JP2019189453A - Conveyer chain and transportation conveyer - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a conveyer chain and a transportation conveyer that improve assembly work efficiency by their simple structures.SOLUTION: A conveyer chain 30 includes: a plurality of chain pieces 50 that have through holes at a front and an end and a top board part 56 whose top face has a delivery item placed thereon; and a plurality of connection pins 60 that are inserted into the through holes and connect the chain pieces in a bendable manner. The connection pins 60 have elastically deformable retreating parts 62 and engaging recesses 64 that are formed on an outer periphery of the retreating parts 62 formed at their leading end sides when being inserted into the through holes. The chain pieces 50 have engaging recesses 54 formed at positions corresponding to the engaging recesses 64. When inserting the connection pins 60 into the through holes, by the retreating parts 62 elastically deforming and thereafter going back to an original shape, the connection pins 60 can go through the through holes, and the engaging recesses 64 can be engaged with the engaging recesses 54.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

  The present invention relates to a conveyor chain and a conveyor that are mainly used for conveying articles.

  A gaming machine island with a plurality of gaming medium use machines (for example, a gaming machine such as a slot machine, a medal lending machine that rents medals, a gaming medium counting machine that counts medals, etc.) is arranged on the gaming machine island. A game media circulation system for circulating media such as medals has been established. The game media circulation system transports medals ejected from the slot machine as surplus medals and medals ejected from the game media counter on a collection conveyor, and temporarily stores them in a storage tank at the edge of the gaming machine island. Accordingly, conveyance to each slot machine and medal lending machine is performed by a supply conveyor. 2. Related Art A collection conveyor and a supply conveyor are known in which an endless conveyor chain is wound around a frame, and medals are conveyed by rotating the conveyor chain in a fixed direction by a drive unit.

  As a technology relating to such a conveyor chain, a modular belt comprising a plurality of modules and a pivot rod connecting the modules, and forming a retaining ring having a diameter larger than the diameter of the rod body on the pivot rod, the outermost module An opening having a central axis approximately equal to the diameter of the retaining ring and offset from the central axis of the retaining ring is formed at the link end of the retaining ring, and when the pivot rod is inserted into the module, the retaining ring There is known a technique in which a rod body is inserted while being curved so that the outer periphery coincides with the opening (Patent Document 1).

  In addition, as another technique related to the conveyor chain, a plurality of bush holes arranged along the rear edge of the synthetic resin link plate, and the front edge of the synthetic resin link plate adjacent to the link plate A plurality of arranged pin holes and a bushing pin and a connecting pin that alternately passes through the pin hole are hinge-connected, and the connecting pin has a retaining projection at a position closer to one side in the pin longitudinal direction, It is known that a connecting pin is provided with a hook-like stopper on one end face in the pin longitudinal direction, and a recess is provided on the side wall of the synthetic resin link plate to store the hook-like stopper (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent No. 4902949 Japanese Patent No. 2951316

  However, the one described in Patent Document 1 is inserted while curving the rod body so that the outer periphery of the retaining ring coincides with the opening, and damage to the rod body or damage due to contact between the rod body and the module occurs. As a result, a delicate force is required to bend and insert the rod body, and the assembly workability at the site is poor.

  Moreover, in the thing of patent document 2, when inserting a connection pin in a pin hole, in order for the convex part for retaining formed in larger diameter than a pin hole to pass a pin hole, it hits with a hammer. As a result, it requires a large amount of power, and the assembly workability on site is poor.

  The present invention has been made under such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor chain and a transfer conveyor that have a simple structure and improved assembly workability.

  In order to solve the above problems, the conveyor chain (30, 30A, 30B) according to the present invention has through holes in the front and rear (fixed holes: 100 to 102, 105 to 109, loosely fitting holes: 103, 104, 110 to 112). And a plurality of chain pieces (50, 50A, 50B1, 50B2) provided with a top plate part (56) for placing a transported object on the upper surface, and the chain pieces inserted through the through holes so as to be bendable. A plurality of connecting pins (60, 60A, 60B), wherein the connecting pins are elastically deformable retracting portions (62, 62A, 62B) and locking portions (locking recesses: 64, 64B locking pieces: 64A) formed on the outer periphery of the retracting portion, and the chain piece is at a position corresponding to the locking portion. Person in charge A stop (locking convex part: 54, 54B opening edge: 59A) is formed, and when the connection pin is inserted through the through hole, the connection pin returns after elastically deforming the retracting part, The through hole can be inserted, and the locking portion can be locked to the locked portion.

  With this configuration, if the connecting pin is pushed into the through hole of the chain piece adjacent to the front and rear from the tip side, the connecting pin can be inserted into the through hole by returning after the retracting portion of the connecting pin is elastically deformed. At the same time, the locking portion of the connecting pin can be locked to the locked portion of the chain piece. For this reason, the assembling work is completed only by pushing the connecting pin into the through hole of the chain piece adjacent to the front and rear from the tip side.

  In addition, when separating the chain pieces adjacent to each other in the front and rear directions, a force for elastic deformation is applied to the retraction part of the connection pin by pushing the tip of the connection pin, etc. By releasing the locking with the locking portion, the connecting pin can be pulled out from the through hole. For this reason, the disassembling work is completed only by pulling out the connecting pin from the base end side in a state where an elastic deformation force is applied to the retracting portion of the connecting pin.

  In this case, the retracting portion extends in a direction of insertion through the through hole from the tip side when the through hole is inserted into the through hole, and is provided in parallel with a pair of gaps (65, 65A, 65B). It is preferable to provide a retracting piece (66, 66A, 66B).

  With this configuration, the retracting portion can be easily elastically deformed even if the connecting pin is formed of a strong material.

  In this case, the locking portion is a locking recess (64, 64B) that is recessed on the outer periphery of the retracting portion, and the locked portion is a locking protrusion that is provided on the inner periphery of the through hole. A convex part (54, 54B) may be sufficient.

  In this case, the connecting pin (60A) is provided with a cap (67A) for restricting movement in the direction of insertion through the through hole on the base end side when the connection pin (60A) is inserted through the through hole. The stop portion may be a locking piece (64A) protruding from the outer periphery of the retracting portion, and the locked portion may be an opening edge (59A) of the through hole.

  The conveyor chain (30C) according to the present invention has through holes (fixed holes: 114, 115 loose fitting holes: 103, 104) on the front and rear, and a top plate portion (56) for placing a conveyed product on the upper surface. A conveyor chain comprising a plurality of chain pieces (50C) and a plurality of connecting pins (60C) that are inserted through the through-holes and connect the chain pieces so as to be bendable to each other. A second locked portion (equivalent to a locked hole: 113, a closing piece: 132) that restricts movement of the connecting pin in the inserted state in the insertion direction, and the through hole. An elastically deformable second retracting portion (130) that restricts movement of the connecting pin in a state opposite to a direction in which the connecting pin is inserted, and the second retracting portion includes: Insertion hole through which the connecting pin is inserted Closing at least a portion of 115a), when inserting the connecting pin into the through hole, by the second retracting section is elastically deformed, allowing insertion of the through hole, and wherein the.

  With this configuration, the assembly work is completed only by the work of elastically deforming the second retracting portion and pushing the connecting pin. Further, the disassembly work is completed only by the work of elastically deforming the second retracting portion and pulling out the connecting pin.

  In this case, the second retracting portion (130) is formed from the elastically deformable bent piece (131) and the end of the bent piece on the direction side facing the direction in which the connecting pin is inserted. And a closing piece (132) that is bent in the axial direction.

  The conveyor (8, 10) according to the present invention includes a rail (20, 40), a drive unit (21, 41) disposed at one end of the rail, and a follower disposed at the other end of the rail. A conveyor chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a portion (22, 42), the drive portion, and the driven portion.

  According to the conveyor chain and the conveyor of the present invention, the assembly workability can be improved with a simple structure.

It is a schematic plan view showing a gaming machine island. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the conveyance conveyor vicinity for supply. It is a schematic perspective view which shows the conveyance conveyor vicinity for collection | recovery. It is a perspective view (a) of the state which cut | disconnected the conveyance conveyor for collection | recovery by the (alpha)-(alpha) line of FIG. 3, (beta)-(beta) schematic sectional drawing (b) of (a). FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the line α-α in FIG. 3. It is a general | schematic disassembled perspective view of the conveyor chain in this invention. It is a perspective view of a connecting pin. It is the plane side perspective view (a) of a chain piece, and the back surface side perspective view (b) of a chain piece. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along the γ-γ arrow in FIG. It is a top view which shows the state in the insertion operation | work of the connection pin to the through-hole of a chain piece while showing a part of conveyor chain in a cross section. FIG. 11 is a schematic enlarged view (a) of a part t in FIG. 10 and a schematic enlarged view (b) of the part t in FIG. It is a top view which shows a part of conveyor chain which drive | works on the curve part of a rail in a cross section. It is a perspective view of the connection pin in 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view which shows a part of chain piece in 2nd Embodiment in a cross section. It is a top view which shows the state in the insertion operation | work of the connection pin to the through-hole of a chain piece while showing a part of conveyor chain in 2nd Embodiment in a cross section. FIG. 16 is a schematic enlarged view (a) of an x part in FIG. 15 and a schematic enlarged view (b) of the x part in FIG. It is a top view which shows the chain pieces (a) and (b) and connection pin (c), (d) in 3rd Embodiment in a cross section. It is a top view which shows a part of conveyor chain in 3rd Embodiment in a cross section. It is a top view which shows a part of conveyor chain in 3rd Embodiment which drive | works on the curve part of a rail in a cross section. It is a schematic perspective view (a) of the conveyor chain in 4th Embodiment, and the y section schematic enlarged view (b) of (a). It is the top view (a) which shows the chain piece in 4th Embodiment in a cross section, and the top view (a) which shows a connection pin in a cross section. It is a top view which shows the state in the insertion operation | work of the connection pin to the through-hole of a chain piece while showing a part of conveyor chain in 4th Embodiment in a cross section. FIG. 22 is a schematic enlarged view (a) of the z part in FIG. 22 and a schematic enlarged view (b) of the z part in FIG.

<First Embodiment>
Hereinafter, the game medium circulation system 4 including the conveyor chain 30 and the collection conveyor 10 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, the case where the game medium circulation system 4 is applied to the gaming machine island 1 in the game hall will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gaming machine island 1 in this embodiment is arranged on a curved line in which a plurality of slot machines 2 and medal lending machines 3 are alternately arranged in parallel, and a gaming medium using machine line 5 is curved in a C shape. Is an island. The game medium using machine row 5 is placed on a plurality of slats 6 arranged on a curve that curves in a C shape, and a gap between the slot machine 2 and the medal lending machine 3 is formed between the board plates. (Not shown). A game medium circulation system 4 is incorporated on the back side of the game medium use machine row 5.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the slot machine 2 is a game in which a player plays a game using medals. When a player inserts a medal into the slot machine 2 and operates an operation means such as a lever, when the symbols on the three rows of reels are combined in a pre-set combination, A corresponding number of medals are paid out from a tray (not shown). On the other hand, when the player inserts a medal into the slot machine 2, the medal is stored in the storage unit. However, when the player continues to insert the medal, the maximum storage amount of the storage unit is exceeded and overflows. The overflowing medal is discharged out of the slot machine 2 from a drop opening (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the housing via a pipe line (not shown).

  The medal lending machine 3 is disposed adjacent to the slot machine 2. As shown in FIG. 3, the medal lending machine 3 has a built-in storage unit (not shown) in response to a predetermined operation of the player, for example, in accordance with the insertion of money into the player's money slot (not shown). ) Through a nozzle chute (not shown), a predetermined number of medals are lent out in the tray of the slot machine 2. Further, the medal lending machine 3 has a built-in counting device (not shown) for counting medals, and can count the medals inserted from the counting slot (not shown) of the nozzle chute. The medals that have been counted by the counting device are discharged out of the medal lending machine 3 from a drop opening (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the housing via a pipe line (not shown).

  The game medium circulation system 4 is a device for circulating medals in the gaming machine island 1, and is stored in a storage tank (not shown) for storing medals and a storage tank as shown in FIGS. The supply conveyor 8 for transferring the medals into the gaming machine island 1 and the supply conveyor 8 between the supply conveyor 8 and the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3). 2 (the medal lending machine 3), a first flow-down device 9 and a collection conveyor 10 for collecting medals and conveying them to the storage tank 7 (in the plan view shown in FIG. 1, the collection conveyor 10 is supplied) Is present between the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) and the collection conveyor 10, and the medals are collected from the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3). Carrying A second falling-device 11 flowing down the conveyor 10, by which is mainly composed.

  The storage tank is a container that can store medals recovered by the recovery conveyor 10 and is stored in a storage box 7 provided at an end of the gaming machine island 1. In the storage box 7, a lifter device (not shown) for lifting medals stored in the storage tank to the supply conveyor 8 and other medal washing machines and dehydrators (not shown) are stored. .

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the supply conveyor 8 is a device that is arranged in the upper part of the gaming machine island 1 and that transports medals lifted from the storage tank from the lifter device into the gaming machine island 1. Supply conveyor 8 is arranged on a line that curves in a C-shape that is squared from the storage box along the back of gaming machine island 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the supply conveyor 8 is provided with a rail 20 having a straight portion 23 and a curved portion 24, a drive portion 21 provided at one end of the rail 20, and the other end of the rail 20. The driven part 22 and the endless conveyor chain (not shown) wound around the driven part 21 and the driven part 22 are mainly provided. The drive unit 21 includes a drive sprocket 21a formed on the outer periphery with a tooth mold that can be engaged with the back surface of the conveyor chain, and a drive mechanism 21b that rotates the drive sprocket 21a to travel the conveyor chain in a certain direction. The driven portion 22 is provided with a return sprocket 22a that is formed on the outer periphery with a tooth shape that can be engaged with the back surface of the conveyor chain and reverses the traveling direction of the conveyor chain. In addition, the conveyor chain used for the conveyance conveyor 8 for supply is the structure similar to the conveyor chain 30 used for the conveyance conveyor 10 for collection mentioned later.

  The medals transported by the conveyor chain of the supply transport conveyor 8 to the drive unit 21 disposed at the position farthest from the storage box 7 is placed on the recovery transport conveyor 10 via a drop tube (not shown). It is configured to fall.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the first flow-down device 9 is interposed between the supply conveyor 8 and the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3), and from the supply conveyor 8 to the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3). ). The first flow-down device 9 lowers and closes the flaps (not shown) by lowering the flaps (not shown) under the control of the control unit (not shown) by the control unit (not shown). A distribution device 9A that flows down from the outlet, and a hollow bellows tube 9B that connects the discharge port of the distribution device 9A and the input port 2a (input port 3a) (see FIG. 3) on the back of the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) , Is mainly composed. The medals flowed down by the first flow-down device 9 are stored in the storage part of the slot machine 2 (the storage part of the medal lending machine 3).

  As shown in FIG. 3, the second flow-down device 11 is interposed between the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3) and the collection conveyor 10, and is collected from the slot machine 2 (medal lending machine 3). It is a device that causes medals to flow down on the conveyor 10. As shown in FIG. 3, the second flow down device 11 has a collection chute 11 </ b> A that relays medals flowing from the slot machine 2 toward the collection conveyer 10, and from the collection chute 11 </ b> A toward the collection conveyer 10. And a collection tray 11B that relays medals flowing down.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the collection conveyor 10 is arranged at the lower part of the gaming machine island 1, and the medals dropped from the supply conveyor 8 to the dropping tube, discharged from the slot machine 2 and the medal lending machine 3. This device collects medals and transports them to a storage tank. The collection conveyor 10 is disposed on a line that curves in a C-shape that is squared along the back of the gaming machine island 1 from the storage box.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the collection conveyor 10 is arranged on a rail 40 having a straight portion 43 and a curved portion 44, a drive portion 41 disposed at one end of the rail 40, and the other end of the rail 40. The driven part 42 provided, and the endless conveyor chain 30 wound around the drive part 41 and the driven part 42 are mainly provided. The drive unit 41 includes a drive sprocket 41a formed on the outer periphery with a tooth shape engageable with the back surface of the conveyor chain, a drive mechanism 41b that rotates the drive sprocket 41a and travels the conveyor chain 30 in a certain direction, A rotation sensor 41c for measuring movement. The driven portion 42 is provided with a return sprocket 42 a that is formed on the outer periphery with a tooth shape that can be engaged with the back surface of the conveyor chain 30 and that reverses the traveling direction of the conveyor chain 30.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the linear portion 43 of the rail 40 includes a rail body 45 made of a hollow aluminum extruded material subjected to alumite surface treatment, a pair of side cover bodies 71 that cover the rail body 45 from the side, a rail And a top cover body 72 that covers the main body 45 from above. The rail body 45 is provided with a base portion 46 in which a rectangular hollow portion is formed and a pocket that extends upward from both lower ends on the side orthogonal to the transport direction of the base portion 46 and supports a lower end of the side cover 71. A pair of support pieces 46a to be formed and both lower ends on the side orthogonal to the conveying direction of the base 46 are extended in a L-shaped cross section and an inverted L-shaped cross section, and are provided with the lower pieces facing each other through a gap. A pair of L-shaped pieces 47. The upper surface of the base 46 supports the conveyor chain 30 traveling in the transport direction from below. The upper surface of the lower piece of the L-shaped piece 47 supports the top plate portion 56 of the conveyor chain 30 that travels in a direction opposite to the conveying direction from below.

  At the center of the upper surface of the base 46, a central groove 46b, which is a concave line along the transport direction, is provided. On the left and right of the central groove 46b on the upper surface of the base 46, there are provided upper protrusions 46c that are protrusions along the conveying direction. In addition, two lower protrusions 47a, which are protrusions along the transport direction, are formed on the upper surface of the lower piece of the L-shaped piece 47, respectively. By providing the central groove 46b, the upper protrusion 46c, and the lower protrusion 47a, the contact area between the conveyor chain 30 and the rail body 45 can be reduced, and the frictional resistance can be reduced. The rail body 45 is improved in corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and slidability by performing alumite surface treatment.

  At both end portions of the upper surface of the base portion 46 on the side orthogonal to the conveying direction, inclined surfaces 46d that are higher toward the edge portion are formed. The inclination angle of the inclined surface 46d is formed at the same inclination angle as the inclined surfaces 51z and 52z formed on the back surface of the chain piece 50 described later. The inclined surface 46d of the rail body 46 slides and supports the inclined surfaces 51z and 52z of the chain piece 50 when the conveyor chain 30 conveys on the rail 40. With this configuration, the minimum required height of the rail body 46 can be suppressed, and the conveyor chain 30 to be conveyed can be brought to the center of the rail 40 to prevent skewing and meandering. .

  On the side surface of the base 46, a tapping groove 46e which is a concave line along the transport direction is provided. A tapping screw for fixing the side cover 71 and the rail body 45 can be screwed into the tapping groove 46e. For this reason, the work process which provides a screw hole in the rail main body 45 in the field is not required, and the work process of installation can be reduced.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the curved portion 44 of the rail 40 has a short rail (not shown) compared to the straight portion 43 and a cover (not shown) covering the periphery of the rail integrated with a synthetic resin. A curved conveyance path can be formed by providing a plurality of formed bending guides 49 and connecting the bending guides 49 so as to be pivotable in the horizontal direction by an axis.

  Since the collection conveyor 10 can form a path including a plurality of curved paths, a conveyance path curved in a C shape as shown in FIG. 1 is formed and conveyed to the end on the conveyance direction side. The medal can be dropped into the storage tank of the storage box 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the endless conveyor chain 30 wound around the drive unit 41 and the driven unit 42 of the collection transport conveyor 10 has front and rear through holes (fixed holes 100, 101, 102 and loose fitting holes). 103, 104) and a plurality of chain pieces 50 provided with a top plate portion 56 for placing a conveyed product on the upper surface, and a plurality of connecting pins 60 inserted through the through holes and connected to each other so as to be able to bend each other. Is provided.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the connecting pin 60 is made of a synthetic resin, for example, a polyamide resin, and includes a cylindrical pin body 61, an elastically deformable retracting portion 62 that extends to the distal end side of the pin body 61, and Is provided. The retracting portion 62 has a columnar shape with the same diameter as the pin body 61, and a substantially rectangular-shaped gap 65 is recessed from the end surface on the tip side when inserted into the through hole. A pair of retracting pieces 66 are juxtaposed. The retracting portion 62 forms a gap 65 between the retracting pieces 66, so that when the force in the direction of the gap 65 is applied to the retracting piece 66, the retracting piece 66 can be elastically deformed toward the gap 65. In the present embodiment, the retracting portion 62 is configured to be elastically deformable by including a pair of retracting pieces 66 arranged in parallel via the gap 65. However, in the present invention, the retracting portion may be elastically deformable. For example, it may be four retracting pieces arranged side by side through a gap on the cross. For example, a material that can be easily elastically deformed may be added to the tip of the pin body 61.

  In addition, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 11A, the connecting pin 60 has an outer peripheral corner portion 63 of the retracting portion 62 formed in an R shape. As shown in FIG. 11A, when inserting the connecting pin 60 through the through hole, an R-shaped tip outer peripheral corner portion is formed with respect to a locking convex portion 54, which will be described later, protruding from the inner periphery of the fixing hole 100. If a force for pushing the connecting pin 60 is applied while the 63 is in contact, the force for pushing the connecting pin 60 is easily dispersed in the force in the direction of the gap 65 with respect to the retracting piece 66. The elastic deformation in the 65 direction can be facilitated.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the connecting pin 60 has a locking recess 64 provided on the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66 of the retracting portion 62. When the connecting pin 60 is inserted through the fixing hole 100, the locking recess 64 is engaged with a locking protrusion 54, which will be described later, protruding from the inner periphery of the fixing hole 100. It becomes the latching | locking part formed in the outer periphery. In the present embodiment, the locking portion is configured by the locking recess 64, but the locking portion may be locked to the locked portion formed in the chain piece 50, for example, the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66 It is also possible to have a configuration in which a locking projection is provided on the inner periphery of the through hole of the chain piece 50 and a locking recess is provided on the inner periphery of the chain piece 50 so that the locking projection and the locking recess are locked.

  As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the chain piece 50 is made of a synthetic resin such as polyacetal resin, and has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape with a long side arranged in a lateral direction with respect to the front-rear direction (hereinafter, lateral direction). A main body 51, a cylindrical rear arm portion 52 bulging in the rear downward direction from the rear long side of the chain piece main body 51, and a bulge in the front lower direction from the front long side of the chain piece main body 51 And a cylindrical forearm portion 53 provided. Three rear arm portions 52 are formed, and the adjacent rear arm portions 52 are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction through gaps 57 having a substantially square shape in plan view. Two forearm portions 53 are formed at positions facing the gap 57 and are arranged in a row in the lateral direction via gaps 58 that are substantially square in plan view. The forearm portion 53 of the adjacent chain piece 50 is loosely inserted into the gap 57 between the rear arm portions 52 of the chain piece 50, and the mixed row formed by the rear arm portion 52 and the forearm portion 53 forms a flat conveyance surface. , No gaps for medal to enter.

  Further, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A, the chain piece 50 is formed with fixing holes 100, 101, and 102 penetrating in the lateral direction in the respective rear arm portions 52, respectively. The forearm portion 53 is formed with loose fitting holes 103 and 104 penetrating in the lateral direction. The fixing holes 100, 101, 102 and the loose fitting holes 103, 104 are through holes provided in the chain piece 50 in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the fixing holes 100, 101, 102 are cylindrical holes having the same nominal diameter as the outer diameter of the pin body 61 of the connecting pin 60 described above, and the connecting pin has no extra play. 60 is inserted. The connecting pin 60 inserted through the fixing holes 100, 101, 102 is fixed to the chain piece 50 (full float or semi-float state).

  As shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the fixing hole 100 has an inner flange-like locking projection 54 protruding from the inner periphery. The locking projection 54 locks the locking recess 64 provided on the outer periphery of the above-described retracting piece 66 when the connecting pin 60 is inserted into the through hole 100. It becomes the to-be-latched part formed.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 are holes having a diameter larger than the diameter of the pin body 61 of the connecting pin 60 described above, and the connecting pin 60 is inserted in a state where there is play. Therefore, the connecting pin 60 inserted through the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 is loosely fitted to the chain piece 50. The loose fitting holes 103 and 104 are tapered long holes whose diameter in the front-rear direction increases from the center toward the end direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the chain piece 50 is provided with a pair of plate portions 55 in the forward direction from the lateral end of the chain piece main body 51. The upper surfaces of the chain piece main body 51, the rear arm part 52, the forearm part 53, and the plate part 55 of the chain piece 50 are flush with each other, and form a top plate part 56 on which a conveyed product is placed. Further, as shown in FIG. 8B, the rear surface of the chain piece 50 is provided with a rear arm portion 52 and a forearm portion 53 protruding from the rear surface of the chain piece main body 51, and a drive sprocket 41a and a return sprocket are provided. An uneven shape that can be engaged with the tooth shape of 42a is formed.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the chain piece 50 is formed with inclined surfaces 51z that become higher at the both ends in the lateral direction of the back surface of the chain piece body 51 toward the edge. Moreover, the inclined surface 52z which becomes high as it goes to an edge part is formed in the back surface of the left and right rear arm parts 52. The inclination angles of the inclined surface 51z and the inclined surface 52z are formed at the same inclination angle as that of the inclined surface 46d of the rail body 46. The inclined surface 51z and the inclined surface 52z are supported by sliding with the inclined surface 46d of the rail body 46 when the conveyor chain 30 moves on the upper surface of the rail body 46.

  The assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30 configured as described above will be described. The operator calculates the necessary number of chain pieces 50 from the distance between the drive unit 41 and the driven unit 42 of the collection conveyor 10. Next, one chain piece 50 (50z: see FIG. 10) and another chain piece 50 (50y: see FIG. 10) are connected by a connecting pin 60. The operator moves the right side in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 10 with the two forearms 53 of the chain piece 50y entering the two gaps 57 formed by the three rear arms 52 of the chain piece 50z. Then, the connecting pin 60 is pushed in.

  When the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60, the retracting portion 62 formed on the distal end side of the connecting pin 60 passes through the fixing hole 102 formed in the right arm portion 52 on the right side of the chain piece 50z, Next, it passes through the loose fitting hole 104 formed in the right forearm portion 53 of the chain piece 50y, then passes through the fixing hole 101 formed in the center rear arm portion 52 of the chain piece 50z, and then the chain piece. It passes through a loose fitting hole 103 formed in the left forearm portion 53 of 50y.

  Next, when the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60, as shown in FIG. 10, the retracting portion 62 formed on the distal end side of the connecting pin 60 is formed on the left arm portion 52 of the chain piece 50z. The leading end of the retracting portion 62 reaches the locking convex portion 54 that protrudes from the inner periphery of the through hole 100. As shown in FIG. 11A, an R-shaped outer peripheral corner 63 is formed at the distal end of the retracting portion 62, and the locking convex 54 and the R-shaped outer peripheral corner 63 are in contact with each other. Thus, when a force for pushing the connecting pin 60 is applied, the force for pushing the connecting pin 60 is dispersed in the force in the direction of the gap 65 with respect to the retracting piece 66, and the retracting piece 66 of the retracting portion 62 is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65. As described above, the retraction piece 66 of the retraction portion 62 is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65, whereby the connection pin 60 can be inserted further into the fixing hole 100.

  Next, when the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60, the retracting portion 62 formed on the distal end side of the connecting pin 60 is inserted to the depth of the through hole 100, and as shown in FIG. The locking recess 64 provided in the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66 of the part 62 reaches the locking projection 54 protruding from the inner periphery of the fixing hole 100. When the locking recess 64 reaches the locking projection 54, the elastic deformation of the retracting piece 66 of the retracting portion 62 is released, and the locking recess 64 is locked to the locking projection 54. As described above, the retracting portion 66 of the retracting portion 62 returns after being elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65, so that the locking concave portion 64 can be locked to the locking convex portion 54.

  If the locking recess 64 provided in the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66 is locked in the locking projection 54 provided in the inner periphery of the through hole 100, the chain piece 50z and the chain piece 50y Consolidation is complete. If it will be in this state, the movement to the horizontal direction of the connecting pin 60 will be controlled by the latching of the latching recessed part 64 and the latching convex part 54, and it will not drop from the chain pieces 50z and 50y. Further, since the connecting pin 60 is accommodated without protruding laterally from the inclined surface 51z of the other chain piece 50, the connecting pin 60 does not come into contact with the inclined surface 46d of the rail main body 45 during transportation.

  Next, the operator may connect another chain piece 50 in front of the chain piece 50z or behind the chain piece 50y in the same manner as the above work. When the necessary number of chain pieces 50 are connected, the assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30 is completed. In the assembled conveyor chain 30, as shown in FIG. 12, the connecting pin 60 fixed to the fixing holes 100 to 102 of the chain piece 50z is loosely fitted in the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 of the chain piece 50y. The chain piece 50y can be bent in the vertical direction with respect to the chain piece 50z with the connecting pin 60 as an axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 are holes having a diameter larger than the diameter of the pin main body 61, and the connecting pin 60 is inserted in a state where there is play. On the other hand, the chain piece 50y can be bent in the horizontal direction.

  The assembled conveyor chain 30 is wound around the drive unit 41 and the driven unit 42 of the collection conveyor 10, and the foremost chain piece 50 and the last chain piece 50 of the conveyor chain 30 are set in the same manner as described above. Connected to form an endless conveyor chain 30. This completes the operation of attaching the conveyor chain 30 to the collection conveyor 10 for collection.

  As described above, according to the conveyor chain 30 and the collection conveyor 10 of the first embodiment, if the connecting pin 60 is pushed into the through hole of the chain piece 50 adjacent to the front and rear from the front end side, the retracting portion 62 of the connecting pin 60 is provided. By returning after being elastically deformed, the connecting pin 60 can be inserted into the through hole, and the locking recess 64 of the connecting pin 60 can be locked to the locking protrusion 54 of the chain piece 50. For this reason, the assembly work is completed only by pushing the connecting pin 60 into the through hole of the chain piece 50 adjacent to the front and rear from the tip side.

  Further, when separating the chain pieces 50 adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction, a force for elastic deformation is applied to the retracting portion 62 of the connecting pin 60 by pushing the tip end of the connecting pin 60 to lock the connecting pin 60. By releasing the locking of the recess 64 and the locking projection 54 of the chain piece 50, the connecting pin 60 can be pulled out from the through hole. For this reason, the disassembling work is completed only by pulling out the connecting pin 60 from the base end side in a state where a force for elastic deformation is applied to the retracting portion 62 of the connecting pin 60.

  According to the conveyor chain 30 and the collection conveyor 10 of the first embodiment, the assembly workability can be improved with a simple structure.

Second Embodiment
As shown in FIGS. 13 to 15, the conveyor chain 30 </ b> A of the collection conveyor (not shown) in the second embodiment includes through holes (fixed holes 105, 106, 107 and loose fitting holes 103, 104) on the front and rear. In addition, a plurality of chain pieces 50A provided with a top plate portion 56 for placing a conveyed product on the upper surface, and a plurality of connecting pins 60A inserted through the through holes and connected to each other so as to be able to bend the chain pieces 50A. The collection conveyor in the second embodiment is the same as the collection conveyor 10 in the first embodiment except for the conveyor chain 30A.

  As shown in FIG. 13, the connecting pin 60A is made of a synthetic resin, for example, a polyamide resin, and has a cylindrical pin body 61A, an elastically deformable retracting portion 62A that extends to the tip side of the pin body 61A, Is provided. The retracting portion 62A has a cylindrical shape with the same diameter as the pin body 61A, and a substantially rectangular gap 65A is recessed from the end surface on the tip side, and a pair of retracting pieces 66A are arranged in parallel via the gap 65A. It is installed. The retracting portion 62A forms a gap 65A between the retracting pieces 66A, so that when the force in the direction of the gap 65A is applied to the retracting piece 66A, the retracting piece 66A can be elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65A. A cylindrical cap 67A having a larger diameter than the pin body 61A is integrally formed on the base end side of the pin body 61A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the connecting pin 60A has a tip outer peripheral corner 63A of the retracting portion 62A formed in an inclined shape. When inserting the connecting pin 60A into the fixing holes 105, 106, 107, a force is applied to push the connecting pin 60A in a state where the tip outer peripheral corner 63A is in contact with the periphery of the insertion hole of the fixing holes 105, 106, 107. Then, the force for pushing the connecting pin 60A is easily dispersed to the force in the direction of the gap 65A with respect to the retracting piece 66A, so that the retracting piece 66A of the retracting part 62A can be easily elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 13, the connecting pin 60 </ b> A has a locking piece 64 </ b> A protruding on the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66 </ b> A of the retracting part 62 </ b> A. The locking piece 64A is locked to the opening edge 59A of the fixing hole 105, and serves as a locking portion formed on the outer periphery of the retracting portion 66A in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the chain piece 50A has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped chain piece main body 51 in which the long side is arranged in the lateral direction, and bulges from the rear long side of the chain piece main body 51 downward in the rearward direction. A cylindrical rear arm portion 52A provided on the front side of the chain piece body 51, and a cylindrical forearm portion 53 provided so as to bulge from the long side in the front direction of the chain piece main body 51 to the front lower direction. Three rear arm portions 52A are formed, and adjacent rear arm portions 52A are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction through gaps 57 that are substantially square in plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the chain piece 50A has fixing holes 105, 106, 107 penetrating in the lateral direction in the respective rear arm portions 52A. In the forearm portion 53, similarly to the first embodiment, loose fitting holes 103 and 104 penetrating in the lateral direction are formed. The fixing holes 105, 106, 107 and the loose fitting holes 103, 104 are through holes provided in the chain piece 50A in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the fixing holes 105, 106, and 107 are cylindrical holes having the same nominal diameter as the outer diameter of the pin body 61 of the connecting pin 60A described above, and the connecting pin 60A is inserted without extra play. Has been. The connecting pin 60A inserted through the fixing holes 105, 106, 107 is in a fixed state (full float or semi-float state) with respect to the chain piece 50A.

  As shown in FIG. 14, the fixing hole 105 is provided with a locking piece storage hole 59 </ b> B that is a cylindrical hole having a diameter larger than that of the fixing hole 105 in the direction in which the connection pin 60 </ b> A is inserted. A circular flat surface is formed on the opening edge 59A of the fixing hole 105 by connecting the fixing hole 105 and the locking piece storage hole 59B. The opening edge 59A of the fixing hole 105 is for locking the locking piece 64A of the connecting pin 60A described above, and serves as a locked portion formed in the chain piece 50A in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 14, a cap accommodation hole 59 </ b> C, which is a cylindrical hole having a diameter larger than that of the fixing hole 107, is connected to the fixing hole 107 in a direction opposite to the direction in which the connecting pin 60 </ b> A is inserted.

  In the second embodiment, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30A configured as described above will be described. One chain piece 50A (50x: see FIG. 15) and another chain piece 50A (50w: see FIG. 15) are connected by a connecting pin 60A. The operator moves the right side in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 15 with the two forearms 53 of the chain piece 50w entering the two gaps 57 formed by the three rear arms 52A of the chain piece 50x. Then, the connecting pin 60A is pushed in.

  When the operator applies a force to push in the connection pin 60A in a state where the tip outer peripheral corner 63A of the retracting portion 62A of the connection pin 60A is in contact with the insertion opening edge of the fixing hole 107 of the chain piece 50x, the connection pin 60A is applied. The force for pushing in is distributed to the force in the direction of the gap 65A against the retraction piece 66A, and the retraction piece 66A of the retraction part 62A is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65A. When the retracting piece 66A is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65A, the connecting pin 60A can be inserted from the insertion hole of the fixing hole 107.

  Next, the retracting portion 62A formed on the distal end side of the connecting pin 60A passes through the loose fitting hole 104 formed in the forearm portion 53 on the right side of the chain piece 50w, and then the rear arm portion 52A in the center of the chain piece 50x. It passes by elastically deforming the fixed hole 106 formed on the left side, and then passes through the loose fitting hole 103 formed on the left forearm portion 53 of the chain piece 50w.

  When the operator applies a force to push in the connecting pin 60A, the fixing hole 105 formed in the left arm 52A of the left side of the chain piece 50x is elastically deformed in the same manner as the passage of the fixing hole 107 described above. It is inserted (see FIGS. 15 and 16 (a)). When the locking piece 64A protruding from the outer periphery of the retracting portion 62A reaches the opening edge 59A, the elastic deformation of the retracting piece 66A of the retracting portion 62A is released as shown in FIG. 64A is locked to the opening edge 59A. Thus, the retracting piece 66A of the retracting portion 62A returns after being elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65A, so that it can pass through the through-hole and the locking piece 64A can be locked to the opening edge 59A.

  When the locking piece 64A protruding from the outer periphery of the retracting portion 62A is locked to the opening edge 59A, the connection of the chain piece 50x and the chain piece 50w is completed. In this state, the movement of the connecting pin 60A in the insertion direction is restricted by the cap 67A being locked to the insertion port edge of the fixing hole 107, and is opposed to the insertion direction of the connecting pin 60A. The movement in the direction is restricted by the locking piece 64A being locked to the opening edge 59A, and the connecting pin 60A is not dropped from the chain pieces 50x, 50w. Further, as shown in FIG. 15, the connecting pin 60A has a distal end side of the retracting portion 62A protruding from the fixing hole 105 accommodated in the locking piece accommodation hole 59B, and a cap 67A formed on the proximal end side is a cap. It is stored in the storage hole 59C and does not come into resistance when it comes into contact with the inclined surface 46d of the rail body 45 during transport.

  According to the conveyor chain 30A and the transfer conveyor of the second embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Third Embodiment>
As shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, the conveyor chain 30 </ b> B of the collection conveyor (not shown) in the third embodiment is composed of two types of chain pieces 50 </ b> B <b> 1 and 50 </ b> B <b> 2 and two types of connecting pins 60 and 60 </ b> B. The In this case, the chain piece 50B1 includes through holes (fixed holes 100, 101, 102 and fixed holes 108, 109) on the front and rear, and a top plate portion 56 on which an object to be conveyed is placed. The chain piece 50B2 is provided with through holes (free fitting holes 110, 111, 112 and loose fitting holes 103, 104) on the front and rear and a top plate portion 56 on which an article to be conveyed is placed. The collection conveyor in the third embodiment is the same as the collection conveyor 10 in the first embodiment except for the conveyor chain 30B.

  As shown in FIG. 17C, the connection pin 60 has the same configuration as the connection pin 60 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 17D, the connecting pin 60B includes a cylindrical pin main body 61B and an elastically deformable retracting portion 62B extending to the tip end side of the pin main body 61B. Although the connection pin 60B has the same diameter as the connection pin 60, the length of the pin body 61B is shorter than that of the connection pin 60, and the length of the retracting portion 62B is longer. The retracting portion 62B has a cylindrical shape with the same diameter as the pin body 61B, and a substantially rectangular gap 65B is recessed from the end face on the tip side, and a pair of retracting pieces 66B are arranged in parallel via the gap 65B. It is installed. Further, the connecting pin 60B is provided with a locking recess 64B on the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66B of the retracting portion 62B.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the chain piece 50B1 includes a substantially rectangular chain piece main body 51 in which the long side is disposed in the lateral direction, and the rear long side from the rear long side of the chain piece main body 51. A cylindrical rear arm portion 52 provided so as to bulge out and a cylindrical forearm portion 53 </ b> B provided so as to bulge from the long side in the front direction of the chain piece main body 51 in the forward and downward direction. Two forearm portions 53B are formed at positions facing the gap 57, and are arranged in a row in the lateral direction via gaps 58 that are substantially square in plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the chain piece 50B1 has fixing holes 100, 101, 102 penetrating in the lateral direction in the respective rear arm portions 52. Each forearm portion 53B is formed with fixing holes 108 and 109 penetrating in the lateral direction. The fixing holes 100, 101, 102 and the fixing holes 108, 109 are through holes provided in the chain piece 50B1 in the present invention.

  The fixing holes 108 and 109 are cylindrical holes having the same nominal diameter as the diameter of the pin main body 61B of the connecting pin 60B, and the connecting pin 60B is inserted without any extra play. The connecting pin 60B inserted through the fixing holes 108 and 109 is fixed to the chain piece 50B1 (full float or semi-float state).

  As shown in FIG. 17A, the fixing hole 108 has an inner flange-like locking convex portion 54 </ b> B protruding from the inner periphery. The locking projection 54B locks the locking recess 64B provided in the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66B when the connecting pin 60B is inserted through the through hole, and is formed in the chain piece 50B1 in the present invention. It becomes a locked part.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the chain piece 50B2 includes a substantially rectangular chain piece main body 51 in which the long side is disposed in the lateral direction, and a rear long side from the rear long side of the chain piece main body 51. A cylindrical rear arm portion 52B provided to bulge and a cylindrical forearm portion 53 provided to bulge from the long side in the front direction of the chain piece main body 51 to the front lower direction. Three rear arm portions 52B are formed, and adjacent rear arm portions 52B are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction with gaps 57 that are substantially square in plan view.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 17B, the chain piece 50B2 has loose fitting holes 110, 111, 112 penetrating in the lateral direction in the respective rear arm portions 52B. The respective forearm portions 53 are respectively formed with loose fitting holes 103 and 104 penetrating in the lateral direction. The loose fitting holes 110, 111, 112 and the loose fitting holes 103, 104 are through holes provided in the chain piece 50B2 in the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 17B, the loose fitting holes 110, 111, and 112 are holes having a diameter larger than the diameter of the pin body 61B of the connecting pin 60B described above, and the connection 60B is inserted in a state where there is play. . For this reason, the connection pin 60B inserted through the loose fitting holes 110, 111, 112 is loosely fitted to the chain piece 50B2. The loose fitting holes 110 and 112 are tapered long holes whose diameters in the front-rear direction increase from the center side opening toward the end opening. The loose fitting hole 111 is a tapered long hole whose diameter in the front-rear direction increases from the center toward the left and right openings.

  In the third embodiment, other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, and thus the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  The assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30B configured as described above will be described. As shown in FIG. 18, the chain piece 50B2 and the chain piece 50B1 are alternately connected. Specifically, the chain piece 50B1 is connected to the rear side of the chain piece 50B2 by the connecting pin 60B, and the chain piece 50B2 is connected to the rear side of the chain piece 50B1 by the connecting pin 60.

  The operator places two forearm parts 53B of the other chain piece 50B1 (50u: see FIG. 18) in the two gaps 57 between the three rear arm parts 52B of the chain piece 50B2 (50v: see FIG. 18). In the inserted state, the connecting pin 60B is inserted from the right side.

  When the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60B, the retracting portion 62B formed on the tip side of the connecting pin 60B passes through the loose fitting hole 112 formed in the right arm portion 52B on the right side of the chain piece 50v. Then, it passes through the fixing hole 109 formed in the right forearm portion 53B of the chain piece 50u, and then passes through the loose fitting hole 111 formed in the center rear arm portion 52B of the chain piece 50v.

  Next, when the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60B, as shown in FIG. 18, the retracting portion 62B formed on the distal end side of the connecting pin 60B is formed on the forearm portion 53B on the left side of the chain piece 50u. The distal end of the retracting portion 62B reaches the locking convex portion 54B protruding from the inner periphery of the fixing hole 108. Next, when a force for pushing the connecting pin 60B is applied, the retracting piece 66B of the retracting portion 62B is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65B. Thus, the retraction piece 66B is elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65B, so that the connecting pin 60B can be inserted further into the fixing hole 108.

  Next, when a force for pushing in the connecting pin 60B is applied, the distal end side of the retracting portion 62B passes through the fixing hole 108 and is inserted into the loose fitting hole 110, and at the same time, the locking recess 64B provided in the outer periphery of the retracting piece 66B. However, it reaches the locking convex portion 54 </ b> B protruding from the inner periphery of the through hole 108. When the locking recess 64B reaches the locking projection 54B, the elastic deformation of the retracting piece 66B is released, and the locking recess 64B is locked to the locking projection 54B. In this manner, the retracting piece 66B of the retracting portion 62B returns after being elastically deformed in the direction of the gap 65B, so that the locking concave portion 64B can be locked to the locking convex portion 54B.

  Next, the operator connects the chain piece 50B2 (50t: see FIG. 18) with the connecting pin 60 in the backward direction of the chain piece 50u. The connecting operation is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  Next, the worker may connect the other chain piece 50B1 to the front of the chain piece 50v or the rear of the chain piece 50t in the same manner as the above assembly work. When the necessary number of chain pieces 50B1 and 50B2 are connected, the assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30B is completed.

  In the assembled conveyor chain 30B, as shown in FIG. 19, the connecting pins 60B fixed to the fixing holes 108 and 109 of the chain piece 50u are loosely fitted in the loose fitting holes 110 to 112 of the chain piece 50v. The chain piece 50v can be bent in the vertical direction with respect to the chain piece 50u with the connecting pin 60B as an axis. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the loose fitting holes 110 to 112 are holes larger in diameter than the pin body 61B, and the connecting pin 60B is inserted in a state where there is play. On the other hand, the chain piece 50v can be bent in the horizontal direction.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 19, in the conveyor chain 30B, the connecting pins 60 fixed to the fixing holes 100 to 102 of the chain piece 50u are loosely fitted in the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 of the chain piece 50t. With the connecting pin 60 as an axis, the chain piece 50t can be bent in the vertical direction with respect to the chain piece 50u. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 are holes having a diameter larger than the diameter of the pin main body 61, and the connecting pin 60 is inserted in a state where there is play. On the other hand, the chain piece 50t can be bent in the horizontal direction.

  According to the conveyor chain 30 </ b> B and the recovery conveyor of the third embodiment configured as described above, it is possible to obtain the same effects as those of the first embodiment.

<Fourth embodiment>
As shown in FIGS. 20 to 22, the conveyor chain 30 </ b> C of the collection conveyor (not shown) in the fourth embodiment has through holes (fixed holes 114 and 115 and loose fitting holes 103 and 104) on the front and back and an upper surface. A plurality of chain pieces 50C provided with a top plate portion 56 for placing a transported article thereon, and a plurality of connecting pins 60C inserted through the through holes and connected to each other so that the chain pieces 50C can be bent. The collection conveyor in the fourth embodiment is the same as the collection conveyor 10 in the first embodiment except for the conveyor chain 30C.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21 (b), the connecting pin 60C includes a cylindrical pin body 61C.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21A, the chain piece 50 </ b> C includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped-shaped chain piece main body 51 in which the long side is disposed in the lateral direction, and a rear side from the long side in the rear direction of the chain piece main body 51. A cylindrical rear arm portion 52 </ b> C provided to bulge downward and a cylindrical forearm portion 53 provided to bulge forward and downward from the front long side of the chain piece main body 51 are provided. Three rear arm portions 52C are formed, and adjacent rear arm portions 52C are arranged in a row in the horizontal direction through gaps 57 that are substantially square in plan view.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the chain piece 50C is formed with fixing holes 114 and 115 penetrating in the lateral direction in the center and right rear arm portions 52C, respectively. The forearm portion 53 is formed with loose fitting holes 103 and 104 penetrating in the lateral direction. The fixing holes 114 and 115 and the loose fitting holes 103 and 104 are through holes provided in the chain piece 50C in the present invention. Further, the left rear arm portion 52C is formed with a non-through hole 113 which is not penetrated in the left direction from the right end face.

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the fixing holes 114 and 115 are cylindrical holes having the same nominal diameter as the outer diameter of the pin main body 61C of the connecting pin 60C, and the connecting pin 60C is inserted without any extra play. ing. For this reason, the connecting pin 60C inserted through the fixing holes 114, 115 is fixed to the chain piece 50C (full float or semi-float state).

  As shown in FIG. 21A, the locked hole 113 is a cylindrical hole having the same nominal diameter as the outer diameter of the pin body 61C of the connecting pin 60C described above (or a cylindrical hole having a communication hole in the center). The connecting pin 60C is inserted in a state where there is no extra play. For this reason, the connecting pin 60C inserted into the locked hole 113 is fixed to the chain piece 50A (full float or semi-float state). As shown in FIG. 22, the bottom surface of the locked hole 113 locks the front end surface of the connection pin 60C in a state where the connection pin 60C is inserted, and moves in the direction in which the connection pin 60C is inserted. regulate. For this reason, the to-be-latched hole 113 becomes the 2nd to-be-latched part formed in the chain piece 50C in this invention.

  As shown in FIGS. 20 and 21A, the chain piece 50C is an elastically deformable second member that restricts movement of the connecting pin 60C inserted through the through hole in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. 2 evacuation units 130 are provided. As shown in FIGS. 20 (b) and 21 (a), the second evacuation part 130 is continuously provided in front of the fixing hole 115 and is recessed in the lateral direction from the insertion port side of the fixing hole 115. A prismatic hole 133, a bending piece 131 extending from the bottom surface of the rectangular columnar hole 133 along the fixing hole 115 to the insertion opening 115a of the fixing hole 115, and a bending on the side facing the direction in which the connecting pin 60C is inserted A closing piece 132 that is bent from the end of the piece 131 in the axial direction of the insertion opening 115a of the fixing hole 115. The bending piece 131 can be elastically deformed when a force in the front-rear direction is applied. In the state where the elastic deformation of the bent piece 131 is released, the closing piece 132 closes a part of the insertion opening 115a and engages with the base end surface of the connection pin 60C inserted through the fixing hole 115, thereby connecting the connection pin 60C. Is restricted from moving in a direction opposite to the direction in which the is inserted.

  In addition, in 4th Embodiment, since another structure is the same as 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same part and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  An assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30C configured as described above will be described. One chain piece 50C (50s: see FIG. 22) and another chain piece 50C (50r: see FIG. 22) are connected by a connecting pin 60C. The operator causes the two forearm portions 53 of the chain piece 50r to enter the two gaps 57 formed by the three rear arm portions 52C of the chain piece 50s.

  Next, the operator applies a forward force to the closing piece 132 of the second retracting portion 130 of the chain piece 50s to elastically deform the bent piece 131 (see FIG. 23A). While maintaining this state, the connecting pin 60A is pushed into the insertion port 115a of the fixing hole 115 from the right side in the direction of the arrow in FIG. As described above, the closing piece 132 of the second retracting portion 130 closes a part of the insertion opening 115a. For this reason, when the connecting pin 60C is inserted into the fixing hole 115, the connecting pin 60C can be inserted into the fixing hole 115 by elastically deforming the bent piece 131 and retracting the closing piece 132 forward. As shown in FIG. 23A, while the connecting pin 60C is inserted, the bent piece 131 is kept elastically deformed by the contact between the outer periphery of the connecting pin 60C and the tip of the closing piece 132.

  Next, when the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60 </ b> C, the tip of the connecting pin 60 </ b> C is inserted to the back of the fixing hole 115. Next, the distal end side of the connecting pin 60 passes through the loose fitting hole 104 formed in the right forearm portion 53 of the chain piece 50r, and then the fixing hole 114 formed in the center rear arm portion 52C of the chain piece 50s. And then passes through a loose fitting hole 103 formed in the left forearm portion 53 of the chain piece 50r.

  Next, when the operator applies a force to push the connecting pin 60C, the tip of the connecting pin 60C is inserted into the locked hole 113 formed in the left arm 52C of the left side of the chain piece 50s. When reaching the bottom of the hole 113 to be locked, the tip surface of the connecting pin 60C is locked with the bottom surface, and movement in the direction in which the connecting pin 60C is inserted is restricted. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 23B, the base end side of the connecting pin 60C is released from the elastic deformation of the bent piece 131 when the base end surface of the connecting pin 60C passes through the closing piece 132. It will be in the state latched by the end surface, and it restrict | limits moving to the direction opposite to the direction in which the connection pin 60C is inserted.

  Next, the operator may connect the other chain piece 50C to the front of the chain piece 50s or the rear of the chain piece 50r in the same manner as the above assembly work. When the necessary number of chain pieces 50C are connected, the assembly operation of the conveyor chain 30C is completed.

  According to the conveyor chain 30C and the collection conveyor of the fourth embodiment configured as described above, the assembly operation is completed only by the operation of elastically deforming the second retracting portion 130 and pushing the connecting pin 60C. Further, the disassembly work is completed only by the work of elastically deforming the second retracting portion 130 and pulling out the connecting pin 60C.

  According to the conveyor chain 30C and the collection conveyor of the fourth embodiment, the assembly workability can be improved with a simple structure.

  In the fourth embodiment, a bent piece 131 and a closing piece 132 are provided in a part of the fixing hole 115 in the rear arm portion 52C on the right side in plan view of FIG. 21A, and the rear arm portion 52C on the left side in plan view. In the above, the configuration including the locked hole 113 (second locked portion) has been described. Instead of the locked hole 113 of the fourth embodiment, a fixing hole (corresponding to 115) is also formed in the rear arm portion 52C on the left side of the plan view of FIG. The object of the present invention can also be achieved by forming a bent piece (corresponding to 131) and a closing piece (corresponding to 132: second locked portion) in a part of the left opening.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and the technical scope of the claims includes various design changes within the scope of the invention.

8 Supply conveyor 10 Recovery conveyor 20, 40 Rail 21, 41 Drive unit 22, 42 Drive unit 30, 30A, 30B, 30C Conveyor chain 50, 50A, 50B1, 50B2, 50C Chain piece 54, 54B Locking convex Portion 56 top plate portion 59A opening edge 60, 60A, 60B, 60C connecting pin 62, 62A, 62B retracting portion 64, 64B locking recess 64A locking piece 65, 65A, 65B gap 66, 66A, 66B retracting piece 67A cap 100 to 102, 105 to 109, 114, 115 Fixed holes 103, 104, 110 to 112 Free fitting holes 113 Locked holes 115 a Insertion port 130 Second retracting portion 131 Bending piece 132 Closure piece

Claims (7)

A plurality of chain pieces having front and rear through holes and a top plate portion on which an object is placed on the upper surface, and a plurality of connection pins that are inserted through the through holes and connect the chain pieces in a bendable manner. A conveyor chain,
The connecting pin is formed with an elastically deformable retracting portion and a locking portion formed on the outer periphery of the retracting portion on the distal end side when inserted into the through hole,
The chain piece has a locked portion formed at a position corresponding to the locking portion,
When the connecting pin is inserted into the through hole, the connecting pin is returned after the retracting portion is elastically deformed, so that the through hole can be inserted and the locking portion is in contact with the locked portion. The conveyor chain is characterized in that it can be locked. In the conveyor chain of Claim 1,
The evacuation portion includes a pair of evacuation pieces that extend in a direction of insertion into the through hole from a distal end side when inserted into the through hole and are arranged in parallel through a gap. Conveyor chain. In the conveyor chain of Claim 1 or 2,
The locking part is a locking concave part provided in the outer periphery of the retracting part, and the locked part is a locking convex part provided on the inner periphery of the through hole. Conveyor chain. In the conveyor chain of Claim 1 or 2,
The coupling pin is provided with a cap for restricting movement in the direction of insertion into the through hole on the base end side when the connection pin is inserted into the through hole. A conveyor chain, wherein the locked part is an opening edge of the through hole. A plurality of chain pieces having front and rear through holes and a top plate portion on which an object is placed on the upper surface; and a plurality of connecting pins that are inserted through the through holes and connect the chain pieces in a bendable manner. A conveyor chain,
The chain piece is
A second locked portion that restricts movement of the connecting pin in a state of being inserted through the through hole in a direction of insertion;
An elastically deformable second retracting portion for restricting movement of the connecting pin inserted through the through hole in a direction opposite to the insertion direction;
The second retracting portion closes at least a part of the insertion port through which the connecting pin is inserted, and when the connecting pin is inserted into the through hole, the second retracting portion is elastically deformed, A conveyor chain, wherein the through-hole can be inserted. In the conveyor chain of Claim 5,
The second retracting portion is provided by being bent in the axial direction of the insertion opening from an elastically deformable bending piece and an end portion of the bending piece on the side opposite to the direction in which the connecting pin is inserted. A conveyor chain, comprising: Rails,
A drive unit disposed at one end of the rail;
A follower disposed at the other end of the rail;
A conveyor comprising: the drive unit; and the conveyor chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wound around the driven unit.