JP2000092606A - Feeding device and feeding method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a feeding device and a feeding method which enable the improvement of reliability while a friction mechanism is eliminated, wear dust and noise are suppressed and a mobile unit can be moved at a high speed. SOLUTION: A mobile base is movably supported along a guide rail fixed to a fixing frame and, further, feeder bars 24 in parallel with the guide rail are attached to the fixing frame. On the other hand, collectors 28 are provided on the mobile base so as to be brought into contact with or separated from the feeder bars 24 by an actuator 30 with a housing 25 therebetween. Only when the mobile base is in a stationary state, a controller 32 operates the actuator 30 to bring the collectors 28 into contact with the feeder bars 24.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a power supply device and a power supply method for supplying power to a moving body running on a track in a moving mechanism of a production facility or the like, and more particularly to a high-speed moving apparatus running on a track at a high speed. The present invention relates to a power supply device and a power supply method useful for transmitting and receiving electric power and / or a signal to and from a body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a power supply device for supplying electric power to a moving body traveling on a track, a cable for moving the electric wire or signal line while maintaining the curvature or posture of the electric wire or signal line using a cable carrier or the like is known. Sliding contact, in which the power supply rail is fixedly arranged within the moving area of the moving body without using a cable or cable, and the current-collecting shoe, which has been constantly pressed by a spring or the like, contacts the power supply rail. A method is known.

In this cable type power supply device, since the mechanical life of the cable is determined by the bending radius and the number of bendings,
A cable carrier that can be bent at a certain curvature in only one direction and stored is applied, and the cable is protected by being stored and supported in the cable carrier. However, due to the function of the cable carrier, the moving body is limited to reciprocating motion in a predetermined distance region. Further, although the cable is protected in the cable carrier, the cable bends when the moving body moves, so that the cable rubs against the cable carrier, the coating is worn, and the life is shortened.

On the other hand, in the power supply device of the sliding contact type, the cable carrier is unnecessary and the cable is not routed. Therefore, by providing the power supply rail and the current collecting shoe in accordance with the trajectory of the mobile body, the movement of the mobile body is improved. The operation is not limited to the reciprocating motion in the predetermined distance region, but is applicable to various types of movement. However, even with this sliding contact type power supply device, when the moving body moves, the current collecting shoe moves while contacting the power supply rail. It will be shorter.

[0005] Recently, besides the cable type power supply device and the sliding contact type power supply device, there is a non-contact type power supply device in which an E-shaped core is moved between a plurality of electric wires. However, it is extremely expensive and not practical for production equipment.

Meanwhile, in response to recent demands for high quality production, production facilities are strongly required to have high speed, low dust generation and low noise. However, the cable-type power supply device described above
The higher the speed is, the higher the noise level is, the more the traveling speed is limited, and the friction between the cable and the cable carrier generates abrasion powder. Also, in the case of the sliding contact type power supply device, wear powder is generated due to the friction between the power supply rail and the current collecting shoe, and the measures are insufficient.The non-contact type power supply device increases the capital investment cost. Problem.

[0007]

In the case where the moving body moves at a high speed of several m / sec or more, the conventional cable-type power supply apparatus wears due to friction between the cables or the cable and the cable carrier. A large amount of powder is generated and scattered, thereby deteriorating the quality of the product, and deteriorating the production environment due to high noise, which is a major factor hindering improvement in product quality and productivity.

Further, in the conventional power supply device of the sliding contact type, an increase in the wear rate of the current collecting shoe raises the temperature of the current collecting shoe to lower the transmission capability, or increases the amount of wear of the current collecting shoe or increases the current. There is a problem in that the possibility of current cut-out increases due to jumping due to abrasion powder passing over by the electric shoe, and the higher the speed, the lower the quality of the product and the reliability of the device.

The present invention focuses on the premise that each of the conventional power supply devices has a structure in which a frictional operation occurs when the moving body moves, and supplies power when the moving body is stopped at a predetermined position. In addition, a power supply device and a power supply method which have a high reliability while eliminating the friction mechanism by eliminating a friction mechanism and enabling the moving body to move at a high speed, while eliminating the need for a friction mechanism. The purpose is to provide.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply apparatus, comprising: a guide rail fixed to a frame; and a movable support movably supported along the guide rail. A power supply bar attached to the frame in parallel with the guide rails; a current collection member supported by the moving body so as to be able to contact and separate from the power supply bar; and a power collection member. A contact / separation unit that contacts and separates from the power supply bar, and controls the operation of the contact / separation unit to bring the current collecting member into contact with the power supply bar when the moving body is stopped; Power supply control means for detaching the current collecting member from the power supply bar.

Therefore, the movable body is movable along the guide rail fixed to the frame, and the power supply control means includes:
When the moving body moves, the contact and separation means is operated and the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar, so that friction does not occur between the current collecting member and the power supply bar, wear is prevented and noise is reduced. Is also suppressed. On the other hand, when the moving body is stopped, by operating the contact / separation means and bringing the current collecting member into contact with the power supply bar, the current collecting member is supplied with power from the power supply bar, so that reliable power supply becomes possible.

Further, according to the power supply device of the present invention,
The mobile unit includes a charging unit and a battery.

Therefore, when the moving body is stopped, the current collecting member contacts the power supply bar to supply power, and the power is stored in the battery via the charging unit. Even in a state where the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar, the moving body can move.

In the power supply device according to the third aspect of the present invention,
The contact separating device is an actuator mounted on the moving body.

Accordingly, by mounting an actuator for bringing the current collecting member into and out of contact with the power supply bar on the moving body, the structure of the contact / separation means can be simplified, the control can be facilitated, and the overall size of the apparatus can be reduced. Is possible.

Further, in the power supply device according to the present invention,
The contact separating device is a cam mechanism operated by a motor attached to the frame.

[0017] Therefore, the current collecting member is brought into contact with and separated from the power supply bar by the cam mechanism operated by the motor mounted on the frame, so that the moving body can be reduced in size and weight, and driven with low power. Becomes possible, and the applicable range becomes large.

Further, in the power supply device according to the present invention,
The current collecting member and the power supply bar are communication means.

Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to the transmission and reception of power but also to the transmission and reception of signals. The transmission and reception of signals may be used alone, or the transmission and reception of power and signals may be used in combination. Can be simplified.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the power supply method according to the first aspect of the present invention, wherein a movement and a stop of a movable body movably supported along a guide rail fixed to a frame are detected. The power collection member provided on the moving body is separated from the power supply bar provided in parallel with the rail, and when the moving body is stopped, the power collection member is brought into contact with the power supply bar to supply power. It is characterized by the following.

Therefore, when the moving body moves, the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar, so that no friction occurs between the current collecting member and the power supply bar, wear is prevented, and high noise is generated. Is suppressed. On the other hand, when the moving body is stopped, the current collecting member comes into contact with the power supply bar, so that the current collecting member supplies power from the power supply bar, and thus reliable power supply is possible.

In the power supply method according to the present invention,
When the moving body is stopped, the power collection bar is brought into contact with the current collecting member to perform power supply and communication.

Therefore, the present invention can be applied not only to electric power but also to transmission and reception of signals, and wiring between the frame side and the moving body side is not required, so that the equipment can be simplified.

[0024]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

[First Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of a power supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 schematically shows a power supply state of the power supply device of the present embodiment, and FIG. The outline showing the whole structure of a feeder is shown.

In the power supply device of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a pair of upper and lower guide rails 12 is fixed to the front surface of the fixed frame 11 along the horizontal direction. A moving base 13 as a moving body is movably supported along. A driving pulley 15 driven and rotated by a driving motor 14 is attached to one end of the fixed frame 11, and a driven pulley 1
An endless drive belt 17 is wound around the drive pulley 15 and the driven pulley 16. And
By connecting the moving base 13 to the driving belt 17, when the driving motor 14 is driven, the driving belt 17 moves, and the moving base 13 can move along the guide rail 12.

In this embodiment, the power supply device is described as being applied to a transfer machine which holds a work and moves it to another place. Although not shown, the moving base 13 holds the work. A gripping mechanism that moves up and down, a lifting mechanism that raises and lowers the gripping mechanism, and an X table and a Y table that can move in the horizontal direction that cross each other are mounted. The gripping mechanism, elevating mechanism, X table, Y table and the like can be driven by an electric motor (not shown).

A power supply unit 21 for supplying power to the fixed frame 11 is provided.
A power collection unit 22 for collecting power from the power supply unit 21 is provided on the third side. That is, as shown in FIG. 1, in the power supply unit 21, a housing 23 is attached to the fixed frame 11 in parallel with the guide rail 12, and a power supply bar 24 is provided in each of four grooves formed in the housing 23. Installed. A power supply unit (not shown) is connected to each power supply bar 24. on the other hand,
In the current collecting unit 22, the housing 25 is supported on the movable body 13 by a guide rod 26 so as to be able to approach and separate from the power supply bar 24, and is urged and supported by a spring 27 in a direction away from the power supply bar 24. Four current collectors 28 as current collecting members are mounted on the housing 25 so as to face the four power supply bars 24, and are urged and supported in the approaching direction by springs 29. The moving base 13 is provided with an actuator 30 as a contact / separation means for moving the housing 25 in order to contact / separate the current collector 28 with / from the power supply bar 24, and the tip of the plunger 31 is attached to the housing 25. Are linked.

Therefore, when the actuator 30 is not energized, the housing 25 is in close contact with the movable base 13 by the spring 27 as shown in FIG.
Each current collector 28 is held at a position separated from the power supply bar 24. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, when the actuator 30 is energized, the plunger 31 protrudes and moves by pressing the housing 25 against the urging force of the spring 27, so that each current collector 28 contacts the power supply bar 24. At this time, the current collector 28 can be held in contact with the power supply bar 24 at a predetermined pressure by the urging force of the spring 29 regardless of the moving stroke of the moving base 13.

As shown in FIG. 1, a controller 32 as a power supply control means is connected to the actuator 30, and a detection sensor 33 for detecting movement and stop of the moving base 13 is connected to the controller 32. Have been. The moving base 13 has a charging unit 34.
And a rectifying unit 35 and a battery 36, and the controller 32 is connected to the charging unit 34.

Therefore, the detection sensor 33 is
When the controller 32 detects the stop of the current collector 2, the controller 32 energizes the actuator 30 to move the housing 25, and
8 contacts the power supply bar 24 and the charging unit 34.
To charge the power from the power supply bar 24 via the current collector 28 and charge the battery 36 via the rectifier unit 35.

An electric motor 37 such as a gripping mechanism, an elevating mechanism, an X table, a Y table, etc. of a transfer machine mounted on the moving base 13 can be driven by power supply from the battery 36. The drive motor 14 for moving the movement base 13 is driven and controlled by the controller 32 when a command is input to the controller 32 from an operation panel (not shown).

Here, the operation of the transfer machine to which the power supply device of the present embodiment is applied will be described.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, when a movement command is input from the operation panel to the controller 32, the controller 32 drives the drive motor 14 and drives the drive belt 17.
To move the movable base 13 along the guide rail 12 in a predetermined direction. At this time, the detection sensor 33 detects the movement of the moving base 13 and outputs it to the controller 32, the controller 32 does not supply electricity to the actuator 30, the housing 25 is in a position in close contact with the moving base 13 by the spring 27, Each current collector 28 is held at a position separated from the power supply bar 24, and power is not supplied.

When the movable base 13 is moving along the guide rail 12 in this manner, the current collector 28 is held at a position separated from the power supply bar 24, and no friction occurs between the two. Wear of the current collector 28 and the power supply bar 24 is prevented, and generation of noise due to friction is suppressed.

On the other hand, when a stop command is input to the controller 32 from the operation panel or when the moving base 13 reaches a preset position, the controller 32 stops the drive motor 14 and stops the moving base 13 at a predetermined position. . At this time, since the detection sensor 33 detects the stop of the moving base 13 and outputs the detection to the controller 32, as shown in FIG.
The housing 25 is moved to supply each current collector 28 to the power supply bar 24.
Contact. At the same time, the charging unit 34 is controlled to charge the electric power from the power supply bar 24 via the current collector 28 and store the electric power in the battery 36 via the rectifying unit 35.

When the moving base 13 is stopped, the gripping mechanism, the lifting mechanism, the X table, the Y table, etc. of the transfer machine are operated. In this case, the electric motors 37 are supplied directly from the power supply bar 24 or Power is supplied from the battery 36, and the battery 36
, Power can be stored, and operation can be reliably performed. Therefore, the charging unit 34 and the like can be simplified with the battery 36 having a small capacity. The electric motor 37 is supplied with electric power from the battery 36, and can operate the gripping mechanism, the elevating mechanism, the X table, and the Y table of the transfer machine even while the moving base 13 is moving.

[Second Embodiment] FIG. 4 shows a schematic configuration of a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 schematically shows a power supply state of the power supply device of the present embodiment, and FIG. The outline showing the whole structure of a feeder is shown. Note that members having the same functions as those described in the above-described embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

In the power supply device of this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, a movable base 13 is movably supported by a pair of upper and lower guide rails 12 fixed to a fixed frame 11. The moving base 13 is connected to a driving belt 17 wound around a driving pulley 15 and a driven pulley 16. A power supply unit 21 that supplies power to the fixed frame 11 is provided, and a power collection unit 41 that collects power from the power supply unit 21 is provided to the movable base 13. That is, in the power supply unit 21, four power supply bars 24 are mounted on the housing 23 mounted on the fixed frame 11. On the other hand, in the current collecting unit 41, the housing 25 is movably supported by the movable body 13 by the guide rod 26, and is urged and supported by the spring 27 in the direction of being separated. A power supply bar 24 is provided in the housing 25.
A current collector 28 is mounted to face and is biased and supported by a spring 29 in a direction in which the current collector approaches. The fixed frame 11 has a drive motor 42 as a contact / separation means for moving the housing 25 in order to cause the current collector 28 to come into contact with and separate from the power supply bar 24, and a cam shaft rotated forward and reverse by the drive motor 42. (Cam mechanism) 43 is mounted, and the outer peripheral surface of the cam shaft 43 is in pressure contact with the housing 25.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, when the flat surface of the camshaft 43 is in contact with the housing 25, the housing 25 is in a position where it is in close contact with the movable base 13 by the spring 27, and each current collector 28 is connected to the power supply bar. 24 and is held at a position separated therefrom. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, the drive motor 42 is driven to move the cam shaft 43 approximately 180 degrees.
When rotated by degrees, the arc surface of the cam shaft 43 moves by pressing the housing 25 against the urging force of the spring 27, and each current collector 28 can contact the power supply bar 24.

As shown in FIG. 4, a controller 32 is connected to the drive motor 42, and a detection sensor 33 for detecting the movement and stop of the moving base 13 is connected to the controller 32. In addition, a charging unit 34, a rectifying unit 35, and a battery 36 are mounted on the movable base 13, and the controller 32 is connected to the charging unit 34. Further, the moving base 13
Each of the electric motors 37 of the transfer machine mounted on the vehicle can be driven by power supply from the battery 36.

In the transfer machine to which the power supply device of this embodiment is applied, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, when a movement command is input from the operation panel to the controller 32, the controller 32 drives the drive motor 14. Then, the moving base 13 is moved along the guide rail 12. At this time, the detection sensor 33 detects the movement of the movement base 13 and the controller 3
2 is to rotate the cam shaft 43 by the drive motor 42 and bring the flat surface of the cam shaft 43 into contact with the housing 25,
Each current collector 28 is held at a position separated from the power supply bar 24, and power is not supplied. Thus, the moving base 13
During the movement, the current collector 28 is located at a position separated from the power supply bar 24, so that the wear of the current collector 28 and the power supply bar 24 is prevented and the generation of noise due to friction is suppressed.

On the other hand, the controller 32
When the moving base 13 stops at a predetermined position, the detection sensor 33 detects that the moving base 13 has stopped.
As shown in FIG. 5, the controller 32 includes a drive motor 42
Is driven to rotate the camshaft 43, and the housing 25 is pressed by the arc surface of the camshaft 43 to bring the current collector 28 into contact with the power supply bar 24. At the same time, the charging unit 34 is controlled to charge power from the power supply bar 24 via the current collector 28,
Electric power is stored in the battery 36 via the rectification unit 35.

As described above, in the power supply devices of the first and second embodiments, when the movable base 13 is moved, the housing 25 is moved by the spring 27 to separate the current collector 28 from the power supply bar 24 to supply power. No friction occurs between the current collector 28 and the power supply bar 24, so that abrasion is prevented and generation of high noise is suppressed. On the other hand, moving base 1
At the stop of 3, the current collector 28 contacts the power supply bar 24, so that the current collector 28 supplies power from the power supply bar 24, and reliable power supply becomes possible.

In each of the above embodiments, the drive motor 14, the pulleys 15, 16 and the drive belt 1 serve as drive means for moving the movable base 13 along the guide rail 12.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a drive device using a wire or a chain, a rack and a pinion, or a ball screw shaft may be used. Further, the current collecting member is a large number of current collectors 28, but may be a plunger type or a pantograph type.
Furthermore, although the actuator 30 and the camshaft 43 are used as the contact separating means, the present invention is not limited to this structure.
In addition, the detection and detection of the movement and
3, the movement and stop of the movement base 13 may be detected by a signal from the drive motor 14,
Alternatively, the movement base 13 is obtained from a movement command output from the operation panel to the controller 32 or a preset program.
The movement and the stop of the movement base 13 may be grasped, and there are many possible means for detecting the movement stop state of the movement base 13.

In the above embodiment, the current collector 28
Received power from the power supply bar 24,
The current collector 28 and the power supply bar 24 may be used as communication means. That is, it can be used as a means for transmitting a control signal between the controller 32 and the charging unit 34. By using both power and a signal, wiring between the fixed frame 11 side and the movable base 13 side becomes unnecessary, and Can be simplified.

[0047]

According to the power supply apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, as described above in detail, the movable body is movably supported along the guide rail fixed to the frame, and the movable body is supported by the frame. A power supply bar parallel to the guide rail is attached, and a current collecting member is supported on the moving body so that the power supply bar can be freely contacted and detached by the contact / separation means. While the means is operated and the current collecting member is brought into contact with the power supply bar, the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar when the moving body moves, so that the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar when the moving body moves. Thereby, friction does not occur between the current collecting member and the power supply bar, so that wear can be prevented and noise can be suppressed, while the current collecting member is stopped when the moving body is stopped. By contacting the feed bar, the current collecting member becomes possible to perform power supply from the power supply bar, it is possible to enable reliable feeding. As a result, the reliability can be improved while eliminating the friction mechanism and suppressing the generation of wear powder and noise to enable the moving body to move at high speed.

According to the power collection device of the second aspect of the present invention, since the charging unit and the battery are mounted on the moving body, when the moving body is stopped, the power collection member contacts the power supply bar to supply power. The power is stored in the battery via the charging unit, and the power stored in the battery enables the moving body to move even when the current collecting member is detached from the power supply bar. be able to.

According to the current collector of the third aspect of the present invention, since the contact / separation means is an actuator mounted on the moving body, the structure of the contact / separation means can be simplified and control can be facilitated. Therefore, the size of the entire apparatus can be reduced.

Further, according to the current collector of the fourth aspect of the present invention, since the contact / separation means is a cam mechanism operated by a motor mounted on the frame, the moving body can be reduced in size and weight. Driving with electric power becomes possible, and the applicable range can be expanded.

According to the power collection device of the fifth aspect of the present invention, since the current collection member and the power supply bar are used as communication means, it can be applied not only to power transmission and reception but also to signal transmission and reception. Or the transmission and reception of power and signals may be used in combination. Wiring between the frame side and the moving body side becomes unnecessary, and the equipment can be simplified.

Further, according to the current collecting method of the present invention, the movement and stop of the movable body movably supported along the guide rail fixed to the frame are detected, and when the movable body is moved, the guide is detected. While the current collecting member provided on the moving body is separated from the power supply bar provided in parallel with the rail, when the moving body is stopped, the current collecting member is brought into contact with the power supply bar to supply power. At the time of the movement, the current collecting member is separated from the power supply bar, so that friction does not occur between the current collecting member and the power supply bar, wear can be prevented, and generation of high noise can be suppressed. On the other hand, when the moving body is stopped, the current collecting member comes into contact with the power supply bar, so that the current collecting member performs power supply from the power supply bar, thereby enabling reliable power supply.

According to the power collection method of the present invention, when the moving body is stopped, the power supply bar is brought into contact with the power collection member to perform communication together with power supply. The present invention can be applied to transmission and reception of signals, and wiring between the frame side and the moving body side is not required, so that the equipment can be simplified.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power supply device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a power supply state of the power supply device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an entire structure of a power supply device according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of a power supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a power supply state of the power supply device of the present embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating an entire structure of a power supply device according to the present embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Fixed frame 12 Guide rail 13 Moving base (moving body) 14 Drive motor 17 Drive belt 21 Power supply unit 22 Current collection unit 24 Power supply bar 27 Spring 28 Current collection (current collection member) 30 Actuator (contact separation means) 32 Controller (Power supply) Control means) 33 detection sensor 34 charging unit 36 battery 41 current collecting unit 42 drive motor (contact and separation means) 43 cam shaft (contact and separation means, cam mechanism)

Claims (7)

[Claims] A guide rail fixed to the frame;
A moving body movably supported along the guide rails, a power supply bar mounted on the frame in parallel with the guide rails, and a movable body that is capable of coming into contact with and detaching from the power supply bar. A supported current collecting member, contact / separation means for bringing the current collecting member into and out of contact with the power supply bar, and controlling the operation of the contact / separation means to supply the power to the current collecting member when the moving body is stopped. A power supply device, comprising: power supply control means for bringing the current collecting member away from the power supply bar when the moving body moves while contacting the bar. 2. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein a charging unit and a battery are mounted on the movable body. 3. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the contact / separation means is an actuator mounted on the moving body. 4. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein said contact and separation means is a cam mechanism operated by a motor attached to said frame. 5. The power supply device according to claim 1, wherein the power collection member and the power supply bar are communication means. 6. Detecting movement and stoppage of a movable body movably supported along a guide rail fixed to a frame, and when the movable body moves, a power supply bar provided in parallel with the guide rail detects a movement of the movable body. A power supply method, wherein a power collection member provided on a moving body is detached, and when the moving body is stopped, power is supplied by bringing the current collection member into contact with the power supply bar. 7. The power supply method according to claim 6, wherein when the moving body is stopped, the power collection bar is brought into contact with the power collection member to perform communication together with power supply. .