109 having one end connected to the annular passage 107 and the other end open in the inner peripheral surface 110 of the recess 103.

[0023] The fluid passages 109 of this vortex forming body 1 are formed as shown in FIG. 9, extending in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 110. Furthermore, the fluid passages 109 are formed extending approximately perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 11. Moreover, the fluid passages 109 are arranged in a point-symmetric configuration with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the recess 103.

[0024] Next, the discharge fairing 2 will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 14. Figure 10 is a perspective view of the discharge fairing 2 shown from an upward angle, and Figure 11 is a perspective view of the discharge fairing 2 shown from a downward angle. Figure 12 is a plan view of the discharge fairing 2, and Figure 13 is a side view of the discharge fairing 2. Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view along line EE of Figure 12.

[0025] The discharge shroud 2 is shown in the figures and has: a generally circular base plate portion 21; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 22 erected on the periphery of the base plate portion 21; an annular stage portion 23 formed on the opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 22; a set of discharge passages 24 formed on the peripheral wall portion 22; a circular suction port 25 formed in the center of the base plate portion 21; a cylindrical portion 26 provided to extend downward from the opening edge of the suction port 25; and an annular protrusion 27 provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 26 extending in the circumferential direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG12, the exhaust passage 24 of this exhaust shroud 2 extends approximately tangentially to the inner peripheral surface 28 relative to the surrounding wall 22. The exhaust direction of the air discharged from this exhaust passage 24 is along the direction of air rectification within the surrounding wall 22 (see arrows A3 and A4 in FIG12). Furthermore, the exhaust passage 24 extends approximately perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 28. Also, the exhaust passage 24 is arranged in a point-symmetric configuration with respect to the central axis Ax2 of the surrounding wall 22. Furthermore, the suction port 25 of the exhaust shroud 2 has a smaller diameter than the recess 103 of the vortex forming body 1. This is to prevent air flowing into the exhaust shroud 2 from flowing out of the suction port 25.

[0027] Next, the sleeve 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 6. As shown in the figures, the sleeve 3 has: a conical sleeve body 31; a cylindrical portion 32 connected to the upper end of the sleeve body 31; and an annular recess 33 provided in the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 32 and extending in the peripheral direction.

[0028] The sleeve body 31 of this sleeve 3 is made of a silicone film. Furthermore, the length of this sleeve body 31 is such that it can be formed to completely enclose the object being transported.

[0029] Next, an example of the assembly sequence of the conveying device 100 will be described. First, the cylindrical portion 32 of the sleeve 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 26 of the discharge rectifier 2, so that the concave portion 33 of the cylindrical portion 32 engages with the protrusion 27 of the cylindrical portion 26, and the sleeve 3 can be installed on the discharge rectifier 2.

[0030] Next, by embedding the stage portion 23 of the discharge shroud 2 into the lower end of the vortex forming body 1, the discharge shroud 2 can be installed on the vortex forming body 1. At this time, the positional relationship between the fluid passage 109 of the vortex forming body 1 and the discharge passage 24 of the discharge shroud 2 as shown in the plane is not particularly restricted.

[0031] Next, the function of the conveying device 100 will be explained. Furthermore, the following explanation is for the case where the side supply port 106 of the closed vortex forming body 1 is set, and air is supplied from the top supply port 105.

[0032] First, when the air compressor (not shown) supplies air to the upper supply port 105 through the pipe, the supplied air is discharged into the recess 103 through the connecting passage 108, the annular passage 107, and the fluid passage 109. The air discharged into the recess 103 is rectified by the inner circumferential surface 110 of the recess 103, forming a vortex within the recess 103 (see arrows A1 and A2 in Figure 9). The formed vortex reduces the air density in the center of the recess 103 by means of its centrifugal force. Furthermore, when the sleeve 3 covers the transported object in this state, the transported object restricts the flow of external air into the recess 103, further reducing the air density in the center of the recess 103. As a result, a negative pressure is generated in the center of the recess 103.

[0033] The generated negative pressure attracts the object being transported within the sleeve 3. The object being transported is fixed in a state abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion 32 of the sleeve 3. Furthermore, the generated negative pressure attracts and encloses the sleeve body 31 of the object being transported. The attracted sleeve body 31 deforms to mimic the shape of the object being transported and comes into close contact with it. The close contact between the sleeve body 31 and the object being transported prevents lateral displacement of the object. In addition, the inflow of external air into the recess 103 is further restricted, increasing the negative pressure within the recess 103.

[0034] Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of an object being transported by the transport device 100. The object being transported shown in the figure is an apple slice AP cut into a comb shape. This apple slice AP is transported in a state of being covered by a sleeve body 31, as shown in the figure. The sleeve body 31 covering this apple slice AP is deformed to mimic the shape of the apple slice AP and is in close contact with the apple slice AP.

[0035] The air that forms a vortex in the recess 103 flows out of the recess 103 along the inclined surface 104 of the vortex forming body 1 and flows into the discharge shroud 2. The air flowing into the discharge shroud 2 is rectified by the inner peripheral surface 28 of the discharge shroud 2 and discharged from the discharge passage 24 (see arrows A3 and A4 in FIG12).

[0036] Next, the effect of the conveying device 100 will be explained. The inventors conducted an experiment comparing the performance of the conveying device 100 with that of the suction device 10 related to the above-mentioned prior art. According to this experiment, when the air flow rate is 25 slm, the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 is about 1.9 times that of the suction device 10. Furthermore, when the air flow rate is 50 slm, the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 is about 1.5 times that of the suction device 10.

[0037] As described above, it can be understood that the reason why the negative pressure of the conveying device 100 is higher than that of the suction device 10 is due to the structure of the discharge rectifier 2. The discharge rectifier 2, as described above, has a set of discharge passages 24 through which air is discharged. In contrast, the housing 12 of the suction device 10 has an annular opening formed thereon, through which air is discharged. That is, comparing the discharge rectifier 2 and the housing 12, the path for air discharge from the discharge rectifier 2 is narrower. Therefore, the discharge rectifier 2 further restricts the inflow of external air into the recess 103 compared to the suction device 10. As a result, the discharge rectifier 2 can increase the negative pressure within the recess 103 more than the suction device 10.

[0038] It can also be known that there are other factors due to the presence of sleeve 3. The sleeve body 31 of sleeve 3, as described above, mimics the shape of the object being transported and is in close contact with the object being transported. The sleeve body 31, which is in close contact with the object being transported, further restricts the inflow of external air into the recess 103. As a result, the negative pressure in the recess 103 is increased.

[0039] 2. Second Embodiment The conveying device 200 related to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 16 to 21. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the conveying device 200 shown from an oblique upward angle, and FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the conveying device 200 shown from an oblique downward angle. FIG. 18 is a plan view of the conveying device 200, and FIG. 19 is a side view of the conveying device 200. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view along line FF of FIG. 18, and FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view along line GG of FIG. 18.

[0040] The conveying device 200, as shown in the figures, comprises: a cylindrical vortex forming body 4, and a conical sleeve 3 mounted on the lower end of the vortex forming body 4. This conveying device 200 is used for conveying food products such as apple slices or berries, and is mainly used by mounting it on the front end of a robotic arm. Hereinafter, the components of this conveying device 200 will be described with respect to the vortex forming body 4. The sleeve 3 has already been described in the section on the first embodiment, and its description is omitted here.

[0041] Figures 22-24 are diagrams showing the structure of the vortex-forming body 4. Figure 22 is a plan view of the vortex-forming body 4. Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view along line HH of Figure 22. Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view along line II of Figure 23.

[0042] The vortex forming body 4 is shown in the figure as described above, having: a generally circular base plate portion 401; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion 402 erected on the periphery of the base plate portion 401; an annular stage portion 403 formed on the opening edge of the peripheral wall portion 402; a circular plate-shaped cover portion 404 embedded in the stage portion 403; a circular suction port 405 formed in the center of the base plate portion 401; a cylindrical portion 406 provided to extend downward from the opening edge of the suction port 405; and an annular protrusion 407 provided on the outer periphery of the cylindrical portion 406 extending in the circumferential direction.

[0043] The peripheral wall portion 402 of this vortex forming body 4 has an inner peripheral surface 408 that gradually expands upward. Furthermore, the cover portion 404 of this vortex forming body 4 is fixed relative to the stage portion 403 with a gap. Air expelled into the peripheral wall portion 402 is discharged from the gap formed between the cover portion 404 and the stage portion 403. Also, the suction port 405 of the vortex forming body 4 has a smaller diameter than the inner diameter of the peripheral wall portion 402. This is so that air expelled into the peripheral wall portion 402 flows out from the suction port 405.

[0044] Furthermore, the vortex forming body 4 has: a first supply port 409 and a second supply port 410 formed on the outer surface of the peripheral wall portion 402; an annular passage 411 formed around the inner peripheral surface 408 by connecting the first supply port 409 and the second supply port 410; and a set of fluid passages 412 with one end connected to the annular passage 411 and the other end open in the inner peripheral surface 408.

[0045] The set of fluid passages 412 of this vortex forming body 4 is formed in a generally tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 408, as shown in FIG24. Furthermore, the set of fluid passages 412 is formed to extend approximately perpendicularly to the inner peripheral surface 408. In addition, the set of fluid passages 412 is arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax3 of the peripheral wall portion 402.

[0046] A sleeve 3 is installed at the lower end of the vortex forming body 4 described above. When installing the sleeve 3 on the vortex forming body 4, the cylindrical portion 32 of the sleeve 3 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 406 of the vortex forming body 4. Furthermore, the protrusion 407 of the cylindrical portion 406 engages with the recess 33 of the cylindrical portion 32, thereby installing the sleeve 3 onto the vortex forming body 4.

[0047] Next, the function of the conveying device 200 will be explained. Furthermore, the following explanation is based on the case where the second supply port 410 of the closed vortex forming body 4 is set to supply air from the first supply port 409.

[0048] First, when an air compressor (not shown) supplies air to the first supply port 409 through a pipe, the supplied air is discharged into the surrounding wall portion 402 through the annular passage 411 and the fluid passage 412. The air discharged into the surrounding wall portion 402 is rectified by the inner peripheral surface 408, forming a vortex within the surrounding wall portion 402 (see arrows A5 and A6 in Figure 24). The formed vortex reduces the air density in the center of the surrounding wall portion 402 by means of its centrifugal force. Furthermore, when the sleeve 3 covers the transported object in this state, the transported object restricts the flow of external air into the surrounding wall portion 402, further reducing the air density in the center of the surrounding wall portion 402. As a result, a negative pressure is generated in the center of the surrounding wall portion 402.

[0049] The generated negative pressure attracts the transported object within the sleeve 3. The attracted transported object is fixed in a state abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion 32 of the sleeve 3. Furthermore, the generated negative pressure attracts and encloses the sleeve body 31 of the transported object. The attracted sleeve body 31 deforms to mimic the shape of the transported object and closely contacts it. The close contact between the sleeve body 31 and the transported object prevents lateral displacement of the transported object. In addition, the inflow of external air into the surrounding wall portion 402 is further restricted, increasing the negative pressure within the surrounding wall portion 402.

[0050] The swirling air formed in the surrounding wall portion 402 flows upward along the inner surrounding surface 408 and is discharged from the gap between the stage portion 403 and the cover portion 404 (see arrows A7 and A8 in Figures 20 and 21).

[0051] The conveying device 200 described above includes a sleeve 3. The sleeve body 31 of this sleeve 3 is deformed to mimic the shape of the object being conveyed and is in close contact with the object being conveyed, as described above. The sleeve body 31 in close contact with the object being conveyed further restricts the inflow of external air into the surrounding wall portion 402. As a result, the negative pressure within the surrounding wall portion 402 is increased.

[0052] 3. Modifications The above-described embodiments can also be modified as follows. Furthermore, the following modifications can also be combined with each other.

[0053] 3-1. Modification 1 The objects to be transported by the transport devices 100 and 200 are not limited to food. They can also be used for transporting items other than food.

[0054] 3-2. Modification 2 As a fluid used in the conveying devices 100 and 200, liquids such as pure water or carbonated water can be used to replace air.

[0055] 3-3. Variation Example 3 The shapes of the vortex-forming bodies 1 and 4 are not limited to cylindrical. They can also be elliptical cylindrical or angular prism.

[0056] 3-4. Modification Example 4: The number of fluid passages 109 in the vortex forming body 1 is not limited to one. The number of fluid passages 109 can also be appropriately changed according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the fluid passages 109 and the air flow rate. Similarly, the number of fluid passages 412 in the vortex forming body 4 can also be appropriately changed according to its cross-sectional area and the air flow rate.

[0057] 3-5. Modification 5: The set of fluid passages 109 of the vortex forming body 1 is not necessarily arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax1 of the recess 103. Similarly, the set of fluid passages 412 of the vortex forming body 4 is not necessarily arranged in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax3 of the surrounding wall portion 22.

[0058] 3-6. Modification 6: The number of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 is not limited to 2. The number of discharge passages 24 can also be appropriately changed according to the cross-sectional area of ​​the discharge passages 24 and the air flow rate.

[0059] Furthermore, the set of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 does not necessarily need to extend vertically relative to the inner peripheral surface 28 of the surrounding wall 22, and can also be formed by extending obliquely.

[0060] Furthermore, the set of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 does not necessarily need to be configured in a point-symmetric manner with respect to the central axis Ax2 of the surrounding wall 22.

[0061] Furthermore, it is not necessary for the set of discharge passages 24 of the discharge fairing 2 to extend in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 28 of the surrounding wall 22. For example, it is possible to form a discharge passage 24A that extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 28 instead of extending it in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 28. The following description refers to the discharge passage 24A that extends in a substantially radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 28, with reference to FIG25. FIG25, which is referred to in this description, is a plan view of the discharge fairing 2A having the discharge passage 24A.

[0062] The discharge fairing 2A is shown in the figure. Unlike the discharge fairing 2, the discharge passage 24 of the replacement group 1 has a discharge passage 24A. This discharge passage 24A is formed in the peripheral wall portion 22 in a generally radial direction relative to the inner peripheral surface 28, as described above.

[0063] Furthermore, the discharge shroud 2A differs from the discharge shroud 2 in that it has a generally L-shaped guide wall 29 erected on the base plate 21. This guide wall 29, shown in plan view, has its base end connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage 24A, and its front end positioned between the discharge passage 24A and the suction port 25. This guide wall 29, as indicated by arrow A9 in FIG25, guides the air flowing within the discharge shroud 2A to the discharge passage 24A.

[0064] By means of the combination of the discharge passage 24A and the guide wall 29 described above, the air flowing in the discharge rectifier 2A can be smoothly discharged to the outside.

[0065] 3-7. Modification 7 The shape of the suction port 25 of the discharge fairing 2 is not limited to a circle. It can also be elliptical or rectangular. The same applies to the suction port 405 of the vortex forming body 4.

[0066] Furthermore, the size of the suction port 25 can also be appropriately changed to correspond to the size of the object being transported. This is also the case for the suction port 405 of the vortex forming body 4.

[0067] 3-8. Modification 8 The vortex forming body 1 and the discharge shroud 2 can also be integrally formed. The conveying device thus integrally formed includes: a columnar portion; an end face formed at the lower end of the columnar portion; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; and a pair of fluid passages extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the recess, for supplying fluid into the recess to form a vortex. Furthermore, this conveying device includes: a substantially circular base plate portion; a bottomed cylindrical portion having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, and a bottomed cylindrical portion disposed to cover the recess; an suction port formed on the base plate portion; and a discharge passage formed on the peripheral wall portion extending in a substantially tangential direction relative to the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

[0068] 3-9. Modification 9 The sleeve 3 can also be made of elastic material other than silicon.

[0069] Furthermore, the thickness of the sleeve body 31 of the sleeve 3 can be appropriately changed according to the raw material used. However, regardless of the raw material, the thickness of the sleeve body 31 can be adapted to the shape deformation of the object being transported.

[0070] Furthermore, although the conical shape of the sleeve body 31 is a highly versatile shape, it is not necessary to use this shape. The shape of the sleeve body 31 can be adapted to the shape of the object being transported. For example, if the object being transported has a left-right asymmetrical shape, the shape of the sleeve body 31 can also be left-right asymmetrical.

[0071] Furthermore, the length of the sleeve body 31 is not necessarily required to cover the entire object being transported. Depending on the shape or weight of the object being transported, a length that can cover only a portion of the object may be provided.

[0072] Furthermore, the sleeve 3 can also be installed on the discharge shroud 2 by a method other than the method of engaging the recess 33 of the sleeve 3 with the protrusion 27 of the discharge shroud 2. For example, it can also be screwed to the bottom of the discharge shroud 2. Similarly, the sleeve 3 can also be installed on the vortex forming body 4 by a method other than the method of engaging the recess 33 of the sleeve 3 with the protrusion 407 of the vortex forming body 4.

[0073] 3-10. Modification 10 In the conveying device 100, the use of the sleeve 3 is not necessary. Depending on the raw material or shape of the object being conveyed by the conveying device 100, the sleeve 3 may not be installed. Furthermore, if the sleeve 3 is not installed, the cylindrical part 26 for installing the sleeve 3 may not be provided in the discharge shroud 2. [Simplified Explanation of the Diagram]

[0016] [Fig. 1] is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 shown from an upward angle. [Fig. 2] is a perspective view of the conveying device 100 shown from a downward angle. [Fig. 3] is a plan view of the conveying device 100. [Fig. 4] is a side view of the conveying device 100. [Fig. 5] is a cross-sectional view along line AA of Fig. 3. [Fig. 6] is a cross-sectional view along line BB of Fig. 3. [Fig. 7] is a plan view of the vortex forming body 1. [Fig. 8] is a cross-sectional view along line CC of Fig. 7. [Fig. 9] is a cross-sectional view along line DD of Fig. 8. [Fig. 10] is a perspective view of the discharge fairing 2 shown from an upward angle. [Fig. 11] is a perspective view of the discharge fairing 2 shown from a downward angle. [Fig. 12] is a plan view of the discharge fairing 2. [Fig. 13] is a side view of the discharge fairing 2. [Fig. 14] is a cross-sectional view along line EE of Fig. 12. [Fig. 15] is a diagram showing an example of an object being transported by the transport device 100. [Fig. 16] is a perspective view of the transport device 200 viewed from an angle upwards. [Fig. 17] is a perspective view of the transport device 200 viewed from an angle downwards. [Fig. 18] is a plan view of the transport device 200. [Fig. 19] is a side view of the transport device 200. [Fig. 20] is a cross-sectional view along line FF of Fig. 19. [Fig. 21] is a cross-sectional view along line GG of Fig. 19. [Fig. 22] is a plan view of the vortex forming body 4. [Fig. 23] is a cross-sectional view along line HH of Fig. 22. [Fig. 24] is a cross-sectional view along line II of Fig. 23. [Fig. 25] is a plan view of the discharge fairing 2A. [Fig. 26] is a diagram showing the structure of the suction device 10.

Claims

1. A conveying device comprising a vortex forming body and a discharge shroud mounted on the lower end of the vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; a pair of fluid passages extending in an inclined direction relative to the radial direction of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; the discharge shroud comprises: a second body having a circular base plate portion and a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, configured to cover the recess; a suction port formed on the base plate portion; and a discharge passage extending in an inclined direction relative to the radial direction of the peripheral wall portion between the recess and the suction port, forming the peripheral wall portion, and discharging fluid rectified by the inner peripheral surface of the recess.

2. A conveying device comprising a vortex forming body and a discharge shroud mounted on the lower end of the vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a columnar first body; an end face formed at the lower end of the first body; a cylindrical recess formed on the end face; a pair of fluid passages extending in an inclined direction relative to the radial direction of the recess, supplying fluid into the recess and forming a vortex; the discharge shroud comprises: a second body having a circular base plate portion and a bottomed cylindrical second body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, configured to cover the recess; and a suction port formed on the base plate portion. The discharge passage is formed on the surrounding wall in a radial direction relative to the inner circumferential surface of the surrounding wall; and the guide wall is an L-shaped guide wall erected on the bottom plate, with its base end connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage and its front end positioned between the discharge passage and the suction port to guide the fluid flowing in the second body to the discharge passage.

3. The conveying device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein, It includes a cylindrical portion that extends downward from the opening edge of the suction port.

4. The conveying device as described in claim 3, wherein, The device further includes a sleeve having a cylindrical sleeve body made of an elastic membrane and a cylindrical portion connected to the upper end of the sleeve body. The cylindrical portion of the discharge shroud is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the sleeve and installed on the discharge shroud. The sleeve body completely covers and closely contacts the transported object, which is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the vortex formed in the recess and fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion of the sleeve.

5. A conveying device comprising a vortex forming body and a sleeve mounted on the lower end of the vortex forming body, characterized in that: the vortex forming body comprises: a circular base plate portion; a cylindrical peripheral wall portion erected at the periphery of the base plate portion; a cover portion covering the upper opening of the peripheral wall portion with a gap; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; a cylindrical portion configured to extend downward from the opening edge of the suction port; and a pair of fluid passages formed extending in an inclined direction relative to the radial direction of the peripheral wall portion, supplying fluid into the peripheral wall portion and forming a vortex; the sleeve comprises a sleeve body having a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic membrane, and a cylindrical portion connected to the upper end of the sleeve body; the cylindrical portion of the vortex forming body is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the sleeve and mounted on the vortex forming body, wherein... The aforementioned sleeve system covers and closely encloses the transported object, which is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the vortex formed inside the aforementioned surrounding wall and fixed in a state of abutting against the lower opening edge of the aforementioned cylindrical portion of the sleeve.

6. The conveying device as described in claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned sleeve is conical in shape.

7. The conveying device as described in claim 4, wherein, The aforementioned sleeve has dimensions that cover the entire object being transported.

8. A discharge shroud, installed at the lower end of a vortex forming body, characterized by comprising: a body having a circular base plate portion and a bottomed cylindrical body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, configured to cover the space in which the vortex forming body forms a vortex; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; and a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion in an inclined direction relative to the portion between the space and the suction port in the radial direction of the peripheral wall portion, so as to discharge fluid rectified by the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion.

9. A discharge shroud, installed at the lower end of a vortex forming body, characterized by comprising: a body having a circular base plate portion and a bottomed cylindrical body having a peripheral wall portion erected on the periphery of the base plate portion, configured to cover the space in which the vortex forming body forms a vortex; a suction port formed in the base plate portion; a discharge passage formed in the peripheral wall portion extending radially toward the inner peripheral surface of the peripheral wall portion; and a guide wall, an L-shaped guide wall erected in the base plate portion, having its base end connected to the inner opening edge of the discharge passage, and its front end disposed between the discharge passage and the suction port, guiding the fluid flowing in the body to the discharge passage.

10. A sleeve, which is included in the conveying device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: the sleeve has a sleeve body having a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic membrane, and a cylindrical portion connected to the upper end of the sleeve body; the cylindrical portion of the discharge shroud is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the sleeve and installed in the discharge shroud; the sleeve body covers and closely contacts the conveyed object, which is fixed in a state where it is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the vortex formed in the vortex forming body and abuts against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion of the sleeve.

11. A sleeve, which is included in the conveying device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: the sleeve has a sleeve body having a cylindrical sleeve made of an elastic membrane and a cylindrical portion connected to the upper end of the sleeve body; the cylindrical portion of the vortex forming body is inserted into the cylindrical portion of the sleeve and installed in the vortex forming body; the sleeve body covers and closely contacts the object being conveyed, and the object being conveyed is fixed in a state where it is attracted by the negative pressure generated by the vortex formed in the vortex forming body and abuts against the lower opening edge of the cylindrical portion of the sleeve.

12. The conveying device as described in claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned sleeve is conical in shape.

13. The conveying device as described in claim 5, wherein, The aforementioned sleeve has dimensions that cover the entire object being transported.

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