JP2010167452A - Conveying apparatus and conveying method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveying apparatus and a conveying method by which an objects such as roller table, that is arranged in a work and needs periodic exchange and maintenance, is smoothly and efficiently conveyed. <P>SOLUTION: The conveying apparatus 10 can travel on rails 32, 36 which are laid along the array direction of a plurality of roller tables 12, and has :a stand 26 which is constituted so as to be positioned in the side part of each roller table; and a movable beam 28 which is provided movably on the stand 26. An engaging mechanism possessed by the movable beam 28 is constituted so as to be successively engaged with a first and second fixed structures 52, 54 which are separately arranged in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 in the upper parts of the roller tables during moving from the stand 26 toward the respective upper parts of the roller tables 12. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an article conveying apparatus such as a roller table and a method for conveying the article.

  For example, in a rolling line in a steel factory, a plurality of roller tables each having a roller are used. Each roller table needs to be replaced for failure or for periodic maintenance. Several methods for efficiently performing such work have been proposed. For example, in Patent Document 1, a plurality of rollers and their accessories are assembled on a carrier pallet outside the line into one unit, and replacement work is performed. A simplified replacement method is disclosed.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a roll exchanging apparatus that exchanges rolls arranged at regular intervals in a furnace by a roll extracting apparatus provided on a carriage that runs along the furnace wall.

JP 2002-239618 A JP-A-8-225827

  Conventionally, when a transport object such as a roller table is transported for replacement or maintenance, each roller table is lifted and transported to a predetermined position by a crane provided near the ceiling of the factory building. However, the work with the crane is time consuming and the burden on the operator is heavy. Also, since the crane is used for many purposes, there is also a disadvantage that the crane cannot be used for other purposes during the transfer work of the roller table. .

  When using a carrier pallet like patent document 1, it is necessary to dig up a floor surface and it may become a factor of a cost increase. Further, in the extraction apparatus as in Patent Document 2, the shaft 4 is in a so-called “cantilever” state when the roll is lifted, and depending on the weight of the roller table, there is a possibility that the shaft may be bent and suitable conveyance cannot be performed. Further, if the shaft 4 is provided with sufficient rigidity that does not bend even in a cantilever state, the extraction device itself becomes heavy and increases the cost.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a transport apparatus and a transport method for smoothly and efficiently transporting an object such as a roller table that is disposed in a factory and requires periodic replacement and maintenance.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention described in claim 1 is a gantry configured to be movable in the lateral direction of each of the plurality of objects along the arrangement direction of the plurality of objects arranged adjacent to each other. A movable beam provided on the gantry, the movable beam configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam from the gantry toward each of the plurality of objects, and the movable beam. A lifting means capable of lifting the object when the movable beam is positioned above each of the plurality of objects; and provided on the movable beam, each of the plurality of objects from the mount An engagement mechanism configured to sequentially engage at least two fixed structures above the object and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam while moving upwards; , A conveying apparatus having

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the transfer apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the lifting means is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam with respect to the movable beam.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the engagement mechanism is engaged with the movable beam and is movable in a longitudinal direction of the movable beam. And a second engagement portion provided in the vicinity of the object side end of the movable beam, the first engagement portion is a traveling portion capable of traveling on the movable beam, and While the movable beam is positioned between the first position and the second position, the guide portion that contacts the first fixed structure and guides the movement of the movable beam; and A holding portion that holds the fixed structure in contact with the second fixed structure, and the second engaging portion engages with the second fixed structure when the movable beam is in the second position. Provided is a transport device configured to do so.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the conveyance device according to the third aspect, the first engagement portion is a stopper that is movable with respect to the first engagement portion at least in the moving direction of the movable beam. A positioning member; and a stopper member that is movably provided with respect to the first engaging portion and fixes the first engaging portion to the first fixed structure. A contact detector configured to be able to contact the first fixed structure when the movable beam approaches the first position, and a stopper push formed integrally with the contact detector. The stopper pushing portion abuts against the stopper member when the abutment detecting portion is not in contact with the first fixed structure, and the first engaging portion is The first stopper member does not fix the first engaging portion to the first fixed structure. When the contact detection portion is in contact with the first fixed structure, the stopper member is used as the stopper member, and the stopper member serves as the first engagement portion when the contact detection portion is in contact with the first fixed structure. Provided is a conveying device that is positioned at a fixed position.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the transport device according to the fourth aspect, the stopper member is placed at a position where the stopper member fixes the first engaging portion to the first fixed structure. The movable beam has an actuator having a rod configured to be displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam, so that the latch mechanism can be disengaged. A latch protect member configured is coupled to the rod, and the latch protect member is engaged with the first engaging portion when the latch protect member is in a position for releasing the latch mechanism, and the latch mechanism is engaged. A conveying device configured to be separated from the first engaging portion when in a position permitting alignment is provided.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the conveying apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein each of the plurality of objects is a roller table including a roller, and the plurality of the roller tables are each roller. A conveying device that is adjacently arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction is provided.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the object side to be transported on the gantry configured to be movable in the lateral direction of each of the plurality of objects along the arrangement direction of the plurality of objects arranged adjacent to each other. A movable beam provided on the gantry, the movable beam configured to be movable from the gantry to the upper side of each of the plurality of objects along the longitudinal direction of the movable beam. And moving the movable beam from the gantry toward the upper side of the object, and moving the movable beam from the gantry toward the upper side of the object along the movable direction of the movable beam. Sequentially engaging the movable beam with at least two fixed structures above the object and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam; and the movable beam is positioned above each of the objects Sometimes using lifting means provided on the movable beam To provide a conveying method having the steps of lifting the object, and moving toward the movable beam to the frame, a.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the transfer method according to claim 7, wherein the movable beam is moved from the gantry to a first position where the movable beam is engaged with the first fixed structure; When the first beam reaches the first position and engages the first fixed structure, the movable beam is stopped, and the lifting means is moved toward the object side end of the movable beam; While moving the movable beam from the first position to the second position engaging the second fixed structure, and while the movable beam is moving from the first position to the second position, Moving the lifting means relative to the movable beam so that the position of the lifting means in the stationary coordinate system does not change; and the movable beam reaches the second position to form the second fixed structure. When engaged, stop the movable beam. It said lifting means is moved toward the object side end portion of the movable beam, provides a transport method and a step of stopping the possible lifting of the object position.

  The invention according to claim 9 is the transport method according to claim 8, wherein the lifting means is in the state where the movable beam is in the second position and the lifting means lifts the object. Moving the movable beam toward the gantry side end, moving the movable beam from the second position to the first position, and moving the movable beam from the second position to the first position; Moving the lifting means relative to the movable beam so that the position of the lifting means in the stationary coordinate system does not change while moving to the first position, and moving the movable means when the movable beam reaches the first position. And a step of stopping the beam and moving the lifting means toward the gantry side end of the movable beam.

  According to one aspect of the present invention, the movable beam that moves from the gantry sequentially engages with the first and second fixed structures, so the movable beam rarely becomes a so-called cantilever state. Therefore, inadvertent bending due to its own weight and the weight of the object to be conveyed is prevented.

  By configuring the lifting means so as to be movable with respect to the movable beam, the movable beam does not receive the weight of the object to be transported in a so-called cantilever state, and it is reliably prevented from being bent undesirably due to the weight of the object. Is done.

  The engagement mechanism has a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, and the first engagement portion further has a running portion, a guide portion, and a holding portion, so that the movable beam is moved to the first position. While moving between the second positions, the first engaging portion can be engaged with the first fixed structure and the weight of the movable beam can be borne by the first fixed structure.

  Since the first engaging portion has the stopper positioning means and the stopper member, the conveyance object lifted by the lifting means is moved in the gantry direction while the movable beam moves between the first position and the second position. During the movement, the first engaging portion can be securely held in the first fixed structure.

  The stopper member can be reliably held in contact with the first fixed structure by the latch mechanism provided on the stopper member and the latch protect member attached to the actuator provided on the movable beam.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, the movable beam moving from the gantry is sequentially engaged with the first and second fixed structures, and the movable beam is smoothly conveyed without being in a so-called cantilever state. The object can be conveyed.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the more concrete conveying method until it lifts a conveyance target object with a lifting means is provided.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the more concrete conveying method until it conveys to a predetermined position by the side of a mount after lifting a conveyance target object with a lifting means is provided.

It is a figure which shows the upper surface of the suitable embodiment of the conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention, a front surface, and a side surface. It is the upper surface and front view of one Embodiment of the engagement mechanism provided in a movable beam, Comprising: The figure which shows the state which this engagement mechanism is moving toward the 1st fixed structure with the movement of a movable beam It is. It is a figure which shows the state which the engagement mechanism of FIG. 2a approached further to the 1st fixed structure. It is a figure which shows the state which the engagement mechanism of FIG. 2a contact | abutted and engaged with the 1st fixed structure. It is a figure which shows the state which a movable beam moved further from the state of FIG. 2c to the counter stand side, and the stopper member stood up. It is a figure which shows the state which the latch protection member moved from the state of FIG. 2d, the stopper member was hold | maintained in the standing state, and the engagement mechanism was fixed to the 1st fixed structure. It is a figure which shows the state which has a conveying apparatus in an initial position. It is a figure which shows the state which the movable beam moved from the mount frame and was located in the 1st position. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the lifting unit to the roller table side from the state of FIG. 3b. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the movable beam to the 2nd position from the state of FIG. 3c. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the lifting unit from the state of FIG. 3d above a roller table. It is a figure which shows the state which lifted the roller table with the lifting unit from the state of FIG. 3e. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the lifting unit from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the movable beam to the 1st position from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the lifting unit to the mount side from the state of FIG. 3h. It is a figure which shows the state which moved the movable beam to the initial position from the state of FIG. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of the suspension arm mechanism for fixing a movable beam to a fixed structure. It is a figure which shows the alternative example of the suspension arm mechanism of FIG.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an upper surface, a front surface, and a side surface of a preferred embodiment of a transport apparatus 10 according to the present invention. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the conveyance object of the conveyance device 10 is a roller table 12 that forms a conveyance line included in a cooling facility in a rolling line of a steel factory. The roller table 12 includes, for example, a roller 14 having a diameter of 300 mm, a motor 16 that rotationally drives the roller 14, a support base 18 that supports the roller 14 and the motor 16, and is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis direction of the roller 14. A plurality of arrays are arranged at intervals of 300 mm to 500 mm, for example. The roller table 12 has a lifting bracket 22 provided with holes 20 above both ends of the roller 14, and hooks (to be described later) or the like are hooked on the holes 20 so that each roller table 12 as a whole is a unit. Can be lifted. Around the roller table 12, a frame 24 for supporting a shower nozzle (not shown) for cooling a thin steel plate conveyed on the roller is provided.

  The conveying device 10 is capable of running on rails laid along the arrangement direction of the plurality of roller tables 12, and includes a gantry 26 configured to be positioned on the side of each roller table, and movably provided on the gantry 26. Movable beam 28. In the illustrated embodiment, the gantry 26 is respectively over the first rail 32 laid on the installation surface 30 and the second rail 36 provided on the angle 34 provided on the gantry 26 side of the frame 24. It has wheels 38 and 40 which can run. In the illustrated example, an angle 34 is provided in the frame 24 and one rail is arranged above the worker in order to secure a passage 42 for the worker between the gantry 26 and the frame 24. For example, any rail may be laid on the installation surface. The movement of the gantry may not be realized by a combination of rails and wheels. For example, the gantry may include a tire and travel on the installation surface.

  The movable beam 28 is, for example, a beam member such as H steel. For example, by a plurality of roller mechanisms 29 provided in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28, the movable beam 28, that is, in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 from the gantry 26 to the upper side of the roller table 12. It is configured to be movable toward. The movable beam 28 is provided with lifting means, that is, a lifting unit 44 that can lift the roller table when the movable beam 28 is positioned above the roller table 12. Preferably, the lifting unit 44 has a beam member such as H steel configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 with respect to the movable beam 28. The lifting unit 44 has a hook 46 that can be engaged with the hole 20 formed in the bracket 22 of the roller table 12, and a winch mechanism 48 that moves the hook 46 up and down. The roller table 12 can be lifted by moving the hook 46 upward. The winch mechanism 48 of the lifting unit 44 may be automated, but a manual one is preferable from the viewpoint of installation space.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2a, the engaging mechanism which the movable beam 28 has is demonstrated. The engaging mechanism 50 is provided on the movable beam 28, and while moving upward from the gantry 26 toward each of the roller tables 12, the engagement mechanism 50 is, for example, 2 in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 above the roller table. It is comprised so that it may sequentially engage with the 1st and 2nd fixed structure 52 and 54 (refer FIG. 1) spaced apart by the space | interval of -3m. A suitable fixed structure is H steel extending substantially horizontally and approximately perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28, and at least two of the fixed structures are disposed at substantially the same height along the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28. Also, here, of the two fixed structures, the side close to the gantry 26 is the first fixed structure 52 and the other is the second fixed structure 54.

  The engagement mechanism 50 according to the preferred embodiment constitutes a roller assembly 56 as shown in FIG. 2a and engages the movable beam 28 (specifically, one of the movable beams 28 (upper) made of H steel). A pair of rollers (two pairs in the illustrated example), that is, the first pinch rollers 60 and 62, and the movable beam 28, which are configured to travel on the movable beam 28. A guide portion configured to abut and engage with the first fixed structure 52 when moving to a position (described later) (specifically, sandwiching one (lower) flange 64 of the H steel 52). A pair of rollers (a pair in the illustrated example), that is, a second pinch roller 66, and a frame 68 that rotatably connects the pinch rollers 60, 62, and 66 so that their positional relationship does not change. The roller assembly 56 generally defines the position of the roller assembly 56 relative to the H steel 52 when the movable beam 28 approaches the first position in order to ensure that the second pinch roller 66 is engaged with the H steel 52. You may further have the guide rollers 70 and 72 provided with the guide function to do. The guide rollers 70 and 72 are disposed on the opposite side of the gantry 26 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 relative to each of the second pinch rollers 66, and when the movable beam 28 is in the first position (FIG. 3c). Is connected to the frame 68 so as to be somewhat spaced from the flange 64 of the H-steel 52.

  The roller assembly 56 configured as described above can run in the longitudinal direction on the movable beam 28 by the first pinch rollers 60 and 62, and the first fixed structure 52 is moved by the second pinch roller 66. Engage without rattling. Accordingly, the second pinch roller 66 functions as a vertical positioning means for the movable beam 28 with respect to the first fixed structure 52, and at least a part of the weight of the movable beam 28 is carried by the first fixed structure 52. Can be made. Each roller constituting the second pinch roller 66 is rotatably connected to the frame 68.

  When H steel is used for the movable beam 28, as shown in the upper diagram (top view) in FIG. 2a, two sets of roller assemblies 56 are set so as to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line 75 of the movable beam 28. It may be provided. In that case, the two roller assemblies are configured differently from each other.

  As described above, since the roller assembly 56 has a function of causing the first fixed structure to bear the weight of the movable beam, the roller assembly 56 is always in a state where the movable beam 28 exists below the first fixed structure 52. The assembly is preferably engaged with the first fixed structure (the second pinch roller 66 grips the flange 64 of the H-steel 52). Accordingly, a stopper mechanism, which is a holding portion that holds the engagement state between the roller assembly 56 and the first fixed structure, will be described below.

  As shown in FIG. 2a, the roller assembly 56 has a member 74 that is integrally formed with the frame 68 and extends from the frame 68 to the counter frame side (right side in FIG. 3). A stopper member 76 is pivotally attached to the tip so as to be rotatable about an axis 78 extending in a direction substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28. The roller assembly also includes stopper positioning means, that is, a stopper positioning bar 80, having a stopper pressing portion 82 and a contact detection portion 84 that are integrally formed. In this embodiment, the stopper positioning bar 80 is formed by forming a rod-like member or a linear member in a substantially J shape, and its long side member, that is, the stopper pushing portion 82 can contact the stopper member 76, and the short side. The member, that is, the contact detection portion 84 is connected to the frame 68 via a first spring 88 that biases the stopper positioning bar 80 toward the counter stand in such a posture that the contact detection portion 84 can contact the web 86 of the H steel 52. The Therefore, the stopper positioning bar 80 is movable with respect to the frame 68, that is, each roller, at least in the moving direction of the movable beam 28. Note that an elastic member (spherical in the illustrated example) may be attached to the distal ends of the stopper pressing portion 82 and the contact detection portion 84 for the purpose of absorbing shocks and preventing damage to the member. Further, instead of the first spring 88, an elastic member such as rubber may be used.

  An actuator 94 such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder provided with a rod 92 that can be displaced in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28 (for example, the vertical direction) is attached to the distal end 90 of the movable beam 28 on the side opposite to the gantry. . A latch protect member 96 is attached to the tip of the rod 92, while a latch 98 is rotatable on the stopper member 76 around an axis 100 extending in a direction substantially horizontal and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28. To be pivotally attached. The latch 98 is provided at a position where the stopper member 76 can be engaged with the protrusion 104 provided on the frame 68 in a state where the stopper member 76 is in contact with the flange 64 on the opposite side of the H steel 52 (the state shown in FIG. On the other hand, the latch protect member 96 pushes up the latch 98 to prevent the engagement between the latch 98 and the protrusion 104 when the rod 92 extends upward, and the latch protect member 96 when the rod 92 is retracted downward. The latch 98 and the protrusion 104 are configured to be allowed to engage. Accordingly, in the state of FIG. 2e described later, the latch 98 and the protrusion 104 are engaged, and the stopper member 76 is held in a state of being in contact with the flange 64 of the H steel 52 (in a standing state in the illustrated example). The roller assembly 56 is also held stationary with respect to the H steel 52.

  The stopper member 76 is preferably connected to the frame 68 by a second spring 106 that urges the stopper member in a direction to stand up. However, the spring constant of the second spring 106 is set to be weaker than the spring constant of the first spring 88. That is, the second spring 106 extends the first spring 88 (stopper member 76) in a state where the stopper positioning bar 80 is not in contact with the H steel 52 (a state where the first spring 88 is not extended). Cannot be rotated in the standing direction). Instead of the second spring 106, an elastic member such as rubber may be used.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3A to 3J, a procedure for transporting the roller table using the transport apparatus 10 will be described. First, the frame 26 is moved along the rail shown in FIG. 1, and the frame is positioned to the side of the roller table 12 to be exchanged or transported. In this state, that is, in the initial position, the transport apparatus 10 is in a state in which the movable beam 28 and the lifting unit 44 are drawn below the gantry 26 as shown in FIG. At this time, the lifting unit 44 is located at the gantry side lifting position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 b, the movable beam 28 is moved toward the roller table 12 and stopped at the first position where it engages with the first fixed structure 52. At this time, in order to prevent the lifting unit 44 from moving with respect to the gantry 26, that is, so that the position of the lifting unit 44 in the stationary coordinate system does not change, the lifting unit 44 is clamped by using a clamp means 108 such as a solenoid schematically illustrated. It is preferable to temporarily fix it to the gantry 26. On the other hand, instead of using the clamping means 108, the lifting unit 44 is provided with a self-propelling means such as a drive wheel capable of self-propelling on the movable beam 28, and the lifting unit 44 has the same speed as the moving beam 28 with respect to the gantry 26. 44 may be moved with respect to the movable beam 28 in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the movable beam 28.

  2a to 2e are diagrams illustrating in detail the operation of each part around the roller assembly described above from the state of FIG. 3a to the state of FIG. 3b. In the state of FIG. 2 a, the stopper positioning bar 80 of the roller assembly 56 is not yet in contact with the H steel 52, and the long side member 82 of the stopper positioning bar maintains the state where the stopper member 76 is tilted. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2 b, when the movable beam 28 is further moved to the roller table side (right side), the stopper member 76 can pass below the H steel 52 without contacting the H steel 52.

  FIG. 2c is a diagram showing a state in which the short side member of the stopper positioning bar 80, that is, the contact detection unit 84 contacts the web 86 of the H steel 52, and the movable beam 28 has moved somewhat toward the roller table from the moment of the contact. It is. In the state of FIG. 2 c, the spring 88 that connects the stopper positioning bar 80 to the frame 68 starts to expand, and accordingly, the long side member of the stopper positioning bar 80, that is, the stopper pushing portion 82, is mounted on the stopper member 76. Move to the side. Accordingly, the stopper member 76 gradually approaches the standing state by the urging force of the second spring 106.

  2d shows a state in which the movable beam 28 further moves to the roller table side from the state of FIG. 2c, and the stopper member 76 stands up and abuts against the flange 64 of the H steel 52. FIG. From this state, as shown in FIG. 2e, by moving the rod 92 of the air cylinder 94 downward, the latch protect member 96 connected to the rod 92 is also lowered. As a result, the latch 98 falls down and engages with the protrusion 104 of the frame 68, and the stopper member 76 is held in an upright state. In this way, the roller assembly 56 is fixed to the first fixed structure 52, and at least a part of the weight of the movable beam 28 can be carried by the first fixed structure 52. Therefore, while the movable beam 28 is engaged with the first fixed structure 52, it is prevented from being bent in a so-called “cantilever” state.

  If the gripping force of the first pinch rollers 60 and 62 is set to a certain value or more, the roller assembly 56 is substantially fixed to the movable beam 28 in the state of FIGS. 2a to 2d. However, if the latch protect member 96 is configured to be locked to a part of the frame 68 in the state shown in FIGS. 2a to 2d and to be released or separated in the state shown in FIG. Regardless of the gripping force, the operations of FIGS. 2a to 2d can be performed reliably. That is, in this case, when the latch protect member 96 is in the raised position, it prevents the latch 98 and the protrusion 104 from engaging with each other and also serves to substantially fix the roller assembly 56 to the movable beam 28. In this case, the latch 98 and the protrusion 104 are allowed to engage with each other, and the roller assembly 56 functions as a member having a function of allowing the movable beam 28 to move in the longitudinal direction thereof.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3c, with the movable beam 28 stopped at the first position, the lifting unit 44 is moved to the roller table side and stopped at the intermediate standby position. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 3 d, the movable beam 28 is moved from the first position engaged with the first fixed structure 52 to the second position engaged with the second fixed structure 54. And stop at the second position. At this time, similarly to the case of FIG. 3b, the clamping unit 110 such as a solenoid is used so that the lifting unit 44 does not move with respect to the gantry 26, that is, the position of the lifting unit 44 in the stationary coordinate system does not change. The lifting unit 44 is preferably temporarily fixed to the gantry 26. In other words, while the movable beam 28 is moved from the first position to the second position, the lifting unit 44 is moved toward the gantry 26 with respect to the movable beam 28, and as a result, the intermediate unit You will stay in the standby position. On the other hand, in this case, instead of using the clamp means 110, the lifting unit 44 is provided with self-propelled means such as drive wheels capable of self-propelled on the movable beam 28, and the same speed as the moving speed of the movable beam 28 with respect to the gantry 26 Thus, the lifting unit 44 may be moved in the direction opposite to the moving direction of the movable beam 28 with respect to the movable beam 28.

  FIG. 4 is a view for explaining means for engaging the movable beam 28 with the second fixed structure. A suspension arm mechanism 116 that grips the lower flange 114 of the second fixed structure, for example, the H steel 54, is provided in the vicinity of the end of the movable beam 28 on the side opposite to the gantry. The arm mechanism 116 includes a pair of arms 118 pivotally attached to the web 112 of the movable beam 28 and one end connected to each arm and the other end connected to the web 112 for holding each of the arms in an open state. Wire 120. Each of the arms 118 is biased in a direction to close each other (a direction in which the flange 114 of the H steel 54 is gripped) by a spring mechanism or the like (not shown), but when the H steel 54 is to be gripped (the movable beam is in the second state). It is open by the wire 120 except when it is in position. When the movable beam 28 moves to the second position, that is, when the pair of arms 118 is positioned below the H steel 54, the wire 120 is loosened by a wire winding mechanism (not shown) and the pair of arms is made of H steel. Grasp the lower flange. Accordingly, the movable beam 28 can be engaged with the second fixed structure 54 and at least a part of the weight of the movable beam 28 can be carried by the second fixed structure. When H steel is used for the movable beam 28, two sets of the suspension arm mechanism 116 may be provided so as to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line of the movable beam 28 as in the above-described roller assembly.

  As described above, the roller assembly 56 has a function of guiding the movable beam with respect to the first fixed structure, and also has a function of causing the first fixed structure to bear the weight of the movable beam (and the object to be conveyed). However, when the weight of the object to be conveyed is considerably large, etc., the suspension arm mechanism is the same as the arm mechanism 116 for engaging with the second fixed structure 54 or the second suspension arm mechanism 126 described later. You may provide 124 in the position which can hold | grip the lower flange 64 of the H steel 52 which is a 1st fixed structure, when a movable beam exists in a 2nd position. In that case, in order to prevent the above-described interference between the roller assembly and the arm mechanism, the roller assembly and the arm mechanism 124 are arranged in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam 28, for example, as shown in the upper diagram of FIG. Arranged somewhat staggered. Specifically, it is preferable that a roller assembly including a roller that runs on the flange of the movable beam 28 is disposed near the center of the movable beam, and the arm mechanism 124 is disposed outside the center. In this case as well, two sets of the suspension arm mechanism 124 may be provided so as to be symmetric with respect to the longitudinal center line of the movable beam 28.

  FIG. 5 is a view showing a second suspension arm mechanism 126 which is an alternative example of the suspension arm mechanism 116. The arm mechanism 126 has a pair of arms 128a and 128b pivotally attached to the web 112 of the movable beam 28 and one end for opening and closing one of the arms (the left arm 128a in the illustrated example). The other end has an actuator 132 such as an air cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder connected to an attachment 130 provided below the movable beam 28. The arms 128a and 128b are rotatably connected to the movable beam 28 by fulcrums 134a and 134b, respectively. Each of the arms 128a and 128b includes gears 136a and 136b that are configured to be rotatable around a fulcrum 134a134b and engage with each other. Therefore, in the example of FIG. 5, if only one arm 128a is opened / closed by the air cylinder 132, the other arm 128b is simultaneously opened / closed. Providing the arm opening / closing drive mechanism only in one arm is particularly effective when the arm mechanism is provided at the end of the movable beam as shown in FIG. It is of course possible to apply an engagement mechanism such as the gears 136a and 136b to the above-described arm mechanism 116 so that the wire and its winding mechanism are provided only on one arm. In the example of FIG. 5, means such as a wire for urging each arm in one direction as the above-described arm mechanism 116 has is unnecessary. In addition, when H steel is used for the movable beam 28, two sets of the suspension arm mechanism 126 may be provided so as to be symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal center line of the movable beam 28 as in the above-described roller assembly.

  From the state of FIG. 3d, as shown in FIG. 3e, with the movable beam 28 stopped at the second position, the lifting unit 44 is moved to the roller table side so that it is substantially above the roller table 12 to be transported, that is, the object. It is placed in the object side lifting position. Then, as shown in FIG. 3 f, the hook 46 of the lifting unit 44 is hung on the hole 20 (see FIG. 2) of the bracket 22 of the roller table 12, and the roller table 12 is lifted using the winch mechanism 48. In this state, since the movable beam 28 is supported by the first and second fixed structures 52 and 54, it is possible to prevent the movable beam 28 from flexing undesirably due to the weight of the roller table 12.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3g, in a state where the movable beam 28 is stopped at the second position, the lifting unit 44 is moved to the gantry 26 side and returned to the above-described intermediate standby position. The positional relationship is the same as in the state of FIG. Then, the pair of arms 118 are opened to release the engagement between the arm mechanism 116 and the second fixed structure 54 (when the movable beam has an arm mechanism for holding the first fixed structure 54). The arm mechanism is also released.) As shown in FIG. 3h, the movable beam 28 is moved to the gantry 26 side to the first position. Even at this time, it is preferable that the lifting unit 44 is temporarily fixed to the gantry 26 by using the clamp means 110 so as to remain at the intermediate standby position.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3i, the lifting unit 44 is moved to the gantry side and positioned at the gantry side lifting position. Finally, as shown in FIG. 3j, the movable beam 28 is moved from the first position to the initial position of FIG. 4a. Move to. Even at this time, it is preferable that the lifting unit 44 is temporarily fixed to the gantry 26 by using the clamping means 108.

  As described above, since the roller assembly 56 includes the stopper mechanism for preventing the position of the roller assembly 56 from changing with respect to the first fixed structure 52, the roller assembly 56 stays at the same position between FIGS. 3b to 3i. The fixed structure 52 is held in an engaged state. Further, from the state of FIG. 3i to the state of FIG. 3j, the engagement between the stopper mechanism and the first fixed structure is released by the operation opposite to the operation described with reference to FIGS. 2a to 2e. That is, when the movable beam 28 returns from the second position to the first position, the first engaging portion, that is, the roller assembly 56 is in the state shown in FIG. 2e, and the latch 98 holds the stopper member 76 in a fixed state. keeping. 2d, the rod 92 of the air cylinder 94 is displaced upward, the latch 98 is pushed up by the latch protect member 96, the engagement between the latch 98 and the protrusion 104 is released, and the actuator 94 is operated. The roller assembly 56 is locked to the movable beam. Next, as shown in FIG. 2 c, when the movable beam 28 is moved to the gantry side, the roller assembly 56 moves to the gantry side together with the movable beam 28. At this time, the extended first spring 88 is gradually reduced to the original length, so that the positional relationship between the frame 68 and the stopper positioning bar 80 changes and comes into contact with the stopper positioning bar 80. The stopper member 76 is gradually tilted. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2b, the stopper positioning bar 80 is separated from the H steel 52, and the stopper member 76 passes under the H steel 52 to reach the state shown in FIG. 2a.

  In the state of FIG. 3 j, the lifting unit is located at the gantry side raising / lowering position, the roller table 12 is lowered using the winch mechanism 48, and the roller table 12 is placed on a transport carriage (not shown) disposed below the gantry 26. The roller table can be transported to a predetermined place. The operation on the roller table to be transported is thus completed, and the transport device can be moved to another place to transport other roller tables.

  The movable beam 28 of the transfer apparatus according to the present invention is provided substantially horizontally on the gantry 26 and is configured to be movable along its own longitudinal direction. Thus, for example, the movable beam can be configured such that its movable range does not exceed 2 m in height from the installation surface. Therefore, it is not necessary to lift the roller table with a crane or the like provided on a ceiling with a height of several meters as in the prior art.

  When the movable beam 28 is sufficiently longer than the illustrated example, the lifting unit can be moved to the above-described gantry side lifting position and the object side lifting position without going through the procedure described with reference to FIGS. 3a to 3j. It is also possible to simply move between the two. However, in general, there are restrictions on the size of the gantry and the length of the movable beam in the factory, and there is a problem of the manufacturing cost thereof. Therefore, the present invention employs a procedure for temporarily stopping the lifting unit at the intermediate standby position, and provides a transport device that can be used even in a relatively small place.

  In the above-described embodiment, two (first and second) H steels are provided as the fixed structure. However, as long as the first and second engaging portions of the movable beam can be appropriately engaged with each other, A structure of the shape may be used. Further, the number of fixed structures may be three or more, and can be appropriately changed according to the length of the movable beam, the weight of the object to be conveyed, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2a, the movable beam 28 is provided with a moving rack 122, and a pinion (not shown) that engages with the rack 122 is provided on the gantry side so that the movable beam 28 can be moved using a so-called rack and pinion structure. The position of the beam 28 can also be defined.

  Moreover, although this embodiment demonstrated the replacement | exchange apparatus and replacement | exchange method of the roller table in a rolling line, this invention is applicable not only to a roller table but to the several conveyance target object arrange | positioned adjacently.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conveying device 12 Roller table 26 Base 28 Movable beam 44 Lifting unit 52 First fixed structure 54 Second fixed structure 56 Roller assembly 76 Stopper member 80 Stopper positioning bar 96 Latch protect member 98 Latch 116 Suspended arm mechanism

Claims (9)

A gantry configured to be movable along the arrangement direction of a plurality of objects arranged adjacent to each other.
A movable beam provided on the gantry, wherein the movable beam is configured to be movable in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam from above the gantry toward each of the plurality of objects;
A lifting means provided on the movable beam and capable of lifting the object when the movable beam is positioned above each of the plurality of objects;
At least 2 provided on the movable beam and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam above the object while moving from the gantry toward each of the plurality of objects. An engagement mechanism configured to sequentially engage the two fixed structures;
Conveying device having   The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the lifting means is configured to be movable in a longitudinal direction of the movable beam with respect to the movable beam. The engagement mechanism includes a first engagement portion that engages with the movable beam and is movable in a longitudinal direction of the movable beam, and a second engagement provided in the vicinity of the object side end of the movable beam. And
The first engaging portion is a traveling portion capable of traveling on the movable beam, and the first fixed structure while the movable beam is positioned between the first position and the second position. A guide portion that abuts and guides the movement of the movable beam; and a holding portion that holds the guide portion in a state of abutting against the first fixed structure,
The transport device according to claim 1, wherein the second engaging portion is configured to engage with a second fixed structure when the movable beam is in the second position.   The first engagement portion is provided so as to be movable with respect to the first engagement portion, and stopper positioning means that is movable relative to the first engagement portion in at least the moving direction of the movable beam. And a stopper member for fixing the first engaging portion to the first fixed structure, and the stopper positioning means is configured such that the first position of the movable beam approaches the first position when the movable beam approaches the first position. A contact detection unit configured to be able to contact the fixed structure, and a stopper pressing unit formed integrally with the corresponding contact detection unit. When it is not in contact with the first fixed structure, it is in contact with the stopper member, and the first engaging portion is in contact with the first engaging portion. The contact detection unit is positioned at a position that is not fixed to the first fixed structure. Contact with the stopper member when that is positioned at a position where the stopper member is fixed to the first engaging portion with respect to the first fixed structure, conveying device according to claim 3.   The first engagement portion includes a latch mechanism that holds the stopper member at a position where the stopper member fixes the first engagement portion with respect to the first fixed structure, and the movable member is movable. The beam includes an actuator having a rod configured to be displaceable in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the movable beam, and a latch protect member configured to be able to release the engagement of the latch mechanism is attached to the rod. The latch protect member is connected to the first engaging portion when the latch protect member is in a position for releasing the engagement of the latch mechanism, and is engaged with the latch mechanism when the latch protect member is in a position for allowing the latch mechanism to engage. The transport device according to claim 4, wherein the transport device is configured to be separated from the first engagement portion.   Each of the plurality of objects is a roller table including a roller, and the plurality of the roller tables are arranged adjacent to each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to a rotation axis direction of each roller. The conveying apparatus as described. Arranging a gantry configured to be able to move each side of the plurality of objects along the arrangement direction of the plurality of objects arranged adjacent to each other, on the side of the object to be conveyed;
A movable beam provided on the gantry, wherein the movable beam is configured to be movable from the gantry toward the upper side of each of the plurality of objects along the longitudinal direction of the movable beam. Moving the object upward,
While moving the movable beam from the gantry toward the upper side of the object, the movable beam is disposed above the object and spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the movable beam along the movable direction of the movable beam. Sequentially engaging the movable beam with at least two fixed structures;
Hoisting the object using lifting means provided on the movable beam when the movable beam is positioned above each of the objects;
Moving the movable beam toward the mount;
Conveying method. Moving the movable beam from the gantry to a first position that engages a first fixed structure;
When the movable beam reaches the first position and engages with the first fixed structure, the movable beam is stopped, and the lifting means is moved toward the object-side end of the movable beam. When,
While the movable beam is moved from the first position to the second position engaged with the second fixed structure, the movable beam is moved from the first position to the second position. Moving the lifting means relative to the movable beam so that the position of the lifting means in the stationary coordinate system does not change;
When the movable beam reaches the second position and engages with the second fixed structure, the movable beam is stopped, and the lifting means is moved toward the object-side end of the movable beam. Stopping the object at a position where it can be lifted;
The conveyance method according to claim 7, comprising: Moving the lifting means toward the gantry side end of the movable beam in a state where the movable beam is in the second position and the lifting means lifts the object;
While moving the movable beam from the second position to the first position, and while moving the movable beam from the second position to the first position, in the stationary coordinate system of the lifting means Moving the lifting means relative to the movable beam such that the position does not change;
Stopping the movable beam when the movable beam reaches the first position, and moving the lifting means toward the gantry side end of the movable beam;
The transport method according to claim 8, comprising:

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