JP6319011B2 - Article transfer device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an article transfer device including a slide device that moves an article along a transfer direction.

A conventional example of such an article transfer device is described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-207616 (Patent Document 1). The article transfer device of Patent Document 1 is in a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid by the driving device to retract the slide device in the transfer direction, and a protruding state in which the slide device is protruded in the transfer direction. By switching, the article is configured to move along the transfer direction.
The slide device disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a guide roller provided on the base member, a guide roller provided on the tip member, a guide roller provided on the relay member, and a guide rail provided on the tip member. And a guide rail with which the roller is fitted. Thus, by providing two sets of guide support mechanisms composed of guide rollers and guide rails in the slide device, the base member supports the relay member so as to be slidable along the transfer direction. The tip member is slidably supported along the transfer direction.

JP 2011-207616 A

And in the article transfer device of patent document 1, the set of the guide support mechanism comprised with the guide roller and the guide rail is provided in both the upper part and the lower part of a slide apparatus. In other words, since a gap is formed between the guide rail and the guide roller to allow the guide roller to rotate, the slide device is rattled. In particular, when the slide device is provided in a vertical posture as in the article transfer device of Patent Document 1, if a guide support mechanism is provided only at the lower portion of the slide device, a gap is formed between the guide rail and the guide roller. Therefore, the relay member and the tip member are inclined around the guide support mechanism. In Patent Document 1, a plurality of guide support mechanisms are provided in order to suppress such rattling of the slide device.
However, the configuration of the slide device is complicated by providing the slide device with a plurality of guide support mechanisms. Further, although a plurality of guide support mechanisms are provided, a gap is formed between the rail and the roller, so that it is difficult to suppress the play of the slide device.

  Therefore, an article transfer device that can easily prevent the slide device from rattling is required with a simple configuration.

The characteristic configuration of the article transfer device according to the present invention is an article transfer device including a slide device that moves an article along a transfer direction.
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion that is fixed to the relay member and that extends in the transfer direction, and a guide member on which a tip member engaging portion is formed, the base member being engaged with the base member engaging portion. The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion, and the tip member is the tip member. For engagement Engaging slidably guided in the transfer direction by the guide member, the said base member, the base portion engaged portion for engaging the base member engaging portion is provided, on the tip member A tip engaged portion that engages with the tip member engaging portion, and the protruding state is such that the end of the tip engaged portion on the retracting side is the end of the base engaged portion on the protruding side. The length of the guide member is shorter than the length of the relay member in the transfer direction, and the base portion extends from the end of the guide member engaging portion on the protruding side. The length of the member engaging portion to the end on the retraction side is such that the end portion on the protruding side of the base engaged portion and the tip end covering in the transfer direction when the slide device is in the protruding state. The guide member is longer than the distance between the end of the engaging portion on the retraction side and the width of the relay member in the transfer direction. In that it is fixed to the relay board in full state.

  According to this characteristic configuration, the sliding movement of the relay member relative to the base member is guided by the sliding of the guide member relative to the base member, and the sliding movement of the distal end member relative to the relay member is guided by the sliding of the distal end member relative to the guide member. The In this way, the guide member guides the relay member and the tip member by sliding, and therefore, compared with the conventional roller type, between the base member engaging portion of the guide member and the base member, or the tip member of the guide member. Since the gap formed between the engaging portion and the tip member can be reduced, it is easy to suppress the play of the slide device. Further, since the relay member and the tip member can be guided by a single guide member, the configuration for guiding the relay member and the guide member can be simplified.

  Specifically, for example, when the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are arranged in the horizontal width direction and the slide device is installed in the vertical position, the relay member is supported so as to be slidable along the transfer direction, and the relay member The guide member is provided only in the lower part of the slide device, and the relay member and the tip member are guided by the guide member in the upper part of the slide device. The structure which performs is considered. By constructing the slide device in this way, conventionally two sets of guide support mechanisms are provided, but only one set of guide support mechanisms and guide members need be provided. Since the guide member has a simple configuration compared to the pair of guide support mechanisms and is configured to guide by sliding, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the slide device and to suppress the play of the slide device. .

  Incidentally, the guide support mechanism is not limited to the one constituted by the guide rail and the guide roller guided by the guide rail. For example, the guide support mechanism is held between the inner rail and the outer rail bent in a C shape. A slide rail or the like loaded with a plurality of balls held by members may be used as the guide support mechanism.

Further, according to this configuration, the length of the guide member is such that the end portion on the protruding side of the base engaged portion and the retracted side of the distal end engaged portion in the transfer direction when the slide device is in the protruding state. It is longer than the distance from the end. Therefore, even when the slide device is in the protruding state, the engagement of the base member engaged portion of the base member and the tip engaged portion of the tip member with the guide member can be maintained, so that the slide device is moved in the transfer direction. When leaving or leaving, it is possible to always guide with the guide member.
Further, since the guide member is shorter than the length of the relay member in the transfer direction and is fixed to the relay member so as to be within the width of the relay member in the transfer direction, the guide member is moved from the relay member in the transfer direction. It does not protrude and the guide member is unlikely to get in the way.

  In addition, a pair of the slide devices are arranged in parallel in a state of being spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the transfer direction in a plan view, and each of the pair of slide devices includes the base member and the relay member. It is preferable that the tip member is provided in a state aligned in the lateral width direction.

  According to this configuration, the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are provided in a state of being aligned in the lateral width direction, whereby each of the pair of slide devices is provided in a vertical posture. Then, the article is positioned between the pair of slide devices provided in the vertical posture as described above, and the article is engaged with the tip members of the pair of slide devices, or the article is sandwiched between the tip members of the pair of slide devices. The article can be moved in the transfer direction by withdrawing / withdrawing the slide device in the state of being moved.

When the pair of slide devices are provided in a vertical posture, the relay member and the tip member are inclined if there is a backlash in the configuration in which the relay member and the tip member are slidably supported along the transfer direction. If the relay member or the tip member is tilted, the distance between the pair of slide devices in the width direction changes, so there is a possibility that the article cannot be transferred appropriately.
However, the guide member can guide the relay member and the tip member, and suppress the backlash of the slide device, thereby suppressing the inclination of the relay member and the tip member.

The characteristic configuration of the article transfer device according to the present invention is an article transfer device including a slide device that moves an article along a transfer direction.
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion that is fixed to the relay member and that extends in the transfer direction, and a guide member on which a tip member engaging portion is formed, the base member being engaged with the base member engaging portion. The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion, and the tip member is the tip member. For engagement A pair of the slide devices are arranged side by side in a state of being spaced apart in the lateral width direction orthogonal to the transfer direction in plan view. Each of the pair of slide devices includes the base member, the relay member, and the tip member aligned in the lateral width direction, and the base member engaging portion is located above the guide member. The upper end portion of the base member is formed into a shape that engages from above, and the engaging portion for the tip member is positioned at the upper portion of the guide member so that the upper end portion of the tip member engages from above. It is in a formed point.

According to this characteristic configuration, the sliding movement of the relay member relative to the base member is guided by the sliding of the guide member relative to the base member, and the sliding movement of the distal end member relative to the relay member is guided by the sliding of the distal end member relative to the guide member. The In this way, the guide member guides the relay member and the tip member by sliding, and therefore, compared with the conventional roller type, between the base member engaging portion of the guide member and the base member, or the tip member of the guide member. Since the gap formed between the engaging portion and the tip member can be reduced, it is easy to suppress the play of the slide device. Further, since the relay member and the tip member can be guided by a single guide member, the configuration for guiding the relay member and the guide member can be simplified.
Specifically, for example, when the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are arranged in the horizontal width direction and the slide device is installed in the vertical position, the relay member is supported so as to be slidable along the transfer direction, and the relay member The guide member is provided only in the lower part of the slide device, and the relay member and the tip member are guided by the guide member in the upper part of the slide device. The structure which performs is considered. By constructing the slide device in this way, conventionally two sets of guide support mechanisms are provided, but only one set of guide support mechanisms and guide members need be provided. Since the guide member has a simple configuration compared to the pair of guide support mechanisms and is configured to guide by sliding, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the slide device and to suppress the play of the slide device. .
Incidentally, the guide support mechanism is not limited to the one constituted by the guide rail and the guide roller guided by the guide rail. For example, the guide support mechanism is held between the inner rail and the outer rail bent in a C shape. A slide rail or the like loaded with a plurality of balls held by members may be used as the guide support mechanism.
Further, according to this configuration, the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are provided in a state of being arranged in the horizontal width direction, so that each of the pair of slide devices is provided in a vertical posture. Then, the article is positioned between the pair of slide devices provided in the vertical posture as described above, and the article is engaged with the tip members of the pair of slide devices, or the article is sandwiched between the tip members of the pair of slide devices. The article can be moved in the transfer direction by withdrawing / withdrawing the slide device in the state of being moved.
When the pair of slide devices are provided in a vertical posture, the relay member and the tip member are inclined if there is a backlash in the configuration in which the relay member and the tip member are slidably supported along the transfer direction. If the relay member or the tip member is tilted, the distance between the pair of slide devices in the width direction changes, so there is a possibility that the article cannot be transferred appropriately.
However, the guide member can guide the relay member and the tip member, and suppress the backlash of the slide device, thereby suppressing the inclination of the relay member and the tip member.
Further, according to this configuration, the upper end portion of the base member is engaged from above with the base member engaging portion of the guide member fixed to the relay member, and the upper end portion of the relay member is guided by this engagement. It is possible to restrict movement in the width direction with respect to the member. Further, the upper end portion of the tip member is engaged with the engaging portion for the tip member of the guide member fixed to the relay member from above, and by this engagement, the upper end portion of the tip member is transverse to the guide member. Can be restricted to move to. As described above, since the guide member can regulate the movement of the upper end portion of the relay member and the upper end portion of the tip member in the lateral width direction, the inclination of the relay member and the tip member can be suppressed.

The characteristic configuration of the article transfer device according to the present invention is an article transfer device including a slide device that moves an article along a transfer direction.
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion that is fixed to the relay member and that extends in the transfer direction, and a guide member on which a tip member engaging portion is formed, the base member being engaged with the base member engaging portion. The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion, and the tip member is the tip member. For engagement A pair of the slide devices are arranged side by side in a state of being spaced apart in the lateral width direction orthogonal to the transfer direction in plan view. Each of the pair of slide devices includes the base member, the relay member, and the tip member aligned in the lateral width direction, and the guide member is connected to an upper end portion of the relay member, An upper end portion of the member engages with the base member engaging portion in a state in which movement in the lateral width direction with respect to the guide member is restricted, and an upper end portion of the distal end member extends in the lateral width direction with respect to the guide member. A first slide rail that engages with the engaging member for the tip member in a state where movement of the relay member is restricted, and is coupled to a lower portion of the relay member and guides the relay member along the transfer direction. Provided at the bottom of the member, front The second slide rail is connected to a lower portion of the tip member for guiding along the tip member to the transfer direction, in that provided in the lower part of the relay member.

According to this characteristic configuration, the sliding movement of the relay member relative to the base member is guided by the sliding of the guide member relative to the base member, and the sliding movement of the distal end member relative to the relay member is guided by the sliding of the distal end member relative to the guide member. The In this way, the guide member guides the relay member and the tip member by sliding, and therefore, compared with the conventional roller type, between the base member engaging portion of the guide member and the base member, or the tip member of the guide member. Since the gap formed between the engaging portion and the tip member can be reduced, it is easy to suppress the play of the slide device. Further, since the relay member and the tip member can be guided by a single guide member, the configuration for guiding the relay member and the guide member can be simplified.
Specifically, for example, when the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are arranged in the horizontal width direction and the slide device is installed in the vertical position, the relay member is supported so as to be slidable along the transfer direction, and the relay member The guide member is provided only in the lower part of the slide device, and the relay member and the tip member are guided by the guide member in the upper part of the slide device. The structure which performs is considered. By constructing the slide device in this way, conventionally two sets of guide support mechanisms are provided, but only one set of guide support mechanisms and guide members need be provided. Since the guide member has a simple configuration compared to the pair of guide support mechanisms and is configured to guide by sliding, it is possible to simplify the configuration of the slide device and to suppress the play of the slide device. .
Incidentally, the guide support mechanism is not limited to the one constituted by the guide rail and the guide roller guided by the guide rail. For example, the guide support mechanism is held between the inner rail and the outer rail bent in a C shape. A slide rail or the like loaded with a plurality of balls held by members may be used as the guide support mechanism.
Further, according to this configuration, the base member, the relay member, and the tip member are provided in a state of being arranged in the horizontal width direction, so that each of the pair of slide devices is provided in a vertical posture. Then, the article is positioned between the pair of slide devices provided in the vertical posture as described above, and the article is engaged with the tip members of the pair of slide devices, or the article is sandwiched between the tip members of the pair of slide devices. The article can be moved in the transfer direction by withdrawing / withdrawing the slide device in the state of being moved.
When the pair of slide devices are provided in a vertical posture, the relay member and the tip member are inclined if there is a backlash in the configuration in which the relay member and the tip member are slidably supported along the transfer direction. If the relay member or the tip member is tilted, the distance between the pair of slide devices in the width direction changes, so there is a possibility that the article cannot be transferred appropriately.
However, the guide member can guide the relay member and the tip member, and suppress the backlash of the slide device, thereby suppressing the inclination of the relay member and the tip member.
As the slide rail, a slide rail is generally used in which a plurality of balls held by a retainer are inserted between an inner rail and an outer rail bent in a C shape. When such a slide rail is used as a configuration in which the relay member and the tip member are slidably supported along the transfer direction, the slide device has a large backlash. The backlash is relayed to the base member. It can be suppressed with a simple configuration in which the guide of the member and the guide of the tip member with respect to the relay member are performed by a guide member fixed to the relay member.

Perspective view of automatic warehouse equipment Perspective view of transport cart with cover removed Perspective view of the transport carriage with the slide device in the protruding state Perspective view of main part of slide device Front view of slide device

Hereinafter, an embodiment in which an article transfer device according to the present invention is applied to an automatic warehouse facility will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the automatic warehouse facility includes an article storage shelf 1, an article transport cart 2, a relay conveyor 3, a lift device 4, and a loading / unloading conveyor 5.
In FIG. 1, the direction indicated by the arrow X is the first direction, and the direction indicated by the arrow Y perpendicular to the first direction in plan view is the second direction. In addition, one side in the first direction (the side where the relay conveyor 3 is located with respect to the article storage shelf 1 in the first direction) may be referred to as the HP side, and the opposite side may be referred to as the OP side.

As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of article storage shelves 1 are installed with an interval in the second direction, and each article storage shelf 1 includes a plurality of shelf boards 7 in a state of being arranged in the vertical direction. In the embodiment, 6 stages) are provided.
Between the pair of article storage shelves 1, a travel route on which the article transport carriage 2 travels along the first direction on the travel rail 8 is formed. Depending on the number of stages, a plurality (6 paths in this embodiment) are formed in the vertical direction. The traveling rails 8 are supported by each of the pair of article storage shelves 1, and the pair of traveling rails 8 are provided for one traveling route.

The relay conveyor 3 includes a warehousing relay conveyor 3 a that is used when the articles W are received into the article storage shelf 1 and a delivery relay conveyor 3 b that is used when the articles W are delivered from the article storage shelf 1. A pair of relay conveyors 3 including a relay conveyor 3a for warehousing and a relay conveyor 3b for warehousing are provided in a state of being spaced apart in the second direction, and according to the number of shelves 7 in the article storage shelf 1 A plurality of sets (six sets in this embodiment) are provided in a state of being arranged in the vertical direction.
As the lift device 4, a pair of lift devices 4 including a warehousing lift device 4 a and a warehousing lift device 4 b are provided. In addition, as the loading / unloading conveyor 5, a pair of loading / unloading conveyors 5 including a loading conveyor 5a and a loading conveyor 5b are provided.

In the automatic warehouse equipment configured as described above, the articles W received from the warehousing conveyor 5a are distributed and conveyed to the plurality of warehousing relay conveyors 3a by the warehousing lift device 4a. And the goods W of the relay conveyor 3a for warehousing are conveyed on the shelf board 7 provided in the same step by the article conveyance cart 2 provided in the same step.
In addition, the article W on the shelf board 7 is transported to the delivery relay conveyor 3b provided at the same stage by the article transport carriage 2 provided at the same stage as the shelf board 7. The articles W on the plurality of outgoing relay conveyors 3b are conveyed to the outgoing conveyor 5b by the outgoing lift device 4b.

Next, the article transport cart 2 will be described. 1 and 3 illustrate the article transport carriage 2 to which the cover 9 is attached, and FIG. 2 illustrates the article transport carriage 2 from which the cover 9 has been removed.
As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the article transporting carriage 2 transfers the article W by moving the article W along the traveling direction (first direction) and the carriage main body 2 </ b> A along the second direction. An article transfer device 2B.

In the cart body 2A, a pair of driving wheels 10 that roll on a pair of traveling rails 8 (see FIG. 1), a traveling motor 11 that rotates the pair of driving wheels 10 and a rolling rail 8 are rolled. And a pair of freely driven wheels 12 that rotate.
The pair of drive wheels 10 are interlocked and connected by a drive shaft for travel (not shown). Then, the travel drive shaft and the pair of drive wheels 10 are driven to rotate by driving the travel motor 11, so that the cart body 2 </ b> A reciprocates along the travel direction in the first direction.

The article transfer device 2B is supported by the carriage main body 2A. The article transfer device 2B includes an article support table 14 that supports the article W from below, and a slide device 15 that moves the article W along the transfer direction. And are provided.
A pair of slide devices 15 are provided in a state where a gap is provided in the second direction. The slide device 15 located on the HP side of the pair of slide devices 15 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a movable slide device 15a) is supported by the guide body 16 of the carriage main body 2A so as to be movable in the first direction. Yes. The slide device 15 located on the OP side of the pair of slide devices 15 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a fixed slide device 15b) is fixed to the carriage main body 2A so as not to move in the first direction.

  Further, a pair of article support bases 14 are provided in a state of being aligned in the second direction so as to be positioned between the pair of slide devices 15. Of the pair of article support tables 14, the article support table 14 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a moving article support table 14a) positioned on the HP side is movable in the first direction by the guide body 16 of the carriage main body 2A. It is supported and fixed to the moving slide device 15a so as to move integrally with the moving slide device 15a in the first direction. The article support base 14 (hereinafter sometimes referred to as a fixed article support base 14b) located on the OP side of the pair of article support bases 14 is supported by the guide body 16 of the carriage main body 2A, but is fixed slide. Since it is fixed to the device 15b, it does not move in the first direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the pair of slide devices 15 includes a tip member 20, a relay member 19 that supports the tip member 20 slidably along the second direction, and the relay member 19 in the second direction. A base member 18 that is slidably supported along with the relay member 19 and a distal end member 20 are provided.

  With the side on which the article support base 14 is positioned with respect to the slide device 15 in the first direction as the inner side, each of the pair of slide devices 15 has the relay member 19 positioned inward of the base member 18 in the first direction, and the tip member The base member 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20 are arranged in the first direction so that 20 is positioned inside the relay member 19 in the first direction.

The interlocking member 21 includes a first interlocking belt 21a and a second interlocking belt 21b. The first interlocking belt 21a and the second interlocking belt 21b are provided in the slide device 15 so as to overlap each other when viewed in the vertical direction.
In the first interlocking belt 21a, the end of the first interlocking belt 21a is connected to the base member 18 and the tip member 20, and the intermediate part of the first interlocking belt 21a is on one side in the second direction with respect to the relay member 19. When the relay member 19 is moved to one side in the second direction with respect to the base member 18, the tip member 20 is moved to one side in the second direction with respect to the relay member 19. It is equipped to let you.
In the second interlocking belt 21b, the end of the second interlocking belt 21b is connected to the base member 18 and the tip member 20, and the intermediate part of the second interlocking belt 21b is on the other side in the second direction with respect to the relay member 19. When the relay member 19 moves to the other side in the second direction with respect to the base member 18, the tip member 20 moves to the other side in the second direction with respect to the relay member 19. It is equipped to let you.

As shown in FIG. 2, the article transfer device 2 </ b> B includes an exit / retreat motor 22 that moves the pair of slide devices 15 in and out along the second direction and an interval motor 23 that changes the distance between the pair of slide devices 15. And are provided.
The retracting motor 22 slides the relay member 19 and the tip member 20 to retreat each of the pair of slide devices 15 in the second direction (see FIG. 2) and each of the pair of slide devices 15. It switches to the protrusion state (refer FIG. 3) protruded in the 2nd direction. In this protruding state, the end of the distal end member 20 on the retracting side is located on the protruding side from the protruding end of the base member 18. Incidentally, when the slide device 15 is projected to one side in the second direction, one side in the second direction is the projecting side, and the opposite side is the retraction side.
As the protruding state, there are a protruding state that protrudes from the retracted state shown in FIG. 2 to one side in the second direction as shown in FIG. 3, and a protruding state that protrudes from the retracted state to the other side in the second direction. Yes, each of the pair of slide devices 15 can protrude from the retracted state to both sides in the second direction.

  As shown in FIG. 3, each of the pair of slide devices 15 is provided with an exit / retreat unit 24 including a toothed belt 26. The exit / retreat unit 24 is configured such that the toothed belt 26 is rotationally driven along the longitudinal direction thereof as the exit / retreat drive shaft 25 rotates. The toothed belt 26 meshes with a rack 27 formed at the lower end of the relay member 19. Further, the exit / retreat drive shaft 25 is constituted by a spline shaft, and the exit / retreat unit 24 of the movable slide device 15a is linked to the exit / retreat drive shaft 25 so as to be movable in the first direction.

  Then, by rotating the exit / retreat drive shaft 25 by the exit / retreat motor 22, the toothed belt 26 of the pair of exit / retreat units 24 is rotationally driven along the longitudinal direction thereof. , The relay member 19 moves in the second direction with respect to the base member 18, and the tip member 20 moves in the second direction with respect to the relay member 19 due to the presence of the interlocking member 21. It is configured to exit and exit along two directions.

  A rotating belt 28 is connected to the moving slide device 15a, and by driving the distance motor 23, the rotating belt 28 is rotated in the longitudinal direction thereof, and the moving slide device 15a is moved in the first direction. It is comprised so that the space | interval of a pair of slide apparatus 15 may be changed.

As shown in FIG. 3, hook units 29 are provided at both ends of the tip member 20 in the second direction. As shown in FIG. 5, the hook unit 29 is erected with a hook 29 a that swings around the axis along the second direction, and an engagement posture (see FIGS. 3 and 5) in which the hook 29 a is overturned. A hook motor 29b whose posture is changed to the retracted posture (see FIG. 2), a detection sensor 29c for detecting the hook 29a in the retracted posture, and a resin material interposed between the hook motor 29b and the detection sensor 29c. And a configured spacer 29d.
The hook motor 29b is a motor with a reduction gear, and the hook 29a is fixed to the output shaft of the hook motor 29b. The detection sensor 29c is a proximity sensor that detects the metal hook 29a by electromagnetic induction. The detection sensor 29c is placed on the hook motor 29b with a spacer 29d interposed therebetween.

  Then, the pair of slide devices 15 driven by the distance motor 23 is changed to a distance corresponding to the width of the article W, and the pair of slide devices 15 driven by the exit / retreat motor 22 is switched between the retracted state and the protruded state. And by changing the posture between the engagement posture and the retracting posture of the hook 29a by driving the hook motor 29b, the transfer of the article W from the article support base 14 to the shelf board 7 and the relay conveyor 3, the shelf board 7 and the relay An article W is transferred from the conveyor 3 to the article support 14. The second direction is the transfer direction of the article W.

Next, the structure which guides the relay member 19 and the front-end | tip member 20 in the slide apparatus 15 along a 2nd direction is demonstrated. The pair of slide devices 15 are configured in the same manner except for whether or not they are supported by the cart body 2A so as to be movable in the first direction. Only the structure which guides the relay member 19 and the front-end | tip member 20 in 15a along a 2nd direction is demonstrated.
By the way, in this specification, a portion above the center of the target member is referred to as an upper portion, and a portion below the center of the target member is referred to as a lower portion. Moreover, the part within the width of 1/3 of the object member centering on the upper and lower center of the object member is referred to as the upper and lower center part.

  The slide device 15 includes a guide member 31 that guides the upper part of the relay member 19 and the upper part of the tip member 20 along the second direction, and guides the lower part of the relay member 19 and the lower part of the tip member 20 along the second direction. And a guide support mechanism 32. The guide support mechanism 32 includes a first slide rail 32a and a second slide rail 32b, and the first slide rail 32a and the second slide rail 32b are provided at the same height.

The first slide rail 32a is provided at the lower part of the base member 18, and the first slide rail 32a is connected to the lower part of the relay member 19 to guide the relay member 19 along the second direction. Thus, by providing the base member 18 with the first slide rail 32a, the base member 18 supports the relay member 19 so as to be slidable along the second direction.
The second slide rail 32b is provided at the lower part of the relay member 19, and the second slide rail 32b is connected to the lower part of the tip member 20 to guide the tip member 20 along the second direction. Thus, by providing the relay member 19 with the second slide rail 32b, the relay member 19 supports the tip member 20 so as to be slidable along the second direction.

  Each of the first slide rail 32a and the second slide rail 32b includes an inner rail 34, an outer rail 35, and several pieces held by a holding member (not shown) between the inner rail 34 and the outer rail 35. Ball 36. Each of the inner rail 34 and the outer rail 35 is formed by bending a plate-like member so that the cross-sectional shape is C-shaped.

The base member 18 includes a base engaged portion 18 a that engages with the guide member 31. The upper portion of the base member 18 is formed in a C-shape that is bent inward in the first direction and the upper end portion is directed downward. The base engaged portion 18 a is formed at the upper end of the base member 18.
The relay member 19 includes a relay engaged portion 19 a that engages with the guide member 31. The upper portion of the relay member 19 is formed in a shape that bulges on both sides in the first direction, and the relay engaged portion 19 a is formed at the upper end portion of the relay member 19.
The tip member 20 is provided with a tip engaged portion 20 a that engages with the guide member 31. The upper portion of the tip member 20 is formed in a C shape that is bent outward in the first direction and the upper end portion is directed downward. The tip engaged portion 20 a is formed at the upper end portion of the tip member 20.

The base engaged portion 18a is formed over the entire length of the base member 18 in the second direction, and the protruding end of the base engaged portion 18a is connected to the protruding end of the base member 18 and the second end. Located in the same position in the direction. Further, the tip engaged portion 20a is formed over the entire length of the tip member 20 in the second direction, and the end of the tip engaged portion 20a on the retracting side is the end of the tip member 20 on the retracting side. Located at the same position in the second direction.
Therefore, in the projecting state, the end portion on the retraction side of the tip engaged portion 20a is located on the projecting side from the projecting end portion of the base engaged portion 18a.

The guide member 31 is formed in a rectangular shape whose shape in the second direction is wider in the second direction than in the vertical direction, and is made of a resin material. Specifically, as the guide member 31, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or the like is used in consideration of wear resistance.
The guide member 31 is located at the lower part of the guide member 31 and the relay member engaging part 39a to which the relay engaged part 19a of the relay member 19 is engaged from below. The guide member 31 is located at the upper part of the guide member 31 and is a base member. The base member engaging portion 38 with which the 18 base engaged portions 18a are engaged from above, and the tip member with which the tip engaged portion 20a of the tip member 20 is engaged with the guide member 31 from above. Engaging portion 40 in a state extending in the second direction. Each of the base engaged portion 18a and the tip engaged portion 20a is formed in a groove shape that is recessed downward in the guide member 31, and the relay engaged portion 19a is recessed upward in the guide member 31. It is formed in a groove shape.

The base engaged portion 18a engages with the base member engaging portion 38 of the guide member 31 so as to be slidable in the second direction.
The guide member 31 is fixed to the relay member 19 with a plurality of screws in a state where the relay engaged portion 19a is engaged with the relay member engaging portion 39. The relay member 19 is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member 31 being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion 38.
The tip engaged portion 20a engages with the tip member engaging portion 40 of the guide member 31 so as to be slidable in the second direction, so that the tip member 20 is slidable in the second direction. Is engaged.

As shown in FIG. 4, the length of the guide member 31 is shorter than the length of the relay member 19 in the second direction. Further, the length of the guide member 31 (the length from the protruding end portion of the distal end member engaging portion 40 to the retracting end portion of the base member engaging portion 38) is such that the slide device 15 is in the protruding state. The protruding end of the base member 18 (the protruding end of the base engaged portion 18a) and the retracting end of the distal end member 20 (retraction of the distal engaged portion 20a) in a certain transfer direction. Longer than the distance from the side edge).
The guide member 31 is fixed to the relay member 19 so as to be within the width of the relay member 19 in the second direction, and the slide device 15 is in a protruding state as well as when the slide device 15 is in the retracted state. Even at this time, the guide member 31 is engaged with the base member 18 and the tip member 20, and the engagement is maintained even if the slide device 15 is withdrawn.

Thus, in the upper part of the slide device 15, the relay member 19 and the tip member 20 are guided in the second direction by sliding with the guide member 31, so that the relay member 19 and the tip in the upper part of the slide device 15 are configured. The structure for guiding the member 20 is simplified.
In the lower part of the slide device 15, the relay member 19 and the tip member 20 are guided and supported by the first slide rail 32 a and the second slide rail 32 b so as to be movable in the second direction, so that the relay in the lower part of the slide device 15 is performed. The structure for guiding and supporting the member 19 and the tip member 20 is simplified.

[Another embodiment]

(1) In the above embodiment, the guide member 31 is provided on the upper portion of the slide device 15. However, the guide member 31 may be provided on the lower portion of the slide device 15. You may prepare for both. As a specific example when the guide member 31 is provided in the lower part of the slide device 15, for example, the guide member 31 is fixed to the lower end portion of the relay member 19, and the lower end portion of the base member 18 and the lower end portion of the tip member 20 are provided. The guide member 31 is engaged.
In the above-described embodiment, the guide support mechanism 32 (the first slide rail 32a and the second slide rail 32b) is provided at the lower part of the slide device 15. However, the guide support mechanism 32 is provided at the lower part of the slide device 15 and at the upper and lower central part. You may prepare.

(2) In the above embodiment, the base member 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20 are provided in a state aligned in the first direction, and the slide device 15 is provided in the article transfer device 2B in a vertical posture. 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20 may be provided in a state in which they are arranged in the vertical direction, and the slide device 15 may be provided in a lateral position on the article transfer device 2 </ b> B.
In the above embodiment, the article transfer device 2B is provided with a pair of slide devices 15 arranged in the first direction. However, the article transfer device 2B may be provided with only a single slide device 15.

(3) In the above embodiment, the base engaged portion 18 a of the base member 18 is engaged with the upper portion of the guide member 31 from above, and the relay engaged portion 19 a of the relay member 19 is engaged with the lower portion of the guide member 31 from below. The tip engaged portion 20a of the tip member 20 is engaged with the upper portion of the guide member 31 from above, but the base engaged portion 18a, the relay engaged portion 19a, and the tip engaged portion in the guide member 31 are engaged. The position where the portion 20a engages and the direction in which the base engaged portion 18a, the relay engaged portion 19a, and the tip engaged portion 20a engage with the guide member 31 may be changed as appropriate.
Specifically, for example, the base engaged portion 18a of the base member 18 is engaged with the upper and lower central portions of the guide member 31 from the inner side in the first direction, and the distal engaged portion 20a of the distal end member 20 is guided. You may engage the upper-lower center part of the member 31 from the outer side of a 1st direction. Further, the relay member 19 may be fixed to the guide member 31 without engaging the relay member 19 with the guide member 31.
Then, in order to prevent the base engaged portion 18a and the tip engaged portion 20a from engaging with the guide member 31, or to make it difficult to release, the shapes of the base engaged portion 18a and the tip engaged portion 20a are relayed. Similarly to the shape of the relay engaged portion 19a of the member 19, it may be formed in a shape that swells in the vertical direction. Even when the base engaged portion 18a and the tip engaged portion 20a are formed in this way, the base engaged portion 18a and the tip engaged portion 20a are configured to be slidable with respect to the guide member 31. .

(4) In the above embodiment, the shape of the base member engaging portion 38 is formed in a groove shape recessed into the guide member 31, but the base member engaging portion 38 is formed from the guide member 31. You may form in the shape of the protrusion formed. Similarly, the relay member engaging portion 39 may be formed in a protruding shape protruding from the guide member 31, and the tip member engaging portion 40 is protruded from the guiding member 31. You may form in.

(5) In the above-described embodiment, the guide support mechanism 32 is configured by a slide rail. However, the guide support mechanism 32 may be configured to support and guide, and the guide support mechanism 32 may be configured as a guide rail and a guide. The configuration of the guide support mechanism 32, such as a roller, may be changed as appropriate.

(6) In the above embodiment, the slide device 15 is configured in a three-stage manner with the base member 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20, but the slide device 15 may be a four-stage or more.
Specifically, for example, in addition to the base member 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20, a second tip member supported by the tip member 20 so as to be slidable in the transfer direction is provided. The slide device 15 may be configured. In this case, in addition to the guide member 31, a second guide member fixed to the tip member 20 and slidably engaged with the second tip member in the transfer direction may be provided.
Further, for example, in addition to the base member 18, the relay member 19, and the tip member 20, a second base member that slidably supports the base member 18 in the transfer direction is provided, and the four-stage slide device 15 is provided. It may be configured. In this case, in addition to the guide member 31, a third guide member fixed to the second base member and engaged with the base member 18 slidably in the transfer direction may be provided.

(7) In the above embodiment, the guide member is made of a resin material. However, the material of the guide member may be changed as appropriate, for example, when the base member and the tip member are directly slid and guided by the relay member. Alternatively, the guide member may be made of a material that can slide smoothly with the base member or the tip member, such as a guide member made of a material having a lower friction coefficient than the relay member so as to slide smoothly.

2B article transfer device 15 slide device 18 base member 18a base engaged portion 19 relay member 20 tip member 20a tip engaged portion 22 exit / retreat motor (drive device)
31 Guide member 32a First slide rail 32b Second slide rail 38 Engagement part for base member 39 Engagement part for relay member 40 Engagement part for tip member W Article

Claims (4)

An article transfer device provided with a slide device for moving an article along a transfer direction,
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion fixed to the relay member and extending in the transfer direction and a tip member engaging portion are formed, and
The base member is engaged with the base member engaging portion,
The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion,
The tip member is slidably guided in the transfer direction by the guide member by engaging with the engagement member for the tip member ,
The base member includes a base engaged portion that engages with the base member engaging portion,
The tip member is provided with a tip engaged portion that engages with the tip member engaging portion,
The protruding state is such that the end portion on the retraction side of the tip engaged portion is located on the protruding side from the protruding side end portion of the base engaged portion,
The length of the guide member is shorter than the length in the transfer direction of the relay member,
The length of the guide member from the projecting end of the distal end member engaging portion to the retracting end of the base member engaging portion is the shift when the slide device is in the projecting state. It is longer than the separation distance between the protruding end of the base engaged portion and the retracting end of the tip engaged portion in the mounting direction,
The article transfer device , wherein the guide member is fixed to the relay member so as to be within the width of the transfer member in the transfer direction . A pair of the slide devices are juxtaposed in a state in which the slide devices are spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the transfer direction in plan view,
The pair of respective slide device, said base member and said intermediate member and said article transfer device of which according to claim 1, wherein a distal end member in a state aligned in the lateral width direction. An article transfer device provided with a slide device for moving an article along a transfer direction,
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion fixed to the relay member and extending in the transfer direction and a tip member engaging portion are formed, and
The base member is engaged with the base member engaging portion,
The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion,
The tip member is slidably guided in the transfer direction by the guide member by engaging with the engagement member for the tip member ,
A pair of the slide devices are juxtaposed in a state in which the slide devices are spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the transfer direction in plan view,
Each of the pair of slide devices includes the base member, the relay member, and the tip member arranged in the lateral width direction,
The base member engaging portion is formed in a shape in which the upper end portion of the base member is engaged from above and located on the upper portion of the guide member,
The article transfer device, wherein the tip member engaging portion is positioned at an upper portion of the guide member and an upper end portion of the tip member is engaged from above . An article transfer device provided with a slide device for moving an article along a transfer direction,
The slide device includes a tip member, a relay member that supports the tip member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction, and a base member that supports the relay member in a slidable manner along the transfer direction. A drive device that switches between a retracted state in which the relay member and the tip member are slid to retract the slide device in the transfer direction and a protruded state in which the slide device protrudes in the transfer direction; and A base member engaging portion fixed to the relay member and extending in the transfer direction and a tip member engaging portion are formed, and
The base member is engaged with the base member engaging portion,
The relay member is guided in the transfer direction by the guide member being slidably guided in the transfer direction by the base member engaging portion,
The tip member is slidably guided in the transfer direction by the guide member by engaging with the engagement member for the tip member ,
A pair of the slide devices are juxtaposed in a state in which the slide devices are spaced apart in a lateral direction perpendicular to the transfer direction in plan view,
Each of the pair of slide devices includes the base member, the relay member, and the tip member arranged in the lateral width direction,
The guide member is connected to the upper end of the relay member,
The upper end of the base member is engaged with the base member engaging portion in a state in which movement in the lateral width direction with respect to the guide member is restricted,
The upper end portion of the tip member is engaged with the tip member engaging portion in a state where movement in the lateral width direction with respect to the guide member is restricted,
A first slide rail connected to a lower portion of the relay member and guiding the relay member along the transfer direction is provided at a lower portion of the base member;
The article transfer device , wherein a second slide rail connected to a lower portion of the tip member and guiding the tip member along the transfer direction is provided at a lower portion of the relay member .

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