JPH07309417A - Plastic made conveyor and chain, and carrying method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To remarkably reduce a coefficient of dynamic friction, and reduce a noise even if water sprinkling of soapy water is omitted in a carrying system using a chain where plastic chain unit pieces are connected to each other in large numbers. CONSTITUTION:A chain 1 has constitution that plastic chain unit pieces 11 are connected to each other in large numbers by a pin 12. The pieces where an impregnated layer by impregnation of treating liquid containing a fluorine resin particulate is formed on the surface are used as the chain 1. A carrier conveyor is provided with this chain 1, a rail 2 and a driving member 3. It is desirable that an impregnated layer by impregnation of treating liquid is also formed on a surface of the rail 2. It is desirable that a replenishing means 4 to stick the treating liquid is added to a surface of the return passage side chain 1.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a chain in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces are connected to each other, a conveyor equipped with the chain, rails and driving members (sprocket, idler wheel), and a conveyor therefor. The present invention relates to the transportation method used.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one of apparatuses for conveying objects such as bottles, cans, bottles, and industrial articles, there is known a conveyer conveyor using a chain in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces are connected. If you place an object on the chain of this conveyor, you can perform straight or curved conveyance.
Furthermore, transit transfer can be carried out with the help of transit aids (side rails, dead plates, turntables, etc.).

During transportation, there is a case where the flow of an object is blocked by a stop bar due to an emergency or a subsequent process. In this case, only the chain is running, and the object is standing by at the stop bar and is waiting while slipping on the chain, but at that time, the chain and the bottom of the object are likely to be scratched by friction. In addition, the temperature of the chain may rise, and in the worst case, the chain may melt. Also, when the object is a detergent container, the container may fall at the stop bar. Therefore, near the stop bar, a sprinkling device with soap water is installed to sprinkle water on the chain to make it slippery, and a drain pan for storing the sprayed soap water is installed, and the soap water collected in the drain pan is filtered. After that, the concentration will be adjusted and the product will be reused.

[0004]

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention A method of sprinkling water on a chain by providing sprinkling means with soap water near a stop bar of a conveyor using a chain in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces are connected is currently known. This is a widely adopted method, which can reduce the coefficient of dynamic friction on the upper surface of the chain.

However, the drop in the dynamic friction coefficient due to the spray of soapy water is not remarkable, and even if the situation in which an object whose travel is hindered by the stop bar is not toppled, the occurrence of scratches on the top surface of the chain or the bottom of the container, The temperature rise of the chain cannot be sufficiently prevented, and there is an inevitable disadvantage in terms of the life of the chain and the reduction of the commercial value of the object.
Further, the small effect of lowering the dynamic friction coefficient leads to the generation of noise.

[0006] In addition, water spraying with soapy water and its recycle use are environmental, man-hour and economical in terms of work environment deterioration, equipment cost, space occupation, installation of a control device required for concentration adjustment, maintenance and the like. Both are disadvantageous. Also, the use of water may promote the reproduction of microorganisms.

Regarding the treatment of a plastic molded product with an aqueous dispersion containing fine particles of a fluorine-based resin, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 61-
There is a technology of Japanese Patent No. 76594. That is, in the invention of this publication, by providing a permeation layer of a fluororesin aqueous dispersion on a plastics molded article such as a gear (gear), a slide fastener for clothing, and a curtain rail-slider, the dimension against changes in temperature and humidity can be obtained. It has properties such as stability, prevention of wear and deformation during use under load, and heat resistance, but it is not considered to be applied to a chain conveyor for transportation.

Under such circumstances, the present invention remarkably lowers the coefficient of dynamic friction in a transport system using a chain in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces are connected, even if the spraying of soap water is omitted. It is an object of the present invention to provide a technology capable of reducing noise and noise.

[0009]

The plastic transport chain of the present invention is a chain (1) having a structure in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces (11) are connected by pins (12). The chain (1) is characterized in that a permeation layer is formed on the surface of the chain (1) by impregnation with a treatment liquid containing fluorine-based resin fine particles.

The transport conveyor of the present invention comprises a chain (1) having a structure in which a large number of plastic chain unit pieces (11) are connected by pins (12) and a rail (2) for supporting the chain (1). , And a transport conveyor equipped with a driving member (3) for driving the chain (1), a permeation layer is formed on the surface of the chain (1) by impregnation of a treatment liquid containing fluorine resin particles. It is characterized by being present.

The carrying method of the present invention is characterized in that the above-mentioned carrying conveyor is used to carry an object without using a means for lowering the dynamic friction coefficient by soap water.

The present invention will be described in detail below.

Chain (1) The chain (1) is a chain unit piece (1
1) has a structure in which a large number of pins (12) are connected.

Regarding the material of the chain unit piece (11), consider engineering plastics considering wear resistance, heat resistance, creep resistance, sliding property, fatigue resistance, chemical resistance, linear expansion coefficient, etc. Various resins that belong are used. Especially, it is desirable to use engineering plastics having extremely high heat resistance such as polyimide, polyamideimide and polyetheretherketone, but according to the present invention, the friction between the chain (1) surface and the object is significantly reduced. And the generation of frictional heat is reduced, so polyacetal, ABS
It is also possible to use general-purpose engineering plastics such as resin, polyamide and polypropylene.

Regarding the shape of the chain unit piece (11), as shown in the drawings described later, the pin insertion portion (1) is formed on the back side of the top plate (11a).
1b) and a rib (11c) are provided. The pin (12) is inserted into the pin insertion part (11b), but a knurled one end is used as the pin (12), and the knurls are alternately arranged for each adjacent chain unit piece (11). Assemble the chain (1) by inserting and connecting the cut side and the uncut side. When cutting the chain (1), use a punch to pull out the pin (12) from the side where the knurling is not cut.

When carrying a straight line, each chain unit piece
All that is required is that (11) bends vertically around the pin (12).
When performing curved transportation, each chain unit piece (11)
2) The chain unit piece (11) is formed in a chamfered shape so that it can be bent not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction.

And in the present invention, the above chain
A permeation layer is formed on the surface of (1) by impregnation with a treatment liquid containing fine particles of fluororesin.

Here, as the fluorine resin fine particles, a homopolymer or copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene,
Examples thereof include homopolymers or copolymers of vinylidene fluoride, homopolymers or copolymers of chlorotrifluoroethylene, and acrylic polymers having a fluorine-containing group. Since polytetrafluoroethylene is particularly useful, it is desirable to use it for at least a part of the fine particles.

These fluorine-based resin fine particles are used as a treatment liquid in the form of a dispersion liquid (particularly an aqueous dispersion liquid). In this dispersion liquid, a fluorine-based surfactant or other surfactants or waxes are used. Type, silicone compound, pH
A modifier, a softening agent, a viscosity modifier, a stabilizer, an antimicrobial agent, etc. may be contained. In particular, the addition of at least one selected from the group consisting of silicone compounds, waxes and fluorosurfactants is effective. Even in the case of an aqueous dispersion, if an appropriate amount of a suitable solvent is used in combination,
A dispersion close to an emulsion can be obtained.

The concentration of the fluorine-containing resin fine particles in the treatment liquid can be selected from a wide range, but is 0.1 to 20% by weight, especially 0.2.
Often selected from the range of 10% by weight.

The formation of the permeation layer by impregnation with the treatment liquid is possible under normal temperature and normal pressure, but it is particularly preferable that the permeation layer is formed under the conditions of warm and normal pressure, warm and pressurized conditions, or warm and decompressed conditions. Although there are restrictions depending on the material of the chain unit piece (11), the temperature condition for heating is 40 to 120
C., preferably 50 to 100.degree. C., the pressure condition is about 0.1 to 5 atm higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the depressurization condition is often up to about 50 Torr. In the case of pressurization, it is possible to set a temperature higher than the above temperature range.

After the impregnation treatment, excess treatment liquid adhering to the chain (1) is removed by washing with water, wiping, etc., and then dried. Drying may be natural drying, but heat drying is preferable from the viewpoint of fixing property of fine particles.

When impregnating the treatment liquid, the chain (1) is treated after the individual chain unit pieces (11) are treated.
Although it is possible to assemble the chain, it is more efficient to assemble the chain (1) and then process it in a rolled state, and doing so would be a used chain.
It is preferable because it can be applied to (1) and the coefficient of dynamic friction with the pin (12) is also reduced.

Transport Conveyor The transport conveyor is a chain in which a permeation layer is formed by impregnating the treatment liquid containing the above-mentioned fluorine-based resin fine particles.
It is equipped with (1), a rail (2) that supports the chain (1), and a driving member (3) that drives the chain (1). The drive member (3) is, for example, a sprocket (31) or an idler wheel (32). In addition, guide means (side guides, guide rolls, frames for attaching side guides, etc.), emergency stop means (stop bar, etc.), transfer assisting means (dead plate, turntable, etc.), etc. will be equipped if necessary.

Since the rail (2) is made of, for example, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, polyimide, polyamide-imide, stainless steel, etc., the surface of this rail (2) is also impregnated with the treatment liquid containing the fluorine-based resin particles. When the layers are formed, friction between the chain (1) and the chain (1) is further reduced, smoother transportation is performed, and noise is reduced.

It is also preferable to attach a replenishing means (4) for attaching the treatment liquid containing the fluorine-based resin fine particles to the return chain (1). The replenishing means (4) is composed of, for example, a roll made of a non-woven fabric or a sponge-like foam impregnated with the treatment liquid, a means for supplying the treatment liquid to the roll, and the roll is provided on the surface of the return side chain (1) It may be brought into contact with the back surface (contact portion with the rail (2)).

Conveying Method Although the above-mentioned conveying conveyor is used to convey an object, at that time, it is not necessary to take the conventional means for lowering the dynamic friction coefficient with soapy water.

Examples of the objects to be conveyed include containers made of plastics, paper, metal, glass, pottery, etc., bottles, cans, bottles, boxes, various industrial products, and a very wide range of objects.

[0029]

[Function] When the chain (1) is brought into contact with a treatment liquid containing fine particles of a fluororesin and is preferably treated under conditions of normal temperature and pressure, or under conditions of heating and pressurization or under heating and depressurization, the treatment liquid is easily It penetrates from the surface to the inside of the chain (1) and is fixed there by drying. The fluororesin fine particles once permeated and fixed are not easily lost even after long-term use. Therefore, the coefficient of dynamic friction between the chain (1) and the object is reduced, and the effect of preventing pollution is also exhibited.

Return chain (1) by replenishing means (4)
When the treatment liquid containing the fluorine-based resin fine particles is attached to the surface as well, the maintenance period of the lowered dynamic friction coefficient becomes much longer.

If the permeation layer is formed on the surface of the rail (2) by impregnating the treatment liquid containing the fine particles of fluorine-based resin, more preferable smooth transportation is performed and the life of the rail is extended.

[0032]

EXAMPLES The present invention will be further described with reference to examples. Hereinafter, "%" means% by weight.

Example 1 FIG. 1 shows a straight chain (1) in a conveyor according to the present invention.
2 is a bottom view of the chain (1), FIG. 3 is a front view of the chain (1), and FIG. 4 is a side view of the chain (1). FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of the sprocket (31) which is the drive means (3), and FIG. 6 is a side view (partial sectional view) of the sprocket (31). FIG. 7 is a schematic overall view of the conveyor according to the present invention.

The chain (1) has a structure in which a large number of chain unit pieces (11) formed by injection molding polyacetal are connected by pins (12). The chain unit piece (11) is the top plate (11a)
It has a configuration in which a pin insertion portion (11b) and a Y-shaped rib (11c) are provided on the back surface side of the. A knurled pin (12) is inserted into only one end of the pin insertion portion (11b).

One chain unit piece of the chain (1)
While removing the pin (12) from (11) and winding the chain (1) into a roll, immerse it in a tank filled with an aqueous dispersion containing fluororesin particles, and reduce the pressure to 400 Torr. An impregnation treatment was performed below at a temperature of 80 ° C. for about 20 minutes, and then taken out, followed by hot air drying. The composition of the aqueous dispersion was as follows: polytetrafluoroethylene fine particles 3%, fluorine-containing group-containing acrylic polymer 3%, fluorine-based surfactant 1%, other surfactant 5%, silicone oil 3
%, Waxes 3%, hydrocarbon solvent 15%, water 67%
And

The transfer conveyor comprises a chain (1) which has been subjected to the above-mentioned impregnation treatment, a rail (2) made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene which supports the chain (1), and the chain (1).
Drive sprocket (31) and idler wheel (3
It is made up of a drive member (3) consisting of 2). The sprocket (31) has bifurcated teeth as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7, the rail (2) includes a forward rail (conveyance side) rail (2a) and a return rail (return side) rail (2b). Both rails (2a), (2b) are fixed to a frame (not shown).

The rail (2) was also treated with an aqueous dispersion containing fluorine-based resin fine particles, as in the case of the chain (1). However, since the rail (2) is long, it is difficult to treat under reduced pressure conditions in the equipment, so the impregnation treatment was performed under conditions of 80 ° C. for 20 minutes.

A replenishing means (4) for attaching the treatment liquid containing fine particles of fluororesin to the chain (1) was attached to the starting end of the return path. This replenishment process is the same as in the case of the chain (1) with the aqueous dispersion containing fine particles of fluororesin impregnated in the roll made of non-woven fabric, and the top plate (11a) of the chain (1) at the beginning of the return route. ) Was contacted with the upper surface.

The upper surface of the top plate (11a) of the chain unit piece (11) of the chain (1), steel can, aluminum can, glass bottle, paper pack, PET bottle (polyester bottle)
The coefficient of dynamic friction between and was measured according to JIS K 7125-1987.

The results are shown in Table 1. In Table 1, “new” is a new chain (1), “used” is a chain that has been used on site (1), and “untreated” is a special item. When no lubricity treatment is performed, “soap water” means when sprayed with soap water, and “treatment” means when impregnated with the treatment liquid containing the above-mentioned fluororesin particles. is there. "-" Indicates that no measurement was performed.

[0041]

[Table 1] Measured dynamic friction coefficient Chain (1) Steel can Aluminum can Glass bottle Paper pack PET bottle New / untreated 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.27 0.17 New / soap water 0.15 0.14 ---- --New / treated 0.11 0.11 0.12 0.18 0.14 Used / Processed 0.13 0.14 0.14 0.23 0.15

It can be seen from Table 1 that the new / treated chain (1) according to the present invention has a significantly lower coefficient of dynamic friction for any object than the new / untreated chain (1). I understand. Further, according to the present invention, a new / untreated chain can be used even if it is a used product with fine friction scratches.
It can be seen that the dynamic friction coefficient is lower than in (1).

Abrasion test was performed according to JIS K 6902 using the "new / untreated" and "new / treated" chains (1) among the above (abrasive paper is equivalent to AA-180, The load is 530g). The measurement was performed by requesting the Polymer Materials Center. The results are shown in Table 2.

[0044]

[Table 2] Abrasion test 100 times 200 times 300 times 400 times 500 times New / untreated 41 72 108 140 164 New / treated 31 62 93 114 136 (Unit: mg)

Further, with respect to the above conveyer conveyor, noise was measured on-site at the time of conveying a metal can containing a beverage at a factory of National Metal Industries, Ltd., one of the applicants.
As a measuring machine, "Sound River Meter LA-210"
Was used. The results are shown in Table 3. It is preferable that the noise is reduced even by 1db.

[0046]

[Table 3]

Example 2 FIG. 8 shows a curved chain (1) in a conveyor according to the present invention.
9 is a bottom view of the chain (1), and FIG. 10 is a front view of the chain (1). Figure 11
Is a front view showing an example of the idler wheel (32) which is the drive means (3), and FIG. 12 is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the idler wheel (32).

The chain (1) has a structure in which a large number of chain unit pieces (11) formed by injection molding polyacetal are connected by pins (12). The chain unit piece (11) is formed into a chamfered shape so that it can be conveyed on a curved line, and a pin insertion portion (11b) and a substantially deformed V-shaped rib (11c) are provided on the back side of the top plate (11a). It has a different configuration. The pin (12) is inserted into the pin insertion portion (11b), which is formed by cutting the knurls only on one end side.

Using the treatment liquid of Example 1, the chain (1) was wound into a roll and then immersed in a pressure cooker filled with an aqueous dispersion liquid containing fine particles of fluororesin, and the treatment liquid was heated to a temperature of the treatment liquid. After heating to 65 ° C., impregnation treatment was performed at this temperature for 30 minutes. The pressure at this time is about
The pressure was 0.25 atm higher. After impregnation, the chain (1)
Was taken out, washed with water, and then dried with hot air.

Also in the conveyor using the chain (1), substantially the same dynamic friction coefficient value, wear amount and noise measurement value as in Example 1 were obtained.

[0051]

[Effects of the Invention] As described in the section of operation, the chain
When (1) is treated with a treatment solution containing fine particles of fluorine-based resin and treated under conditions of heating and normal pressure, under heating and pressurizing conditions or under heating and depressurization, the treatment liquid is easily separated from the chain (1). It penetrates from the surface to the inside and fixes there by drying.
The fluororesin fine particles once permeated and fixed are not easily lost even after long-term use.

Therefore, the coefficient of kinetic friction between the chain (1) and the object is lowered, and smooth transport, prevention of damage to the bottom of the can, prevention of scratches and dirt on the chain, and improvement of the life of the chain can be achieved. Further, since the sprinkling process of soap water, which has been indispensable in the past, can be omitted, the problems of equipment cost, running cost, labor of control, maintenance and environmental pollution due to the provision of the sprinkling process can be completely eliminated.

In addition, the formation of the permeation layer by impregnating the treatment liquid containing the fluorine-based resin fine particles is also advantageous in terms of antibacterial property, antistatic property, antifouling property, easy cleaning from the next time, and surface protection.

Therefore, the present invention is remarkably advantageous in comparison with the conventional soap water sprinkling method in terms of environment, man-hours and economy, and has an advantage that it can be applied not only to a new chain but also to an already used chain.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a linear chain in a conveyor according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of (1).

2 is a bottom view of the chain (1) of FIG. 1. FIG.

3 is a front view of the chain (1) of FIG. 1. FIG.

4 is a side view of the chain (1) of FIG. 1. FIG.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing an example of a sprocket (31) which is a driving means (3).

6 is a side view (partially sectional view) of the sprocket (31) of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a schematic overall view of a conveyor according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a curved chain in the conveyor according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a plan view showing an example of (1).

9 is a bottom view of the chain (1) of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the chain (1) of FIG.

FIG. 11: An idler wheel (32) which is a driving means (3)
It is the front view which showed an example.

12 is a side view (partially sectional view) of the idler wheel (32) of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

(1) ... Chain, (11) ... Chain unit piece, (11a) ... Top plate, (11b) ... Pin insertion part, (11c) ... Rib, (12) ... Pin,
(2) ... rail, (2a) ... outward rail, (2b) ... return rail, (3) ... driving member, (31) ... sprocket, (32) ... idler wheel, (4) ... replenishing means

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A chain having a structure in which a plurality of chain unit pieces (11) made of plastics are connected by pins (12).
(1) A plastics transport chain characterized in that a permeation layer is formed on the surface of the chain (1) by impregnation of a treatment liquid containing fluororesin particles. 2. The plastics carrier according to claim 1, wherein the formation of the permeation layer by impregnating the treatment liquid is carried out under a condition of heating and atmospheric pressure, heating and pressurization, or heating and depressurization. For chains. 3. The plastics transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the permeation layer is formed by impregnating the treatment liquid with the chain (1) wound in a roll. 4. A chain having a structure in which a plurality of chain unit pieces (11) made of plastics are connected by pins (12).
(1) a rail (2) for supporting the chain (1) and a driving member (3) for driving the chain (1), wherein the chain (1) has fluorine on the surface thereof. A transport conveyor, wherein an infiltration layer is formed by impregnating a treatment liquid containing fine resin particles. 5. The conveyor according to claim 4, wherein the rail (2) is also provided with a permeation layer formed by impregnating the treatment liquid containing the fine particles of fluororesin on the surface of the rail (2). 6. The conveyer conveyor according to claim 4, further comprising replenishing means (4) attached to the surface of the chain (1) on the return path side for adhering the treatment liquid containing the fluororesin particles. 7. A transportation method, characterized in that an object is transported using the transportation conveyor according to claim 4, 5 or 6 without providing a means for lowering the dynamic friction coefficient by soap water.