WO2024204374A1 - Conveyor device and sorting conveyor device - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor device 1 comprises: a first drive pulley 5 that grips a first shaft part 20 provided to a central part of a first travel wheel 19A provided to a conveyance carriage 18 that cycles between a first conveyance path 3 and a second conveyance path 4, and that rotates so as to move the conveyance carriage 18 in an arcuate shape from the first conveyance path 3 to the second conveyance path 4; a synchronous pulley 6 that grips a second travel wheel 19B provided to the conveyance carriage 18, and that rotates synchronously at least with the first drive pulley 5 so as to move the conveyance carriage 18 in an arcuate shape from the first conveyance path 3 to the second conveyance path 4; and a second drive pulley 7 that grips a second shaft part 21 provided to a central part of a third travel wheel 19C provided to the conveyance carriage 18, and that rotates synchronously at least with the first drive pulley 5 so as to move the conveyance carriage 18 in an arcuate shape from the first conveyance path 3 to the second conveyance path 4.

Description

Conveyor system and sorting conveyor system

This disclosure relates to a conveyor device that transports items using a transport cart that circulates on a transport path provided above and below, and a sorting conveyor device that circulates multiple transport carts on a transport path provided above and below, and delivers the items placed on the multiple transport carts to a desired delivery section.

Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for circulating multiple transport carts without reversing them in a looped transport path that includes two straight paths arranged vertically. Sorting belts that are driven in a direction approximately perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport carts are wrapped around each of these transport carts, and items are placed on the transport surfaces of these sorting belts for transport. While the transport carts are moved along the transport path, the sorting belts are driven at predetermined positions on the transport path, thereby carrying the transported items to the side of the transport path for sorting. In addition, this sorting conveyor device is provided with a pair of sprocket wheels at each of the front and rear ends (head and tail). A pair of endless drive timing belts are wrapped around each of these sprocket wheels, and the looped transport path is formed by these drive timing belts. In this technology, when the transport cart moves from the outbound path (straight path provided on the upper level) to the return path (straight path provided on the lower level), the shaft of the guide roller (first guide roller) provided at the end on the leading edge of the transport cart in the direction of movement, and the shaft of the guide roller (second guide roller) provided at the end diagonally opposite the first guide roller at the trailing edge of the transport cart in the direction of movement, are each supported by different drive timing belts. In addition, the guide roller (third guide roller) provided at the end on the leading edge of the transport cart on the same side as the second guide roller is guided by a guide rail.

Furthermore, when the transport cart moves from the return path to the forward path, the shaft of the first guide roller and the shaft of the second guide roller are supported by the drive timing belt, and the guide roller (fourth guide roller) provided at the end on the same side as the first guide roller at the rear end of the transport cart is guided by the guide rail.

Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-148201

However, when a transport cart equipped with four guide rollers (hereafter referred to as running wheels) moves from the forward path to the return path, or when the transport cart moves from the return path to the forward path, i.e., when the transport cart moves vertically up and down off the straight path that supports the transport cart with two running wheels on each side, the running wheels that pass through the guide rail run on the guide rail without being fixed to the drive timing belt. The two endless drive timing belts are reversed between the forward and return paths by two sprockets wrapped around the head and tail. However, in order to prevent the top and bottom of the transport cart from being reversed between the forward and return paths, the central axes of the sprockets on each drive timing belt side are offset by exactly the horizontal distance between the first guide roller and the second guide roller. In this case, the number of running wheels fixed to the drive timing belt is two of the four running wheels that are diagonally opposite the transport cart that has an axle, and the transport cart is supported at only two points. This causes the transport cart to become unstable, particularly when the transport cart is exactly halfway between the outbound and inbound directions, i.e., when the transport cart moves vertically downward, the central axes of the diagonally-spaced first and second guide rollers do not deviate in the direction of travel of the drive timing belt, but when the third guide roller slides along the guide rail and there is a gap between the third guide roller and the guide rail, the third guide roller can move significantly up and down the guide rail. Therefore, the transport cart tilts significantly, increasing the degree to which it becomes unstable. When the transport cart becomes unstable, there is a risk that the object placed on the transport cart will fall off the transport cart.

One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a technology that can improve the stability of a transport cart, at least when the transport cart moves vertically up and down, in a conveyor device that transports items using a transport cart that circulates along a transport path provided above and below, and a sorting conveyor device that delivers items placed on the transport cart to a desired delivery section.

A first aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device. The conveyor device includes a first conveying path provided in an upper stage, and a second conveying path provided in a lower stage of the first conveying path and moving in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first conveying path. The conveyor device also includes a first drive pulley that is provided at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path and the second conveying path and on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a first shaft portion provided in the center of the first conveying wheel corresponding to the front in the moving direction of the first conveying path out of two running wheels provided on one side of a conveying cart that circulates between the first conveying path and the second conveying path, to wrap a first toothed belt around the first drive pulley, and rotates to move the conveying cart in an arc from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. Furthermore, the conveyor device is provided with a synchronous pulley, which is provided on one side and is arranged a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first and second conveying paths relative to the first drive pulley, has a second gear shape that is capable of gripping the outer shape of a second running wheel that corresponds to the rear of the first conveying path in the movement direction of the two running wheels provided on one side of the conveying cart, and rotates in synchronization with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the conveying cart in an arc from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. Furthermore, the conveyor device is provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second transport paths, and is provided at the same position as the synchronous pulley in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a second shaft portion provided at the center of a third running wheel that is diagonally opposite the first running wheel out of two running wheels provided on the other side of the transport cart, to wrap the second toothed belt around it, and is provided with a second drive pulley that rotates at least synchronously with the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path.

A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device having the features of the first aspect and further comprising the following: The predetermined amount is a distance away from a center of the first drive pulley. The specified distance is a distance from a center of the first running wheel to a center of the second running wheel.

The third aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device that has the following characteristics in addition to those of the first aspect: The second gear shape has a length that is equal to or greater than the radius of the second running wheel provided on the transport cart, the difference between the pitch circle diameter of the synchronous pulley and the root circle diameter of the synchronous pulley.

The fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device having the following features in addition to those of the first aspect. The conveyor device further includes a first drive sprocket that rotates when driven by a drive motor, a first driven sprocket around which a first interlocking timing belt is wound together with the first drive sprocket and that rotates in conjunction with the first drive sprocket, a second driven sprocket around which a second interlocking timing belt is wound together with the first drive sprocket and that rotates in conjunction with the first drive sprocket, a second drive sprocket that rotates when driven by the drive motor or another drive motor that drives in synchronization with the drive motor, and a third driven sprocket around which a third interlocking timing belt is wound together with the second drive sprocket and that rotates in conjunction with the second drive sprocket. The first drive pulley rotates in conjunction with the first driven sprocket. The synchronous pulley rotates in conjunction with the second driven sprocket. The second drive pulley rotates in conjunction with the third driven sprocket.

A fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device having the following features in addition to any one of the first to fourth aspects. The conveyor device further includes a first guide rail that is provided at the first end and on the other side and that guides, in an arc shape, a fourth running wheel that corresponds to the front in the moving direction of the first conveying path, of the two running wheels provided on the other side of the conveying cart, from the first conveying path to the second conveying path.

A sixth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device having the following features in addition to the fifth aspect. The conveyor device further includes a first driven pulley that is provided at a second end and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path and the second conveying path, has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a second shaft portion to wrap the second toothed belt around it, and rotates in conjunction with at least the second driving pulley so as to move the conveying cart in an arc from the second conveying path to the first conveying path. The conveyor device further includes a second driven pulley that is provided on one side, is disposed a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path and the second conveying path with respect to the first driven pulley, has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a first shaft portion to wrap the first toothed belt around it, and rotates in conjunction with at least the first driving pulley so as to move the conveying cart in an arc from the second conveying path to the first conveying path. Furthermore, the conveyor device further includes a second guide rail provided at the second end and one side, and guiding the second running wheel in an arc from the second conveying path to the first conveying path.

The seventh aspect of the present disclosure relates to a conveyor device having the following characteristics in addition to the sixth aspect: The conveyor device further includes a driven synchronous pulley that is provided on the other side at the same position as the second driven pulley, has a second gear shape capable of gripping the outer shape of the fourth running wheel, and rotates in conjunction with at least the second drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the second transport path to the first transport path.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sorting conveyor device having a conveyor device, an input conveyor device for inputting the transported objects, and an output conveyor device for outputting the transported objects. The conveyor device in the sorting conveyor device includes a first transport path provided in an upper stage, and a second transport path provided in a lower stage of the first transport path and moving in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the first transport path. The conveyor device also includes a first drive pulley which is provided at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the first and second conveying paths and on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second conveying paths, has a first gear shape capable of wrapping around a first toothed belt by fitting a first shaft portion provided at the center of a first running wheel corresponding to the front in the movement direction of the first conveying path, of two running wheels provided on one side of a conveying cart that circulates between the first and second conveying paths, and rotates to move the conveying cart in an arc from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. Furthermore, the conveyor device is provided with a synchronous pulley, which is provided on one side and is positioned a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first and second conveying paths relative to the first drive pulley, has a second gear shape that is capable of gripping the outer shape of a second running wheel that corresponds to the rear of the first conveying path in the movement direction of the two running wheels provided on one side of the conveying cart, and rotates in synchronization with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the conveying cart in an arc from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. Furthermore, the conveyor device is provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first and second transport paths, and is provided at the same position as the synchronous pulley in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal direction, and has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a second shaft portion provided at the center of a third running wheel that is diagonally opposite the first running wheel out of two running wheels provided on the other side of the transport cart, to allow the second toothed belt to be wound around the second running wheel, and is provided with a second drive pulley that rotates at least synchronously with the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path.

The ninth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a sorting conveyor device that has the following features in addition to the eighth aspect: The transport cart has a sorting belt that is looped around a portion on which the transported items are placed and is driven in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the transport direction of the transport cart.

The technology disclosed herein makes it possible to improve the stability of the transport cart when it moves vertically up and down.

1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a conveyor device according to a first embodiment; FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a conveyor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a conveyor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of an arrangement of synchronous pulleys in the conveyor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration example of a synchronous pulley in the conveyor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of a configuration example of a synchronous pulley in the conveyor device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a conveyor device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a conveyor device according to a third embodiment.

The conveyor device and sorting conveyor device according to the embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In addition, elements common to each drawing will be given the same reference numerals and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

1. First embodiment
1-1. Example of the configuration of the conveyor device Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, Fig. 1(A) is a top view of the conveyor device 1, and Fig. 1(B) is a side view of the conveyor device 1. More specifically, Fig. 1(B) is a right side view of the conveyor device 1. The dashed line portion shown in Fig. 1(A) indicates components that cannot be seen from the top, and the dashed line portion shown in Fig. 1(B) indicates components that cannot be seen from the right side. Based on this, the example of the configuration of the conveyor device 1 will be described below.

The conveyor device 1 is composed of a base unit, a mechanism unit, and a transport unit. The base unit includes a frame 2, a plurality of first supports 27A, and a plurality of second supports 27B. The frame 2 includes an upper frame 2A and a lower frame 2B. The first supports 27 are supports that hold the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 2B, and are provided between the upper frame 2A and the lower frame 2B. The second supports 27B are supports that hold the lower frame 2B and the ground (floor), and are provided between the lower frame 2B and the ground (floor).

Furthermore, a first transport path 3 is provided on the upper frame 2A, and a second transport path 4 is provided on the lower frame 2B. The first transport path 3 is a transport path along which the transport cart 18 travels on the upper level. In other words, the second transport path 4 is provided below the first transport path 3, and is a transport path along which the transport cart 18 travels in the opposite direction to the movement direction of the first transport path 3. Note that a straight path is exemplified as the transport path.

The mechanism includes a drive unit and a driven unit. First, the drive unit will be described. The drive unit includes a first drive pulley 5, a synchronous pulley 6, and a second drive pulley 7. The first drive pulley 5 is disposed at a first end in the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4, and at one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4. The first end is an end corresponding to the front of the first conveying path 3 along which the conveying cart 18 travels. The first drive pulley 5 has a rotation mechanism, and is a part that grips the conveying cart 18 when the conveying cart 18 moves from the first conveying path 3 to the second conveying path 4. Furthermore, the first drive pulley 5 is also a part that drives the first toothed belt 22A that is wound around the first drive pulley 5 by rotating the first drive pulley 5.

Specifically, the first drive pulley 5 is connected to the first driven sprocket 10A and rotates in conjunction with the first driven sprocket 10A. The first driven sprocket 10A, which is the power source for driving and rotating the first drive pulley 5, has a first interlocking timing belt 11A wound around it together with the first drive sprocket 9 and rotates in conjunction with the first drive sprocket 9. The first drive sprocket 9, which is the power source for driving and rotating the first driven sprocket 10A, is connected to a first drive motor (not shown) and rotates when the first drive motor is driven.

As a result, when the first drive motor is driven, the first drive sprocket 9 and the first driven sprocket 10A rotate in conjunction with each other, thereby rotating the first drive pulley 5. The first drive motor may be mounted inside the first drive sprocket 9 or outside the first drive sprocket 9.

The synchronous pulley 6 is provided on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4, and is positioned a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4 relative to the first drive pulley 5. The predetermined amount means a specified distance away from the center of the first drive pulley 5. Details of the specified distance will be described later. The synchronous pulley 6 has a rotation mechanism, and is a part for gripping the transport cart 18 when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4.

Specifically, the synchronous pulley 6 is connected to the second driven sprocket 10B and rotates in conjunction with the second driven sprocket 10B. The second driven sprocket 10B, which is the power source for driving and rotating the synchronous pulley 6, has a second interlocking timing belt 11B wound around it together with the first driving sprocket 9 and rotates in conjunction with the first driving sprocket 9. The first driving sprocket 9, which is the power source for driving and rotating the second driven sprocket 10B, is connected to the first driving motor (not shown) described above and rotates when the first driving motor is driven.

As a result, when the first drive motor is driven, the first drive sprocket 9 and the second driven sprocket 10B rotate in unison, allowing the synchronous pulley 6 to rotate.

The second drive pulley 7 is disposed at the same position as the synchronous pulley 6 on the other side in the direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4. The second drive pulley 7 has a rotation mechanism, and is a component for gripping the transport cart 18 when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4. Furthermore, the second drive pulley 7 is also a component for driving the second toothed belt 22B looped around the second drive pulley 7 by driving the second drive pulley 7 to rotate.

The second drive pulley 7 is connected to a third driven sprocket 13 and rotates in conjunction with the third driven sprocket 13. The third driven sprocket 13, which is the power source for driving and rotating the second drive pulley 7, has a third interlocking timing belt 14 wound around it together with the second drive sprocket 12, and rotates in conjunction with the second drive sprocket 12. The second drive sprocket 12, which is the power source for driving and rotating the third driven sprocket 13, is connected to a second drive motor (not shown), and rotates when the second drive motor is driven.

As a result, when the second drive motor is driven, the second drive sprocket 12 and the third driven sprocket 13 rotate in conjunction with each other, thereby rotating the second drive pulley 7. The second drive motor may be mounted inside the second drive sprocket 12 or outside the second drive sprocket 12. When the second drive motor is mounted outside the second drive sprocket 12, the second drive motor may be the first drive motor described above or a motor separate from the first drive motor. When the second drive motor is mounted outside the second drive sprocket 12 and is a motor separate from the first drive motor, a motor that drives in synchronization with the first drive motor is used as the second drive motor.

Next, the driven part included in the mechanism will be described. The driven part includes a first driven pulley 15 and a second driven pulley 16. The first driven pulley 15 is disposed at the second end of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4 in the longitudinal direction, and at the other side in the direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4. The second end is the end corresponding to the rear of the first conveying path 3 along which the conveying cart 18 travels. In other words, the second end is the end located opposite to the first end described above. The first driven pulley 15 has a rotation mechanism and is a part for gripping the conveying cart 18 when the conveying cart 18 moves from the second conveying path 4 to the first conveying path 3. Furthermore, the first driven pulley 15 is also a part that operates the second toothed belt 22B wrapped around the first driven pulley 15 by the rotation of the first driven pulley 15.

Specifically, the first driven pulley 15 has the second toothed belt 22B wound around it together with the second drive pulley 7, and rotates in conjunction with the second drive pulley 7. As a result, when the second drive pulley 7 is driven to rotate, the second toothed belt 22B wound around the second drive pulley 7 operates in conjunction with the drive rotation of the second drive pulley 7, making it possible to rotate the first driven pulley 15.

The second driven pulley 16 is provided on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4, and is positioned a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4 with respect to the first driven pulley 15. The predetermined amount means a specified distance from the center of the first driven pulley 15. Details of the specified distance will be described later. The second driven pulley 16 has a rotation mechanism and is a part for gripping the conveying cart 18 when the conveying cart 18 moves from the second conveying path 4 to the first conveying path 3. Furthermore, the second driven pulley 16 is also a part that operates the first toothed belt 22A wrapped around the second driven pulley 16 by rotating the second driven pulley 16.

Specifically, the second driven pulley 16 has the first toothed belt 22A wound around it together with the first drive pulley 5, and rotates in conjunction with the first drive pulley 5. As a result, when the first drive pulley 5 is driven to rotate, the first toothed belt 22A wound around the first drive pulley 5 operates in conjunction with the drive rotation of the first drive pulley 5, thereby making it possible to rotate the second driven pulley 16.

Next, the transport section included in the conveyor device 1 will be described. The transport section includes a plurality of transport carriages 18, a first upper running rail 23A, a second upper running rail 23B, a first lower running rail 23C, a second lower running rail 23D, a first guide rail 8, and a second guide rail 17. The first upper running rail 23A and the second upper running rail 23B are provided on both sides of the first transport path 3 in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The first lower running rail 23C and the second lower running rail 23D are provided on both sides of the second transport path 4 in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The transport carriage 18 is a moving body that circulates between the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4 to transport the transported object 24 to the destination.

The transport cart 18 also has four running wheels. Specifically, the transport cart 18 includes a first running wheel 19A provided on one side of the transport cart 18 below the cart frame supporting the sorting drive unit, a second running wheel 19B provided on one side of the transport cart 18, a third running wheel 19C provided on the other side of the transport cart 18 and diagonally connected to the first running wheel 19A, and a fourth running wheel 19D provided on the other side of the transport cart 18 and diagonally connected to the second running wheel 19B. Note that one side of the transport cart 18 means one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4. Also, the other side of the transport cart 18 means the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4.

When the transport cart 18 travels along the first transport path 3, the first and second running wheels 19A and 19B travel along the first upper running rail 23A provided on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3, and the third and fourth running wheels 19C and 19D travel along the second upper running rail 23B provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3. On the other hand, when the transport cart 18 travels along the second transport path 4, the first and second running wheels 19A and 19B travel along the first lower running rail 23C provided on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second transport path 4, and the third and fourth running wheels 19C and 19D travel along the second lower running rail 23D provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second transport path 4.

Furthermore, the transport cart 18 has a first shaft portion 20 provided at the center of the first running wheel 19A, and a second shaft portion 21 provided at the center of the third running wheel 19C. The transport cart 18 runs with the first shaft portion 20 fitted into the first toothed belt 22A located in the respective gaps between the outermost frame material of the frame 2 and the first upper running rail 23A, and between the outermost frame material of the frame 2 and the first lower running rail 23C, and runs with the second shaft portion 21 fitted into the second toothed belt 22B located in the respective gaps between the outermost frame material of the frame 2 and the second upper running rail 23B, and between the outermost frame material of the frame 2 and the second lower running rail 23D. When the transport cart 18 moves vertically downward from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, or when the transport cart 18 moves upward from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, the transport cart 18 is supported by at least the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 21 being held by the above-mentioned mechanism. Details of the state when the transport cart 18 is held by the mechanism will be described later.

The first guide rail 8 is disposed at the first end of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4 in the longitudinal direction, and at the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4. The first guide rail 8 has a structure capable of guiding the fourth running wheel 19D of the transport cart 18 in an arc shape from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4.

The second guide rail 17 is disposed at the second end in the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4, and on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path 3 and the second transport path 4. The second guide rail 17 has a structure capable of guiding the second running wheel 19B of the transport cart 18 in an arc shape from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3.

1-2. Specific Example 1-2-1. First Example of When the Transporting Carriage is Gripped by the Mechanical Section FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of when the transporting cart 18 is gripped by the mechanical section when the transporting cart 18 moves vertically downward. FIG. 2(A) is a top view showing a state before the transporting cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, and FIG. 2(B) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2(A). FIG. 2(C) is a top view showing a state when the transporting cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, and FIG. 2(D) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2(C). Furthermore, FIG. 2(E) is a top view showing a state after the transporting cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, and FIG. 2(F) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 2(E). Details of each case will be described below.

2(A) and 2(B), the first shaft 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A is gripped by the first driving pulley 5, the second running wheel 19B is gripped by the synchronous pulley 6, and the second shaft 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C is gripped by the second driving pulley 7. Therefore, the first shaft 20 moves with the rotation of the first driving pulley 5, the second running wheel 19B moves with the rotation of the synchronous pulley 6, and the second shaft 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C moves with the second driving pulley 7. On the other hand, the fourth running wheel 19D is not gripped by any of the components of the mechanism. In other words, before the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the transport cart 18 is supported at least at three points, the first shaft 20, the second running wheel 19B, and the second shaft 21.

2(C) and 2(D) show an example in which the positions of all the running wheels provided on the transport cart 18 have been transferred to the mechanism. In this case, the first shaft portion 20 is held by the first driving pulley 5 and moves with the rotation of the first driving pulley 5. The second running wheel 19B is held by the synchronous pulley 6 and moves with the rotation of the synchronous pulley 6. The second shaft portion 21 is held by the second driving pulley 7 and moves with the rotation of the second driving pulley 7. More specifically, the first shaft portion 20 is held by being fitted between the first driving pulley 5 and the first toothed belt 22A, and the second shaft portion 21 is held by being fitted between the second driving pulley 7 and the second toothed belt 22B.

On the other hand, the fourth running wheel 19D is not held by any of the components of the mechanism, but runs on a running rail (not shown) provided on the first guide rail 8. However, the fourth running wheel 19D guided by the first guide rail 8 moves together with the second running wheel 19B, the first shaft portion 20, and the second shaft portion 21 held by the mechanism, and therefore does not move while remaining in contact with the running rail provided on the first guide rail 8. Therefore, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the transport cart 18 is supported at three points: the second running wheel 19B, the first shaft portion 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A, and the second shaft portion 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C.

2(E) and 2(F) show the state in which the positions of all the running wheels provided on the transport cart 18 are transferred from the mechanism to the second transport path 4. In this case, the first running wheel 19A and the second running wheel 19B are both located on the first lower running rail 23C, and the third running wheel 19C and the fourth running wheel 19D are both located on the second lower running rail 23D. Therefore, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the transport cart 18 is supported at four points, the first running wheel 19A, the second running wheel 19B, the third running wheel 19C, and the fourth running wheel 19D. The first shaft portion 20 is held by the first toothed belt 22A, and the second shaft portion 21 is held by the second toothed belt 22B. In this state, the transport cart 18 travels on the second transport path 4.

In this way, according to the conveyor device 1 of embodiment 1, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the first shaft portion 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A is fitted into the first driving pulley 5, the second running wheel 19B is fitted into the synchronous pulley 6, and the second shaft portion 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C is fitted into the second driving pulley 7. Furthermore, the conveyor device 1 rotates the first driving pulley 5, the synchronous pulley 6, and the second driving pulley 7 in synchronization so that the transport cart 18 moves in an arc from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4. As a result, when the transport cart 18 moves vertically downward, the transport cart 18 is supported at least at three points. Therefore, it is possible to improve the stability of the transport cart 18.

1-2-2. Second Example of When the Transporting Carriage is Gripped by the Mechanism Section FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of when the transporting cart 18 is gripped by the mechanism section when the transporting cart 18 moves upward. FIG. 3(A) is a top view showing a state before the transporting cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, and FIG. 3(B) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3(A). FIG. 3(C) is a top view showing a state when the transporting cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, and FIG. 3(D) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3(C). Furthermore, FIG. 3(E) is a top view showing a state after the transporting cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, and FIG. 3(F) is a side view corresponding to FIG. 3(E). Details of each case will be described below.

3(A) and 3(B) show the state before the positions of all the running wheels provided on the transport cart 18 traveling on the second transport path 4 are transferred to the mechanism. In this case, the first running wheel 19A and the second running wheel 19B are both located on the first lower running rail 23C, and the third running wheel 19C and the fourth running wheel 19D are both located on the second lower running rail 23D. Therefore, before the transport cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, the transport cart 18 is supported at four points, the first running wheel 19A, the second running wheel 19B, the third running wheel 19C, and the fourth running wheel 19D. The first shaft portion 20 is held by the first toothed belt 22A, and the second shaft portion 21 is held by the second toothed belt 22B.

In the example shown in FIG. 3(C) and FIG. 3(D), the positions of all the running wheels provided on the transport cart 18 are shown to have been transferred to the mechanism. In this case, the second shaft portion 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C is gripped by the first driven pulley 15 and moves with the rotation of the first driven pulley 15. The first shaft portion 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A is gripped by the second driven pulley 16 and moves with the rotation of the second driven pulley 16. More specifically, the second shaft portion 21 is fitted and gripped between the first driven pulley 15 and the second toothed belt 22B, and the first shaft portion 20 is fitted and gripped between the second driven pulley 16 and the first toothed belt 22A.

On the other hand, the second running wheel 19B and the fourth running wheel 19D are not held by any of the components of the mechanism. However, the second running wheel 19B runs on a running rail (not shown) provided on the second guide rail 17. However, the second running wheel 19B guided by the second guide rail 17 moves together with the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 21 held by the mechanism, and therefore does not move while remaining in contact with the running rail provided on the second guide rail 17. Therefore, when the transport cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, the transport cart 18 is supported at two points: the second shaft portion 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C and the first shaft portion 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A.

3(E) and 3(F) show the state in which the positions of the first running wheel 19A and the fourth running wheel 19D are transferred from the mechanism to the first conveying path 3. In this case, the positions of the first running wheel 19A and the second running wheel 19B are both located on the first upper running rail 23A, and the positions of the third running wheel 19C and the fourth running wheel 19D are both located on the second upper running rail 23B. Therefore, when the conveying cart 18 moves from the second conveying path 4 to the first conveying path 3, the conveying cart 18 is supported at four points, the first running wheel 19A, the second running wheel 19B, the third running wheel 19C, and the fourth running wheel 19D. The first shaft portion 20 is held by the first toothed belt 22A, and the second shaft portion 21 is held by the second toothed belt 22B. In this state, the conveying cart 18 travels on the first conveying path 3.

In this way, according to the conveyor device 1 of the first embodiment, when the transport cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, the second shaft portion 21 provided on the third running wheel 19C is fitted into the first driven pulley 15, and the first shaft portion 20 provided on the first running wheel 19A is fitted into the second driven pulley 16. Furthermore, in the conveyor device 1, the first driven pulley 15 rotates in synchronization with the second driving pulley 7 and the second driven pulley 16 rotates in synchronization with the first driving pulley 5 so that the transport cart 18 moves in an arc from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3. As a result, when the transport cart 18 moves upward, the transport cart 18 is supported at least at two points. It is also possible to support the transport cart 18 at three points. Details of this method will be explained in the second embodiment shown below.

1-2-3. Example of synchronous pulley arrangement Figure 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the arrangement of the synchronous pulley 6 in the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. As described above, the synchronous pulley 6 is arranged with a predetermined amount of deviation toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4 with respect to the first driving pulley 5, and the predetermined amount is a distance away from the center of the first driving pulley 5 by a specified distance. Here, the specified distance is considered. When the conveying cart 18 is moved in an arc from the first conveying path 3 to the second conveying path 4, the synchronous pulley 6 is required to be arranged with respect to the first driving pulley 5 so as to be able to grip the conveying cart 18 so as to maintain the posture of the conveying cart 18 in parallel.

To achieve this, as shown in FIG. 4, the distance D1 between the center of the first drive pulley 5 and the center of the synchronous pulley 6 must be the same as the distance D2 from the center of the first running wheel 19A on the transport carriage 18 to the center of the second running wheel 19B on the transport carriage 18. In other words, the specified distance refers to the distance D2.

Thus, according to the conveyor device 1 of embodiment 1, the synchronous pulley 6 is positioned at a distance D2 from the first drive pulley 5. As a result, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the transport cart 18 can be moved while maintaining its posture parallel and supported at three points. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the transport cart 18.

As mentioned above, the second driven pulley 16 is also positioned with a predetermined offset toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4 relative to the first driven pulley 15, and the predetermined amount is a specified distance away from the center of the first driven pulley 15. In this case, the specified distance is also distance D2. As a result, when the conveying cart 18 moves from the second conveying path 4 to the first conveying path 3, it is possible to move the conveying cart 18 while maintaining its posture parallel.

1-2-4. Example of Synchronous Pulley Configuration Consider the configuration of the first driving pulley 5, the synchronizing pulley 6, the second driving pulley 7, the first driven pulley 15, and the second driven pulley 16 included in the mechanism. Each of the mechanism has a gear-shaped structure. The gears of the first driving pulley 5, the second driving pulley 7, the first driven pulley 15, and the second driven pulley 16 all have a first gear shape. On the other hand, the gear of the synchronizing pulley 6 has a second gear shape that is different from the first gear shape. The first gear shape and the second gear shape will be described in detail below.

The first gear shape is a shape that allows the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 21 of the transport cart 18 to be fitted into the gap between two adjacent teeth. On the other hand, the second gear shape is a shape that allows the outer shape of the running wheels of the transport cart 18 to be gripped into the gap between two adjacent teeth. In other words, the first gear shape has a structure that allows the first shaft portion 20 to be fitted into and the first toothed belt 22A to be wound around it. Also, the first gear shape has a structure that allows the second shaft portion 21 to be fitted into and the second toothed belt 22B to be wound around it. On the other hand, the second gear shape has a structure that allows the outer shape of the first running wheel 19A, the outer shape of the second running wheel 19B, the outer shape of the third running wheel 19C, and the outer shape of the fourth running wheel 19D to be gripped around it.

With this in mind, the configuration of the second gear shape in the synchronous pulley 6 will be explained in detail below.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the configuration of the synchronous pulley 6 in the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 5(A), the second running wheel 19B is fitted and held in the gap between two adjacent teeth on the synchronous pulley 6. However, the synchronous pulley 6 is configured such that a toothed timing belt is not wound around it. In this case, the following is assumed.

For example, when the state of the second running wheel 19B held by the synchronous pulley 6 transitions from the state shown in FIG. 5(A) to the state shown in FIG. 5(B) and then to the state shown in FIG. 5(C), that is, when the position of the second running wheel 19B becomes lower than the reference line BL indicating the horizontal axis center line of the synchronous pulley 6, the second running wheel 19B held by the synchronous pulley 6 will separate from the synchronous pulley 6. In this case, the transport cart 18 is supported at only two points, the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 21.

However, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, the transport cart 18 may become unstable when the position of the second running wheel 19B is higher than the reference line BL. Therefore, if the second running wheel 19B is gripped by the synchronous pulley 6 when the position of the second running wheel 19B is higher than the reference line BL, the stability of the transport cart 18 is maintained.

Depending on the shape of the second gear of the synchronous pulley 6, if the position of the second running wheel 19B is lower than the reference line BL, it is possible to delay the timing at which the second running wheel 19B gripped by the synchronous pulley 6 separates from the synchronous pulley 6. Details of the second gear shape of the synchronous pulley 6 for achieving this will be described later.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a specific example of the configuration of the synchronous pulley 6 in the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment. The second gear shape of the synchronous pulley 6 is configured so that the difference (distance D5) between distance D3 indicating the length of the pitch circle diameter (P.C.D.: Pitch Circle Diameter) of the synchronous pulley 6 and distance D4 indicating the length of the tooth root circle diameter of the synchronous pulley 6 is equal to or greater than the length (distance D6) of the radius of the second running wheel 19B of the transport cart 18.

In this way, in the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the position of the second running wheel 19B is higher than the reference line BL, i.e., when the transport cart 18 is in an unstable state, the second running wheel 19B is gripped by the synchronous pulley 6. Furthermore, in the conveyor device 1 according to the first embodiment, when the position of the second running wheel 19B is lower than the reference line BL, i.e., when the second running wheel 19B gripped by the synchronous pulley 6 moves away from the synchronous pulley 6, the time during which the second running wheel 19B moves away from the synchronous pulley 6 becomes longer. As a result, when the transport cart 18 moves from the first transport path 3 to the second transport path 4, i.e., when the transport cart 18 moves vertically downward, the time during which the transport cart 18 is supported at three points can be lengthened. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the stability of the transport cart 18.

Furthermore, according to the conveyor device 1 of embodiment 1, when the transport cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, the first driven pulley 15 rotates in synchronization with the second driving pulley 7 so as to move the transport cart 18 in an arc from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3. Also, the second driven pulley 16 rotates in synchronization with the first driving pulley 5. In this case, the transport cart 18 is supported at two points, the first shaft portion 20 and the second shaft portion 21.

2. Second embodiment
7 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of the conveyor device 1A according to the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 7, the conveyor device 1 further includes a driven synchronous pulley 40 in the driven part included in the mechanism part. The driven synchronous pulley 40 is provided on the other side of the direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4, and is arranged with a predetermined amount of deviation toward the center side of the longitudinal direction of the first conveying path 3 and the second conveying path 4 with respect to the first driven pulley 15. The predetermined amount is a distance that is a specified distance (distance D2) away from the center of the first driven pulley 15. In other words, the driven synchronous pulley 40 is arranged at the same position as the second driven pulley 16. The driven synchronous pulley 40 has a rotation mechanism and is a part for gripping the conveying cart 18 when the conveying cart 18 moves from the second conveying path 4 to the first conveying path 3.

According to the conveyor device 1 of embodiment 2, when the transport cart 18 moves from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3, it is supported at three points on the transport cart 18: the first shaft portion 20, the second shaft portion 21, and the fourth running wheel 19D. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the transport cart 18 even when the transport cart 18 moves upward from the second transport path 4 to the first transport path 3.

3. Third embodiment
Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a sorting conveyor apparatus 1B according to embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 8, the sorting conveyor apparatus 1B further includes an input conveyor apparatus 25 and an output conveyor apparatus 26 in the transport section of the conveyor apparatus 1 according to embodiment 1 or the conveyor apparatus 1A according to embodiment 2.

The input conveyor device 25 is a device having a conveyor function for inputting the transported object 24 so as to place the transported object 24 on the transport cart 18 traveling on the first transport path 3. The input conveyor device 25 is provided, for example, at a predetermined position on the first transport path 3.

The discharge conveyor device 26 is a device having a conveyor function for discharging the transported object 24 placed on the transport cart 18 traveling on the second transport path 4. The discharge conveyor device 26 is provided, for example, at a predetermined position on the second transport path 4. The discharge conveyor device 26 may also be a device simply having a chute structure. The positions and numbers of the input conveyor device 25 and the discharge conveyor device 26 are set appropriately.

In addition, a sorting belt that is driven in a direction that is horizontally perpendicular to the conveying direction of the conveying cart 18 is wrapped around each of the multiple conveying carts 18 in the sorting conveyor device 1B. Specifically, the sorting belt is wrapped around a portion of the conveying cart 18 where the conveyed object 24 is placed, and the conveyed object 24 is placed on the conveying surface of the sorting belt. Then, while moving the conveying cart 18 along the first conveying path 3 or the second conveying path 4, the sorting belt is driven to a predetermined position on the conveying path, whereby the conveyed object 24 is carried out to the side of the conveying path.

In addition, instead of a sorting belt, a roller conveyor may be used that uses multiple parallel, synchronously operable drive rollers to sort the transported items 24. In this case, while moving the transport cart 18 along the first transport path 3 or the second transport path 4, multiple drive rollers are driven to a predetermined position on the transport path, thereby transporting the transported items 24 to the side of the transport path. Also, instead of a sorting belt, an inclined conveyor may be used that sorts the transported items 24 by providing a mechanism that can incline the surface on which the transported items 24 are placed.

According to the sorting conveyor device 1B of the third embodiment, the transported items 24 input into the input conveyor device 25 are placed on the transport cart 18, and the transported items 24 are delivered to the destination output conveyor device 26. This makes it possible to sort the transported items 24 in addition to achieving the effects of the first and second embodiments described above.

1, 1A... conveyor device, 1B... sorting conveyor device, 2... frame, 2A... upper frame, 2B... lower frame, 3... first conveyor path, 4... second conveyor path, 5... first driving pulley, 6... synchronous pulley, 7... second driving pulley, 8... first guide rail, 9... first driving sprocket, 10A... first driven sprocket, 10B... second driven sprocket, 11A... first interlocking timing belt, 11B... second interlocking timing belt, 12... second driving sprocket, 13... third driven sprocket, 14... third interlocking timing belt, 15... first driven pulley, 1 6...second driven pulley, 17...second guide rail, 18...transport cart, 19A...first running wheel, 19B...second running wheel, 19C...third running wheel, 19D...fourth running wheel, 20...first shaft, 21...second shaft, 22A...first toothed belt, 22B...second toothed belt, 23A...first upper running rail, 23B...second upper running rail, 23C...first lower running rail, 23D...second lower running rail, 24...transported object, 25...feed conveyor device, 26...discharge conveyor device, 27A...first support material, 27B...second support material, 40...driven synchronous pulley

Claims (9)

A first conveying path provided in an upper stage;
a second transport path provided below the first transport path and moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the first transport path;
a first drive pulley, the first drive pulley being provided at a first end of the first transport path and the second transport path in a longitudinal direction and on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path, the first drive pulley having a first gear shape capable of fitting a first shaft portion provided at a center of a first travel wheel corresponding to a front in a moving direction of the first transport path out of two travel wheels provided on the one side of a transport cart that circulates between the first transport path and the second transport path, and rotating so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
a synchronous pulley provided on the one side, disposed offset by a predetermined amount toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path with respect to the first drive pulley, having a second gear shape capable of gripping an outer shape of a second travel wheel corresponding to the rear of the two travel wheels provided on the one side of the transport cart in the moving direction of the first transport path, and rotating synchronously with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
a second drive pulley, which is provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path, and is provided at the same position as the synchronous pulley in the direction perpendicular to the horizontal, and has a first gear shape capable of fitting a second shaft portion provided at the center of a third travel wheel diagonally opposite the first travel wheel out of two travel wheels provided on the other side of the transport carriage, to wrap a second toothed belt around the second drive pulley, and which rotates in synchronization with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the transport carriage in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
A conveyor device comprising: 2. The conveyor system of claim 1,
the predetermined amount being a specified distance away from a center of the first drive pulley,
The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the specified distance is a distance from a center of the first traveling wheel to a center of the second traveling wheel. 2. The conveyor system of claim 1,
a length of the second gear shape obtained by subtracting a pitch circle diameter of the synchronous pulley from a root circle diameter of the synchronous pulley is equal to or greater than a radius of the second running wheel provided on the transport cart. 2. The conveyor system of claim 1,
a first drive sprocket that is rotated by the drive motor;
a first driven sprocket around which a first interlocking timing belt is wound and which rotates in conjunction with the first driving sprocket;
a second driven sprocket around which a second interlocking timing belt is wound together with the first driving sprocket and which rotates in conjunction with the first driving sprocket;
a second drive sprocket that is rotated by the drive motor or another drive motor that is driven in synchronization with the drive motor;
a third driven sprocket around which a third interlocking timing belt is wound together with the second driving sprocket and which rotates in conjunction with the second driving sprocket;
Further comprising:
the first drive pulley rotates in conjunction with the first driven sprocket;
The synchronous pulley rotates in conjunction with the second driven sprocket,
The conveyor apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second drive pulley rotates in conjunction with the third driven sprocket. A conveyor system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
a first guide rail provided at the first end and on the other side, and guiding, in an arc shape, a fourth running wheel corresponding to the front in the movement direction of the first conveying path, of two running wheels provided on the other side of the conveying cart, from the first conveying path to the second conveying path. 6. A conveyor system according to claim 5, comprising:
a first driven pulley that is provided at a second end and the other side in the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path, has a first gear shape in which the second shaft portion can be fitted and around which the second toothed belt can be wound, and rotates in conjunction with at least the second drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the second transport path to the first transport path;
a second driven pulley provided on the one side, positioned toward the center of the first transport path and the second transport path in the longitudinal direction with respect to the first driven pulley and shifted by the predetermined amount, having a first gear shape into which the first shaft portion can be fitted and around which the first toothed belt can be wound, and rotating in conjunction with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the second transport path to the first transport path;
a second guide rail provided at the second end and the one side, and configured to guide the second traveling wheel from the second conveying path to the first conveying path in an arc shape;
The conveyor apparatus further comprises: 7. A conveyor system according to claim 6, comprising:
a driven synchronous pulley provided at the same position as the second driven pulley on the other side, having a second gear shape capable of gripping the outer shape of the fourth running wheel, and rotating in conjunction with at least the second drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the second transport path to the first transport path. A sorting conveyor device having a conveyor device, an input conveyor device for inputting objects to be conveyed, and an output conveyor device for outputting the objects to be conveyed,
The conveyor device comprises:
A first conveying path provided in an upper stage;
a second transport path provided below the first transport path and moving in a direction opposite to a moving direction of the first transport path;
a first drive pulley, the first drive pulley being provided at a first end of the first transport path and the second transport path in a longitudinal direction and on one side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path, the first drive pulley having a first gear shape capable of fitting a first shaft portion provided at a center of a first travel wheel corresponding to a front in a moving direction of the first transport path out of two travel wheels provided on the one side of a transport cart that circulates between the first transport path and the second transport path, and rotating so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
a synchronous pulley provided on the one side, disposed with a predetermined offset toward the center of the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path with respect to the first drive pulley, having a second gear shape into which a second travel wheel corresponding to the rear of the two travel wheels provided on the one side of the transport cart in the moving direction of the first transport path can be fitted, and rotating synchronously with at least the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
a second drive pulley, which is provided on the other side in a direction horizontally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the first transport path and the second transport path, and is provided at the same position as the synchronous pulley, and has a first gear shape that can be fitted with a second shaft portion provided at the center of a third travel wheel that is diagonally opposite the first travel wheel out of two travel wheels provided on the other side of the transport cart, and around which a second toothed belt can be wound, and which rotates at least synchronously with the first drive pulley so as to move the transport cart in an arc from the first transport path to the second transport path;
A sorting conveyor device comprising: The sorting conveyor device according to claim 8 also has
the transport cart has a sorting belt that is stretched around a portion on which the transported object is placed and that is driven in a direction horizontally perpendicular to a transport direction of the transport cart;
A sorting conveyor device characterized by the above.

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