JP6420516B1 - Plate member conveying device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plate member transport device capable of easily synchronizing two transport systems for transporting a plate member.
A plate member conveying apparatus 1000 is for conveying a plate member WP1. The plate member conveyance device 1000 connects the first conveyance system 100 having the first belt 110, the second conveyance system 200 having the second belt 210, and the first belt 110 and the second belt 210. And a clamp 310. The second transport system 200 includes a vacuum cup 220 that holds the plate member WP1. The clamp 310 connects the first belt 110 and the second belt 210 within a first period in which the vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The technical field of the present specification relates to a plate member conveying apparatus that conveys a plate-shaped material in a factory.

  In a machine tool such as a press machine, a plate-shaped material is conveyed to a press location of the press machine. For example, a vacuum cup may be used as such a conveying member.

  The present applicant has developed a technique for arranging the support member at a position slightly away from the plate member (Patent Document 1). This plate member conveying apparatus can convey a plate member at high speed. The plate member transport device can suppress fluttering of the plate member and can prevent the plate member from being detached from the vacuum cup or the like.

Japanese Patent No. 6166439

  However, in the plate member conveying apparatus of Patent Document 1, it is difficult to move the vacuum cup 110 and the belt conveyor 210 in synchronization. The vacuum cup 110 and the belt conveyor 210 can be synchronized by software control. However, it was forced to make different settings for each lot. That is, it was difficult to synchronize the two transport systems that transport the plate member.

  The technique of this specification has been made to solve the problems of the conventional techniques described above. The subject is providing the board member conveying apparatus which can synchronize easily 2 systems of conveyance systems which convey a board member.

The plate member conveyance device according to the first aspect is for conveying a plate member. The plate member conveying device includes a first conveying system having a first conveying member, a second conveying system having a second conveying member, and a connection for connecting the first conveying member and the second conveying member. Part. The second transport system has a plate member holding portion that holds the plate member. The connecting portion connects the first transport member and the second transport member within a first period in which the plate member holding portion holds the plate member. And the distance between the 1st conveyance member and a board member is 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less within the 1st period.

  In this plate member transport device, the connecting portion mechanically connects the first transport member and the second transport member. Therefore, this plate member conveyance device can easily synchronize the second conveyance member with the first conveyance member.

  In this specification, the board member conveyance apparatus which can synchronize easily the conveyance system of 2 systems which convey a board member is provided.

It is a top view for demonstrating the plate member which the plate member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment conveys. It is a top view which shows schematic structure of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a side view which shows schematic structure of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure (the 1) for demonstrating operation | movement of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating operation | movement of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is FIG. (3) for demonstrating operation | movement of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment. It is FIG. (4) for demonstrating operation | movement of the board member conveying apparatus of 1st Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, specific embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings, taking a plate member transport device as an example.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment will be described. The plate member conveyance device of this embodiment is for conveying a thin plate member. Before describing the configuration of the plate member conveying device, the plate member will be described.

1. Plate Member FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a plate member WP1 conveyed in the present embodiment. The plate member WP1 is conveyed in the direction of the first direction J1. The mass of the plate member WP1 of the present embodiment is, for example, in the range of 5 kg to 25 kg. The length of the plate member WP1 in the direction parallel to the direction of the conveyance direction (first direction J1) is, for example, not less than 300 mm and not more than 800 mm. The length in the width direction of the plate member WP1 is, for example, not less than 500 mm and not more than 1500 mm. The thickness of the plate member WP1 is, for example, not less than 0.5 mm and not more than 4 mm. These numerical ranges are examples, and plate members WP1 other than those described above may be used. The material of the plate member WP1 is, for example, steel or aluminum.

  Thus, the plate member WP1 of the present embodiment is thin and heavy. Therefore, for example, when the plate member WP1 is conveyed at a conveyance speed of about 150 m / min to 200 m / min, the plate member WP1 is likely to flutter. As a result, the plate member WP1 may be detached from the member that holds the plate member WP1. If the plate member WP1 falls to the floor, the plate member WP1 may of course be damaged. As a result, the yield and productivity of the product may be reduced.

2. Plate Member Conveying Device FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the plate member conveying device 1000 of the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the plate member conveying apparatus 1000 of the present embodiment. The plate member conveying apparatus 1000 is for conveying the plate member WP1 to the press machine 900.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the plate member transport apparatus 1000 includes a first transport system 100 and a pair of second transport systems 200. The pair of second transport systems 200 are arranged side by side with the first transport system 100 interposed therebetween. The first transport system 100 is a first belt conveyor. The second transport system 200 is a second belt conveyor. The second transport system 200 is parallel to the first transport system 100.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first transport system 100 includes a first belt 110, a driving roller 120, free rollers 130 and 140, and a motor 150. The second transport system 200 includes a second belt 210, a vacuum cup 220, a support member 230, and free rollers 240 and 250. In addition to the above, the plate member conveying apparatus 1000 includes a clamp 310 and an actuator 320.

  The first belt 110 is a first conveying member that assists in conveying the plate member WP1 in the first direction J1. The first belt 110 is for suppressing flapping of the plate member WP1. The first belt 110 is rotationally driven while being supported by the drive roller 120 and the free rollers 130 and 140. The outer peripheral surface of the first belt 110 facing the plate member WP1 moves in the first direction J1 when transporting facing the plate member WP1. The outer peripheral surface of the first belt 110 stops when the plate member WP1 is not conveyed. Of course, the first belt 110 may take a deceleration state for stopping.

  The driving roller 120 is for supporting the first belt 110 and rotationally driving it. The free rollers 130 and 140 are for supporting the first belt 110 together with the driving roller 120 and assisting the rotation thereof. The motor 150 is for rotating the drive roller 120. The motor 150 may be a servo motor, a stepping motor, or other motor.

  The second belt 210 has a vacuum cup 220, a support member 230, and a clamp 310 on the outer peripheral surface thereof. The second belt 210 is fixed to the vacuum cup 220 via the support member 230. The second belt 210 rotates forward in a direction that moves the vacuum cup 220 in the first direction J1, and reverse rotation that rotates in a direction that moves the vacuum cup 220 in the direction opposite to the first direction J1. Can be used.

  The vacuum cup 220 is a plate member holding member that sucks and holds the plate member WP1. The vacuum cup 220 may hold the plate member WP1 by an electromagnet in addition to the adsorption. The vacuum cup 220 can hold and release the plate member WP1. Actually, the vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1 during the period in which the plate member WP1 moves in the first direction J1. During other periods, the vacuum cup 220 does not hold the plate member WP1.

  The vacuum cup 220 can support the plate member WP1 from vertically below. Therefore, the suction surface (holding surface) of the vacuum cup 220 faces vertically upward. Further, the vacuum cup 220 can be expanded and contracted in the vertical direction K1. Note that the distance between the plate member WP1 and the first belt 110 is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less during the period in which the vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1. The vacuum cup 220 is fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the second belt 210 via the support member 230.

  The support member 230 is for supporting the vacuum cup 220 and fixing the vacuum cup 220 to the second belt 210. The free rollers 240 and 250 are for supporting the second belt 210 and assisting the rotation of the second belt 210.

  The clamp 310 is a connecting portion for connecting the first belt 110 and the second belt 210. The clamp 310 is a fixing member fixed to the second belt 210. The clamp 310 can grip the first belt 110. The clamp 310 grips the first belt 110 and releases it.

  The actuator 320 is a plate member holding unit moving unit that moves the position of the vacuum cup 220 of the second belt 210. The actuator 320 has a piston 321. The piston 321 of the actuator 320 takes an initial state and a state protruding from the initial state. Of course, the piston 321 may be in the middle of protruding from the initial state. The actuator 320 pushes a clamp 310 that is a fixing member of the second belt 210. Thereby, the 2nd belt 210 in which the clamp 310 is provided can be reversely rotated.

3. Relationship Between Plate Member and First Transport System There is a gap of 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less between the lower end of plate member WP1 that is attracted to vacuum cup 220 and first belt 110. That is, the distance between the first belt 110 and the plate member WP1 during conveyance of the plate member WP1 is 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In this case, the plate member WP1 and the first belt 110 are in a non-contact state. However, when the plate member WP1 bends or slightly swings, the plate member WP1 may temporarily contact the first belt 110.

  The first belt 110 does not directly convey the plate member WP1, but assists the conveyance of the plate member WP1. Since there is the first belt 110, flapping of the plate member WP1 is suppressed. Moreover, it can suppress that plate member WP1 remove | deviates from the vacuum cup 220. FIG.

3. The relationship between the connecting portion and the second transport system And, during the period in which the clamp 310 is gripping the first belt 110, the second belt 210 rotates in synchronization with the first belt 110. To do. During the period when the clamp 310 is not gripping the first belt 110, the second belt 210 cannot rotate unless it receives a rotational drive from others.

  As described above, the second belt 210 does not have a driving roller for rotationally driving. Therefore, the second belt 210 does not rotate as it is. A clamp 310 couples the second belt 210 to the first belt 110. As a result, the second belt 210 rotates forward. Further, the piston 321 of the actuator 320 pushes the clamp 310. As a result, the second belt 210 to which the clamp 310 is attached rotates in the reverse direction.

3-1. First Period The first period is a period in which the vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1. The clamp 310 grips and conveys the first belt 110 over the first period. That is, the clamp 310 connects the first belt 110 and the second belt 210 within the first period. Therefore, the second belt 210 rotates forward within the first period. The second belt 210 moves the vacuum cup 220 holding the plate member WP1 in the first direction J1 within the first period. At this time, the second belt 210 and the first belt 110 rotate in synchronization.

3-2. Second Period The second period is a period that is not the first period. During the second period, the vacuum cup 220 does not hold the plate member WP1. In addition, the clamp 310 does not grip the first belt 110 within the second period. That is, the clamp 310 does not connect the first belt 110 and the second belt 210 within the second period.

  The piston 321 of the actuator 320 pushes the clamp 310 within the second period. The clamp 310 is a fixing member fixed to the second belt 210. Therefore, the second belt 210 rotates in the reverse direction within the second period. In this way, the actuator 320 returns the position of the second belt 210. That is, the piston 321 of the actuator 320 returns the vacuum cup 220 to the start position where the vacuum cup 220 starts holding the plate member WP1 within the second period.

3-3. First Period and Second Period As described above, the clamp 310 holds the first belt 110 in the period (first period) in which the vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1. The clamp 310 does not grip the first belt 110 during the period when the vacuum cup 220 does not hold the plate member WP1 (second period).

3-4. Stop period There may be a stop period between the first period and the second period.

4). Operation of Plate Member Conveying Device FIGS. 4 to 7 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the plate member conveying device 1000 of the present embodiment.

4-1. Holding the Plate Member As shown in FIG. 4, the plate member WP <b> 1 is arranged above the first belt 110 of the first transport system 100. At this time, a known technique may be used. For example, the device at the left end of FIG. At this time, the vacuum cup 220 of the second transport system 200 extends toward the plate member WP1. The vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1.

  At this time, the plate member WP1 may be temporarily placed on the first belt 110. The vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1 by lifting and adsorbing the placed plate member WP1. Of course, the vacuum cup 220 may hold the plate member WP1 before placing the plate member WP1 on the first belt 110.

  The vacuum cup 220 holds the plate member WP1, and the clamp 310 holds the first belt 110. At this stage, the second belt 210 can rotate in synchronization with the first belt 110. Note that the piston 321 of the actuator 320 is disposed at an initial position.

4-2. Conveyance of First Conveyance System and Second Conveyance System As shown in FIG. 5, the motor 150 rotates the first belt 110. Accordingly, the second belt 210 rotates in synchronization with the first belt 110. And plate member WP1 which vacuum cup 220 holds is conveyed in the direction of the 1st direction J1. Since the clamp 310 is fixed to the second belt 210, the clamp 310 also moves accordingly.

4-3. Release of Holding of Plate Member As shown in FIG. 6, the vacuum cup 220 conveys the plate member WP1 to the movement end position. Then, the suction of air by the vacuum cup 220 is released. As a result, the holding of the plate member WP1 by the vacuum cup 220 is released. Then, the plate member WP1 is sent to the press machine 900.

  Next, the vacuum cup 220 shrinks away from the plate member WP1. At this stage, the clamp 310 releases the grip of the first belt 110. The second belt 210 does not rotate in synchronization with the first belt 110.

4-4. Returning to the Start Position As shown in FIG. 7, the piston 321 of the actuator 320 starts to expand. Then, the piston 321 pushes the clamp 310. The clamp 310 is fixed to the second belt 210 as described above. Therefore, the second belt 210 rotates reversely with the movement of the piston 321. Then, when the vacuum cup 220 returns to the conveyance start position of the plate member WP1, the piston 321 stops. Thereby, the vacuum cup 220 stops at the transfer start position of the plate member WP1. Thereafter, the actuator 320 returns the piston 321 to the original position. In this step, the second belt 210 rotates in the reverse direction, but the first belt 110 remains stopped.

5. Effects of this Embodiment The plate member transport apparatus 1000 according to this embodiment can easily synchronize the first transport system 100 and the second transport system 200 for transporting the plate member WP1. There is no need to adjust the plate member conveying apparatus 1000 for each lot by the control software.

  The plate member conveyance device 1000 does not require a device for suspending the vacuum cup from above. Therefore, the plate member transport apparatus 1000 is smaller than the conventional apparatus. Further, since the number of parts is reduced, the manufacturing cost is also reduced.

  Moreover, the plate member conveyance apparatus 1000 of this embodiment supports the plate member WP1 from the vertically lower side of the plate member WP1. For this reason, it is also possible to transport parts having complicated planar shapes other than rectangles. Moreover, since a magnet is not used, aluminum or the like can be transported. In addition, the air consumption of the plate member transport apparatus 1000 of the present embodiment is less than that of a conventional apparatus that suspends a vacuum cup from above. That is, the plate member transport apparatus 1000 has an energy saving effect.

6). Modification 6-1. First Belt In the present embodiment, the first belt 110 is decelerated or stopped during a period other than the first period during which the plate member WP1 is moved. However, the first belt 110 may rotate forward in a period other than the first period. In some cases, reverse rotation may be performed.

6-2. Number of First Belt Rows In the present embodiment, the first belt 110 is one row. However, the plate member conveyance device 1000 may include a plurality of rows of first belts 110 sandwiched between the second belts 210.

6-3. Clamp Position The clamp 310 may be fixed to the first belt 110. In that case, the clamp 310 may grip the second belt 210. Thereby, the 1st belt 110 and the 2nd belt 210 rotate in synchronization. As described above, the clamp 310 serving as the connecting portion may be fixed to the first belt 110 or may be fixed to the second belt 210.

6-4. Actuator In this embodiment, the piston 321 of the actuator 320 rotates the second belt 210 in reverse by pushing the clamp 310. However, another member may be provided on the second belt 210 and the piston 321 may push the member. Other mechanisms may be used as long as the position of the vacuum cup 220 can be returned by rotating the second belt 210 in the reverse direction. In that case, it is not necessary to arrange the actuator 320 in accordance with the position of the clamp 310. That is, the degree of design freedom is improved.

6-5. Fixing Member A fixing member of the second belt 210 pressed by the piston 321 of the actuator 320 is a clamp 310. The plate member conveyance device 1000 may have a fixing member other than the clamp 310. In this case, the piston 321 of the actuator 320 may press a fixing member other than the clamp 310.

6-6. Second Transport System The pair of second transport systems 200 are arranged with the first transport system 100 interposed therebetween. The second transport system 200 may not be paired. The second transport system 200 may be disposed only on one side of the first transport system 100. This can be realized if the suction force of the vacuum cup 220 is large. However, when the pair of second transport systems 200 is used, the stability and certainty of transport of the plate member WP1 is improved.

6-7. Instead of the pulley clamp 310, a pulley and a one-way clutch may be used to connect the second belt 210 and the first belt 110.

6-8. Processing Device The plate member conveyance device 1000 conveys the plate member WP1 toward the press machine 900. However, the plate member WP1 may be transported toward a processing apparatus other than the press machine 900. Further, the plate member conveyance device 1000 may convey the processed member by the press machine 900 or the like.

6-9. Combination In addition, the above modified examples may be freely combined.

7). Summary of the present embodiment The plate member transport apparatus 1000 according to the present embodiment includes a first transport system 100 and a second transport system 200. The second belt 210 has a vacuum cup 220 that holds the plate member WP1. The clamp 310 of the second belt 210 can grip the first belt 110. Therefore, the second belt 210 can move the plate member WP <b> 1 by the vacuum cup 220 within the first period in which the clamp 310 holds the first belt 110. During this movement, the second belt 210 rotates in synchronization with the first belt 110.

A. Supplementary Note The plate member transport device according to the first aspect is for transporting a plate member. The plate member conveying device includes a first conveying system having a first conveying member, a second conveying system having a second conveying member, and a connection for connecting the first conveying member and the second conveying member. Part. The second transport system has a plate member holding portion that holds the plate member. The connecting portion connects the first transport member and the second transport member within a first period in which the plate member holding portion holds the plate member. And the distance between the 1st conveyance member and a board member is 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less within the 1st period.

The plate member conveyance device in the second mode is for conveying a plate member. The plate member conveying device includes a first conveying system having a first conveying member, a second conveying system having a second conveying member, and a connection for connecting the first conveying member and the second conveying member. Part. The second transport system has a plate member holding portion that holds the plate member. The connecting portion connects the first transport member and the second transport member within a first period in which the plate member holding section holds the plate member, and within a second period that is not the first period. In addition, the first transport member and the second transport member are not connected.

  In the plate member transport apparatus according to the third aspect, the connecting portion does not connect the first transport member and the second transport member within a second period that is not the first period.

  The plate member conveyance device according to the fourth aspect includes a plate member holding unit moving unit that moves the position of the plate member holding unit. The plate member holding unit moving unit returns the plate member holding unit to a start position where the plate member holding unit starts holding the plate member within the second period.

  In the plate member transport apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the second transport member has a fixed member fixed to the second transport member. The plate member holding unit moving unit returns the position of the plate member holding unit of the second transport member by pressing the fixing member within the second period.

  In the plate member transport apparatus according to the sixth aspect, the fixing member is a connecting portion.

  The plate member conveyance device according to the seventh aspect has a pair of second conveyance systems. The pair of second transport systems are arranged with the first transport system sandwiched therebetween.

  In the plate member conveyance device according to the eighth aspect, the connecting portion is a clamp.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1000 ... Plate member conveying apparatus 100 ... 1st conveying system 110 ... 1st belt 120 ... Drive roller 130, 140 ... Free roller 150 ... Motor 200 ... 2nd conveying system 210 ... 2nd belt 220 ... Vacuum cup 230 ... Support Member 240, 250 ... Free roller 310 ... Clamp 320 ... Actuator 321 ... Piston

Claims (8)

In the plate member transport device for transporting the plate member,
A first transport system having a first transport member;
A second transport system having a second transport member;
A connecting portion for connecting the first transport member and the second transport member;
Have
The second transport system is
A plate member holding portion for holding the plate member;
The connecting portion is
Within a first period in which the plate member holding portion holds the plate member,
Connecting the first transport member and the second transport member ;
The distance between the first transport member and the plate member is
Within the first period,
A plate member conveying apparatus characterized by being 0.1 mm or more and 10 mm or less. In the plate member transport device for transporting the plate member,
A first transport system having a first transport member;
A second transport system having a second transport member;
A connecting portion for connecting the first transport member and the second transport member;
Have
The second transport system is
A plate member holding portion for holding the plate member;
The connecting portion is
Within a first period in which the plate member holding portion holds the plate member,
Connecting the first transport member and the second transport member ;
Within a second period that is not the first period,
The plate member conveying apparatus, wherein the first conveying member and the second conveying member are not connected. In the board member conveyance device according to claim 1,
The connecting portion is
Within a second period that is not the first period,
The plate member conveying apparatus, wherein the first conveying member and the second conveying member are not connected. In the board member conveyance device according to claim 2 or 3,
A plate member holding part moving part for moving the position of the plate member holding part;
The plate member holding part moving part is
Within the second period,
The plate member conveying device, wherein the plate member holding unit returns the plate member holding unit to a start position where the plate member holding unit starts holding the plate member. In the board member conveyance device according to claim 4,
The second conveying member is
A fixing member fixed to the second conveying member;
The plate member holding part moving part is
Within the second period,
A plate member conveying apparatus that returns the position of the plate member holding portion of the second conveying member by pushing the fixing member. In the board member conveyance device according to claim 5,
The fixing member is
A plate member transporting device that is the connecting portion. In the board member conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A pair of the second transport systems;
The pair of second transport systems includes:
A plate member conveying device, wherein the plate member conveying device is disposed with the first conveying system interposed therebetween. In the board member conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The connecting portion is
A plate member transporting device characterized by being a clamp.

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