JP2001031353A - Conveyor device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To install a moving walk on an existing floor by reducing the overall height of a device including a drive device. SOLUTION: This conveyor device is formed so that an endless towing member 45 is disposed in a plane in parallel with the plane of an endless transport route so as to partially form parallel parts 45a and 45b generally in parallel with each other. In the parallel plane, the endless towing member 45 is driven directly by drive means 46 and 47, and the movement of the endless towing member 45 is transmitted to an endless pallet side 30 generally at the parallel parts 45a and 45b.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a conveyor device capable of arbitrarily setting a transport path.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a conventional conveyor of this type, for example, a passenger conveyor, a horizontally moving moving sidewalk and a vertically moving escalator are known, and these moving sidewalks and escalators generally have a straight path. A combination of any combination of straight lines and curves or a combination of these with a vertically movable transport path has hardly been put to practical use.

Therefore, the present applicant has proposed a conveyor device in which not only an arbitrary curved path but also an ascending / descending path can be combined with a curved path in a loop formed by an endless conveying path. . Here, the curved path is a reversing path of a general conveyor in which a loop formed by an endless transport path is formed in a vertical plane, and a return path subsequent thereto (a path that does not contribute to transport).
In contrast, for example, when a conveyor is used as a cargo conveyor, it refers to a path that can be conveyed on all paths in a loop formed by an endless conveyance path. FIG. 16 is a side view showing a configuration of a flat path portion of the conventional conveyor device according to this proposal, FIG. 17 is a side view showing a configuration of a pallet serving as a tread plate, and FIG. FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG.

In this conventional conveyor device, supporting legs 2 are respectively provided on the lower surfaces of pallets 1a to 1g serving as treadboards, and universal joints 3 are attached to the lower portions of the supporting legs 2, respectively. The universal joint 3 is attached to the support leg 2 by a horizontal axis 4 and is rotatable in a vertical plane. A vertical axis is mounted in the box-shaped member 5 in a direction perpendicular to the horizontal axis 4. 6 is comprised. As shown in FIGS. 17 and 19, one end 7A of the connecting rod 7 is fixed to the bottom outer surface of each box-shaped member 5, and the connecting rod 7 rotates around the horizontal axis 4 integrally with the box-shaped member 5, respectively. I can do it.

[0005] The other end 7B of the connecting rod 7 extends forward, and the longitudinal axis 6 of the universal joint 3 of the pallets adjacent to each other.
Are connected via a spherical joint 8 so as to be rotatable with respect to the longitudinal axis 6 mainly in a horizontal plane. That is, each of the connecting rods 7a to 7f is rotatably connected to its own pallet in a vertical plane, and includes a universal joint 3 and a spherical joint 8 for an adjacent pallet. The two universal joints are rotatably connected in a vertical plane and a horizontal plane. in this way,
Each pallet 1a-1 is connected by each connecting rod 7a-7f.
g are connected to each other so as to increase the amount of displacement in the horizontal plane and the vertical plane, and are formed on the endless pallet 1. Therefore, only loops formed by the endless pallet 1 have arbitrary curved paths. Instead, it can also be combined with an ascending / descending route.

In each of the pallets 1a to 1g, the contact surfaces 9 and 10 on the horizontal plane of the adjacent pallets are formed in an arc shape centering on the connecting portion of the connecting rod with the double universal joint. At the same time, the contact surfaces 11 and 12 on the vertical plane are also formed into arcs that curve inward so as not to interfere with each other, because the relative separation distance is restricted by the connecting rod when the hoistway is formed.

In addition, the front and rear and left and right sides of the lower surface of each of the pallets 1a to 1g.
3 and 13 and supporting legs 14 and 14 are provided hanging therefrom, and running wheels 15, 15 and 16, 16 and 16 are provided at the lower ends of these supporting legs, respectively.
Are mounted so that the front running wheels 15, 15 and the rear running wheels 16, 16 are guided by two independent rails 17, 17, and 18, 18, respectively. Adjusts the set heights of the inner rails 17, 17 and the outer rails 18, 18 in accordance with the inclination of the up / down movement so that the posture of each pallet 1a to 1g... ing.

Further, below the universal joint 3, two guide rails 19, 19 which are opposed to each other and serve as an endless conveying path for guiding the endless pallet 1 are laid, and are mounted on the box-shaped member 5 of each universal joint 3. A pair of guide rollers 21 and 21 guided by the inner surfaces of the guide rails 19 and 19 are provided, and the directions of the axles of the guide rollers 21 and 21 are displaced with the rotation of the connecting rod 7 about the horizontal axis 4. And guide rollers 21,
Are set so as to always face the pallet moving direction, and both end positions of the connecting rods 7a to 7f are always located between the guide rails 19, 19, that is, on the endless transport path by the guide rollers 21 and 21. , So that the free rotation of each of the pallets 1a to 1g is also restricted, and the traveling wheels 15, 15 and 16, 16 are prevented from falling off from the rails 17, 17 and 18, 18, respectively. Has become. Note that one guide roller may be attached to the box-shaped member 5.

On the bottom of the endless transport path composed of the guide rails 19, 19, a transport chain spanned by a plurality of sprockets 22 so as to form a closed loop in a vertical plane perpendicular to the surface of the endless transport path. Are provided on the transport chain 23 at every predetermined pitch, and projections 24 are provided on the ends 7A of the connecting rods 7a to 7f. A contact member 25 having a lateral groove 25a in which the sprocket 22 can be fitted is provided so as to extend below the guide rollers 21 and 21. The sprocket 22 is rotated by a motor (not shown) to move the sprocket 22 from the projection 24 of the chain on the driving side to the driven side. The power is transmitted to the contact member 25 to drive the endless pallet 1. 26 is a balustrade, 27 is a pallet and a balustrade 26
Auxiliary treads provided on both sides of the pallet to eliminate gaps between the pallets.

[0010]

As described above, the conventional conveyor device proposed by the present applicant has an advantage that it can be conveyed along all the paths in the loop formed by the endless conveyance path depending on the application. As in the conventional conveyors, power is transmitted to the endless pallet 1 by circulating the transfer chain 23 in a vertical plane perpendicular to the surface of the endless transfer path. In order to reduce the height of the entire device, it is unavoidable that the underlay for the installation of the drive device (see FIG. 16) becomes large. The challenge was left.

Further, since the weight of the structure under the floor increases, the strength of the peripheral equipment must be set to be large as in the case of a general conveyor. The installation of the drive required underfloor work and could not be installed on the existing floor.

A technical object of the present invention is to reduce the height of the entire device including a driving device, and to make it possible to install the device on an existing floor in a moving sidewalk.

[0013]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor apparatus comprising: an endless pallet connected to bend freely; an endless conveying path including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet; Transport means for transporting, the transport means is disposed in a plane parallel to the surface of the endless transport path, and an endless traction member partially formed substantially parallel to the endless transport path; A drive means for directly driving the endless traction member in the plane, and a power transmission means for transmitting the movement of the endless traction member to the endless pallet in the substantially parallel portion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the conveyor device, the endless traction member is composed of a chain or a rope laid around a plurality of sprockets or a plurality of pulleys, and one of the sprockets or the pulley is a driving means. It is directly connected to an output shaft arranged below.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the conveyor device, the sprocket or the pulley directly connected to the output shaft of the driving means is disposed at a position deviated from a substantially parallel portion with the endless conveyance path, and the driving means is provided. In addition, the endless traction member is configured to be movable inward or outward in the parallel plane in the parallel plane, and the biasing means having a biasing force greater than the tension received from the substantially parallel portion, the inside of the closed loop or It is always biased outward.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the conveyor device, the endless transport path has a straight forward path and a return path sandwiching the curved path, and the driving means is disposed at an intermediate portion between the forward path and the return path. It becomes.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor device, wherein an endless pallet is connected to the endless pallet, an endless conveying path including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet, and conveying means for conveying the endless pallet. And the transport means is constituted by a linear motor including a traveling element installed on the endless pallet side and a plurality of stators arranged on a substantially straight portion of the endless transport path.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor device for setting a moving speed of a pallet, a speed detecting device for detecting an actual moving speed of the pallet, and an actual speed detected by the speed detecting device. A comparator for determining a difference between the speed and the speed set by the speed setting unit; a power supply frequency determining unit for determining a power supply frequency based on the speed difference by the comparator and the set speed; and a power supply frequency determining unit. An inverter for variably controlling the frequency of the power supply to supply the linear motor with the determined power supply frequency.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conveyor device, the speed detecting means detects the rotation of the roller rotating in contact with the lower surface of the pallet, based on the output from the rotation detecting means. It detects the moving speed.

Further, in the conveyor device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the speed detecting means may detect two dogs attached to the lower surface of the endless pallet continuously based on the output of a proximity sensor installed on the endless conveyance path side. Passing time detecting means for detecting the time between two dogs passing; and speed calculating means for calculating the moving speed of the pallet based on the distance between the two consecutive dogs and the detected passing time. It is configured.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the conveyor device, a pallet is provided with a brake plate,
A braking means having a brake lining capable of braking by clamping a brake plate is provided on the endless transport path.

A conveyor device according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that an endless transport path is provided with a suction prevention roller for supporting a traveling element and holding a gap between the traveling element and a stator. is there.

[0023]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiment 1 FIG. Hereinafter, the present invention will be described based on the illustrated embodiments. 1 to 8 show a conveyor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing the entire configuration, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the entire configuration, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 5, and FIG.
6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 4, FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view showing an engagement state between the fitting roller of the power transmission unit and the contact member, and FIG. 7 is a view taken along the line DD of FIG. FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the relationship between the transport chain, the fitting roller, and the contact member.

The conveyor apparatus according to the first embodiment is one in which the present invention is applied to a moving sidewalk. Reference numerals 31a to 31c... Denote flat plates serving as treads having comb-shaped teeth (not shown) in the traveling direction formed on the upper surfaces thereof. Are connected to each other by connecting rods 32a to 32c, and are formed on an endless pallet 30. Front edge 33 to be a contact surface between each pallet
And the rear edge 34 are connected to the spherical joint 3 of the connecting rod 32, respectively.
The spherical joint 35 is formed in an arc centered at five parts and
The part can be relatively rotated around the part without interference in a horizontal plane.

More specifically, each pallet 31a
3, box-shaped members 37 each having a longitudinal axis 36 therein are directly fixed on the lower surface of the central portion of the concave front end of the box-shaped member with the bottom portion facing forward as shown in FIG. In addition, one end 32A side of the connecting rod 32 is fixed, and the other end 32B side of the connecting rod 32 is
Each extends forward and is connected via a spherical joint 35 to a longitudinal axis 36 in a box 37 of an adjacent preceding pallet. Therefore, the succeeding pallet can be rotated in a horizontal plane and slightly in a vertical plane relative to the adjacent preceding pallet about the longitudinal axis 36, whereby the loop formed by the endless pallet 30 is formed. An arbitrary curved path can be formed in the interior, and play can be absorbed even if the installation floor surface has irregularities. In order to further facilitate horizontal rotation, the convex rear end edge 34 of the preceding pallet is formed into a spherical joint 35 which is a connecting point of the connecting rod 32 extending from the succeeding pallet, that is, an arc around the vertical axis 36. The concave front edge 33 of the subsequent pallet formed and in contact therewith is also formed in an arc centered on the same longitudinal axis 36.

Running wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 are mounted on the lower surface of each of the pallets 31a to 31c... So as to have the same span. The front and rear running wheels 38, 39 on the side
One set of left and right rails 4 placed endlessly throughout the route
1, 41.

On both sides of the box-shaped member 37 accommodating the universal joint composed of the spherical joint 35, two guide rails 42, which are disposed in a horizontal plane and serve as an endless conveyance path for guiding the endless pallet 30, are provided. 42 are laid. The endless transport path composed of the guide rails 42, 42 has a substantially straight forward path 42A and a return path 42B as shown in FIG. 1, and a curved path 42 connecting the forward path 42A and the return path 42B.
C, 42D. On the other hand, each pallet 31a ~
A pair of guide rollers 4 guided by the inner surfaces of the guide rails 42, 42 are provided on both sides of the box-shaped member on the lower surface of 31c.
3, 43 are provided. Therefore, the connecting rod 32
Are located at both ends of the guide roller 4 via the pallet.
3, 43 and always moves on the endless transport path. As a result, the free rotation of each of the pallets 31a to 31c is also restricted, and the traveling wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 are prevented from coming off the rails 41, 41.

As shown in FIG. 1, at the bottom of the endless transport path composed of the guide rails 42, 42, that is, below the box-shaped member 37, at two places on both ends of the forward path 42A and the return path 42B, as shown in FIG. , A plurality of sprockets 44a, 44b, 4 in a horizontal plane.
4c, 44d, 44e, and 44f, and in the closed loop, a first substantially parallel portion 45a partially parallel to the outward path 42A and a second substantially parallel portion 45b parallel to the return path 42B.
An endless traction member, that is, a transfer chain 45 formed with a groove is provided, and one of the sprockets (here, the sprocket 44f) is directly connected to the chain driving means. The chain driving means is such that a reduction gear 47 is attached to a motor 46 disposed at an intermediate portion between the forward path 42A and the return path 42B, and the output shaft 47a of the reduction gear 47 is disposed downward as shown in FIG. Is mounted with a sprocket 44f. The sprockets 44f and 44e are used to form the first substantially parallel portions 45a.
4b and a sprocket 44c, 44d for forming the second substantially parallel portion 45b. The sprocket 44c adjusts the tension of the transport chain 45 and adjusts the phase (position) of the fitting roller 48 described later. It has a function to perform. That is, the sprocket 44f is integrally formed with the motor 46 and the speed reducer 47, and the sprocket 44e is independently formed so as to be movable inward of the closed loop of the transport chain, and the first substantially parallel portion 45a and the second substantially parallel portion 45a are respectively formed. It is constantly urged inward of the closed loop by an urging means (not shown) having an urging force larger than the tension received from the parallel portion 45b. Then, at a predetermined portion of the endless conveyance path, that is, at the first substantially parallel portion 45a and the second substantially parallel portion 45b, a driving force is applied from the conveyance chain 45 to the pallet via the power transmission mechanism, and the endless pallet 30 is moved. They are being driven. The urging directions of the sprockets 44e and 44f may be outside the closed loop of the transport chain.

In the power transmission mechanism, the driving-side power transmission member includes:
A pair of upper and lower protruding pieces 4 which are installed on the transport chain 45 at a predetermined pitch, and whose bases are fixed to the outer surfaces of the connection links 45c and 45d of the transport chain 45, extend to one side and face each other.
A rotatable fitting roller 4 installed between 5f and 45g
8, the driven power transmission member is connected to the connecting rod 3
2 and the upper projecting piece 45 of the transport chain 45
f has a U-shaped portion 49a which can be inserted, and the U-shaped portion 49a
A concave portion 49b into which the fitting roller 48 can be freely fitted.
The contact roller 49 is provided by being recessed from the side surface, and the fitting roller 48 is fitted into the recess 49b of the contact member 49 only at the substantially parallel portions 45a and 45b, and these are engaged. It is supposed to.

Further, a U-shaped chain guide 51 for guiding the transport chain 45 along a substantially parallel portion of the endless transport path is provided. As shown in FIG. 5, the chain guide 51 is arranged on one side opposite to the projecting side of the transport chain 45, and has a U-shaped concave portion 51a.
It is designed to guide the connecting links 45c and 45d and the roller 45e, which are the chain main body including the base of 45g. Thereby, the engagement state between the fitting roller 48 and the contact member 49 in the substantially parallel portions 45a and 45b is stabilized. Here, the transport chain 45 is used here.
The upper and lower connecting links 45c, 45d are provided with separate upper and lower protruding pieces 45f, 45g on the outer surface, however, needless to say, the upper and lower connecting links 45c, 45d may be formed with direct protruding pieces. Further, a contact member guide that guides the back side of the contact member 49 may be provided so as to face the chain guide 51.

Reference numerals 52a and 52b in FIG. 1 are disposed at both ends of a forward path 42A and a return path 42B,
C and 42D are fixed floors, and fixed comb teeth called “com” for passengers to get on and off are installed at each boundary between the outward path 42A and the return path 42B, and the mortar and mortise on the pallet side. They are set so as to form a set relationship.
Reference numerals 53a and 53b in FIG. 2 denote each fixed floor 52a in order to absorb a step between the existing floor surface 54 and each of the fixed floors 52a and 52b, that is, the surface of the endless pallet 30, and to smoothly carry on and off. , 52b are provided at the outer ends of the endless conveying path, 55 is a moving handrail provided on both sides of the substantially parallel portions 45a, 45b of the endless conveyance path, and reference numeral 56 in FIG. All the equipment including the device is attached, thereby ensuring the easiness of installation and the reliability and facilitating the anti-vibration measures.

As described above, the conveyor device of the first embodiment moves the transport chain 45 into a plurality of sprockets 44a, 44b, 44c, 4 in a plane parallel to the plane of the endless transport path.
4d, 44e and 44f, and one of the sprockets 44f is connected to the output shaft of the chain driving means, that is, the output shaft 47a of the speed reducer 47 connected to the motor 46.
Since the drive unit is directly mounted on the drive unit, the structure of the drive unit is simplified, and the height of the drive unit is significantly reduced compared to the conventional type in which the transport chain circulates in the vertical plane. Can be. For this reason, when the conveyor device is a moving sidewalk as in the first embodiment, it can be installed on an existing floor as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and the construction cost can be significantly reduced. . Therefore, for example, installation in an existing communication passage connecting buildings is also facilitated. Furthermore, the weight of the entire apparatus can be reduced, the strength of peripheral equipment can be set low, and the degree of freedom in design is increased.

Further, since the output shaft 47a of the speed reducer 47 is arranged downward and the sprocket 44f is mounted on the output shaft 47a, the driving device is arranged above the conveying chain closed loop surface, and the height of the entire device is reduced. Can be significantly compressed.

The sprocket 44f directly connected to the output shaft 47a is connected to the first substantially parallel portion 45a and the second substantially parallel portion 4a.
5b, and is configured integrally with the motor 46 and the reduction gear 47 so as to be movable inward of the closed loop of the transport chain, and receives from the first substantially parallel portion 45a and the second substantially parallel portion 45b. Since the urging means having an urging force larger than the tension is always urged inward of the closed loop, the motor or the like does not protrude outside the loop of the transport path, and the influence on the surroundings is avoided. it can. For this reason, it is advantageous when it is installed on an existing floor where the width of the passage is restricted. Further, an independent device for adjusting the tension of the transport chain 45 and adjusting the phase (position) of the fitting roller 52 is not required, so that the number of parts can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced accordingly. it can.

Further, since the endless pallet 30 is driven by the straight portions (outbound route 42A and return route 42B) in the vicinity of the curved paths 42C and 42D, the movement of the curved paths 42C and 42D becomes smooth. ,as a result,
The required driving force can be reduced.

Here, a transport chain 45 is used as an endless traction member, and this is used as a plurality of sprockets 44a,
One of the sprockets 44f is directly connected to the driving device, and the fitting roller 48 on the side of the transport chain 45 is brought into contact with the connecting rod 32 at the substantially parallel portions 45a and 45b. Although the power transmission is described as an example by engaging with the member 49, the transport chain may be replaced with a rope. In this case, power transmission is performed by wrapping a rope over a plurality of pulleys, directly connecting one of the pulleys to a driving device, and gripping the rope at the substantially parallel portions 45a and 45b by a rope gripping means provided on the pallet side. To do.

Embodiment 2 FIG. 9 to 12 show a conveyor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a plan view showing the entire configuration, FIG. 10 is a side view showing the entire configuration, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line EE of FIG.
Is a block diagram showing the configuration of the drive control unit. In each figure, the same parts as those of the above-described first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.

The conveyor device of the second embodiment also applies the present invention to a moving sidewalk. The conveyor device according to the second embodiment employs a linear motor 60 using an inverter as a power supply circuit as a means for transporting the endless pallet 30.

Here, a linear motor 60 is connected to a traveling element 61 made of a conductive plate (here, a metal plate) serving as a secondary-side conductor provided on the pallet side, that is, on the lower surface of each connecting rod 32, and an endless conveyance path. The inverter includes a primary winding, that is, a plurality of stators 62 arranged in a straight line section sandwiching a curved path. The inverter is set to supply a variable frequency power to the linear motor 60.

This will be described in more detail with reference to FIG.
A roller 63 that rotates in contact with the lower surface of the pallet and a rotary encoder 64 that is a rotation detecting unit that detects the rotation of the roller 63 are provided at a predetermined portion of the rail 41. The suspension mechanism of the roller 63 may be provided with a biasing means for constantly biasing the roller 63 toward the lower surface of the pallet by a coil spring or an air spring.

The power supply control section includes speed setting means 71 capable of setting the moving speed of the pallet by an external input, speed detecting means 72 for detecting the actual moving speed of the pallet based on a pulse output from the rotary encoder 64, Actual speed detected by speed detecting means 72 and speed setting means 7
1, a power supply frequency determination means 74 for determining a power supply frequency based on the speed difference obtained by the comparator 73 and the set speed, and a power supply frequency determination means 74 The frequency of the power supply 75 is variably controlled so that the power supply frequency determined by
And a main circuit 76 of the inverter to be supplied to the inverter. Note that a well-known reversible converter is employed for the converter section in the main circuit 76 of the inverter, and normal and reverse operation is possible by switching. It is also known that the function of this reversible converter can be used for magnetic sudden braking. When an emergency stop button or the like is pressed and a stop command is input to the power supply frequency determination means 74, the power supply frequency determination means 74 is used. Or a trigger signal for switching the reversible converter may be output from the main circuit 76, or a brake circuit including a switch and a resistor is provided in the main circuit 76 so that regenerative power is consumed and the DC circuit voltage does not increase. You may do so.

Other components, that is, each pallet 31
a to 31c, the connection between the pallets 31a to 31c, and the connecting rods 32, the relationship between the running wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 and the rails 41, 41, the mounting of the guide rollers 43, 43 The aspect, the relationship between the guide rollers 43, 43 and the endless transport path, is the same as that of the first embodiment.

In the conveyor device of the second embodiment, a linear motor 60 using an inverter as a power supply circuit is employed as a means for transporting the endless pallet 30, and the speed set by the speed setting means 71 is obtained by the comparator 73. Variably controls the frequency of the power supply 75 based on the speed difference and supplies the power to the linear motor 60, so that the pallet moving speed is maintained at a predetermined speed with high accuracy even when the load changes due to passengers. can do. In particular, since the present conveyor device is applied to a moving sidewalk in which the endless transport path exists in a substantially plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity, the required propulsion force can be obtained even with a thin linear motor having a low propulsion force. It is easy to secure and a sufficient propulsive force can be ensured, and the height of the entire device including the drive device can be further reduced.

Since the power is transmitted in a non-contact manner, no noise or vibration is generated from the drive unit, and it is not necessary to consider the wear of the drive unit, so that the life of the apparatus can be extended. Further, the installation space can be made compact.

Here, the traveling element 61 of the linear motor is used.
As an example, a metal plate (secondary conductor) and a stator using a primary winding as the stator 62 have been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. A plurality of magnets may be arranged in parallel in the direction of the transport path, and a plurality of coils may be arranged in parallel as stators corresponding to the permanent magnets.

Embodiment 3 FIG. FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a drive control unit of a conveyor device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the same parts as those of the above-described second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. is there.

The conveyor device according to the third embodiment also applies the present invention to a moving sidewalk. The conveyor device according to the third embodiment includes an endless pallet 3
The dogs 81 are attached at equal intervals to a plurality of locations on the lower surface of the zero, and a proximity sensor 82 that detects the dogs 81 is disposed immediately below the dog passage line on the rail 41 on the endless transport path side, and is provided in the control circuit of the inverter. Speed detection means 83
Thereby, the moving speed of the pallet is calculated from the output of the proximity sensor 82.

More specifically, the speed detecting means 83
Are based on the output of the proximity sensor 82, the passing time detecting means 84 for detecting the time between two consecutive dogs 81 passing, and the known distance between two consecutive dogs and passing time detecting means 84. Speed calculating means 85 for calculating the moving speed of the pallet based on the detected transit time. In the inverter control circuit, the actual speed obtained by the speed calculating means 85 and the speed setting means 71
The difference between the set speed and the set speed is obtained by the comparator 73, and the power frequency determining means 74 determines the power frequency based on the speed difference obtained by the comparator 73 and the set speed, and outputs the power frequency to the main circuit 76 of the inverter. It is supposed to. In the main circuit 76 of the inverter, similarly to the above-described second embodiment, the power supply frequency determined by the power supply
The frequency of the power supply 75 is variably controlled and supplied to the linear motor 60.

Other configurations, that is, each pallet 31
a to 31c, the connection between the pallets 31a to 31c, and the connecting rods 32, the relationship between the running wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 and the rails 41, 41, the mounting of the guide rollers 43, 43 The aspect, the relationship between the guide rollers 43 and the endless transport path, is the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

In the conveyor device of the third embodiment, in addition to the same effects as those of the second embodiment, the moving speed of the pallet is detected by using the non-contact sensor (proximity sensor 82). There is an advantage that the life can be prolonged and the reliability is improved.

Embodiment 4 FIG. FIG. 14 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a braking device of a conveyor device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, the same portions as those of the above-described second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. It is.

The conveyor device according to the fourth embodiment also applies the present invention to a moving sidewalk. The conveyor device of the fourth embodiment has a brake plate 9
In addition, a braking means 93 having a brake lining 92 capable of clamping the brake plate 91 at a plurality of positions, preferably at equal intervals, of the linear portion of the endless transport path is provided. In addition, as the braking means 93,
Here, from the viewpoint of fail-safe, a system is adopted in which the brake plate 91 is constantly urged in the squeezing direction by a spring (not shown) to electromagnetically forcibly release the brake during operation. Thus, when the holding force of the linear motor 60 is lost during a power failure, the pallet can be prevented from moving forward by inertia, and safety can be easily ensured.

Other components, that is, each pallet 31
a to 31c, the connection between the pallets 31a to 31c, and the connecting rods 32, the relationship between the running wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 and the rails 41, 41, the mounting of the guide rollers 43, 43 The aspect, the relationship between the guide rollers 43 and the endless transport path, is the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

In the conveyor device of the fourth embodiment, when an emergency stop button or the like is pressed and a stop command is input, the magnetic braking by the linear motor 60 and the braking means 9 are performed.
3, the endless pallet 30 stops suddenly. At this time, since the brake plates 91 are arranged at equal intervals, the inertial force of the pallet does not concentrate on the specific braking means 93, there is no unreasonable behavior, and the stopping operation of the entire endless pallet 30 is responsive. Often done.
As described above, since the dual safety device of the magnetic braking and the mechanical braking is provided, the reliability is improved. It is needless to say that the braking distance can be adjusted by adjusting the gripping force of the brake lining 92.

Embodiment 5 FIG. FIG. 15 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a braking device of a conveyor device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, the same portions as those of the above-described second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. It is.

The conveyor device of the fifth embodiment also applies the present invention to a moving sidewalk. In the conveyor device of the fifth embodiment, the runner 61A is formed from a wide conductive plate, and the lower surface of both sides 61a, 61b of the conductive plate is provided on both sides of the endless conveyance path, that is, the stator 62 on the common bed 56. Anti-suction roller 1 supporting the gap G between the traveling element 61A and the stator 62
01 and 101 are provided.

Other configurations, that is, each pallet 31
a to 31c, the connection between the pallets 31a to 31c, and the connecting rods 32, the relationship between the running wheels 38, 38 and 39, 39 and the rails 41, 41, the mounting of the guide rollers 43, 43 The aspect, the relationship between the guide rollers 43 and the endless transport path, is the same as that of the first and second embodiments.

In the conveyor device of the fifth embodiment, the load on the pallet is basically the front, rear, left and right running wheels 38, 38 (and 39, 39: see FIG. 9) on the lower surface of the pallet.
, And the suction prevention rollers 101, 101 exclusively maintain the gap G between the traveling element 61A and the stator 62. For this reason, the gap G can be kept substantially constant, and lock due to suction can be prevented. The driving force of the linear motor can be made substantially constant.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention has been described by exemplifying a case where the present invention is applied to a moving sidewalk composed of a flat path. However, for example, the forward path 42A and the return path 42B shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied to a structure configured in a descending path. In this case, the transport chain, the rope, or the linear motor is disposed in a flat plane parallel to the plane of the elevating / lowering path section in the endless transport path. When this is viewed in a plan view, it is similar to FIGS. 1 and 9. Even in such a case, the size under the endless pallet can be significantly reduced as compared with the conventional case, similarly to the above-described embodiments.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention has been described by exemplifying a case in which the present invention is installed on an existing floor surface. You may make it correspond with a floor surface. Even in such a case, the amount of digging under the floor can be significantly reduced as compared with the related art.

[0061]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, an endless pallet connected to bend freely, an endless transport path including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet, and an endless pallet are transported. An endless traction member, which is disposed in a plane parallel to the surface of the endless conveyance path, and partially forms a substantially parallel portion with the endless conveyance path; and And a power transmission means for transmitting the movement of the endless traction member to the endless pallet in the substantially parallel portion. The height of the drive unit can be greatly reduced as compared with the system in which the transport chain circulates in the vertical plane. For this reason, in the case of a sidewalk in which the conveyor device moves, it becomes possible to install the existing device on the existing floor, and the construction cost can be significantly reduced. Furthermore, the weight of the entire apparatus can be reduced, the strength of peripheral equipment can be set low, and the degree of freedom in design is increased.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the endless traction member is composed of a chain or a rope spanned over a plurality of sprockets or a plurality of pulleys, and one of the sprockets or the pulley is disposed below the driving means. Since the drive unit was directly connected to the output shaft, the drive unit could be arranged above the closed loop surface of the chain or the rope, and the height of the entire apparatus could be significantly reduced.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the sprocket or the pulley directly connected to the output shaft of the driving means is disposed at a position deviated from a substantially parallel portion with the endless transport path, and is arranged together with the driving means. While being configured to be movable inward or outward of the endless traction member closed loop in the plane,
Since the biasing means having a biasing force greater than the tension received from the substantially parallel portion is constantly biased inward or outward of the closed loop, the tension adjustment of the endless traction member and the phase of the power transmission means ( An independent device for performing position) adjustment and the like is not required, so that the number of components can be reduced, and the cost can be reduced accordingly.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the endless transport path has a straight forward path and a return path sandwiching a curved path, and the driving means is disposed at an intermediate portion between the forward path and the return path. With the configuration, the motor and the like do not protrude outside the loop of the transport path, and the influence on the periphery can be avoided. For this reason, restrictions on the flow of people were eliminated, the degree of freedom in setting the flow was increased, and the landscape was improved. Furthermore, it is advantageous when the apparatus is installed on an existing floor where the width of the passage is restricted.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an endless pallet connected to bend freely, an endless conveying path including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet, and conveying means for conveying the endless pallet. The conveying means is constituted by a linear motor composed of a traveling element installed on the endless pallet side and a plurality of stators arranged on a substantially straight portion of the endless conveying path, and power is transmitted in a non-contact manner. As a result, no noise or vibration is generated from the drive unit, and it is not necessary to consider the wear of the drive unit, and the life of the device can be extended. Furthermore, the installation space can be made compact.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pallet moving speed setting means, the speed detecting means for detecting the actual moving speed of the pallet, and the actual speed and speed detected by the speed detecting means. A comparator for determining a difference between the speed set by the setting unit, a power supply frequency determining unit for determining a power supply frequency based on the speed difference by the comparator and the set speed, and a power supply frequency determining unit. An inverter that variably controls the frequency of the power supply and supplies it to the linear motor so that the power supply frequency can be obtained. Could be maintained.

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the speed detecting means determines the moving speed of the pallet on the basis of the output from the rotation detecting means for detecting the rotation of the roller rotating in contact with the lower surface of the pallet. Since the detection circuit is configured to perform the detection, the control circuit can be simplified.

According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, two consecutive dogs are detected by the speed detecting means based on the output of the proximity sensor installed on the endless conveyance path side which detects a plurality of dogs attached to the lower surface of the endless pallet. Since it is constituted by passing time detecting means for detecting a time between passing, and speed calculating means for calculating a moving speed of the pallet based on the distance between two consecutive dogs and the detected passing time. In addition, the moving speed of the pallet can be detected in a non-contact manner, the service life of the sensor can be extended, and the reliability can be improved.

Further, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the brake plate is provided on the pallet, and the braking means having the brake lining capable of clamping the brake plate by pressing the brake plate is provided on the endless transport path, thereby ensuring safety. And the reliability was improved.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the endless conveyance path is provided with an anti-adhesion roller that supports the traveling element and maintains a gap between the traveling element and the stator. The gap between the stator and the stator could be kept substantially constant, and lock due to suction could be prevented. For this reason, the driving force by the linear motor could be made substantially constant.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a conveyor device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view showing the overall configuration of the conveyor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along the line BB of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a side view showing a relationship between a drive system and a pallet serving as a tread of the conveyor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line CC of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view showing an engagement state between a fitting roller and a contact member of a power transmission unit of the conveyor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view as viewed in the direction of the arrow DD in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view showing a relationship between a transport chain, a fitting roller, and a contact member of the conveyor device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing an overall configuration of a conveyor device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a side view illustrating an overall configuration of a conveyor device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view taken along the line EE in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive control unit of a conveyor device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a drive control unit of a conveyor device according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a braking device of a conveyor device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a front sectional view showing a configuration of a braking device of a conveyor device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a side view showing a configuration of a flat path portion of a conventional conveyor device.

FIG. 17 is a side view showing a configuration of a pallet serving as a tread of a conventional conveyor device.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a relationship between a pallet, an endless conveyance path, and a drive system of a conventional conveyor device.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view taken along the line AA in FIG. 18;

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 30 endless pallet 32 connecting rod 35 spherical joint 42 guide rail (endless transport path) 42A linear outward path 42B linear return path 42C, 42D curved path 43 guide roller 44a, 44b, 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f sprocket 45 transport chain (Endless traction member) 45a, 45b Substantially parallel portion 46 Motor 47 Reducer 47a Output shaft 48 Fitting roller (power transmission means) 49 Contact member (power transmission means) 60 Linear motor 61 Runner 62 Stator 64 Rotary Encoder (rotation detecting means) 71 Speed setting means 72, 83 Speed detecting means 73 Comparator 74 Power frequency determining means 76 Inverter 81 Dog 82 Proximity sensor 84 Transit time detecting means 85 Speed calculating means 91 Brake plate 92 Brake lining 93 Braking means G Cap 101 adsorption preventing roller

Claims (10)

[Claims] An endless pallet connected to the endless pallet, an endless pallet including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet, and a conveying unit for conveying the endless pallet; An endless traction member that is disposed in a plane parallel to the surface of the endless transport path and partially forms a substantially parallel portion with the endless transport path; and a drive that directly drives the endless traction member in the parallel plane. Means for transmitting the movement of the endless traction member to the endless pallet in the substantially parallel portion. 2. The endless traction member comprises a chain or a rope wound around a plurality of sprockets or a plurality of pulleys, and one of the sprockets or the pulley is directly connected to an output shaft disposed below the driving means. The conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein: 3. A sprocket or pulley directly connected to the output shaft of the driving means is disposed at a position deviated from a substantially parallel portion with the endless conveyance path, and together with the driving means, forms a closed loop of the endless traction member in the parallel plane. It is configured to be movable inward or outward, and is constantly biased inward or outward of the closed loop by biasing means having a biasing force greater than the tension received from the substantially parallel portion. 3. The conveyor device according to claim 2, wherein: 4. The endless transport path has a straight outward path and a return path sandwiching a curved path, and the driving means is disposed at an intermediate portion between the forward path and the return path. The conveyor device according to claim 3. 5. An endless pallet connected to bendable with each other, an endless conveyance path including a curved path for guiding the endless pallet, and conveyance means for conveying the endless pallet, wherein the conveyance means comprises: A conveyor device comprising a linear motor comprising: a traveling element installed on an endless pallet side; and a plurality of stators arranged on a substantially straight portion of the endless transport path. 6. A pallet moving speed setting means, a speed detecting means for detecting an actual moving speed of the pallet, and an actual speed detected by the speed detecting means and set by the speed setting means. A comparator for determining a difference from the speed; a power supply frequency determining unit for determining a power supply frequency based on the speed difference by the comparator and the set speed; and a power supply frequency determined by the power supply frequency determining unit. 6. The conveyor device according to claim 5, further comprising an inverter for variably controlling a frequency of a power supply and supplying the frequency to a linear motor. 7. The speed detecting device according to claim 1, wherein the speed detecting means detects a moving speed of the pallet based on an output from a rotation detecting means for detecting a rotation of a roller rotating in contact with a lower surface of the pallet. A conveyor device according to claim 6. 8. A speed detecting means for detecting a time between two successive dogs based on an output of a proximity sensor installed on an endless conveyance path side for detecting a plurality of dogs attached to a lower surface of an endless pallet. 7. A time detecting means comprising: a time detecting means; and a speed calculating means for calculating a moving speed of the pallet based on the distance between the two consecutive dogs and the detected passing time. Conveyor device as described. 9. The pallet according to claim 5, wherein a brake plate is provided on the pallet, and a brake means having a brake lining capable of holding the brake plate by pressing the brake plate is provided on the endless transport path. A conveyor device according to any of the claims. 10. The endless conveyance path is provided with an anti-adhesion roller for supporting a traveling element and holding a gap between the traveling element and a stator. The conveyor device according to any one of the above.