JP7037119B2 - Pallet transfer device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a pallet transport device that transports a pallet on which an article (part, product, etc.) is placed along a predetermined transport path.

For example, as described in Patent Document 1 below, a pallet transport device that circulates a substantially square pallet along a rectangular transport path is known. This transport path is composed of an outward path and a return path extending in a straight line. The outbound and inbound routes are adjacent. Both ends of the outward route and both ends of the return route communicate with each other. That is, a transition route from the outward route to the return route and a transition route from the return route to the outward route are provided. The length of the outward trip and the return trip is equivalent to an integral multiple of the length of the pallet (dimension of one side). The width of the outward route and the return route is equivalent to the width of one pallet (dimension of one side). Further, the width of the transition path is equivalent to the width of one pallet.

Multiple pallets are spread on the outbound and inbound routes. However, a space on which one pallet can be placed is provided at the left end or the right end of either the outbound route or the inbound route.

Further, on the outward route and the return route, a claw portion that can slide in the traveling direction of the pallet is provided. Specifically, a claw that slides toward the end of the outward route at the beginning of the outward route, a claw that slides toward the start of the return route at the end of the outward route, and an end of the return route at the start of the return route. A claw portion that slides toward the portion and a claw portion that slides toward the start end portion of the outward route at the end portion of the return route are provided. Further, each of these four types of claws is connected to the actuator. The claws are driven by the actuator and one pallet is pushed by the claws.

For example, in a state where a space on which one pallet can be placed is formed at the end of the outbound route, the claw portion provided at the start end of the outbound route is driven by an actuator and the pallet is located at the start end of the outbound route. Is pushed toward the end of the outbound route. As a result, each pallet spread in the outward route is pushed by the adjacent pallet on the rear side in the traveling direction and moves all at once. Then, a space on which one pallet can be placed is formed at the beginning of the outward route. Next, the claw portion provided at the end portion of the return route is driven, and the pallet located at the end portion of the return route moves to the start end portion of the outward route through the transition path. Then, a space on which one pallet can be placed is formed at the end of the return route. Next, the claw portion provided at the start end of the return path is driven, and the pallet located at the start end of the return path is pushed toward the end of the return path. As a result, each pallet spread in the return route is pushed by the adjacent pallet on the rear side in the traveling direction and moves all at once. Then, a space on which one pallet can be placed is formed at the beginning of the return route. Next, the claw portion provided at the end portion of the outward route is driven, and the pallet located at the end portion of the outward route moves to the start end portion of the return route through the transition path. Then, a space on which one pallet can be placed is formed at the end of the outward route. In this way, the pallet circulates in a certain direction (for example, counterclockwise in the plan view of the pallet transport device) along the transport path.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 5-306015

The pallet transfer device of Patent Document 1 includes four actuators (an actuator that advances the pallet along the outward path, an actuator that advances the pallet along the transition path from the outward path to the return path, and an actuator that advances the pallet along the return path. And an actuator that advances the pallet along the transition path from the return path to the outward path). Therefore, the cost of parts of the pallet transfer device is high, and it is difficult to provide the transfer device at low cost.

The present invention has been made to address the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an inexpensive pallet transfer device. In the following description of each component of the present invention, in order to facilitate understanding of the present invention, the reference numerals of the corresponding parts of the embodiments are described in parentheses, but each component of the present invention is described. It should not be construed as limited to the configuration of the corresponding parts indicated by the reference numerals of the embodiments.

In order to achieve the above object, the feature of the present invention is assembled on the upper surface of the base (BP), the first table (21) slidable in a predetermined first direction, and the upper surface of the first table. , A second table (22) that can slide in the first direction with respect to the first table, and a second table that is assembled on the upper surface of the second table and slides in the second direction intersecting the first direction with respect to the second table. A third table (23) that holds the pallet (P), an actuator (AC) that slides the first table in the first direction, and a stopper (STL2) that regulates the movement of the second table with respect to the base. STR2) and a power transmission mechanism (24) that converts the driving force for sliding the first table in the first direction by the actuator into the driving force for sliding the third table in the second direction. When the first table slides while the slide of the second table is restricted by the stopper, the power transmission that slides the third table in the second direction by a distance corresponding to the movement distance of the first table with respect to the second table. The pallet transport device (1) is provided with a mechanism.

In this case, the power transmission mechanism is a first magnetic plate (MP1) assembled to the first table and extended in the first direction, and has a positive electrode portion (PP) having a positive magnetic pole and a negative magnetic pole. The negative electrode portions (NP) having the negative electrode portions (NP) are assembled to the first magnetic plate and the third table, which are alternately arranged along the first direction, extended in the second direction, and arranged to face the first magnetic plate. The second magnetic plate (MP2) includes a second magnetic plate in which a positive electrode portion having a positive magnetic pole and a negative electrode portion having a negative magnetic pole are alternately arranged along the second direction. good.

Further, in this case, the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the first magnetic plate are extended in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, and the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the second magnetic plate are extended. It is preferable that the first magnetic plate is extended in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion.

Further, in this case, it is a rotating body (MS) provided between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate and rotating around a rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction, and the first magnetic plate is placed on the peripheral surface thereof. And may have a rotating body in which the negative electrode portion and the positive electrode portion corresponding to the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the second magnetic plate are formed in a spiral shape, respectively.

In the pallet transfer device according to the present invention, in a state where the movement of the second table with respect to the base is not restricted (first state), the first table and the second table can be integrally slid in the first direction. be. That is, both tables can slide in the first direction with respect to the base while the second table is stationary with respect to the first table. At this time, since the driving force transmission mechanism does not operate, the third table (pallet) does not slide in the second direction, but slides in the first direction together with the second table. On the other hand, in the state where the slide of the second table with respect to the base is restricted (second state), the third table does not slide in the first direction. When the first table further slides in the first direction in this state, the driving force transmission mechanism is activated and the third table slides in the second direction. In this way, the first table slides in the first direction in both the first state and the second state, while the pallet slides in the first direction in the first state. , In the second state, it slides in the second direction. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to separately provide an actuator that slides the pallet in the first direction and an actuator that slides the pallet in the second direction, and only one actuator that slides the first table in the first direction is provided. It's fine. Therefore, the cost of parts can be reduced as compared with the conventional pallet transfer device. Therefore, the pallet transfer device can be provided at low cost.

Another feature of the present invention is that the stopper is provided with a mechanism (CL, CR) that is fitted to the second table to temporarily fix the second table to the base. A pallet transfer device in which a first table directly or indirectly presses the second table in the first direction to separate the second table from the stopper and slides the second table in the first direction. It is in (1a).

Here, using the force (magnetic force) that attracts the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate, the second table and the third table are held stationary with respect to the first table with respect to the first table. Consider the configuration so that it does. In such a configuration, when the magnetic force is relatively small, there is a possibility that the second table and the third table cannot be kept stationary with respect to the first table. That is, if the load (for example, the weight of the object placed on the third table, the friction of each part, etc.) is relatively large, even if the first table is driven in the first direction, the second table and the third table will be displayed. There is a risk that it cannot be followed. On the other hand, according to the present invention, the first table abuts on the second table and presses the second table in the first direction. That is, the driving force applied to the first table in the first direction is transmitted to the second table. Therefore, even if the magnetic force is slightly small, the first table to the third table can be integrally slid in the first direction.

It is a perspective view of the pallet transfer apparatus which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a pallet transfer device. It is an exploded perspective view of a pallet. It is a perspective view which looked at the pallet from diagonally below. It is an exploded perspective view of a guide part. It is an exploded perspective view of a drive device. It is a top view which shows the state which the 1st table and the 2nd table are located at the left end of the movable range, respectively. It is a top view which shows the state which the 1st table is located in the middle part of the movable range, and the 2nd table is located at the right end of the movable range. It is a top view which shows the state which the 1st table and the 2nd table are located at the right end of the movable range, respectively. It is a top view which shows the state which the 1st table is located in the middle part of the movable range, and the 2nd table is located at the left end of the movable range. It is a perspective view of the driving force transmission mechanism. It is a top view which shows the concept of a driving force transmission mechanism. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship of two magnetic plates in a natural state. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the positional relationship between the two magnetic plates is slightly deviated from the state shown in FIG. 8A. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XX of FIG. 8A. 8B is a sectional view taken along the line YY of FIG. 8B. It is a perspective view which looked at the 3rd table and the peripheral part thereof from the bottom. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 5A. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 5B. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 5C. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 5D. It is a top view which shows the path of a holding device. It is a perspective view of an anti-back unit. It is a side view of an anti-back unit. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 10A. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 10B. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 10C. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 10D. It is a front view of the pallet held by the holding device and the peripheral part thereof. It is a side view which shows the mode that the pallet is transported from the front side and the right corner of the transport path to the rear. It is a side view which shows the mode that the holding device which held the pallet at the left end of the pallet row on the front side moves backward. It is a side view which shows the mode that the pallet is transported forward from the corner on the rear side and the left side of the transport path. It is a side view which shows how the holding device which held the rightmost pallet of a pallet row on the rear side moves forward. It is a perspective view of the pallet transfer apparatus which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is an exploded perspective view of a pallet transfer device. It is a perspective view of a base and its peripheral part. It is a perspective view of the 1st table, the 2nd table and the peripheral part thereof. It is a perspective view of the 3rd table and the peripheral part thereof. It is a perspective view of a catch mechanism. It is a front view which shows the state which the 1st table and the 2nd table are located at the right end of the movable range, respectively. It is a front view which shows the state which the 1st table is located in the middle part of the movable range, and the 2nd table is located at the right end of the movable range. It is a front view which shows the state which the 1st table and the 2nd table are located at the left end of the movable range, respectively. It is a front view which shows the state which the 1st table is located in the middle part of the movable range, and the 2nd table is located at the left end of the movable range. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship of two magnetic plates in a natural state. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 22A. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 22B. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 22C. It is a top view which shows the position of the 3rd table when the 1st table and the 2nd table are in the state of FIG. 22D. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 24A. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 24B. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 24C. It is a top view which shows the position of each pallet when the 1st table, the 2nd table and the 3rd table are in the state of FIG. 24D. It is a perspective view of the driving force transmission device which concerns on the modification of this invention.

(First Embodiment)
The pallet transfer device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the pallet transfer device 1 circulates a plurality of pallets P along a rectangular transfer path R in a fixed direction (for example, counterclockwise in a plan view of the pallet transfer device 1). In the following description, the vertical direction is referred to as the vertical direction. Further, the long side direction in the transport path R is referred to as a left-right direction, and the short side direction in the transport path R is referred to as a front-rear direction.

The pallet P has a pedestal portion P1 and a head portion P2 as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The pedestal portion P1 has a base portion P11 and a flange portion P12. The base P11 exhibits a substantially cubic shape. The intersection (ridge line portion) between two adjacent side surface portions in the base portion P11 is chamfered. However, the upper end of the intersection is not chamfered. That is, the upper ends of the two adjacent side surfaces are orthogonal to each other. A screw hole _HP1 is provided in the central portion of the upper surface of the base portion P11.

The flange portion P12 projects in the horizontal direction (direction perpendicular to the vertical direction) from the upper end portion of the side surface portion of the base portion P11. In the plan view of the pallet P, the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion P12 exhibits a substantially square shape. The peripheral end surface of the flange portion P12 is parallel to the side surface of the base portion P11. The intersection (ridge line portion) between two adjacent peripheral end faces of the peripheral end faces of the flange portion P12 is chamfered. Screw holes _HP12 penetrating in the vertical direction are formed at the corners of the flange portion P12 (see FIG. 2B). A ball roller BR is assembled in the screw hole _HP12 . The ball roller BR has a main body portion BR1 formed in a columnar shape. A screw portion corresponding to the screw hole HP 12 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the main body portion _BR1 . A recess is provided on the lower end surface of the main body BR1, and the ball BR2 is fitted in the recess. The ball BR2 slightly protrudes from the lower end surface of the main body BR1. Further, a hexagonal hole is provided on the upper end surface of the main body portion BR1. A hexagon wrench (not shown) is inserted into the hexagonal hole, and the ball roller BR is screwed into the screw hole _{HP 12} using the hexagon wrench. In a state where the ball roller BR has entered the screw hole _HP12 to the extent that the ball BR2 protrudes slightly downward from the lower surface of the flange portion P12, the upper end portion of the main body portion BR1 slightly protrudes upward from the upper surface of the flange portion P12. There is. A nut NT is fastened to the upper end portion of the main body portion BR1, and the ball roller BR is fixed to the flange portion P12.

The head portion P2 is formed in a plate shape. In the plan view of the pallet P, the head portion P2 exhibits a substantially square shape. The dimension W _P2 of one side of the head portion P2 is substantially the same as the dimension W _P12 of one side of the outer peripheral portion of the flange portion P12. A plurality of holes HP2 penetrating in the vertical direction are formed in the head portion _P2 . A bolt (not shown) is inserted into the hole HP2 provided in the center of the head portion _P2 , and the tip of the bolt is screwed into the screw hole HP1 of the pedestal portion _P1 (base P11). As a result, the head portion P2 is fixed to the upper surface of the pedestal portion P1. A notch (a space for accommodating the nut NT) is provided in the corner portion of the lower surface of the head portion P2 so that the corner portion of the lower surface of the head portion P2 and the nut NT of the pedestal portion P1 do not interfere with each other.

The pallet transfer device 1 includes a guide unit 10 constituting a transfer path R of the pallet P and a drive device 20 for transporting the pallet P (see FIGS. 1A and 1B). As shown in FIG. 3, the guide portion 10 includes an outer guide plate 11, a support member 12, and an inner guide plate 13. The outer guide plate 11 is a rectangular frame-shaped member extending in the left-right direction. The outer guide plate 11 includes a front plate portion 111 and a rear plate portion 112 extending in the left-right direction, and a left plate portion 113 and a right plate portion 114 extending in the front-rear direction. The plate thickness directions of the front plate portion 111, the rear plate portion 112, the left plate portion 113, and the right plate portion 114 coincide with each other in the vertical direction. The rear plate portion 112 is arranged behind the front plate portion 111. The left plate portion 113 is arranged between the left end portion on the rear end surface of the front plate portion 111 and the left end portion on the front end surface of the rear plate portion 112. The right plate portion 114 is arranged between the right end portion on the rear end surface of the front plate portion 111 and the right end portion on the front end surface of the rear plate portion 112.

The four corners of the outer guide plate 11 are supported by the columns SP ₁₁ . The support column SP ₁₁ is extended in the vertical direction. The upper end portion of the support column SP ₁₁ is fastened to the lower surface of the corner portion of the outer guide plate 11. The lower end of the support column SP ₁₁ is fastened to the base BP of the drive device 20 described later.

The support member 12 includes a support member 12L and a support member 12R. The support member 12L and the support member 12R support the inner guide plate 13 described later. The support member 12L and the support member 12R are arranged below the outer guide plate 11. The support member 12L is arranged below the portion of the outer guide plate 11 located between the central portion and the left end portion in the left-right direction. The support member 12R is arranged below a portion of the outer guide plate 11 located between the central portion and the right end portion in the left-right direction. Since the configurations of the support member 12L and the support member 12R are the same, the configuration of the support member 12L will be described below, and the description of the support member 12R will be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 3, the support member 12L has a support plate 121 and three columns SP _121F , SP _121R , and SP _121C . The support plate 121 extends in the front-rear direction. The plate thickness direction of the support plate 121 coincides with the vertical direction.

The columns SP _121F , SP _121R , and SP _121C are extended in the vertical direction. The configurations of the columns SP _121F , SP _121R , and SP _121C are the same. The vertical dimensions of the columns SP _121F , SP _121R , and SP _121C are slightly larger than the vertical dimensions of the pallet P. The lower ends of the columns SP _121F , SP _121R , and SP _121C are fastened to the upper surface of the support plate 121, respectively. The strut SP _121F and the strut SP _121R are located at the front end and the rear end of the support plate 121, respectively. The upper ends of the support columns SP _121F and the support columns SP _121R are fastened to the lower surfaces of the front plate portion 111 and the rear plate portion 112 of the outer guide plate 11, respectively. Further, the support column SP _121C is located at the center of the support plate 121 in the front-rear direction. The inner guide plate 13 described below is supported by the support SP _121C of the support member 12L and the support SP _121C of the support member 12R.

The inner guide plate 13 is arranged inside the outer guide plate 11. The inner guide plate 13 is a rectangular plate member extending in the left-right direction. The plate thickness direction of the inner guide plate 13 coincides with the vertical direction. The height of the upper surface of the inner guide plate 13 (position in the vertical direction) and the height of the upper surface of the outer guide plate 11 are the same. The outer peripheral surface of the inner guide plate 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer guide plate 11 are separated from each other. The distance Δd between the outer peripheral surface of the inner guide plate 13 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer guide plate 11 is equivalent to the dimension W _P11 (see FIG. 2A) of one side of the base portion P11 of the pallet P. From above the guide portion 10, the base portion P11 of the pallet P is inserted between the outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13. The flange portion P12 of the pallet P is in contact with and supported by the upper surfaces of the outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13. As will be described in detail later, the pallet P is driven by the drive device 20 and is guided by the outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13 to move. That is, the rectangular space formed between the outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13 is the transport path R of the pallet P (see FIG. 1B).

It should be noted that shallow recesses RP are formed on the upper surfaces of both ends of the front plate portion 111, the rear plate portion 112, the left plate portion 113 and the right plate portion 114 in the longitudinal direction, and the upper surfaces of both ends of the inner guide plate 13 in the longitudinal direction. It is provided. The movement of the pallet P is temporarily restricted by fitting the ball roller BR of the pallet P that has moved to the corner of the transport path into the recess RP. In other words, the misalignment of the pallet P is prevented.

Next, the configuration of the drive device 20 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the drive device 20 includes a base BP, a first table 21, a second table 22, and a third table 23. In the plan view of the drive device 20, the base BP exhibits a rectangle extending in the left-right direction. A pair of front and rear slide rail units SL1 and SL1 are assembled on the upper surface of the base BP. The slide rail unit SL1 is extended in the left-right direction. The slide rail unit SL1 includes a rail portion SL11 and block portions SL12 and SL12. The rail portion SL11 is extended in the left-right direction. The block portion SL12 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. A groove portion extending in the left-right direction is formed on the lower surface of the block portion SL12, and the rail portion SL11 is fitted in the groove portion. The block portion SL12 can slide in the left-right direction along the rail portion SL11.

An actuator AC is attached to the front end of the base BP. The actuator AC is an air cylinder device. That is, the actuator AC includes a cylinder AC1 and a rod AC2 extending in the left-right direction. The left end of the rod AC2 is inserted into the cylinder AC1. Compressed air is introduced into the cylinder AC1, the left end portion of the rod AC2 is pressed by the compressed air, and the rod AC2 moves in the left-right direction.

The first table 21 is fastened to the upper surface of the block portion SL12. The first table 21 is fastened to the tip of the rod AC2 of the actuator AC, is driven by the actuator AC, and slides in the left-right direction with respect to the base BP. The first table 21 is a rectangular plate member extending in the left-right direction. The plate thickness directions of the first table 21 coincide with the vertical direction. The left-right dimension of the first table 21 is smaller than the left-right dimension of the rail portion SL11. Convex parts PL ₂₁ and PR ₂₁ are formed on the left and right end faces of the first table 21, respectively. At the left end of the base BP, a stopper STL1 that abuts on the convex portion PL ₂₁ of the first table 21 and restricts the sliding of the first table 21 to the left is provided (see FIG. 5A). Further, at the right end of the base BP, a stopper STR1 that abuts on the convex portion PR ₂₁ of the first table 21 and restricts the slide of the first table 21 to the right is provided (see FIG. 5C). ..

A pair of front and rear slide rail units SL2 and SL2 are assembled on the upper surface of the first table 21. The configuration of the slide rail unit SL2 is substantially the same as the configuration of the slide rail unit SL1. The slide rail unit SL2 includes a rail portion SL21 and block portions SL22 and SL22. The rail portion SL21 is extended in the left-right direction. The rail portion SL21 is shorter than the rail portion SL11. The configuration of the block portion SL22 is the same as that of the block portion SL12.

The second table 22 is fastened to the upper surface of the block portion SL22. The second table 22 is slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the first table 21. The second table 22 is a substantially square plate member. The plate thickness direction of the second table 22 coincides with the vertical direction. The dimension of one side of the second table 22 is smaller than the dimension of the rail portion SL21 in the left-right direction. The rear end surface of the second table 22 is located behind the rear end surface of the first table 21. A substantially rectangular through hole H ₂₂ extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of the second table 22. Convex parts PL ₂₂ and PR ₂₂ are formed on the rear ends of the left and right end faces of the second table 22, respectively. The base BP is provided with a stopper STL2 that abuts on the convex portion PL ₂₂ of the second table 22 and regulates the slide of the second table 22 to the left (see FIG. 5A). Further, the base BP is provided with a stopper STR2 that abuts on the convex portion PR ₂₂ of the second table 22 and regulates the slide of the second table 22 to the right (see FIG. 5B). The stopper STL2 is arranged behind and to the right of the stopper STL1, and the stopper STR2 is arranged behind and to the left of the stopper STR1. Therefore, the movable range of the second table 22 with respect to the base BP is narrower than the movable range of the first table 21 with respect to the base BP. The distance between the stopper STL1 and the stopper STL2 in the left-right direction and the distance between the stopper STR1 and the stopper STR2 in the left-right direction are the same.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the first table 21 slides to the right while the second table 22 is separated from the stopper STR2, the second table 22 can slide to the right together with the first table 21. That is, the first table 21 and the second table 22 do not slide relatively. Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, even if the slide of the second table 22 to the right is restricted by the stopper STR2, the first table 21 can further slide to the right. That is, the first table 21 and the second table 22 slide relative to each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 5C, the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STR1 and stops. Next, when the first table 21 slides to the left, the second table 22 can slide to the left together with the first table 21. That is, the first table 21 and the second table 22 do not slide relatively. Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, even if the slide of the second table 22 to the left is restricted by the stopper STL2, the first table 21 can further slide to the left. That is, the first table 21 and the second table 22 slide relative to each other. Then, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STL1 and stops.

A pair of left and right slide rail units SL3 and SL3 are assembled on the upper surface of the second table 22. The configuration of the slide rail unit SL3 is substantially the same as the configuration of the slide rail unit SL1. The slide rail unit SL3 includes a rail portion SL31 and a block portion SL32. The slide rail unit SL1 has two block portions SL12, while the slide rail unit SL3 has one block portion SL32. The rail portion SL31 is extended in the front-rear direction. The length of the rail portion SL31 is substantially the same as the dimension of one side of the second table 22. The configuration of the block portion SL32 is the same as that of the block portion SL12.

The third table 23 is fastened to the upper surfaces of the block portions SL32 and SL32. The third table 23 is slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the second table 22. The third table 23 is a substantially square plate member. The plate thickness direction of the third table 23 coincides with the vertical direction. The dimension of one side of the third table 23 is smaller than the dimension of the rail portion SL21 in the left-right direction.

As described above, the first table 21 and the second table 22 are relatively slidable in the left-right direction. Further, the second table 22 and the third table 23 can be relatively slidable in the front-rear direction. A driving force transmission mechanism that converts the driving force that slides the first table 21 in the left-right direction relative to the second table 22 into the driving force that slides the third table 23 in the front-rear direction with respect to the second table 22. 24 is provided in the drive device 20.

As shown in FIG. 6, the driving force transmission mechanism 24 includes a pair of upper and lower racks 241,242. The lower rack 241 has a case CA1. The case CA1 is formed in a box shape that extends in the left-right direction and is open upward. The magnetic plate MP1 is housed in this case CA1. The magnetic plate MP1 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The magnetic plate MP1 extends in the left-right direction. The magnetic plate MP1 has a plurality of magnetic pole portions arranged along its longitudinal direction (left-right direction). Specifically, the positive electrode portion PP having a positive magnetic pole and the negative electrode portion NP having a negative magnetic pole are arranged alternately in the left-right direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP are extended in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic plate MP1. The angle of the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP in the extending direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic plate MP1 is 45 °. In FIG. 7, the case CA1 of the rack 241 is omitted.

The configuration of the upper rack 242 is similar to the configuration of the lower rack 241. However, the orientation is different from that of the rack 241. That is, the rack 241 is extended in the left-right direction, while the rack 242 is extended in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 6). The rack 242 includes a case CA1 and a magnetic plate MP2 similar to the case CA1 and the magnetic plate MP1 of the rack 241. The case CA2 and the magnetic plate MP2 are extended in the front-rear direction. Further, the case CA2 is opened downward. The magnetic plate MP2 is housed in this case CA2. The magnetic plate MP2 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The magnetic plate MP2 has a plurality of magnetic pole portions arranged along its longitudinal direction (front-back direction). Specifically, the positive electrode portion PP having a positive magnetic pole and the negative electrode portion NP having a negative magnetic pole are alternately arranged in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 7, the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP are extended in a direction inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic plate MP2. The angle of the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP in the extending direction with respect to the longitudinal direction of the magnetic plate MP2 is 45 °. In the plan view of the driving force transmission mechanism 24, the extending direction of the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1 and the extending direction of the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1 are parallel. In FIG. 7, the case CA2 of the rack 242 is omitted.

Here, as shown in FIG. 7, it is assumed that only the slide in the left-right direction of the rack 241 is allowed, and only the slide in the front-back direction of the rack 242 is allowed. Since the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1 and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2 are attracted to each other, the positive electrode portion of the magnetic plate MP1 is naturally attracted as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C. The negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP2 is located directly above the PP, and the positive electrode portion PP of the magnetic plate MP2 is located directly above the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1. That is, the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1 and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2 face each other in the vertical direction. In FIGS. 8A to 8D, the positive electrode portion PP is shown in white, and the negative electrode portion NP is shown in black. As shown in FIGS. 8B and 8D, when the magnetic plate MP1 slides slightly to the right (in FIG. 8C, the surface side of the paper surface) from the natural state, the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1 become magnetic plates. The MP2 is slightly displaced rearward with respect to the negative electrode portion NP and the positive electrode portion PP. Then, the negative electrode portion NP and the positive electrode portion PP of the magnetic plate MP2 are attracted to the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1. As a result, the rack 242 moves slightly rearward, and the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1 and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2 face each other in the vertical direction.

On the other hand, when the magnetic plate MP1 slides slightly to the left (in FIG. 8D, the back surface side of the paper surface) from the state shown in FIGS. 8A and 8C, the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1 become magnetic. The plate MP2 is slightly displaced forward with respect to the negative electrode portion NP and the positive electrode portion PP. Then, the negative electrode portion NP and the positive electrode portion PP of the magnetic plate MP2 are attracted to the positive electrode portion PP and the negative electrode portion NP of the magnetic plate MP1. As a result, the rack 242 moves slightly forward, and the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1 and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2 face each other in the vertical direction.

Based on the above principle, the driving force for sliding the rack 241a to the left with respect to the rack 242 is converted into the driving force for sliding the rack 242 forward with respect to the rack 241. The driving force that slides the rack 241 to the right with respect to the rack 242 is converted into the driving force that slides the rack 242 backward with respect to the rack 241. The movement distance of the rack 242 with respect to the rack 241 in the front-rear direction is the same as the movement distance of the rack 241 in the left-right direction with respect to the rack 242.

The rack 241 of the driving force transmission mechanism 24 configured as described above is attached to the upper surface of the first table 21 (see FIG. 4). Further, the rack 242 is attached to the lower surface of the third table 23 via a support column SP ₂₃ extending in the vertical direction (see FIG. 9). The support column SP ₂₃ extends from the lower surface of the third table 23 through the through hole H ₂₂ of the second table 22 to slightly below the lower surface of the second table 22. A rack 242 is attached to the lower end of the support column SP ₂₃ . By suspending the rack 242 from the lower surface of the third table 23 in this way, the rack 241 and the rack 242 are arranged close to each other. As will be described next, the third table 23 moves in the front-rear direction with respect to the second table 22, but the support column SP ₂₃ is the front side portion of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole H ₂₂ of the second table 22. The forward movement of the third table 23 is restricted by abutting against. Further, the support column SP ₂₃ comes into contact with the rear side portion of the inner peripheral surface of the through hole H ₂₂ of the second table 22, and the movement of the third table 23 to the rear is restricted.

Next, the movement of the first table 21, the second table 22, and the third table 23 will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 10A, the first table 21 is located at the left end of the movable range, the second table 22 is located at the left end of the movable range, and the third table 23 is movable. It is located at the front end of the range. In this state, the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1 and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2 are attracted to each other and face each other in the vertical direction. When the first table 21 is slid to the right by the actuator AC, the second table 22 slides to the right along with the slide of the first table 21. That is, the second table 22 slides to the right with respect to the base BP, but the second table 22 is stationary with respect to the first table 21. Therefore, the rack 241 is stationary with respect to the rack 242. Therefore, the third table 23 is stationary with respect to the second table 22.

As shown in FIG. 10B, when the convex portion PR ₂₂ of the second table 22 comes into contact with the stopper STR2, the movement of the second table 22 to the right with respect to the base BP is restricted. The moving distance to the right of each table from the state of FIG. 10A to the state of FIG. 10B is 1.5 times the dimension WP2 (see FIG. 2A) of one side of the head portion _P2 .

Even if the sliding of the second table 22 to the right is restricted, the first table 21 slides further to the right. By restricting the slide to the right of the second table 22, the slide to the right of the third table 23 is restricted. Therefore, the first table 21 slides to the right with respect to the third table 23. That is, the rack 241 slides to the right with respect to the rack 242. Therefore, the third table 23 slides backward with respect to the first table 21 by the same distance as the moving distance of the first table 21 to the right with respect to the third table 23.

As shown in FIG. 10C, when the convex portion PR ₂₁ of the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STR1, the slide of the first table 21 to the right with respect to the base BP is restricted. The moving distance to the right of the first table 21 and the moving distance to the rear of the third table 23 from the state of FIG. 10B to the state of FIG. _10C are 1. It is 5 times. In the state of FIG. 10C, the third table 23 has reached the rear end of its movable range.

Next, when the first table 21 is slid to the left by the actuator AC from the state shown in FIG. 10C, the second table 22 slides to the left along with the slide of the first table 21. That is, the second table 22 slides to the left with respect to the base BP, but the second table 22 is stationary with respect to the first table 21. Therefore, the rack 241 is stationary with respect to the rack 242. Therefore, the third table 23 is stationary with respect to the second table 22.

As shown in FIG. 10D, when the convex portion PL ₂₂ of the second table 22 comes into contact with the stopper STL2, the slide of the second table 22 to the left with respect to the base BP is restricted. The moving distance to the left of each table from the state of FIG. 10C to the state of FIG. 10D is 1.5 times the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 .

Even if the sliding of the second table 22 to the left is restricted, the first table 21 slides further to the left. By restricting the slide to the left of the second table 22, the slide to the left of the third table 23 is restricted. Therefore, the first table 21 slides to the left with respect to the third table 23. That is, the rack 241 slides to the left with respect to the rack 242. Therefore, the third table 23 slides forward with respect to the first table 21 by the same distance as the movement distance of the first table 21 to the left with respect to the third table 23.

As shown in FIG. 10A, when the convex portion PL ₂₁ of the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STL1, the slide of the first table 21 to the left with respect to the base BP is restricted. The moving distance to the left of the first table 21 and the moving distance to the front of the third table 23 from the state of FIG. _10D to the state of FIG. 10A are 1. It is 5 times.

As described above, when the first table 21 is reciprocated in the left-right direction, the third table 23 moves along a rectangular (square in the present embodiment) path.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, an arm 25 extending in the left-right direction is attached to the upper surface of the third table 23. Holding devices 26L and 26R for holding the pallet P are attached to the left and right ends of the arm 25. The holding devices 26L and 26R have a pair of left and right holding plates 26a and 26b, respectively. The plate thickness directions of the holding plates 26a and 26b coincide with each other in the left-right direction. The distance between the holding plate 26a on the left side and the holding plate 26b on the right side is slightly larger than the dimension _WP1 (see FIG. 2A) of one side of the base portion P11 of the pallet P. The front and rear ends of the holding plate 26a are slightly bent to the left, and the front and rear ends of the holding plate 26b are slightly bent to the right. That is, at the front end portions of the holding devices 26L and 26R, the distance between the holding plate 26a and the holding plate 26b gradually decreases toward the rear. Further, at the rear ends of the holding devices 26L and 26R, the distance between the holding plate 26a and the holding plate 26b gradually decreases toward the front. As will be described in detail later, the base portion P11 is inserted between the holding plate 26a and the holding plate 26b, and the pallet P is held at the end of the arm 25.

As described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10D, when the third table 23 moves along a rectangular path, the holding devices 26L and 26R are attached to the left and right ends of the guide portion 10 as shown in FIG. At the bottom, each moves along a rectangular path (the path indicated by the arrow in the figure).

A support plate 27L extending rearward is attached to the lower surface of the left end portion of the arm 25, and a support plate 27R extending forward is attached to the lower surface of the right end portion of the arm 25 (see FIGS. 4 and 9). An anti-back unit 28L and an anti-back unit 28R are attached to the upper surface of the support plate 27L and the upper surface of the support plate 27R, respectively. The only difference between the anti-back unit 28L and the anti-back unit 28R is that the front and rear orientations are opposite, and the other configurations are the same. Therefore, the configuration of the anti-back unit 28L will be described below, and the description of the anti-back unit 28R will be omitted.

The anti-back unit 28L includes a base 281 and a claw 282, as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. The base portion 281 has a rectangular parallelepiped pedestal portion 281a extending in the front-rear direction, and a pair of left and right flange portions 281b, 281c extending upward from the left and right ends of the pedestal portion 281a.

The claw 282 is extended in the front-rear direction. The claw 282 is inserted between the flange portion 281b and the flange portion 281b. A shaft member 283 extending in the left-right direction is assembled to the rear portions of the flange portions 281b and 281c. The rear portion of the claw 282 is rotatably supported around the shaft member 283. A gap is formed between the front end of the claw 282 and the base 281. A spring 284 is inserted in this gap. The front end of the claw 282 is urged upward by the spring 284, the rear end of the claw 282 abuts on the upper surface of the pedestal portion 281a, and the rotation of the claw 282 is restricted.

In this state, the left and right side surfaces 282a and 282b of the claw 282 are perpendicular to the left and right direction. The front surface 282c and the rear surface 282d of the claw 282 are perpendicular to the front-rear direction. The upper surface 282e of the front portion of the claw 282 is inclined so that the front end side thereof is located above the rear end side. The upper surface 282f at the rear of the claw 282 is perpendicular to the vertical direction. The lower surface 282 g of the claw 282 is inclined so that the front end side thereof is located above the rear end side. Further, the front end portion of the claw 282 projects upward from the upper surface of the flange portions 281a and 281b. When a downward external force acts on the front end portion of the claw 282, the claw 282 rotates around the shaft member 283 against the urging force of the spring 284. Then, the front end portion of the claw 282 enters between the flange portions 281a and 281b.

Next, the transfer of the pallet P will be described with reference to FIGS. 13A to 13D. In FIGS. 13A to 13D, the pallets P and P held by the holding devices 26L and 26R are shaded. First, as shown in FIG. 13A, eight pallets P are arranged in the left-right direction along the front side of the inner guide plate 13, and eight pallets are arranged along the rear side of the inner guide plate 13. Ps are arranged in the left-right direction. Adjacent pallets P in the left-right direction are in contact with each other. Hereinafter, the eight pallets P arranged on the front side of the guide unit 10 will be referred to as a pallet row PAF, and the eight pallets P arranged on the rear side of the guide unit 10 will be referred to as a pallet row PAR. The left and right pallets P and P of the pallet row PAF and the ball roller BRs of the left and right pallets P and P of the pallet row PAR are fitted into the recess RP, and the misalignment of these pallets P is suppressed. There is. Of the pallet row PAFs, the recessed RP into which the ball roller BRs of the six pallets P excluding the left and right pallets P and P are fitted is not provided, but the left and right pallets P and P of the pallet row PAF are not provided. By suppressing the misalignment of the six pallets P, the misalignment of the six pallets P is also suppressed. Further, among the pallet row PARs, the recessed RP into which the ball roller BRs of the six pallets P excluding the left and right pallets P and P are fitted is not provided, but the pallets P at the left and right ends of the pallet row PAR are not provided. By suppressing the misalignment of the and P, the misalignment of the six pallets P is also suppressed.

Further, one pallet P is placed on the corner FL on the front side and the left side of the transport path R. As described above, a total of 17 pallets P are placed on the guide unit 10.

The left end of the inner guide plate 13 is located to the left of the pallet rows PAF and PAR. The distance in the left-right direction between the left end of the inner guide plate 13 and the center of the pallets P, P at the left end of the pallet rows PAF, PAR is the same as the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 . Further, the right end of the inner guide plate 13 is located to the right of the pallet rows PAF and PAR. The distance in the left-right direction between the right end of the inner guide plate 13 and the center of the pallets P, P at the right end of the pallet rows PAF, PAR is the same as the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 . The distance between the center line CF in the front-rear direction of the pallet row PAF and the center line CR in the front-rear direction of the pallet row PAR is 1.5 times the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 .

First, the position of each table is set as shown in FIG. 10A. That is, the first table 21 is located at the left end of the movable range, the second table 22 is located at the left end of the movable range, and the third table 23 is located at the front end of the movable range. (Fig. 10A). Then, as shown in FIG. 14, the lower end portion of the pallet P arranged in the corner portion FL (the lower end portion of the base portion P11) is held by the holding device 26L, and the lower end portion (base portion) of the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF is held. The lower end portion of P11) is held by the holding device 26R. The lower end surface of the pallet P is located slightly above the upper surface of the flange portions 281b and 281c of the anti-back units 28L and 28R. The anti-back unit 28L is located behind the base P11 of the pallet P arranged at the corner FL. Further, the anti-back unit 28R is located in front of the base portion P11 of the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF. The claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28L is in contact with the rear surface of the base portion P11 of the pallet P arranged at the corner portion FL. Further, the claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28R is in contact with the front surface of the base portion P11 of the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF.

Next, the actuator AC drives the first table 21, and the first table 21, the second table 22, and the third table 23 slide to the right (FIGS. 10A to 10B). As a result, the pallets P and P held by the holding devices 26L and 26R slide to the right. That is, the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF slides to the right, and the pallet P arranged at the corner FL slides to the right.

Then, the convex portion PR ₂₂ of the second table 22 comes into contact with the stopper STR2 (FIG. 10B). As each table slides from FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B, the pallet P located at the right end of the pallet row PAF in FIG. 13A moves to the front and right corner FR of the transport path R as shown in FIG. 13B. Slide. Further, the pallet P located at the corner FL in FIG. 13A slides to the right, and seven pallets P excluding the rightmost pallet P in the pallet row PAF are pushed to the right. The moving distance of the seven pallets P is the same as the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 . A new pallet row PAF is composed of the seven pallets P and one pallet P slid from the corner FL.

Next, the third table 23 slides backward by further sliding the first table 21 to the right while the sliding of the second table 22 to the right is restricted (FIGS. 10B to 10C). As a result, the pallet P held by the holding device 26R (the pallet P located at the corner FR in FIG. 13B) is pushed by the claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28R and slides backward (see FIG. 15). On the other hand, the pallet P held by the holding device 26L (the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAF in FIG. 13B) stays at that position, and the holding device 26L moves backward (see FIG. 16). The upper surface 282e of the claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28L abuts on the lower portion of the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAR, and the front end portion of the claw 282 is pushed downward. As a result, the claw 282 rotates, and the front end portion of the claw 282 enters between the flange portions 281a and 281b. Therefore, the backward movement of the anti-back unit 28L is not restricted. When the anti-back unit 28L moves rearward from the base P11 of the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAR, the claw 282 returns to its original position (FIG. 12B) due to the urging force of the spring 284, and the claw 282 is at the left end of the pallet row PAR. Abuts on the rear surface of the base P11 of the pallet P.

Then, the convex portion PR ₂₁ of the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STR1 (FIG. 10C). As each table slides from FIG. 10B to FIG. 10C, the pallet P located at the corner FR in FIG. 13B slides to the rear and right corner RR of the transport path R as shown in FIG. 13C. do. Further, the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAR is held by the holding device 26L.

Next, the actuator AC drives the first table 21, and the first table 21, the second table 22, and the third table 23 slide to the left (FIGS. 10C to 10D). As a result, the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAR slides to the left, and the pallet P at the corner RR slides to the left.

Then, the convex portion PL ₂₂ of the second table 22 comes into contact with the stopper STL2 (FIG. 10D). With the sliding of each table from FIG. 10C to FIG. 10D, the pallet P located at the left end of the pallet row PAR in FIG. 13C slides to the rear and left corner RL of the transport path R. Further, the pallets P located at the corners RR in FIG. 13C slide to the left, and the seven pallets P excluding the leftmost pallet P in the pallet row PAR are pushed to the left. The moving distance of the seven pallets P is the same as the dimension WP2 of one side of the head portion _P2 . A new pallet row PAR is formed by the seven pallets P and one pallet P slid from the corner RR.

Next, the third table 23 slides forward by further sliding the first table 21 to the left while the sliding of the second table 22 to the left is restricted (FIGS. 10D to 1A). .. As a result, the pallet P held by the holding device 26L (the pallet P located at the corner RL in FIG. 13D) is pushed by the claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28L and slides forward (see FIG. 17). On the other hand, the pallet P held by the holding device 26R (the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAR in FIG. 13D) stays at that position, and the holding device 26R moves forward (see FIG. 18). The upper surface 282e of the claw 282 of the anti-back unit 28R abuts on the lower part of the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF, and the front end portion of the claw 282 is pushed downward. As a result, the claw 282 rotates, and the front end portion of the claw 282 enters between the flange portions 281a and 281b. Therefore, the forward movement of the anti-back unit 28R is not restricted. When the anti-back unit 28R moves forward from the base P11 of the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF, the claw 282 returns to its original position by the urging force of the spring 284, and the claw 282 moves to the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF. It abuts on the front surface of the base P11.

Then, the convex portion PL ₂₁ of the first table 21 comes into contact with the stopper STR1 (FIG. 10A). With the sliding of each table from FIG. 10D to FIG. 10A, the pallet P located at the corner RL in FIG. 13D slides to the corner FL. Further, the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF is held by the holding device 26R. That is, it returns to the state of FIG. 13A.

As described above, when the rod AC2 of the actuator AC is reciprocated once, each pallet P slides to the position where the adjacent pallets P are placed on the front side in the traveling direction thereof. Therefore, when the rod of the actuator AC is reciprocated 17 times, each pallet P goes around the transport path R once and returns to the original position.

According to the pallet transfer device 1, the pallet P can be slid along the rectangular transfer path R only by reciprocating the rod AC2 of one actuator AC. Therefore, the component cost can be reduced as compared with the conventional pallet transfer device provided with four actuators. Therefore, the pallet transfer device 1 can be provided at low cost.

Further, the driving force transmission mechanism 24 uses the magnetic force acting between the rack 241 (magnetic plate MP1) and the rack 242 (magnetic plate MP2) to apply the driving force for sliding the rack 241 in the left-right direction to the rack 242. It is converted into a driving force that slides in the front-back direction. That is, in this embodiment, the non-contact type driving force transmission mechanism 24 is adopted. Here, it is also possible to adopt a contact-type driving force transmission mechanism using a rack gear and a pinion gear. However, in this case, it is necessary to periodically apply lubricating oil to the rack gear and the pinion gear. Also, if the rack gears or pinion gears are worn, they need to be replaced. In the driving force transmission mechanism 24, since the rack 241 and the rack 242 do not come into contact with each other, maintenance and parts replacement required for the contact-type driving force transmission mechanism as described above are unnecessary.

(Second Embodiment)
Next, the pallet transfer device 1a according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. Hereinafter, among the components of the pallet transfer device 1a, detailed description of the components that are the same as the components of the pallet transfer device 1 of the first embodiment will be omitted.

Similar to the first embodiment, the pallet transfer device 1a circulates a plurality of pallet Pas in a certain direction (for example, counterclockwise in the plan view of the pallet transfer device 1a) along the rectangular transfer path Ra (FIG. 19A). And FIG. 19B). In the following description, the vertical direction is referred to as the vertical direction. Further, the long side direction in the transport path Ra is referred to as a left-right direction, and the short side direction in the transport path Ra is referred to as a front-rear direction.

The pallet Pa is a member in which the dimensions of each part of the pallet P of the first embodiment are enlarged (for example, doubled). Other configurations except the dimensions of each part of the pallet Pa are the same as those of the pallet P.

The pallet transfer device 1a includes a guide portion 10a constituting a transfer path Ra of the pallet Pa and a drive device 20a for transporting the pallet Pa (see FIG. 19B). The guide portion 10a includes a rectangular frame-shaped outer guide plate 11a and an inner guide plate 13a, similarly to the guide portion 10 of the first embodiment. The dimensions of the outer guide plate 11a in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are larger than the dimensions of the outer guide plate 11 in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. The left-right dimension of the inner guide plate 13a is larger than the left-right dimension of the inner guide plate 13. Similar to the first embodiment, the inner guide plate 13a is arranged inside the outer guide plate 11a. The space between the outer guide plate 11a and the inner guide plate 13a is the transport path Ra. The dimensions of the transport path Ra in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction are larger than the dimensions of the transport path R of the first embodiment in the left-right direction and the front-rear direction. In the second embodiment, more pallets Pa than in the first embodiment are arranged in the transport path Ra, and these are circulated along the transport path Ra.

The middle portions of the four corners and the long sides of the outer guide plate 11a are supported by the support columns SP ₁₁ . The lower end of the support column SP ₁₁ is fastened to the base BPa of the drive device 20a described later.

Next, the configuration of the drive device 20a will be described. As shown in FIGS. 20A to 20C, the drive device 20a includes a base BPa, a first table 21a, a second table 22a, and a third table 23a. In the plan view of the drive device 20a, the base BPa exhibits a rectangle extending in the left-right direction. A slide rail unit SL1 is assembled on the upper surface of the base BPa. The rail portion SL11 of the slide rail unit SL1 extends in the left-right direction. The rail portion SL11 is arranged in the right half portion of the base BPa. The rail portion SL11 is arranged at the center portion in the front-rear direction of the base BPa.

An actuator AC is attached to the left half of the base BPa. The actuator AC is arranged at the center of the base BPa in the front-rear direction. That is, in the plan view of the drive device 20a, the actuator AC and the rail portion SL11 are arranged on the same straight line.

The first table 21a (see FIG. 20B) is fastened to the upper surface of the block portion SL12. The first table 21a is fastened to the tip of the rod AC2 of the actuator AC, driven by the actuator AC, and slides in the left-right direction with respect to the base BPa. The first table 21a is a rectangular plate member extending in the left-right direction. The plate thickness directions of the first table 21a coincide with the vertical direction. The left-right dimension of the first table 21a is smaller than the left-right dimension of the rail portion SL11. Pressers PPL _21a and PPR 21a that abut and press against the second table 22a, which will be described later, are attached to the left and right end faces of the first table 21a. Further, convex portions PL _21a and PR _21a are provided on the left and right end faces of the first table 21a. The upper surface of the base BPa, which is located in front of the left end of the rail portion SL11, abuts on the convex portion PL _21a of the first table 21a to restrict the slide of the first table 21a to the left. A stopper STL1 is provided. Further, the upper surface of the base BPa, which is located in front of the right end of the rail portion SL11, abuts on the convex portion PR _21a of the first table 21a and slides to the right of the first table 21a. A stopper STR1 to regulate is provided. That is, the movable range of the first table 21a is defined by the stopper STL and the stopper STR.

A pair of front and rear slide rail units SL2 and SL2 are assembled on the upper surface of the first table 21a. The rail portion SL21 of each slide rail unit SL2 is extended in the left-right direction.

The second table 22a is fastened to the upper surface of the block portion SL22 of the slide rail unit SL2. The second table 22a is slidable in the left-right direction with respect to the first table 21a. The second table 22a is a substantially square plate member. The plate thickness direction of the second table 22a coincides with the vertical direction. The dimension of one side of the second table 22a is smaller than the dimension of the rail portion SL21 in the left-right direction. A substantially rectangular through hole H _22a extending in the front-rear direction is formed in the central portion of the second table 22a. Further, convex portions PL _22a and PR _22a are provided on the left and right end faces of the second table 22a. The stoppers STF _22a and STR _22a , which define the movable range in the front-rear direction of the third table 23a, which will be described later, are attached to the front end portion and the rear end portion on the right end surface of the second table 22a, respectively.

The second table 22a and the base BPa are assembled with a catch mechanism CL and a catch mechanism CR for temporarily fixing the second table 22a to the base BPa. Here, the structure of the catch mechanism CR will be described. Since the structure of the catch mechanism CL is the same as the structure of the catch mechanism CR, the description thereof will be omitted.

The catch mechanism CR includes a male member C1 and a female member C2. As shown in FIG. 21, the male member C1 has a substrate portion C11 and a convex portion C12. The substrate portion C11 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped portion. The convex portion C12 protrudes from the central portion on one side surface of the substrate portion C11. The base end portion of the convex portion C12 is formed to be slightly thinner than the tip end portion.

The female member C2 includes a substantially rectangular parallelepiped base C21. A recess C22 that receives the convex portion C12 of the male member C1 is formed in the central portion of the base portion C21 in the longitudinal direction. A pair of balls C23 and C23 are assembled to the inner peripheral portion of the recess C22. These balls C23 and C23 are urged by a spring (not shown) and pressed against the convex portion C12 inserted in the concave portion C21. Then, the male member C1 is held against the female member C2 by fitting the balls C23 and C23 into the slightly thinned portion on the base end side of the convex portion C12. When a force of a predetermined value or more acts in the direction of pulling out the male member C1 from the female member C2, the springs urging the balls C23 and C23 are compressed, the distance between the balls C23 and the ball C23 increases, and the male member C1 separates from the female member C2.

A male member C1 of the catch mechanism CL is assembled to the left end portion of the lower surface of the second table 22a via the bracket BCL (see FIG. 20B). The bracket BCL includes a first wall portion BCL1 assembled on the lower surface of the second table 22a and a second wall portion BCL2 extending downward from the left end of the first wall portion BCL1. Three male members C1 are assembled to the second wall portion BCL2. These three male members C1 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The convex portion C12 of each male member C1 projects to the left from the left end surface of the second table 22a.

Further, a male member C1 of the catch mechanism CR is assembled to the right end portion on the lower surface of the second table 22a via the bracket BCR. The bracket BCR includes a first wall portion BCR1 assembled on the lower surface of the second table 22a and a second wall portion BCR2 extending downward from the right end of the first wall portion BCR1. Three male members C1 are assembled to the second wall portion BCR2. These three male members C1 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The convex portion C12 of each male member C1 projects to the right of the right end surface of the second table 22a.

On the other hand, three female members C2 corresponding to each male member C1 of the catch mechanism CL are assembled to the base BPa (see FIG. 20A). These female members C2 are arranged in front of the intermediate portion between the central portion and the left end in the extending direction of the rail portion SL11. These female members C2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The recess C21 of these female members C2 is directed to the right.

Further, three female members C2 corresponding to each male member C1 of the catch mechanism CR are assembled to the base BPa. These female members C2 are arranged in front of the intermediate portion between the central portion and the right end in the extending direction of the rail portion SL11. These female members C2 are arranged side by side in the vertical direction. The recess C21 of these female members C2 is directed to the left.

As described above, the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CL and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR are arranged between the stopper STL1 and the stopper STR1. Therefore, the movable range of the second table 22a in the base BPa is narrower than the movable range of the first table 21a in the base BPa. The distance between the stopper STL1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CL in the left-right direction is the same as the distance between the stopper STR1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR in the left-right direction.

Next, the movement of the first table 21a and the second table 22a will be described. As shown in FIG. 22A, in a state where the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR are fitted and the presser PPR _21a is separated from the second table 22a, the first table 21a is the actuator AC. When pulled to the left by, the first table 21a slides to the left with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the second table 22a is stopped with respect to the base BPa due to the action of the catch mechanism CR. As shown in FIG. 22B, when the pressing element PPR _21a abuts on the convex portion PR _22a of the second table 22a and the first table 21a is further pulled to the left, the second table 22a is moved to the left by the pressing element PPR _21a . The male member C1 of the catch mechanism CR is separated from the female member C2. Then, when the first table 21a is further pulled to the left by the actuator AC, the second table 22a is pushed to the left by the presser PPR _21a . As a result, the first table 21a and the second table 22a are integrally moved to the left. That is, in this process, the first table 21a and the second table 22a do not slide relatively.

As shown in FIG. 22C, when the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CL are fitted, the second table 22a stops with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the convex portion PL _21a of the first table 21a comes into contact with the stopper STL1, and the first table 21a stops with respect to the base BPa.

When the first table 21a is pushed to the right by the actuator AC, the first table 21a slides to the right with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the second table 22a is stopped with respect to the base BPa due to the action of the catch mechanism CL. As shown in FIG. 22D, when the presser PPL _21a abuts on the convex PL _22a surface of the second table 22a and the first table 21a is further pushed to the right, the male member C1 of the catch mechanism CL becomes the female member C2. Withdraw from. Then, the actuator AC pushes the first table 21a to the right, and the presser PPL _21a pushes the second table 22a to the right. As a result, the first table 21a and the second table 22a are integrally moved to the right. That is, in this process, the first table 21a and the second table 22a do not slide relatively.

When the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR are fitted, the second table 22a stops with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the convex portion PR _21a of the first table 21a abuts on the stopper STR1, the first table 21a stops with respect to the base BPa, and the first table 21a and the second table 22a are shown in FIG. 22A. Return to the state.

A pair of left and right slide rail units SL3 and SL3 are assembled on the upper surface of the second table 22a (see FIG. 20B). The third table 23a (see FIG. 20C) is fastened to the upper surfaces of the block portions SL32 and SL32 of the slide rail units SL3 and SL3. The third table 23a is slidable in the front-rear direction with respect to the second table 22. The third table 23a is a rectangular plate member extending in the left-right direction. The plate thickness direction of the third table 23a coincides with the vertical direction. A locking block EB _23a extending downward is attached to the right end surface of the third table 23a. When the locking block EB _23a abuts on the stopper STF _22a , the sliding of the third table 23a forward with respect to the second table 22a is restricted. On the other hand, when the locking block EB _23a abuts on the stopper STR _22a , the sliding of the third table 23a to the rear with respect to the second table 22a is restricted. That is, the movable range of the third table 23 is defined by the stopper STF _22a and the stopper STR _22a .

As described above, the first table 21a and the second table 22a are relatively slidable in the left-right direction. Further, the second table 22a and the third table 23a can be relatively slidable in the front-rear direction. A driving force transmission mechanism that converts the driving force that slides the first table 21a relative to the second table 22a in the left-right direction into the driving force that slides the third table 23a in the front-rear direction with respect to the second table 22a. 24a is provided in the drive device 20a.

The configuration of the driving force transmission mechanism 24a is substantially the same as the configuration of the driving force transmission mechanism 24 of the first embodiment. That is, the driving force transmission mechanism 24a includes a rack 241a and a rack 242a. The magnetic plate MP1a of the rack 241a is larger than the magnetic plate MP1 of the rack 241. Specifically, the dimension in the front-rear direction of the magnetic plate MP1a is twice the dimension in the front-rear direction of the magnetic plate MP1. The left-right dimension of the magnetic plate MP1a is the same as the left-right dimension of the magnetic plate MP1. The magnetic plate MP2a of the rack 242a is larger than the magnetic plate MP2 of the rack 242. Specifically, the horizontal dimension of the magnetic plate MP2a is twice the horizontal dimension of the magnetic plate MP2. The dimensions of the magnetic plate MP2a in the front-rear direction are the same as the dimensions of the magnetic plate MP2 in the front-rear direction. Similar to the first embodiment, the rack 241a is assembled to the first table 21a, and the rack 242a is assembled to the third table 23a. As shown in FIG. 23, in the plan view of the drive device 24a, the extending direction of each magnetic pole of the magnetic plate MP1a and the magnetic plate MP2a is 90 with respect to the extending direction of each magnetic pole of the magnetic plate MP1 and the magnetic plate MP2. ° is off. As a result, the driving force for sliding the rack 241a to the left with respect to the rack 242a is converted into a driving force for sliding the rack 242a backward with respect to the rack 241a. The driving force that slides the rack 241a to the right with respect to the rack 242a is converted into the driving force that slides the rack 242a forward with respect to the rack 241a. The moving distance of the rack 242a with respect to the rack 241a in the front-rear direction is the same as the moving distance of the rack 241a with respect to the rack 242a in the left-right direction.

Next, the slides of the first table 21a, the second table 22a, and the third table 23a will be described. First, as shown in FIG. 24A, the first table 21a is located at the right end of the movable range, the second table 22a is located at the right end of the movable range, and the third table 23a is movable. It is located at the front end of the range. In this state, the positive electrode portion PP (negative electrode portion NP) of the magnetic plate MP1a and the negative electrode portion NP (positive electrode portion PP) of the magnetic plate MP2a are attracted to each other and face each other in the vertical direction. Further, the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR of the second table 22a are fitted to each other. The actuator AC pulls the first table 21a to the left, and the first table 21a slides to the left with respect to the base BPa. At that time, as described with reference to FIG. 22A, the second table 22a is stopped with respect to the base BPa due to the action of the catch mechanism CR. Since the left-right slide of the second table 22a is regulated by the catch mechanism CR, the left-right slide of the third table 23a is also regulated. Therefore, the first table 21a slides to the left with respect to the third table 23a. That is, the rack 241a slides to the left with respect to the rack 242a. Therefore, the third table 23a slides backward with respect to the first table 21a by the same distance as the leftward movement distance of the first table 21a with respect to the third table 23a.

When the presser PPR _21a abuts on the convex portion PR _22a of the second table 22a (FIG. 22B), the third table 23a reaches the rear end of its movable range as shown in FIG. 24B. When the first table 21a is further pulled to the left, the first table 21a and the second table 22a slide integrally to the left. That is, in this process, the first table 21a and the second table 22aa do not slide relatively. That is, the rack 241a does not slide in the left-right direction with respect to the rack 242a. Therefore, the third table 23a is stationary with respect to the second table 22a. That is, in this process, the first table 21a, the second table 22a, and the third table 23a slide integrally to the left.

When the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CL are fitted (FIG. 22C), the second table 22a stops with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the convex portion PL _21a of the first table 21a comes into contact with the stopper STL1 and stops with respect to the base BPa. That is, the first table 21a, the second table 22a, and the third table 23a reach the left end of their movable range.

Next, when the first table 21a is pushed to the right by the actuator AC, the first table 21a slides to the right with respect to the base BPa. At that time, the second table 22a is stopped with respect to the base BPa due to the action of the catch mechanism CL. Since the left-right slide of the second table 22a is regulated by the catch mechanism CL, the left-right slide of the third table 23a is also regulated. Therefore, the first table 21a slides to the right with respect to the third table 23a. That is, the rack 241a slides to the right with respect to the rack 242a. Therefore, the third table 23a slides forward with respect to the first table 21a by the same distance as the moving distance of the first table 21a to the right with respect to the third table 23a.

When the presser PPL _21a abuts on the convex portion PL _22a of the second table 22a (FIG. 22D), the third table 23a reaches the front end of its movable range, as shown in FIG. 24D. When the first table 21a is further pushed to the right, the first table 21a and the second table 22a slide integrally to the right. That is, the first table 21a and the second table 22a do not slide relatively. That is, the rack 241a is stationary with respect to the rack 242a. Therefore, the third table 23a is stationary with respect to the second table 22a. That is, in this process, the first table 21a, the second table 22a, and the third table 23a slide integrally to the right. Then, the male member C1 and the female member C2 of the catch mechanism CR are fitted to each other, and the state returns to the state of FIG. 24A.

As described above, when the first table 21a is reciprocated in the left-right direction, the third table 23a moves along a rectangular (square in the present embodiment) path.

As shown in FIG. 20C, an arm 25a extending in the left-right direction is attached to the upper surface of the third table 23a. The left-right dimension of the arm 25a is larger than the left-right dimension of the arm 25. Holding devices 26aL and 26aR for holding the lower portion of the pallet Pa are attached to the left and right ends of the arm 25a, substantially as in the first embodiment.

A support plate 27L extending rearward is attached to the lower surface of the left end portion of the arm 25a, and a support plate 27R extending forward is attached to the lower surface of the right end portion of the arm 25a. An anti-back unit 28L and an anti-back unit 28R are attached to the upper surface of the support plate 27L and the upper surface of the support plate 27R, respectively.

A total of 31 pallets Pa are placed on the guide portion 10a (see FIGS. 25A to 25D). As described with reference to FIGS. 24A to 24D, when the third table 23a moves along the rectangular path, the holding devices 26aL, 26aR move the rectangular path below the left and right ends of the guide portion 10a. Move along each. Further, the anti-back units 28L and 28R function in the same manner as in the first embodiment. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 25A to 25D, each pallet Pa is conveyed counterclockwise along the conveying path Ra.

According to the pallet transfer device 1a, as in the first embodiment, each pallet Pa can be circulated along the transfer path Ra only by reciprocating the rod AC2 of one actuator AC. Further, the driving force transmission mechanism 24a uses the magnetic force acting between the rack 241a (magnetic plate MP1a) and the rack 242a (magnetic plate MP2a) to apply the driving force for sliding the rack 241a in the left-right direction to the rack 242a. It is converted into a driving force that slides in the front-back direction. In the driving force transmission mechanism 24a, since the rack 241a and the rack 242a do not come into contact with each other, maintenance and parts replacement required for the contact type driving force transmission mechanism are unnecessary.

Here, in the first embodiment, in the state shown in FIG. 10A (FIG. 10C), the first table 21 is urged to the right (left) by the actuator AC, so that the second table 22 and the third table 23 are used. Slides to the right (left) integrally with the first table 21 to reach the state shown in FIG. 10B (FIG. 10D). At this time, the driving force of the actuator AC acts on the first table 21. Then, the magnetic force (bonding force) of the rack 241 of the first table 21 and the rack 242 of the third table 23 keeps the second table 22 and the third table 23 stationary with respect to the first table 21.

When the pallet row PAF (PAR) starts to slide, it is necessary to apply a force to the pallet Pa to the extent that the ball roller BR is separated from the recess RP. Further, when the pallet row PAF (PAR) slides, a frictional force is generated between each pallet P and the guide portion 10. This frictional force depends on the weight of the pallet P and the weight of the parts (for example, the parts to be machined) placed on the pallet P. Further, the pallet P is slightly pressed against the inner guide plate 13 by the action of the driving force transmission mechanism 24. When the coupling force between the rack 241 and the rack 242 is relatively small with respect to such a load, even if the first table 21 is urged by the actuator AC, only the first table 21 slides to the right (left). However, there is a risk that the second table 22 and the third table 23 will not slide to the right (left). In order to prevent such a situation, it is necessary to set the coupling force between the rack 241 and the rack 242 according to the load. For example, when the pallet row PAF (PAR) is composed of more pallets Pa than in the first embodiment, the areas of the magnetic plate MP1 and the magnetic plate MP2 may be set larger than those in the first embodiment. Further, a magnetic plate having a stronger magnetic force than the magnetic plate MP1 and the magnetic plate MP2 may be used. However, in these cases, the force of attracting the magnetic plates to each other is relatively large, so that the assembly workability of the drive device 20 may be impaired.

On the other hand, in the second embodiment, the first table 21a is urged to the left (right) in the state shown in FIG. 24B (FIG. 24D), so that the second table 22a and the third table 23a are second. 1 Slides integrally with the table 21a to the left (right) to reach the state shown in FIG. 24C (FIG. 24A). At this time, the driving force of the actuator AC acts on the first table 21a and also acts on the second table 22a via the presser PPR _21a (pressor PPL _21a ). Therefore, the second table 22a and the third table 23a can be reliably slid to the right (left) integrally with the first table 21a regardless of the magnitude of the coupling force between the rack 241a and the rack 242a. .. That is, there is no problem even if the coupling force between the rack 241a and the rack 242a is relatively small. Specifically, the coupling force may be set so as to be able to handle a load such that one pallet Pa with an arrow in FIG. 25A (FIG. 25C) is slid. That is, the areas of the magnetic plate MP1a and the magnetic plate MP2a can be set relatively small. Further, a magnetic plate MP1a and a magnetic plate MP2a having a relatively small magnetic force can be used. Therefore, the assembly workability of the drive device 20a is not impaired.

Further, the implementation of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various changes can be made as long as the object of the present invention is not deviated.

In the above embodiment, it is not possible to switch to the return operation in the middle of the forward operation of the actuator AC. Further, it is not possible to switch to the forward operation during the return operation of the actuator AC. When such an operation is performed, for example, the anti-back unit 28L may push the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAR forward. Further, for example, the anti-back unit 28R may push the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAF rearward. In these cases, the pallets P cannot move in the direction in which they are pushed, so that the drive device 20 may be damaged. Therefore, when the actuator AC is temporarily stopped in the middle of the forward operation, when restarting the operation of the actuator AC, it is necessary to operate the actuator AC from the paused state. Further, when the actuator AC is temporarily stopped in the middle of the recovery operation, when the operation of the actuator AC is restarted, it is necessary to always recover the actuator AC from the paused state. Therefore, it is advisable to provide a plurality of sensors for detecting the current positions of the first table 21, the second table 22, the third table 23, the current position of the pallet P, and the like. Then, based on the outputs of the plurality of sensors, the operation direction (forward operation or return operation) of the actuator AC immediately before the actuator AC is temporarily stopped is determined, and the operation of the actuator AC is restarted based on the determination result. The movement direction (forward movement or return movement) may be determined.

Further, in the above embodiment, the pallet P (pallet Pa) is circulated counterclockwise in a plan view, but it may be configured to circulate clockwise. In this case, for example, in the first embodiment, the extending directions of the magnetic poles of the magnetic plate MP1 and the magnetic plate MP2 may be shifted by 90 °. That is, in the first embodiment, by using the same magnetic plates MP1a and MP2a as in the second embodiment, the pallet P can be circulated clockwise. Further, in the second embodiment, the extending directions of the magnetic poles of the magnetic plate MP1a and the magnetic plate MP2a may be shifted by 90 °. That is, in the second embodiment, by using the same magnetic plates MP1 and MP2 as in the first embodiment, the pallet Pa can be circulated clockwise. ..

Further, for example, the driving force transmission mechanism 24A shown in FIG. 26 may be used instead of the driving force transmission mechanism 24 of the above embodiment. The driving force transmission mechanism 24A has a pair of upper and lower racks 241 and racks 242, similarly to the driving force transmission mechanism 24. Further, in the driving force transmission mechanism 24A, a magnetic cylinder MS is provided between the rack 241 and the rack 242. The magnetic cylinder MS is a shaft unit (not shown) supported by the second table 22, and is rotatably supported around a shaft member extending in the front-rear direction. A positive electrode portion PP and a negative electrode portion NP are arranged in a double spiral on the side surface of the magnetic cylinder MS. When the magnetic plate MP1 moves in the left-right direction with respect to the magnetic plate MP2, the magnetic cylinder MS rotates due to the magnetic force acting between the magnetic plate MP1 and the magnetic cylinder MS, and between the magnetic cylinder MS and the magnetic plate MP2. The magnetic force acting causes the magnetic plate MP2 to move in the front-rear direction. Even if the driving force transmission mechanism 24A configured as described above is used, the same effect as that of the above embodiment can be obtained.

Further, for example, the anti-back units 28L and 28R may be omitted. In this case, the distance between the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b may be set slightly smaller than the dimension WP11 of one side of the base _P11 . In this case, when the base portion P11 enters between the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b, the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b are slightly elastically deformed, and the elastic force causes the base portion P11 to be elastically deformed between the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b. It is sandwiched between and gripped.

For example, the pallet P located at the corner FR in FIG. 13B slides backward in a state of being sandwiched and gripped between the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b. On the other hand, the pallet P at the left end of the pallet row PAF in FIG. 13B slides out of the holding device 26L and stays in the original position when the holding device 26L moves backward. Further, for example, the pallet P located at the corner portion RL in FIG. 13D slides forward in a state of being sandwiched and gripped between the holding plate 28a and the holding plate 28b. On the other hand, the pallet P at the right end of the pallet row PAR in FIG. 13D slides out of the holding device 26R and stays in the original position when the holding device 26R moves forward. According to this, the component cost of the pallet transfer device 1 can be further reduced. Therefore, the pallet transfer device 1 can be provided at a lower cost.

Further, in the above embodiment, the ball roller BR is assembled to the flange portion P12. The outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13 are provided with recessed RPs into which the ball roller BR is fitted. Instead of this, the ball roller BR may be assembled to the outer guide plate 11 and the inner guide plate 13, and the concave portion RP may be provided in the flange portion P12. Further, the ball roller BR may not be used.

Further, the support member 12L and the support member 12R may be arranged above the outer guide plate 11.

The dimensions of the long side and the short side of the transport path R are not limited to the above embodiment, and can be arbitrarily set. Further, the shape and dimensions of the pallet P are not limited to the above embodiment and can be arbitrarily set. For example, the distance between the stopper STL2 and the stopper STR2 in the left-right direction may be set based on the distance by which the pallet P is slid in the left-right direction in one forward operation and the return operation of the actuator AC. Further, the distance between the stopper STR1 and the stopper STR2 in the left-right direction and the distance between the stopper STL1 and the stopper STL2 in the left-right direction are based on the distance that the pallet P is slid in the left-right direction in one forward operation and the return operation of the actuator AC. It is good to set each distance.

1,1a ... Pallet transport device, 10,10a ... Guide part, 11,11a ... Outer guide plate, 12 ... Support member, 13,13a ... Inner guide plate, 20,20a ... ... Drive device, 21,21a ... 1st table, 22,22a ... 2nd table, 23,23a ... 3rd table, 24,24a, 24A ... Driving force transmission mechanism, 25, 25a ... arm, 26L, 26aL, 26R, 26aR ... holding device, 28L, 28R ... anti-back unit, 241,241a, 242,242a ... rack, 281 ... base, 282 ... Claws, AC ... actuators, BP, BPa ... bases, BR ... ball rollers, CA1, CA2 ... cases, MP1, MP1a, MP2, MP2a ... magnetic plates, MS ... Magnetic cylinder, NP ... negative electrode part, P, Pa ... pallet, PAF, PAR ... pallet row, PP ... positive electrode part, R ... transport path, STL1, STL2, STR1, STR2 ... ·stopper

Claims (5)

A first table that is assembled on the upper surface of the base and can slide in a predetermined first direction,
A second table that is assembled on the upper surface of the first table and can slide in the first direction with respect to the first table.
A third table that is assembled on the upper surface of the second table, is slidable in a second direction that intersects the second table in the first direction, and holds a pallet.
An actuator that slides the first table in the first direction,
A stopper that regulates the movement of the second table with respect to the base,
A power transmission mechanism that converts the driving force that slides the first table in the first direction by the actuator into the driving force that slides the third table in the second direction, and is the second one with respect to the base. When the first table slides while the table slide is restricted by the stopper, the third table is slid in the second direction by a distance corresponding to the moving distance of the first table with respect to the second table. Power transmission mechanism and
A pallet transfer device. In the pallet transfer device according to claim 1,
The power transmission mechanism is
A first magnetic plate assembled on the first table and extended in the first direction, in which a positive electrode portion having a positive magnetic pole and a negative electrode portion having a negative magnetic pole alternate along the first direction. The first magnetic plate arranged in
A second magnetic plate assembled on the third table, extended in the second direction, and arranged to face the first magnetic plate, the positive electrode portion having a positive magnetic pole and the negative electrode portion having a negative magnetic pole. And the second magnetic plates arranged alternately along the second direction,
Including pallet transfer equipment. In the pallet transfer device according to claim 2,
The positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the first magnetic plate are extended in a direction inclined by a predetermined angle with respect to the first direction, and the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the second magnetic plate are the first. A pallet transfer device extending in a direction parallel to the extending direction of the positive electrode portion and the negative electrode portion of the magnetic plate. In the pallet transfer device according to claim 2 or 3.
The stopper is provided with a mechanism that fits into the second table and temporarily fixes the second table to the base.
The pallet transport in which the first table directly or indirectly presses the second table in the first direction to separate the second table from the stopper and slides the second table in the first direction. Device. In the pallet transfer device according to any one of claims 2 to 4.
A rotating body provided between the first magnetic plate and the second magnetic plate and rotating around a rotation axis extending in a predetermined direction, on the peripheral surface thereof, the first magnetic plate and the second magnetism. A pallet transfer device having a rotating body in which a negative electrode portion and a positive electrode portion corresponding to a positive electrode portion and a negative electrode portion of a plate are formed in a spiral shape, respectively.

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