CN110884841A

CN110884841A - Conveying device and method for conveying articles

Info

Publication number: CN110884841A
Application number: CN201910687727.4A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 张凤来; 杨明朝
Original assignee: 张凤来
Current assignee: Beijing Star Express Technology Co., Ltd
Priority date: 2019-07-29
Filing date: 2019-07-29
Publication date: 2020-03-17

Abstract

The invention discloses a conveying device and a method for conveying articles. The conveying device comprises a rack, an elastic part, a driving device and rollers, wherein the elastic part, the driving device and the rollers are connected to the rack, the rollers are connected with a conveying track of a track system in a matched mode, the driving device drives the rollers to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track, and the elastic part applies elastic force pointing to the conveying track to the rollers through the rack so that the rollers abut against the conveying track. The conveying device can operate in a three-dimensional space, improves the space utilization rate and has smaller operation noise. The rollers of the conveying device are in fit connection with the rails, so that the risk that the conveying device slides off or derails from the conveying rails is reduced, and the operation safety and reliability of the conveying system are improved. The positioning device of the conveying device realizes point-to-point accurate transmission of the articles to the user.

Description

Conveying device and method for conveying articles

Technical Field

The present invention relates to an article conveying device, and more particularly, to a power conveying device that runs on a spatial track and a method of conveying an article using the same.

Background

With the rapid development of the logistics industry, there is a growing demand for rapid and accurate delivery of items over short distances, such as delivering food and/or beverages to customers in restaurants, or delivering warehoused items in warehouses. Currently, there are conveyors for conveying articles by means of a rotary sushi conveyor system and a gravity conveyor system.

The rotary sushi transfer system transfers food and/or beverages based on a conveyor mechanism (e.g., a conveyor belt) from which the food and/or beverages (or containers) are removed by the customer at the seat. In the above process, the conveying speed of all the food and/or beverage is determined by the conveying mechanism and cannot be freely adjusted; food and/or beverages are placed on the conveyor and tend to slide on large slopes, thereby failing to accommodate cross-conveying the food in the multi-level space of the restaurant.

The gravity conveying system is used for placing articles in a conveying device, and the conveying device slides downwards along a track under the action of gravity so as to convey the articles to a dining table connected to the tail end of the track. Due to the adoption of gravity transmission, the running speed of the conveying device is limited by the structural shape of the track, the flexible control cannot be realized, and higher requirements are put on the design of the track and the conveying device. In addition, during the process of the gravity gliding of the conveying device, the sliding of the sliding guide part and the track can generate larger noise.

Disclosure of Invention

The application provides a conveyer and method of conveying article, can transmit article in the cubical space, and conveyer's functioning speed can nimble control, and conveyer's operation mode is various, and track adaptability is good, and the running noise is little to conveyer's function is various, can realize the entertainment function.

In order to realize the purpose of the application, the following technical scheme is adopted for realizing the purpose:

in a first aspect, the application provides a conveying device, conveying device moves on rail system, conveying device includes frame, elastic component, drive arrangement and gyro wheel are fixed to the frame, the gyro wheel is connected with rail system's conveying track cooperation, drive arrangement drive gyro wheel drives conveying device and moves on conveying track, the elastic component passes through the frame to the direction is applyed to the gyro wheel conveying orbital elastic force, so that the gyro wheel supports and leans on conveying track.

In one possible design, the conveyor further comprises a speed controller, the speed controller being fixed to the frame, the speed controller being an electronic speed regulating switch or a speed changing gear set.

In a possible design, the roller is connected with the inner side surface of the conveying track in a matched mode, the rack comprises two main beams, the two main beams are connected in a hinged mode, the elastic piece is connected to the two main beams respectively and generates compression deformation, and elastic force pointing to the outer side of the conveying track is applied to the roller through the two main beams so that the roller abuts against the inner side surface of the conveying track.

In a possible design, the roller is connected with the outer side face of the conveying track in a matched mode, the rack comprises two main beams, the two main beams are connected in a hinged mode, the elastic piece is connected to the two main beams respectively and generates tensile deformation, and the elastic force pointing to the inner side of the conveying track is applied to the roller through the two main beams so that the roller abuts against the outer side face of the conveying track.

In a possible design, the roller is connected with the inner side surface of the conveying track in a matching manner, the rack comprises a main beam and two wheel frames, the elastic pieces are respectively connected to the two wheel frames and generate compression deformation, and the two wheel frames apply elastic force pointing to the inner side of the conveying track to the roller so that the roller abuts against the inner side surface of the conveying track.

In one possible design, the conveyor further comprises a positioning device fixed to the frame, the positioning device acquiring position information of the conveyor on the track system.

In one possible design, the positioning device is a radio frequency card reader, and the radio frequency card reader scans a radio frequency tag at a preset position of the track system, so as to obtain the position information of the conveying device on the track system.

In one possible design, the positioning device is an optical sensor that scans an optical label at a preset position of the track system, so as to obtain the position information of the conveying device on the track system.

In one possible design, the transfer device further includes a master controller for controlling the operation of the transfer device and a communication device for receiving remote control instructions or sending status information of the transfer device.

In one possible design, the transmitting device further includes a multimedia device for generating various combinations of video, images, sound, and/or light under the control of the master controller.

In a second aspect, the present application provides a method of conveying an article using the conveyor of any of the first aspects, the method comprising: loading an item onto a conveyor; running a conveyor along the track system to convey the article to a target location on the track system; the roller of the conveying device is connected with the conveying track of the track system in a matching mode, the driving device is used for driving the roller to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track, the elastic piece on the rack applies elastic force pointing to the conveying track to the roller, and the roller is enabled to abut against the conveying track through the elastic force.

In one possible design, the speed controller controls the rotational speed of the motor and thus the running speed of the transport device on the rail system.

In one possible design, the roller is connected with the inner side surface of the conveying track in a matching manner, so that the elastic pieces are respectively connected to the two main beams and generate compression deformation, the elastic force pointing to the outer side of the conveying track is applied to the roller through the two main beams, and the roller is abutted against the inner side surface of the conveying track by using the elastic force.

In a possible design, the roller is connected with the outer side surface of the conveying track in a matching manner, so that the elastic pieces are respectively connected to the two main beams and generate tensile deformation, the elastic force pointing to the inner side of the conveying track is applied to the roller through the two main beams, and the roller is abutted against the outer side surface of the conveying track by using the elastic force.

In a possible design, the roller is connected to the inner side surface of the conveying track in a matching manner, so that the elastic members are respectively connected to the two wheel frames and generate compression deformation, the elastic force pointing to the inner side of the conveying track is applied to the roller through the two wheel frames, and the roller is abutted against the inner side surface of the conveying track by using the elastic force.

In one possible embodiment, the positioning device obtains position information of the transport device on the track system, and the running speed of the transport device is controlled according to the position information.

In one possible design, the radio frequency tag at the preset position of the track system is scanned by the radio frequency reader, so as to obtain the position information of the conveying device on the conveying track.

In one possible design, the optical sensor scans the optical label at the preset position of the track system, so as to obtain the position information of the conveying device on the conveying track.

In one possible design, the master controls the operation of the transmission device, and the communication device receives remote control commands or sends status information of the transmission device.

In one possible design, the multimedia device is controlled by a master controller to generate various combinations of video, images, sound, and/or light.

According to the conveying device and the method for conveying the objects, the conveying device is driven by power, the objects can be conveyed in a three-dimensional space, the space utilization rate is improved, the running speed can be flexibly controlled in the running process, the conveying device is suitable for various track systems, and the conveying device has small running noise. The conveying device has the advantages that elastic force is applied to the roller wheels to keep the roller wheels to be connected with the rails in a matched mode, the risk that the conveying device slides off or derails from the conveying rails is reduced, the operation safety and reliability of the conveying system are improved, and point-to-point accurate conveying of articles to users is achieved through the positioning device. The conveying device and the method for conveying the articles can be applied to conveying the articles in three-dimensional spaces such as restaurants, warehouses, logistics and the like, are favorable for reducing labor cost, enhance interestingness in the process of conveying the articles, and have high market application value.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is an operational configuration diagram of a power transmission device of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a transfer rail of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a spatial structure of a conveying apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a top view of a conveyor of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the conveyor of an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of a conveyor of an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of the operation of the elastic member of the transfer device according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the operation of the elastic member of another conveyor according to the embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a transfer device in mating connection with a transfer rail according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic view of a conveyor apparatus of an embodiment of the present invention operating in a track system orientation;

FIG. 11 is a schematic structural diagram of a conveyor assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 12 is a block diagram of a circuit configuration of a transmission device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

To further explain the technical means and effects adopted by the present application to achieve the intended purpose, the following detailed description is given to the specific structure and effects of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Hereinafter, the terms "first", "second", etc. are used for descriptive purposes only and are not to be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated, and are not to be construed as limiting the order of the technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of the embodiments of the present application, "a plurality" means two or more unless otherwise specified.

The embodiment of the application provides a power transmission device which can run on a track system and is used for transmitting articles in a three-dimensional space with one or more layers, such as a restaurant or a warehouse. As an example, the present application will be described taking an example in which the power transmission device is applied to a restaurant. It should be understood that the above exemplary illustrations should not be construed as limiting the transfer apparatus of the present application. Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of the operation of a power transmission, and as shown in fig. 1, the power transmission 1 runs on a track system 2, and the track system 2 includes a transmission track 21, a track start point 22, and a track end point 23. Here, the track start point 22 is a position where the conveyor 1 starts to operate, and the track end point 23 is a position where the conveyor 1 terminates to operate. Optionally, the track start 22 and the track end 23 are interconnected, the track system 2 forming a closed loop circuit. Alternatively, the track start 22 and the track end 23 are not connected and the track system 2 forms an open loop.

The track system is used to connect specific areas of the restaurant. In one example, track start point 22 may be located at an item distribution area (shown in phantom in FIG. 1) and track end point 23 may be located at an item receiving area (shown in phantom in FIG. 1). Wherein the item distribution area is used for preparing, distributing, preparing and/or placing items such as food and/or beverage, the item distribution area can be a kitchen area of a restaurant, and the kitchen area is used for completing cooking and/or preparing food and/or beverage. The item distribution area may also be an area associated with a kitchen area for the distribution or presentation of food and/or beverages. The article receiving area is used for receiving articles by users, and in a restaurant, the article receiving area 2 can be an area where customers have meals, and one or more tables and seats can be placed in the area; the item receiving area may also be an area where a customer takes meals and where the customer takes food and/or beverages. Alternatively, the restaurant may also include other areas, such as a recycling area for recycling the conveyor 1, food waste and residual beverages and the like, and for performing the necessary cleaning of the conveyor 1 and the containers containing the food and/or beverages. The container may be any container for holding food and/or beverage, such as a bowl, a dish, a plate, etc., and the present application is not limited thereto. The number of the article distribution area, the article receiving area and the recycling area may be one or more, and the article distribution area, the article receiving area and the recycling area may be set according to actual needs, which is not limited in this application. It will be appreciated that the item distribution area 1 and the recovery area 3 may also be combined into one area in situations where restaurant space is limited.

The track system 2 may comprise one or more conveyor tracks 21 for guiding the movement of the conveyor 1. Fig. 2 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the transfer rail. As shown in fig. 2, the cross-section of the transfer rail 21 may be circular, oval, square, rectangular, T-shaped, i-shaped, or U-shaped. In one embodiment, the track system 2 is formed by a single (or "single") conveying track, and as shown in fig. 2(a), the cross section of the conveying track 21 includes a T-shape, an i-shape, or a U-shape, and may be a variation of the above cross section. In order to prevent the conveyor 1 from falling off from one conveying track, the conveyor 1 is looped around the conveying track by rollers at the bottom. In another embodiment, the track system 2 is formed by two parallel conveying tracks, and as shown in fig. 2(B), the cross section of the conveying track 21 includes a circle, an ellipse, a square or a rectangle, and may be a variation of the above cross-sectional shape. In another embodiment, the rail system 2 is composed of three parallel conveying rails, wherein the two conveying rails located outside may be the same as in the two-rail embodiment described above; the third track, which may be a rack track, is located between the two transfer tracks and cooperates with a gear on the transfer device 1 to drive the transfer device 1 along the tracks. In a further embodiment the track system 2 comprises four parallel transfer tracks, the cross-section of which comprises a circle, an ellipse, a square or a rectangle, or a variation of the above cross-sectional shape, the distance between the inner two transfer tracks being smaller than the distance between the outer tracks. The two rails on the inner side are sliding planes, and the two rails on the outer side are guide planes. The sliding plane is lower than the guiding plane. In the conveyor 1, the conveyor 1 runs on two rails inside, and two rails outside prevent the conveyor from turning out of the rails during operation. For the case of a three or four transfer rails, the cross-section of the transfer rails can be arranged with reference to the cross-section of the rails shown in fig. 2, and will not be described in detail here.

The transfer device is described below with reference to fig. 3-8. Fig. 3 shows a schematic spatial structure of a conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention, and fig. 4-7 show plan views of the conveyor in the main direction. The conveyor 1 is used for loading various articles and conveying them along a track system. The conveyor comprises a frame 101, a drive 107 and rollers 103. The rack 101 is used for mounting or hanging each component of the conveying device, the driving device 107 is used for driving the roller 103 to rotate, and the roller 103 is matched and connected with the conveying track to form a rolling guide mechanism to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track.

The rack 101 is used to mount or mount each component of the conveyor. In one example, the frame 101 includes two main beams that are hingedly connected at or near their centers by hinges 104 to form a symmetrical "X" shape or a similar "X" shape. Two ends of each main beam are respectively provided with a shaft hole 106, the whole rack 101 has four shaft holes 106, the shaft holes 106 are used for fixedly mounting a wheel shaft 114, the wheel shaft 114 is mounted at the shaft hole position through a fixing piece 105, and the roller 103 is mounted on the wheel shaft through a bearing and can rotate around the wheel shaft. The fixing member 105 may be a fixing nut, a fixing flange, a fixing boss, or the like. In another example, as shown in fig. 8, the frame 301 of the transfer device may be "H" shaped or similar to "H" shape, two main beams 330 of the frame 301 are arranged in parallel on the front and rear sides, and the front and rear two main beams 330 are connected by an "H" shaped connecting rod. In another example, the frame 301 of the conveyor may be "I" shaped or similar, with the two main beams of the frame 301 being arranged in parallel on the front and rear sides, with the front and rear main beams 330 being connected by connecting rods.

The driving device 107 is used for driving the roller 103 to rotate, and the roller 103 is connected with the conveying track in a matching way to form a rolling guide mechanism so as to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track. The driving device 107 can be a motor, the main body of the motor is fixedly connected with the main beam of the frame through a motor mounting hole 113 around the shaft hole, and the rotating shaft of the motor is fixedly connected with the roller 103. When the rotating shaft of the motor rotates, the roller 103 can be driven to rotate around the wheel shaft, so as to drive the conveying device 1 to move on the conveying track. The frame 101 is fixedly connected with a casing 102, the casing 102 is used for accommodating circuit parts of the conveying device and other necessary components, and a switch 108 and a sensor 109 are arranged on the outer side of the casing, wherein the switch 108 is connected with a power supply of the conveying device and is used for controlling the power on and off of the conveying device. The sensor 109 is used to obtain specific information, for example, the sensor 109 may be used as a positioning device of the transport device, in particular an optical sensor or a radio frequency sensor, which scans the labels located on the transport track to obtain the position information of the transport device on the track. The sensor 109 may be a distance sensor for acquiring a distance from a conveyor running ahead, thereby determining whether deceleration or stop is necessary to avoid collision of the conveyor. Optionally, besides the two rollers, motors may be disposed on all four rollers, and a motor may be disposed on any one or three of the four rollers, and the mounting manner of the motors may refer to the mounting manner on the two rollers, which is not described herein again.

Alternatively, in the structure shown in fig. 8, one main beam may be connected with the driving device and the roller, and the other main beam is connected with the unpowered roller; two main beam connection driving devices and rollers can also be arranged; more main beams can be arranged, all or part of the main beams are connected with the driving device and the idler wheels, and the rest main beams are connected with the idler wheels without power, so that the combination of different driving modes is realized. It will be appreciated that the unpowered rollers may also be guides that are slidable on the conveyor track, such as guides that encircle the circumference or a portion of the circumference of the conveyor track. In the case of a drive and a roller, the present application does not limit the structure or type of the guide.

Optionally, a bracket may be disposed above the frame 101. The carrier is used to carry items, such as food and/or beverages. The carrier may be shaped to conform to the shape of the article, and as shown in fig. 9, the carrier may be, for example, a dish-like container suitable for holding a bowl or plate, or a deep-well container suitable for holding beverage bottles.

In order to control the speed of travel of the conveyor on the conveyor track, the conveyor may include a speed controller, which may be electronic or mechanical. In one example, the speed controller can be an electronic speed regulating switch that can be disposed in the case 102 or in other suitable locations. The speed of the motor may be preset by the electronic speed switch, or the electronic speed switch may receive a speed control command sent by a master controller of the conveyor, and set or adjust the speed of the motor 107 based on the speed control command, thereby adjusting the operating speed of the conveyor. In another example, the speed controller may be a speed change gear set, which may be disposed between the motor 107 and the roller 103, and specifically, an input shaft of the speed change gear set is connected with an output shaft of the motor 107, and an output shaft of the speed change gear set is connected with the roller 103. The speed change gear set may have two or more preset input/output speed change ratios that are manually selected to adjust the rotational speed of the rollers and the operating speed of the conveyor. Alternatively, the speed change gear set may be an electrically controlled speed change gear set that receives a speed control command sent from a master controller of the conveyor, and sets or adjusts an input/output speed change ratio based on the speed control command, thereby adjusting the rotational speed of the rollers and the operating speed of the conveyor.

In order to make the conveyor run smoothly on the conveying track and avoid the conveyor from slipping or derailing from the conveying track, the rollers of the conveyor need to maintain a good fit connection with the conveying track. The conveyor of the present application further comprises a resilient member 112, the resilient member 112 being secured to the frame 101 and applying a resilient force F to the roller 103 via the frame 101, the resilient force being directed towards the contact surface of the roller 103 with the conveyor track, thereby maintaining the roller in a mating connection with the conveyor track.

In one embodiment, such as the "X" shaped frame shown in fig. 3-7, the elastic member mounting holes 111 are symmetrically disposed on each of the two main beams of the frame 101, and the two ends of the elastic member 112 are fixed to the elastic member mounting holes 111 by the fixing members 110 to fixedly connect the elastic member 512 to the two main beams. The parameters of the elastic member may be set in such a way that, when the rollers 103 of the conveyor are fittingly connected to the inner side of the conveying track, as shown in fig. 7, the elastic member 112 is compressively deformed to generate an elastic force F axially outward along the elastic member, which is transmitted to the rollers 103 through the two main beams of the frame 101 to press the rollers 103 toward the conveying track, i.e., the rollers are urged against the inner contact surface of the conveying track by applying an elastic force directed to the outer side of the conveying track to the rollers 103 through the main beams, so that the rollers can always maintain a good fit with the track when the conveyor is in operation. The elastic member may be a coil spring or an elastic sheet, or may be other members or structures capable of generating an elastic force, which is not limited in this application. Alternatively, when the roller 103 of the conveying device is fittingly attached to the outer side of the conveying track, the elastic member 112 is subjected to tensile deformation, thereby generating an elastic force F axially inwardly of the elastic member, which is transmitted to the roller 103 via the two main beams of the frame 101, pressing the roller 103 towards the conveying track, i.e. applying an elastic force directed towards the inner side of the conveying track to the roller 103 via the main beams, so that the roller abuts against the outer contact surface of the track.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 8, the frame 301 comprises a main beam 330 and a wheel frame 331, and the main beam 330 can be used for guiding the wheel frame 331 to slide along the axial direction of the main beam. The wheel frame 331 has a shaft hole 306 for mounting the driving device 307 and the roller 303 at one end thereof, and a resilient member mounting hole 311 at the other end thereof, wherein the driving device 307 and the roller 303 are fixed to the wheel frame 331 through the shaft hole 306 in the same manner as the driving device 307 and the roller 303 are fixed to the frame 301 through the shaft hole 506, and the details thereof are omitted. The elastic member 312 surrounds the main beam 330, and both ends of the elastic member 312 are fixed to the elastic member mounting holes 311 by the fixing members 310, thereby being connected to the wheel frame 331. Limiting nuts 332 are arranged at two ends of the main beam 330, and the limiting nuts 332 are used for limiting the maximum wheel base between the two wheel frames 331 (which also correspond to the two rollers 303) and preventing the wheel frames 331 from sliding off the main beam. The parameters of the elastic member may be set in such a manner that, when the roller 303 of the conveying device is fittingly coupled to the inner side surface of the conveying track, as shown in fig. 9, the elastic member 312 is compressively deformed to generate an elastic force F axially outward along the elastic member, which is transmitted to the roller 303 through the main beam 330 and the wheel frame 331 of the frame 301 to press the roller 303 toward the conveying track so that the roller abuts against the inner side contact surface of the conveying track, so that the roller can be always well fittingly coupled to the track when the conveying device is in operation. Alternatively, when the roller 303 of the conveying device is fittingly attached to the outer side of the conveying track, the elastic member 312 is subjected to tensile deformation, thereby generating an elastic force F axially inwardly of the elastic member, which is transmitted to the roller 303 through the two main beams 330 and the wheel frame 331 of the frame 301, pressing the roller 303 against the conveying track to abut the roller against the outer contact surface of the track.

Further, in order to improve the adaptability of the conveying device to the track system, for example, the distance between the conveying tracks of the track system may be different, the elastic force generated by the elastic member 112 may be set or adjusted by the elastic force adjusting device, so as to flexibly adjust the contact pressure and the friction force between the rollers of the conveying device and the tracks.

In one example, as shown in fig. 3 and 7, the elastic force adjusting means includes a sleeve 116, an adjusting nut 117, and an adjusting bolt 118. The side of the sleeve 116 is fixed to the elastic member mounting hole 111, and one end of the sleeve is provided with an adjusting nut and an adjusting bolt, and the other end of the sleeve receives an end of the elastic member 112. When the adjusting nut is rotated, the adjusting bolt moves along the axial direction of the sleeve, the depth of the elastic part extending into the sleeve is changed, and under the condition that the position of the sleeve is not changed, the relative positions of the two ends of the elastic part 112 are changed, so that the contact pressure and the friction force between the roller and the conveying track can be set or adjusted.

In another example, the elastic member mounting holes 111 of the two main beams may be provided as slots extending in the axial direction of the main beams, the fixing member 110 may be moved in the slots, and by adjusting the position of the fixing member, the relative position of the two ends of the elastic member 112 is changed, so that the contact pressure and friction force of the roller with the conveying rail can be set or adjusted. Alternatively, a notch may be provided at a predetermined position of the slot, so that when the fixing member moves in the slot, the notch may guide the fixing member to stop at a proper position, thereby achieving the purpose of symmetrically adjusting the positions of both ends of the elastic member.

In another example, as shown in fig. 8, the elastic member fixing hole 311 on the wheel frame 331 may be provided as a slot extending in the axial direction of the wheel frame 331, the fixing member 310 may be moved in the slot, and the relative position of both ends of the elastic member 312 is changed by adjusting the position of the fixing member, thereby enabling to set or adjust the contact pressure and the frictional force of the roller with the conveying rail. Alternatively, a notch may be provided at a predetermined position of the slot, so that when the fixing member moves in the slot, the notch may guide the fixing member to stop at a proper position, thereby achieving the purpose of symmetrically adjusting the positions of both ends of the elastic member.

The manner in which the transfer device is coupled to the transfer rail is further described below in conjunction with fig. 9. Fig. 9 shows a schematic view of a transfer device in mating connection with a transfer rail of a different cross-section. In one example, as shown in fig. 9(a), the rail system is two parallel conveying rails, the rollers of the conveying device are arranged on the inner sides of the two rails, the cross section of the rollers is adapted to the cross section of the rails, and as an example, when the cross section of the rails is a convex circle, the cross section of the rollers is a circular arc-shaped groove adapted to the circle, the rollers can be in more contact with the rails, and thus the rollers can be better kept on the conveying rails. A spring (not shown) applies a spring force F directed outward of the track to the roller via the frame, thereby maintaining the roller in a mating connection with the conveyor track. In another example, as shown in fig. 9(B), the rail system is two parallel conveying rails, the rollers of the conveying device are arranged on the outer sides of the two rails, the cross section of the rollers is adapted to the cross section of the rails, and as an example, when the cross section of the rails is (convex) circular, the cross section of the rollers is grooves adapted to the circular shape. A resilient member (not shown) applies a resilient force F directed towards the inside of the track to the roller via the frame, thereby keeping the roller in a mating connection with the conveyor track. In another example, as shown in fig. 9(C), the rail system is a single conveying rail, rollers on both sides of the conveying device are disposed on both outer sides of the single rail, and the cross section of the rollers is adapted to the cross section of the rail, and as an example, when the cross section of the rail is h-shaped like, the convex portions of the rollers are adapted to the concave portions of the rail. A resilient member (not shown) applies a resilient force F directed towards the track via the frame to the roller, thereby keeping the roller in a mating connection with the conveyor track. Alternatively, in order to keep the conveyor running smoothly on a single conveyor track without tipping over, safety devices may be provided, for example safety wheels under the rollers against the conveyor track or the carriage of the conveyor track. The safety device may employ safety features common in the art for monorail systems, and is not limited in this application. In yet another example, as shown in fig. 9(D), the track system is two parallel conveying tracks, rollers on both sides of the conveyor are arranged above the two tracks, the cross section of the rollers is adapted to the cross section of the tracks, and when the track cross section is (convex) circular, the cross section of the rollers is, as an example, grooves adapted to the above circular shape. The elastic members 112 are located on both sides of the frame and are fixedly connected to the frame, and when the conveyor is placed on the rails, the elastic members 112 are pressed against the rails from the outside of the rails and deformed, so that the rollers are kept in fit connection with the conveyor rails by applying an elastic force F directed downward of the rails to the rollers through the frame. It will be appreciated that the cooperating connection of the rollers to the conveyor track is not limited to the above-described forms, and that the cross-sectional shapes of the rollers and conveyor track may be interchanged, or they may be cooperatively connected, and provide better retention of the rollers to the conveyor track.

The positioning device of the conveyor and its operation will be described with reference to fig. 10. Fig. 10 shows a schematic view of the positioning operation of the transport device on the rail system. The conveying device comprises a positioning device, the positioning device acquires corresponding position information on the track system and sends the position information to a main controller of the conveying device, and the main controller controls the running speed of the conveying device according to the position information, such as acceleration, deceleration, continuous running or stopping.

In one embodiment, the positioning device of the conveying device may be a radio frequency positioning device, which may be a radio frequency card reader. One or more radio frequency tags (e.g., N tags) are disposed on the transfer track of the track system. The radio frequency tag can be arranged on the conveying track or on the track support, so that when the radio frequency card reader approaches the radio frequency tag, the information on the radio frequency tag can be scanned through the radio frequency card reader. The radio frequency tags may correspond one-to-one with specific location points on the track system, thereby identifying location information for these specific location points. As shown in fig. 10, radio frequency tags T1, T2, T3 … … Tn may be disposed on a transport track beside a table or a seat to identify position information of the table or the seat. For simplicity of description, fig. 10 shows only the tables and seats corresponding to the rf tag T2, so that the tag T2 can uniquely identify the tables and seats there. Alternatively, the rf tag may be positioned slightly forward of the track, thereby providing a suitable stopping distance for the conveyor to rest at the table or seat. During the operation of the conveyors V1-V3, the radio frequency card reader can scan the radio frequency tags T1-T3 to obtain the ID information of the radio frequency tags.

In another embodiment, the positioning device of the transport device may be an optical positioning device, which may be an optical sensor. One or more optical labels (e.g., N labels) are disposed on the transport track of the track system. The optical label can be arranged on the inner side of the conveying track or on the track support, and the pattern or the figure on the optical label faces the optical sensor, so that the pattern or the figure on the optical label can be scanned by the optical sensor. The optical labels may have a one-to-one correspondence with specific location points on the track system, thereby identifying location information for these specific location points. The location distribution of the optical tags T1, T2, T3 … … Tn on the tracks can refer to the above distribution of the rf tags, which is not described herein again.

The following description will proceed to the positioning operation of the transmitting device by taking the rf positioning device as an example. As shown in fig. 10, when a customer sits at a dining table or a seat identified by the rf tag, the information of the food and/or beverage ordered by the customer and the rf tag T2 is returned to the main control device of the restaurant along with the order, and the food and/or beverage and the information of the rf tag T2 form a corresponding relationship. The order can be completed through handwritten records of staff, and can also be completed through ordering equipment placed on each dining table or seat. The ordering device can be any known type of intelligent terminal, such as a mobile phone, a tablet computer and the like; the main control device of the restaurant may be a server or an intelligent terminal of a known type, which is not limited in this application. With the ordering device, the order can be generated immediately after the order of food and/or beverage is finished, so that the ordering efficiency and accuracy of the customer can be improved. It should be noted that the number of the dining table or the seat, the ID of the ordering device placed on the dining table or the seat, and the ID of the tag at the track position beside the dining table or the seat are in a one-to-one correspondence relationship, and the correspondence relationship may be stored in the main control device of the dining table or in each transport device, so that the correspondence relationship may be called at any time when needed. To reduce the complexity of the description, the present application will be described with a "tag", it being understood that the tag is positionally corresponding to a table or a seat, and an ordering device placed on the table or the seat.

For the dishes ordered by the customer of the rf tag 2, after the kitchen of the restaurant finishes cooking or prepares food and/or beverage, a dish tag may be attached to the outer package of the food and/or beverage, and the information of the dish tag corresponds to the information of the rf tag T2, which may be obtained from the aforementioned order. Before or when food and/or beverage is put into the conveying device, the conveying device scans the dish label through the radio frequency card reader, so that the information of the target position label is obtained and stored in the conveying device. In fig. 10, at least three conveyors V1, V2 and V3 run on the track system. Food and/or beverages may be placed in any of the three conveyors described above. Taking food and/or beverage to be placed into the conveying device V2 as an example, after the conveying device V2 acquires and stores information of a target position tag T2, the conveying device V starts to run along a track system, sequentially scans the radio frequency tags T1 and T2, compares the acquired radio frequency tag information with the stored target position tag information (i.e., tag T2), and when the information is inconsistent, the main controller of the conveying device controls the conveying device to continue to run along the track; when the above information is in agreement, the master controller sends a stop signal to the speed controller, so as to stop the conveyor at the radio frequency tag T2, waiting for the customer to take the food and/or beverage loaded on the conveyor. Alternatively, the comparison of the information may be performed at the main control device of the restaurant, in which case the transmitting means transmits the radio frequency tag information and the stored destination location tag information to the main control device of the restaurant, which receives and compares the information and then transmits the result back to the transmitting means. Alternatively, the master or master may control the conveyor to speed up or slow down as it passes a tag at a predetermined location.

When the positioning device of the transmission device is an optical sensor, the working mode of the transmission device is similar to that of the radio frequency positioning device, and the means for scanning the label to obtain the label information is different, which is not described herein again.

In some embodiments, when the positioning device of the conveying device is a radio frequency positioning device, the dish tag may be an optical tag, in which case an optical sensor may be further disposed on the conveying device to obtain information identifying the dish tag. In other embodiments, when the positioning device of the conveying device is an optical positioning device, the dish tag may be a radio frequency tag, in which case, a radio frequency card reader may be further arranged on the conveying device to obtain information of the dish tag identification.

In other embodiments, the conveyor may be provided with a keypad entry device, and the operator may enter information about the target tag into the conveyor so that the conveyor may convey the carried food and/or beverage to the location of the target tag.

Alternatively, the positioning of the conveyor can also be achieved with a simplified rail system. In one example, each conveying track corresponds to a table or a seat, only one label is arranged at the corresponding position on the conveying track, food and/or beverage can be directly placed into the conveying device, and the conveying device conveys the carried food and/or beverage to the position of the target label to stop, so that the process of scanning the dish label can be omitted. In another example, each conveying track corresponds to a table or a seat, and a brake device is arranged at a corresponding position on the conveying track and used for preventing the conveying device from moving to the position and then continuing to advance. The braking device may be a fence or similar barrier that blocks the conveyor from continuing to advance when the conveyor is operated to the corresponding position. Thereby, the structure of the transport device can be further simplified, and the transport device can be positioned at a predetermined position of the rail system.

The conveying device can also form two or more conveying device combinations through the traction structure between the conveying devices, so that more articles can be conveyed to the target position at one time. Fig. 11 shows a schematic structural view of a conveyor assembly, as shown in fig. 11, with a mounting bracket 116 fixed to a frame 501 of the conveyor. The bracket 116 may be mounted above the frame by existing fixtures. The tray 116 is provided with a recess 119 for loading items (e.g., food and/or beverages), and the recess 119 may be configured to accommodate the loaded items or containers. The bracket 116 may be provided with

connection mechanisms

117 and 118 at the front and rear positions in the rail direction. In one example, the connection mechanism may be a male head 117 and a female head 118 that mate with each other, with the male head 117 fitting into a hole or groove of the female head 118 to connect two or more delivery devices together. In another example, the coupling mechanism may be cooperating

hooks

117 and 118, the hooks being complementary in shape, with a convex portion of the hook 117 engaging a concave portion of the female head 118 to couple two or more delivery devices together.

The transmission device combination can be formed by mutually connecting a plurality of power transmission devices, or can be formed by connecting a power transmission device with a non-power transmission device.

In one example, as shown in fig. 11, the conveyor assembly may consist of a powered conveyor traction coupled to a non-powered conveyor 120. The unpowered conveyor may include only the necessary components for conveying articles on the tracks, such as the frame, rollers and carriages (the frame and rollers are not shown in the figures), eliminating the drive and circuit portions, thereby reducing the complexity of the conveyor. The unpowered conveyor may include a recess 119, and the recess 119 may be configured to conform to the shape of the loaded item or container. Optionally, the unpowered transport device 120 may include a transparent window 121, a switch 122, a cover opening structure 123 and a cutout structure 124. The transparent small window 121 is provided therein with a light emitting device, such as an LED or an OLED, which can emit bright light or emit bright light according to a preset program. The small transparent window 121 may be provided with a cover of a transparent material (e.g., a transparent PP material) to protect the light emitting device. Switch 122 can be used to turn the illumination and lighting system of the unpowered conveyor on and off. Alternatively, the switch 122 may be used to turn other powered components of the unpowered transport device on and off. The cover opening structure 123 may be used to open the upper cover of the bracket to install or service the internal components. Hollow out construction 124 can be used for the inside heat dissipation of conveyer, under the condition that sets up the speaker, also can be convenient for derive sound etc.. It will be appreciated that the unpowered conveyor may be provided with a power source in the case of having a power consuming component.

In another example, the transmission combination may be formed by tow-coupling of two or more power transmissions, which may have the same structure. Alternatively, the power transmission device may have a different structure so that different articles can be transported at once.

In another example, the conveyor combination may be formed of a hybrid grouping of powered and unpowered conveyors so that different items may be transported at once as desired.

The circuit portion of the transmission device will be described with reference to fig. 12. Fig. 12 shows a block diagram of a circuit structure of a transmitting apparatus, and as shown in fig. 12, a circuit 1100 of the transmitting apparatus includes a main controller 1110, a speed controller 1120, a sensor 1130, a wireless communication circuit 1140, an input unit 1150, a memory 1160, a display 1170, a multimedia circuit 1180, a power supply 1190, and the like. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the circuit configuration shown in fig. 12 is merely exemplary of an implementation and does not constitute a limitation of the transmission means, which may include more or less components than those shown, or some components may be combined, or a different arrangement of components.

The master 1110, which may also be referred to as a processor, is a control center of the transfer apparatus, and is connected to each part of the transfer apparatus by various interfaces and lines, and executes various functions and processes data by operating or executing software programs and/or modules stored in the memory 1160 and calling data stored in the memory 1160. The connection is used to transmit current and/or control signals. The master 1110 may be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), a general purpose Processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other Programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component, or any combination thereof. The master 1110 may implement or execute the various illustrative logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the present disclosure. The master 1110 may also be a combination of devices performing computing functions, e.g., a combination comprising one or more microprocessors, a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, or the like. Optionally, master 1110 may include one or more processor units. Optionally, the main controller 1110 may further integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly processes an operating system, a user interface, an application program, and the like, and the modem processor is mainly used for wireless communication. It will be appreciated that the modem processor described above may not be integrated into the master 1110.

The speed controller 1120 is connected to the main controller 1110 and the motor 107, respectively, for controlling the rotational speed of the motor, thereby controlling the running speed of the conveyor on the conveying track. In an example, the speed controller 1120 is an electronic speed regulation switch as described above, the electronic speed regulation switch may receive a control command sent by the main controller, output a corresponding current according to the control command, and output a corresponding rotating speed by the motor under current driving, thereby implementing control of the rotating speed of the motor. In another example, the speed controller 1120 is an electrically controlled transmission gear set as described above, and the electrically controlled transmission gear set can receive the control command sent by the main controller, adjust the gear combination according to the control command, and output the corresponding rotation speed. Alternatively, the speed controller 1120 may automatically or manually preset a desired rotation speed so that the transfer device runs on the transfer track at the preset rotation speed.

The sensors 1130 include at least one optical sensor and/or a radio frequency reader. The optical sensor is used for scanning optical labels on the conveying track, and the radio frequency card reader is used for scanning radio frequency labels on the conveying track. Optical sensors and/or radio frequency card readers may also be used to scan the dish label. The information scanned by the sensors 1130 is processed by the sensor controller and sent to the master controller 1110 for positioning the transport apparatus. Optionally, the sensor 1130 may further include a distance sensor, a pressure sensor, and other sensors, and the distance sensor may be disposed in front of the conveyor to detect a distance from the front conveyor and transmit distance information to the master 1110. A pressure sensor may be provided on the cradle of the transfer apparatus for detecting gravity information transferred by the cradle and transmitting the gravity information to the main controller 1110. The above-mentioned gravity includes the gravity of the pallet itself and the gravity of the loaded article. Other sensors may be arranged according to actual needs, and the present application is not limited thereto.

The wireless communication circuit 1140 may be used for the reception and transmission of various signals, such as receiving remote control commands or transmitting status information of a transmitting device. The wireless communication circuit includes, but is not limited to, an antenna, at least one Amplifier, a transceiver, a coupler, a Low Noise Amplifier (LNA), a duplexer, and the like. The wireless communication circuit 1140 may communicate with other devices, such as a main control device of a restaurant and other transmission devices, etc., through a wireless communication network. The wireless communication circuit may use any communication standard or protocol including, but not limited to, a 3G network, a 4G network, a 5G network, and the like. The wireless communication circuit can also comprise short-distance wireless transmission modules such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and ZigBee, and the communication modules can adopt the existing communication modules, which are not described again here.

The input unit 1150 may be used to receive input numerical or character information. Specifically, the input unit 1150 may include a touch panel 1152 and other input devices 1154. Touch panel 1152, also referred to as a touch screen, may collect touch operations by a user on or near the touch panel (e.g., operations by a user on or near the touch panel using a finger, stylus, or any other suitable object or attachment). Alternatively, the touch panel 1152 may convert the received touch information into touch point coordinates, transmit the touch point coordinates to the master 1110, and receive and execute a command transmitted from the master 1110. In addition, the touch panel may be implemented in various types such as a resistive type, a capacitive type, an infrared ray, and a surface acoustic wave. In addition to the touch panel, the input unit 1150 may include other input devices 1154. In particular, other input devices 1154 may include, but are not limited to, one or more of a physical keyboard, function keys (such as volume control keys, switch keys, etc.), a joystick, and the like.

The memory 1160 may be used to store software programs and modules, and the main controller 1110 performs various functions of the transfer apparatus and data processing by operating the software programs and modules stored in the memory 5169. The memory 1160 may include a program storage area and a data storage area, wherein the program storage area may store an operating system, an application program required for at least one function (such as a sound playing function, an image playing function, etc.), and the like; the storage data area may store data (such as audio data, video data) created according to the use of the transmitting apparatus, and the like. In addition, the Memory may include a volatile Memory, such as a Nonvolatile dynamic Random Access Memory (NVRAM), a Phase Change Random Access Memory (PRAM), a Magnetoresistive Random Access Memory (MRAM), and the like, and may further include a Nonvolatile Memory, such as at least one magnetic Disk Memory device, an Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), a flash Memory device, such as a NOR flash Memory (NOR flash Memory) or a NAND flash Memory (EEPROM), a semiconductor device, such as a Solid State Disk (SSD), and the like.

The display screen 170 may be used to display information entered by or provided to the user as well as various interfaces of the delivery device, such as status information. The Display screen 1170 may be in the form of a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), a Thin Film Transistor LCD (TFT-LCD), a Light Emitting Diode (LED), an Organic Light-Emitting Diode (OLED), or the like 1. Alternatively, touch panel 1152 can be overlaid on display screen 1170 to form a touch display screen. The display screen 1170 may be placed on the carrier of the conveyor or on both sides of the frame of the conveyor.

The multimedia circuit 1180 includes an audio circuit 1182 and a light circuit 1184, and the audio circuit 1182 may include a speaker and a microphone (also referred to as a microphone), and may also provide an audio interface between the user and the transmitting device. The audio circuit 1182 may receive a sound control signal sent by the master controller, so as to control the speaker to emit a sound effect. The light circuit 1184 may receive a light control signal sent by the main controller, so as to control a light device installed on the conveyor. Alternatively, the delivery device may sound, for example play a birthday song, ask the customer for a question or prompt the customer to take food and/or beverages from the delivery device when a trigger condition is met, by a preset program. Alternatively, when the trigger condition is met, the conveyor emits a particular combination of lights, such as a fast blink, a slow blink, etc., for prompting the customer to remove food and/or beverages from the conveyor. The combination of sound, light and video content emitted by the transmission device can be controlled through a preset program. This improves the entertainment of the transfer device and improves the customer experience. The preset program may be written by a programming tool or may be integrated with an operating system and an application program of the transmission device by using an existing program code, which is not limited in the present application. The display 1170 and multimedia circuitry 1180 described above may also be collectively referred to as multimedia devices that may generate various combinations of video, images, sound, and/or light under the control of the master 1110.

A power supply 1190, which includes a battery and switch 108 (not shown in the figures), is used to power the various powered components of the delivery device. Optionally, the power supply may be logically connected to the main controller 1110 through the power management system, so that the power management system implements functions of managing charging, discharging, power consumption management, and the like, so that the main controller 1110 obtains battery power information and sends the battery power information to the main control device of the restaurant. Alternatively, the battery may be a rechargeable battery, which may be charged to replenish the charge on the delivery device. Further, the battery can be removed from the conveyor, thereby taking up less space for charging. In another example, the conveyor may draw electricity from the conveyor track of the track system, so that no battery is provided. Specifically, the rollers of the conveyor may be of a conductive material and electrically connected to the power supply lines. Alternatively, a power take-off rail or a power take-off line may be provided outside the transfer rail, and a brush may be provided on the frame of the transfer device, the brush being electrically connected to the power supply line. It is understood that, in order to ensure the safety of electricity utilization, the conveying track, the electricity-taking rail or the electricity-taking wire can use a weak-current power supply which is enough to drive the motor, such as 5V direct current, and the description of the application is omitted.

In summary, according to the conveying device and the method for conveying the objects, the conveying device is driven by power, the objects can be conveyed in a three-dimensional space, the space utilization rate is improved, the operation speed can be flexibly controlled in the operation process, the conveying device is suitable for various track systems, and the conveying device has low operation noise. The conveying device has the advantages that elastic force is applied to the roller wheels to keep the roller wheels to be connected with the rails in a matched mode, the risk that the conveying device slides off or derails from the conveying rails is reduced, the operation safety and reliability of the conveying system are improved, and point-to-point accurate conveying of articles to users is achieved through the positioning device. The conveying device and the method for conveying the articles can be applied to conveying the articles in three-dimensional spaces such as restaurants, warehouses, logistics and the like, are favorable for reducing labor cost, enhance interestingness in the process of conveying the articles, and have high market application value.

The above-described embodiments of the present application are provided merely for illustrating the principles and structures of the present application and are not to be considered limiting of the application, and any modifications, equivalents and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the application are included in the scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A conveyor running on a track system, characterized in that,

the conveying device comprises a rack, an elastic part, a driving device and rollers, wherein the elastic part, the driving device and the rollers are fixed to the rack, the rollers are matched and connected with a conveying track of the track system, the driving device drives the rollers to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track, and the elastic part applies elastic force pointing to the conveying track to the rollers through the rack so that the rollers abut against the conveying track.

2. The conveyor of claim 1, further comprising a speed controller secured to the frame, the speed controller being an electronic speed switch or a speed gear set.

3. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the rollers are engaged with the inner side of the conveying track, the frame comprises two main beams, the two main beams are hinged, the elastic members are respectively connected to the two main beams and generate compression deformation, and an elastic force pointing to the outer side of the conveying track is applied to the rollers through the two main beams so that the rollers abut against the inner side of the conveying track.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the rollers are engaged with the outer side of the conveying track, the frame comprises two main beams, the two main beams are hinged, the elastic members are respectively connected to the two main beams and generate tensile deformation, and elastic force pointing to the inner side of the conveying track is applied to the rollers through the two main beams so that the rollers abut against the outer side of the conveying track.

5. The conveying device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the roller is engaged with the inner side surface of the conveying track, the frame includes at least one main beam and two wheel frames, the elastic member is connected to the two wheel frames respectively and generates compression deformation, and an elastic force directed to the inner side of the conveying track is applied to the roller by the two wheel frames so that the roller abuts against the inner side surface of the conveying track.

6. A conveyor as in any of claims 1-5 further comprising a positioning device secured to the frame, the positioning device acquiring information of the position of the conveyor on the track system.

7. The conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the positioning device is a radio frequency reader, and the radio frequency reader scans a radio frequency tag at a preset position of the track system so as to acquire the position information of the conveyor on the track system.

8. A conveyor as in claim 6 wherein the positioning device is an optical sensor that scans an optical label at a predetermined location on the track system to obtain information about the position of the conveyor on the track system.

9. The transfer device of any of claims 1-8, further comprising a master controller for controlling operation of the transfer device and a communication device for receiving remote control commands or sending status information of the transfer device.

10. A transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that it further comprises multimedia means for generating various combinations of video, images, sound and/or lights under the control of the master controller.

11. A method of conveying articles using a conveyor as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, the method comprising:

loading an item onto a conveyor;

running a conveyor along the track system to convey the article to a target location on the track system;

the roller of the conveying device is connected with the conveying track of the track system in a matching mode, the driving device is used for driving the roller to drive the conveying device to run on the conveying track, the elastic piece on the rack applies elastic force pointing to the conveying track to the roller, and the roller is enabled to abut against the conveying track through the elastic force.

12. The method of conveying articles of claim 11, wherein the speed of the motor is controlled by the speed controller to control the speed of the conveyor on the track system.

13. The method for conveying an article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the rollers are engaged with the inner side surface of the conveying rail, the elastic members are respectively attached to the two main beams and are compressively deformed, and the rollers are urged against the inner side surface of the conveying rail by applying elastic force directed to the outer side of the conveying rail to the rollers through the two main beams.

14. The method for conveying an article according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the rollers are engaged with the outer side surface of the conveying rail, the elastic members are attached to the two main beams, respectively, and are subjected to tensile deformation, and an elastic force directed toward the inner side of the conveying rail is applied to the rollers through the two main beams, and the rollers are abutted against the outer side surface of the conveying rail by the elastic force.

15. The conveying apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the rollers are engaged with the inner side surface of the conveying rail, the elastic members are respectively connected to the two wheel frames and are compressed and deformed, and an elastic force directed to the inner side of the conveying rail is applied to the rollers by the two wheel frames, and the rollers are abutted against the inner side surface of the conveying rail by the elastic force.

16. A method for conveying items according to claim 11 or 12, wherein position information of the conveyor on the track system is obtained by the positioning means, and the running speed of the conveyor is controlled on the basis of the position information.

17. The method of conveying items of claim 16, wherein the position information of the conveying device on the conveying track is obtained by scanning a radio frequency tag at a preset position of the track system by the radio frequency reader.

18. The method of conveying items of claim 16 wherein the position of the conveyor on the conveying track is obtained by the optical sensor scanning an optical label at a predetermined position on the track system.

19. The method of transferring an item of any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein the transfer device further comprises a master controller and a communication device, wherein the master controller controls the operation of the transfer device, and wherein the communication device receives remote control commands or transmits status information of the transfer device.

20. A transmission apparatus as claimed in claim 19, wherein the multimedia apparatus is controlled by a master controller to generate various combinations of video, images, sound and/or light.