JP6487398B2 - Transport device and transport body - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a transport device for transporting a transport object to a predetermined position.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various transfer devices have been used to transfer an object from a first process execution place where one process is performed on a transfer object (for example, a workpiece material) to a second process execution place where another process is performed. It is used. In particular, when the conveyance path is set to be refracted, various devices are required to deliver the conveyance body between two intersecting conveyance rails.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a moving body direction changing device incorporated at an intersection of track rails of a transport device. In the transport device (1), four track rails (10) are vertically suspended at an angle of 90 degrees, and a direction changing device (2) is provided at the intersection. The direction changing device (2) includes a rotating body (31) supported so as to be horizontally rotated by a rotating shaft (30) provided at an intersection of the four track rails (10), and the rotating body. The main part is the rail part (32) provided in (31). Further, on one side plate (33) of the rotating body (31), a rotating operation rod (35) provided close to and parallel to the rotating shaft (30) is suspended. The rotating body (31) is rotated by turning 35) by hand. The method of using this direction changing device is as follows. The moving body (20) on which the object to be transported travels on the upstream track rail (10) and stops once it reaches the end. Next, the rotation operation rod (35) is rotated with one hand, and the angular position is adjusted so that the rail portion (32) is continuous with the end of the track rail (10) on which the movable body (20) has traveled. When the angular position is determined, the rail portion (32) biased in the centrifugal direction moves forward, contacts the end of the track rail (10), and is connected to the track rail (10).

Japanese Patent No. 5180655

  However, the conveyance device of Patent Document 1 delivers a conveyance body between two conveyance rails that intersect with each other by a rotation mechanism. Thus, in the transfer between the conveyance rails of a conveyance body, the structure of the whole conveyance apparatus becomes complicated by providing a rotation mechanism. Further, if the weight of the conveyed product is large, it is difficult to stably stop the rotating body at a predetermined angle due to inertia, and problems such as unstable positioning are likely to occur. The present invention pays attention to such a problem of the rotation mechanism, and omits the rotation mechanism from the transfer device, and a transfer device that can stably transfer the transfer body between the crossing transfer rails. provide.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport device that can stably transfer a transport body between intersecting transport rails with a simple structure.

The transport apparatus according to claim 1 is provided with a first rail portion extending along a first transport direction of a transport object and a first rail portion that is provided alongside the first rail portion and is rotationally driven in the first transport direction. A first conveyor rail comprising a conveyor section and laid at a first height;
A second rail portion extending in a second transport direction that intersects the first transport direction; and a second conveyor portion that is attached to the second rail portion and is driven to rotate in the second transport direction. A second transport rail laid at a second height different from the height of 1;
A first travel unit disposed on the first transport rail and configured to travel on the first rail unit; and a support body having a first press-contacting part capable of being press-contacted to the first conveyor unit;
A third rail portion that is supported by the support and extends parallel to the second rail portion at the second height, and is provided alongside the third rail portion and is rotationally driven in the transport direction. A movable rail having a third conveyor section;
Arranged on the second transport rail or the movable rail and capable of being pressed against the second traveling unit for traveling on the second rail unit and the third rail unit, and the second conveyor unit and the third conveyor unit. A transport body having a second pressure contact portion,
In plan view, the first transport rail and the second transport rail are arranged adjacent to each other so as not to overlap each other, the first transport rail extends in front of the end surface of the second transport rail, and the first transport rail The second transport rail and the movable rail can be continuously aligned in a straight line when the support moves to a transfer point in an intersecting region where the extension line of the second transport rail intersects. It is characterized by.

The transport apparatus according to claim 2 is the transport apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first press contact portion is moved when the support body moves to an intersection region between the first transport rail and the second transport rail. A control mechanism for controlling the operation of the first pressure contact portion so as to release the pressure contact to the first conveyor portion,
A position adjusting mechanism that acts on the support located in the intersecting region to guide the support to the transfer point where the second transport rail and the movable rail are continuously aligned in a straight line; Prepared,
The position adjustment mechanism is
An annular body having a predetermined inner diameter fixed to the support or the movable rail;
A movable body that is provided so as to be able to move straight along the second transport direction, and has a tip that faces the opening of the annular body when the movable rail is located in the intersecting region,
The moving body has a taper having a shape that continuously decreases from the base end to the front end, has an outer diameter smaller than the opening diameter of the annular body on the distal end side, and can be fitted to the annular body. Part is formed,
In a state where the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion of the support body to the first conveyor portion is released in the intersecting region, the distal end side of the tapered portion penetrates the annular body as the moving body moves straight, and the movement When the body is fitted to the annular body, the second transport rail and the movable rail are aligned in a straight line.

The transport device according to claim 3 is the transport device according to claim 2, wherein the control mechanism mechanically releases the press contact of the first press contact portion to the first conveyor unit. With
The moving body is pressed directly or indirectly when the moving body moves close to the support body to release the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion to the first conveyor portion. For this purpose, a pressing member is provided.

The conveying device according to claim 4 is the conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the support is provided with a transmission member that transmits a pressing force of the pressing member to the operation unit.
The pressing member includes a pressing portion that moves linearly in conjunction with the moving body and presses the transmission member when the moving body approaches the annular body.

  The conveying device according to claim 5 is the conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the pressing portion is a sliding body that allows sliding between the pressing member and the transmitting member in a state of being pressed against the transmitting member. Thus, the support is slidable in the first transport direction with respect to the movable body via the sliding body.

  The transport device according to claim 6 is the transport device according to claim 5, wherein the second transport rail and the movable rail are aligned in a straight line at a position where the center of the annular body and the center of the cross section of the moving body are matched. It is configured as follows

  The transport device according to claim 7 is the transport device according to claim 6, wherein the support is suspended from the first transport rail, and the movable rail is suspended from and supported by the support. Is suspended from the second transport rail or the movable rail.

  The conveyance device according to claim 8 is the conveyance device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion to the first conveyor portion is mechanically released to the transfer body. A push-down lever for operation is provided.

The transport body according to claim 9, a first transport rail that linearly extends at a first height along a first transport direction of the transport object,
A second transport rail extending linearly in a second transport direction intersecting the first transport direction at a second height different from the first height;
A support capable of traveling on the first transport rail;
A movable rail supported by the support and extending parallel to the second transport rail at the second height;
A transport body capable of traveling on the second transport rail and the movable rail,
In plan view, the first transport rail and the second transport rail are arranged adjacent to each other so as not to overlap each other, the first transport rail extends in front of the end surface of the second transport rail, and the first transport rail The second transport rail and the movable rail can be continuously aligned on a straight line when the support moves to an intersecting region where the extension line of the second transport rail intersects.

  According to the transport apparatus of one aspect of the present invention, the transport apparatus includes a first transport rail that extends at a first height along the first transport direction of the transport target, and a second height that is different from the first height. The second transport rail that extends in the second transport direction intersecting the first transport direction and is disposed adjacent to the side of the first transport rail so as not to overlap the first transport rail in plan view, A support that can travel on one transport rail, a movable rail that is supported by the support and extends parallel to the second transport rail at a second height, and a transport that can travel on the second transport rail and the movable rail And a body. That is, the support that can move the first transport rail supports the movable rail so that it can be integrally connected to the second transport rail at the transfer point. Therefore, the transfer body can be transferred or transferred between the first transfer rail and the second transfer rail via the movable rail movable in the first transfer direction. Therefore, the conveyance device of the present invention can simplify the structure and more stably transfer between the conveyance rails of the conveyance body by omitting the rotation mechanism of the conveyance body.

  According to a further aspect of the transport apparatus of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above invention, the transport apparatus includes a control mechanism and a position adjustment mechanism. The control mechanism functions to release the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion to the first conveyor portion when the support moves to the intersection region of the first transport rail and the second transport rail. In addition, the position adjustment mechanism includes an annular body fixed to the support body or the movable rail, and a movable body that is provided so as to be linearly movable along the second transport direction, and is configured to pass through the interior of the annular body when traveling straight. With. When adjusting the position of the support to the transfer point where the transfer body is transferred between the movable rail and the second transfer rail, the moving body moves straight toward the movable rail, and the tapered portion at the tip of the moving body enters the annular body. enter in. Since the outer diameter on the tip end side of the tapered portion is smaller than the opening diameter of the annular body, even if the positions of the annular body and the moving body are shifted, they can enter the annular body. That is, the taper portion functions to guide the moving body to enter the annular body. Before and after the mobile body enters the annular body, the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion of the support located in the intersecting region with the first conveyor portion is released by the control mechanism. Since the support is in the pressure released state, it can be moved in the first transport direction. Then, the movable body further advances straight in a state in which the support body can move freely, and the movable body is fitted into the annular body, whereby the position of the support body in the first transport direction is corrected, and the second transport rail portion and the movable rail are corrected. And align on a straight line. As a result, the support is accurately guided to the transfer point, and transfer or transfer between the transport rails of the transport body can be performed more reliably.

  According to the transport device of a further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above invention, the operation part of the control mechanism can mechanically release the pressure contact of the first pressure contact part to the first conveyor part, and The pressing member provided on the moving body is configured to act on the operation unit when the moving body moves close to the support body and to release the press contact of the first press contact part to the first conveyor unit. . That is, when the moving body moves straight and approaches the annular body, the pressing member can act on the operation portion in conjunction with the straight movement of the moving body to drive the control mechanism. Further, when the moving body moves straight, the pressing portion of the pressing member presses the transmission member of the support body, and the operation portion can be operated via the transmission member. In a further embodiment, since the sliding part is provided in the pressing part, the pressing part of the pressing member of the moving body presses the transmission member of the support body during position adjustment, and the sliding part is released while releasing the press contact state. The support can slide in the first transport direction with respect to the transmission member via the moving body.

The schematic perspective view of the conveying apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. The fragmentary perspective view seen from the upper direction of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The fragmentary perspective view seen from the downward direction of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The front view of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the (1st) main rail of the (1st) conveyance rail of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The (a) top view and (b) front view of the (first) main rail of FIG. (A) AA sectional view and (b) BB sectional view of the (first) main rail of FIG. The schematic perspective view seen from the support body of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The schematic perspective view seen from the downward direction of the support body of FIG. The side view of the support body of FIG. The front view of the support body of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the conveyance body of the conveying apparatus of FIG. The side view of the conveyance body of FIG. The front view of the conveyance body of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a moving body and rails that constitute a position adjustment mechanism of the transport apparatus of FIG. 1. The schematic plan view which showed the outline | summary of the conveyance process by the conveying apparatus of this embodiment. In the conveyance apparatus of this embodiment, the support body moves to the crossing region, and is a schematic perspective view seen from below showing a form before position adjustment by the position adjustment mechanism. The schematic front view of the conveying apparatus of FIG. In the conveying apparatus of this embodiment, the schematic front view of the state which showed the transfer (position adjustment) process by a control mechanism and a position adjustment mechanism, and the taper part front end side of the moving body approached the annular body. In the conveyance apparatus of this embodiment, the schematic front view of the state which showed the transfer (position adjustment) process by a control mechanism and a position adjustment mechanism, and the taper part of the moving body fitted to the annular body. The schematic diagram which shows the form which a control mechanism and a position adjustment mechanism link in the conveying apparatus of this embodiment. In the conveyance apparatus of this embodiment, the schematic perspective view seen from the downward direction which shows the form to which a conveyance body moves the 2nd conveyance rail.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the shape of each figure referred in the following description is a conceptual diagram or a schematic diagram for explaining a preferable shape, and a dimensional ratio or the like does not necessarily match an actual dimensional ratio. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratio in the drawings. The up / down / left / right directions may be interpreted interchangeably.

  The conveying apparatus 100 of this embodiment conveys the workpiece | work material which is a conveyance target object to a predetermined position according to a predetermined conveyance path. In particular, the transport apparatus 100 is characterized by effectively transporting a transport object along a transport path that is refracted or intersects in an L shape. Specifically, the conveyance apparatus 100 of the present embodiment performs another process for performing the second process from one process execution place for performing the first process in order to perform a plurality of processes on the workpiece material. It is used for the purpose of transporting workpiece materials along the transport path to the place of implementation. However, the transport device of the present invention can be applied to any application within the technical scope thereof.

  FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a transport apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the transfer apparatus 100 as seen from above. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view as seen from below of the transport apparatus 100. FIG. 4 is an enlarged front view of the transport apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the conveyance path of the conveyance device 100 includes a first conveyance rail 110 that linearly extends in the first conveyance direction, and a second conveyance direction that intersects the first conveyance rail 110 (this embodiment). It is comprised with the 2nd conveyance rail 120 extended in a form (substantially right angle). The transport apparatus 100 enables the transport target object to be transported by the support 130, the movable rail 140, and the transport body 150 through such orthogonal transport paths.

  That is, the transport apparatus 100 of the present embodiment includes a first transport rail 110 that linearly extends at a first height along the first transport direction of the transport target (work material W), and the first height. A second transport rail 120 linearly extending in the second transport direction intersecting the first transport rail 110 at a different second height, a support 130 driven to travel on the first transport rail 110, and the support The movable rail 140 is supported by 130 and extends parallel to the second transport rail 120 at a second height, and the transport body 150 that is driven to travel on the second transport rail 120 and the movable rail 140. Then, the transfer between the first transfer rail 110 and the second transfer rail 120 of the transfer body 150 is performed at the transfer point in the intersecting region where the extended lines of the first transfer rail 110 and the second transfer rail 120 intersect. Is called. Further, the transport device 100 according to the present embodiment releases the connection between the first transport rail 110 and the support body 130 when the support body 130 moves to the intersection region between the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120. In order to align the second transport rail 120 and the movable rail 140 in a straight line when the support mechanism 130 moves to the intersecting region, and the control mechanism 160 that controls the operation of the support body 130. And a position adjusting mechanism 170 for guiding the transfer point. Hereinafter, the configuration of the transport apparatus 100 will be described in more detail.

  The first transport rail 110 includes a first main rail 111 extending in a long length, and a pair of first sub-rails 115 arranged in parallel to the first main rail 111 below and on both sides of the first main rail 111. It is composed of 5 to 7 show the structure of the first main rail 111. Specifically, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first main rail 111. 6A and 6B are a plan view and a front view of the first main rail 111, respectively. 7A and 7B are an AA longitudinal sectional view and a BB lateral sectional view of the first main rail 111, respectively.

  The first main rail 111 includes a top wall portion that extends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction, a pair of side wall portions that hang downward from both end edges in the width (short) direction of the top wall portion, and the pair of side walls. And an opening portion opened downward between the portions. A first rail portion 112 projecting inward from the inner surfaces of both side walls is formed at the opening end of each side wall portion. The distance between the pair of first rail portions 112 extending at the first height in the longitudinal direction (conveying direction) is larger than the width of the first pressure contact portion 134 of the support 130 described later, and This corresponds to the position of the pair of wheels forming the first traveling unit 133. That is, the first traveling portion 133 can travel on the first rail portion 112 in a state where the first pressure contact portion 134 is accommodated inside the first main rail 111. Furthermore, a shaft-like lifting tool for suspending and fixing the first main rail 111 to the structure is fixed to the upper surface of the top wall portion.

  On the other hand, a first conveyor 113 is provided on the opposite side (back side) of the opening of the first main rail 111. The first conveyor unit 113 is provided adjacent to the first rail unit 112, and drives the support body 130 to travel on the first rail unit 112. The first conveyor portion 113 includes a plurality of pulleys 113a that are rotatably supported between both side wall portions, and a conveyor belt 113b that is hung on the plurality of pulleys 113a. For convenience of explanation, the depiction of the conveyor belt 113b is omitted in FIG. Then, the pulley 113a and the conveyor belt 113b are rotationally driven by the power unit 113c. Rotational drive means such as a motor can be employed for the power unit 113c. The first pressure contact portion 134 of the support 130 is brought into pressure contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 113b, and the support 130 moves as the conveyor belt 113b is driven to rotate.

  The first sub rails 115 extend in pairs on the sides of the first main rail 111. The pair of first sub rails 115 are arranged at positions where the two rows of first auxiliary wheels 135 (see FIG. 8) of the support 130 can be accommodated. The first sub rail 115 has a structure in which the first conveyor portion 113 is omitted from the first main rail 111. That is, the first sub-rail 115 includes a top wall portion that extends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction, a pair of side wall portions that hang downward from both end edges in the width (short) direction of the top wall portion, and the pair The opening part opened below between the side wall parts. A rail portion projecting inward from the inner surface of each side wall is formed at the open end of each side wall portion. The first auxiliary wheel 135 can travel inside the first auxiliary rail 115.

  As described above, the weight of the support 130 or less is reliably supported by the first transport rail 110 including three rails. When the weight of the support 130 or less is larger, the number of sub rails may be increased. Or when the width | variety below the support body 130 is larger, you may arrange | position so that the space | interval of the 1st subrail 115 may be expanded.

  The second transport rail 120 includes one second main rail 121 extending in a long length, and a pair of second sub rails 125 arranged in parallel to the second main rail 121 below and on both sides of the second main rail 121. It is composed of

  The basic structure of the second main rail 121 conforms to the structure of the first main rail 111 shown in FIGS. The elements 110, 111, 112, 113, 113a to c of the first main rail in FIGS. 5 to 7 correspond to the elements 120, 121, 122, 123, and 123a to c of the second main rail.

  The second main rail 121 has a second rail portion 122 that linearly extends in a direction intersecting (orthogonal) with the first transport direction (first transport rail 110) at a second height, and the second rail portion 122. And a second conveyor unit 123 that is rotationally driven in the transport direction. The distance between the pair of second rail portions 122 is larger than the width of a second press-contact portion 154 of the carrier 150 to be described later, and corresponds to the position of a pair of wheels forming the second traveling portion 153 of the carrier 150. ing. That is, the second traveling portion 153 can travel on the second rail portion 122 in a state where the second pressure contact portion 154 is accommodated inside the second main rail 121.

  The second sub rails 125 extend in pairs on the side of the second main rail 121. The pair of second sub rails 125 are arranged at positions where the two rows of second auxiliary wheels 155 (see FIG. 12) of the transport body 150 can be accommodated. The second sub rail 125 has a structure in which the second conveyor portion 123 is omitted from the second main rail 121. That is, the second sub rail 125 includes a top wall portion that extends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction, a pair of side wall portions that hang downward from both end edges in the width (short) direction of the top wall portion, and the pair The opening part opened below between the side wall parts. A rail portion projecting inward from the inner surface of each side wall is formed at the open end of each side wall portion. The second auxiliary wheel 155 can travel inside the second auxiliary rail 125.

  As described above, the weight of the transport body 150 or less is reliably supported by the second transport rail 120 including three rails. When the weight of the conveyance body 150 or less is larger, the number of sub rails may be increased. Alternatively, when the width of the transport body 150 or less is larger, the interval between the second sub rails 125 may be increased.

  Here, the positional relationship between the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120 will be described. The first transport rail 110 extends linearly at a first height, the second transport rail 120 extends linearly at a second height below the first transport rail 110, and both transport rails are displaced in the height direction. ing. The first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120 extend in directions orthogonal to each other. That is, in the transport path of the transport apparatus 100, the first transport direction and the second transport direction are orthogonal to each other. At this time, the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120 are arranged adjacent (or close to each other) so as not to overlap each other in plan view, and the first transport rail 110 extends in front of the end surface of the second transport rail 120. ing. That is, the first transport rail 110 extends so as to pass through a virtual extension line of the second transport rail 120, but the second transport rail 120 does not extend immediately below the first transport rail 110. The intersection of the first conveyance rail 110 and the virtual extension line of the second conveyance rail 120 at the end of the first conveyance rail 110 is defined as an intersection region. This “intersection area” means an area near the intersection of the first conveyance rail 110 and the extension line of the second conveyance rail 120, and includes a position where the second conveyance rail 120 and the movable rail 140 are not aligned. Contains. And the position of the support body 130 in which the 2nd conveyance rail 120 and the movable rail 140 align on a straight line in the intersection area | region was defined as the transfer point.

  Note that the “first height” is a concept indicating the overall position of the first transport rail 110 and does not take into consideration even the height difference between members constituting the first transport rail 110. Similarly, the “second height” is a concept indicating the overall position of the second transport rail 120 (movable rail 140), and also takes into account the height difference between the members constituting the second transport rail 120. It is not a thing.

  Next, the structure of the support 130 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the support 130 from above. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the support 130 from below. FIG. 10 is a side view of the support 130. FIG. 11 is a front view of the support 130.

  The support 130 is suspended and supported by the first transport rail 110 so as to be able to travel and can move linearly along the first transport rail 110. In the form of the transport apparatus 100 of FIGS. 1 to 4, the movable rail 140 is suspended and supported by the support 130, and the transport body 150 is suspended below the movable rail 140.

  The support 130 includes a rectangular plate-shaped substrate portion 131, a traveling mechanism mounted on the substrate portion 131 for traveling on the first conveyance rail 110, and a movable rail below the substrate portion 131. And a plurality of connecting shafts 137 for hanging and supporting 140. The support body 130 includes, as a traveling mechanism, a main body portion 132 erected from the base plate portion 131, a first traveling portion 133 including a pair of wheels supported on the upper end side of the main body portion 132, and the main body. And a first pressure contact portion 134 protruding from the upper end surface of the portion 132. The first traveling unit 133 is configured to travel on the first rail unit 112.

  The first pressure contact portion 134 includes a movable shaft 134a that is movably supported in the vertical direction on the main body portion 132, and a pressure contact plate 134b provided at the distal end of the movable shaft 134b. The press contact plate 134b is formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and presses the surface of the press contact plate 134b on the surface of the conveyor belt 113b of the first conveyor unit 113. The pressure contact plate 134b is biased upward (in the extending direction) by the elastic member together with the movable shaft 134a. That is, the pressure contact plate 154b is pressed against the conveyor belt 123b (143b) by the elastic return force of the elastic member. On the other hand, by applying a downward force to the movable shaft 134a and the pressure contact plate 134b, the pressure contact plate 134b elastically moves downward together with the movable shaft 134a.

  A control mechanism 160 is provided on the substrate portion 131 of the support 130 to push down the first pressure contact portion 134 downward. That is, the control mechanism 160 is formed on the support 130 so as to control the operation of the first press contact portion 134 so as to release the press contact of the first press contact portion 134 to the first conveyor portion 113.

  The control mechanism 160 has an operation unit that mechanically controls the operation of the first pressure contact unit 134 by an external force. Specifically, the operation unit includes a short cylindrical operation drum 161 disposed on the substrate unit 131 and a long operation lever supported by the operation drum 161 so as to be rotatable in the horizontal direction of the substrate unit 131. 162. A rotating shaft passes through the center of the operation drum 161, and the rotating shaft is indirectly connected to the movable shaft 134a. Then, by rotating the operation lever 162 in the forward direction, the rotating shaft is lowered downward with respect to the operation drum 161, and the pressure contact plate 134b is retracted downward together with the movable shaft 134a. Such a structure in which the shaft moves up and down with the rotation of the lever is a generally known structure, and therefore will not be described in detail here.

  Further, the control mechanism 160 further includes a transmission member 163 that is disposed so as to be able to act on the operation lever 162. The transmission member 163 includes a cylindrical body 163a installed on the substrate portion 131 and a rod-shaped movable body 163b penetrating through the cylindrical body. Both ends of the movable body 163b of the transmission member 163 project in the radial direction to form a contact surface. The movable body 163b is freely movable in the axial direction within the cylindrical body 163a. As will be described later, one end of the movable body 163b is disposed so as to be able to come into contact with a pressing member 176 provided on the moving body 173. The other end of the movable body 163b is disposed so as to be able to contact the operation lever 162. That is, when the other end of the movable body 163b is pressed by the pressing member 176, one end of the movable member 163b presses the operation lever 162 and rotates in the forward direction. That is, the transmission member 163 functions to transmit the pressing force of the pressing member 176 to the operation unit.

  Furthermore, the support body 130 is provided with a plurality of (two rows and six pieces) first auxiliary wheels 135 erected from the base plate portion 131 as a traveling mechanism. The first auxiliary wheel 135 is arranged at a position where the first auxiliary rail 115 of the first transport rail 110 can travel.

  An annular body 171 is fixed to the lower surface of the substrate portion 131 of the support 130 as a part of the position adjustment mechanism 170. The annular body 171 is open to the side. Further, a connecting shaft 137 extends from the lower surface of the substrate portion 131, and the movable rail 140 is suspended and fixed to the support 130 via the connecting shaft 137. Since the movable rail 140 is fixed to the support body 130 via the connecting shaft 137, the annular body 171 is indirectly fixed to the movable rail 140. In other words, the support 130, the movable rail 140, and the annular body 171 are fixed to each other in a relative positional relationship.

  The movable rail 140 is fixed to the support body 130 via a connecting shaft 137. The movable rail 140 includes a single third main rail 141 that extends in a short length, and a pair of third sub rails 145 that are juxtaposed to the third main rail 141 below and on both sides of the third main rail 141. ing. The movable rail 140 is obtained by changing the second transport rail 141 into a short cylindrical shape. That is, the dimension shape of each rail of the movable rail 140 substantially matches that of the second transport rail 140 except for the length. Therefore, the end surface (cross section) shape of the movable rail 140 and the end surface (cross section) shape of the second transport rail 120 are substantially the same.

  That is, the basic structure of the third main rail 141 conforms to the basic structure of the first main rail 111 and the second main rail 121 shown in FIGS. Each element 110, 111, 112, 113, 113a-c of the first main rail corresponds to each element 140, 141, 142, 143, 143a-c of the third main rail.

  The third main rail 141 includes a third rail portion 142 extending in the second conveyance direction parallel to the second rail portion 122, and a third rail portion 142 that is provided alongside the third rail portion 142 and is rotationally driven in the conveyance direction. 3 conveyor sections 143 are provided. The third main rail 141 is supported by the support 130 so that the third rail portion 142 and the third conveyor portion 143 have the same height (second height) as the second rail portion 122 and the second conveyor portion 123. It is supported.

  The third secondary rail 145 extends in pairs on the side of the third main rail 141. The pair of third sub rails 145 are disposed at positions where the two rows of second auxiliary wheels 155 (see FIG. 12) of the transport body 150 can be accommodated. The height of the third secondary rail 145 is the same as that of the second secondary rail 125. The third sub rail 145 has a structure in which the third conveyor portion 143 is omitted from the third main rail 141. That is, the third sub rail 145 includes a top wall portion that extends in the longitudinal direction along the conveying direction, a pair of side wall portions that hang downward from both end edges in the width (short) direction of the top wall portion, and the pair The opening part opened below between the side wall parts. A rail portion projecting inward from the inner surface of each side wall is formed at the open end of each side wall portion.

  That is, the movable rail 140 is supported by the support body 130 at the same second height as the second transport rail 120. Further, the length or position of the movable rail 140 is designed so that the end surface of the movable rail 140 is positioned on a virtual straight line along the first transport direction passing through the end surface of the second transport rail 120 in plan view. Yes. That is, the support 130 moves to the end of the first transport rail 110 along the transport path so that the end of the movable rail 140 and the end of the second transport rail 120 can be connected to be connected. The relative positional relationship between the movable rail 140 and the support 130 is determined. That is, when the movable rail 140 slides in the first transport direction, the support 130 is moved to a position where the end surface of the movable rail 140 can be joined (or contacted or contacted) with the end surface of the second transport rail 120. Is supported and fixed. In other words, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, when the support 130 is located at the transfer point in the intersecting region of the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120, the movable rail 140 (third rail). Part 142, third conveyor part 143, and third secondary rail 145) are continuously aligned in a straight line with respect to second transport rail 120 (second rail part 122, second conveyor part 123, and second secondary rail 125). The two rails are arranged to form one continuous rail.

  Next, the structure of the carrier 150 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the conveyance body 150. FIG. 13 is a side view of the carrier 150. FIG. 14 is a front view of the carrier 150.

  The conveyance body 150 is configured like a basket in order to directly load and convey the workpiece material W. That is, the transport body 150 includes a transport body main body 151 for storing and directly transporting the work material W, and a traveling mechanism (for transporting the transport body 150 with respect to the second transport rail 120 and the movable rail 140). A housing part 152, a second traveling part 153, a second pressure contact part 154, and a second auxiliary wheel 155). The transport body 151 includes a rectangular plate-like bottom plate 151a on which the workpiece material W is placed, a shaft 151b extending upward from four corners of the bottom plate 151a, and a top plate 151c connected to the upper end of the shaft 151b. It becomes. The top plate 151c is formed in a frame shape in which a plurality of plates are combined.

  A casing 152, which is a traveling mechanism, is fixed substantially at the center in the width direction (first transport direction) of the top plate 151c. The housing portion 152 holds the second traveling portion 153 and the second pressure contact portion 154. In other words, the transport body 150 serves as a travel mechanism in which the second travel unit 153 for traveling the second rail unit 122 and the third rail unit 142, and the second conveyor unit 123 and the third conveyor unit 143 can be pressed against each other. 2 pressure contact portions 154. Further, four second auxiliary wheels 155 are provided at four corners of the top plate 151c as part of the traveling mechanism. The second auxiliary wheel 155 is disposed at a position where the second auxiliary rail 125 and the third auxiliary rail 145 can travel.

  The second pressure contact portion 154 includes a movable shaft 154a that is movably held in the vertical direction and a pressure contact plate 154b provided at the tip of the movable shaft 154b. The press contact plate 154b is formed in an elongated flat plate shape, and presses the surface of the press contact plate 154b on the surface of the conveyor belt 123b (143b) of the second conveyor unit 123 (third conveyor unit 143). The pressure contact plate 154b is urged upward (in the extending direction) by an elastic member together with the movable shaft 154a. That is, the pressure contact plate 154b is pressed against the conveyor belt 123b (143b) by the elastic return force of the elastic member. In contrast, by applying a downward force to the movable shaft 154a and the pressure contact plate 154b, the pressure contact plate 154b moves downward together with the movable shaft 154a. A push-down lever 156 for manually pushing down the second pressure contact portion 154 is provided below the housing portion 152. The operator can manually release the pressure contact with the second conveyor unit 123 by operating the push-down lever 156 of the transport body 150 traveling on the second transport rail 120, and can arbitrarily stop the transport body 150. .

  Next, the position adjustment mechanism 170 will be described with reference to FIG. The position adjustment mechanism 170 is directly or indirectly fixed to the support body 130 or the movable rail 140 and has an annular body 171 (see FIG. 9 and the like) having a predetermined inner diameter, and travels straight along the second transport direction. A movable body 173 that is movably provided and has a tip that faces the opening of the annular body 171 when the support body 130 and the movable rail 140 are located in the intersection region.

  As described above, the annular body 171 is fixed to the lower surface of the substrate portion 131 of the support 130 and has an opening facing the second transport rail 120 side. The opening of the annular body 171 has a circular shape with a predetermined diameter. In the present embodiment, the annular body 171 has a uniform inner diameter in the axial direction. A central axis passing through the opening center of the annular body 171 is parallel to the extending direction of the second transport rail 120.

  FIG. 15 shows a moving body 173 that is a part of the position adjustment mechanism 170 and is movably supported by a rail 178. The rail 178 is suspended and fixed to a ceiling or the like above the second transport rail 120 and extends in parallel with the second transport rail 120. The rail 178 is shorter than the second transport rail 120. The rail 178 has a drive mechanism similar to that of the first transport rail 110, and can drive the moving body 173 by controlling the rotation of the conveyor belt.

  The moving body 173 is a columnar body that extends back and forth along the rail 178. The moving body 173 extends in parallel with the second transport rail 120, and the tip thereof faces the intersecting region. In addition, the moving body 173 includes a traveling mechanism (not shown) including a traveling portion and a pressure contact portion similar to the support body 130 and the conveyance body 150, and can move in both the front and rear directions as the conveyor belt of the rail 178 rotates. it can.

  The moving body 173 is formed with a tapered portion 174 having a diameter continuously reduced from the proximal end to the distal end. The tapered portion 174 has a conical shape, has an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the annular body 171 on the distal end side, and has an outer diameter larger than the opening diameter of the annular body 171 on the proximal end side. doing. That is, the tapered portion 174 has a shape that can be fitted (or fitted) into the annular body 171. And in the state which the annular body 171 and the taper part 174 fitted, the central axis of both members corresponds.

  Here, the positional relationship between the annular body 171 and the moving body 173 in the position adjusting mechanism 170 will be described. When the support 130 is located at the transfer point in the intersection region and the end face of the movable rail 140 and the end face of the second transport rail 120 are matched to form one rail, the center passing through the opening of the annular body 171 The relative positions of the annular body 171 and the movable body 173 are determined in advance so that the shaft and the central axis in the radial direction of the tapered portion 174 are aligned on the same straight line. In other words, by adjusting so that the centers of the annular body 171 and the moving body 173 are aligned, the support body is placed at the transfer (delivery) position of the transport body 150 from the first transport rail 110 to the second transport rail 120 in the intersection region. The movable rail 140 and the second transport rail 120 can be communicated or coupled with each other by accurately guiding 130. Then, the center of the annular body 171 and the movable body 173 can be aligned by moving the movable body 173 with respect to the annular body 171 by the rail 178 and fitting the tapered portion 174 of the movable body 173 to the annular body 171. .

  Further, the moving body 173 presses the operation lever 162 via the transmission member 163 when the moving body 173 moves close to the support body 130, so that the first conveyor portion of the first pressure contact portion 134 of the support body 130 is pressed. A pressing member 176 for releasing the pressure contact with 113 is provided. The pressing member 176 is fixed to the upper surface of the moving body 173 at the distal end side. That is, the pressing member 176 can move along the rail 178 together with the moving body 173. The pressing member 176 includes a rotating shaft 176a fixed to the moving body 173, and a pressing portion 176b rotatably supported on the rotating shaft 176a. When the pressing part 176b moves along the rail 178, the pressing member 176b is disposed so as to be able to press the transmission member 163 of the support body 130 located in the intersection region. The pressing portion 176b is formed of a sliding body such as a bearing that can rotate in the orthogonal direction of the rail 178. That is, the pressing portion 176b allows sliding and relative movement of the pressing member 176 and the transmission member 163 in the first transport direction in a state where the pressing portion 176b is in pressure contact with the contact surface of the movable body 163b of the transmission member 163. That is, when guiding the support 130 to the transfer point, the support 130 is first transported to the moving body 173 via the pressing portion 176b (bearing) in a state where the pressing member 176 presses the transmission member 163. It can slide smoothly in the direction.

  Based on the above description, the work material W that is the object to be transported along the L-shaped transport path (the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120 are orthogonal) is transported by the transport device 100 of the present embodiment. The process to convey is demonstrated.

  FIG. 16 is a schematic plan view showing an overview of all the conveyance steps by the conveyance device 100. As shown in FIG. 16, in general, in the transport apparatus 100, the support 130 travels from the upper side to the lower side of the first transport rail 110 and moves to the intersection region at the lower end of the first transport rail 110. In the intersection region, the transport body 150 is transferred from the support 130 to the second transport rail 120, and the transport body 150 travels on the second transport rail 120 and moves to the target point. Hereinafter, each step will be described in more detail.

  First, in a state where the first pressure contact portion 134 of the support body 130 is in pressure contact with the first conveyor portion 113 of the first transport rail 110, the support body 130 is directed downward from above in FIG. 16 along the first transport rail 110. Move. At this time, the transfer body 150 holding the workpiece W is suspended and supported on the movable rail 140 fixed to the support body 130. Specifically, the second pressure contact portion 154 of the transport body 150 is pressed against the third conveyor portion 143 of the movable rail 140, so that the transport body 150 is integrally supported by the support body 130. At this time, the third conveyor unit 143 is in a stopped state.

  Next, the support body 130 moves to the end portion of the first transport rail 110, the first conveyor section 113 stops, and stops at the intersection region of the first transport rail 110 and the second transport rail 120. At this time, since the first press contact portion 134 is in pressure contact with the stopped first conveyor portion 113, the support 130 is locked against the first transport rail 110 so as not to slide. Then, the transport body 150 is transferred from the first transport rail 110 to the second transport rail 120 in a state where the support body 130 is stopped in the intersection region.

  When the support body 130 is stopped in the crossing region, inertia force acts on the support body 130 traveling on the first transport rail 110, so it is not easy to stop the support body 130 accurately at the transfer point. . In particular, when the weight of the support 130 or less is large (for example, the work material W is heavy), the inertial force increases, and this tendency becomes remarkable. Moreover, since the weight of the workpiece W varies, it is very difficult to always accurately control the stop position of the support 130. That is, when stopping the support body 130 in the intersection region, it is difficult to align the second transport rail 120 (second rail portion 122) and the movable rail 140 (third rail portion 142) in a straight line. Therefore, in general, when the support 130 stops in the intersecting region, the heights match, but the end of the second transport rail 120 and the end of the movable rail 140 are in a state shifted in the first transport direction, It will deviate from the transfer point in the intersection area.

  In this transfer process, the control mechanism 160 and the position adjustment mechanism 170 adjust the position of the support 130 to the accurate transfer point. The transfer process (or position adjustment process) will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

  17 and 18 show the transport apparatus 100 immediately after the support 130 has stopped in the intersecting region. FIG. 21A schematically shows forms of the control mechanism 160 and the position adjustment mechanism 170 at that time. As shown in FIG. 17, the 2nd conveyance rail 120 and the movable rail 140 have shifted | deviated to the 1st conveyance direction, and the support body 130 (movable rail 140) has remove | deviated from the exact transfer point in the cross | intersection area | region. In this step, the moving body 173 is disposed at the initial position on the base end side of the rail 178. Further, the tip of the tapered portion 174 of the moving body 173 faces the direction of the annular body 171 fixed to the support body 130, and the pressing member 176 (pressing portion 176 b) contacts one of the movable bodies 163 b of the transmission member 163. It faces the surface. At this time, the other contact surface of the movable body 163 b of the transmission member 163 does not act on the operation lever 162. Then, as shown in FIG. 20A, the center axis of the moving body 173 is shifted from the center axis of the annular body 171 in the first transport direction as the support body 130 moves away from the transfer point.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the moving body 173 moves forward in the arrow direction toward the annular body 171 along the rail 178. When the moving body 173 moves forward, the front end of the taper portion 174 moves back and forth before entering the opening of the annular body 171, and the pressing portion 176 b of the pressing member 176 contacts the contact surface of the movable body 163 b of the transmission member 163. As the moving body 173 further advances, the pressing portion 176b presses the movable body 163b inward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 21B, the other contact surface of the movable body 163 b contacts the operation lever 162. When the moving body 173 further advances, the tip of the tapered portion 174 enters the annular body 171 (with the centers of the tapered portion 174 and the annular body 171 shifted), and the operation lever 162 rotates backward. That is, since the outer diameter on the tip side of the tapered portion 174 is smaller than the inner diameter of the annular body 171, it can enter the annular body 171 even if the positions of the annular body 171 and the moving body 173 are shifted. That is, the tapered portion 174 functions to guide the entry of the moving body 173 into the annular body 171. As shown in FIG. 19, before the tapered portion 174 is fitted to the annular body 171, the lock (adherence) of the support 130 to the first transport rail 120 is released by the rotation of the operation lever 162. The Specifically, when the operation lever 162 is rotated, the first pressure contact portion 134 of the support 130 is pushed down, and the pressure contact between the first pressure contact portion 134 and the first conveyor portion 113 of the first transport rail 110 is released. Is done. As a result, the support 130 can freely slide on the first transport rail 110.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the movable body 173 further advances in a state where the support body 130 can float in the first transport direction, and the proximal end side of the tapered portion 174 advances in the opening of the annular body 172, and the taper The position of the support 130 is corrected by fitting the portion 174 to the annular body 171. That is, when the tapered portion 174 travels in the annular body 172, the annular body 172 (support 130) is moved along the first conveying direction while the outer surface of the tapered portion 174 is in sliding contact with the inner surface of the annular body 172, and the tapered portion. The tapered portion 174 acts on the annular body 172 so that the center of 174 and the center of the annular body 172 approach each other. Finally, as shown in FIG. 21C, the moving body 173 advances until the tapered portion 174 is fitted to the annular portion 172, so that the center of the tapered portion 174 and the center of the annular body 172 are matched. Thus, adjustment to the exact transfer point of the support 130 is made.

  As a result, as shown in FIG. 3, the second transport rail 120 (second rail portion 122, second conveyor portion 123 and second sub rail 125) and movable rail 140 (third rail portion 142, third conveyor portion 143). And the third sub rail 145) are integrally connected in a straight line, so that the transport body 150 can travel from the movable rail 140 to the second transport rail 120.

  Then, as the third conveyor unit 143 and the second conveyor unit 123 are driven to rotate simultaneously or sequentially, the transport body 150 is detached from the support body 130 as shown in FIG. 22 and along the second transport direction. To move on the second transport rail 120. In this way, it is possible to transfer the transport body 150 from the first transport rail 110 to the second transport rail 120 and transport the workpiece W to the target position.

  In addition, what is necessary is just to perform the process reverse to the said process, in order to convey the conveyance body 150 in the reverse direction to the conveyance direction demonstrated above. That is, in a state where the movable rail 140 and the second conveyance rail 120 are connected, the conveyance body 150 moves from the second conveyance rail 120 toward the first conveyance rail 110 and stops at the movable rail 140. Next, the moving body 173 retreats along the rail 178, the taper portion 174 is detached from the annular body 171, and the operation lever 162 returns to the original position (position capable of being pressed). As a result, the first pressure contact portion 134 of the support 130 is pressed against the first conveyor portion 113 of the first transport rail 110. Then, the first conveyor unit 113 is rotationally driven (in the opposite direction to the above embodiment), so that the transport body 150 moves on the first transport rail 110 together with the support body 130.

  Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the transfer device 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The transport apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment includes a first transport rail 110 extending at a first height along the first transport direction of the transport target, and a first transport direction at a second height different from the first height. A second transport rail 120 that is disposed adjacent to the side of the first transport rail so as not to overlap the first transport rail in plan view, and extends in the second transport direction intersecting with the first transport rail 110. A travelable support 130, a movable rail 140 supported by the support 130 and extending parallel to the second transport rail 120 at a second height, and the second transport rail 120 and the movable rail 140 can travel. Transporter 150. That is, the support 130 that can move the first transport rail 110 supports the movable rail 140 so that it can be integrally connected to the second transport rail 120 at the transfer point. Therefore, the transfer body 150 can be transferred or delivered between the first transfer rail 110 and the second transfer rail 120 via the movable rail 140 that can move in the first transfer direction. Further, the control mechanism 160 and the position adjustment mechanism 170 accurately guide the support 130 to the transfer point in the intersection region, thereby enabling more reliable transfer or transfer between the transfer rails of the transfer body. Therefore, the conveyance device 100 of the present invention can simplify the structure and more stably transfer between the conveyance rails 110 and 120 of the conveyance body 150 by omitting the rotation mechanism of the conveyance body.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various embodiments and modifications can be taken within the technical scope of the present invention.

[Modification]
(1) In the said embodiment, although the 1st conveyance rail and the 2nd conveyance rail are arrange | positioned so as to be orthogonal, this invention is not limited to this. That is, even if the first transport rail and the second transport rail intersect at an arbitrary crossing angle, the movable rail is supported in the second transport direction and is movable when the movable rail slides in the first transport direction. This can be dealt with by processing the end face of the rail and the end face of the second transport rail into a shape that can be joined to each other.

(2) In the said embodiment, although the conveyance rail is comprised with one main rail and a pair of subrail, this invention is not limited to this. For example, the secondary rail may be omitted. Moreover, you may isolate | separate a conveyor part and a rail part from a main rail, and may form in a rail separately. For example, only the conveyor portion may be disposed on the main rail, and the rail portion may be provided on the sub rail.

(3) The shapes of the annular body and the tapered portion of the present invention are not limited to the above embodiment. That is, the opening of the annular body does not have to be circular, and may be polygonal, for example. Depending on the shape of the annular body, a polygonal cone shape can be selected as the shape of the tapered portion. Alternatively, the inner diameter of the annular body may not be uniform in the axial direction. For example, it may be formed so that the inner diameter of the annular body narrows in the axial direction corresponding to the shape of the tapered portion.

(4) In the conveyance device of the above-described embodiment, the wheels are configured to travel on the rail portion as each traveling portion, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the traveling unit and the rail unit may be supported by the traveling unit so as to be able to travel on the transport rail in a state where the press contact between the press contact unit and the conveyor unit is released, and various forms can be adopted. For example, the side wall portion and the top wall portion may be omitted so that the conveyance rail is not a housing shape, and a shaft-like rail portion and a ring-like traveling portion may be employed as a separate body from the conveyor portion. Further, the rail and the traveling unit may be rack-and-pinion, and the conveyance body may be caused to travel by meshing of gear teeth. As described above, when the rack and pinion is employed, it is advantageous for traveling of the transport body when the transport path is laid in an inclined or vertical direction. Or, more simply, the traveling portion and the rail portion may be flat surfaces that can slide on each other.

(5) The form of the conveyance body of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. That is, the forms of the carrier body, the press contact body, the traveling unit, and the like of the carrier body can have various structures as long as the functions can be exhibited. For example, you may take the form like the conveyance body as described in the patent 5878996 by the inventor.

(6) In the present embodiment, the control mechanism is mechanically operated by the pressing member, but the control mechanism may be electronically controlled. That is, it may be detected by a sensor that the support has reached the intersection region, and the press contact between the first press contact portion of the support and the first conveyor portion of the first transport rail may be released by electronic control.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modifications, and can be implemented in various modes as long as they belong to the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Conveyance apparatus 110 1st conveyance rail 111 1st main rail 112 1st rail part 113 1st conveyor part 113a Pulley 113b Conveyor belt 113c Power part 115 1st subrail 120 2nd conveyance rail 121 2nd main rail 122 2nd rail Part 123 second conveyor part 125 second sub rail 130 support 131 substrate part 132 main body part 133 first traveling part 134 first pressure contact part 134a movable shaft 134b pressure contact plate 135 first auxiliary wheel 137 connecting shaft 140 movable rail 141 third Main rail 142 Third rail portion 143 Third conveyor portion 145 Third sub rail (part of third rail portion)
150 Conveying body 151 Conveying body main body 151 a Bottom plate 151 b Shaft 151 c Top plate 152 Case portion 153 Second traveling portion 154 Second press contact portion 155 Second auxiliary wheel 156 Depressing lever 160 Control mechanism 161 Operation drum (operation portion)
162 Operation lever (operation unit)
163 Transmission member 163a Cylindrical body 163b Movable body 170 Position adjustment mechanism 171 Annular body 173 Moving body 174 Taper portion 176 Pressing member 176a Rotating shaft 176b Pressing portion (bearing, sliding body)
178 Rail W Work material (Transport object)

Claims (9)

A first rail section extending along a first transport direction of a transport object; and a first conveyor section provided alongside the first rail section and driven to rotate in the first transport direction. A first transport rail laid on the
A second rail portion extending in a second transport direction that intersects the first transport direction; and a second conveyor portion that is attached to the second rail portion and is driven to rotate in the second transport direction. A second transport rail laid at a second height different from the height of 1;
A first travel unit disposed on the first transport rail and configured to travel on the first rail unit; and a support body having a first press-contacting part capable of being press-contacted to the first conveyor unit;
A third rail portion that is supported by the support and extends parallel to the second rail portion at the second height, and is provided alongside the third rail portion and is rotationally driven in the transport direction. A movable rail having a third conveyor section;
Arranged on the second transport rail or the movable rail and capable of being pressed against the second traveling unit for traveling on the second rail unit and the third rail unit, and the second conveyor unit and the third conveyor unit. A transport body having a second pressure contact portion,
In plan view, the first transport rail and the second transport rail are arranged adjacent to each other so as not to overlap each other, the first transport rail extends in front of the end surface of the second transport rail, and the first transport rail The second transport rail and the movable rail can be continuously aligned in a straight line when the support moves to a transfer point in an intersecting region where the extension line of the second transport rail intersects. A conveying device characterized by the above. When the support moves to an intersecting region between the first transport rail and the second transport rail, the first press contact portion is configured to release the press contact of the first press contact portion to the first conveyor portion. A control mechanism for controlling the operation;
A position adjusting mechanism that acts on the support located in the intersecting region to guide the support to the transfer point where the second transport rail and the movable rail are continuously aligned in a straight line; Prepared,
The position adjustment mechanism is
An annular body fixed to the support or the movable rail;
A movable body that is provided so as to be able to move straight along the second transport direction, and has a tip that faces the opening of the annular body when the movable rail is located in the intersecting region,
The moving body has a taper having a shape that continuously decreases from the base end to the front end, has an outer diameter smaller than the opening diameter of the annular body on the distal end side, and can be fitted to the annular body. Part is formed,
In a state where the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion of the support body to the first conveyor portion is released in the intersecting region, the distal end side of the tapered portion penetrates the annular body as the moving body moves straight, and the movement The conveying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second conveying rail and the movable rail are aligned in a straight line by fitting a body to the annular body. The control mechanism includes an operation part for mechanically releasing the pressure contact of the first pressure contact part to the first conveyor part,
The moving body is pressed directly or indirectly when the moving body moves close to the support body to release the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion to the first conveyor portion. The conveying device according to claim 2, further comprising a pressing member for the purpose. The support is provided with a transmission member that transmits the pressing force of the pressing member to the operation unit,
The transport according to claim 3, wherein the pressing member includes a pressing portion that moves linearly in conjunction with the moving body and presses the transmission member when the moving body approaches the annular body. apparatus.   The pressing portion includes a sliding body that allows sliding between the pressing member and the transmission member in a state where the pressing member is in pressure contact with the transmission member, and the support body is disposed on the movable body via the sliding body. The conveyance device according to claim 4, wherein the conveyance device is slidable in one conveyance direction.   The second transport rail and the movable rail are arranged in a straight line at a position where the center of the annular body and the center of the cross section of the moving body coincide with each other. The transfer device according to item.   The support is suspended from the first transport rail, the movable rail is suspended from and supported by the support, and the transport is suspended from the second transport rail or the movable rail. The conveying apparatus as described in any one of Claim 1 to 6.   8. The push-down lever for mechanically releasing the pressure contact of the first pressure contact portion with the first conveyor portion is provided on the transport body. The transfer device according to item. A first transport rail extending linearly at a first height along the first transport direction of the transport object;
A second transport rail extending linearly in a second transport direction intersecting the first transport direction at a second height different from the first height;
A support capable of traveling on the first transport rail;
A movable rail supported by the support and extending parallel to the second transport rail at the second height;
A transport body capable of traveling on the second transport rail and the movable rail,
In plan view, the first transport rail and the second transport rail are arranged adjacent to each other so as not to overlap each other, the first transport rail extends in front of the end surface of the second transport rail, and the first transport rail When the support is moved to an intersecting region where the extended line of the second transport rail intersects, the second transport rail and the movable rail can be continuously aligned on a straight line. apparatus.

Images