JP2018034953A - Conveying device and conveying system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveying device that enables conveying bodies to be stopped and speed of the bodies to be changed more stably.SOLUTION: The conveying device is constituted of a plurality of conveying bodies. Each conveying body comprises: a conveying-body main body; a running part allowing the conveying-body main body to run on a rail part; and pressure-contacting body, supported on the conveying-body main body, which pressure-contacts the conveyor part to connect the conveying-body main body to the conveyor part. The plurality of conveying bodies are connected to each other with a connection body that can expand, contract and deform in a conveying direction. A first conveying body of the plurality of conveying bodies runs on the conveying rail so as to precede a second conveying body. The connection body is configured to require prescribed loads to contract and deform and expand and deform respectively. The connection body expands, contracts and deforms so as to allow the first conveying body and the second conveying body to run at speed different from each other, and to suppress the first conveying body and the second conveying body from relatively changing speed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport apparatus and a transport system for transporting an object to a predetermined position.

  Conventionally, various transport devices (transport systems) for transporting an object from a first process execution place where one process is performed on an object (work material) to a second process execution place where another process is performed. Is used. In particular, in order to transport one or a plurality of objects in conjunction with a plurality of transport bodies, a plurality of transport bodies are connected with a connecting body.

  For example, the conveyance line system (article conveyance apparatus) of Patent Document 1 discloses an article conveyance apparatus in which a large number of traveling carriages on which conveyance articles are placed are connected. The carriage (1) has a traveling wheel (2) that rolls on a rail installed along the traveling path, and a guide roller (3) rolls on the guide rail that runs along the rail. The rolling of (1) is prevented, and a reaction plate (P) of the linear motor is horizontally mounted on the lower surface of the carriage (1). Both ends of the connecting rods (4, 4) of the carriage (1) are connected via the universal joints (5, 5) above the mounting position of the traveling wheel (2) of the carriage (1). At both ends of the connecting rod (4, 4), both ends (6 ′, 6 ′) of the guard plate (6, 6) covering the connecting rod (4, 4) and the space between the front and rear carriages are long holes. Etc., and so on.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-258928

  However, the transport device of Patent Document 1 is configured such that the distance between the plurality of transport bodies is kept constant during transport because the front and rear transport bodies (carriages) are connected by a rigid connecting rod. ing. Therefore, for example, when stopping the supply of power to the preceding transport body at a desired position such as a work area and stopping or slowing down the transport body, the rear transport body maintains the immediately preceding speed. It has been difficult to stably stop or decelerate the preceding conveyance body at a desired position. Also, if you try to change the speed of the preceding transport body by changing the power supply amount according to the rail position, the rear transport body cannot follow the speed change, so the desired rail position Thus, it is difficult to stably change the speed of the preceding transport body. In particular, when a heavy object is transported by the transport body, the inertial force of each transport body increases. For this reason, the conventional transport device cannot sufficiently cope with the speed change or stop operation of the preceding transport body, and the speed change or stop operation causes the transport body to shake or vibrate, thereby stably transporting heavy objects. The problem was that it was very difficult.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport apparatus and a transport system that enable a more stable stop operation and speed change of the transport body.

The conveyance device according to claim 1 travels on a conveyance rail including a rail portion extending along a conveyance direction of an object, and a conveyor portion that is attached to the rail portion and is rotationally driven in the conveyance direction. A transport device comprising a plurality of transport bodies,
Each of the transport bodies is supported by the transport body main body, a travel unit for the transport body main body to travel on the rail portion, and the transport body main body, and press-contacts the conveyor section to hold the transport body main body to the conveyor. A pressure contact body for coupling to the part,
The plurality of transport bodies are connected to each other by a connecting body that can expand and contract in the transport direction,
Traveling on the transport rail so that the first transport body of the plurality of transport bodies precedes the second transport body,
The coupling body is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and extension deformation,
The coupling body allows the first transport body and the second transport body to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first transport body and the second transport body. It is characterized by reducing the speed change.

  The transport device according to claim 2 is the transport device according to claim 1, wherein the transport body is driven in a direction in which the press contact body is close to the conveyor unit and in a direction in which the press contact body is separated from the conveyor unit. And a control mechanism for controlling the press contact of the press contact body to the conveyor unit and the release of the press contact.

  The transport device according to claim 3 is the transport device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coupling body is a pantograph-type stretchable body configured by connecting a plurality of pairs of intersecting link members in the axial direction. It is characterized by being.

The transport device according to claim 4 is the transport device according to claim 3, wherein the pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first shaft at the intersection point, and the link members are , Are connected to other link members adjacent at both ends by a second shaft so as to be rotatable,
Both or either one of the first shaft and the second shaft connect the link members so that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member.

  The transport device according to claim 5 is the transport device according to claim 4, wherein both or one of the first shaft and the second shaft connects the link members via a rotary damper. It is characterized by

The transport system according to claim 6, a plurality of transport bodies that transport the object along a transport direction to a predetermined position;
A rail portion that extends along the conveyance direction of the object and for the conveyance body to travel, and a conveyance rail that is provided along with the rail portion and includes a conveyor portion that is rotationally driven in the conveyance direction. ,
Each of the transport bodies is supported by the transport body main body, a travel unit for the transport body main body to travel on the rail portion, and the transport body main body, and press-contacts the conveyor section to hold the transport body main body to the conveyor. A pressure contact body for coupling to the part,
The plurality of transport bodies are connected to each other by a connecting body that can expand and contract in the transport direction,
Traveling on the transport rail so that the first transport body of the plurality of transport bodies precedes the second transport body,
The coupling body is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and extension deformation,
The coupling body allows the first transport body and the second transport body to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first transport body and the second transport body. It is characterized by reducing the speed change.

  The transport system according to claim 7 is the transport system according to claim 6, wherein the transport rail is adjacent to the power supply region in which both the rail part and the conveyor unit are provided, and the power supply region. And a power absence region in which the rail portion is provided without the conveyor portion, and the power supply region and the power absence region are alternately arranged.

  The transport system according to claim 8 is the transport system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the transport body is a direction in which the press contact body is close to the conveyor section and a direction in which the press contact body is separated from the conveyor section. And a control mechanism for controlling the press contact of the press contact body to the conveyor unit and the release of the press contact.

  The transport body according to claim 9 is the transport system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the connection body is configured by connecting a plurality of pairs of intersecting link members in the axial direction. It is a pantograph type elastic body.

The transport body according to claim 10 is the transport system according to claim 9, wherein the pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first shaft at the intersection point, and the link members are , Are connected to other link members adjacent at both ends by a second shaft so as to be rotatable,
Both the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other via a rotary damper so that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member. Features.

  According to the transport apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, the connecting body that connects a plurality of transport bodies is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and expansion deformation. Accordingly, the connecting body allows the first transport body and the second transport body arranged in front of and behind the transport rail to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the first transport body and the second transport body. It functions to reduce the relative speed change of the transport body. For example, when a speed change or power supply stop occurs in the preceding first transport body, the distance between the first transport body and the second transport body varies. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connecting body, the connecting body absorbs a sudden relative speed change between the first transport body and the second transport body, and the second transport body becomes the first transport body. Gradually follow one carrier. Therefore, according to the transport apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to transport the object more stably with respect to the stop operation and speed change of the transport body.

  According to the transport device of the further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above invention, the transport body is provided with a control mechanism for releasing the press contact of the press contact body to the conveyor section. The power supply can be arbitrarily stopped.

  According to the transport device of a further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-described invention, the connection body can be mechanically stretched and deformed with a simple structure because the connection body is a pantograph-type expansion body. Furthermore, by providing a load on the first shaft that connects a pair of intersecting link members at the intersection and / or the second shaft that connects the ends of the link members, the connected body is expanded and contracted with a predetermined load. Can be configured. And a 1st axis | shaft and / or a 2nd axis | shaft can connect a link member via a rotary damper, and can make a coupling body operate stably over a long term.

  According to the transport system of one aspect of the present invention, the connecting body that connects a plurality of transport bodies is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and expansion deformation. Accordingly, the connecting body allows the first transport body and the second transport body arranged in front of and behind the transport rail to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the first transport body and the second transport body. It functions to reduce the relative speed change of the transport body. For example, when a speed change or power supply stop occurs in the preceding first transport body, the distance between the first transport body and the second transport body varies. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connecting body, the connecting body absorbs a sudden relative speed change between the first transport body and the second transport body, and the second transport body becomes the first transport body. Gradually follow one carrier. Therefore, according to the transport system of the present invention, it is possible to transport the object more stably with respect to the stopping operation and speed change of each transport body.

  According to the conveyance system of the further form of this invention, in addition to the effect of the said invention, the conveyance rail of the conveyance system is comprised from the motive power supply area | region and the motive power absence area | region. That is, when the preceding first transport body enters the power absence area from the power supply area, the distance between the first transport body and the second transport body is gradually reduced, and the first transport body and the second transport body. Gradual speed changes of the body are possible. On the other hand, when the preceding first transport body enters the power supply area from the power absence area, the distance between the first transport body and the second transport body gradually increases, and the first transport body and the second transport body Gradual speed changes of the body are possible. That is, it is possible to dispose the power absence area on the transport rail of the transport system without reducing the stability of the transport. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange a work area for decelerating or stopping the conveyance body. Furthermore, it is possible to realize cost reduction and energy consumption reduction due to the relative reduction of the power supply area.

  According to the conveyance system of the further form of this invention, in addition to the effect of the said invention, a conveyance body is equipped with the control mechanism for canceling | releases the press-contact to the conveyor part of a press-contact body, From the conveyor part of each conveyance body The power supply can be arbitrarily stopped.

  According to the conveyance system of the further form of this invention, in addition to the effect of the said invention, when a connection body is a pantograph type expansion-contraction body, a connection body can be mechanically expanded-contracted with a simple structure. Furthermore, by providing a load on the first shaft that connects a pair of intersecting link members at the intersection and / or the second shaft that connects the ends of the link members, the connected body is expanded and contracted with a predetermined load. Can be configured. And a 1st axis | shaft and / or a 2nd axis | shaft can connect a link member via a rotary damper, and can make a coupling body operate stably over a long term.

The schematic perspective view of the conveying apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. The schematic front view of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The top view of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The side view of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the conveyance body of the conveying apparatus of FIG. 6A is a front view and FIG. 5B is a rear view of the conveyance body of FIG. 5. The (a) top view and (b) side view of the conveyance body of FIG. AA sectional drawing of the conveyance body of FIG. The figure which shows the press-contact form of the conveyance body of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the coupling body of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The front view of the coupling body of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the coupling body of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the coupling body of another Example. The schematic perspective view which shows the conveyance rail of one Embodiment of this invention. The top view of the conveyance rail of FIG. The (a) side view and (b) BB sectional drawing of the conveyance rail of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the conveyance system of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the transport system of FIG. FIG. 18 is a schematic front view showing an example of a conveyance system in which the conveyance device travels in an area in which the power supply area of the conveyance rail is continuous in the conveyance system of FIG. 17. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of a transfer system in which the transfer device travels in an area where the power supply area and the power absence area of the transfer rail are alternately arranged, and the first transfer body starts from the power supply area. The schematic front view of the form which entered the power absence area and the 2nd conveyance body remains in the power supply area. FIG. 17 shows an embodiment of the transfer system in which the transfer device travels in an area where the power supply area and the power absence area of the transfer rail are alternately arranged, the first transfer body from the power absence area. The schematic front view of the form which entered into a power supply area | region and the 2nd conveyance body remains in a motive power absence area | region.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the shape of each figure referred in the following description is a conceptual diagram or a schematic diagram for explaining a preferable shape, and a dimensional ratio or the like does not necessarily match an actual dimensional ratio. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratio in the drawings.

  The transport system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a transport device 100 (a plurality of transport bodies 110) that transports an object to a predetermined position, and a transport rail 150 laid along a predetermined transport path. That is, the transport system 10 transports an object (not shown) to a predetermined position by the transport device 100 along a transport rail 150 laid along a predetermined transport path. More specifically, in order to perform a plurality of processes on the object (work material), from one process execution place for applying the first process to another process execution place for applying the second process. The transport apparatus 100 can be used for transporting an object along the transport rail 150.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transport apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the transport apparatus 100. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transfer device 100. FIG. 4 is a side view of the transfer device 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the transport apparatus 100 connects a pair of transport bodies 110 that transport an object to a predetermined position and the pair of transport bodies 110, and expands and contracts inelastically in the transport (axis) direction. And a deformable connector 120. For convenience of explanation, the preceding transport body of the pair of transport bodies 110 constituting the transport apparatus 100 is defined as the first transport body 110-1, and the subsequent transport body is defined as the second transport body 110-2. It was. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

  First, with reference to FIG. 5 thru | or FIG. 9, the conveyance body 110 of one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of the carrier 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are a front view and a rear view of the carrier 110, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a side view of the carrier 110. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the transport body 110 (pressure contact release form). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyance body 110 (pressure contact form).

  As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the transport body 110 includes a transport body main body 111, a support portion 112 for supporting an object, and the transport body main body 111 traveling on the transport rail 150 (rail portion 151). Of the traveling body 113, the pressure body 115 supported by the transport body main body 111 and pressed against the conveyor section 155 of the transport rail 150 to connect the transport body main body 111 to the conveyor section 155, and the pressure contact body to the conveyor section. And a control mechanism 116 for controlling the pressure contact and the release of the pressure contact.

  The transport body 111 includes a pair of vertical frames 111a extending in the vertical (height) direction at both left and right ends, a pair of upper horizontal frames 111b extending in the horizontal direction before and after the pair of vertical frames 111a, and below the pair of vertical frames 111a. A lower horizontal frame 111c extending in parallel with the upper horizontal frame 111b.

  Each vertical frame 111a is formed as a rectangular column. A support portion 112 for suspending and fixing a support plate (not shown) for placing and supporting an object is provided at the lower end of each vertical frame 111a. The support portion 112 may be a screw hole capable of connecting the support plate with a screw. A traveling unit 113 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 111a. The traveling unit 113 includes a pair of wheels attached to the upper end of the vertical frame 111a so as to be rotatable in the left-right width direction of the transport body main body 111. The traveling unit 113 is positioned so as to protrude from the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111a, and is configured to be mounted on the rail unit 151 of the transport rail 150 so as to travel on the rail unit 151. Furthermore, a connecting portion 118 for connecting a connecting body 120 that connects the transport bodies 110 to each other is formed on the upper end side of one vertical frame 111a. In other words, the connecting bodies 120 are fixed via the connecting portions 118 of the pair of transport bodies 110, so that the transport bodies 110 can be connected to each other by the connecting body 120.

  The pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b are formed in an elongated plate shape, and are fixed to the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111a so that the planar portions thereof face the front and back surfaces. That is, a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b are connected to each other with a pair of vertical frames 111a interposed therebetween. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, three shaft holes are formed in the plane portion of the upper horizontal frame 111b to support the rotation shaft 116g of the control mechanism 116 and the rotation shafts 116h and 116h. . On the other hand, the lower horizontal frame 111c is formed in an elongated plate shape. The lower horizontal frame 111c is fixed (clamped) to the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of left and right vertical frames 111a so that the plane portion thereof faces upward and downward. In addition, four rectangular cutouts for guiding the movement of the leg portion 115a of the press contact body 115 are formed on both side edges on the front and back sides of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The pressure contact body 115 is supported by the transport body main body 111 so as to be movable in the vertical direction, and presses against the conveyor section 155 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) of the transport rail 150 to connect the transport body main body 111 to the conveyor section 155. To function. The press contact body 115 includes a pair of left and right leg portions 115a extending in the longitudinal direction of the transport body main body 111, and a plate-like press contact plate (pressure contact portion) 115b fixed to the upper ends of the pair of leg portions 115a.

  Each leg portion 115a is formed by combining two vertically long plate-like portions arranged on the front and rear sides. A lower horizontal frame 111c of the transport body 111 is arranged inside the plate-like portion of the leg 115a, and an upper horizontal frame 111b is arranged outside the plate material. And the press-contact body 115 is supported by the conveyance body main body 111 in the state which the plate-shaped part of the leg part 115a was accommodated in four notches of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The pressure contact plate 115b is fixed to the leg portion 115a so that the rectangular base portion is sandwiched between the plate-like portions of the leg portion 115a. The press contact plate 115b extends in the left-right width direction, and is configured in a tapered shape so that both ends thereof recede downward. That is, the upper surface of the press contact plate 115 b is configured as a press contact portion that presses the conveyor portion 155.

  As shown in FIG. 8, an engagement shaft 115c is provided on the upper portion of each leg 115a. The engagement shaft 115c extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the front and rear plate-like portions, and is arranged to be engageable with an outer surface of an engagement body 116e of the control mechanism 116 described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a long hole 115d extending along the longitudinal direction is formed in a substantially central portion of each leg portion 115a. More specifically, long holes 115d are formed in both plate-like portions of the leg portions 115a, and the rotation shaft 116h of the control mechanism 116 is inserted in a freely slidable manner. And the bottom wall 115e is provided in the lower end of each leg part 115a. The bottom wall 115e connects the plate-like portions of the leg portions 115a so as to close the lower ends thereof. As shown in FIG. 8, the spring 116f of the control mechanism 116 is disposed between the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e and the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The control mechanism 116 drives the pressure contact body 115 in the direction approaching the transport rail 150 (conveyor portion 155) and the direction in which the pressure contact body 115 is separated from the transport rail 150, thereby pressing the pressure contact body 115 to the conveyor portion 155 and the pressure contact. Functions to control the release of. The control mechanism 116 includes a lever-like operation unit 116 a for driving the pressure contact body 115. The operation unit 116a can be moved to an operating position (inclined posture) where the pressure contact body 115 is pressed against the conveyor portion 155 and a release position (vertical posture) where the pressure contact body 155 is separated from the conveyor portion 155. The operation portion 116a holds a rotatable bearing 116b at the tip.

  The operation portion 116a is pivotally supported at the base end (lower end) of the upper horizontal frame 111b of the transport body 111 via a rotation shaft 116g. The pivot shaft 116 g penetrates the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111 b so as to protrude to the front side of the transport body main body 111, and is rotatable with respect to the transport body main body 111. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation unit 116 a is fixed to the front end of the rotation shaft 116 g and is disposed in front (front side) of the transport body main body 111. The main drive gear 116c is fixed to the rotating shaft 116g between the outer surface of the front side horizontal frame 111b and the operation portion 116a. That is, the operation unit 116a and the main driving gear 116c can be rotated in synchronization with each other around the rotation shaft 116g.

  On the other hand, on both sides of the rotating shaft 116g, two driven gears 116d are rotatably supported on the upper horizontal frame 111b of the transport body 111 via two rotating shafts 116h. Each rotating shaft 116 h passes through a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111 b and is rotatable with respect to the transport body main body 111. The rotation shaft 116g and the rotation shafts 116h and 116h are aligned in a straight line along the extending direction of the upper horizontal frame 111b (the left-right width direction of the transport body 110). Each driven gear 116d is fixed to the front end of the rotating shaft 116h, and the two left and right driven gears 116d are arranged at positions where they can mesh with the central main driving gear 116c. That is, the driven gear 116d is configured to rotate as the main driving gear 116c rotates. In the present embodiment, since the main driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d are configured with the same diameter, the rotation angles of the main driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d are the same. However, the present invention is not limited to the above form.

  An engaging body 116e is fixed to each rotating shaft 116h between the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b. That is, since the engaging body 116e is integrally fixed to the driven gear 116d via the rotating shaft 116h, it rotates synchronously with the rotation of the driven gear 116d. The engaging body 116e has a shape in which the center of each side of the square is recessed toward the center when viewed from the front. In other words, a recessed portion is formed at the center of each side of the engagement body 116e. The outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e changes gently and is curved as a whole. The outer peripheral surface of the engagement body 116e is disposed so as to contact (slidably contact) the engagement shaft 115c (see FIGS. 8 and 9). In other words, since the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e and the rotating shaft 116h is not uniform, the engaging shaft 115c slidably contacting the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e with respect to the rotating shaft 116h as the engaging body 116e rotates. Can be moved close to and away from each other.

  Further, the control mechanism 116 is provided with a spring 116f that urges the pressure contact body 115 in the backward direction (downward). The springs 116f are disposed inside the respective leg portions 115a. In particular, the lower end of the spring 116f is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e, and the upper end of the spring 116f is fixed to the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c. The spring 116f is contracted from its natural length in the form of FIG. 8 (and FIG. 9), and is biased in the direction in which the bottom wall 115e and the lower horizontal frame 111c are separated from each other. In other words, the bottom wall 115e of each leg 115a is urged downward by the elastic return force of the spring 116f against the lower horizontal frame 111c of the transport body main body 111, so that the press contact body 115 is attached in the backward direction (downward). Be forced. By maintaining the contact between the engagement shaft 115c and the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body 116e by the urging force, the engagement shaft 115c can relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the driven gear 116d according to the rotation of the driven gear 116d. is there.

  Subsequently, the operation of the transport body 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the transport body 110 in a form in which the press contact body 115 is retracted in a direction away from the transport rail 150. FIG. 9 illustrates the transport body 110 in a form in which the press contact body 115 has advanced in a direction in which the press contact body 115 presses the transport rail 150.

  In FIG. 8, the operation portion 116a of the control mechanism 116 takes a substantially vertical posture, and the bearing 116b at the tip of the operation portion 116a is positioned at the first height. The engagement shaft 115c is in contact with the center of the upper side of the engagement body 116e. The distance between the center of the rotating shaft 116h and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is minimized in the recessed portion at the center of the side of the engaging body 116e. That is, in the form of FIG. 8, the press contact body 115 is disposed at the most retracted position. In addition, it is also possible to intentionally control the operation unit 116a by bringing the bearing 116b into sliding contact with a rail body having a varying height provided on the transport rail 150 (not shown).

  Then, by tilting the operation portion 116a of the control mechanism 116 (either left or right) from the configuration of FIG. 8, the press contact body 115 can be moved in the forward direction (upward) as shown in FIG. More specifically, when the operation unit 116a is rotated to a tilted posture at a predetermined angle, the main driving gear 116c rotates at a predetermined angle in one direction in synchronization with the rotation of the operation unit 116a. At this time, the bearing 116b at the tip of the operation portion 116a is positioned at the second height. In the present embodiment, the predetermined angle is about 45 degrees. Since the central main driving gear 116c is engaged with the two driven gears 116d on both sides, the two driven gears 116d are driven to rotate at a predetermined angle according to the rotation of the main driving gear 116c. Then, the engaging body 116e rotates at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of each driven gear 116d. As the engagement body 116e rotates, the engagement shaft 115c relatively slides on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body 116e. As the engagement shaft 115c moves outward from the depression at the center of the side of the engagement body 116e, the engagement shaft 115c gradually moves upward so that the rotation shaft 116g and the engagement shaft 115c are separated from each other. At the same time, the rotating shaft 116h relatively slides downward in the long hole 115d. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the engagement shaft 115 c moves to the corner of the engagement body 116 e, the pressure contact body 115 moves forward most in the direction in which it comes into pressure contact with the transport rail 150. Although not shown, it is possible to maintain the pressure contact body 115 in the forward posture by fixing the operation portion 116a to the transport body main body 111 at a desired tilt angle by a fixing means such as a pin.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 10 thru | or FIG. 12, the coupling body 120 of one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the coupling body 120 of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of the connecting body 120. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 120.

  The connecting body 120 connects the adjacent transport bodies 110 and can be elastically deformed in an inelastic manner in the transport direction of the transport body 110. The connecting body 120 is fixed to the connecting portion 118 of the adjacent transport body 110 at both ends thereof. Further, the connecting body 120 is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and expansion deformation. That is, since the coupling body 120 deforms inelastically, a load is required in both directions of expansion deformation and contraction deformation. And the connection body 120 functions to reduce the relative speed change of an adjacent conveyance body while permitting the conveyance bodies connected by expansion / contraction deformation to travel at different speeds.

  In particular, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the connecting body 120 is a pantograph type in which a pair of intersecting long plate-like first link members 121 and a plurality of second link members 122 are connected in the axial direction. It is a stretchable body. The pair of intersecting link members 121 and 122 are pivotally connected to each other by the first shaft 123 at the center intersection. Each link member 121, 122 is connected to a pair of other link members adjacent at both ends by a second shaft 124 so as to be rotatable. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the link member 121 and 122 of the entire connecting body 120 rotate around each other about the first shaft 123 and the second shaft 124, so that the connecting body 120 becomes as shown in FIGS. Operates to stretch or contract. Further, the first shaft 123 connects the link members 121 and 122 via a damper structure that requires a predetermined torque for the rotation of the intersecting link members 121 and 122.

  In more detail, the 1st axis | shaft 123 has penetrated the center of a pair of 1st link member 121 and 2nd link member 122 which cross | intersect. The first shaft 123 is rotatably supported by the second link member 122 while being fixed to the first link member 121 on the near side. Further, the first gear 126 is integrally fixed to the first shaft 123 between the first link member 121 and the second link member 122. That is, when the first link member 121 rotates with respect to the second link member 122, the first gear 126 rotates with respect to the second link member 122 together with the first link member 121. On the other hand, a rotary damper 125 is fixed to the second link member 122 adjacent to the first shaft 123. The rotary damper 125 includes a base that is fixed to the second link member 122 and a shaft that protrudes from the base and requires a predetermined torque for rotation. A second gear 127 is integrally fixed to the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125. That is, the second gear 127 is rotatably supported by the second link member 122 with a predetermined torque. The second gear 127 is disposed so as to mesh with the first gear 126.

  That is, when the first link member 121 rotates with respect to the second link member 122, the first gear 126 meshes with the second gear 127 and the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125 rotates together with the second gear 127. Since a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125, the torque is also required for the rotation of the first link member 121 relative to the second link member 122. In this way, the connecting body 120 is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and expansion deformation.

  In this embodiment, the damper structure is formed only on the first shaft 123, but may be formed on both the first shaft 123 and the second shaft 124, or formed only on the second shaft 124. May be. In this embodiment, the connecting body 120 includes five rotary dampers 125 that require a torque of about 0.004 N · m for rotation. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the load necessary for the expansion and contraction deformation of the coupling body is arbitrarily determined in consideration of the power of the conveyance body and the like. Furthermore, as shown in the connecting body 120 ′ in FIG. 13, instead of the rotary damper 125, when connecting the link member, the screw may be tightened to some extent so that a force is required for rotation. . Or you may comprise so that a high friction body may be interposed between the link members which contact | abut so that lubricous rotation may be prevented. In either case, a predetermined load is required for expansion and contraction deformation of the coupling body.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, a transport rail 150 that constitutes a part of the transport system 10 of the present embodiment and transports an object along the transport direction will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the transport rail 150. FIGS. 15A and 15B are a plan view and a side view of the transport rail 150. FIGS. 16A and 16B are a BB longitudinal sectional view and a CC lateral sectional view of the conveyance rail 150, respectively.

  As shown in FIGS. 14 to 16, the transport rail 150 includes a top wall portion 152 that extends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction, and a pair of the top wall portion 152 that hangs downward from both end edges in the width (short side) direction. The side wall part 153 and the opening part 154 opened downward between the pair of side wall parts 153 are provided. Rail portions 151 projecting inward are formed at the open ends of the respective side wall portions 153. The interval between the pair of rail portions 151 extending in the longitudinal direction (conveying direction) is larger than the width of the conveying body 111 and corresponds to the position of the pair of wheels forming the traveling unit 113. Further, a lifting tool 157 for suspending and fixing the transport rail 150 to the structure is fixed to the upper surface of the top wall portion 152.

  On the other hand, a conveyor portion 155 is provided on the opposite side (back side) of the opening 154 of the transport rail 150. The conveyor unit 155 is provided alongside the rail unit 151 and drives the conveyor 110 to run on the rail unit 151. The conveyor unit 155 includes a plurality of pulleys 155a that are rotatably supported between both side wall portions 153, and a conveyor belt 155b that is hung on the plurality of pulleys 155a. For convenience of explanation, the depiction of the conveyor belt 155b is omitted in FIG. The pulley 155a and the conveyor belt 155b are rotationally driven by the power unit 156. The power unit 156 may employ a rotational drive unit such as a motor. The pressure contact plate 115b of the pressure contact body 115 is brought into pressure contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 155b, and the transport body 110 moves as the conveyor belt 155b is driven to rotate.

  The conveyance rail 150 is formed adjacent to the power supply area X in addition to the power supply area X provided with both the rail part 151 and the conveyor part 155 described with reference to FIGS. A power absence region Y in which the rail portion 151 is provided without being provided can be arbitrarily provided (see FIGS. 19 to 21). That is, the conveyance rail 150 may be configured by the power supply area X and the power absence area Y alternately.

  Note that the transport rail 150 is schematically shown as one unit or a part for convenience of explanation, but actually, the transport rail 150 includes one process execution place and at least one other process execution place. To connect, it can be configured to be long. Further, the transport rail 150 may be laid in a straight line, may be bent or meandered, or may be laid in an annular shape. The length of the transport rail 150 is arbitrarily determined according to the site and the like.

  FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the transport system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 17, the transport system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the transport device 100 (the pair of transport bodies 110 and the coupling body 120) and the transport rail 150 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the upper portion of the transport body 110 is accommodated inside the transport rail 150 through the opening 154 of the transport rail 150. A pair of travel portions 113 of the transport body 110 is placed on the pair of rail portions 151 of the transport rail 150, and the press contact plate 115 b of the press contact body 115 is in press contact with the conveyor belt 155 b of the conveyor section 155. That is, the conveyor unit 155 is rotationally driven in a state in which the conveyor body 110 is coupled to the conveyor unit 155 via the press contact body 120, so that the traveling unit 113 travels on the rail unit 151 along the conveyance direction.

  FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the transport system 10 in which the transport device 100 travels in a region where the power supply region X of the transport rail 150 continues. In the transport system 10 of FIG. 19, three units having a power supply area A are combined. Since the conveyor unit 155 is driven synchronously at the same speed in each unit, the preceding first transport body 110-1 and the rear second transport body 110-2 travel on the transport rail 150 at the same speed. . At this time, the distance between the 1st conveyance body 110-1 and the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 is the length L1 of the connection body 120. FIG. Since the first and second transport bodies 110-1 and 110-2 travel on the transport rail 150 at the same speed, the connecting body 120 is maintained at the length L1 during transport.

  20 and 21 show an embodiment of the transport system 10 in which the transport device 100 travels in a region where the power supply region X and the power absence region Y of the transport rail 150 are alternately arranged.

  In FIG. 20, the first transport body 110-1 enters the power absence area Y from the power supply area X, and the second transport body 110-2 remains in the power supply area X. At this time, the driving force is supplied to the second carrier 110-2, whereas the driving force is not supplied to the first carrier 110-1. Moreover, since the 1st conveyance body 110-1 and the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 are connected with the connection body 120 which can be expanded-contracted, while the connection body 120 contracts and deforms to length L2 (<L1). The second transport body 110-2 travels at a relatively higher speed than the first transport body 110-1 arranged before and after the transport rail 150. Since a predetermined load is required for the contraction deformation of the connecting body 120, the second transport body 110-2 is driven so as to push the first transport body 110-1 in the transport direction. At the same time, the connecting body 120 functions to reduce a relative speed change between the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2, and thus the speed of the first transport body 110-1. The second carrier 110-2 gradually follows the change.

  In FIG. 21, the first transport body 110-1 enters the power supply area X from the power absence area Y, and the second transport body 110-2 remains in the power absence area Y. At this time, the driving force is supplied to the first carrier 110-1, whereas the driving force is not supplied to the second carrier 110-2. Moreover, since the 1st conveyance body 110-1 and the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 are connected with the connection body 120 which can be expanded-contracted, while the connection body 120 expands and deforms to length L3 (> L1). The first transport body 110-1 arranged before and after the transport rail 150 travels at a relatively higher speed than the second transport body 110-2. Since a predetermined load is required for the contraction deformation of the connecting body 120, the first transport body 110-1 is driven to pull the second transport body 110-2 in the transport direction. At the same time, the connecting body 120 functions to reduce a relative speed change between the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2, and thus the speed of the first transport body 110-1. The second carrier 110-2 gradually follows the change.

  Hereinafter, the effect of the conveyance apparatus 100 and the conveyance system 10 of one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

  According to the transport apparatus 100 (transport system 10) of the present embodiment, the connecting body 120 that connects a plurality of transport bodies 110 is configured to inelastically require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and expansion deformation. ing. Accordingly, the connecting body 120 allows the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2 arranged in front and rear of the transport rail to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the first It functions to reduce the relative speed change of the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the transport system 10 includes the transport rail 150 having both the power supply region X and the power absence region Y, when one of them is located in the power absence region Y, The relative speed and distance of the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body vary. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connecting body 120, the connecting body 120 absorbs a sudden relative speed change between the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2. . Or when stopping in order from the 1st conveyance body 110-1 which precedes, after stop of the 1st conveyance body 110-1, the speed of the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 falls, while connecting body 120 contracts. . Thereby, it is possible to stop the conveyance apparatus 100 more stably. Therefore, according to the transport apparatus 100 and the transport system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to transport the object more stably with respect to the stop operation or speed change of the transport body 110.

  Moreover, according to the transport apparatus (transport system 10) of the present embodiment, since the connecting body 120 is a pantograph-type elastic body, the connecting body 120 can be mechanically expanded and contracted with a simple structure. Furthermore, the connection body 120 can be configured to expand and contract with a predetermined load by providing a load on the plurality of first shafts 123 that connect the pair of intersecting link members 121 and 122 at the intersections. The first shaft 123 connects the link members 121 and 122 via the rotary damper 125, so that the connecting body 120 can be stably operated for a long time.

  Furthermore, according to the transport system 10 of the present embodiment, the transport rail 150 includes the power supply area X and the power absence area Y. That is, when the preceding first transport body 110-1 enters the power absence area Y from the power supply area X, the distance between the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2 is gradually reduced. The gradual speed change of the 1st conveyance body 110-1 and the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 is attained. On the other hand, when the preceding first transport body 110-1 enters the power supply area X from the power absence area Y, the distance between the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body 110-2 gradually increases. The gradual speed change of the 1st conveyance body 110-1 and the 2nd conveyance body 110-2 is attained. That is, the power absence region Y can be disposed on the transport rail 150 of the transport system 10 without reducing the stability of the transport. As a result, a work area for decelerating or stopping the transfer body 110 can be arbitrarily arranged. Furthermore, it is possible to realize cost reduction and energy consumption reduction due to the relative reduction of the power supply region X.

[Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the transport device is configured by connecting two transport bodies with one connection body, but may be configured by connecting three or more transport bodies with two or more connection bodies. That is, the number of conveyance bodies can be selected depending on the application.

  The form of the conveyance body of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. That is, the forms of the carrier body, the press contact body, the traveling unit, and the like of the carrier body can have various structures as long as the functions can be exhibited. For example, you may take the form like the conveyance body as described in the patent 5878996 by the inventor.

  The form of the conveyance rail of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the side wall portion and the top wall portion may be omitted so that the conveyance rail is not a housing shape, and a shaft-like rail portion may be employed as a separate body from the conveyor portion. Further, the rail and the traveling unit may be rack-and-pinion, and the conveyance body may be caused to travel by meshing of gear teeth. As described above, when the rack and pinion is employed, it is advantageous for traveling of the transport body when the transport path is laid in an inclined or vertical direction. Furthermore, you may make it a driving | running | working part drive | work on one surface of a rail part, without pinching a rail part from the upper and lower sides in a driving | running | working part.

  The conveyor unit is not limited to the form of a pool and a conveyor belt, and any means can be used as long as it can maintain the pressure contact relationship with the pressure contact body and can feed the transport body along the transport path. For example, a plurality of driving wheels may be employed in the conveyor unit, and the conveyance body may be sent out as each driving wheel rotates.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conveyance system 100 Conveyance apparatus 110 Conveyance body 110-1 1st conveyance body 110-2 2nd conveyance body 111 Conveyance body main body 111a Vertical frame 111b Upper horizontal frame 111c Lower horizontal frame 112 Support part 113 Traveling part 115 Pressure contact body 115a Leg 115b Pressure welding plate (pressure welding part)
115c engagement shaft 115d long hole 115e bottom wall 116 control mechanism 116a operation portion 116b bearing 116c main drive gear 116d driven gear 116e engagement body 116f spring 116g rotation shaft 116h rotation shaft 118 connection portion 120 connection body 121 first link 122 second link 123 1st shaft 124 2nd shaft 125 Rotary damper 126 1st gear 127 2nd gear 150 Conveying rail 151 Rail part 152 Top wall part 153 Side wall part 154 Opening part 155 Conveyor part 155a Pulley 155b Conveyor belt 156 Power part 157 Lifting tool X Power supply area Y Power absence area

Claims (10)

A transport device comprising a plurality of transport bodies that run on a transport rail including a rail section extending along a transport direction of an object, and a conveyor section that is attached to the rail section and is rotationally driven in the transport direction. And
Each of the transport bodies is supported by the transport body main body, a travel unit for the transport body main body to travel on the rail portion, and the transport body main body, and press-contacts the conveyor section to hold the transport body main body to the conveyor. A pressure contact body for coupling to the part,
The plurality of transport bodies are connected to each other by a connecting body that can expand and contract in the transport direction,
Traveling on the transport rail so that the first transport body of the plurality of transport bodies precedes the second transport body,
The coupling body is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and extension deformation,
The coupling body allows the first transport body and the second transport body to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first transport body and the second transport body. Transport device characterized by reducing a change in speed.   The transporting body drives the press contact body in a direction close to the conveyor unit and a direction in which the press contact body is separated from the conveyor unit, and controls the press contact of the press contact body to the conveyor unit and the release of the press contact. The transport apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism for the operation.   The transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connecting body is a pantograph-type stretchable body configured by connecting a plurality of pairs of intersecting link members in the axial direction. The pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first shaft at the intersection, and each link member is pivotally connected to another link member adjacent at both ends by a second shaft. Has been
The link member is connected to the first shaft and / or the second shaft so that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member. 3. The transfer device according to 3.   5. The transport device according to claim 4, wherein both or one of the first shaft and the second shaft connects the link members to each other via a rotary damper. A plurality of conveyance bodies that convey the object along a conveyance direction to a predetermined position;
A rail portion that extends along the conveyance direction of the object and for the conveyance body to travel, and a conveyance rail that is provided along with the rail portion and includes a conveyor portion that is rotationally driven in the conveyance direction. ,
Each of the transport bodies is supported by the transport body main body, a travel unit for the transport body main body to travel on the rail portion, and the transport body main body, and press-contacts the conveyor section to hold the transport body main body to the conveyor. A pressure contact body for coupling to the part,
The plurality of transport bodies are connected to each other by a connecting body that can expand and contract in the transport direction,
Traveling on the transport rail so that the first transport body of the plurality of transport bodies precedes the second transport body,
The coupling body is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and extension deformation,
The coupling body allows the first transport body and the second transport body to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first transport body and the second transport body. Transport system characterized by reducing the speed change.   The transport rail is formed adjacent to the power supply area where both the rail part and the conveyor part are provided, and the power provided with the rail part without the conveyor part being provided. The conveyance system according to claim 6, wherein the power supply area and the power absence area are alternately arranged.   The transporting body drives the press contact body in a direction close to the conveyor unit and a direction in which the press contact body is separated from the conveyor unit, and controls the press contact of the press contact body to the conveyor unit and the release of the press contact. The conveyance system according to claim 6 or 7, further comprising a control mechanism for the operation.   The transport system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the connecting body is a pantograph-type stretchable body configured by connecting a plurality of pairs of intersecting link members in the axial direction. The pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first shaft at the intersection, and each link member is pivotally connected to another link member adjacent at both ends by a second shaft. Has been
Both the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other via a rotary damper so that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member. The conveyance system according to claim 9, wherein

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