JP5304390B2 - Conveying apparatus and conveying method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport apparatus and a transport method, and more particularly to a technique for improving transport efficiency in lift and carry transport.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a lift-and-carry conveyance device that transfers a workpiece by a box motion that moves up and down and back and forth when conveying a workpiece has been used (for example, Patent Document 1). According to the above prior art, the workpiece is reciprocated and the workpiece carrier is operated in the order of ascending-horizontal forward movement-lowering-horizontal backward movement, so that the workpieces are scooped up at once by a single drive source, It is set as the structure which conveys to a position.

Japanese Utility Model Publication No.5-2864

However, in the prior art, when the timing of workpiece input becomes irregular and the workpiece cannot be input within one cycle of the operation of the slide body and the workpiece transport body, the workpiece is delayed as follows. Since the cycle cannot be inserted, the conveyance timing is delayed as a whole.
In particular, when the lift-and-carry transfer device is used in a heating and soaking process in a soaking furnace, there is a problem that the work cannot be carried out of the soaking furnace in a constant cycle.

  The above problem will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 8 are diagrams showing a transport method according to the prior art. Specifically, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an operation state of the transport apparatus according to the related art, FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating each step in the transport method according to the prior art, and FIG. 8 is a transport method according to the prior art. It is the figure which showed each process when insertion of a workpiece | work is overdue.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the transfer device according to the prior art is disposed between an input pallet that is an input port and an output pallet that is an output port, and transports workpieces that are continuously input to the input pallet. It is comprised so that it may discharge | emit to the said discharge pallet with the period of. 6 to 8, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the workpieces are loaded into the loading pallet sequentially from the workpiece A as workpieces B, C..., And are conveyed toward the conveying direction which is the discharging pallet direction.

The transfer device includes a transfer unit base that reciprocates in a transfer direction at a predetermined cycle, and a work table that is fixed between the input pallet and the discharge pallet above the transfer unit base. 6 to 8, a configuration in which four workpiece platforms are installed will be described.
Furthermore, the said conveying apparatus is provided with five conveyance units erected upwards on the upper surface of the said conveyance part base. The plurality of transport units are arranged side by side along the transport direction. In FIGS. 6 to 8, five transport units are provided. When the transport unit base moves in the transport direction, the carrier formed on the upper end is positioned above the work table, and when the transport unit moves in the direction opposite to the transport direction, The carrier is configured to move up and down so that the carrier is positioned below the work table.

  Specifically, the transport unit is configured to be vertically movable by an actuator such as an air pump inserted into the cylinder, and a cylinder erected along the transport direction upward on the upper surface of the transport unit base. It consists of a carrier. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the carrier so that the workpiece can be placed and conveyed.

  And when the said carrier is located above the said workpiece mounting base, the said conveyance part base moves to a conveyance direction, and when the said carrier is located below the said workpiece mounting base, the said conveyance part base Is moved in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, so that the workpiece positioned on the input pallet is conveyed to the discharge pallet side.

The operation state of the transfer apparatus according to the conventional technique will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6 (a0), in the initial state, four workpieces A to D are located on the workpiece table, and the workpiece E is loaded on the loading pallet. In this state, the carrier is positioned below the work table.
Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (b0), in a state where the carrier is positioned below the work table, the transport unit base is in the direction opposite to the transport direction (the arrow a in FIG. 6 (b0)). In the direction of). In this case, the transfer unit base moves in the direction opposite to the transfer direction by the arrangement pitch of the work table.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (c0), the carrier inserted into the cylinder extends upward (in the direction of the arrow u in FIG. 6 (c0)), and the workpieces A to D positioned on the workpiece placing table. And the work E located on the input pallet is lifted.
Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (d0), in a state where the carrier lifts the workpieces A to E and is positioned above the workpiece placing table, the carrier unit base moves in the conveying direction (in FIG. 6 (d0)). It moves in the direction of arrow b). In this case, the transfer unit base moves in the transfer direction by the arrangement pitch of the work table.

Next, as shown in FIG. 6 (e0), the carrier is reduced downward (in the direction of arrow d in FIG. 6 (e0)), the workpiece A is placed on the discharge pallet, and the workpieces B to E are placed. It is placed on the work table.
Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 6 (f0), the work A on the discharge pallet is discharged, and the next work F is input on the input pallet.

  As described above, in the transfer device according to the related art, the work positioned on the input pallet is sequentially transferred to the discharge pallet side by repeating each operation shown in FIGS. 6 (a0) to 6 (f0). It is configured as follows.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, each step in the transport method according to the prior art will be specifically described.
7 and 8, the process of transporting the workpieces A, B, C,... Will be described with the workpiece table as a rectangle, the left side of the rectangle as the input pallet, and the right side as the discharge pallet. . That is, when each work is described in the rectangle, the work is placed on the work placing table.

As shown in FIG. 7, in the initial state, four workpieces A to D are positioned on the workpiece placing table, and the workpiece E is loaded on the loading pallet.
In step ST101, the carrier transports the workpieces A to E in the transport direction as described above.
Next, in step ST102, the work A on the discharge pallet is discharged as described above, and at the same time, the next work F is input on the input pallet.
Similarly, in step ST103, the carrier carries the workpieces B to F in the carrying direction. In step ST104, the workpiece B on the discharge pallet is discharged, and at the same time, the next workpiece G is loaded on the loading pallet. The carrier conveys the workpieces C to G in the conveyance direction. That is, according to the transfer method according to the conventional technique, the work positioned on the input pallet is sequentially transferred to the discharge pallet side by alternately repeating the transfer by the transfer device and the discharge / input of the work.

Next, with reference to FIG. 8, each step in the case where the input of the workpiece is delayed in the transfer method according to the related art will be specifically described.
As shown in FIG. 8, similarly to the above, in the initial state, four workpieces A to D are positioned on the workpiece placing table, and the workpiece E is loaded on the loading pallet.
In step ST111, as described above, the carrier transports the workpieces A to E in the transport direction.
Next, in step ST112, the work A on the discharge pallet is discharged as described above, but the next work F has not yet been input to the input pallet.
Next, in step ST113, the carrier transports the workpieces B to E in the transport direction, and at this stage, the workpiece F is loaded into the loading pallet.
Next, in step ST114, the work B on the discharge pallet is discharged. On the other hand, although it is the timing when the next workpiece G is loaded on the loading pallet, the workpiece G is not loaded on the loading pallet because the workpiece F is already positioned on the loading pallet.
Next, in step ST115, the carrier conveys the workpieces C to F in the conveyance direction. At this time, the workpiece is missing between the workpiece E and the workpiece F as shown by a one-dot chain line in FIG. In other words, if the conveying operation is continued as it is, the workpiece cannot be conveyed to the discharge pallet at the missing portion of the workpiece, and the workpiece cannot be discharged at a constant cycle.

  In this way, in the prior art, when the work input timing is delayed from a predetermined cycle and the work cannot be input, the work cannot be input until the next cycle, resulting in a delay in unloading timing. It was connected. As a result, the work cannot be supplied to the subsequent process in a constant cycle, which causes a delay in the overall production.

  Therefore, in the present invention, in view of the above-described present situation, even when the work input timing becomes irregular and the work cannot be input within one cycle, the work is delayed until the next cycle. It is possible to provide a transport apparatus and a transport method that can be inserted into the transport apparatus without delaying the transport timing as a whole.

  The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above. Next, means for solving the problem will be described.

  That is, according to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer device that is disposed between the input port and the discharge port, conveys a workpiece continuously input from the input port, and discharges the work to the discharge port at a predetermined cycle. A first transport unit base that is disposed adjacent to the discharge port and reciprocates in the transport direction in a first cycle, and is disposed adjacent to the input port side of the first transport unit base. A second transport unit base that performs a reciprocating motion without interfering with a reciprocating motion of the first transport unit base in a transport direction in a second cycle that is a cycle independent of the first cycle, and the first A first work table fixed above the transport unit base; a second work table fixed above the second transport unit base; and an upper end portion standing on the upper surface of the first transport unit base The first carrier unit on which the first carrier is formed, and the upper end of the second carrier unit A second carrier unit on which a second carrier is formed, and when the first carrier unit moves in the carrying direction, the first carrier unit moves the first carrier onto the first work table. When moving in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the second carrier is moved up and down so that the first carrier is located below the first work table. The workpiece located on the table is conveyed to the discharge port side, and the second carrier unit moves the second carrier from the second workpiece table when the second conveyance unit base moves in the conveyance direction. Is also located on the upper side and moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, by moving up and down so that the second carrier is located below the second work table, Position the workpiece to the second workpiece It is intended to transport on a wooden stand.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the first period and the second period are controlled based on a detection unit that detects a work conveyed to the second work table and a detection result detected by the detection device. Control means, and when the detection means detects that the work has been transferred to the second work table, the control means sets the first period and the second period to the predetermined period. If the detection means does not detect that the workpiece has been transported to the second workpiece mounting table, the control means sets the first cycle to the predetermined cycle. And control to shorten the second period.

  In Claim 3, A plurality of at least any one of said 1st conveyance unit and said 2nd conveyance unit is provided, The 1st carrier of each said 1st conveyance unit and / or the 2nd carrier of a 2nd conveyance unit Are configured so that each of them can move up and down independently, and as the first carrier and / or the second carrier move up and down, the first transport unit base and / or the second transport unit base in the transport direction. It is configured to be able to reciprocate.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the work is carried in and out using the transfer device according to any one of the first to third aspects.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyance method performed by a conveyance device that conveys a workpiece continuously input from an input port and discharges the workpiece to a discharge port at a predetermined cycle, and the transfer device is adjacent to the discharge port. The arranged first transport unit base reciprocates in the transport direction in a first cycle, and at least one first transport unit erected on the upper surface of the first transport unit base includes the first transport unit. When the base moves in the transport direction, the first carrier formed on the upper end of the first transport unit is positioned above the first work table fixed above the first transport unit base, and the transport direction When moving in the direction opposite to the above, by moving up and down so that the first carrier is positioned below the first work table, the work positioned on the second work table is Transporting to the discharge port side The second transport unit base disposed in the transport device adjacent to the inlet side from the first transport unit base is a second cycle that is a cycle independent of the first cycle. Reciprocating without interfering with the reciprocating motion of one transport unit base, and at least one second transport unit erected on the upper surface of the second transport unit base, the second transport unit base in the transport direction When moving, the second carrier formed on the upper end of the second transport unit is located above the second work table fixed above the second transport unit base, and is opposite to the transport direction. When moving in the direction, by moving up and down so that the second carrier is located below the second work table, the work located on the loading port side is placed on the second work table. A loading port side conveying step for conveying.

  In Claim 6, When a workpiece | work is conveyed to said 2nd workpiece mounting stand, said 1st period and said 2nd cycle are made the same as said predetermined cycle, and a workpiece | work is on said 2nd workpiece placing stand. When not conveyed, the first cycle is made the same as the predetermined cycle, and the second cycle is shortened.

  In Claim 7, The said conveying apparatus is equipped with two or more at least any one among said 1st conveyance unit and said 2nd conveyance unit, The 1st carrier of each said 1st conveyance unit, and / or 2nd conveyance. The second carrier of the unit moves up and down independently, and the first carrier unit base and / or the second carrier unit base member carries along with the vertical movement of each first carrier and / or second carrier. It reciprocates in the direction.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the work is carried into and out of the soaking furnace using the conveying method according to any one of the fifth to seventh aspects.

  As effects of the present invention, the following effects can be obtained.

  According to the present invention, even when the work input timing becomes irregular and the work can not be input within one cycle, the work can be input before the next cycle, As a whole, it is possible to prevent a delay in the conveyance timing.

The figure which showed the outline | summary of the conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which showed the normal operation state of the conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention. The figure which showed the operation state when insertion of the workpiece | work of the conveying apparatus which concerns on this invention is overdue. The figure which showed each process when the insertion of the workpiece | work in the conveying method which concerns on this invention is overdue. The figure which showed the operation state of the conveying apparatus which concerns on another embodiment. The figure which showed the operation state of the conveying apparatus which concerns on a prior art. The figure which showed each process in the conveying method which concerns on a prior art. The figure which showed each process when the insertion of the workpiece | work in the conveying method which concerns on a prior art is overdue.

Next, embodiments of the invention will be described.
It should be noted that the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the following examples, but broadly covers the entire scope of the technical idea that the present invention truly intends, as will be apparent from the matters described in the present specification and drawings. It extends.

[Conveyor 10]
First, a transport device 10 according to the present invention for performing lift and carry transport will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer apparatus 10 is provided between an input pallet 51 that is an input port for a work W and an output pallet 52 that is an output port for the work W and is disposed at the same height as the input pallet 51. It is arranged. Then, the workpiece W continuously fed to the loading pallet 51 is transported and discharged to the discharge pallet 52 at a predetermined cycle. In the present specification, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 1, the left side of the transfer device 10 is described as the input port side, and the right side is described as the discharge port side. That is, the workpiece W is described as being conveyed from the left side to the right side.
Moreover, the transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention can be applied to all operations for transferring the workpiece W at a predetermined cycle. In particular, the transport device 10 can be used in a heating and soaking process in a soaking furnace, and the work W is carried into and out of the soaking furnace in a constant cycle.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the transport apparatus 10 includes a first transport unit base 11, a second transport unit base 21, a first work table 31, 31, 31, a second work table 41, and a first transport unit. 15, 15..., A second transport unit 25, detection means 61, 61, and control means 71. Hereinafter, it demonstrates in order.

  The first transport unit base 11 is disposed on the discharge pallet 52 side and reciprocates in the transport direction in a first cycle. Specifically, the first transport unit base 11 includes a first fixed portion 11a and a first sliding portion 11b, and the first sliding portion 11b slides in the transport direction with respect to the first fixed portion 11a. It is configured to be movable, and reciprocates in the transport direction in response to a command from the control means 71 described later.

  The second transport unit base 21 is disposed closer to the loading pallet 51 than the first transport unit base 11 and is second in the transport direction with a second period that is independent of the first period. The reciprocating motion is performed without interfering with the reciprocating motion of the one transport unit base 11. Specifically, the second transport unit base 21 is composed of a second fixed portion 21a and a second slide portion 21b, similar to the first transport unit base 11, and the second slide portion 21b is the second transport portion 21b. It is configured to be slidable in the transport direction with respect to the fixed portion 21a, and reciprocates in the transport direction in response to a command from a control means 71 described later.

Here, the second fixed portion 21a and the first fixed portion 11a are arranged so as to be parallel, and the second sliding portion 21b and the first sliding portion 11b reciprocate along different tracks that are not on the same line. exercise. For example, the second fixed portion 21a and the first fixed portion 11a are arranged so that the reciprocating locus of the second sliding portion 21b and the reciprocating locus of the first sliding portion 11b are located at different heights. ing.
That is, the first sliding portion 11b and the second sliding portion 21b are configured to reciprocate without interfering with each other.

  The first work table 31, 31, 31 is fixed above the first transfer unit base 11, and the second work table 41 is fixed above the second transfer unit base 21. . Specifically, the first work table 31, 31 and 31 and the second work table 41 are arranged at the same height between the input pallet 51 and the discharge pallet 52, respectively. . In other words, the input pallet 51, the first work placing table 31, 31, 31, the second work placing table 41, and the discharge pallet 52 are fixed so as to have the same height. It becomes. Further, each of the first work placing tables 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41 is formed with a depression on the upper surface so that the work W can be placed thereon.

  In the present embodiment, three first work platforms 31, 31 and 31 and one second work platform 41 are installed. However, the number is not limited. Can be installed corresponding to the number of first transport units 15, 15...

A plurality of the first transport units 15, 15... Are erected upward on the upper surface of the first sliding portion 11 b of the first transport unit base 11. 15 are arranged in parallel along the transport direction. In the present embodiment, four first transport units 15, 15... Are arranged, but the number is not limited.
Specifically, the first transport unit 15 includes a first cylinder 14 erected upward on the upper surface of the first sliding portion 11b, and is inserted into the first cylinder 14 by an actuator such as an air pump. The first carrier 13 is configured to be movable up and down. A depression is formed on the upper surface of the first carrier 13 so that the workpiece W can be placed and conveyed. Further, the first carrier 13 is configured to be vertically inserted through the first work table 31, 31, 31 and the discharge pallet 52. Specifically, each is formed in a comb-teeth shape as viewed in the conveying direction, and the comb teeth are engaged with each other.

  When the first sliding portion 11b moves in the transport direction, the first carriers 13, 13,. When positioned above 31 and 31 and moving in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the first carrier 13, 13... Is below the first work table 31, 31, 31. It moves up and down to be positioned.

  Here, when the first sliding portion 11b is located on the discharge port side, the first transport units 15, 15... When opposed to each of the pallets 52 and when the first sliding portion 11b is located on the loading port side, it is opposed to each of the second work placing table 41 and the first work placing table 31, 31, 31. It is arrange | positioned so that it may be located.

  That is, when the first carrier 13, 13... Is placed on the work W and is positioned above the first work placing table 31, 31, 31, the first sliding portion 11b is in the conveying direction. The first sliding portion 11b is in a direction opposite to the conveying direction when the first carriers 13, 13, ... are positioned below the first work table 31, 31, 31. The workpiece W positioned on the second workpiece placing table 41 is transported to the discharge pallet 52 side by moving to the discharge pallet 52 side.

The second transport unit 25 is erected upward on the upper surface of the second sliding portion 21b of the second transport portion base 21. In the present embodiment, one second transport unit 25 is arranged, but the number is not limited.
Specifically, the second transport unit 25 is inserted into the second cylinder 24 standing upward on the upper surface of the second sliding portion 21b, and inserted into the second cylinder 24 by an actuator such as an air pump. The second carrier 23 is configured to be movable up and down. A recess is formed on the upper surface of the second carrier 23 so that the workpiece W can be placed and conveyed. Further, the second carrier 23 is configured to be able to be inserted through the input pallet 51 and the second work table 41 in the vertical direction. Specifically, each is formed in a comb-teeth shape as viewed in the conveying direction, and the comb teeth are engaged with each other.

  And when the said 2nd sliding part 21b moves to a conveyance direction, the 2nd carrier 23 arrange | positioned by the 2nd conveyance unit 25 is located above the said 2nd workpiece mounting base 41, and it is the conveyance direction. When moving in the opposite direction, the second carrier 23 is moved up and down so that the second carrier 23 is positioned below the second work table 41.

  Here, as shown in FIG. 1, when the second sliding portion 21 b is located on the discharge port side, the second transport unit 25 is located facing the second work table 41, and the second sliding unit 21 b When the portion 21b is positioned on the charging port side, it is disposed so as to face the charging pallet 51.

  That is, when the second carrier 23 places the work W and is positioned above the second work placing table 41, the second sliding portion 21b moves in the transport direction, and the second carrier 23 Is positioned below the second work table 41, the second sliding portion 21b moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, so that the work W positioned on the input pallet 51 is moved. It is configured so as to be conveyed to the second work table 41 side.

  The detecting means 61, 61,... Are installed on the input pallet 51, the first work placing table 31, 31, 31, the second work placing table 41, and the discharge pallet 52, respectively. It is detected whether it was done. Specifically, the presence or absence of the workpiece W is detected by a sensor using an optical means or a weight sensor. Each of the detection means 61, 61... Is electrically connected to a control means 71 described later, and is configured to be able to transmit information regarding the presence / absence of the workpiece W to the control means 71.

  The control means 71 is a control device having an input function, a display function, a storage function, a communication function, various calculation functions, and the like, and is mainly composed of a microcomputer such as a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and an interface. The first transport unit base 11, the second transport unit base 21, the first transport units 15, 15... And the second transport unit 25 are electrically connected, and the detection means 61, 61. .. It is configured to be able to control the drive of each device based on the information regarding the presence / absence of the workpiece W transmitted. Specifically, the control unit 71 controls the first cycle and the second cycle based on the detection result of the workpiece W detected by the detection units 61, 61.

[Conveying method]
Next, a transport method according to the present invention performed by the transport apparatus 10 configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following drawings, the detection means 61, 61... And the control means 71 are not shown.
In the present specification, for convenience of explanation, the workpiece W is loaded into the loading pallet 51 sequentially from the workpiece W (A) to workpieces W (B), (C). To do.

In the transport method according to the present invention, in the transport device 10, the first transport unit base 11 disposed adjacent to the discharge pallet 52 reciprocates in the transport direction in a first cycle, and the first transport unit base is provided. The four first transport units 15, 15... Are erected upward on the upper surface of 11 and arranged in parallel along the transport direction, so that the first transport unit base 11 moves in the transport direction. When the first carrier 13, 13 ... formed on the upper end is positioned above the first work table 31, 31, 31 fixed above the first transport unit base 11, the transport direction When moving in the opposite direction, the first carrier 13, 13... Moves up and down so as to be positioned below the first work table 31, 31, 31. The workpiece W positioned on the two-work table 41 is It conveyed to the side of the exit pallet 52, provided with a discharge port-side transfer step.
Further, the second transport unit base 21 disposed in the transport device 10 adjacent to the inlet side from the first transport unit base 11 is a second cycle which is a cycle independent of the first cycle, One second transport unit 25, which reciprocates in the transport direction without interfering with the reciprocal motion of the first transport unit base 11 and is erected on the upper surface of the second transport unit base 21, When the second transport unit base 21 moves in the transport direction, the second carrier 23 formed at the upper end is positioned above the second work placing base 41 fixed above the second transport unit base 21, When moving in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the workpiece W positioned on the input pallet 51 is moved up and down so that the second carrier 23 is positioned below the second workpiece mounting table 41. Transfer to the second work table 41 Comprising a side conveying step.

First, the normal operation state of the transport apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2A, in the initial state, the three workpieces W (A) to (C) are positioned on the first work table 31, 31 and 31, and the second work table 41 is provided. The workpiece W (D) is positioned in the pallet, and the workpiece W (E) is loaded on the loading pallet 51. In this state, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are located below the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2B, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are lower than the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. The first sliding part 11b in the first transport part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transport part base 21 are in the direction opposite to the transport direction (in FIG. 2B). It moves in the direction of arrows a1 and a2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (c), the first carrier 13, 13... Inserted into the first cylinder 14, 14... And the second carrier 23 inserted into the second cylinder 24. 2 extends upward (in the direction of arrows u1 and u2 in FIG. 2C), and the workpiece W (on the first pallet table 31, 31, 31, the second workpiece table 41 and the loading pallet 51 ( A) to (E) are lifted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (d), the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are located above the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. In a state where the workpieces W (A) to (E) are placed, the first sliding part 11b in the first transport part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transport part base 21 are transported. It moves in the direction (direction of arrows b1 and b2 in FIG. 2D).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 2 (e), the first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are reduced downward (in the directions of arrows d1 and d2 in FIG. 2 (e)), and the workpiece is reduced. W (A) is placed on the discharge pallet 52, and the workpieces W (B) to (E) are placed on the first workpiece placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second workpiece placing table 41. It is.

  Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 2 (f), the work W (A) on the discharge pallet 52 is discharged, and the next work W (F) is input on the input pallet 51.

  As described above, in the normal operation state of the transfer apparatus 10 according to the present invention, the operations shown in FIGS. 2A to 2F are repeated to sequentially move the workpiece W positioned on the input pallet 51. It is configured to be conveyed to the discharge port side. That is, when the workpiece W is being conveyed as usual on the second workpiece mounting table 41 as described above, the detection means 61 detects the presence of the workpiece W, and the control means 71 detects the first cycle. The second period is controlled to be the same as a predetermined period that is a discharge cycle of the workpiece W. In the present specification, the conveyance of the workpiece W by the first carriers 13, 13... Will be described as the first conveyance, and the conveyance of the workpiece W by the second carrier 23 will be described as the second conveyance.

Next, the operation state in which the loading of the workpiece W of the transfer apparatus 10 is delayed will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3 (a '), in the initial state, the three workpieces W (A) to (C) are positioned on the first workpiece placing table 31, 31, 31. A workpiece W (D) is located at 41. Then, the next workpiece W (F) has not yet been input to the input pallet 51. In this state, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are located below the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3B ′, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are lower than the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. The first sliding part 11b in the first transport part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transport part base 21 are in directions opposite to the transport direction (FIG. 3 (b ')). It moves in the direction of the arrows a1 and a2 in the middle).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c ′), the first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 extend upward (in the directions of arrows u1 and u2 in FIG. 3 (c ′)). Then, the workpieces W (A) to (D) positioned on the first workpiece placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second workpiece placing table 41 are lifted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (d ′), the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are above the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. In the state where the first carriers 13, 13... Are placed with the workpieces W (A) to (D), the first sliding portion 11 b and the second conveying portion in the first conveying portion base 11. The second sliding portion 21b on the base 21 moves in the transport direction (the directions of arrows b1 and b2 in FIG. 3 (d ′)). At this stage, the workpiece W (E) is loaded into the loading pallet 51.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (e ′), the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are reduced downward (in the directions of arrows d1 and d2 in FIG. 2 (e ′)). The workpiece W (A) is placed on the discharge pallet 52, and the workpieces W (B) to (D) are placed on the first workpiece placing tables 31, 31, 31. As a result, a gap occurs between the work W (D) and the work W (E).

  Here, in the transport method according to the present invention, when the work W is transported to the second work table 41, the first cycle and the second cycle are set to be the same as the predetermined cycle, and the second cycle is performed. When the workpiece W is not transferred to the workpiece table 41, the first cycle is set to be the same as the predetermined cycle, and the second cycle is shortened. That is, when the workpiece W is not conveyed to the second workpiece table 41, the detection unit 61 does not detect the presence of the workpiece W, and the control unit 71 discharges the workpiece W during the first period. The second cycle is controlled to be the same as a predetermined cycle, which is a cycle, and the second cycle is shortened.

  That is, since the workpiece W is not conveyed to the second workpiece table 41, the control means 71 makes the first cycle the same as a predetermined cycle which is a discharge cycle of the workpiece W as described above, and Control is performed to shorten the second period. That is, only the second transport by the second carrier 23 is performed during the first transport cycle by the first carriers 13.

  Thereby, as shown in FIG. 3 (g′1), the second sliding portion 21b in the second transport portion base 21 in a state where only the second carrier 23 is positioned below the second work placing base 41. Moves in the direction opposite to the conveying direction (the direction of arrow a′2 in FIG. 3 (g′1)).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (g′2), the second carrier 23 extends upward (in the direction of the arrow u′2 in FIG. 3 (g′2)) and can be sent onto the second work table 41. The workpiece W (E) thrown in is lifted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (g'3), the second carrier 23 is positioned above the second work placing table 41 and the work W (E) is placed thereon, the second transport unit base. The second sliding portion 21b in 21 moves in the transport direction (the direction of the arrow b'2 in FIG. 3 (g'3)). At this stage, the workpiece W (F) is loaded into the loading pallet 51.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (g′4), the second carrier 23 is reduced downward (in the direction of the arrow d′ 2 in FIG. 3 (g′4)), and the workpiece W (E) is changed to the second workpiece. It is placed on the table 41.

  Here, since the workpiece W is transported to the second workpiece table 41, the control means 71 makes the first cycle and the second cycle the same as a predetermined cycle which is a discharge cycle of the workpiece W. Control to be. That is, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 return to a state where both the first conveyance and the second conveyance are performed.

  That is, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are below the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. In the position, the first sliding part 11b in the first transport part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transport part base 21 are in directions opposite to the transport direction (arrows in FIG. 3B). (direction of a1 and a2).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (c), the first carriers 13, 13 ... inserted into the first cylinders 14, 14 ..., and the second carrier 23 inserted into the second cylinder 24, respectively. Extends upward (in the directions of arrows u1 and u2 in FIG. 3C), and the workpiece W (on the first workpiece mounting table 31, 31, 31, the second workpiece mounting table 41 and the loading pallet 51 ( B) to (F) are lifted.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (d), the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are located above the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. In a state where the workpieces W (B) to (F) are placed, the first sliding part 11b in the first transporting part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transporting part base 21 are transported. It moves in the direction (direction of arrows b1 and b2 in FIG. 3D).

  Next, as shown in FIG. 3 (e), the first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are reduced downward (in the directions of arrows d1 and d2 in FIG. 3 (e)), and the workpiece is reduced. W (B) is placed on the discharge pallet 52, and the workpieces W (C) to (F) are placed on the first workpiece placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second workpiece placing table 41. It is.

Next, with reference to FIG. 4, each step when the input of the workpiece W is delayed in the transfer method according to the present invention will be described.
In FIG. 4, in the process of transferring the workpieces W (A), (B), (C). The left side will be described as the input pallet and the right side as the discharge pallet. That is, when each work W is described in the rectangle, the work W is placed on the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 or the second work placing table 41.

As shown in FIG. 4, in the initial state, four workpieces W (A) to (D) are positioned on the first workpiece placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second workpiece placing table 41, and the loading pallet 51, workpiece W (E) is input.
In step ST01, as described above, the first carriers 13, 13,... And the second carrier 23 transport the workpieces W (A) to (E) in the transport direction (first transport / second transport).
Next, in step ST02, the workpiece W (A) on the discharge pallet 52 is discharged as described above, but the next workpiece W (F) has not yet been input to the input pallet 51.
Next, in step ST03, the first carriers 13, 13... Transport the workpieces W (B) to (E) in the transport direction (first transport). In addition, since the workpiece | work W (F) does not exist in the insertion pallet 51, the 2nd carrier 23 cannot convey the workpiece | work W. FIG. At this stage, the workpiece W (F) is loaded into the loading pallet 51.
Next, in step ST04, the work W (B) on the discharge pallet 52 is discharged. On the other hand, it is the timing when the next workpiece W (G) is put on the loading pallet 51, but since the workpiece W (F) is already positioned on the loading pallet 51, the workpiece W (G) is placed on the loading pallet. 51 is no longer charged.

  Here, since the workpiece W is not transported to the second workpiece mounting table 41, the control means 71, as described above, makes the first cycle the same as a predetermined cycle which is a discharge cycle of the workpiece W, and Control is performed to shorten the second period.

That is, in step ST05, since the second period, which is the conveyance period of the second carrier 23, is shortened, the work W (F) in which the second carrier 23 is thrown into the loading pallet 51 as described above is loaded. It is transported (second transport) to the two-work table 41. At this stage, the workpiece W (G) is loaded into the loading pallet 51.
Then, in step ST06, the first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 transport the workpieces W (C) to (G) in the transport direction (first transport / second transport).

  As described above, in the transport apparatus 10 according to the present invention, when the work W is not transported to the second work placing table 41, the detection means 61 does not detect the presence of the work W, and the control means 71 However, the first cycle is set to be the same as a predetermined cycle which is a discharge cycle of the workpiece W, and the second cycle is shortened.

For this reason, since the 2nd period which is a conveyance period of the 2nd carrier 23 becomes short, only the 2nd carrier 23 conveys the workpiece | work W thrown into the insertion pallet 51 to the 2nd workpiece mounting base 41 (2nd Can be carried).
As a result, even if a gap occurs between the workpieces W, only the second carrier 23 transports the workpiece W that has been sent and fed in a cycle shorter than a predetermined discharge cycle, thereby eliminating the gap. It becomes possible. That is, the workpiece W can be continuously discharged at a constant cycle.

  In other words, as described above, even when the work W input timing is delayed from a predetermined cycle and the work W cannot be input within one cycle, the work W is delayed until the next cycle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a delay in the carry-out timing. That is, since it can be supplied in a constant cycle without disturbing the supply cycle of the work W to the subsequent process, it is possible to prevent a delay in the overall production.

  Specifically, since the first cycle that is the reciprocation cycle of the first transport unit base 11 and the second cycle that is the reciprocation cycle of the second transport unit base 21 are configured independently, The work W can be transported only by the carrier 23, and the work W delayed to be loaded into the loading pallet 51 can be loaded by the next cycle.

  Further, when the workpiece W is not conveyed to the second workpiece table 41 and the detection unit 61 does not detect the presence of the workpiece W, the control unit 71 discharges the workpiece W in the first cycle. Since the second cycle is shortened by setting the cycle to be the same as a predetermined cycle, the workpiece W is quickly conveyed when the loading of the workpiece W into the loading pallet 51 is delayed, The cycle is not affected.

  Furthermore, when the conveying device 10 is used for loading / unloading the work W to / from the heating / soaking process in the soaking furnace, the work W can be unloaded from the soaking furnace in a constant cycle, Deterioration of work efficiency can be prevented.

  In the present embodiment, the second transport unit base 21 is disposed only at one location. However, the number of the second transport unit bases 21 is not limited. is there. In other words, the second transport unit 25 disposed on each second transport unit base 21 is configured to transport the workpiece W in a second cycle independent of the first cycle of the first transport unit base 11. Can do it.

[Another embodiment]
Next, a transport method according to another embodiment performed by the transport device 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
In addition to the above-described configuration, the transport device 10 according to the present embodiment is configured such that each of the four first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 can independently move up and down. As the one carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 move up and down, the first transport unit base 11 and the second transport unit base 21 are configured to reciprocate in the transport direction.

The operation state of the transport apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5 (h), in the initial state, the two workpieces W (A) and (B) are positioned on the discharge port side on the first work table 31, 31 and 31, The workpiece W (C) is positioned on the workpiece table 41, and the workpiece W (D) is loaded on the loading pallet 51. That is, the work W is not positioned on the first work table 31 on the most inlet side, and the work W is missing.
Further, in this state, the first carriers 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are located below the first work table 31, 31, 31 and the second work table 41.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (i), the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 are lower than the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41. The first sliding part 11b in the first transport part base 11 and the second sliding part 21b in the second transport part base 21 are in directions opposite to the transport direction (in FIG. 5 (i)). It moves in the direction of arrows a1 and a2.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (j), the first carrier 13 closest to the inlet and the second carrier 23 extend upward (in the directions of arrows u1 and u2 in FIG. 5 (j)). Only the workpieces W (C) and (D) located on the second workpiece placing table 41 and the loading pallet 51 are lifted. Specifically, based on the information on the presence / absence of the workpiece W transmitted from the detection means 61, 61..., Only the workpiece W on the inlet side than the first workpiece placing table 31 on which the workpiece W is not placed. Select and lift.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (k), the first carrier 13 and the second carrier 23 are positioned above the first work placing table 31, 31, 31 and the second work placing table 41, and the work W In a state where (C) and (D) are placed, the first sliding portion 11b and the second sliding portion 21b move in the transport direction (the directions of arrows b1 and b2 in FIG. 5 (k)). It is. At this stage, the workpiece W (E) is loaded into the loading pallet 51.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 5 (l), the first carrier 13 and the second carrier 23 are reduced downward (in the directions of arrows d1 and d2 in FIG. 5 (l)), and the workpiece W (C) · ( D) is placed on the first work placing table 31 and the second work placing table 41.

  Thereafter, by repeating each operation in the normal operation state, the workpiece W is sequentially conveyed to the discharge port side.

  As described above, in the operation state of the transfer apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment, the state in which the workpiece W is missing is eliminated by performing each operation shown in FIGS. 5 (h) to 5 (l). Thus, the normal operation state can be restored.

  That is, even when the workpiece W input timing is delayed from a predetermined cycle and the workpiece W is missing, the first carrier 13, 13... And the second carrier 23 can move up and down independently. Therefore, each necessary work W can be transported independently, and a delay in unloading timing can be prevented. That is, since it can be supplied in a constant cycle without disturbing the supply cycle of the work W to the subsequent process, it is possible to prevent a delay in the overall production.

  Similarly to the above, when the transport device 10 is used for loading / unloading the workpiece W to / from the heating and soaking step in the soaking furnace, the workpiece W can be unloaded from the soaking furnace at a constant cycle, It is possible to prevent deterioration of work efficiency in thermal work.

  In the present embodiment, one second transport unit 25 is disposed. However, when a plurality of second transport units 25 are disposed, each of the second carriers 23 is uniquely provided. It can also be configured to be movable up and down. In this case, the necessary workpiece W can be transported independently by reciprocating the second transport unit base 21.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Conveyance apparatus 11 1st conveyance part base 13 1st carrier 15 1st conveyance unit 21 2nd conveyance part base 23 2nd carrier 25 2nd conveyance unit 31 1st work stand 31
41 Second work table 41
51 Input pallet 52 Discharge pallet

Claims (8)

A transfer device that is disposed between an input port and an output port, conveys a workpiece that is continuously input from the input port, and discharges the workpiece to the output port at a predetermined cycle,
A first transport unit base that is disposed adjacent to the discharge port and reciprocates in the transport direction in a first cycle;
Arranged adjacent to the inlet side with respect to the first transport unit base, and interferes with the reciprocating motion of the first transport unit base in the transport direction in a second cycle that is a cycle independent of the first cycle. A reciprocating motion without the second transport unit base,
A first work table fixed above the first transport unit base;
A second work table fixed above the second transport unit base;
A first transport unit that is erected on the upper surface of the first transport unit base and in which a first carrier is formed at an upper end;
A second transport unit that is erected on the upper surface of the second transport unit base and in which a second carrier is formed at the upper end;
When the first transport unit base moves in the transport direction, the first transport unit is positioned above the first work placing base and moves in a direction opposite to the transport direction. Transports the workpiece located on the second workpiece table to the discharge port side by moving up and down so that the first carrier is located below the first workpiece table.
When the second transport unit base moves in the transport direction, the second transport unit is positioned above the second work table and moves in a direction opposite to the transport direction when the second transport unit base moves in the transport direction. Is configured to move the workpiece located on the inlet side onto the second workpiece placing table by moving up and down so that the second carrier is located below the second workpiece placing table.
A conveying apparatus characterized by that. Detecting means for detecting a work conveyed to the second work table;
Control means for controlling the first cycle and the second cycle based on the detection result detected by the detection device,
When the detection means detects that the work has been transferred to the second work table, the control means makes the first cycle and the second cycle the same as the predetermined cycle. Control
When the detection means does not detect that the workpiece has been transferred to the second workpiece table, the control means makes the first cycle the same as the predetermined cycle, and sets the second cycle. Control to shorten,
The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein A plurality of at least one of the first transport unit and the second transport unit,
The first carrier of each of the first transport units or / and the second carrier of the second transport unit are each configured to be independently movable up and down,
Along with the vertical movement of each first carrier or / and second carrier, the first transport unit base or / and the second transport unit base is configured to be capable of reciprocating in the transport direction.
The conveying apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein Carrying in and carrying out the workpiece using the transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3;
A soaking furnace characterized by that. It is a transport method performed by a transport device that transports workpieces that are continuously input from an input port and discharges the work to a discharge port at a predetermined cycle,
A first transport unit base disposed in the transport device adjacent to the discharge port performs a reciprocating motion in a transport direction in a first cycle, and is erected on an upper surface of the first transport unit base. When the first transport unit base moves in the transport direction, the first transport unit is fixed to the first carrier formed on the upper end of the first transport unit above the first transport unit base. When moving in the direction opposite to the conveying direction, the first carrier is moved up and down so that the first carrier is positioned below the first work table, A discharge port side conveying step of conveying the workpiece located on the two workpiece placing table to the discharge port side;
The second transport unit base disposed in the transport device adjacent to the inlet side from the first transport unit base is a second cycle that is a cycle independent of the first cycle. Reciprocating without interfering with the reciprocating motion of one transport unit base, and at least one second transport unit erected on the upper surface of the second transport unit base, the second transport unit base in the transport direction When moving, the second carrier formed on the upper end of the second transport unit is located above the second work table fixed above the second transport unit base, and is opposite to the transport direction. When moving in the direction, by moving up and down so that the second carrier is located below the second work table, the work located on the loading port side is placed on the second work table. Carrying, a loading port side carrying step,
The conveyance method characterized by the above-mentioned. When the workpiece is transported to the second workpiece table, the first cycle and the second cycle are the same as the predetermined cycle,
When the workpiece is not transferred to the second workpiece table, the first cycle is made the same as the predetermined cycle, and the second cycle is shortened.
The conveyance method according to claim 5, wherein: The transfer device
A plurality of at least one of the first transport unit and the second transport unit,
The first carrier of each of the first transport units and / or the second carrier of the second transport unit moves up and down independently,
As the first carrier or / and the second carrier move up and down, the first transport unit base or / and the second transport unit base reciprocate in the transport direction.
The conveyance method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized by the above. Using the transport method according to any one of claims 5 to 7, the work is carried into and out of the soaking furnace.
The heating method in a soaking furnace characterized by the above-mentioned.

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