JP4066890B2

JP4066890B2 - Friction drive conveyor

Info

Publication number: JP4066890B2
Application number: JP2003164546A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 尚士京谷
Original assignee: Daifuku Co Ltd
Current assignee: Daifuku Co Ltd
Priority date: 2003-06-10
Filing date: 2003-06-10
Publication date: 2008-03-26
Anticipated expiration: 2023-06-10
Also published as: JP2005001437A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、走行経路脇に配設された摩擦駆動輪によって搬送用走行体を摩擦駆動して走行させる摩擦駆動コンベヤに関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
摩擦駆動コンベヤ、即ち、ガイドレールで案内される搬送用走行体が走行方向と平行な棒状体、所謂ロードバーを備え、搬送用走行体の走行経路脇に配設した摩擦駆動輪を前記ロードバーの側部に形成された摩擦被動面に当接させて当該搬送用走行体を推進させるようにした摩擦駆動コンベヤは、床上走行台車型のコンベヤや天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤなど、各種のものが知られているが、特に天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤにおいては、トロリーでガイドレールに支持される搬送用走行体の走行経路の床面上高さを一定にしないで、被搬送物の積み下ろしや床面上の既設設備を回避するなどの目的で部分的に変えることが一般的に行われている。
【０００３】
而して、天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤとして使用される摩擦駆動コンベヤは、例えば特許文献１に記載されるように従来周知であるが、従来のこの種の摩擦駆動コンベヤは、搬送用走行体（ロードバー）がガイドレールと平行に走行する経路部にのみ摩擦駆動輪が配設できるものであった。なぜならば、ガイドレールが上下方向にカーブする所謂バーチカルターン部では、走行する搬送用走行体のロードバーとガイドレールとの間の間隔やガイドレールに対するロードバーの姿勢が走行に伴って時々刻々変化するので、従来周知の一定位置に一定姿勢で配置された摩擦駆動輪では、前記ロードバーの摩擦被動面と摩擦駆動輪とが上下方向に外れたり、仮にロードバー（摩擦被動面）の上下巾を大巾に広げて両者が外れるのを防止することができても、両者の相対姿勢の変化で摩擦駆動輪に大きなスラスト荷重が作用してロードバー（摩擦被動面）や摩擦駆動輪の磨耗、延いては耐用寿命が著しく短縮される。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００３−４８５３１号公報
【０００５】
勿論、バーチカルターン部の前後外側に従来の摩擦駆動輪を配設し、搬送用走行体のロードバーとして中間に上下方向の関節部を備えた長尺のロードバーを設け、バーチカルターン部の直前の摩擦駆動輪から当該ロードバーが外れる前にバーチカルターン部の直後の摩擦駆動輪にロードバーの前端が作用するように構成することも考えられるが、この搬送用走行体で吊下搬送する被搬送物の長さが短い場合でも、中間に上下方向の関節部を備えた長尺のロードバーとこのロードバーを吊り下げる３つ以上のトロリーが必須要件となり、設備コストの大巾アップだけでなく、ストレージその他に関連して種々の問題点が生じる。換言すれば、従来の天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤとして使用される摩擦駆動コンベヤでは、バーチカルターン部を含む走行経路の全域において搬送用走行体を摩擦駆動することは実用上無理があった。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記のような従来の問題点を解消し得る摩擦駆動コンベヤを提供することを目的とするものであって、その手段を後述する実施形態の参照符号を付して示すと、ガイドレール２で案内される搬送用走行体１が走行方向と平行な棒状体５を備え、搬送用走行体１の走行経路脇に配設した摩擦駆動輪１１を前記棒状体５の側部に形成された摩擦被動面１０ａに当接させて当該搬送用走行体１を推進させるようにした摩擦駆動コンベヤであって、前記搬送用走行体１の棒状体５に走行方向と平行にガイドレール部１６が併設され、前記棒状体５が前記ガイドレール２と平行にならない上下方向のカーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣには、上下方向の移動と上下方向の傾動とが可能な可動部材２５が配設され、この可動部材２５に摩擦駆動輪２８が軸支されると共に、前記棒状体５のガイドレール部１６に係合して、当該摩擦駆動輪２８が前記棒状体５に対し平行姿勢でその摩擦被動面１０ａに当接するように前記可動部材２５の位置及び姿勢を制御する被ガイド部（ガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ）が当該可動部材２５に設けられた構成となっている。
【０００７】
上記構成の本発明を実施する場合、前記棒状体５のガイドレール部１６は、当該棒状体５の摩擦被動面１０ａを上下から挟む上下一対のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂから構成し、前記可動部材２５の被ガイド部は、前記摩擦駆動輪２８の前後両側で前記上下のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ間に嵌合する、それぞれ走行方向２つずつのローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂから構成することができる。
【０００８】
又、前記可動部材２５を、接近移動してくる前記棒状体５のガイドレール部１６に前記被ガイド部（ガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ）が係合し得る初期位置及び姿勢に保持する位置及び姿勢保持手段３４を併設しておくことができる。
【０００９】
又、前記可動部材２５に軸支された摩擦駆動輪２８との間で前記棒状体５を挟むバックアップローラー３１を配設することができる。この場合、バックアップローラー３１も上下方向の移動と上下方向の傾動とが可能な第二可動部材２６に軸支し、この第二可動部材２６にも前記棒状体５に設けられたガイドレール部１７に係合して当該第二可動部材２６の位置及び姿勢を制御する被ガイド部（ガイドローラー３２ａ〜３３ｂ）を設けておくことができる。この場合、摩擦駆動輪２８を軸支した第一可動部材２５と前記第二可動部材２６とを、少なくとも上下方向移動に関して互いに連動させる連動手段（支軸２０）を併設することができる。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下に本発明の好適実施形態を添付図に基づいて説明すると、図１及び図２において、１はトロリーコンベヤ方式の搬送用走行体であって、天井側に架設されたガイドレール２に前後２つのトロリー３，４で吊り下げられた棒状体５に被搬送物Ｗの支持手段６を、水平走行時には被搬送物支持手段６を前後一対の支持軸７ａ，７ｂで安定的に支持するが上り又は下りの傾斜経路部では一方の支持軸７ａ又は７ｂを支点とする被搬送物支持手段６の重力に伴う前後揺動を許して、被搬送物支持手段６を常に垂直に吊り下げることのできる吊下手段８を介して吊り下げたものである。９は走行経路脇の適所に配設された摩擦駆動手段であって、前記棒状体５の左右両側に形成された摩擦被動面１０ａ，１０ｂのうち、一方の摩擦被動面１０ａに圧接する摩擦駆動輪１１とこれを回転駆動するモーター１２、及び他方の摩擦被動面１０ｂに圧接するバックアップローラー１３とから構成されている。
【００１１】
尚、上記の搬送用走行体１は一例に過ぎず、走行方向と平行で側面に摩擦被動面を備えた棒状体を有する搬送用走行体であれば、如何なる構成の搬送用走行体であっても良い。この実施形態の搬送用走行体１は、水平方向のカーブ経路部での走行を可能ならしめるために、トロリー３，４は、垂直支軸１４ａ，１４ｂの周りに相対回転自在に棒状体５を吊り下げると共に、上下方向のカーブ経路部での走行を可能ならしめるために、トロリー３，４は、棒状体５に対して左右水平支軸１５ａ，１５ｂの周りに相対揺動自在に棒状体５を吊り下げている。又、図示の実施形態では、１本の棒状体で搬送用走行体１の全長をカバーさせているが、被搬送物Ｗが長尺物である場合などには、当該棒状体５の前後両端又は何れか一端に別の棒状体を適当な関節機構を介して接続し、この接続棒状体の遊端部を支持するトロリーを設けて、全長を長くした棒状体を備える搬送用走行体であっても良い。この場合、接続棒状体を含む棒状体全長にわたって実質的に連続する摩擦被動面が形成される。
【００１２】
上記の搬送用走行体１における前記棒状体５には、一方の摩擦被動面１０ａのためのガイドレール部１６と、他方の摩擦被動面１０ｂのためのガイドレール部１７とが設けられている。これら両ガイドレール部１６，１７は、摩擦被動面１０ａ，１０ｂをそれぞれ上下から挟むように当該棒状体５の上下両側面に左右横方向に張り出すように取り付けられた上下一対のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ及び１７ａ，１７ｂから構成されている。又、これら上下一対のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ及び１７ａ，１７ｂの走行方向前後両端部は、図１に示すように、後述のガイドローラーをレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ間及び１７ａ，１７ｂ間に導入させるために上下外側に傾斜させて上下間隔を広げている。
【００１３】
上記の摩擦駆動手段９は、この摩擦駆動手段９の配設位置に進入した搬送用走行体１を、その棒状体５の摩擦被動面１０ａに当接する摩擦駆動輪１１の回転により前方に推進させるものであるから、走行経路中の各搬送用走行体１を所定の間隔を隔てて等速走行させるときは、当該摩擦駆動手段９を搬送用走行体１の走行方向に関して棒状体５の全長と同一か又は若干短い間隔で配設すれば良い。このときバックアップローラー１３は、棒状体５が摩擦駆動輪１１から離れる方向に揺れ動くのを防止して、摩擦被動面１０ａと摩擦駆動輪１１との間の摩擦力を高めるのであるが、被搬送物Ｗの重量など、搬送条件によっては省くことが可能である。
【００１４】
而して、上記の搬送用走行体１の走行経路中に、図３〜図６に示すように上り傾斜経路部Ｖが組み込まれている場合、この上り傾斜経路部Ｖの前後のカーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣ内に位置する搬送用走行体１の棒状体５は、当該カーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣに配設されているガイドレール２に対して平行姿勢ではなくなる。このようにガイドレール２に対して棒状体５が平行ではなくなる走行経路領域に配設される摩擦駆動手段、図示例では、前後のカーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣの前後両端付近に配設される摩擦駆動手段として、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄが配設されている。図示の上り傾斜経路部Ｖは、搬送用走行体１の全長（棒状体５の全長）に比較して十分に長い経路長を有するものであるから、その中間位置には、摩擦駆動輪１１及びバックアップローラー１３がガイドレール２と平行な状態に位置固定された、図１及び図２に記載した摩擦駆動手段９が配設されているが、上り傾斜経路部Ｖの経路長が短いときは、当該摩擦駆動手段９は省くことができる。
【００１５】
前記上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄは、図７〜図９に示すように、ガイドレール２の上側を横断するフレーム１９に支承された左右水平横断支軸２０の両端に取り付けられて、当該支軸２０を介して互いに連動連結され且つ下端部が搬送用走行体１の走行方向側に位置するように傾斜する左右一対の上下動アーム２１，２２と、各上下動アーム２１，２２の下端部に左右水平支軸２３，２４で長さ方向の中央位置が上下揺動自在に軸支された左右一対の可動部材２５，２６と、一方の可動部材２５の長さ方向中央位置に垂直支軸で軸支され且つ当該可動部材２５に支持されたモーター２７に連動連結された摩擦駆動輪２８と、この駆動摩擦輪２８の前後両側で可動部材２５に左右水平支軸で軸支された各２つのガイドローラー２９ａ，２９ｂ及び３０ａ，３０ｂと、他方の可動部材２６の長さ方向中央位置に垂直支軸で軸支されバックアップローラー３１と、このバックアップローラー３１の前後両側で可動部材２６に左右水平支軸で軸支された各２つのガイドローラー３２ａ，３２ｂ及び３３ａ，３３ｂと、両可動部材２５，２６を初期位置及び姿勢に保持する手段３４，３５とから構成されている。
【００１６】
両可動部材２５，２６の位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５は、上下動アーム２１，２２を図９に示す一定姿勢に保持する一対の圧縮コイルスプリング３６ａ，３６ｂ及び３７ａ，３７ｂと、この上下動アーム２１，２２に対して各可動部材２５，２６をそれぞれ一定姿勢に保持する一対の引張コイルスプリング３８ａ，３８ｂ及び３９ａ，３９ｂとから構成されている。
【００１７】
一対の圧縮コイルスプリング３６ａ，３６ｂ及び３７ａ，３７ｂは、支軸２０を支承するフレーム１９の両端に固着された板体１９ａ，１９ｂから上下動アーム２１，２２を挟むように突設されたバネ受け座４０ａ，４０ｂ及び４１ａ，４１ｂと上下動アーム２１，２２との間に、両バネ受け座４０ａ，４０ｂ間及び４１ａ，４１ｂ間に架設され且つ上下動アーム２１，２２を貫通するガイド軸４２，４３に遊嵌される状態で介装されている。尚、両上下動アーム２１，２２は、先に説明したように、支軸２０によって互いに連動連結されているので、圧縮コイルスプリング３６ａ，３６ｂと３７ａ，３７ｂとの内、何れか一方を省くこともできる。
【００１８】
一対の引張コイルスプリング３８ａ，３８ｂ及び３９ａ，３９ｂは、各可動部材２５，２６の上側でこれら各可動部材２５，２６とほぼ平行に配置され且つ上下動アーム２１，２２に中間部が固着された部材４４，４５の両端とその下側の前記可動部材２５，２６との間に、水平支軸２３，２４に対して前後振り分け状に介装されている。
【００１９】
図３〜図６に示された各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄは、これらに接近移動してくる搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の前端が、摩擦駆動輪２８とバックアップローラー３１との間に進入する前に、これら摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の後側に位置するガイドローラー２９ａ，２９ｂ及び３３ａ，３３ｂが当該棒状体５に付設の上下のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ間及び１７ａ，１７ｂ間に進入することができるように、各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄごとに、両可動部材２５，２６のガイドレール２に対する初期位置及び姿勢が前記位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５によって決められている。
【００２０】
而して、図３に示すように、下側カーブ経路部ＵＣ内の入り口側に設けられた上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａの摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１によって上り傾斜経路部Ｖ側へ摩擦駆動している搬送用走行体１の前側トロリー３がガイドレールの下に凸の円弧状部を走行して斜め上方に走行方向を変えるに従って、当該搬送用走行体１の棒状体５が前上がりに傾斜しながらガイドレール２に接近移動することになるが、この棒状体５側のレール部材１６ａ〜１７ｂに可動部材２５，２６側のガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ及び３２ａ〜３３ｂが嵌合しているので、棒状体５の位置及び姿勢の変化に伴って、上下動アーム２１，２２がスプリング３６ａ〜３７ｂの付勢力に抗して支軸２０の周りで上下揺動すると共に、その上下動アーム２１，２２に対して可動部材２５，２６がスプリング３８ａ〜３９ｂの付勢力に抗して支軸２３，２４の周りで傾動することにより、ガイドレール２に対する棒状体５の位置及び姿勢の変化に追従して可動部材２５，２６の位置及び姿勢が自動的に変えられ、棒状体５の左右両摩擦被動面１０ａ，１０ｂに対する摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の当接位置及び姿勢は変化せず、一定に維持される。従って、当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａによる搬送用走行体１のカーブ経路部ＵＣ内での摩擦駆動作用は円滑確実に行われる。
【００２１】
図４に示すように、当該搬送用走行体１の前端が上り傾斜経路部Ｖの入口付近の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂに到着すると、当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂの初期位置及び姿勢にある摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の後側のガイドローラー３０ａ，３０ｂ及び３３ａ，３３ｂが搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の上下のレール部材１６ａ，１６ｂ間及び１７ａ，１７ｂ間に相対的に進入し、これに伴って当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂの可動部材２５，２６の位置及び姿勢、即ち、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の位置及び姿勢が、進入してくる搬送用走行体１の棒状体５に適合する位置及び姿勢に変化してゆく。この動作は、上下動アーム２１，２２がスプリング３６ａ〜３７ｂの付勢力に抗して支軸２０の周りで上下揺動することと、その上下動アーム２１，２２に対して可動部材２５，２６がスプリング３８ａ〜３９ｂの付勢力に抗して支軸２３，２４の周りで傾動することによって行われる。
【００２２】
図４に示すように、搬送用走行体１の前側トロリー３が下側カーブ経路部ＵＣの出口に近づいて、当該搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の前端部が上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂの摩擦駆動輪２８とバックアップローラー３１との間に進入し、当該摩擦駆動輪２８による摩擦駆動が開始されたとき、当該搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の後端部が上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａの摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１から離間し始める。
【００２３】
後ろ側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａから離れた搬送用走行体１は、前側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂによって上り傾斜経路部Ｖ内へ押し進められるが、後側のトロリー４がカーブ経路部ＵＣにおけるガイドレール２の下に凸の円弧状部から脱出するまでは、搬送用走行体１の棒状体５のガイドレールに対する位置及び姿勢は変化する。このときの棒状体５の位置及び姿勢の変化に伴って、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂにおける可動部材２５，２６の位置及び姿勢は、その前後それぞれ２つのガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ及び３２ａ〜３３ｂとレール部材１６ａ〜１７ｂとの嵌合により追従変化し、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１は常に棒状体５の左右両摩擦被動面１０ａ，１０ｂに対して正常に当接し、搬送用走行体１を上り傾斜経路部Ｖの上方へ推進させる。
【００２４】
搬送用走行体１の棒状体５から離れた後ろ側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａは、その可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）が前記位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５によって決められる初期位置及び姿勢（図３参照）に自動復帰し、次の搬送用走行体１の摩擦駆動に備える。
【００２５】
図５に示すように、下側カーブ経路部ＵＣ内の出口側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂのみによって上り傾斜経路部Ｖの方向に摩擦駆動される搬送用走行体１は、その棒状体５の前端が上り傾斜経路部Ｖの途中に配設されている摩擦駆動手段９に到達することにより当該摩擦駆動手段９に引き継がれ、当該摩擦駆動手段９の摩擦駆動輪１１とバックアップローラー１３とにより上り傾斜経路部Ｖを上方に推進される。
【００２６】
次に、図６に基づいて、上り傾斜経路部Ｖから上側水平経路部ＴＨへの搬送用走行体１の摩擦駆動について説明すると、上記の搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の前端が上側カーブ経路部ＴＣ内に進入すると、当該棒状体５の前端が上側カーブ経路部ＴＣ内の入り口側に配設されている上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃの初期位置及び姿勢に保持されている可動部材２５，２６の摩擦駆動輪２８とバックアップローラー３１との間に入り込み、同時に当該棒状体５の後端は、上り傾斜経路部Ｖ内に配設されている摩擦駆動手段９から離れる。従って、当該搬送用走行体１は、引き続き上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃによって摩擦駆動されて上側カーブ経路部ＴＣ内に押し進められる。そして、この搬送用走行体１の前側トロリー３がガイドレール２の上に凸の円弧状部を走行するとき、棒状体５の位置及び姿勢が変化するが、図３に示す下側水平経路部ＵＨの出口付近の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａと同様の動作により、当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃの可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）の位置及び姿勢が棒状体５の位置及び姿勢の変化に追従して自動的に変化し、当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃによる搬送用走行体１の摩擦駆動作用は支障なく継続される。
【００２７】
搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の前端が上側カーブ経路部ＴＣ内の出口側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄに到達すると、この上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄの後ろ側それぞれ２つのガイドローラー３０ａ，３０ｂ及び３３ａ，３３ｂと棒状体５側のレール部材１６ａ〜１７ｂとの嵌合により、当該棒状体５の前端が、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄの初期位置及び姿勢に保持されている可動部材２５，２６の摩擦駆動輪２８とバックアップローラー３１との間に進入し、この搬送用走行体１はこの上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄによって摩擦駆動を受けると共に、後ろ側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃからは棒状体５が離れる。従って、後ろ側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃでは、位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５によって可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）が初期位置及び姿勢に戻され、後続の搬送用走行体１の受入態勢となる。
【００２８】
搬送用走行体１の摩擦駆動を開始した前記上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄにおいては、後側のトロリー４が上側カーブ経路部ＴＣにおけるガイドレール２の上に凸の円弧状部から脱出するまでは、搬送用走行体１の走行に伴ってガイドレール２に対する位置及び姿勢が変化する当該搬送用走行体１の棒状体５に追従して、図３に示す上り傾斜経路部Ｖの入口付近の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｂと同様の動作により、可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）の位置及び姿勢が自動的に変化し、当該上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄによる搬送用走行体１の摩擦駆動作用は支障なく継続される。
【００２９】
上側カーブ経路部ＴＣ内の出口側の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄによって上側水平経路部ＴＨの方向に押し進められる搬送用走行体１は、その棒状体５の前端が当該上側水平経路部ＴＨ内に配設された最初の摩擦駆動手段９に到達すると、当該搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の後端が上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄから離れると同時に当該摩擦駆動手段９の摩擦駆動輪１１とバックアップローラー１３とによる摩擦駆動作用を受け、引き続きこの摩擦駆動手段９で上側水平経路部ＴＨにおいて推進される。棒状体５が離脱した上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄにおいては、その可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）が前記位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５によって決められる初期位置及び姿勢に復帰し、次の搬送用走行体１の受入態勢となる。
【００３０】
尚、各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄにおいて、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の後ろ側のガイドローラー３０ａ，３０ｂ及び３３ａ，３３ｂは、先に説明した通り、接近移動してくる棒状体５のレール部材１６ａ〜１７ｂと協同して当該棒状体５の前端を摩擦駆動輪２８とバックアップローラー３１との間に誘導するのに役立っており、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の前側のガイドローラー２９ａ，２９ｂ及び３２ａ，３２ｂは、各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄから棒状体５が前方に離れてゆくときに、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１が棒状体５から離脱するまで当該棒状体５のレール部材１６ａ〜１７ｂと協同して、これら摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１をそのときの棒状体５に適合する位置と姿勢に保持するのに役立っている。従って、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１は、棒状体５に作用する領域内にある限り、当該棒状体５の摩擦被動面１０ａ，１０ｂに対し好適な位置と姿勢を保って当接することができる。
【００３１】
上記実施形態では、カーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣ内の前後両端部、即ち、対応するガイドレールの下に凸又は上に凸の円弧状部から前後外側に離れた箇所に、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄを配設している。このように構成する場合、先に説明したように各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄの可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）の初期位置及び姿勢を、その位置でのガイドレール２に対する相対関係が水平経路部に位置固定的に配設される摩擦駆動手段９の摩擦駆動輪１１及びバックアップローラー１３のガイドレール２に対する相対関係と同一になるように設定しておくことにより、上り傾斜経路部Ｖを上から下に搬送用走行体１を走行させるときにも、各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄに対して搬送用走行体１の棒状体５を比較的無理なく進入させ、その摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１で当該棒状体５（搬送用走行体１）の摩擦駆動を開始させることができる。
【００３２】
しかしながら、カーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣの曲率が大きくてその経路長が長いために、このカーブ経路部ＵＣ，ＴＣ内の前後両端部の２つの上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ，１８Ｂ間及び１８Ｃ，１８Ｄ間の距離が搬送用走行体１の棒状体５の全長より長くなるときは、図１１に示すように、当該カーブ経路部ＵＣ（ＴＣ）内の中間位置にも、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄと同一構成の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｅを配設すれば良い。
【００３３】
尚、上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄの具体構造は、上記実施形態のものに限定されない。例えば、水平経路部に配設される摩擦駆動手段９と同様に、バックアップローラー３１は搬送条件によっては省くことができる。又、上下動アーム２１，２２に代えて、ガイドレール２に対してほぼ直交する向きに直線状に昇降移動自在な昇降部材を設け、この昇降部材に前記可動部材２５，２６を水平支軸２３，２４の周りに傾動自在に軸支することもできる。更に、図示省略しているが、摩擦駆動輪１１が位置固定的に配設される従来の摩擦駆動手段９にも採用されているように、摩擦駆動輪２８を棒状体５の摩擦被動面１０ａに対する遠近方向に移動可能に可動部材２５に支持すると共に、当該摩擦駆動輪２８を棒状体５の摩擦被動面１０ａに圧接させる付勢手段を併設することができる。
【００３４】
又、上記実施形態のように上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄを配設する場合、図４及び図６で明らかなように、下向きに凸のカーブ経路部ＵＣ内の前後両端部に配設されている上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ，１８Ｂと上向きに凸のカーブ経路部ＴＣ内の前後両端部に配設されている上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｃ，１８Ｄとでは、搬送用走行体１の棒状体５を受け入れるときの可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）の初期位置及び姿勢に対して当該棒状体５が通過し終わるまでの可動部材２５，２６の位置及び姿勢の変化する方向が互いに逆方向で且つ一定である。従って、上記実施形態では、位置及び姿勢保持手段３４，３５を、中立位置から上下何れの方向にも付勢力に抗して位置及び姿勢を変えられるように構成しているが、各上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ａ〜１８Ｄごとに、初期位置及び姿勢にある可動部材２５，２６（摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１）が上下何れか必要な方向にのみ付勢力に抗して位置及び姿勢が変化できるように構成することもできる。
【００３５】
例えば、図６に示す上側水平経路部ＴＨの入口付近の上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段１８Ｄでは、摩擦駆動輪２８（バックアップローラー３１）は初期位置及び姿勢に対してガイドレール２に接近する上方への位置の変化と搬送用走行体１の移動方向側がガイドレール２に接近する方向の姿勢変化しか伴わないので、例えば図１０に示すように、位置及び姿勢保持手段３４（３５）として、上下動アーム２１（２２）が初期位置から下方へ揺動するのを阻止するストッパー４６と、当該ストッパー４６に押圧する初期位置へ当該上下動アーム２１（２２）を付勢するスプリング（例えば圧縮コイルスプリング）４７とを設けると共に、上下動アーム２１（２２）に軸支された可動部材２５（２６）に対しては、その搬送用走行体１の移動方向とは反対側（後端部）が初期姿勢から上方に傾動するのを阻止するストッパー４８と、当該ストッパー４８に当接する初期姿勢へ当該可動部材２５（２６）を付勢するスプリング（例えば引張コイルスプリング）４９とを設けることができる。
【００３６】
更に、可動部材２５，２６に設ける被ガイド部として、摩擦駆動輪２８及びバックアップローラー３１の前後の位置で可動部材２５，２６にそれぞれ２つのガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ及び３２ａ〜３３ｂを軸支したが、この被ガイド部の構成は、棒状体５側に設けるガイドレール部の構成に応じて変えることができ、実施形態のガイドローラー２９ａ〜３０ｂ及び３２ａ〜３３ｂに限定されるものではない。
【００３７】
又、上記実施形態では、本発明を天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤに応用したものを例示したが、床上走行台車型のコンベヤにも適用できることは勿論である。この場合は、床側に配設されたガイドレール上に移動可能に支持される搬送用台車（搬送用走行体）の下側に、摩擦被動面を備えた前記摩擦駆動用棒状体５が配設されるのが一般的である。
【００３８】
【発明の効果】
本発明は以上のように実施し且つ使用することが出来るものであって、係る本発明の摩擦駆動コンベヤによれば、搬送用走行体の棒状体（ロードバー）に走行方向と平行に設けたガイドレール部と摩擦駆動輪が軸支される可動部材に設けた被ガイド部との係合により、前記棒状体が前記ガイドレールと平行な姿勢を維持できない上下方向のカーブ経路部（バーチカルターン部）において、摩擦駆動輪が前記棒状体に対し平行姿勢でその摩擦被動面に当接するように前記可動部材（摩擦駆動輪）の位置及び姿勢を制御するようにしたので、上下方向のカーブ経路部において搬送用走行体を摩擦駆動することができる。
【００３９】
従って、上下方向のカーブ経路部の外側に摩擦駆動手段を配設しなければならい場合と比較して、中間に上下方向の関節部を備えた長尺のロードバーを設ける必要がなくなり、搬送方向の長さが短い被搬送物であれば、その被搬送物の長さに見合った短い長さの、しかも中間に関節部を持たない、実施形態で示したような棒状体（ロードバー）を使用して搬送用走行体を構成することができ、上下方向のカーブ経路部を含む走行経路の全域において搬送用走行体を摩擦駆動することができる天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤ形式の摩擦駆動コンベヤを、簡単な構成で安価に実用化することができる。又、上下方向のカーブ経路部内に本発明に従って構成された複数の上下カーブ対応の摩擦駆動手段を配設することにより、急角度（例えば９０度又はそれに近い角度）の上下方向カーブ経路でも搬送用走行体を確実に摩擦駆動することができる。
【００４０】
尚、請求項２に記載の構成によれば、本発明を簡単な構成で実施することができる。又、請求項３に記載の構成によれば、搬送用走行体の棒状体側のガイドレール部と摩擦駆動輪を軸支する可動部材側の被ガイド部との係合を確実且つ円滑に行わせることができる。
【００４１】
更に、摩擦駆動輪との間で搬送用走行体側の棒状体を挟むバックアップローラーを必要とする場合でも、請求項４に記載の構成によれば、容易に実施することができる。この場合に請求項５に記載の構成を採用することにより、バックアップローラーの少なくとも上下位置の自動制御を確実に行わせることができると共に、付勢手段の構成を簡単にすることも可能になる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】天井走行型のトロリーコンベヤとして使用される摩擦駆動コンベヤの一般的な構成を説明する側面図である。
【図２】同正面図である。
【図３】本発明一実施形態の上り傾斜経路部に接近した位置での搬送用走行体の摩擦駆動の状況を説明する概略側面図である。
【図４】同上り傾斜経路部の入り口側のカーブ経路部内を走行する搬送用走行体の摩擦駆動の状況を説明する概略側面図である。
【図５】同上り傾斜経路部の入り口付近での搬送用走行体の摩擦駆動の状況を説明する概略側面図である。
【図６】同上り傾斜経路部の出口付近での搬送用走行体の摩擦駆動の状況を説明する概略側面図である。
【図７】本発明に従って構成された上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段の一実施形態を示す正面図である。
【図８】同上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段の一実施形態を示す摩擦駆動輪側の側面図である。
【図９】同上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段の一実施形態を示すバックアップローラー側の側面図である。
【図１０】上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段の変形例を示す摩擦駆動輪側の側面図である。
【図１１】上下カーブ経路部に対する上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段の配置の変形例を説明する概略側面図である。
【符号の説明】
１トロリーコンベヤ方式の搬送用走行体
２ガイドレール
３，４搬送用走行体のトロリー
５搬送用走行体の摩擦駆動用棒状体（ロードバー）
９一般型の摩擦駆動手段
１０ａ，１０ｂ棒状体両側の摩擦被動面
１１，２８摩擦駆動輪
１２，２７摩擦駆動輪の駆動用モーター
１３，３１バックアップローラー
１６，１７棒状体側のガイドレール部
１６ａ〜１７ｂレール部材
Ｖ上り傾斜経路部
ＵＣ，ＴＣカーブ経路部
ＵＨ，ＴＨ水平経路部
１８Ａ〜１８Ｅ上下カーブ対応摩擦駆動手段
２０水平支軸（連動手段）
２１，２２上下動アーム
２３，２４支軸
２５，２６可動部材
２９ａ〜３０ｂ、３２ａ〜３３ｂガイドローラー
３４，３５可動部材の位置及び姿勢保持手段
３６ａ〜３９ｂ，４７，４９スプリング（付勢手段）
４６，４８ストッパー[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a friction drive conveyor that drives a traveling traveling body by friction drive wheels disposed on the side of a travel path.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A friction drive conveyor, that is, a conveyance traveling body guided by a guide rail is provided with a rod-shaped body parallel to the traveling direction, a so-called load bar, and the friction drive wheels disposed on the side of the traveling path of the conveyance traveling body include the load bar. There are various types of friction drive conveyors, such as an overhead traveling carriage type conveyor and an overhead traveling type trolley conveyor, which contact the friction driven surface formed on the side of the vehicle to propel the conveyance traveling body. Although it is known, especially in a trolley conveyor of the overhead traveling type, the height of the traveling path of the conveying traveling body supported by the guide rail by the trolley is not made constant, the loading / unloading of the object to be conveyed and the floor In general, partial changes are made for the purpose of avoiding existing equipment on the surface.
[0003]
Thus, a friction drive conveyor used as an overhead traveling type trolley conveyor is conventionally known as described in, for example, Patent Document 1, but this type of conventional friction drive conveyor is a transport traveling body ( The friction drive wheel can be disposed only in the path portion where the load bar) travels in parallel with the guide rail. This is because in the so-called vertical turn section where the guide rail curves in the vertical direction, the distance between the load bar and the guide rail of the traveling body for traveling and the posture of the load bar with respect to the guide rail change from time to time as the vehicle travels. Therefore, in a friction drive wheel disposed in a known position at a fixed position in the prior art, the friction driven surface of the load bar and the friction drive wheel may be disengaged in the vertical direction, or the load bar (friction driven surface) may have a vertical width. Even if it is possible to prevent the two parts from being separated by widening, the frictional drive wheels are subject to a large thrust load due to the change in the relative posture of both, causing wear of the load bar (friction driven surface) and friction drive wheels. As a result, the service life is significantly shortened.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2003-48531 A
[0005]
Of course, conventional friction drive wheels are arranged on the front and rear outside of the vertical turn section, and a long load bar with a vertical joint is provided in the middle as the load bar of the transport traveling body, just before the vertical turn section. It is conceivable that the front end of the load bar acts on the friction drive wheel immediately after the vertical turn portion before the load bar is detached from the friction drive wheel. Even if the length of the transported goods is short, a long load bar with a joint in the vertical direction in the middle and three or more trolleys that suspend this load bar are essential requirements. However, various problems are associated with storage and the like. In other words, in a friction drive conveyor used as a conventional overhead traveling type trolley conveyor, it is practically impossible to frictionally drive the transport traveling body over the entire travel path including the vertical turn portion.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An object of the present invention is to provide a friction drive conveyor that can solve the conventional problems as described above. The means of the friction drive conveyor is indicated by reference numerals of embodiments to be described later. 2 is provided with a rod-like body 5 parallel to the running direction, and a friction drive wheel 11 disposed on the side of the running path of the carrier running body 1 is formed on the side of the rod-like body 5. A friction drive conveyor that abuts against the friction driven surface 10a to propel the transport traveling body 1 and has a guide rail portion 16 parallel to the traveling direction on the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport traveling body 1. A movable member 25 capable of moving in the vertical direction and tilting in the vertical direction is disposed on the curved path portions UC and TC in the vertical direction where the rod-like body 5 is not parallel to the guide rail 2. A friction drive wheel 28 is pivotally supported on the movable member 25. And the position of the movable member 25 so that the friction drive wheel 28 contacts the friction driven surface 10a in a parallel posture with respect to the rod-like body 5 by engaging with the guide rail portion 16 of the rod-like body 5. Guided portions (guide rollers 29 a to 30 b) for controlling the posture are provided on the movable member 25.
[0007]
When the present invention having the above-described configuration is carried out, the guide rail portion 16 of the rod-like body 5 is composed of a pair of upper and lower rail members 16a and 16b that sandwich the friction driven surface 10a of the rod-like body 5 from above and below, and the movable member 25 The guided portion can be composed of two rollers 29 a to 30 b each fitted in the traveling direction between the upper and lower rail members 16 a and 16 b on both front and rear sides of the friction drive wheel 28.
[0008]
Further, the movable member 25 is held at the initial position and posture in which the guided portion (guide rollers 29a to 30b) can be engaged with the guide rail portion 16 of the rod-like body 5 that moves closer. Means 34 can be provided side by side.
[0009]
A backup roller 31 that sandwiches the rod-like body 5 with the friction drive wheel 28 pivotally supported by the movable member 25 can be disposed. In this case, the backup roller 31 is also pivotally supported by a second movable member 26 that can move in the vertical direction and tilt in the vertical direction, and the guide rail portion 17 provided on the rod-like body 5 also in the second movable member 26. It is possible to provide guided portions (guide rollers 32a to 33b) that are engaged with each other to control the position and posture of the second movable member 26. In this case, interlocking means (support shaft 20) that interlocks the first movable member 25 and the second movable member 26 that pivotally support the friction drive wheel 28 with respect to at least the vertical movement can be provided.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In FIGS. 1 and 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a trolley conveyor-type transfer traveling body, which is arranged in front and rear sides of a guide rail 2 installed on the ceiling side. The support means 6 of the object to be conveyed W is stably supported by the rod-like body 5 suspended by the two trolleys 3 and 4 and the object support means 6 is stably supported by the pair of front and rear support shafts 7a and 7b during horizontal running. Alternatively, in the downward inclined path portion, the object support means 6 can be suspended vertically by allowing the object support means 6 to swing back and forth due to gravity with the one support shaft 7a or 7b as a fulcrum. It is suspended through the suspension means 8. Friction drive means 9 is disposed at an appropriate position on the side of the travel path, and is a friction drive that presses against one of the friction driven surfaces 10a and 10b formed on the left and right sides of the rod-like body 5. The wheel 11 includes a motor 12 that rotationally drives the wheel 11, and a backup roller 13 that presses against the other friction driven surface 10b.
[0011]
The transport traveling body 1 described above is merely an example, and any transport traveling body having a rod-like body that is parallel to the traveling direction and has a friction driven surface on the side surface may be used. Also good. In order to enable the traveling body 1 for conveyance of this embodiment to travel along a curved path portion in the horizontal direction, the trolleys 3 and 4 have a rod-like body 5 that is relatively rotatable around the vertical support shafts 14a and 14b. The trolleys 3 and 4 can be swung relative to the rod-like body 5 around the left and right horizontal support shafts 15a and 15b in order to be able to run along the curved path portion in the vertical direction while being suspended. Hanging. In the illustrated embodiment, the entire length of the transport traveling body 1 is covered by a single rod-shaped body. However, when the transported object W is a long object, both the front and rear ends of the rod-shaped body 5 are used. Alternatively, it is a transport traveling body provided with a rod-shaped body having a full length by connecting another rod-shaped body to either end via an appropriate joint mechanism and providing a trolley for supporting the free end portion of the connecting rod-shaped body. May be. In this case, a friction driven surface that is substantially continuous over the entire length of the rod-shaped body including the connecting rod-shaped body is formed.
[0012]
The rod-like body 5 in the transport traveling body 1 is provided with a guide rail portion 16 for one friction driven surface 10a and a guide rail portion 17 for the other friction driven surface 10b. These guide rail portions 16, 17 are a pair of upper and lower rail members 16a, 16a, 16a, 16a, 10b, which are attached so as to project laterally laterally on both upper and lower sides of the rod-like body 5 so as to sandwich the friction driven surfaces 10a, 10b from above and below. 16b and 17a, 17b. In addition, as shown in FIG. 1, the front and rear ends of the pair of upper and lower rail members 16a, 16b and 17a, 17b are arranged to introduce guide rollers, which will be described later, between the rail members 16a, 16b and between 17a, 17b. The top and bottom intervals are widened by inclining the top and bottom.
[0013]
The friction drive means 9 propels the transport traveling body 1 that has entered the position where the friction drive means 9 is disposed forward by the rotation of the friction drive wheel 11 that contacts the friction driven surface 10 a of the rod-like body 5. Therefore, when each transport traveling body 1 in the travel path is traveled at a constant speed with a predetermined interval, the friction drive means 9 is set to the total length of the rod-shaped body 5 with respect to the travel direction of the transport traveling body 1. They may be arranged at the same or slightly shorter intervals. At this time, the backup roller 13 prevents the rod-like body 5 from swinging in the direction away from the friction drive wheel 11 and increases the frictional force between the friction driven surface 10 a and the friction drive wheel 11. Depending on the transport conditions such as the weight of W, it can be omitted.
[0014]
Thus, when the upward inclined path portion V is incorporated in the traveling path of the transport traveling body 1 as shown in FIGS. 3 to 6, the curve path portions before and after the upward inclined path portion V are included. The rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 located in the UC and TC is not in a parallel posture with respect to the guide rails 2 disposed in the curve path portions UC and TC. Thus, the friction drive means disposed in the travel path region where the rod-like body 5 is not parallel to the guide rail 2, in the illustrated example, the friction disposed near the front and rear ends of the front and rear curve path portions UC and TC. As driving means, friction driving means 18A to 18D corresponding to up and down curves are arranged. The illustrated upward inclined path portion V has a sufficiently long path length as compared with the entire length of the transport traveling body 1 (the entire length of the rod-shaped body 5). The friction drive means 9 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 in which the backup roller 13 is fixed in a position parallel to the guide rail 2 is disposed, but when the path length of the upward inclined path portion V is short, The friction drive means 9 can be omitted.
[0015]
As shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18 </ b> A to 18 </ b> D are attached to both ends of a left and right horizontal transverse support shaft 20 supported by a frame 19 that crosses the upper side of the guide rail 2. A pair of left and right vertical movement arms 21 and 22 that are interlocked and connected to each other via the support shaft 20 and are inclined so that the lower end portion is positioned on the traveling direction side of the transport traveling body 1, and the lower ends of the vertical movement arms 21 and 22 A pair of left and right movable members 25 and 26 whose center positions in the length direction are pivotally supported by the left and right horizontal support shafts 23 and 24 and vertically movable at the center position in the length direction of one movable member 25. A friction drive wheel 28 supported by a shaft and linked to a motor 27 supported by the movable member 25, and each of the friction drive wheels 28 supported by the movable member 25 on the left and right horizontal support shafts on both front and rear sides of the drive friction wheel 28. Two guide rollers 2 a, 29b and 30a, 30b, and a backup roller 31 that is supported by a vertical support shaft at the longitudinal center position of the other movable member 26, and left and right horizontal support shafts on the movable member 26 at both the front and rear sides of the backup roller 31. Each of the two guide rollers 32a, 32b and 33a, 33b supported by the shaft and means 34, 35 for holding the movable members 25, 26 in their initial positions and postures are provided.
[0016]
The position and posture holding means 34, 35 of the movable members 25, 26 are composed of a pair of compression coil springs 36a, 36b and 37a, 37b that hold the vertical movement arms 21, 22 in a fixed posture shown in FIG. A pair of tension coil springs 38a, 38b and 39a, 39b for holding the movable members 25, 26 in a fixed posture with respect to the arms 21, 22, respectively.
[0017]
The pair of compression coil springs 36a, 36b and 37a, 37b are spring receivers that project from the plate bodies 19a, 19b fixed to both ends of the frame 19 that supports the support shaft 20 so as to sandwich the vertical movement arms 21, 22. Between the seats 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b and the vertical movement arms 21, 22, between the spring receiving seats 40a, 40b and 41a, 41b and through the vertical movement arms 21, 22; It is inserted in a state of being loosely fitted to 43. As described above, the vertical movement arms 21 and 22 are interlocked and connected to each other by the support shaft 20, so that one of the compression coil springs 36a and 36b and 37a and 37b is omitted. You can also.
[0018]
The pair of tension coil springs 38a, 38b and 39a, 39b are disposed substantially parallel to the movable members 25, 26 on the upper side of the movable members 25, 26, and the intermediate portion is fixed to the vertical movement arms 21, 22. Between both ends of the members 44 and 45 and the movable members 25 and 26 below the members 44 and 45, the horizontal support shafts 23 and 24 are interposed in a front-rear distribution manner.
[0019]
Each of the friction drive means 18A to 18D corresponding to the up and down curves shown in FIGS. 3 to 6 has a friction drive wheel 28, a backup roller 31 and a front end of the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 moving closer to them. The guide rollers 29a, 29b and 33a, 33b located on the rear side of the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are placed between the upper and lower rail members 16a, 16b attached to the rod-like body 5 and 17a , 17b, the initial positions and postures of the movable members 25, 26 with respect to the guide rail 2 are the position and posture holding means 34, 35 for each of the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18A-18D. It is decided by.
[0020]
Thus, as shown in FIG. 3, the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 of the friction drive means 18A corresponding to the up and down curve provided on the entrance side in the lower curve path portion UC cause friction to the upward inclined path portion V side. As the front-side trolley 3 of the transporting traveling body 1 that is being driven travels along a convex arc-shaped portion below the guide rail and changes the traveling direction obliquely upward, the rod-shaped body 5 of the transporting traveling body 1 rises forward. The guide members 2 move closer to the guide rail 2 while being inclined, but the guide members 29a to 30b and 32a to 33b on the movable members 25 and 26 side are fitted to the rail members 16a to 17b on the rod-like body 5 side. Therefore, as the position and posture of the rod-like body 5 change, the vertically moving arms 21 and 22 swing up and down around the support shaft 20 against the urging force of the springs 36a to 37b, The movable members 25 and 26 are tilted around the support shafts 23 and 24 against the urging forces of the springs 38 a to 39 b with respect to the moving arms 21 and 22, so that the position and posture of the rod-shaped body 5 with respect to the guide rail 2 are changed. Following the change, the positions and postures of the movable members 25 and 26 are automatically changed, and the contact positions and postures of the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 with respect to the left and right friction driven surfaces 10a and 10b of the rod-like body 5 are changed. Without being kept constant. Therefore, the friction drive action in the curve path portion UC of the transport traveling body 1 by the up and down curve corresponding friction drive means 18A is smoothly and reliably performed.
[0021]
As shown in FIG. 4, when the front end of the transport traveling body 1 arrives at the up-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18B near the entrance of the upward inclined path portion V, the initial position and posture of the up-down curve correspondence friction drive means 18B are reached. The guide rollers 30a, 30b and 33a, 33b on the rear side of a certain friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are relatively between the upper and lower rail members 16a, 16b and 17a, 17b of the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1. Accordingly, the position and posture of the movable members 25 and 26 of the friction drive means 18B corresponding to the up-and-down curve, that is, the positions and postures of the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are entered. The position and posture are adapted to the one rod-like body 5. In this operation, the vertical movement arms 21 and 22 swing up and down around the support shaft 20 against the biasing force of the springs 36a to 37b, and the movable members 25 and 26 move relative to the vertical movement arms 21 and 22. Is performed by tilting around the support shafts 23 and 24 against the urging force of the springs 38a to 39b.
[0022]
As shown in FIG. 4, the front trolley 3 of the transport traveling body 1 approaches the exit of the lower curve path portion UC, and the front end of the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 is the friction drive means 18B corresponding to the up and down curve. When the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 enter and frictional drive by the friction drive wheel 28 is started, the rear end portion of the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 is friction drive corresponding to the up and down curve. It begins to separate from the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 of the means 18A.
[0023]
The transporting traveling body 1 separated from the rear-side up / down curve-corresponding friction drive means 18A is pushed into the upward inclined path portion V by the front-side up / down curve-corresponding friction drive means 18B, but the rear trolley 4 is moved to the curve path portion. The position and posture of the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 with respect to the guide rail change until the UC escapes from the convex arc-shaped portion below the guide rail 2 in the UC. With the change in the position and posture of the rod-like body 5 at this time, the positions and postures of the movable members 25 and 26 in the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18B are two guide rollers 29a to 30b and 32a to 33b, respectively, before and after that. The friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 always come into normal contact with the left and right friction driven surfaces 10a and 10b of the rod-like body 5 to change the follow-up traveling body 1 by fitting with the rail members 16a to 17b. Propulsion is performed above the upward inclined path portion V.
[0024]
The friction drive means 18A corresponding to the upper and lower curves on the rear side away from the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 has the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup roller 31) in the position and posture holding means 34 and 35. Automatically return to the initial position and posture determined by the above (see FIG. 3) to prepare for the next friction driving of the traveling body 1 for conveyance.
[0025]
As shown in FIG. 5, the transport traveling body 1 that is frictionally driven in the direction of the upward inclined path portion V only by the up-and-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18 </ b> B on the outlet side in the lower curve path portion UC is the rod-shaped body 5. Is reached by the friction drive means 9 by reaching the friction drive means 9 disposed in the middle of the upward inclined path portion V, and the friction drive wheel 11 and the backup roller 13 of the friction drive means 9 The upward inclined path portion V is propelled upward.
[0026]
Next, the friction drive of the transport traveling body 1 from the upward inclined path portion V to the upper horizontal path portion TH will be described with reference to FIG. 6. The front end of the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport travel body 1 is the upper curve. When entering the path portion TC, the movable member 25 is held at the initial position and posture of the vertical curve-corresponding friction drive means 18C provided with the front end of the rod-like body 5 on the entrance side in the upper curve path portion TC. , 26 enters between the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31, and at the same time, the rear end of the rod-like body 5 is separated from the friction drive means 9 disposed in the upward inclined path portion V. Accordingly, the transporting traveling body 1 is continuously frictionally driven by the up / down curve corresponding friction drive means 18C and pushed forward into the upper curve path portion TC. And when the front trolley 3 of this traveling body 1 for conveyance drive | works a convex arcuate part on the guide rail 2, although the position and attitude | position of the rod-shaped body 5 change, the lower horizontal path | route part shown in FIG. The positions and postures of the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31) of the up / down curve corresponding friction drive means 18C are the rod-like body 5 by the same operation as the up / down curve corresponding friction drive means 18A near the UH exit. The friction driving action of the traveling body 1 for conveyance by the up-and-down curve corresponding friction driving means 18C is continued without any trouble.
[0027]
When the front end of the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 reaches the up-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D on the outlet side in the upper curve path portion TC, the two guide rollers 30a on the rear side of the up-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D, respectively. , 30b and 33a, 33b and the rail members 16a to 17b on the rod-like body 5 side, the front end of the rod-like body 5 is held at the initial position and posture of the up-and-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D. 25 and 26, between the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup roller 31, the conveying traveling body 1 is friction driven by the up / down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D and the rear up / down curve corresponding friction drive means. The rod-shaped body 5 is separated from 18C. Accordingly, in the friction drive means 18C corresponding to the upper and lower curves on the rear side, the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup roller 31) are returned to the initial positions and attitudes by the position and attitude holding means 34 and 35, and the subsequent conveyance is performed. The traveling body 1 is ready to receive.
[0028]
In the up-and-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D which has started the friction drive of the transport traveling body 1, until the rear trolley 4 escapes from the arcuate portion protruding above the guide rail 2 in the upper curve path portion TC. 3, following the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 whose position and posture with respect to the guide rail 2 change as the transport traveling body 1 travels, up and down near the entrance of the upward inclined path portion V shown in FIG. The position and posture of the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31) are automatically changed by the same operation as that of the curve-corresponding friction drive means 18B, and the traveling for conveyance by the up-and-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D. The friction drive action of the body 1 is continued without any trouble.
[0029]
The transporting traveling body 1 pushed forward in the direction of the upper horizontal path portion TH by the exit-side vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18D in the upper curve path portion TC has the front end of the rod-like body 5 in the upper horizontal path portion TH. When reaching the first friction drive means 9 arranged, the rear end of the rod-like body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 is separated from the friction drive means 18D corresponding to the up and down curve, and at the same time, the friction drive wheels 11 of the friction drive means 9 and The friction drive means 9 receives the friction drive action with the backup roller 13 and is subsequently propelled by the friction drive means 9 in the upper horizontal path portion TH. In the up-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18D from which the rod-like body 5 is detached, the movable members 25, 26 (the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup roller 31) are in the initial position and posture determined by the position and posture holding means 34, 35. It returns, and it will be in the acceptance posture of the following traveling body 1 for conveyance.
[0030]
In each of the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18A to 18D, the guide rollers 30a, 30b and 33a, 33b on the rear side of the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are rod-like bodies that move closer as described above. 5 is used to guide the front end of the rod-like body 5 between the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 in cooperation with the rail members 16a to 17b, and guides on the front side of the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31. The rollers 29a, 29b and 32a, 32b are used until the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are separated from the rod-like body 5 when the rod-like body 5 is moved forward from each of the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18A-18D. In cooperation with the rail members 16a to 17b of the rod-like body 5, the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup robot It has helped the error 31 to hold the position and orientation matches the rod-shaped body 5 at that time. Therefore, as long as the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 are within the region acting on the rod-like body 5, the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 can contact the friction driven surfaces 10a and 10b of the rod-like body 5 while maintaining a suitable position and posture. .
[0031]
In the above embodiment, the upper and lower curve-corresponding friction drive means are provided at the front and rear end portions in the curve path portions UC and TC, that is, at positions away from the front and rear outer sides from the arcuate portion that protrudes or protrudes upward under the corresponding guide rail. 18A to 18D are disposed. When configured in this manner, as described above, the initial positions and postures of the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheels 28 and the backup rollers 31) of the respective friction drive means 18A to 18D corresponding to the up and down curves are determined at the positions. The relative relationship with respect to the guide rail 2 is set to be the same as the relative relationship with respect to the guide rail 2 of the friction drive wheel 11 of the friction drive means 9 and the backup roller 13 which are fixedly disposed in the horizontal path portion. Thus, even when the transport traveling body 1 travels from the top to the bottom on the upward inclined path portion V, the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport traveling body 1 is relatively impossible with respect to the friction driving means 18A to 18D corresponding to the vertical curves. The friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31 can start the friction drive of the rod-shaped body 5 (conveyance traveling body 1).
[0032]
However, since the curvature of the curve path portions UC and TC is large and the path length is long, the two friction drive means 18A and 18B corresponding to the upper and lower curves at the front and rear ends in the curve path portions UC and TC and 18C and 18D. When the distance between them becomes longer than the total length of the rod-shaped body 5 of the transport traveling body 1, as shown in FIG. 11, the friction drive means 18A corresponding to the up-and-down curve is also provided at the intermediate position in the curve path portion UC (TC). Up-down curve corresponding friction drive means 18E having the same configuration as that of ˜18D may be provided.
[0033]
In addition, the specific structure of the friction drive means 18A-18D corresponding to an up-and-down curve is not limited to the thing of the said embodiment. For example, the backup roller 31 can be omitted depending on the conveyance conditions, like the friction drive means 9 disposed in the horizontal path portion. Further, instead of the vertically moving arms 21 and 22, a lifting member that can be moved up and down linearly in a direction substantially orthogonal to the guide rail 2 is provided, and the movable members 25 and 26 are attached to the lifting and lowering member on the horizontal support shaft 23. , 24 can be pivotally supported around the periphery. Further, although not shown in the drawing, the friction drive wheel 28 is replaced with the friction driven surface 10a of the rod-like body 5 as is also adopted in the conventional friction drive means 9 in which the friction drive wheel 11 is fixedly disposed. It is possible to provide a biasing means for supporting the friction drive wheel 28 against the friction driven surface 10a of the rod-like body 5 while supporting it on the movable member 25 so as to be movable in the near and near directions.
[0034]
Further, when the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18A to 18D are arranged as in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6, they are arranged at both front and rear ends in the downwardly convex curve path portion UC. The upper and lower curve corresponding friction drive means 18A and 18B and the upper and lower curve corresponding friction drive means 18C and 18D disposed at both front and rear ends of the upwardly projecting curve path portion TC The positions and postures of the movable members 25, 26 until the rod-like body 5 finishes passing with respect to the initial positions and postures of the movable members 25, 26 (the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31) when the rod-like body 5 is received. The changing directions are opposite to each other and constant. Therefore, in the above-described embodiment, the position and posture holding means 34 and 35 are configured so that the position and posture can be changed against the urging force in any direction from the neutral position to the upper or lower direction. For each of the friction drive means 18A to 18D, the position and posture of the movable members 25 and 26 (the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31) in the initial position and posture are changed against the urging force only in the required direction. It can also be configured to be able to.
[0035]
For example, in the vertical curve corresponding friction drive means 18D near the entrance of the upper horizontal path portion TH shown in FIG. 6, the friction drive wheel 28 (backup roller 31) moves upward toward the guide rail 2 with respect to the initial position and posture. As the position and posture holding means 34 (35), for example, as shown in FIG. 10, for example, as shown in FIG. A stopper 46 that prevents the 21 (22) from swinging downward from the initial position, and a spring (for example, a compression coil spring) 47 that urges the vertically moving arm 21 (22) to the initial position to be pressed against the stopper 46 For the movable member 25 (26) pivotally supported by the vertically moving arm 21 (22), the moving direction of the transport traveling body 1 is A stopper 48 that prevents the opposite side (rear end) from tilting upward from the initial posture, and a spring (for example, a tension coil spring) that urges the movable member 25 (26) to the initial posture in contact with the stopper 48 49 can be provided.
[0036]
Further, as guided portions provided on the movable members 25 and 26, two guide rollers 29a to 30b and 32a to 33b are pivotally supported on the movable members 25 and 26 at positions before and after the friction drive wheel 28 and the backup roller 31, respectively. The configuration of the guided portion can be changed according to the configuration of the guide rail portion provided on the rod-like body 5 side, and is not limited to the guide rollers 29a to 30b and 32a to 33b of the embodiment.
[0037]
Moreover, although what applied this invention to the overhead traveling type trolley conveyor was illustrated in the said embodiment, of course, it is applicable also to a floor traveling cart type conveyor. In this case, the friction drive rod-like body 5 having a friction driven surface is arranged on the lower side of a transport carriage (transport traveling body) supported movably on a guide rail disposed on the floor side. It is common to be installed.
[0038]
【The invention's effect】
The present invention can be implemented and used as described above, and according to the friction drive conveyor of the present invention, the rod-shaped body (load bar) of the transport traveling body is provided in parallel with the traveling direction. A vertical curve path portion (vertical turn portion) in which the rod-like body cannot maintain a posture parallel to the guide rail by engagement between the guide rail portion and the guided portion provided on the movable member on which the friction drive wheel is pivotally supported. ), The position and posture of the movable member (friction drive wheel) are controlled so that the friction drive wheel contacts the friction driven surface in a parallel posture with respect to the rod-like body. It is possible to frictionally drive the traveling body for conveyance.
[0039]
Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a long load bar with a joint in the vertical direction in the middle compared to the case where the friction drive means must be disposed outside the curved path portion in the vertical direction. If the length of the object to be conveyed is short, a rod-shaped body (load bar) as shown in the embodiment having a short length corresponding to the length of the object to be conveyed and having no joint part in the middle is used. A friction traveling conveyor of the overhead traveling type trolley conveyor type that can be used to configure a traveling traveling body and that can frictionally drive the traveling traveling body over the entire traveling path including the curved path portion in the vertical direction. It can be put into practical use at a low cost with a simple configuration. Also, by disposing a plurality of up and down curve-compatible friction drive means configured in accordance with the present invention in the up and down curve path section, even for an up and down curve path of a steep angle (for example, 90 degrees or an angle close thereto). The traveling body can be reliably driven by friction.
[0040]
In addition, according to the structure of Claim 2, this invention can be implemented with a simple structure. According to the third aspect of the present invention, the engagement between the guide rail portion on the rod-like body side of the transporting traveling body and the guided portion on the movable member side supporting the friction drive wheel is reliably and smoothly performed. be able to.
[0041]
Furthermore, even when a backup roller that sandwiches the rod-like body on the transport traveling body side with the friction drive wheel is required, the configuration according to claim 4 can be easily implemented. In this case, by adopting the configuration described in claim 5, it is possible to reliably perform automatic control of at least the vertical position of the backup roller, and it is possible to simplify the configuration of the urging means.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a general configuration of a friction drive conveyor used as an overhead traveling trolley conveyor.
FIG. 2 is a front view of the same.
FIG. 3 is a schematic side view for explaining a state of friction drive of a transport traveling body at a position close to an upward inclined path portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a schematic side view for explaining a state of friction drive of a transport traveling body traveling in a curved path portion on the entrance side of the upward inclined path portion.
FIG. 5 is a schematic side view for explaining the state of friction drive of the transport traveling body in the vicinity of the entrance of the upward inclined path portion.
FIG. 6 is a schematic side view for explaining a state of friction drive of the transport traveling body in the vicinity of the exit of the upward inclined path portion.
FIG. 7 is a front view showing an embodiment of friction driving means for up and down curves constructed according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a side view of the friction drive wheel side showing an embodiment of the friction drive means corresponding to the vertical curve.
FIG. 9 is a side view of the back-up roller showing an embodiment of the friction drive means corresponding to the vertical curve.
FIG. 10 is a side view of the friction drive wheel side showing a modified example of the friction drive means corresponding to the up and down curve.
FIG. 11 is a schematic side view for explaining a modified example of the arrangement of the friction driving means corresponding to the vertical curve with respect to the vertical curve path portion.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Trolley conveyor type transporter
2 Guide rail
3, 4 Trolley for transporting body
5 Friction drive rod for load carrier
9 General type friction drive means
10a, 10b Friction driven surfaces on both sides of the rod-shaped body
11, 28 Friction drive wheel
12, 27 Friction drive wheel drive motor
13,31 Backup roller
16, 17 Guide rail on rod side
16a-17b Rail member
V ascending path
UC, TC curve path
UH, TH Horizontal path
18A-18E Friction drive means for vertical curve
20 Horizontal support (interlocking means)
21, 22 Vertical movement arm
23, 24
25, 26 Movable member
29a-30b, 32a-33b Guide roller
34, 35 Positioning and holding means of movable member
36a-39b, 47, 49 Spring (biasing means)
46, 48 stopper

Claims

Friction driven surface formed on the side of the rod-shaped body with a friction drive wheel provided on the side of the travel path of the transport traveling body, wherein the transport body guided by the guide rail includes a rod-shaped body parallel to the traveling direction. A friction drive conveyor that abuts on the conveyor and propels the transport traveling body, wherein a guide rail portion is provided in parallel with the traveling direction on the rod-shaped body of the transport traveling body, and the rod-shaped body is the guide A movable member capable of moving in the vertical direction and tilting in the vertical direction is disposed on the curved path portion in the vertical direction that is not parallel to the rail. The movable member is a guided portion that engages with the guide rail portion of the body and controls the position and posture of the movable member so that the friction drive wheel contacts the friction driven surface in a parallel posture with respect to the rod-shaped body. Friction drive provided in Conveyor.

The guide rail portion of the rod-shaped body is composed of a pair of upper and lower rail members that sandwich the friction driven surface of the rod-shaped body from above and below, and the guided portions of the movable member are the upper and lower rails on both the front and rear sides of the friction drive wheel. The friction drive conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the friction drive conveyor is configured by rollers each having two traveling directions, which are fitted between members.

A position and posture holding means for holding the movable member at an initial position and posture at which the guided portion can be engaged with a guide rail portion of the rod-shaped body that moves closer is provided. Friction drive conveyor as described in.

A backup roller that sandwiches the rod-like body with a friction drive wheel that is pivotally supported by the movable member is disposed, and this backup roller is also pivoted to a second movable member that can move in the vertical direction and tilt in the vertical direction. The guided part which is supported and this 2nd movable member is engaged with the guide rail part of the said rod-shaped body and controls the position and attitude | position of the said 2nd movable member is provided. The friction drive conveyor according to crab.

5. The friction drive conveyor according to claim 4, further comprising interlocking means for interlocking at least the first movable member and the second movable member that pivotally support the friction drive wheel with respect to movement in the vertical direction.