JP2000255756A - Carrying device for cylindrical bodies - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a carrying device allowing easy quality control or the like, and capable of carrying cylindrical batteries or the like with high productivity. SOLUTION: This carrying device has a carrier path 1 traveling in a constant direction; first guide mechanisms 2a, 2b for guiding plural cylindrical bodies 3 vertically placed on the carrier path 1 in parallel, second guide mechanisms 2a', 2b' extending from the first guide mechanisms 2a, 2b, for guiding the cylindrical bodies 3 carried in parallel with reducing the number of lines of the cylindrical bodies 3, third guide mechanisms 2a", 2b" extending from the second guide mechanisms 2a', 2b', for guiding the cylindrical bodies 3 carried in parallel in a line, a disc-shaped slide plate 4 disposed along the second guide mechanisms 2a', 2b' to move (to advance and retreat), slidably contacted with side wall faces of the cylindrical bodies 3 carried with the number of the lines reduced, for aligning the cylindrical bodies 3 in a line, and a rotation drive source for normally and reversely rotating the slide plate 4.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a transfer apparatus for a cylindrical body, and more particularly, to a transfer apparatus capable of transferring and supplying a cylindrical body in a manufacturing process without clogging the transfer body.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, portable telephones, portable notebook personal computers, and the like are becoming cordless and smaller in scale, and cylindrical batteries are frequently used as driving power supplies for these electronic devices. As the demand for batteries has increased, the performance of batteries has been improved, while the number of batteries produced and the speed of production lines have been increased.

[0003] In general, a battery production line is a so-called flow operation, and therefore, the transfer / delivery (supply / supply) of a workpiece from a production machine in an upstream process to a production machine in a downstream process. Transport) is performed. In addition, supply and delivery of workpieces to these manufacturing machines are generally performed in terms of securing an appropriate operation rate of the production line.
A workpiece is guided and aligned and transported and supplied by a transport path (belt conveyor) traveling in a certain direction.

[0004]

However, in the conventional cylindrical battery transfer means, when the transfer from the parallel transfer to the reduced transfer is performed, the cylindrical body placed and transferred upright is clogged. (Bridge phenomenon) often occurs. In other words, cylindrical batteries and the like
A phenomenon in which the wafers are not arranged and supplied smoothly in one row occurs, and the steady operation and drivability of the manufacturing process are impaired. This trouble in the manufacturing process not only greatly impairs the productivity or mass productivity of the cylindrical battery, but also may lead to a reduction in reliability and yield.

[0005] In order to solve such a problem, it is possible to make each guide mechanism disposed on the transport path to guide the cylindrical body movable,
Alternatively, it has been attempted to arrange a plurality of transport paths in parallel, reduce the number of cylinders to be transported by using a difference in traveling speed, and reduce the number of rows to one. However, these methods
There is a problem that space saving is impaired and the cost is increased because the cylindrical body transport device is structurally complicated or planarly enlarged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a transport device that can easily transport a cylindrical battery or the like with easy quality control and good productivity.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveying path which travels in a certain direction, and guides the parallel conveying of a plurality of cylindrical bodies placed on the conveying path and placed upright. A first guide mechanism and the first guide mechanism,
A second guide mechanism that guides the parallel-conveyed cylinders in a row, a third guide mechanism that is connected to the second guide mechanism and guides the parallel-conveyed cylinders in a row, A disk-shaped sliding plate movably arranged (movable back and forth) along the guide mechanism of No. 2 and slidably in contact with the side wall surface of the cylindrical body to be conveyed in a reduced number of rows and for arranging the cylindrical body in one row; And a rotary drive source for rotating the sliding plate in the forward and reverse directions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transport path traveling in a fixed direction, a first guide mechanism disposed on the transport path and guiding a plurality of cylindrical bodies placed in an upright position in parallel. A second guide mechanism connected to the first guide mechanism and configured to guide the cylindrical bodies conveyed in parallel in a row-separating manner;
A third guide mechanism that is connected to the guide mechanism and guides the cylindrical bodies conveyed in parallel in one row; and a third guide mechanism that is arranged along the second guide mechanism and slides on the side wall surface of the cylindrical bodies conveyed in parallel. And a polygonal sliding plate for sliding the cylinders together to reduce the number of cylinders, and a movable plate (movable back and forth) along a transport path downstream of the polygonal sliding plate. Slidably in contact with the side wall surface of the cylinder to be conveyed in a row, and
A cylindrical body transport device comprising: a disk-shaped sliding plate to be arrayed; and a rotary drive source for rotating the sliding plates forward and backward, respectively.

According to the first and second aspects of the present invention, a cylindrical body is placed upright and in parallel (randomly) on a conveying path running in a certain direction, for example, an endless belt conveyor, and the number of rows is reduced by a guide mechanism. On the other hand, this is means for forming one row (single row) by the sliding action of a disk-shaped sliding plate. In other words, a disc-shaped sliding plate is installed in the guide mechanism that reduces the number of cylindrical bodies conveyed in parallel so that it can advance and retreat along the conveyance direction, and if necessary, a polygonal slide is provided on the upstream side. The main point is that this sliding plate is installed. The position (advancing / retracting) of the disk-shaped sliding plate (advancing / retracting), and the sliding action associated with this position movement, facilitates the push-out / return action of the cylindrical body. The polygonal sliding plate varies depending on the diameter of the sliding plate and the like, but is generally about a regular pentagon to a regular hexagon.

More specifically, when the disk-shaped sliding plate moves (advances or retreats) in the traveling direction of the transport path when the cylindrical body is changed from two rows to one row, the disk-shaped sliding plate is moved to the disk-shaped sliding plate side. The located cylinder is pushed out by a sliding action. On the other hand, when the disk-shaped sliding plate moves in a direction opposite to the traveling direction of the transport path, the extrusion of the cylindrical body located on the disk-shaped sliding plate side is delayed, and the cylindrical body located on the distant side is delayed. Is extruded. On the other hand, when the cylindrical sliding plate is alternately and extruded by the disk-shaped sliding plate, if the polygonal sliding plate is arranged on the upstream side, the polygonal sliding plate operates in conjunction with the sliding operation. In other words, the alternate pushing and pushing back of the cylindrical body by the disc-shaped sliding plate is promoted by the polygonal surface property of the polygonal sliding plate, thereby reducing the number of rows of the cylindrical body and reducing the number of cylinders.
The row (single row) progresses smoothly, and clogging of the cylindrical body on the transport path (bridge phenomenon) is more easily and easily eliminated.

In order to supply each manufacturing apparatus in the manufacturing process of the cylindrical battery, for example, the cylindrical battery outer can to the electrode element mounting mechanism, etc., the above-mentioned cylindrical body transporting apparatus is incorporated to constitute a battery manufacturing apparatus. By exhibiting such a function, the productivity of the cylindrical battery can be improved.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. FIG.

FIG. 1 is a top view showing the structure of a main part of a cylindrical transfer device according to a first embodiment. In FIG. 1, 1
Is a transport path that travels in a certain direction, and 2a and 2b are first guide mechanisms that are disposed on the transport path 1 and transport and guide a plurality of uprightly mounted cylindrical bodies 3 in parallel. Here, the transport path 1 is, for example, an endless belt having a width of about 150 cm and a thickness of about 2 mm, and the first guide mechanism 2a,
2b are opposed to each other at an interval such that about 100 to 200 cylindrical bodies 3 can be placed and transported in a parallel state.

2a 'and 2b' are the first guide mechanisms.
A second guide mechanism 2a ", 2b" which is connected to 2a, 2b and guides the cylinders conveyed in parallel in a row is connected to the second guide mechanisms 2a ', 2b' and conveyed in parallel. 1 cylindrical body
This is a third guide mechanism that guides the rows. Here, the second
Guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b' automatically reduce the number of cylinders in the transport process (the travel process of the transport path 1).
The facing distance between the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b' is continuously reduced at an angle of about 15 °.

On the other hand, since the third guide mechanisms 2a "and 2b" are aligned and transported in a state where the cylindrical bodies 3 are arranged in one row (single row), the third guide mechanisms 2a "and 2b" are about 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the cylindrical body 3. And at substantially the same distance from each other.

Further, reference numeral 4 denotes a cylinder which is arranged so as to be able to advance and retreat (move) along the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b' in which the cylindrical body 3 is automatically reduced, and which is transported in a reduced number. It is a disk-shaped sliding plate that slides on the side wall surface of the body 3 and forms the cylindrical body 3 in one row. Here, the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 is, for example, a disk made of synthetic resin having a diameter of about 50 to 100 mm and a thickness of about 5 to 10 mm. These sliding plates 4 are installed so as to be able to rotate forward and backward by a rotation drive source (not shown) and to be able to move (advance and retreat) about 50 mm to 100 mm along the transport path 1.

Next, the operation of the transport device having the above configuration will be described.

First, a bottomed cylindrical body (cylindrical battery outer can) 3 as a workpiece is supplied onto a traveling path 1 which is driven to travel, and is transferred upright to a first guide mechanism. Parallel conveyance is started by the guides 2a and 2b. The cylindrical battery outer can 3 conveyed and supplied in the parallel state is reduced from the parallel state by the guide by the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b'.

In the course of the guide / transport by the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b', a disc-shaped slide disposed along the transport path 1 or the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b'. Board 4
Thereby, the transport of the cylindrical body 3 is controlled. That is, when the number of the cylindrical bodies 3 on the transport path 1 is small, the transport is smooth (flow), and there is no particular problem. However, the smooth transport on the downstream side is hindered for some reason. In order to prevent the smooth conveyance, the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 is provided so as to be able to move forward and reverse while moving along the traveling direction. Therefore, as shown in FIG.
In the area of the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b' facing
Cylindrical body 3 sandwiched between the guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b'
a and 3b operate as follows.

That is, when the disc-shaped sliding plate 4 moves upstream (indicated by a dotted line), the cylinder 3a is braked,
The cylindrical body 3b is automatically or forcibly extruded and is conveyed in one row. Conversely, when the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 moves downstream (indicated by a solid line), a brake is applied to the cylindrical body 3b, and the cylindrical body 3a is automatically or forcibly extruded and conveyed in one row.

FIG. 3 is a top view showing the structure of a main part of a cylindrical body transfer apparatus according to a second embodiment. In FIG. 3, 1
Is a transport path that travels in a certain direction, and 2a and 2b are first guide mechanisms that are disposed on the transport path 1 and transport and guide a plurality of uprightly mounted cylindrical bodies 3 in parallel. Further, 2a 'and 2b' are connected to the first guide mechanisms 2a and 2b, and are second guide mechanisms for reducing and guiding the cylinders conveyed in parallel. 2a "and 2b" are the second guide mechanisms. Mechanism 2a ', 2
The third guide mechanism is connected to b 'and guides the cylindrical bodies 3 conveyed in parallel in one row. Here, the transport path 1, the first
The guide mechanisms 2a and 2b, the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b', and the third guide mechanisms 2a "and 2b" basically have the first structure.
This embodiment has the same function as the embodiment.

The difference from the first embodiment is that a polygonal sliding plate 5 is arranged along the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b', and the cylindrical bodies 3 conveyed in a parallel state are arranged. A means for slidingly contacting the side wall surface and sliding the cylinders 3 to reduce the number of the cylinders 3 is provided. In other words, the polygonal sliding plate 5 is disposed on the upstream side of the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 that slides on the side wall surface of the cylindrical body 3 to be conveyed in a row and that forms the cylindrical body 3 in one row. It has a configuration. Here, the polygonal sliding plate 5 is a hexagonal plate made of synthetic resin having a major axis of about 50 to 100 mm and a thickness of about 5 to 10 mm. And these two sliding plates 4,
Reference numeral 5 denotes a rotating drive source (not shown), which rotates forward and backward, and is provided such that the rotating shaft can move (advance and retreat) by about 50 to 100 mm along the transport path 1.

In the case of this cylindrical transfer device, the first
As in the case of the first embodiment, the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 moves upstream in the region of the second guide mechanisms 2a 'and 2b' for reducing the number of the cylindrical bodies 3 conveyed in parallel. (Indicated by a dotted line), the cylinder 3a is braked, and the cylinder 3b is automatically or forcibly extruded and conveyed in one line. Conversely, when the disk-shaped sliding plate 4 moves downstream (indicated by a solid line), a cylindrical body
The brake is applied to 3b, and the cylindrical body 3a is automatically or forcibly extruded and is conveyed in one row.

The forward and reverse rotation and sliding action of the polygonal sliding plate 5 arranged on the upstream side are caused by the sliding contact and restraining action of the cylindrical body 3 conveyed in a parallel state, and the cylindrical body is returned. Since it performs a braking action, the smooth movement of the cylinders 3a and 3b into one row due to the positional mobility of the disc-shaped sliding plate 4 is promoted, and the cylinder body 3 is smoothly transported and supplied.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. For example, according to the transport path width for transporting / supplying the cylindrical body to each battery manufacturing machine, the specifications of the manufacturing machine, the production capacity of the manufacturing line, etc.
Can be changed.

[0026]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the parallel transport on the transport path is switched to the reduced-row transport, and the guide mechanism section which is further aligned into one row is provided with a circle which can move forward and backward along the transport path. By arranging the plate-shaped sliding plate 4, the cylinders can be arranged in one row reliably and smoothly, and can be aligned and transported.

That is, the cylindrical body placed upright on the transporting path surface is easily and surely integrated into one row through the reduced row state from the parallel state as the transporting path travels, and a phenomenon such as clogging or obstruction occurs. , And can be smoothly transported and supplied to the downstream side. Therefore, in the manufacturing process of the cylindrical battery, it greatly contributes to the productivity and the like in the transportation / supply between the manufacturing or processing devices.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the polygonal sliding plate 5 is provided on the upstream side of the disk-shaped sliding plate, so that the cylinders are shifted from the parallel state to the reduced row state. The transport supply in one line is performed more reliably and smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of a cylindrical body transport device according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a top view schematically showing, in an enlarged manner, a state in which the cylindrical bodies are arranged in a single row by a disk-shaped sliding plate in the cylindrical body conveying apparatus according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a configuration of a main part of a cylindrical body transfer device according to a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 ... Conveying path 2a, 2b ... First guide mechanism 2a ', 2b' ... Second guide mechanism 2a ", 2b" ... Third guide mechanism 3, 3a, 3b ... Cylindrical body (cylindrical body) Battery-shaped outer can) 4 ... Disc-shaped sliding plate 5 ... Polygonal sliding plate

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A transport path that travels in a fixed direction, a first guide mechanism that guides parallel transport of a plurality of cylindrical bodies placed on the transport path and placed upright, and the first guide A second guide mechanism that is connected to the mechanism and guides the cylinders conveyed in parallel in a row, and a third guide that is connected to the second guide mechanism and guides the cylinders conveyed in a row in one row A disk-shaped sliding plate movably disposed along the second guide mechanism, slidingly contacting the side wall surface of the cylinder to be conveyed in a row, and arranging the cylinder in one row; And a rotary drive source for rotating the sliding plate in the forward and reverse directions. 2. A transport path that travels in a certain direction, a first guide mechanism that guides parallel transport of a plurality of cylindrical bodies placed on the transport path and placed upright, and the first guide. A second guide mechanism that is connected to the mechanism and guides the cylinders conveyed in parallel in a row, and a third guide that is connected to the second guide mechanism and guides the cylinders conveyed in a row in one row And a polygonal sliding plate arranged along the second guide mechanism, slidably in contact with the side wall surface of the cylindrical bodies conveyed in parallel, and sliding the cylindrical bodies to reduce the number of the cylindrical bodies. A disk that is movably disposed along the transport path downstream of the polygonal sliding plate, slides on the side wall surface of the cylindrical body to be transported in a reduced number of rows, and forms a single row of cylindrical bodies. And a rotary drive source for respectively rotating the two sliding plates in the forward and reverse directions. A transfer device for a cylindrical body, characterized in that