JP3782940B2

JP3782940B2 - belt conveyor

Info

Publication number: JP3782940B2
Application number: JP2001010670A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 一小坂
Original assignee: マルヤス機械株式会社
Priority date: 2001-01-18
Filing date: 2001-01-18
Publication date: 2006-06-07
Anticipated expiration: 2021-01-18
Also published as: JP2002211723A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
この発明は、ベルトコンベアに関し、さらに詳しくは、１本の無端ベルト、一つの駆動源にて複数の搬送路を構成できるベルトコンベアに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、ベルトコンベアを使用して搬送物を搬送しながらその搬送方向を変える方法には色々なものがあるが、一般的には、カーブコンベアが使用される。
そのラインの構成は、ストレートコンベア１０１・・カーブコンベア１０２・・ストレートコンベア１０１と３台のコンベアを配置して搬送路を構成する（図１０−ｂ）。また、コンベア端部の接合部が略４５゜に傾斜するタイプのコンベア１０４の傾斜部同士を接合して設置し、略直角に曲がる搬送路を構成することが考えられる。（図１０−ａ）。
【０００３】
しかし、上記したような従来のラインでは、駆動機構ｍ等、ベルトコンベア２台分若しくは３台分の部品、購入品等が必要となり、コスト的には不合理であり高いものとなっていた。
そこで、本願出願人は、上記した如く複数の搬送路を構成して搬送物の方向を平面視略Ｌ形に変える構造、さらに、１ラインから２ラインへの仕分けタイプ（Ｔ形）、反対に、２ラインから１ラインへの合流タイプ等を任意に構成できるベルトコンベアを提案する。
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
本発明は、１本の無端状ベルトと一機の駆動機構とにより、複数の搬送路を所定の角度を付けて接合した形態、例えば平面視略Ｔ形のラインを構成するベルトコンベアを提供することにある。
【０００５】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本願のベルトコンベアは、１本の無端状のベルトを具備する。このベルトには、表裏両面を搬送面として使用することのできるリバーシブルのベルトを用いてもよい。
上記ベルトコンベアは、複数の傾斜ローラを有する。この傾斜ローラは、略水平を保って軸支され、且つ平面視において、ベルトの進行方向に対して所定の角度、例えば４５゜の傾斜角を介して設置される。この傾斜ローラにベルトを掛け回すと、同ベルトは、傾斜ローラの傾斜に伴った角度で折り返され、平面視において、上記ベルトの進行方向を基準として所定の角度にて折り返された状態で延出する。
【０００６】
また、折り返しローラは、普遍的に使用されるテールローラ等の折り返しローラと同様に機能するものであり、ベルトにて形成される搬送路の端部にて同ベルトを折り返してＵターンさせる。
上記したように、無端状のベルトを傾斜ローラと折り返しローラとを適宜に組み合わせて設置することにより、平面視略Ｔ形に接続される搬送路（１ラインから２ラインの仕分け型,２ラインから１ラインの合流型等）を構成することが可能となる。そして、一機の駆動機構により上記した如く構成したベルトを回転駆動することにより複数本の駆動ラインを同期した状態で回転駆動することができる。
尚、請求項２、３記載のベルトコンベアの説明は、実施例の中で合わせて説明する。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、本発明の一実施例を図面に基づいて説明する。
図１及び図２にて示すベルトコンベアＡは、１本の無端状のベルト１を具備する。このベルト１は表面１ａと裏面１ｂとの両面を搬送面として使用できるリバーシブル式のベルトを使用している。また、本実施例のベルトコンベアＡは、上記ベルト１を回転駆動する１機の駆動ユニットｄを具備している。
ベルトコンベアＡは、所要本数の傾斜ローラｂ'１,ｂ'３,ｂ'６,ｂ'９と、折り返しローラｂ２,ｂ４,ｂ５,ｂ７,ｂ８,ｂ１０（若しくは固定軸やナイフエッジ等）とを後述するように任意の位置にて軸支してある（図３）。そして、各傾斜ローラｂ'と折り返しローラｂとの間に、１本のベルト１を順次掛け回すことにより、平面視略Ｔ形に配置される３本の搬送路ａ１,ａ２,ａ３を構成してある。本実施例のベルトコンベアＡは、上記した３本の搬送路ａ１,ａ２,ａ３を平面視略Ｔ字形に組み合わせることにより、仕分け用ラインとして機能する。
【０００８】
上記ベルトコンベアＡは、搬送路ａ１の終端に設けた傾斜ローラｂ’６と、搬送路ａ２始端に設けた傾斜ローラｂ’１との間に間隙ｅを設け、該間隙ｅからストッパｆを出没可能に設置してある。要するに、上記搬送路ａ１とａ２とは、傾斜ローラｂ’１とｂ’６とを向い合わせ、間隙ｅを介して平面視略平行に近接してある。一方、上記搬送路ａ１の終端の右側、即ち、搬送路ａ２の反対側には、搬送路ａ３が配設され、搬送路ａ２と反対方向へ向けて延出してある。
ベルトコンベアＡの接合部は、フレ−ムｇにより構成してある。フレ−ムｇは、搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３の接合側端部を支持すると共に、同搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３の接合部分に配置した各傾斜ローラｂ’と折り返しローラｂを支持し、さらに、上記ストッパｆの作動部分（図示せず）を取り付け支持している。
【０００９】
上記搬送路ａ２を構成するベルト１の下面側には、駆動ユニットｄを設け、ベルトの張力を維持しつつ同ベルト１を回転駆動させる。尚、上記駆動ユニットｄの詳細な構造は後述する。
【００１０】
図３は、傾斜ローラｂ’と折り返しローラｂ間に無端状のベルト１を掛け回し、図１にて示すような、平面視略Ｔ形の搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３を構成するための経路を示し、上記ベルトコンベアＡのベルト１が辿る経路を適宜に分解した状態で示している。尚、図３にて示すベルト１は、梨地模様が施してある面が表面１ａ、空白の面が裏面１ｂとして表している。
【００１１】
ベルト１の経路を回転方向へ向けて順次説明する。搬送路ａ１とａ２との終端と始端とが向かい合う間隙ｅを始点とすると、同間隙ｅの下方から立ち上がって来たベルト１を平面視略４５゜に傾斜させた傾斜ローラｂ’１に掛け回し、ベルト１移動方向を同ベルト１の進行方向を基準として平面視略直角に折り返して、水平な搬送路ａ２を構成する。搬送路ａ２の終端部にてベルト１を折り返しローラｂ２に掛け回してＵターンする如く折り返し、駆動ユニットｄにより張力を与えた状態で回転駆動せしめる。
尚、図３において傾斜ローラと、折り返しローラの表現として、例えば傾斜ローラｂ’１や折り返しローラｂ２のように、上と下とに分けた状態で示してある。これは複雑に折り返されるベルト１の経路を分かりやすく表現するために変則的に示したもので、符号は重複するが、実際には１本の傾斜ローラ、若しくは１本の折り返しローラを示している。
【００１２】
駆動ユニットｄを通過したベルト１は、傾斜ローラｂ’３（重複表現）に掛け回し、ベルト１の進行方向を基準として直角に折り返し、その直後、折り返しローラｂ４（重複表現）に掛け回して、この時点におけるベルト１の進行方向に対して方向転換させ、搬送路ａ２に対して平面視略直角となる方向へ向けて延出させる（図３）。
折り返しローラｂ４から延出したベルト１は、搬送路ａ１の始端となる折り返しローラｂ５（重複表現）に掛け回して方向転換させ、水平な搬送路ａ１を構成する。図３にて示すように、搬送路ａ１は、上記搬送路ａ２に対して直角に接合する。
搬送路ａ１の終端部に設けられた傾斜ローラｂ’６（重複表現）に掛け回して、この時点におけるベルト１の進行方向を基準として平面視右側へ向けて略直角に方向転換し、そのまま延出して、水平な搬送路ａ３を構成してある。搬送路ａ３は、搬送路ａ１と略直角に接合し、且つ搬送路ａ２と反対側へ向けて延出する。
【００１３】
傾斜ローラｂ’６を通過したベルト１は、搬送路ａ３の終端部で折り返し、さらにローラｂ７（重複表現）に掛け回してＵターンさせる。
ちなみに、この区間は、ベルト１の裏面側に相当する部位である。折り返しローラｂ７を折り返したベルト１は、同折り返しローラｂ７と平行に配置される折り返しローラｂ８にて側面視略くの字形におり返し、ベルト１の進行方向に対して平面視略４５゜に傾斜する傾斜ローラｂ’９に掛け回して、同ベルト１が直角方向へ方向転換するように折り返す。また、ベルト１は折り返しローラｂ１０に掛け回して略水平に折り返す。折り返しローラｂ１０を折り返したベルト１は、その直後にベルト１経路の始点となる傾斜ローラｂ’１（重複表現）に戻って来る。
【００１４】
上記したように、搬送路ａ２の復路側には、駆動ユニットｄが設けてあり、この駆動ユニットｄにベルト１を引き込んである。
ベルト１は、駆動ユニットｄが具備する駆動ローラ５７の下面側に掛け回し、スナップローラ５８ａ，５８ｂによりそれぞれ両側から押圧する。これにより、駆動ローラ５７の外周面にベルト１が強く密着し、駆動ローラ５７の駆動力がベルト１に伝達されて、ベルト１が駆動回転する（図４）。
搬送路２の復路側に垂下する形で取り付け支持した両支持板５３ａ，５３ｂには、各々駆動ローラ５７を軸支するための軸受け部５４ａ，５４ｂを設け、これらの間に、駆動ローラ５７を水平に横架して回転自在に軸支してある（図４，図５）。
駆動ローラ５７の支軸５７ｂの一端部は、上記軸受け部５４ａを貫通して外側に突出させ、その突出部にタイミングプーリ７１を取り付けてある。また、タイミングプーリ７１の隣りには減速機６４ａ付の駆動モータ６４を装着してある（図２）。
【００１５】
上記減速機６４ａの出力軸にはタイミングプーリ７４を装着し、このタイミングプーリ７４と上記駆動ローラ５７のタイミングプーリ７４との間を無端状のタイミングベルト７３により連絡してある。よって、上記駆動モータ６４を駆動回転させると、この駆動力が駆動ローラ５７に伝達され、同駆動ローラ５７が所定の回転数で駆動回転する。尚、本実施例では伝達手段としてタイミングベルトを使用しているが、同伝達手段は、チェーン，ギヤ等、既存のものを使用してもよい。
上記したように、ベルト１は、駆動ローラ５７の下面側外周に掛け回してある。また、駆動ローラ５７両側のベルト１を掛け回した位置には、一対となる作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂを配置してある。
作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの先端部には両側若しくは片側に突出する形で軸支する一対のスナップローラ５８ａ及びスナップローラ５８ｂを各々に軸支し、該ローラを駆動ローラ５７の一側と他側とに配置する。そして、両スナップローラ５８ａ，５８ｂにより、ベルト１の復路側を掛け回してある駆動ローラ５７を各々両側から挟持して弾性的に押圧せしめている。
【００１６】
一方、両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの先端部に取付支持した一対のスナップローラ５８ａ，５８ｂは、図４にて示すように駆動ローラ５７外周の幾分上面側に当接するように構成してある。また、両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの下端部は、上端部と同様に中央へ向けて略円弧状に屈曲形成してあり、その屈曲部の下端部に、後述する支承部６０の支承凹部６１内に嵌合する断面略Ω形の枢支体５０を一体に突設してある。
支承部６０は、両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの下端部を回動可能に支承する部位であると共に、その中央にはカム６５を回動可能に挟持する間隙６７を設けてある。両支承部６０には支承凹部６１を形成してある。これら支承凹部６１は、上面が開口する略Ｃ形の凹溝であり、且つ両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの枢支体５０の外径よりも一回り大きな径の円弧状の溝として形成してある。
【００１７】
支承部６０に凹設した支承凹部６１の内部には、所定の厚みに形成したポリエチレン等の合成樹脂からなるブッシュ６３を内嵌する。そして、上記支承凹部６１内に両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの枢支体５０を嵌入して、ブッシュ６３の内側に嵌合することにより、両アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの下部を支承凹部６１内にて滑らかに回動するように支持している。
また、両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂ下端の屈曲部の先端部には、カム当接部６６を支承部６０の中央へ向けて各々一体に突設し、これらの下面にカム６５の外周面が当接する当接面６６ａを形成してある（図４）。
【００１８】
支承部６０の中央に向けて突出する作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂのカム当接部６６の直下には、図５にて示すような外周形を有するカム６５を嵌入して回動可能に軸支してある。カム６５は、ポリエチレン等の合成樹脂等を用いて形成し、側面の所定箇所に支軸６５ａを水平に貫通せしめて回動可能に支持してある。
両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂには取り付けシャフト６２を止着し、この取り付けシャフト６２の間にコイルスプリング８０を掛止してあり、このコイルスプリング８０の復元力を利用して両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂが互いに接近するように付勢力を加えている（図４）。
【００１９】
上記した如く構成したベルトコンベアＡにおいて、ベルト１を取り外す際には、カム６５を操作する。即ち、カム６５の外周に穿設した孔６５ｂに適宜外径の棒材６５ｃ、若しくはプラスのドライバー等を挿入し、正方向へ９０゜回動する。これにより、カム６５の外周面が両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの当接面６６ａを押し上げ、上記両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂの当接面６６ａに接した状態にて、カム６５の回動が停止する。
【００２０】
この状態において、カム６５の最上部のレベルがコイルスプリング８０による付勢力に抗して所定量上方に移動する。これにより、両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂが拡開し、先端の両スナップローラ５８ａ，５８ｂの間隔が駆動ローラ５７の外径よりも広がった状態、即ち、ベルト１を弛ませて取り外しできる状態となる（図４仮想線）。
反対に、取り外したベルト１を装着する際には、上記したカム６５を逆方向へ９０゜回動せしめることにより、カム６５による付勢力が解かれ、開いた状態にあった両作動アーム５９ａ，５９ｂ及び両スナップローラ５８ａ，５８ｂがコイルスプリング８０の付勢力により再び引き寄せられ、図４にて示す作動状態に復帰する。よって、メンテナンス作業等の際に、ベルト１の取り付け，取り外し作業を容易に行なうことができる。
【００２１】
次に上記したように構成したベルトコンベアＡの作動について説明する。
図１は、搬送路ａ１にて搬送した搬送物ｈを間隙ｅ中央部位の合流部ｉにて、搬送路ａ２、若しくは搬送路ａ３に分岐するラインである。搬送路ａ１から合流部ｉに向けて搬送された搬送物ｈは、合流部ｉに至った時点で搬送路ａ２の始端部上に載せられ、搬送方向を９０゜、即ち図１において平面視左へ向けて直角に搬送される。この際、上記搬送物ｈは、合流部ｉにおいて向きを変えることなく直角に方向転換するので、搬送物ｈの向きは搬送路ａ１上と搬送路ａ２上とで変わることはない。この機能を生かすことにより、例えば、品物の方向性を限る検査等を方向転換の工程を省いて作業を円滑に行なうことができる。
ちなみに、上記した搬送物ｈは、箱形状のもの以外にも袋物等色々な形態のものがあり、また、質量，重心位置等の要因に伴って、方向転換した後に搬送物の向きが変わることもある。
【００２２】
次に、合流部ｉの間隙ｅからストッパｆを突出させた状態において、搬送路ａ１から合流部ｉに向けて搬送された搬送物ｈは、上記ストッパｆに当たって図１中において右側に移行し、搬送路ａ１端部の側面に接合する搬送路ａ３の始端に載って搬送される。これにより、搬送物ｈの仕分けを行なうことができる。ちなみに、上記ストッパｆは、搬送物ｈのガイドも兼備えるものである。
尚、上記したベルトコンベアＡは、駆動ユニットｄによりベルト１を反転させることにより、搬送路ａ２から搬送路ａ１への搬送が可能となる。
【００２３】
次に、図６及び図７にて示すベルトコンベアＡ２について説明する。
ベルトコンベアＡ２は、上記したベルトコンベアＡと同様に３本の搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３を平面視略Ｔ形に配置し、搬送路ａ２及びａ３から合流部ｉに向けて搬送された搬送物ｈを同合流部ｉに接合される搬送路ａ１に搬入せしめる合流形のラインを構成するものである。
図７は、前記したベルトコンベアＡと同様に、傾斜ローラｂ’と折り返しローラｂとの間に無端状のベルト１を掛け回し、図６にて示すような、平面視略Ｔ形の搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３を構成する。
【００２４】
図７は、図３の場合と同様に、ベルトコンベアＡ２のベルト１が辿る経路を適宜に分解した状態で示している。
次いで、ベルトコンベアＡ２が具備するベルト１の経路を各搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３の合流部ｉを始点とし、回転方向へ向けて順次説明する。
【００２５】
搬送路ａ３の始端、即ち、折り返しローラｂ８から合流部ｉに向けて水平に延びるベルト１は、合流部ｉ側の端部に設けた傾斜ローラｂ’７（重複表現）に掛け回して、同ベルト１の進行方向を基準に平面視略直角方向へ向けて方向転換し、そのままローラｂ６（重複表現）まで延出することにより、水平な搬送路ａ１を構成する。ちなみに、この搬送路ａ１はベルト１の裏面により構成される。
搬送路ａ１の折り返しローラｂ６（重複表現）にて折り返し、さらに、上記折り返しローラｂ６と平行する形で設置した折り返しローラｂ５（重複表現）に掛け回して方向転換する形で折り返す。ローラｂ５を折り返したベルト１は、折り返しローラｂ４（重複表現）にて再び折り返し、その直後、ベルト１は平面視略４５゜の角度で傾斜させた傾斜ローラｂ’３に掛け回し、ベルト１の進行方向を基準に平面視略直角方向へ向けて方向転換してある。
【００２６】
傾斜ローラｂ’３に掛け回して延出したベルト１は、搬送路ａ２の始端となる折り返しローラｂ２（重複表現）にて折り返し、上記合流部ｉに向かう搬送路ａ２を水平に構成する。ベルト１は、合流部ｉの傾斜ローラｂ’１に掛け回してベルト１の進行方向を基準に直角方向へ方向転換し、さらに、折り返しローラｂ１０にて折り返し、その直後、傾斜ローラｂ’９に掛け回してベルト１の進行方向を基準に平面視略直角方向へ方向転換させる。そして、傾斜ローラｂ’９を通過したベルト１は、搬送路ａ３の始端に設置した折り返しローラｂ８（重複表現）に至る。
【００２７】
上記したように構成したベルトコンベアＡ２の作動について説明する。
搬送路ａ３の始端部から合流部ｉに向けて搬送された搬送物ｈは、合流部ｉに至った時点で間隙ｅから突出するストッパｆに当接し、同ストッパｆの斜面に沿って移動して搬送路ａ１の始端に載って移動する。
また、上記ベルトコンベアＡ２は、前記したベルトコンベアＡと同様なホップアップ式のストッパを用いた。しかし、合流部に用いるストッパは、これに限定するものではなく、スイング式のストッパや、合流部ｉにまで移動した搬送物をプッシャ−等を用いて搬送路ａ１の始端に押し出すように構成してもよい（図示せず）。
【００３２】
また、上記した実施例のベルトコンベアＡ，Ａ２は、傾斜ローラの傾斜角度をベルト１の進行方向を基準として略４５゜としたが、ベルトの折り返し方向を決定する傾斜ローラの傾斜角度は４５゜に限定するものではなく、ベルト１の折り返し角度を任意の角度に設定する上で必要であれば、その傾斜角度は４５゜以上であっても、４５゜以下であってもよい。
【００３３】
尚、上記したベルトコンベアＡ，Ａ２は、一機の駆動ユニットにてベルトを回転駆動したが、本願のベルトコンベアは、複数の駆動ユニットを使用してベルトを駆動してもよい。
また、１本の無端状ベルトを用いて複数の搬送路を接合して構成するラインは、上記した平面視略Ｔ形（仕分け及び合流型）の他に任意に変更しても良い。例えば上述したベルトコンベアＡの折り返しローラｂ１０の延出量を延長し、その端部にストレートベルトの端部を接続することにより、平面視略十形のラインを構成することも可能である。
さらに、本発明のベルトコンベアに使用するベルトは、表裏両面を搬送面として使用できるリバーシブル式のものに限定するものではく、通常の片面式のベルトを使用してもよい。また、搬送路ａ１，ａ２，ａ３の間の接合部に生じる段差も小さくできるので、特に小さな搬送物の乗り移りに最適である。
【００３４】
【発明の効果】
本発明のベルトコンベアは、以上説明したように構成したものであるから、傾斜ローラがベルトの進行方向に対して所定の角度、例えば４５゜の傾斜角を介して設置される。この傾斜ローラにベルトを掛け回すと、同ベルトは、搬送路を構成する無端状のベルトを傾斜ローラの傾斜に対応する角度で折り返して延出し、且つ、テールローラと同様な折り返しローラを用いて所定方向にベルトを折り返して延出し、これら折り返しローラと傾斜ローラとを適宜に組み合わせて配置することにより、平面視略Ｔ形に接続される３本の搬送路、例えば１ラインから２ライン（仕分け），また、２ラインから１ライン（合流）等のラインを１本のベルトにより構成することが出来る。
【００３５】
しかも、駆動源として、一機の駆動機構を設置してなるので、複数の搬送路を同期させながら回転駆動することができる。
そして、傾斜ローラにより傾斜する搬送路の端部同士の合流部に間隙を設け、該間隙からストッパを出没可能に設置して成るものであるから、搬送路の端部まで搬送された搬送物を上記ストッパの出没作動とガイド作用により方向転換して、任意の搬送路へ選択的に移行することを確実に行なうことができ、特に搬送物の仕分け等に好適である。
【００３６】
請求項３記載のベルトコンベアは、無端状のベルトの表裏両面を使用可能なリバーシブルなものとして構成したので、傾斜ローラに掛け回した際の折り返しにより裏面が上面になった状態でも、そのベルトの裏面を搬送面として使用することができる。このため、平面視略Ｔ形（３本）の搬送路や、平面視十字状（４本）の搬送路等、傾斜ローラ及び折り返しローラによる折り返しの数や延出方向の設定が複雑化するベルトコンベアにおいても、ベルトの裏面を利用することにより、ローラを用いた折り返しの回数を減らして比較的容易に構成することができる。
【００３８】
請求項４記載のベルトコンベアは、搬送路の接合部の傾斜ローラ、折り返しローラに換えて、固定軸若しくはナイフエッジを装着したものであるから、ベルトの振れが生じ易い位置のローラに換えて、回転しない固定軸やナイフエッジを設置することにより、ベルト幅方向に生じ易い振れを効果的に防止することができる。また、ナイフエッジにおいては、小物を搬送する際の乗り移り等も円滑に行なえる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明を実施した平面視略Ｔ形のベルトコンベアを示す平面図。
【図２】同ベルトコンベアを示す正面図。
【図３】ベルトの辿る経路を分解して示す斜視図。
【図４】駆動ユニット部を示す縦断正面図。
【図５】同駆動ユニット部の縦断側面図。
【図６】合流型のベルトコンベアを示す平面図。
【図７】同ベルトコンベアのベルトの辿る経路を分解した状態で示す斜視図。
【図８】従来のベルトコンベアを使用して方向転換のラインを構成した図であり、（ａ）は、一端が傾斜する２辺のベルトコンベアを接合することにより構成したもの , （ｂ）は、略Ｌ形に配置した２機のストレートコンベアの接合部にカーブベルトコンベアを設置してなるラインを示す平面図。 [0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a belt conveyor, and more particularly to a belt conveyor that can form a plurality of conveyance paths with one endless belt and one drive source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, there are various methods for changing the conveying direction while conveying a conveyed object using a belt conveyor, but generally a curve conveyor is used.
As for the configuration of the line, the straight conveyor 101... The curve conveyor 102... The straight conveyor 101 and three conveyors are arranged to form a conveyance path (FIG. 10B). In addition, it is conceivable that inclined portions of the conveyor 104 of the type in which the joint portion of the conveyor end portion is inclined at approximately 45 ° are bonded to each other so as to constitute a conveyance path that bends at a substantially right angle. (FIG. 10-a).
[0003]
However, in the conventional line as described above, the drive mechanism m and the like, parts for two or three belt conveyors, purchased products, and the like are necessary, which is unreasonable and expensive in terms of cost.
Therefore, the applicant of the present application forms a plurality of conveyance paths as described above and changes the direction of the conveyed product to a substantially L shape in plan view, and further, the sorting type from 1 line to 2 lines (T shape), on the contrary We propose a belt conveyor that can be arbitrarily configured from 2 lines to 1 line.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
The present invention provides a drive mechanism of one endless belt and One machine, form a plurality of conveying paths by joining with a predetermined angle, for example, a belt conveyor constituting the planar view substantially T-shaped line There is.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The belt conveyor of the present application includes one endless belt. As this belt, a reversible belt which can use both front and back surfaces as a conveying surface may be used.
The belt conveyor has a plurality of inclined rollers. The inclined roller is pivotally supported while being kept substantially horizontal, and is installed via a predetermined angle, for example, 45 °, with respect to the belt traveling direction in plan view. When the belt is wound around the inclined roller, the belt is folded at an angle according to the inclination of the inclined roller, and extended in a state of being folded at a predetermined angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt in plan view. To do.
[0006]
Further, the folding roller functions in the same manner as a folding roller such as a tail roller that is used universally, and the belt is folded at the end of the conveyance path formed by the belt to make a U-turn.
As described above, by providing the endless belt in combination with the inclined roller and the folding rollers in an appropriate transport path (2 line sorting type from one line to be connected to the flat Menshiryaku T-shaped, two lines 1 line confluence type, etc.). Then, it can be rotated in sync the plurality of drive lines by rotating the belts as the configuration described above by the drive mechanism One machine.
In addition, the description of the belt conveyor of Claims 2 and 3 is demonstrated together in an Example.
[0007]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
The belt conveyor A shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes one endless belt 1. The belt 1 is a reversible belt that can use both the front surface 1a and the back surface 1b as conveying surfaces. Further, the belt conveyor A of this embodiment includes a single drive unit d that rotationally drives the belt 1.
The belt conveyor A includes a required number of inclined rollers b'1, b'3, b'6, b'9 and folding rollers b2, b4, b5, b7, b8, b10 (or a fixed shaft, knife edge, etc.) Is supported at an arbitrary position as will be described later (FIG. 3). Then, three belts 1, a 2, a 3 arranged in a substantially T shape in plan view are formed by sequentially winding one belt 1 between each inclined roller b ′ and the folding roller b. It is. The belt conveyor A of the present embodiment functions as a sorting line by combining the above-described three transport paths a1, a2, and a3 into a substantially T shape in plan view.
[0008]
The belt conveyor A is provided with a gap e between the inclined roller b′6 provided at the end of the conveyance path a1 and the inclined roller b′1 provided at the start end of the conveyance path a2, and the stopper f is projected and retracted from the gap e. It is installed as possible. In short, the conveyance paths a1 and a2 face the inclined rollers b′1 and b′6 and are close to each other in parallel in plan view through the gap e. On the other hand, a transport path a3 is disposed on the right side of the end of the transport path a1, that is, on the opposite side of the transport path a2, and extends in the direction opposite to the transport path a2.
The joint of the belt conveyor A is constituted by a frame g. The frame g supports the joint side end portions of the transport paths a1, a2, and a3, and supports the inclined rollers b ′ and the folding rollers b disposed at the joint portions of the transport paths a1, a2, and a3. Further, an operating portion (not shown) of the stopper f is attached and supported.
[0009]
A drive unit d is provided on the lower surface side of the belt 1 constituting the conveyance path a2, and the belt 1 is rotationally driven while maintaining the belt tension. The detailed structure of the drive unit d will be described later.
[0010]
FIG. 3 shows a path for constructing substantially T-shaped transport paths a1, a2, and a3 in plan view as shown in FIG. 1 by winding an endless belt 1 between the inclined roller b ′ and the folding roller b. The path followed by the belt 1 of the belt conveyor A is shown in an appropriately disassembled state. In the belt 1 shown in FIG. 3, the surface with a satin pattern is shown as the front surface 1a, and the blank surface is shown as the back surface 1b.
[0011]
The path of the belt 1 will be sequentially described in the rotation direction. Assuming that the gap e where the end and the beginning of the transport paths a1 and a2 face each other is the starting point, the belt 1 rising from the lower side of the gap e is wound around an inclined roller b′1 inclined at about 45 ° in plan view. The horizontal movement path a2 is configured by folding the moving direction of the belt 1 at a substantially right angle in a plan view with the traveling direction of the belt 1 as a reference. The belt 1 is looped around the folding roller b2 at the end of the conveyance path a2 and folded back so as to make a U-turn, and is driven to rotate in a state where tension is applied by the drive unit d.
In FIG. 3, the expression of the inclined roller and the folding roller is shown in a state of being divided into an upper part and a lower part, for example, an inclined roller b′1 and a folding roller b2. This is shown irregularly in order to express the path of the belt 1 that is folded back in an easy-to-understand manner. Although the reference numerals overlap, actually, one inclined roller or one folding roller is shown. .
[0012]
The belt 1 that has passed through the drive unit d is wound around an inclined roller b′3 (overlapping expression), folded back at a right angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1, and immediately thereafter, it is wound around a folding roller b4 (overlapping expression), The direction is changed with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1 at this time, and the belt 1 is extended in a direction substantially perpendicular to the conveyance path a2 in plan view (FIG. 3).
The belt 1 extending from the folding roller b4 is wound around the folding roller b5 (overlapping expression) that is the starting end of the conveyance path a1 to change the direction, thereby forming a horizontal conveyance path a1. As shown in FIG. 3, the transport path a1 is joined at a right angle to the transport path a2.
The belt is wound around an inclined roller b′6 (overlapping expression) provided at the end of the conveyance path a1, and the direction of the belt 1 at this time is changed to a right angle in a plan view with reference to the traveling direction of the belt 1 at that time. The horizontal conveyance path a3 is formed. The conveyance path a3 is joined to the conveyance path a1 at a substantially right angle, and extends toward the opposite side of the conveyance path a2.
[0013]
The belt 1 that has passed the inclined roller b′6 is folded at the end of the conveyance path a3, and is further wound around the roller b7 (overlapping expression) to make a U-turn.
Incidentally, this section is a portion corresponding to the back side of the belt 1. The belt 1 from which the folding roller b7 is folded returns to a substantially U shape when viewed from the side by a folding roller b8 arranged in parallel with the folding roller b7, and is inclined at approximately 45 ° in plan view with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1. The belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b′9 to be turned so that the direction of the belt 1 is changed in a right angle direction. Further, the belt 1 is folded around the folding roller b10 and folded substantially horizontally. The belt 1 that has turned the folding roller b10 returns to the inclined roller b′1 (overlapping expression) that becomes the starting point of the belt 1 path immediately after that.
[0014]
As described above, the drive unit d is provided on the return path side of the transport path a2, and the belt 1 is drawn into the drive unit d.
The belt 1 is wound around the lower surface side of the driving roller 57 included in the driving unit d and is pressed from both sides by the snap rollers 58a and 58b. As a result, the belt 1 is in close contact with the outer peripheral surface of the drive roller 57, and the driving force of the drive roller 57 is transmitted to the belt 1 to drive and rotate the belt 1 (FIG. 4).
Both support plates 53a and 53b attached and supported so as to hang down on the return path side of the conveyance path 2 are provided with bearing portions 54a and 54b for supporting the drive roller 57, respectively. It is horizontally supported and rotatably supported (FIGS. 4 and 5).
One end of the support shaft 57b of the drive roller 57 penetrates the bearing 54a and protrudes outward, and a timing pulley 71 is attached to the protrusion. A drive motor 64 with a speed reducer 64a is mounted next to the timing pulley 71 (FIG. 2).
[0015]
A timing pulley 74 is attached to the output shaft of the speed reducer 64a, and the timing pulley 74 and the timing pulley 74 of the driving roller 57 are connected by an endless timing belt 73. Therefore, when the drive motor 64 is driven to rotate, this driving force is transmitted to the drive roller 57, and the drive roller 57 is driven to rotate at a predetermined rotational speed. In this embodiment, the timing belt is used as the transmission means, but the transmission means may be an existing one such as a chain or a gear.
As described above, the belt 1 is wound around the outer periphery on the lower surface side of the drive roller 57. A pair of operating arms 59a and 59b are arranged at positions where the belt 1 on both sides of the drive roller 57 is wound around.
A pair of snap rollers 58a and 58b that are pivotally supported in a projecting manner on both sides or one side are pivotally supported on the distal ends of the operating arms 59a and 59b, respectively. To place. Then, the drive rollers 57 wound around the return path side of the belt 1 are sandwiched from both sides and elastically pressed by both snap rollers 58a and 58b.
[0016]
On the other hand, the pair of snap rollers 58a and 58b attached to and supported by the distal ends of the operating arms 59a and 59b are configured to abut on the upper surface side of the outer periphery of the drive roller 57 as shown in FIG. The lower ends of the operating arms 59a and 59b are bent in a substantially arc shape toward the center as in the case of the upper ends, and the lower ends of the bent portions are provided in a support recess 61 of a support 60 described later. A pivotal support body 50 having a substantially Ω-shaped cross section that fits in is integrally projected.
The support portion 60 is a portion that rotatably supports the lower ends of the operating arms 59a and 59b, and a gap 67 that rotatably holds the cam 65 is provided at the center thereof. A bearing recess 61 is formed in both bearing parts 60. These support recesses 61 are substantially C-shaped recess grooves whose upper surfaces are open, and are formed as arc-shaped grooves having a diameter slightly larger than the outer diameter of the pivotal support body 50 of both the operating arms 59a and 59b. .
[0017]
A bush 63 made of a synthetic resin such as polyethylene and having a predetermined thickness is fitted inside a support recess 61 provided in the support portion 60. Then, by inserting the pivotal support body 50 of both operating arms 59a and 59b into the support recess 61 and fitting it inside the bush 63, the lower portions of both arms 59a and 59b are smooth in the support recess 61. It is supported so as to rotate.
In addition, cam contact portions 66 are integrally projected toward the center of the support portion 60 at the distal ends of the bent portions at the lower ends of the operating arms 59a and 59b, and the outer peripheral surface of the cam 65 abuts against these lower surfaces. An abutting surface 66a is formed (FIG. 4).
[0018]
A cam 65 having an outer peripheral shape as shown in FIG. 5 is fitted directly below the cam contact portion 66 of the operating arms 59a and 59b protruding toward the center of the support portion 60 so as to be pivotally supported. It is. The cam 65 is formed using a synthetic resin such as polyethylene and the like, and a support shaft 65a is horizontally passed through a predetermined portion of the side surface so as to be rotatable.
A mounting shaft 62 is fastened to both the operating arms 59a and 59b, and a coil spring 80 is hooked between the mounting shafts 62, and both operating arms 59a and 59b are utilized by utilizing the restoring force of the coil spring 80. The urging force is applied so that they approach each other (FIG. 4).
[0019]
In the belt conveyor A configured as described above, the cam 65 is operated when the belt 1 is removed. That is, a rod member 65c having an outer diameter or a plus driver or the like is appropriately inserted into a hole 65b formed in the outer periphery of the cam 65, and is rotated 90 ° in the forward direction. As a result, the cam 65 stops rotating while the outer peripheral surface of the cam 65 pushes up the contact surfaces 66a of the operating arms 59a and 59b and is in contact with the contact surfaces 66a of the operating arms 59a and 59b. .
[0020]
In this state, the uppermost level of the cam 65 moves upward by a predetermined amount against the urging force of the coil spring 80. As a result, both the operating arms 59a and 59b are expanded, and the distance between the two snap rollers 58a and 58b at the front end is larger than the outer diameter of the driving roller 57, that is, the belt 1 can be loosened and removed. (Figure 4 phantom line).
On the other hand, when the removed belt 1 is mounted, the cam 65 is turned 90 ° in the reverse direction, so that the urging force of the cam 65 is released and the two operating arms 59a, 59b and both snap rollers 58a, 58b are drawn again by the urging force of the coil spring 80, and return to the operating state shown in FIG. Therefore, the belt 1 can be easily attached and detached during maintenance work or the like.
[0021]
Next, the operation of the belt conveyor A configured as described above will be described.
FIG. 1 shows a line for branching a transported object h transported on a transport path a1 to a transport path a2 or a transport path a3 at a junction i at a central portion of the gap e. The transported object h transported from the transport path a1 toward the joining section i is placed on the start end of the transport path a2 when reaching the joining section i, and the transport direction is 90 °, that is, left in plan view in FIG. It is transported at a right angle toward. At this time, since the transported object h changes direction at a right angle without changing its direction at the junction i, the direction of the transported object h does not change between the transport path a1 and the transport path a2. By taking advantage of this function, for example, inspections that limit the directionality of goods can be performed smoothly by omitting the direction changing process.
Incidentally, the above-mentioned transported object h has various forms such as a bag other than the box-shaped one, and the direction of the transported object changes after the direction is changed due to factors such as mass and the position of the center of gravity. There is also.
[0022]
Next, in a state where the stopper f is protruded from the gap e of the joining portion i, the transported object h transported from the transport path a1 toward the joining portion i hits the stopper f and moves to the right side in FIG. It is carried on the starting end of the conveyance path a3 joined to the side surface of the end of the conveyance path a1. Thereby, sorting of the conveyed product h can be performed. Incidentally, the stopper f also serves as a guide for the conveyed product h.
The belt conveyor A described above can be conveyed from the conveyance path a2 to the conveyance path a1 by inverting the belt 1 by the drive unit d.
[0023]
Next, the belt conveyor A2 shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described.
As with the belt conveyor A described above, the belt conveyor A2 has three conveyance paths a1, a2, and a3 arranged in a substantially T shape in plan view, and a conveyed product conveyed from the conveyance paths a2 and a3 toward the junction i. This constitutes a merged line in which h is carried into the conveyance path a1 joined to the merge portion i.
FIG. 7 shows a substantially T-shaped transport path in plan view as shown in FIG. 6 in which the endless belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b ′ and the folding roller b in the same manner as the belt conveyor A described above. a1, a2, and a3 are configured.
[0024]
FIG. 7 shows the path followed by the belt 1 of the belt conveyor A2 in an appropriately disassembled state as in the case of FIG.
Next, the path of the belt 1 included in the belt conveyor A2 will be described in order toward the rotation direction, starting from the junction i of the transport paths a1, a2, and a3.
[0025]
The belt 1 that extends horizontally from the start end of the conveyance path a3, that is, the folding roller b8 toward the joining portion i, is wound around an inclined roller b′7 (overlapping expression) provided at the end on the joining portion i side. The direction of the belt 1 is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the plan view with reference to the traveling direction of the belt 1, and the roller 1 is extended to the roller b6 (overlapping expression) as it is, thereby forming a horizontal conveyance path a1. Incidentally, the transport path a1 is constituted by the back surface of the belt 1.
Folding is performed by a folding roller b6 (overlapping expression) on the conveying path a1, and further folded around a folding roller b5 (overlapping expression) installed parallel to the folding roller b6. The belt 1 from which the roller b5 is folded back is folded again by the folding roller b4 (overlapping expression). Immediately after that, the belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b′3 inclined at an angle of about 45 ° in plan view. The direction is changed in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plan view with respect to the traveling direction.
[0026]
The belt 1 that extends around the inclined roller b′3 is turned back by a turning roller b2 (overlapping expression) that is a starting end of the transport path a2, and the transport path a2 toward the junction i is configured horizontally. The belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b′1 of the junction part i to change the direction to a right angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1, and is further turned back by the turning roller b10. The belt 1 is turned around to change the direction in a substantially right angle in a plan view based on the traveling direction of the belt 1. Then, the belt 1 that has passed through the inclined roller b′9 reaches the folding roller b8 (overlapping expression) installed at the start end of the conveyance path a3.
[0027]
The operation of the belt conveyor A2 configured as described above will be described.
The transported object h transported from the starting end of the transport path a3 toward the joining part i contacts the stopper f protruding from the gap e when it reaches the joining part i, and moves along the slope of the stopper f. Then, it moves on the start end of the transport path a1.
The belt conveyor A2 is a hop-up stopper similar to the belt conveyor A described above. However, the stopper used in the joining portion is not limited to this, and is configured to push the transported object moved to the joining portion i to the starting end of the transportation path a1 using a pusher or the like. (Not shown).
[0032]
Further, in the belt conveyors A and A2 of the above-described embodiments, the inclination angle of the inclination roller is set to about 45 ° with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1, but the inclination angle of the inclination roller that determines the belt folding direction is 45 °. The inclination angle may be 45 ° or more or 45 ° or less as long as it is necessary for setting the folding angle of the belt 1 to an arbitrary angle.
[0033]
In the belt conveyors A and A2 , the belt is driven to rotate by a single drive unit. However, the belt conveyor of the present application may drive the belt using a plurality of drive units.
Further, lines formed by joining a plurality of the conveying path with a single endless belt, in addition to may be changed to any above-described plan view substantially T-shaped (sorting and merging type). For example, by extending the extension amount of the folding roller b10 of the belt conveyor A described above and connecting the end portion of the straight belt to the end portion thereof, it is also possible to configure a substantially cuboid line in plan view.
Further, the belt used in a belt conveyor of the present invention, foil in those limited to the reversible type that can use both sides as a carrier surface may be used single-sided type of belt normal. Moreover, since the level | step difference which arises in the junction part between conveyance path a1, a2, a3 can also be made small, it is optimal for especially the transfer of a small conveyed product.
[0034]
【The invention's effect】
Since the belt conveyor of the present invention is configured as described above, the inclined roller is installed at a predetermined angle, for example, 45 °, with respect to the belt traveling direction. When the belt is wound around the inclined roller, the belt is folded by extending the endless belt constituting the conveyance path at an angle corresponding to the inclination of the inclined roller, and a folding roller similar to the tail roller is used. It extends folded belt in a predetermined direction, by arranging a combination of the these folding rollers inclined rollers appropriately, three conveying path of which is connected to the flat Menshiryaku T-shaped, for example, one line from the two lines ( Sorting), and lines from 2 lines to 1 line (merging) can be constituted by one belt.
[0035]
Moreover, as a driving source, since installed a drive mechanism One machine can be rotated while synchronizing the conveyance path of the multiple.
Since a gap is provided at the junction between the ends of the conveyance path inclined by the inclined roller, and a stopper is installed so as to be able to protrude and retract from the gap, the conveyed product conveyed to the end of the conveyance path It is possible to reliably change the direction by the operation of the stopper to move in and out and the guide action, and to selectively move to an arbitrary conveyance path, which is particularly suitable for sorting the conveyed items.
[0036]
Since the belt conveyor according to claim 3 is configured to be reversible so that both the front and back surfaces of the endless belt can be used, even when the back surface is the top surface when folded around the inclined roller, the belt conveyor The back surface can be used as a transport surface. For this reason, belts that have a complicated setting of the number of folds and the extending direction by the inclined rollers and the folding rollers, such as a substantially T-shaped (three) conveyance path in plan view and a cross-shaped (four) conveyance path in plan view. Also in the conveyor, by using the back surface of the belt, the number of times of folding using the roller can be reduced and the conveyor can be configured relatively easily.
[0038]
Since the belt conveyor according to claim 4 is provided with a fixed shaft or a knife edge instead of the inclined roller and the folding roller at the joint portion of the conveyance path, the belt conveyor is replaced with a roller at a position where the belt is likely to be shaken. By installing a fixed shaft or knife edge that does not rotate, it is possible to effectively prevent runout that tends to occur in the belt width direction. In addition, at the knife edge, it is possible to smoothly transfer and the like when conveying small items.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a substantially T-shaped belt conveyor in plan view according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a front view showing the belt conveyor.
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a path followed by a belt.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal front view showing a drive unit.
FIG. 5 is a vertical side view of the drive unit.
FIG. 6 is a plan view showing a merging type belt conveyor.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the path followed by the belt of the belt conveyor in an exploded state.
8 is a diagram that constitutes the line of direction change using conventional belt conveyor, (a) represents, those constituted by joining the two sides of the belt conveyor having one end inclined, (b) is The top view which shows the line formed by installing a curve belt conveyor in the junction part of two straight conveyors arrange | positioned in substantially L shape.

Claims

One endless belt, an inclined roller that is installed by inclining the shaft core at a predetermined angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt in plan view, and an axial core with respect to the traveling direction of the belt in plan view. A belt conveyor comprising a folding roller installed at a substantially right angle and a drive mechanism for rotating the belt, and connecting a plurality of transport paths a1, a2, a3 in a substantially T shape in plan view, The belt has an inclined roller b ′ in which the belt 1 rising from the lower side of the gap e is inclined at about 45 ° in plan view, with the starting point being a gap e where the end of the conveying path a1 and the starting end of the conveying path a2 face each other. 1, the belt 1 is folded back at a substantially right angle in plan view with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1 as a reference, and the conveyance path a2 is formed. The belt 1 is turned to the folding roller b2 at the end of the conveyance path a2. Hanging Then, the belt 1 is folded back so as to make a U-turn, and the folded belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b'3, folded back at a right angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1, and then wound around the folding roller b4. The belt 1 that changes its direction of travel and extends from the folding roller b4 is turned around the folding roller b5 that is the starting end of the conveyance path a1 to change the direction, and is conveyed horizontally at a right angle to the conveyance path a2. Further, the belt 1 is provided at the end portion of the conveying path a1, and is wound around the inclined roller b'6 disposed close to and substantially parallel to the inclined roller b'1. The belt 1 constituting the converted horizontal conveyance path a3 and having passed through the inclined roller b′6 is folded at the end portion of the conveyance path a3 and is further wound around the roller b7 to make a U-turn. The belt 1 that is folded back 7 is folded back into a substantially square shape in side view by a folding roller b8 disposed in parallel with the folding roller b7, and the inclined roller b that is inclined at about 45 ° in plan view with respect to the traveling direction of the belt 1. The belt 1 is folded so as to be turned in a right-angle direction, and the belt 1 is folded on the folding roller b10 and folded substantially horizontally, and the folded belt 1 is then passed along the belt 1 path. Return to the starting inclined roller b'1, and further, a stopper f that also serves as a guide appears and disappears in the gap e between the ends of the conveying paths a2 and a1 inclined by the inclined rollers b'1 and b'6. A belt conveyor installed as possible.

One endless belt, an inclined roller that is installed by inclining the shaft core at a predetermined angle with respect to the traveling direction of the belt in plan view, and an axial core with respect to the traveling direction of the belt in plan view. A belt conveyor comprising a folding roller installed at a substantially right angle and a drive mechanism for rotating the belt, and connecting a plurality of transport paths a1, a2, a3 in a substantially T shape in plan view, The belt extends from a folding roller b8 positioned at the start end of the conveyance path a3 in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the roller, and is inclined to a tilting roller b′7 disposed at a predetermined angle with respect to the traveling direction. The belt 1 is turned around to change the traveling direction of the belt 1 in a substantially right-angle direction in plan view, and the belt 1 extends as it is to the folding roller b6 to form a conveyance path a1 and is further installed in parallel with the folding roller. The belt 1 is turned around the turning roller b5 to change the direction, and the folded belt 1 is turned back again by the turning roller b4. Thereafter, the belt 1 is wound around the inclined roller b′3 inclined at an angle of about 45 ° in plan view, The traveling direction of the belt is changed to a direction substantially perpendicular to the plan view, and the belt 1 is folded back by a folding roller b2 that is a starting end of the conveyance path a2 to form a conveyance path a2 that faces the conveyance path a3. The belt 1 is wound around an inclined roller b'1 disposed in parallel and close to the inclined roller b'7, and the traveling direction of the belt 1 is changed to a right angle direction. Further, the belt 1 is turned back by a turning roller b10, and then the inclined roller b The belt 1 is turned around to change the traveling direction of the belt 1 to a substantially perpendicular direction in plan view, and the changed belt is returned to the folding roller b8 disposed at the start end of the conveying path a3. Further, the inclined roller B'7, the clearance e is provided to the joint portion of the end portions of the conveying path a3, a2 inclined by b'1, made by installing a stopper f doubling as guides to the clearance e in retractably belt conveyor.

The belt conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the endless belt is configured to be reversible .

In place of the inclined roller or the folding roller at the joint of the conveyance path, a fixed shaft or The belt conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a knife edge.