JP6659499B2 - Transport system and transport body - Google Patents

Description

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

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, various transport devices (transport systems) have been used to transport an object from a first process location where one process is performed on an object (work material) to a second process location where another process is performed. ) Is used.

  For example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a transport device that can stop a transport body at an arbitrary position on a transport rail. The transport device (100) includes one or more transporters (110) that transport an object to a predetermined position, and a rail unit (131) that extends along the transport direction of the object and allows the transporter (110) to travel. ) And a transport rail (130) provided with a conveyor section (135) that is provided in parallel with the rail section (131) and is driven to rotate in the transport direction. The carrier (110) includes a carrier body (111), a support portion (112) for supporting an object, and a traveling unit (111) for allowing the carrier body (111) to travel on a rail (131). 113), a pressure contact body (115) supported by the carrier body (111) and pressed against the conveyor section (135) to connect the carrier body (111) to the conveyor section (135); And a control unit (116) for releasing the pressing of the (115) to the conveyor unit (135).

Japanese Patent No. 5878996

  The transfer device of Patent Literature 1 can stop the transfer body by a simple manual operation at an arbitrary position on the transfer rail. In general, in a power cutting area (work area) on a transfer rail determined by a user, the transfer body is set in a free state (a state in which the press-contact body and the conveyor section are separated), and the user performs work on the transfer body. Is carried out. However, in the transfer device of Patent Literature 1, when the transfer body enters the power cutting area, it is necessary for the user to grasp the transfer body that is moving forward and manually release the press-contact between the press-contact body and the conveyor unit. there were. In particular, when the carrier is flowing at a high speed, it is difficult for the user to perform the operation of releasing the pressure contact in the power cutting region, and there is a risk that the carrier may fail to stop or impair safety. The present invention pays attention to the above-described matter in the transfer device of Patent Document 1 as an improvement, and automatically press-contacts the press-contact body and the conveyor unit when the transfer body enters the power cutting area from the power supply area. Is provided by a simple structure.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to be able to automatically cancel the press-contact between a press-contact body of a transport body and a conveyor section in a power cutting area determined by a user. An object of the present invention is to provide a transfer system and a transfer body excellent in workability.

The transport system according to claim 1,
A transport body that transports the target object to a predetermined position,
A rail portion extending along the transport direction of the target object and along which the transport body travels, and a transport rail provided with the rail portion and having a conveyor portion that is driven to rotate in the transport direction. ,
The carrier is
A carrier body,
A traveling unit formed on the carrier body, wherein the carrier body travels on the rail portion;
A press-contact body movably supported by the carrier body and press-contacting the conveyor unit to connect the carrier body to the conveyor unit;
A control mechanism for driving the press-contact body in a direction approaching the conveyor section and in a direction separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and controlling press-contact of the press-contact body to the conveyor section and release of the press-contact. ,
The control mechanism includes an operation unit for driving and operating the pressure contact body,
A power supply area where the conveyor is conveyed by the conveyor unit in a state where the press-contact body and the conveyor unit are in pressure contact with the conveyance rail, and the press-contact between the press-contact unit and the conveyor unit is released. In this state, a power cutting area in which the transport body can freely operate with respect to the rail portion is defined,
The transport rail acts on the operation unit so as to release the press-contact between the press-contact body and the conveyor unit when the transport body is located in the power cutting region, and the transport body supplies the power supply. A drive member that acts on the operation unit so as to maintain the pressure contact between the pressure contact body and the conveyor unit when located in the region;
The drive member includes a drive rail provided in parallel with the rail portion,
The operating unit is movable to an operating position for pressing the press-contact body against the conveyor unit and a release position for separating the press-contact unit from the conveyor unit, and the operating unit includes a bearing capable of running the drive rail. Is formed,
In the drive rail, the bearing can run at a first height, a first running path provided alongside the rail portion in the power supply area, and a second running path in which the bearing is different from the first height. And a second traveling path provided alongside the rail portion in the power cutting area,
When the bearing is located on the first travel path, the operating portion is located at the operating position to maintain a state in which the pressure contact body is pressed against the conveyor section, while the bearing is on the second travel path. When the operating portion is located at the release position, the operating portion is located at the release position, and the pressing member is maintained in a state of being separated from the conveyor portion.

Conveying system according to claim 2, in the transport system according to claim 1, wherein the first traveling path and the second traveling path is characterized in that through the inclined portion are formed continuously .

According to a third aspect of the present invention , in the transport system according to the first or second aspect , the pressing body is supported movably in a pressing direction and a separating direction with respect to the conveyor with respect to the transport body. A leg, a pressure contact plate formed at the tip of the leg, and an engagement shaft formed on the leg,
The control mechanism includes: a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the operation unit on the carrier body; a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft; and the carrier body adjacent to the rotating shaft. a rotary shaft rotatably supported is fixed to the rotary shaft, and the slave driven gear arranged on the main drive gear capable of meshing positions, fixed to the rotary shaft, the engaging shaft and engageable Further comprising an engaging body disposed on the
The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body and the rotation axis is not uniform,
The driving gear, the driven gear, and the engagement body rotate simultaneously according to the rotation operation of the operation unit, and the rotation of the engagement body causes the engagement shaft to relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body. The leg portion moves in a pressing direction and a separating direction with respect to the conveyor portion with respect to the carrier body.

Carrier according to claim 4, pairs rail portion for conveying body together when extending along the conveying direction of the elephant product travels, and said rotatably driven in the conveying direction while being parallel in the rail section Transporting the object to a predetermined position along a transport rail having a conveyor section,
A carrier body,
A traveling unit formed on the carrier body, wherein the carrier body travels on the rail portion;
A press-contact body movably supported by the carrier body and press-contacting the conveyor unit to connect the carrier body to the conveyor unit;
A control mechanism for driving the press-contact body in a direction approaching the conveyor section and in a direction separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and controlling press-contact of the press-contact body to the conveyor section and release of the press-contact. ,
The control mechanism includes an operation unit for driving and operating the pressure contact body,
The operating section is movable to an operating position for pressing the press-contact body against the conveyor section and a release position for separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and the operating section is provided in parallel with the rail section. A bearing that can run on the drive rail is formed,
When the bearing is located on a first traveling path formed at a first height of the drive rail, a state in which the operating portion is located in the operating position and the pressure contact body is pressed against the conveyor portion is provided. And when the bearing is located on a second travel path formed at a second height different from the first height of the drive rail, the operating portion is located at the release position. It is characterized in that the pressing body maintains a state of being separated from the conveyor section.

Carrier according to claim 5, in the transport body according to claim 4, wherein the pressure body, wherein the carrier movably supported leg press direction and spacing direction with respect to the conveyor unit relative to the body A pressure contact plate formed at the tip of the leg, and an engagement shaft formed at the leg,
The control mechanism includes: a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the operation unit on the carrier body; a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft; and the carrier body adjacent to the rotating shaft. A rotating shaft rotatably supported on the rotating shaft, a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft and arranged at a position capable of meshing with the driving gear, and fixed to the rotating shaft so as to be engageable with the engagement shaft. Further comprising an engaged body,
The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body and the rotation axis is not uniform,
The driving gear, the driven gear, and the engagement body rotate simultaneously according to the rotation operation of the operation unit, and the rotation of the engagement body causes the engagement shaft to relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body. The leg portion moves in a pressing direction and a separating direction with respect to the conveyor portion with respect to the carrier body.

  According to the transport system of one embodiment of the present invention, the rail portion has a power supply area in which the transport body is transported by the conveyor section in a state where the press body and the conveyor section are in pressure contact with each other, and the power supply area between the press body and the conveyor section. A power cutting area is defined in which the conveyance body can freely operate on the rail portion in a state where the pressure contact is released. When the transport body shifts from the power supply area to the power disconnection area, the driving member provided on the rail portion acts so as to release the pressure contact with the operation section of the control mechanism of the transport body, so that the power disconnection area is reduced. In, the power supply of the carrier is automatically cut off. In other words, in the power cutting region predetermined by the user, the user does not manually operate the carrier, and the carrier is supported by the rail portion in a free state only by the operation of entering the power cutting region of the carrier. The Rukoto. Therefore, the transport system of the present invention significantly improves the workability of the user.

  According to the transport system of a further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-described invention, the drive member is a drive rail arranged in parallel with the rail. The drive rail includes a first traveling path corresponding to the power supply area and a second traveling path corresponding to the power cutting area. On the other hand, the operating section is movable to an operating position for pressing the press-contact body against the conveyor section and a release position for separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and includes a bearing capable of running on the drive rail. When the carrier travels in the power supply area of the rail portion and the bearing travels on the first travel path at the first height, the operating portion is located at the operating position and the pressure contact body is pressed against the conveyor portion. To maintain. When the carrier enters the power disconnection area from the power supply area, the bearing moves from the first travel path to the second travel path at the second height, the operation unit moves from the operating position to the release position, The state is released. Furthermore, when the carrier is located in the power cutting area, the bearing is located at the second height on the second travel path, so that the operation unit is located at the release position and the pressure contact body is separated from the conveyor unit. Will be maintained. Therefore, the present invention can switch and / or maintain the pressed state and the released state of the transporting body with a simple structure.

  According to the transport device of a further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-described invention, the first traveling path and the second traveling path are formed continuously through the inclined portion, so that the pressed state and the released state are achieved. Can be switched more smoothly.

  According to the conveyance body of one embodiment of the present invention, the operation unit of the control mechanism can move to an operation position for pressing the press body against the conveyor unit and a release position for separating the press body from the conveyor unit, and travel along the drive rail. With possible bearings. Then, when the bearing of the operation unit of the transport body travels on the first traveling path at the first height, the operation unit is located at the operation position, and the state in which the press-contact body is pressed against the conveyor unit is maintained. When the carrier enters the power disconnection area from the power supply area, the bearing moves from the first travel path to the second travel path at the second height, the operation unit moves from the operating position to the release position, The state is released. Furthermore, when the carrier is located in the power cutting area, the bearing is located at the second height on the second travel path, so that the operation unit is located at the release position and the pressure contact body is separated from the conveyor unit. Will be maintained. Therefore, the present invention can switch and / or maintain the pressed state and the released state of the transport body with a simple structure. Therefore, the carrier of the present invention greatly improves the workability of the user.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a carrier according to an embodiment of the present invention. The (a) front view and (b) rear view of the conveyance body of FIG. FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA of the transport body in FIG. 1. The figure which shows the press-contact form of the conveyance body of FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating a transport rail according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7A is a plan view and FIG. 6B is a side view of the transport rail in FIG. 6. (A) BB sectional drawing and (b) CC sectional drawing of the conveyance rail of FIG. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transport system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the transport system in FIG. 9. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a transport body located in a power supply area of the transport system in FIG. 9. FIG. 12 is a sectional view taken along line DD of the transport system in FIG. 11. FIG. 10 is a schematic front view of the transfer system of FIG. 9 when the transfer body shifts from a power supply area to a power disconnection area. FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of a transport body located in a power absence area of the transport system in FIG. 9. FIG. 15 is an EE cross-sectional view of the transport system of FIG. 14.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. It should be noted that the shapes in the drawings referred to in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for describing a suitable shape, and the dimensional ratios and the like do not always match the actual dimensional ratios. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings.

  The transport system 10 according to the present embodiment includes a transport body 110 that transports an object to a predetermined position, and a transport rail 150 laid along a predetermined transport path. That is, the transport system 10 transports an object (not shown) to a predetermined position by the transport device 100 along a transport rail 150 laid along a predetermined transport path. More specifically, in order to perform a plurality of processes on an object (work material), from one place for performing the first step to another place for performing the second step. The transport body 110 can be used to transport an object along the transport rail 150.

  With reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, a transport body 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a carrier 110 according to one embodiment of the present invention. 2A and 2B are a front view and a rear view of the carrier 110. FIG. 3A and 3B are a plan view and a side view of the carrier 110. FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of the transport body 110 (in the pressure release mode). FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer body 110 (press-contact form).

  As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the transport body 110 includes a transport body main body 111, a support portion 112 for supporting an object, and the transport body main body 111 traveling on a transport rail 150 (rail section 151). And a pressure contact body 115 movably supported by the carrier body 111 for press-contacting the conveyor section 155 of the conveyance rail 150 to connect the carrier body 111 to the conveyor section 155; And a control mechanism 116 for controlling the pressing and releasing of the pressing.

  The carrier body 111 has a pair of vertical frames 111a extending in the vertical (height) direction at both left and right ends thereof, a pair of upper horizontal frames 111b extending horizontally before and after the pair of vertical frames 111a, and A lower horizontal frame 111c extending parallel to the upper horizontal frame 111b.

  Each vertical frame 111a is formed as a rectangular column. At the lower end of each vertical frame 111a, a support portion 112 for suspending and fixing a support plate (not shown) for mounting and supporting an object is provided. The support portion 112 may be a screw hole that can connect the support plate with a screw. A traveling section 113 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 111a. The traveling section 113 includes a pair of wheels attached to the upper end of the vertical frame 111a so as to be rotatable in the left-right width direction of the carrier body 111. The running portion 113 is positioned so as to protrude from the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111a, is mounted on the rail portion 151 of the transport rail 150, and is configured to run on the rail portion 151.

  The pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b is formed in an elongated plate shape, and is fixed to the front and back of the vertical frame 111a so that the plane portions thereof face the front and back. That is, a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b are connected to each other with the pair of vertical frames 111a sandwiched between the front and rear. As shown in FIG. 4, three shaft holes are formed in a plane portion of the upper horizontal frame 111b so as to support the rotation shaft 116g of the control mechanism 116 and the rotation shafts 116h, 116h. . On the other hand, the lower horizontal frame 111c is formed in an elongated plate shape. The lower horizontal frame 111c is fixed (nipped) to opposing inner surfaces of a pair of left and right vertical frames 111a such that the plane portions thereof face upward and downward. Further, four rectangular cutouts for guiding the movement of the leg 115a of the press contact body 115 are formed on both side edges on the front and back sides of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The pressure contact body 115 is movably supported in the up-down direction by the carrier body 111, and presses against the conveyor section 155 (see FIGS. 7 and 8) of the transport rail 150 to connect the carrier body 111 to the conveyor section 155. Works like that. The pressure contact body 115 includes a pair of left and right legs 115a extending in the vertical direction of the carrier body 111, and a plate-shaped pressure contact plate (pressure contact portion) 115b fixed to upper ends of the pair of legs 115a.

  Each leg 115a is formed by combining two vertically long plate-like portions arranged in front and rear. A lower horizontal frame 111c of the carrier body 111 is disposed inside the plate-like portion of the leg 115a, and an upper horizontal frame 111b is disposed outside the plate material. The pressing body 115 is supported by the carrier body 111 in a state where the plate-like portion of the leg 115a is accommodated in the four cutouts of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The press contact plate 115b is fixed to the leg 115a such that its rectangular base is sandwiched between the plate-like portions of the leg 115a. The pressure contact plate 115b extends in the left-right width direction, and is formed in a tapered shape so that both ends thereof recede downward. That is, the upper surface of the press contact plate 115b is configured as a press contact portion that presses against the conveyor portion 155.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, an engagement shaft 115c is provided above each leg 115a. The engagement shaft 115c extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the front and rear plate portions, and is arranged to be engageable with an outer surface of an engagement body 116e of the control mechanism 116 described later. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, an elongated hole 115d extending in the longitudinal direction is formed substantially in the center of each leg 115a. More specifically, long holes 115d are formed in both plate-like portions of the leg 115a, and the rotation shaft 116h of the control mechanism 116 is inserted so as to be able to move (slide). A bottom wall 115e is provided at the lower end of each leg 115a. The bottom wall 115e connects the plate-like portions of the legs 115a so as to close the lower end. As shown in FIG. 8, a spring 116f of the control mechanism 116 is arranged between the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e and the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

  The control mechanism 116 drives the pressure contact body 115 in a direction approaching the transport rail 150 (conveyor section 155) and in a direction away from the transport rail 150, and presses the pressure contact body 115 against the conveyor section 155 and presses the pressure contact body 115 against the conveyor section 155. Function to control the release of The control mechanism 116 includes a lever-shaped operation unit 116a for driving and operating the pressure contact body 115. The operation unit 116a is movable to an operating position (inclination posture) for pressing the pressure contact body 115 against the conveyor unit 155 and a release position (vertical posture) for separating the pressure contact body 155 from the conveyor unit 155. The operation section 116a holds a rotatable bearing 116b at the tip. The bearing 116b functions so as to slide on the lower surface of a drive rail 158 of the transport rail 150 described later.

  The operation portion 116a is rotatably supported at its base end (lower end) substantially at the center of the upper horizontal frame 111b of the carrier body 111 via a rotation shaft 116g. The rotation shaft 116g penetrates a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b so as to protrude to the front side of the carrier body 111, and is rotatable with respect to the carrier body 111. As shown in FIG. 3, an operation unit 116 a is fixed to a front end of the rotating shaft 116 g and is disposed forward (front side) of the carrier body 111. The driving gear 116c is fixed to the rotating shaft 116g between the outer surface of the horizontal frame 111b on the front side and the operation unit 116a. That is, the operation unit 116a and the driving gear 116c can rotate in synchronization with each other about the rotation shaft 116g.

  On the other hand, on both sides of the rotating shaft 116g, two driven gears 116d are rotatably supported by the upper horizontal frame 111b of the carrier body 111 via two rotating shafts 116h. Each rotating shaft 116h penetrates a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b and is rotatable with respect to the carrier body 111. The rotation shaft 116g and the rotation shafts 116h, 116h are aligned in a straight line along the extending direction of the upper horizontal frame 111b (the width direction of the transport body 110). Each driven gear 116d is fixed to the front end of the rotation shaft 116h, and two left and right driven gears 116d are arranged at positions where they can mesh with the central driving gear 116c. That is, the driven gear 116d is configured to rotate according to the rotation of the main driving gear 116c. In this embodiment, since the driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d have the same diameter, the rotation angles of the driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d are the same. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  The engaging body 116e is fixed to each rotating shaft 116h between the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b. That is, since the engagement body 116e is integrally fixed to the driven gear 116d via the rotation shaft 116h, it rotates synchronously with the rotation of the driven gear 116d. The engagement body 116e has a shape in which the center of each side of the square is recessed toward the center in a front view. In other words, a recess is formed at the center of each side of the engagement body 116e. The outer peripheral surface of the engagement body 116e changes gradually and is curved as a whole. The outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is arranged so as to abut (slide) on the engaging shaft 115c (see FIGS. 4 and 5). That is, since the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e and the rotating shaft 116h is not uniform, the engaging shaft 115c that slides on the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e with respect to the rotating shaft 116h with the rotational movement of the engaging body 116e. And can be moved closer and further away.

  Further, the control mechanism 116 is provided with a spring 116f for urging the pressure contact body 115 in the retreating direction (downward). The spring 116f is arranged inside each leg 115a. In particular, the lower end of the spring 116f is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e, and the upper end of the spring 116f is fixed to the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c. 4 (and FIG. 5), the spring 116f is contracted from its natural length, and is urged in a direction in which the bottom wall 115e and the lower horizontal frame 111c are separated. That is, the bottom wall 115e of each leg 115a is urged downward with respect to the lower horizontal frame 111c of the carrier body 111 by the elastic return force of the spring 116f, so that the pressing member 115 is moved in the retreating direction (downward). Be inspired. By maintaining the contact between the engaging shaft 115c and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e by the urging force, the engaging shaft 115c can relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the driven gear 116d according to the rotation of the driven gear 116d. is there.

  Subsequently, an operation of the transport body 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 shows the transport body 110 in a form in which the pressure contact body 115 is retracted in a direction away from the transport rail 150. FIG. 5 shows the transport body 110 in a form in which the pressure contact body 115 has advanced in a direction in which the pressure contact body 115 is pressed against the transport rail 150.

  In FIG. 4, the operation unit 116a of the control mechanism 116 takes a substantially vertical posture, and the bearing 116b at the tip of the operation unit 116a is located at the first height. The engaging shaft 115c is in contact with the center of one side on the upper side of the engaging body 116e. The distance between the center of the rotation shaft 116h and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is minimized at the center recessed portion of each side of the engaging body 116e. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the press contact body 115 is disposed at the most retracted position.

  Then, by inclining (to the left or right) the operation unit 116a of the control mechanism 116 from the mode shown in FIG. 4, the press contact body 115 can be moved in the forward direction (upward) as shown in FIG. More specifically, when the operation unit 116a is rotated to the inclined posture at a predetermined angle, the driving gear 116c rotates in one direction at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of the operation unit 116a. At this time, the bearing 116b at the tip of the operation unit 116a is located at the second height. In the present embodiment, the predetermined angle is about 45 degrees. Since the central driving gear 116c meshes with the two driven gears 116d on both sides, the two driven gears 116d are driven to rotate at a predetermined angle according to the rotation of the driving gear 116c. Then, the engagement body 116e rotates at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of each driven gear 116d. With the rotation of the engagement body 116e, the engagement shaft 115c relatively slides on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body 116e. As the engagement shaft 115c moves outward from the central recess of the side of the engagement body 116e, the engagement shaft 115c gradually moves upward such that the rotation shaft 116g and the engagement shaft 115c are separated from each other. At the same time, the rotating shaft 116h relatively slides downward in the elongated hole 115d. Then, as shown in FIG. 5, when the engaging shaft 115c moves to the corner of the engaging member 116e, the pressing member 115 moves forward most in the direction in which the pressing member 115 is pressed against the transport rail 150. Although not shown, it is also possible to maintain the press-contact body 115 in the forward posture by fixing the operation unit 116a to the carrier body 111 at a desired tilt angle using fixing means such as a pin.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6 to FIG. 8, a description will be given of a transport rail 150 that constitutes a part of the transport system 10 of the present embodiment and transports an object along a transport direction. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transport rail 150. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a side view of the transport rail 150. FIGS. 8A and 8B are a BB longitudinal sectional view and a CC transverse sectional view of the transport rail 150.

  As shown in FIGS. 6 to 8, the transport rail 150 includes a top wall 152 extending longitudinally along the transport direction, and a pair of downwardly hanging ends from both ends in the width (short) direction of the top wall 152. 153, an opening 154 opened downward between the pair of side walls 153, and a drive rail (drive) that protrudes laterally from the outer surface of one of the side walls 153 and extends longitudinally along the transport direction. 158). Rail portions 151 projecting inward are formed at the open ends of the respective side wall portions 153. The interval between the pair of rail portions 151 extending in the longitudinal direction (transport direction) is larger than the width of the carrier body 111 and corresponds to the position of the pair of wheels forming the traveling portion 113. Further, a suspending tool 157 for suspending and fixing the transport rail 150 to the structure is fixed to the upper surface of the top wall 152.

  On the other hand, on the opposite side (rear side) of the opening 154 of the transport rail 150, a conveyor section 155 is provided. The conveyor section 155 is provided alongside the rail section 151 and drives the transport body 110 to run on the rail section 151. The conveyor section 155 includes a plurality of pulleys 155a rotatably supported between the side wall sections 153, and a conveyor belt 155b suspended over the plurality of pulleys 155a. For convenience of explanation, illustration of the conveyor belt 155b is omitted in FIG. Then, the pulley 155a and the conveyor belt 155b are rotationally driven by the power unit 156. As the power unit 156, a rotation drive unit such as a motor may be employed. The pressure contact plate 115b of the pressure contact body 115 is pressed against the surface of the conveyor belt 155b, and the conveyor 110 moves with the rotation of the conveyor belt 155b.

  The drive rail 158 is provided in parallel with the rail part 151 in a plan view. The drive rail 158 is a narrow and long plate fixed to the outer surface of the side wall 153. The drive rail 158 includes a first travel path 158a linearly extending at a first height and a second travel path linearly extending at a second height above the first travel path 158a. 158b and an inclined portion 158c connecting the first traveling path 158a and the second traveling path 158b.

  The power supply area X in which the conveyor 110 is conveyed by the conveyor unit 155 in a state where the press-contact body 150 and the conveyor unit 155 are in pressure contact with the conveyance rail 150 of the present embodiment, and the power supply region X between the press-contact unit 150 and the conveyor unit 155. A power cutting area Y where the conveyance body 110 can freely operate on the rail portion 151 in a state where the pressure contact is released is defined. The power cutting area Y is preferably set to a place where the operator stops the transfer body 110 and performs a process on an object (work material). The first travel path 158a of the drive rail 158 defines a power supply area X, the second travel path 158b defines a power disconnection area Y, and the slope 158c defines a transition area between the power supply area X and the power disconnection area Y. Is determined.

  Although the transport rail 150 is schematically illustrated as one unit or a part for convenience of description, in actuality, one transport location and at least one other transport location apart from this location are transported by the transport rail 150. It can be configured to be long to connect. Further, the transport rail 150 may be laid in a straight line, may be laid in a bent or meandering manner, or may be laid in an annular shape. The length of the transport rail 150 is arbitrarily determined according to the site or the like.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic perspective view of the transport system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the transport system 10 of the present embodiment can be configured by one or a plurality of the transport devices 110 and the transport rails 150 described above.

  As shown in FIG. 10, a power cutting area Y is formed between the power supply areas X on the transport rail 150 (as an example), and the transport body 110 is disposed in each of the areas X and Y. The power supply area X and the power disconnection area Y correspond to the positions of the first travel path 158a and the second travel path 158b of the drive rail 158 (shown by a thick line). When the conveyor unit 155 is driven, a driving force is supplied from the conveyor unit 155 to the transport body 110 in the power supply area X, and the transport body 110 travels on the rail 151 in a certain direction. On the other hand, no driving force is supplied from the conveyor unit 155 to the transport body 110 in the power cutting area Y, and the transport body 110 can freely slide back and forth. That is, when the transport body 110 reaches the power cutting area Y through the power supply area X, the driving force supply from the conveyor unit 155 is automatically cut off. Therefore, the worker (user) may grasp and move and / or stop the carrier 110 in the power cutting area Y by hand, and perform a process on an object (work material) supported by the carrier 110. It becomes possible. Then, after the processing by the operator is completed, when the operator slides the transport body 110 from the power cutting area Y to the front power supply area X, the driving force is again supplied to the transport body 110 from the conveyor unit 155. Then, the transport body 110 is automatically transported to the next destination by the power supply area X.

  More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, in the power supply region X, the transfer unit 110 is transported through the opening 154 of the transport rail 150 while the upper portion of the transport body 110 is housed inside the transport rail 150. A pair of running parts 113 of the transporting body 110 are placed on a pair of rail parts 151 of the rail 150, and a pressure contact plate 115b of the pressure contact body 115 is pressed against a conveyor belt 155b of the conveyor part 155. At this time, the operation unit 116a is in the inclined posture, and the bearing 116b is in contact with the lower surface of the drive rail 158 (first traveling path 158a). That is, as the bearing 116b travels on the first traveling path 158a at the first height, the operation unit 116a is maintained at the operating position (inclination posture). As a result, the pressure contact of the pressure contact body 120 to the conveyor unit 155 is maintained, and the driving force is supplied from the conveyor unit 155 to the transport body 110. In the present embodiment, in the power supply region X in the front in the traveling direction, the operation unit 116a takes a posture tilted rearward, and in the power supply region X in the back, the operation unit 116a takes a posture tilted forward. I have. Since the operating portion 116a can be tilted in both the front and rear directions, the tilting direction of the operating portion 116a is determined according to how the bearing 116b and the drive rail 158 hit.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 13, when the transport body 110 moves from the power supply area X to the power cutting area Y, it passes through the transition area. Along with this, the bearing 116b enters the inclined section 158c from the first traveling path 158a of the drive rail 158. At this time, since the operating portion 116a is urged to the release position (vertical posture) by the elastic return force of the spring 116f, the operating portion 116a is tilted (displaced) in the vertical direction, and the bearing 116b is moved to the lower surface of the inclined portion 158c. Slide. With the tilting of the operation unit 116a, the pressure contact body 120 moves backward in a direction away from the conveyor unit 155.

  Subsequently, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the power cutting region Y, the pair of traveling portions 113 of the transport body 110 are placed on the pair of rail portions 151 of the transport rail 150, and the pressing plate of the pressing member 115 is pressed. 115b is separated from the conveyor belt 155b of the conveyor section 155. At this time, the operation unit 116a is in the vertical position, and the bearing 116b is in contact with the lower surface of the drive rail 158 (second travel path 158a). That is, as the bearing 116b travels on the second traveling path 158a at the second height, the operation section 116a is maintained at the release position (vertical posture). As a result, the separated state of the pressure contact body 120 to the conveyor unit 155 is maintained, and the supply of the driving force from the conveyor unit 155 to the transport body 110 is cut off. In other words, even in a state where the conveyor unit 155 is driven, the operator can freely move the transport body 110 back and forth in the power cutting area Y.

  Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the transport system 10 and the transport body 110 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  According to the transport system 10 (transport body 110) of the present embodiment, the power supply area X in which the transport body 110 is transported by the conveyor section 155 in a state where the pressure contact body 115 and the conveyor section 155 are pressed against the rail portion 151. In addition, a power cutting area Y is defined in which the conveyance body 110 can be freely operated to run on the rail part 151 in a state where the pressure contact between the pressure contact body 115 and the conveyor part 155 is released. Then, when the transport body 110 shifts from the power supply area X to the power disconnection area Y, the drive rail 158 provided on the rail portion 151 releases the pressure contact with the operation section 116a of the control mechanism 116 of the transport body 110. By acting, the power supply of the transport body 110 is automatically cut off in the power cut area Y. That is, in the power cutting area Y determined by the user in advance, the user does not manually operate the transport body 110, but only enters the power cutting area Y of the transport body 110, and the transport body 110 is in a free state. It will be supported by the rail part 151. Therefore, the transport system 10 of the present invention greatly improves the workability of the user.

  In particular, the drive rail 158 is provided in parallel with the rail portion 151, and includes a first traveling path 158a corresponding to the power supply area X, a second traveling path 158b corresponding to the power cutting area Y, and an inclined section 158c. . On the other hand, the operation unit 116a is provided with a bearing 116b that can move to an operation position where the pressure contact body 115 is pressed against the conveyor unit 155 and a release position where the pressure contact body 115 is separated from the conveyor unit 155, and that can run on the drive rail 158. Then, when the transport body 110 travels in the power supply area X of the rail portion 151 and the bearing 116b travels on the first travel path 158a at the first height, the operation section 116a is located at the operating position and the press contact body 115 Maintain a state of being pressed against the conveyor section 155. When the transfer body 110 shifts from the power supply area X to the power cutting area Y, the bearing 116b smoothly moves from the first travel path 158a to the second travel path 158b at the second height via the inclined portion 158c, The operation unit 116a moves from the operating position to the release position, and the pressed state is released. Further, when the transport body 110 is located in the power cutting area Y, the bearing 116b is located at the second height on the second traveling path 158b, so that the operation unit 116a is located at the release position and the pressure contact body 115 is moved to the conveyor. The state separated from the part 155 is maintained. Therefore, in the transport system 10 (and the transport body 110) of the present embodiment, by using the drive rail 158, it is possible to switch between the pressed state and the release state of the transport body 110 with a simple structure without mounting electronic means. And / or maintenance can be performed.

[Modification]
The form of the transport body of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, the form of the carrier body, the press-contact body, the running portion, and the like of the carrier can have various structures as long as the function can be exhibited. For example, a form such as a carrier described in Japanese Patent No. 5878996 by the same inventor may be partially adopted.

  The form of the transport rail of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the side wall portion and the top wall portion may be omitted so that the transport rail is not a housing type, and a shaft-shaped rail portion may be adopted as a separate member from the conveyor portion. Alternatively, the rails and the traveling portion may be racks and pinions, and the carrier may travel by engaging the teeth of the gears. As described above, the adoption of the rack-and-pinion is advantageous for the traveling of the transport body when the transport path is laid in an inclined or vertical direction. Further, the traveling section may travel on one surface of the rail section without sandwiching the rail section from above and below by the traveling section.

  The operation unit and the drive member of the present invention are not limited to the lever-shaped operation unit and the drive rail of the above embodiment. That is, the drive member and the operation unit can take any shape as long as they are in a mutually operable relationship.

  Further, the conveyor section is not limited to the form of the pool and the conveyor belt, and any means can be used as long as the press-contact relationship with the press-contact member can be maintained and the transfer member can be sent out along the transfer path. For example, a plurality of drive wheels may be employed in the conveyor unit, and the carrier may be sent out with the rotation of each drive wheel.

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

Reference Signs List 10 transport system 100 transport device 110 transport body 110-1 first transport body 110-2 second transport body 111 transport body 111a vertical frame 111b upper horizontal frame 111c lower horizontal frame 112 support section 113 running section 115 pressure contact body 115a Leg 115b Pressure contact plate (pressure contact portion)
115c engaging shaft 115d long hole 115e bottom wall 116 control mechanism 116a operating unit 116b bearing 116c driven gear 116d driven gear 116e engaging body 116f spring 116g rotating shaft 116h rotating shaft 120 connecting body 121 first link 122 second link 123 first Shaft 124 Second shaft 125 Rotary damper 126 First gear 127 Second gear 150 Transport rail 151 Rail section 152 Top wall section 153 Side wall section 154 Opening section 155 Conveyor section 155a Pulley 155b Conveyor belt 156 Drive section 157 Suspension tool 158 Drive rail ( Drive member)
158a First traveling path 158b Second traveling path 158c Inclined portion X Power supply area Y Power disconnection area

Claims (5)

A transport body that transports the target object to a predetermined position,
A rail portion extending along the transport direction of the target object and along which the transport body travels, and a transport rail provided with the rail portion and having a conveyor portion that is driven to rotate in the transport direction. ,
The carrier is
A carrier body,
A traveling unit formed on the carrier body, wherein the carrier body travels on the rail portion;
A press-contact body movably supported by the carrier body and press-contacting the conveyor unit to connect the carrier body to the conveyor unit;
A control mechanism for driving the press-contact body in a direction approaching the conveyor section and in a direction separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and controlling press-contact of the press-contact body to the conveyor section and release of the press-contact. ,
The control mechanism includes an operation unit for driving and operating the pressure contact body,
A power supply area where the conveyor is conveyed by the conveyor unit in a state where the press-contact body and the conveyor unit are in pressure contact with the conveyance rail, and the press-contact between the press-contact unit and the conveyor unit is released. In this state, a power cutting area in which the transport body can freely operate with respect to the rail portion is defined,
The transport rail acts on the operation unit so as to release the press-contact between the press-contact body and the conveyor unit when the transport body is located in the power cutting region, and the transport body supplies the power supply. A drive member that acts on the operation unit so as to maintain the pressure contact between the pressure contact body and the conveyor unit when located in the region;
The drive member includes a drive rail provided in parallel with the rail portion,
The operating unit is movable to an operating position for pressing the press-contact body against the conveyor unit and a release position for separating the press-contact unit from the conveyor unit, and the operating unit includes a bearing capable of running the drive rail. Is formed,
In the drive rail, the bearing can travel at a first height, a first travel path provided alongside the rail portion in the power supply region, and a second travel path in which the bearing is different from the first height. And a second traveling path provided alongside the rail portion in the power cutting area,
When the bearing is located on the first travel path, the operating portion is located at the operating position to maintain a state in which the pressure contact body is pressed against the conveyor section, while the bearing is on the second travel path. Wherein the operation unit is located at the release position and the press-contact body is kept separated from the conveyor unit.   The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the first travel path and the second travel path are continuously formed via an inclined portion. The press-contact body includes a leg supported to be movable in a press-contact direction and a separation direction with respect to the conveyor body with respect to the carrier body, a press-contact plate formed at a tip of the leg, and a leg formed on the leg. Provided engagement shaft,
The control mechanism includes: a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the operation unit on the carrier body; a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft; and the carrier body adjacent to the rotating shaft. A rotatable shaft rotatably supported, a driven gear fixed to the rotatable shaft and arranged at a position capable of meshing with the driving gear, Further comprising an engaged body,
The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body and the rotation axis is not uniform,
The driving gear, the driven gear, and the engagement body rotate simultaneously according to the rotation operation of the operation unit, and the rotation of the engagement body causes the engagement shaft to relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body. 3. The transport system according to claim 1, wherein the leg portion moves with respect to the transport body in a pressing direction and a separating direction with respect to the conveyor portion. 4. A rail portion extending along the transport direction of the target object and along which the transport body travels, and the target object along a transport rail provided with the rail portion and having a conveyor portion that is rotationally driven in the transport direction. A transport body for transporting to a predetermined position,
A carrier body,
A traveling unit formed on the carrier body, wherein the carrier body travels on the rail portion;
A press-contact body movably supported by the carrier body and press-contacting the conveyor unit to connect the carrier body to the conveyor unit;
A control mechanism for driving the press-contact body in a direction approaching the conveyor section and in a direction separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and controlling press-contact of the press-contact body to the conveyor section and release of the press-contact. ,
The control mechanism includes an operation unit for driving and operating the pressure contact body,
The operating section is movable to an operating position for pressing the press-contact body against the conveyor section and a release position for separating the press-contact body from the conveyor section, and the operating section is provided in parallel with the rail section. A bearing that can run on the drive rail is formed,
When the bearing is located on a first traveling path formed at a first height of the drive rail, a state in which the operating portion is located in the operating position and the pressure contact body is pressed against the conveyor portion is provided. And when the bearing is located on a second travel path formed at a second height different from the first height of the drive rail, the operating portion is located at the release position. A carrier, wherein the press-contact body maintains a state separated from the conveyor section. The press-contact body includes a leg supported to be movable in a press-contact direction and a separation direction with respect to the conveyor body with respect to the carrier body, a press-contact plate formed at a tip of the leg, and a leg formed on the leg. Provided engagement shaft,
The control mechanism includes: a rotating shaft that rotatably supports the operation unit on the carrier body; a driving gear fixed to the rotating shaft; and the carrier body adjacent to the rotating shaft. A rotatable shaft rotatably supported, a driven gear fixed to the rotatable shaft and arranged at a position capable of meshing with the driving gear, Further comprising an engaged body,
The distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body and the rotation axis is not uniform,
The driving gear, the driven gear, and the engagement body rotate simultaneously according to the rotation operation of the operation unit, and the rotation of the engagement body causes the engagement shaft to relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the engagement body. 5. The carrier according to claim 4, wherein the legs move in a direction of pressing against and away from the conveyor with respect to the carrier body.

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