JP2005320119A - Transport path changeover device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transport path changeover device capable of solving the problem according to the conventional arrangement in which a stable operation can not be established unless all processing, mounting, etc. of a link mechanism are made accurately which may lead to a shortened lifetime of bearings. <P>SOLUTION: The arrangement of this transport path changeover device is furnished with an upstream changeover conveyor 5, a downstream upper changeover conveyor 6 and a downstream lower changeover conveyor 7, and is further equipped with an upstream link 9 to swing the downstream side of the upstream changeover conveyor 5, a downstream link 10 to swing the upstream side of the downstream lower changeover conveyor 7, and a stationary post 14 to swing the downstream upper changeover conveyor 6 while the gap S to the downstream upper changeover conveyor 6 is kept by roller(s) 13 at the top, and further a swing lever 11 is installed to swing the two links 9 and 10 in the opposite directions, wherein conveyors 5 and 6 provided in the upstream and downstream are swung by the links 9 and 10, which enables stable changing-over of transport paths R1 and R2 in the condition that the spacing of the conveyors is kept by the stationary post 14. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport path switching device that switches the transport path of articles to be transported and sorts or joins the articles in equipment for transporting articles such as luggage.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an apparatus for transporting articles such as luggage (hereinafter referred to as “articles”), there is a sorting apparatus that sorts and collects articles to be transported according to destination, type, and the like. For example, as such a sorting device, there is a device for sorting goods such as baggage at an airport or goods at a delivery center. The sorting apparatus is provided with a transport path switching device that sorts and merges a plurality of articles continuously while transporting a plurality of articles.

  The transport path switching device includes a horizontal transport path switching apparatus that sorts articles in the lateral direction of the transport path or joins them from the horizontal direction, and a vertical transport that sorts articles in the longitudinal direction of the transport path or joins them from the vertical direction. There is a road switching device.

  On the other hand, in recent years, it is desired to improve the processing capability of such a conveyance path switching device. For example, in the case of baggage sorting at an airport, a high-speed sorting capability of about 1800 pieces per hour (1800 pieces / hour) is desired. In addition, the place where such a transfer path switching device is provided is also restricted by the size of the existing device when the device is replaced in order to improve the capacity of the existing sorting device, and even if it is newly provided, a building, etc. The installation space may be restricted due to the size.

  For this reason, because of the improvement in processing capacity and the relationship between installation spaces, the horizontal transfer path switching device has problems in both sorting capacity and installation space, so a vertical transfer path switching device may be employed. is there.

  As a conventional technique of this type, there is a conveyance path switching device shown in a side view of FIG. The vertical transfer path switching device 101 is provided with swing belt conveyors 105, 106, 107 between a main transport conveyor 102 and upper and lower sub-transport conveyors 103, 104, and these swing belt conveyors 105 are provided. , 106, 107 are swung by the swing lever 109 of the link mechanism 108, and the main transport conveyor 102 and the upper sub transport conveyor 103 or the lower sub transport conveyor 104 are connected to each other, thereby switching the transport path of the article G. It is trying to make the configuration simple and lightweight (for example, see Patent Document 1).

As another conventional technique, an upper belt conveyor and a lower belt conveyor are provided on the downstream side of the distribution belt conveyor, and an attempt is made to sort articles into the upper belt conveyor or the lower belt conveyor by swinging the distribution belt conveyor. There is also a vertical sorting device (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
JP-A-8-81049 (page 3-9, FIG. 2) No. 8-3386 (page 4, FIG. 1)

  However, in the transfer path switching device 101, all of the oscillating belt conveyors 105, 106, and 107 are connected to the links of the link mechanism 108. Therefore, all processing and attachment of the link mechanism 108 must be performed accurately. The switching operation cannot be stably performed, and time and labor are required for manufacturing the device.

  Further, since all the oscillating belt conveyors 105, 106, and 107 are moved by the link mechanism 108, a horizontal component force acts on the connecting portion between all the oscillating belt conveyors 105, 106, and 107 and the links. Thus, an excessive force may be applied to each support portion of the link mechanism 108 to shorten the life of the bearing.

  Further, since the upper and lower swing belt conveyors 105, 106, and 107 are coupled to the link in a horizontal state, the swing side end portions of the upper and lower swing belt conveyors 105, 106, and 107 always swing at a large angle. For this reason, it may be difficult to install a drive unit or the like depending on the conditions of the installation location.

  The vertical sorting apparatus described in Patent Document 2 has a complicated structure and a complicated assembly, and also has a large number of parts, so that it is heavy, difficult to operate quickly, and difficult to sort at high speed.

  Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides a transport path switching device for transporting an article transported by an upstream conveyor by switching a transport path to a downstream upper conveyor or a downstream lower conveyor. An upstream switching conveyor is provided on the downstream side of the side conveyor so that the downstream side swings with the upstream conveyor side as a fulcrum, and the upstream side swings with the downstream upper conveyor side as a fulcrum upstream of the downstream upper conveyor. A downstream upper switching conveyor is provided, and on the upstream side of the downstream lower conveyor, a downstream lower switching conveyor is provided that swings upstream with the downstream lower conveyor side as a fulcrum, and the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor is A link provided with an upstream link for swinging, a downstream link for swinging the upstream side of the downstream lower switching conveyor, and a swing lever for swinging the upstream link and the downstream link in opposite directions. And a fixed post for oscillating the downstream upper switching conveyor while maintaining a distance from the downstream upper switching conveyor by an upper end guide member by oscillating the downstream lower switching conveyor. When the upstream switching conveyor is in the down position by swinging the lever, the downstream switching conveyor is in the up position to form a lower conveyance path, and the upstream switching conveyor is in the up position In addition, a drive unit is provided in which the upper switching conveyor on the downstream side serves as a lower position to form an upper conveyance path. According to this means, if each of the upstream and downstream conveyors is swung by the link, the conveying path can be stably switched while the interval between the conveyors is maintained by the fixed posts.

  Further, in this transport path switching device, if a holding member is provided to hold the downstream upper switching conveyor at the lower position when the upper transport path is formed, the downstream upper switching conveyor is stabilized at the lower position. Can be held.

  Furthermore, it is a transport path switching device for transporting articles transported by the upstream conveyor to the downstream upper conveyor or the downstream lower conveyor by switching the transport path, and the upstream conveyor side is disposed downstream of the upstream conveyor. An upstream switching conveyor that swings on the downstream side with a fulcrum is provided, and a downstream upper switching conveyor that swings on the upstream side with the downstream upper conveyor side as a fulcrum is provided on the upstream side of the downstream upper conveyor. Provided on the upstream side of the lower conveyor is a downstream lower switching conveyor whose upper side swings with the downstream lower conveyor side as a fulcrum, and an urging member for applying an upward force to the swinging side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. An upstream link that swings the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor, a downstream link that swings the upstream side of the upstream switching conveyor, and the upstream link and the downstream link in opposite directions. Shaking And a link mechanism having a swing lever for moving the downstream upper switching conveyor while maintaining the state where the upper end guide member is in contact with the downstream upper switching conveyor by the force of the biasing member when the downstream upper switching conveyor swings. A fixed post is provided to swing the downstream lower switching conveyor while maintaining a distance between the upper switching conveyor and the downstream lower switching conveyor, and the upstream switching conveyor is moved to the lower position by swinging the swing lever. Sometimes, the downstream lower switching conveyor is in the up position to form a lower conveying path, and when the upstream switching conveyor is in the up position, the downstream upper switching conveyor is in the lower position to move the upper conveying path. A drive to be formed may be provided. Also by this means, if each of the upstream and downstream conveyors is swung by the link, the conveyance path can be stably switched while the interval between the conveyors is maintained by the fixed posts.

  Further, in this transport path switching device, if a holding member is provided to hold the downstream lower switching conveyor at the upper movement position when the lower transport path is formed, the downstream lower switching conveyor is stabilized at the upper movement position. Can be held.

  Further, in the transport path switching device, an urging member for applying an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor is provided, and a spring member for applying an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. If it comprises, it can give upward force to a downstream lower switching conveyor by simple structure.

  Further, the biasing member that applies an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor may be configured with a weight that applies an upward force to the swing end side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. With this configuration, an upward force can be applied to the downstream lower switching conveyor.

  Furthermore, a transport path switching device for transporting articles transported by the upstream conveyor by switching the transport path to the downstream upper conveyor, the downstream middle conveyor or the downstream lower conveyor, the downstream conveyor of the upstream conveyor An upstream switching conveyor is provided that swings on the downstream side with the upstream conveyor as a fulcrum, and a downstream upper switching conveyor that swings on the upstream side with the downstream upper conveyor as a fulcrum on the upstream side of the downstream upper conveyor. A downstream intermediate switching conveyor is provided on the upstream side of the downstream intermediate conveyor, the downstream intermediate conveyor being oscillating around the downstream intermediate conveyor side as a fulcrum; and the downstream lower conveyor side is disposed upstream of the downstream lower conveyor. A downstream lower switching conveyor that swings on the upstream side as a fulcrum is provided, an urging member that applies an upward force to the swinging side of the downstream lower switching conveyor is provided, and the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor A link provided with an upstream link for swinging, a downstream link for swinging the upstream side of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor, and a swing lever for swinging the upstream link and the downstream link in opposite directions A mechanism is provided, and when the downstream intermediate switching conveyor swings, the upper end guide member is kept in contact with the downstream intermediate switching conveyor by the force of the biasing member, and the downstream intermediate switching conveyor and the downstream lower switching are maintained. The lower fixed post for swinging the downstream lower switching conveyor while maintaining the distance from the conveyor and the downstream upper switching conveyor by the swinging of the downstream middle switching conveyor while maintaining the distance between the upper upper switching conveyor by the upper guide member. An upper fixed post for swinging the upper switching conveyor is provided, and when the upstream switching conveyor is set to the lowering position by swinging the swinging lever, the downstream lower switching conveyor is set to the upper moving position. If a lower transfer path is formed, and the upstream switching conveyor is set to the up position, the downstream upper switching conveyor is in the down position and a drive unit is formed to form the upper transfer path. Even in the case of three stations, if each conveyor on the upstream side and the downstream side is swung by the link, the conveyance path can be stably switched while the interval between the conveyors is maintained by the fixed posts.

  Further, in this transport path switching device, when the upper transport path is formed, a holding member that holds the downstream upper switch conveyor at a lower position, and when the lower transport path is formed, the downstream lower switch conveyor If the holding member that holds the upper side in the upward movement position is provided, the downstream upper switching conveyor can be stably held in the lower movement position, and the downstream lower switching conveyor can be stably held in the upper movement position. .

  The invention of the present application provides a switching device that can stably and quickly switch the conveyance path because the conveyance path is switched while the interval between the downstream-side switching conveyors is maintained by a fixed post by means as described above. It becomes possible.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a side view of a transport path switching device showing a first embodiment of the present invention. In addition, although each structure is described typically in the following drawings, the rocking | fluctuation position of each conveyor is designed so that it may become a position which forms a conveyance path so that it may mention later.

  As shown in the figure, the conveyance path switching device 1 of the first embodiment is configured to use either the downstream upper conveyor 3 or the downstream lower conveyor 4 that is provided with the article G conveyed from the upstream conveyor 2 side on the downstream side. It is configured to switch to the transport path R1 or the transport path R2 so as to transport it.

  The transfer paths R1 and R2 to the downstream upper conveyor 3 or the downstream lower conveyor 4 are switched between the upstream switching conveyor 5 provided on the downstream side of the upstream conveyor 2 and the upstream of the downstream upper conveyor 3. This is performed by switching between a downstream upper switching conveyor 6 provided on the side and a downstream lower switching conveyor 7 provided on the upstream side of the downstream lower conveyor 4.

  The upstream switching conveyor 5 is configured such that the downstream side swings with the upstream conveyor 2 side as a fulcrum, and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 swings with the downstream side upper conveyor 3 side as a fulcrum. The downstream lower switching conveyor 7 is configured such that the upstream side swings with the downstream lower conveyor 4 as a fulcrum, and the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 Is formed so that the upper transfer path R1 is formed, and when the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 are connected, the lower transfer path R2 is formed. Reference numeral 8 denotes a holding member (stopper) that determines the downward movement position of the downstream upper switching conveyor 6.

  The upstream switching conveyor 5 is connected with an end of an upstream link 9 that swings the downstream side, and the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 has an end of a downstream link 10 that swings the upstream side. It is connected. The other ends of the upstream link 9 and the downstream link 10 are connected to a swing lever 11 that swings the upstream link 9 and the downstream link 10 in the opposite directions. These constitute a link mechanism.

  The swing lever 11 is configured so that the right and left in the figure can swing in the reverse direction around the center portion O. The swing lever 11 is located at the center position of the swing lever 11. A drive machine 12 is provided that swings at a predetermined angle. As this drive machine 12, for example, a servo motor or the like is used, and the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 can be inclined at an accurate angle.

  The downstream lower switching conveyor 7 has a downstream upper switching conveyor 7 while maintaining a distance from the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 by a roller 13 serving as an upper end guide member when the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 swings. A fixed post 14 for swinging 6 is provided. The guide member may be other than the roller 13.

  The fixed post 14 is configured to swing together with the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 in a state where the roller 13 provided at the tip is in contact with the guide plate 15 provided on the lower surface of the downstream upper switching conveyor 6. Yes.

  Further, in the fixed post 14, the distance S between the upstream end of the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 and the upstream end of the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 is set to a height H that allows the maximum article G to pass. This interval S is always ensured even when swinging.

  In addition, by ensuring the interval S through which the maximum article G can pass at the height H of the fixed post 14 as described above, the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 is in the horizontal state and the upper conveyance path R1 is formed in the downstream state. The amount of descent on the upstream side of the lower switching conveyor 7 can be reduced (the state of the slanted solid line during the lowest movement shown). This is because the distance between the downstream upper conveyor 3 and the downstream lower conveyor 4 is designed high with a margin, but the distance between the upstream end of the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 and the upstream end of the downstream lower switching conveyor 7. This is because S is limited by the height H of the fixed post 14. By doing so, it is possible to reduce the size of the transport path switching device 1 by moving the position where the rocking lever 11 and the driving machine 12 are provided upward so as to approach the downstream lower switching conveyor 7.

  According to the transport path switching device 1 of the first embodiment configured as described above, the article G transported from the upstream conveyor 2 is transferred to the downstream upper conveyor 3 or the downstream lower conveyor 4 as follows. The transport paths R1 and R2 can be switched so as to transport to either of the above.

  That is, the swing lever 11 is swung at a predetermined angle by the drive unit 12, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the up position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 is moved by the downstream link 10. In the downward movement position, the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 becomes the lower movement position due to its own weight, and the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 form an upper conveyance path R1 (solid line in the drawing).

  In addition, the swing lever 11 is swung in the reverse direction at a predetermined angle by the drive machine 12, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the down position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream lower switching conveyor by the downstream link 10. 7 is set to the upper position, the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 is also moved to the upper position by the fixed post 14 provided on the downstream lower switching conveyor 7, and the upstream switching conveyor 5, the downstream lower switching conveyor 7, As a result, the lower transport path R2 is formed (two-dot chain line shown).

  Moreover, since the distance S from the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 is always maintained by the height H of the fixed post 14 when the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 is set to the upper movement position, the article G is moved to the downstream lower switching conveyor. Even if it moves to the operation | movement which returns the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 to the operation | movement which switches to the upper conveyance path R1 in the step which moved to 7, the article G swings upwards. It is not sandwiched between the conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 that swings downward. Thereby, the passage of the article G can be confirmed on the downstream side, and the transfer path can be switched more quickly.

  Further, in this embodiment, when the upstream switching conveyor 5 is set to the upper movement position and the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 is set to the lower movement position, the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 returns until it comes into contact with the holding member 8 by its own weight. The force of the drive machine 12 for swinging the swing lever 11 may be small.

  In addition, as shown by a two-dot chain line in the figure, an actuator 16 that forcibly swings the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 toward the downward movement position may be provided above the downstream upper switching conveyor 6. As this actuator 16, a pneumatic cylinder or the like is used, and the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 may be configured to quickly swing to the lower movement position side in conjunction with the downward movement of the downstream lower switching conveyor 7. . If this actuator 16 is provided, it is possible to more rapidly swing the downstream upper switching conveyor 6 to the lower movement position due to its own weight.

  In this way, if each of the upstream and downstream conveyors 5 and 7 is swung by the upstream link 9 and the downstream link 10, it is conveyed in a state where the interval S between the conveyors is maintained by the fixed post 14. Since the paths R1 and R2 can be switched stably, a stable switching operation can be stably performed over a long period of time without excessive force acting in the lateral direction on the bearings supporting the links 9 and 10. .

  FIG. 2 is a side view of a transport path switching device showing a second embodiment of the present invention. This second embodiment also schematically describes each configuration, but the swing position of each conveyor is designed to be a position where a conveyance path is formed as will be described later. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the structure same as 1st Embodiment mentioned above, and the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  As shown in the figure, also in the transport path switching device 21 of the second embodiment, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is configured such that the downstream side swings with the upstream conveyor 2 side as a fulcrum. 26 is configured such that the upstream side swings with the downstream upper conveyor 3 side as a fulcrum, and the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is configured such that the upstream side swings with the downstream lower conveyor 4 side as a fulcrum. When the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 are connected, an upper conveying path R1 is formed. When the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 are connected, the lower conveying path R2 is formed. Is formed. Reference numeral 28 denotes a holding member (stopper) that determines the upward movement position of the downstream lower switching conveyor 27.

  The downstream lower switching conveyor 27 in the second embodiment is provided with a spring member 37 as an urging member that applies an upward force to the swing side. The spring member 37 is a compression spring, and applies an upward force to the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 with a simple configuration.

  Further, the upstream link 9 that swings the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream link 30 that swings the upstream side of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 include the upstream link 9 and the downstream side. It is connected to a swing lever 11 that swings the link 30 in the reverse direction. These constitute a link mechanism.

  The swing lever 11 is also configured so that the right and left in the figure can swing in the reverse direction around the center portion O, and the driving machine 12 provided at the center position of the swing lever 11. As a result, the swing lever 11 is swung at a predetermined angle.

  In this second embodiment, the fixed post 14 is provided between the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 27. The fixed post 14 is provided on the downstream lower switching conveyor 27. Even if the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 swings due to the force of the spring member 37, the roller 13 serving as the upper end guide member is on the downstream upper side. The switching conveyor 26 is configured to swing while maintaining a state in contact with the guide plate 15.

  Also in this embodiment, the interval S between the upstream end of the downstream lower switching conveyor 7 and the upstream end of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 is set to an interval through which the maximum article G can pass at the height H of the fixed post 14. By doing so, this interval S can always be secured.

  In addition, by ensuring the interval S through which the maximum article G can pass at the height H of the fixed post 14 as described above, the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 is in the horizontal state and the upper transport path R1 is formed in the downstream state. The amount of descent on the upstream side of the lower switching conveyor 27 can be reduced (the state of the slanted solid line at the time of the lowest movement shown). This is also because the distance S between the upstream end of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 and the upstream end of the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is limited by the height H of the fixed post 14. Further, it is possible to reduce the size of the transport path switching device 1 by moving the position where the driving machine 12 is provided so as to approach the downstream lower switching conveyor 7.

  According to the transport path switching device 21 of the second embodiment configured as described above, the article G transported from the upstream conveyor 2 is transferred to the downstream upper conveyor 3 or the downstream lower conveyor 4 as follows. The transport paths R1 and R2 can be switched so as to transport to either of the above.

  That is, the swing lever 11 is swung at a predetermined angle by the driving machine 12, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the up position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 is moved by the downstream link 30. If it is in the downward movement position, the upper transport path R1 is formed. At this time, the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is pushed down by the fixed post 14 against the upward force of the spring member 37 by the downward movement of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 (solid line in the figure).

  Further, the swing lever 11 is swung in the reverse direction at a predetermined angle by the drive machine 12, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the down position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream upper switching conveyor by the downstream link 30. If the upper 26 is positioned on the upper side, the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is also moved to the upper position by the fixed post 14 provided so as to contact the lower surface of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 with the upward force of the spring member 37. The lower transfer path R <b> 2 is formed by the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 27. At this time, the downstream upper switching conveyor 27 is pushed up by the spring member 37 and stops in contact with the holding member (stopper) 28 (two-dot chain line shown).

  Moreover, since the distance S from the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is always maintained by the height H of the fixed post 14 when the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 is set to the upper movement position, the article G is moved to the downstream lower switching conveyor. 27, when the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 are returned and the operation is switched from the lower conveying path R2 to the upper conveying path R1, the upstream switching in which the article G swings upward is performed. It is not sandwiched between the conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 that swings downward. Also in this example, it is possible to check the passage of the article G on the downstream side and switch the transport path more quickly.

  Thus, also in this embodiment, if each of the upstream and downstream conveyors 5 and 26 is swung by the upstream link 9 and the downstream link 30, the interval S between the conveyors can be increased by the fixed post 14. Since the transport paths R1 and R2 can be stably switched while being maintained, a stable switching operation is stable for a long time without excessive force acting on the bearings supporting the links 9 and 30. Can be done.

  FIG. 3 is a side view of a transport path switching device showing a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment is an example in which the urging member in the second embodiment is different. Therefore, only different configurations will be described, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted. .

  As shown in the figure, the conveyance path switching device 41 of the third embodiment is an embodiment in which a biasing member is different from that of the second embodiment, and a counterweight 57 is provided in place of the spring member 37. The counterweight 57 is formed by connecting an upward wire 58 connected to the upstream side (swinging end side) of the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 downwardly via a pulley 59 and connected to an end portion of a predetermined weight. By connecting the counterweight 57, an upward force is applied to the swing end side of the downstream lower switching conveyor 27. Also in this embodiment, an upward force can be applied to the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 with a simple configuration.

  Also with such a transport path switching device 41, if the swing lever 11 is swung at a predetermined angle by the drive machine 12, the upstream link conveyor 5 is moved to the up position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream link 30, the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 becomes the lower movement position, and the upper conveyance path R <b> 1 is formed. At this time, the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is pushed down by the fixed post 14 against the upward force of the counterweight 57 by the downward movement of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 (solid line in the figure).

  Further, if the swing lever 11 is swung in the reverse direction by a predetermined angle by the drive machine 12, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the down position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream upper switching is performed by the downstream link 30. While the conveyor 26 is in the upward movement position, the downstream lower switching conveyor 27 is also in the upward movement position by the fixed post 14 provided so as to contact the lower surface of the downstream upper switching conveyor 26 with the upward force of the counterweight 57. A lower transport path R2 is formed by the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 27. At this time, the downstream upper switching conveyor 27 is pushed up by the counterweight 57 and stops in contact with the holding member (stopper) 28 (two-dot chain line shown).

  Since other operations and the like are the same as those of the second embodiment described above, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 4 is a side view of a transport path switching device showing a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The fourth embodiment is an embodiment in which a triple transfer path switching device is configured by combining the first embodiment and the second embodiment described above. In this embodiment, the same components as those in the first and second embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, detailed description thereof is omitted, and components having different names are denoted by different symbols. .

  As shown in the figure, the transport path switching device 61 of the fourth embodiment is configured to switch the article G transported by the upstream conveyor 2 on the downstream side upper conveyor 77 or downstream side intermediate conveyor 63 or downstream side lower switching. The transfer path R1, R2, R3 is switched to one of the conveyors 54 for transfer.

  The switching of the transport paths R1, R2, and R3 to the downstream upper conveyor 77, the downstream middle conveyor 63, or the downstream lower conveyor 64 is performed by the upstream switching conveyor 5 provided on the downstream side of the upstream conveyor 2, A downstream upper switching conveyor 78 provided upstream of the downstream upper conveyor 77, a downstream middle switching conveyor 66 provided upstream of the downstream middle conveyor 63, and an upstream of the downstream lower conveyor 64. This is performed by switching to the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 provided on the side.

  The downstream upper switching conveyor 78 is configured such that the upstream side swings with the downstream upper conveyor 77 side as a fulcrum, and the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 has an upstream side with the downstream middle conveyor 63 side as a fulcrum. The downstream lower switching conveyor 67 is configured to swing, and the upstream side is configured to swing on the downstream lower conveyor 64 side as a fulcrum. The upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 67 78 is connected to the upper transfer path R1, and when the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 are connected to each other, an intermediate transfer path R2 is formed, and the upstream switching conveyor 5 and the downstream lower switching conveyor are formed. The lower transport path R3 is formed when 67 is connected. Reference numeral 8 denotes a holding member (stopper) for determining the downward movement position of the downstream upper switching conveyor 6, and reference numeral 28 denotes a holding member (stopper) for determining the upward movement position of the downstream lower switching conveyor 67.

  The downstream lower switching conveyor 67 in the fourth embodiment is provided with a spring member 37 as an urging member that applies an upward force to the swing side.

  Further, an upstream link 9 that swings the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor 5 and a downstream link 70 that swings the upstream side of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 include the upstream link 9 and the downstream side. It is connected to a swing lever 71 that swings the link 70 in the reverse direction. These constitute a link mechanism.

  The swing lever 71 is also configured so that the right and left in the figure can swing in the reverse direction around the center portion O, and a driving machine 72 provided at the center position of the swing lever 71. As a result, the swing lever 71 is swung at a predetermined angle.

  In the fourth embodiment, the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 is provided with a roller 73 that serves as a guide member at the upper end of the interval S1 between the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 when the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 swings. An upper fixed post 74 is provided to swing the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 while maintaining the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 when the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 swings due to the upward force of the spring member 37. A fixed post 14 is provided for swinging the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 together with the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 while maintaining the interval S2 by the roller 13 serving as an upper end guide member.

  The upper fixed post 74 has a roller 73 provided at the tip thereof in contact with the guide plate 15 of the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 and is linked with the swinging of the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 in the downstream upper switching conveyor 78. The fixed post 14 is arranged on the downstream side in conjunction with the swinging of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 in a state where the roller 13 provided at the tip is in contact with the guide plate 15 of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66. The lower switching conveyor 67 is configured to swing.

  In this embodiment, the interval S1 between the upstream end portion of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 and the upstream end portion of the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 is such that the maximum article G can pass at the height H1 of the upper fixed post 74. The interval S2 between the upstream end of the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 and the upstream end of the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 is set to an interval through which the maximum article G can pass at the height H2 of the fixed post 14. Thus, the intervals S1 and S2 are always secured.

  According to the transport path switching device 61 of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the article G transported from the upstream conveyor 2 is transferred to the downstream upper conveyor 77 or the downstream middle conveyor 63 as follows. The transport paths R1, R2, and R3 can be switched so as to be transported to either the lower conveyor 64.

  That is, the swing lever 71 is swung at a predetermined angle by the driving device 72, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the up position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 is moved by the downstream link 70. If it is in the downward movement position, the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 becomes the downward movement position, and the upper conveyance path R1 is formed (dotted line in the figure).

  Further, the swing lever 71 is swung in the reverse direction at a predetermined angle by the driving device 72, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is set to the middle position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream middle switching conveyor is driven by the downstream link 70. If 66 is the intermediate movement position, an intermediate conveyance path R2 is formed (solid line shown).

  Further, the swing lever 71 is swung further by a predetermined angle in the reverse direction by the driving device 72, the upstream switching conveyor 5 is moved to the down position by the upstream link 9, and the downstream middle switching is performed by the downstream link 70. If the conveyor 66 is set to the upper movement position, the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 is moved to the upper movement position by the fixed post 14, and the lower conveyance path R3 is formed (two-dot chain line shown).

  Note that the actions of the fixed posts 74 and 14 and the spring member 37 during these operations are the same as those in the first and second embodiments described above, and are therefore omitted.

  Moreover, when the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 is set to the middle moving position, the distance S1 from the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 is always maintained by the height H1 of the fixed post 74, and the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 is set to the upper moving position. Sometimes, the distance S2 from the downstream lower switching conveyor 67 is always maintained by the height H2 of the fixed post 14, so the upstream side when the article G moves to the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 and the downstream lower switching conveyor 67. Even if the switching conveyor 5 and the downstream intermediate switching conveyor 66 are returned to the operation of switching from the middle conveying path R2 to the upper conveying path R1, and from the lower conveying path R3 to the middle conveying path R2, the upstream where the article G swings upward. There is no pinching between the side switching conveyor 5 and the downstream upper switching conveyor 78 or the downstream middle switching conveyor 66 swinging downward. In this case as well, the passage of the article G can be confirmed on the downstream side, and the conveyance path can be switched more quickly.

  Thus, also in this embodiment, if each of the upstream and downstream conveyors 5 and 66 is swung by the upstream link 9 and the downstream link 70, the distance between the conveyors is fixed by the fixed posts 14 and 74. Since the transport paths R1, R2, and R3 can be stably switched while S1 and S2 are maintained, the bearings supporting the links 9 and 70 are not subjected to excessive force in the lateral direction and are stable. The switching operation can be performed stably for a long period of time.

  In this 4th Embodiment, it is set as the structure which combined 1st Embodiment mentioned above and 2nd Embodiment, However, It is possible to combine 1st-3rd Embodiment mentioned above suitably, use conditions, You may combine suitably according to processing capacity etc.

  The determination of the interval S (S1, S2) by the fixed post 14 (74) may be determined according to the processing conditions and the like, and is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  Furthermore, the above-described embodiment shows an example, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment.

  The transport path switching device according to the present invention is useful when it is desired to quickly switch the transport path at the sorting or joining position of articles in the sorting apparatus.

It is a side view of the conveyance path switching apparatus which shows 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the conveyance path switching apparatus which shows 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the conveyance path switching apparatus which shows 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view of the conveyance path switching device which shows 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a side view which shows the conventional conveyance path switching apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Conveyance path switching device 2 ... Upstream conveyor 3 ... Downstream upper conveyor 4 ... Downstream lower conveyor 5 ... Upstream switching conveyor 6 ... Downstream upper switching conveyor 7 ... Downstream lower switching conveyor 8 ... Holding member 9 ... Upstream Side link 10 ... Downstream side link 11 ... Swing lever 12 ... Drive 13 ... Roller 14 ... Fixed post 15 ... Guide plate 16 ... Actuator 21 ... Conveyance path switching device 26 ... Downstream side upper switching conveyor 27 ... Downstream side lower switching conveyor 28 ... Holding member 30 ... Downstream link 37 ... Spring member 41 ... Conveyance path switching device 57 ... Counterweight 58 ... Wire 59 ... Pulley 61 ... Conveyance path switching device 63 ... Downstream side upper conveyor 64 ... Downstream side lower conveyor 66 ... Downstream Side upper switching conveyor 67 ... Downstream side lower switching conveyor 70 ... Downstream side link 71 ... Swing lever 72 ... Drive unit 73 ... Roller 74 Fixing post G ... article R1, R2, R3 ... transport path S, S1, S2 ... gap H, H1, H2 ... Height

Claims (8)

A conveyance path switching device that conveys an article conveyed by an upstream conveyor by switching a conveyance path to a downstream upper conveyor or a downstream lower conveyor,
An upstream switching conveyor is provided on the downstream side of the upstream conveyor, with the upstream conveyor side serving as a fulcrum, and the downstream side swings. The upstream side of the downstream upper conveyor is upstream of the downstream upper conveyor. A swaying downstream upper switching conveyor is provided, and a downstream lower switching conveyor is provided upstream of the downstream lower conveyor, with the downstream lower conveyor side serving as a fulcrum, and downstream of the upstream switching conveyor. An upstream link that swings the side, a downstream link that swings the upstream side of the downstream lower switching conveyor, and a swing lever that swings the upstream link and the downstream link in opposite directions. Fixed link mechanism that swings the downstream upper switching conveyor while maintaining a distance from the downstream upper switching conveyor by an upper end guide member by swinging the downstream lower switching conveyor. When the upstream switching conveyor is moved to the down position by swinging the swing lever, the downstream lower switching conveyor is moved up to form a lower conveyance path, and the upstream switching conveyor is A transport path switching device provided with a drive unit that forms the upper transport path when the downstream upper switching conveyor is in the lower position when the upper transport position is set.   The transport path switching device according to claim 1, further comprising a holding member that holds the downstream upper switching conveyor at a lower position when the upper transport path is formed. A conveyance path switching device that conveys an article conveyed by an upstream conveyor by switching a conveyance path to a downstream upper conveyor or a downstream lower conveyor,
An upstream switching conveyor is provided on the downstream side of the upstream conveyor so that the downstream side swings with the upstream conveyor side as a fulcrum, and the upstream side with the downstream upper conveyor side as a fulcrum is located upstream of the downstream upper conveyor. An oscillating downstream upper switching conveyor is provided, and a downstream lower switching conveyor is provided upstream of the downstream lower conveyor. The downstream lower switching conveyor swings upstream from the downstream lower conveyor side. An urging member for applying an upward force on the swing side, an upstream link for swinging the downstream side of the upstream switching conveyor, and a downstream link for swinging the upstream side of the downstream upper switching conveyor; A link mechanism including a swing lever that swings the upstream link and the downstream link in the opposite directions, and guides the upper end by the force of the biasing member when the downstream upper switching conveyor swings. Member is down A fixed post is provided to swing the downstream lower switching conveyor while maintaining the distance between the downstream upper switching conveyor and the downstream lower switching conveyor while maintaining contact with the upper switching conveyor, and swinging the swing lever When the upstream switching conveyor is in the down position, the downstream lower switching conveyor is in the up position to form a lower conveyance path, and when the upstream switching conveyor is in the up position, A transport path switching device provided with a drive unit that forms an upper transport path with the switching conveyor as a lower position.   The conveyance path switching device according to claim 3, further comprising a holding member that holds the downstream lower switching conveyor at the upper movement position when the lower conveyance path is formed.   The conveyance according to claim 3, wherein the urging member for applying an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor is constituted by a spring member for applying an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. Road switching device.   4. The conveyance according to claim 3, wherein the urging member for applying an upward force to the swing side of the downstream lower switching conveyor is constituted by a weight for applying an upward force to the swing end side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. Road switching device. A conveyance path switching device that conveys an article conveyed by an upstream conveyor by switching a conveyance path to a downstream upper conveyor, a downstream middle conveyor, or a downstream lower conveyor,
An upstream switching conveyor is provided on the downstream side of the upstream conveyor so that the downstream side swings with the upstream conveyor side as a fulcrum, and the upstream side with the downstream upper conveyor side as a fulcrum is located upstream of the downstream upper conveyor. An oscillating downstream upper switching conveyor is provided, an upstream downstream switching conveyor is provided upstream of the downstream intermediate conveyor, and a downstream intermediate switching conveyor oscillating on the upstream side with the downstream intermediate conveyor as a fulcrum is provided upstream of the downstream lower conveyor. A downstream lower switching conveyor that swings on the upstream side with the downstream lower conveyor side as a fulcrum, and a biasing member that applies an upward force to the swinging side of the downstream lower switching conveyor. An upstream link that swings the downstream side of the side switching conveyor, a downstream link that swings the upstream side of the downstream intermediate switching conveyor, and a swing that swings the upstream link and the downstream link in the opposite directions. Moving lever and Provided with a link mechanism, and when the downstream intermediate switching conveyor swings, the force of the biasing member keeps the upper end guide member in contact with the downstream intermediate switching conveyor and the downstream intermediate switching conveyor. The lower fixed post that swings the downstream lower switching conveyor while maintaining the distance to the lower switching conveyor and the downstream upper switching conveyor is maintained by the upper guide member by the swing of the downstream middle switching conveyor. An upper fixed post for swinging the downstream upper switching conveyor is provided, and the downstream lower switching conveyor is set to the upper movement position when the swing lever is swung to set the upstream switching conveyor to the lower movement position. A transfer path switching device provided with a drive unit that forms a lower transfer path and forms the upper transfer path when the upstream-side switching conveyor is in the up-moving position and the downstream-side upper switching conveyor is in the down-moving position. A holding member that holds the downstream upper switching conveyor at the lower position when the upper conveying path is formed, and a holding member that holds the downstream lower switching conveyor at the upper position when the lower conveying path is formed. The conveyance path switching device according to claim 7 provided.

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