TW201925053A - Conveyance device and conveyance system - Google Patents

Abstract

Provided is a conveyance device capable of a more stable stopping operation or speed change of a conveyance body. The conveyance device is composed of a plurality of conveyance bodies. Each conveyance body includes: a main conveyance body; a traveling part for allowing the main conveyance body to travel on a rail part, and a pressure contact body supported by the main conveyance body and in pressure contact with a conveyor part to connect the main conveyance body to the conveyor part. The plurality of conveyance bodies are connected to each other by a connection body capable of expanding and contracting in the conveyance direction. Among the plurality of conveyance bodies, a first conveyance body travels on a conveyance rail so as to precede a second conveyance body. The connection body is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction deformation and extension deformation, respectively. The connection body allows the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body to travel at different speeds due to the expansion and contraction deformation, and reduces the relative speed change of the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body.

Description

Transfer device and transfer system

The present invention relates to a transfer device and a transfer system for transferring an object to a predetermined position.

Conventionally, various conveying devices (conveying systems) are used in order to transfer an object from a place where a first step is performed to a target (work material) to a place where a second step is performed. In particular, in order to transfer one or a plurality of objects in an interlocking manner using a plurality of conveyance bodies, a plurality of conveyance bodies are connected by a connection body.

For example, the transport line system (article transport device) of Patent Document 1 discloses an article transport device that connects a plurality of traveling brackets on which a transported article is placed. The bracket (1) is provided with traveling wheels (2) rolling back and forth on the track erected along the running path, and the guide roller (3) rolls on the guide rail arranged along the track to prevent the bracket (1) from shaking. A reaction plate (P) of a linear motor is horizontally mounted on the lower surface of the bracket (1). Connect the two ends of the connecting rods (4, 4) of the bracket (1) via the universal joints (5, 5) above the installation position of the running wheels (2) of the bracket (1), and The two ends of the connecting rod (4, 4) can be moved horizontally, pitching, and back-and-forth by a long hole, etc. The separation between the connecting rod (4, 4) and the front and rear brackets is movably connected The two ends (6 ', 6') of the protective cover (6, 6) covered by the space. [Prior Art Literature] [Patent Literature]

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-258928

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention]

However, in the conveying device of Patent Document 1, since a plurality of conveyance bodies (brackets) are connected by a rigid connecting rod, the distance between the plurality of conveyance bodies is kept constant during the conveyance. Therefore, for example, when the power supply to the preceding conveyance body is stopped at a desired position such as the work area to stop or decelerate the conveyance body, it is difficult to keep the advance conveyance body at the required speed because the backward conveyance body maintains the speed of the previous moment. The position stops or decelerates steadily. In addition, when it is desired to change the supply amount of power in accordance with the position of the track so that the speed of the preceding conveying body changes, it is difficult to make the preceding conveying body stably change the speed at the required track position because the backward conveying body cannot follow the speed change. . In particular, when a heavy object is conveyed by a conveyance body, the inertia force of each conveyance body becomes large. Therefore, the conventional conveying device has the following problems: it cannot fully cope with the speed change or stop of the preceding conveyance body, and the conveyance body shakes or vibrates due to the speed change or the stoppage movement, and it is difficult to stably convey heavy objects.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, and an object thereof is to provide a conveying device and a conveying system capable of making the stopping operation or speed change of a conveying body more stable. [Technical means to solve the problem]

A conveying device according to an embodiment of the present invention is constituted by a plurality of conveying bodies, and the conveying bodies are provided with a rail portion extending in the conveying direction of the object, and are provided in the rail portion and are directed to the conveying direction. The rotary drive-driven conveying section travels on a conveying track, and is characterized in that each of the conveying bodies includes: a conveying body body; a traveling section for the conveying body body to travel on the track portion; and a crimping body supporting the conveying body. The main body is crimped to the conveying section to connect the conveying body with the conveying section, the plurality of conveying bodies are connected to each other by a linking body capable of being deformed in a conveying direction, and the first conveyance of the plurality of conveying bodies is conveyed. The body travels on the above-mentioned conveying track in a manner that precedes the second conveying body. The connection system is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation. The connection body allows the first conveyance body and the The second conveyance body runs at different speeds, and the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body The speed change is reduced.

The conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention may be such that: the conveying body is provided with a control mechanism that drives the crimping body toward the conveying section and drives the crimping body away from the conveying section. In order to control the crimping of the crimping body to the conveying part and the release of the crimping.

The conveying device according to another embodiment of the present invention may also be a telescopic telescopic body configured by connecting a pair of intersecting link members in the axial direction in the connection system.

The conveying device according to still another embodiment of the present invention may be such that: the pair of intersecting link members are rotationally connected to each other at a point of intersection by a first axis; The link members are rotationally connected to each other by a second shaft, and either or both of the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other in such a manner that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member. The link members are connected to each other.

In a transfer device according to still another embodiment of the present invention, the link member may be connected to each other via either a rotary damper or both of the first shaft and the second shaft.

A transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a plurality of transfer bodies for transferring an object to a predetermined position in a transfer direction; and a transfer track including a transfer direction extending in the transfer direction of the object and for the transfer A track portion running on the body, and a conveying portion which is provided in the track portion and is rotationally driven in the conveying direction; and each of the conveying bodies includes a conveying body body, a running portion on which the conveying body body moves on the track portion, And a crimping body supported on the transport body and crimped to the transport section to connect the transport body to the transport section, the plurality of transport bodies are connected to each other by a coupling body capable of being deformed in a transport direction, The first transport body among the plurality of transport bodies travels on the transport track in a manner that precedes the second transport body. The connection system is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for contraction deformation and expansion deformation, and the connection body is expanded and contracted. Deformed to allow the first transport body and the second transport body to be different from each other And the traveling of the first transport member and the relative velocity of the transfer member of the second variation is reduced.

The conveyance system according to another embodiment of the present invention may be such that the conveyance track includes a power supply area provided with both the track portion and the conveyance portion; and a power loss area adjacent to the power supply area. The rail portion is formed and provided without the transport portion, and the power supply area and the power lack area are alternately arranged.

The conveying system according to another embodiment of the present invention may be such that the conveying body includes a control mechanism that drives the crimping body toward the conveying section and drives the crimping body away from the conveying section. In order to control the crimping of the crimping body to the conveying part and the release of the crimping.

The conveying system according to another embodiment of the present invention may also be a telescopic telescopic body configured by connecting a pair of intersecting link members in the axial direction to the link system.

The conveying system according to another embodiment of the present invention may also be such that: the pair of intersecting link members are rotationally connected to each other at a point of intersection by a first axis, and each of the link members is adjacent to other adjacent ends The link members are rotationally connected to each other by a second shaft, and either or both of the first shaft and the second shaft are connected to each other in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member. The lever members are connected to each other via a rotary damper. [Effect of the invention]

According to the conveying device of one aspect of the present invention, the connection system that connects the plurality of conveying bodies is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation. With this, the connecting body allows the first and second conveying bodies arranged at the front and rear of the conveying track to travel at different speeds by the expansion and contraction, and changes the relative speeds of the first and second conveying bodies. The reduced way works. For example, when the speed of the first conveying body changes or the power supply stops, the distance between the first conveying body and the second conveying body changes. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connected body, the connected body absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first conveying body and the second conveying body, and the second conveying body gradually follows the first conveying body. Therefore, according to the transfer device of the present invention, it is possible to more stably transfer the object with respect to the stopping operation or the speed change of the transfer object.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned invention, the conveyance body can be arbitrarily stopped from the conveyance part by the conveyance body having a control mechanism for releasing the pressure contact of the pressure body to the conveyance part. Power supply.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention described above, the connection body can be mechanically expanded and deformed with a simple structure by using the connection body as a telescopic telescopic body. Furthermore, the first and second shafts connecting a pair of intersecting link members at the intersection point and / or the second shaft connecting the ends of the link members to each other can be used to configure the connected body to expand and contract at a predetermined load. . In addition, the first shaft and / or the second shaft system connect the link members via a rotary damper, thereby enabling the connected body to operate stably for a long time.

According to the conveying system of one aspect of the present invention, the connection system that connects the plurality of conveying bodies is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation. With this, the connecting body allows the first and second conveying bodies arranged at the front and rear of the conveying track to travel at different speeds by the expansion and contraction, and changes the relative speeds of the first and second conveying bodies. The reduced way works. For example, when the speed of the first conveying body changes or the power supply stops, the distance between the first conveying body and the second conveying body changes. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connected body, the connected body absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first conveying body and the second conveying body, and the second conveying body gradually follows the first conveying body. Therefore, according to the conveying system of the present invention, it is possible to more stably convey the object with respect to the stopping operation or the speed change of each conveying body.

According to a transfer system of another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention described above, the transfer track of the transfer system includes a power supply area and a power loss area. That is, when the first automatic conveyance area of the first conveyance body enters the power loss area, the distance between the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body gradually decreases, and the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body can gradually change the speed. On the other hand, when the automatic force loss area of the first conveying body enters the power supply area, the distance between the first conveying body and the second conveying body gradually increases, and the first conveying body and the second conveying body can be gradually changed. speed. That is, it is possible to arrange a power lack region on the conveyance track of the conveyance system without reducing the stability of the conveyance. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange an operation area to decelerate or stop the conveyance body. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve a reduction in cost or a reduction in energy consumption due to a relative reduction in the power supply area.

According to a conveying system according to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned invention, the conveying body can be arbitrarily stopped from the conveying part by the conveying body having a control mechanism for releasing the crimping body from the conveying part. Power supply.

According to a conveying system according to another aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the invention described above, the connection body can be mechanically expanded and deformed with a simple structure by using the connection body as a telescopic telescopic body. Furthermore, since the first shaft connecting a pair of intersecting link members at the intersection point and / or the second shaft connecting the ends of the link members to each other can provide a load, the connecting body can be configured to perform at a predetermined load. Telescopic. In addition, the first shaft and / or the second shaft system can connect the link member via the rotary damper, thereby enabling the connected body to operate stably for a long period of time.

Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the shapes of the drawings referred to in the following description are conceptual drawings or schematic drawings based on the description of the preferred shapes, and the dimensional ratios may not be consistent with the actual dimensional ratios. That is, the present invention is not limited to the size ratios in the drawings.

The conveyance system 10 of this embodiment is composed of a conveyance device 100 (a plurality of conveyance bodies 110) that conveys an object to a predetermined position, and a conveyance track 150 that is laid along a predetermined conveyance path. That is, the conveyance system 10 is a person who conveys an object (not shown) to the predetermined position along the conveyance track 150 laid along a predetermined conveyance path using the conveyance device 100. More specifically, in order to perform a plurality of steps on the object (work material), the object is transported along the transport rail 150 from the place where the first step is performed to the place where the second step is performed. This transport device 100 can be used at any time.

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view of the transfer device 100. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the transfer device 100. FIG. 4 is a side view of the transfer device 100.

As shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 4, the transfer device 100 is provided with a pair of transfer bodies 110 that transports an object to a predetermined position, and the pair of transfer bodies 110 is connected to each other, and is capable of being deformed in an inelastic manner in the transfer (axis) direction. The connection body 120 is made. For convenience of explanation, a preceding conveyance body among the pair of conveyance bodies 110 constituting one of the conveyance devices 100 is defined as a first conveyance body 110-1, and a backward conveyance body is defined as a second conveyance body 110-2. Hereinafter, each component will be described in detail.

First, a conveyance body 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a conveyance body 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 6 (a) and 6 (b) are a front view and a rear view of the conveyance body 110, respectively. 7 (a) and 7 (b) are a top view and a side view of the conveyance body 110, respectively. Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the conveyance body 110 (a crimp release mode). FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyance body 110 (press-bonded form).

As shown in FIG. 5 to FIG. 8, the transport body 110 includes a transport body 111, a support section 112 for supporting an object, and a running section 113 for the transport body 111 to travel on a transport track 150 (track section 151). The crimping body 115 is supported by the conveying body main body 111 and crimped to the conveying part 155 of the conveying rail 150 to connect the conveying body main body 111 and the conveying part 155; and a control mechanism 116 for controlling the crimping body to the conveying part The crimping and the release of the crimping.

The transport body 111 includes a pair of vertical frames 111a extending in the longitudinal (height) direction at left and right ends thereof, a pair of upper horizontal frames 111b extending laterally before and after the pair of vertical frames 111a, and a lower horizontal frame. 111c extends below the upper horizontal frame 111b in parallel with the upper horizontal frame 111b.

Each vertical frame 111a is formed as a rectangular columnar body. A support portion 112 is provided at the lower end of each vertical frame 111a to suspend and fix a support plate (not shown) on which the object is placed and supported. The support portion 112 may be a screw hole capable of connecting the support plate with a screw. A running portion 113 is provided on the upper end of the vertical frame 111a. The running section 113 includes a pair of wheels that are attached to the upper end of the vertical frame 111 a so as to be rotatable in the left-right width direction of the transport body 111. The running portion 113 is positioned so as to protrude from the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111 a, and is configured to be placed on the rail portion 151 of the transport rail 150 and to be able to travel on the rail portion 151. Further, on the upper end side of a vertical frame 111a, a connecting portion 118 is formed to connect the connecting body 120 that connects the transporting bodies 110 to each other. That is, the connection body 120 is fixed via each connection part 118 of a pair of conveyance bodies 110, and the conveyance bodies 110 can be connected by the connection body 120 by this.

A pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b are formed in an elongated plate shape, and are fixed to the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111a such that the planar portions thereof face the front and back surfaces. That is, a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b are connected back and forth via a pair of vertical frames 111a. In addition, as shown in FIG. 8, three shaft holes are penetratingly provided in the plane portion of the upper horizontal frame 111 b to penetrate the rotation shaft 116 g and the rotation shafts 116 h and 116 h of the shaft support control mechanism 116. On the other hand, the lower horizontal frame 111c is formed in an elongated plate shape. The lower horizontal frame 111c is fixed (clamped) on the opposite inner surface of the pair of left and right vertical frames 111a such that the planar portions thereof face upward and downward. In addition, four rectangular cutouts are formed on both sides of the front and back sides of the lower horizontal frame 111c to guide the movement of the leg portion 115a of the crimping body 115.

The crimping body 115 is movably supported by the conveying body main body 111 in the up-down direction, and is connected to the conveying portion 155 (see FIGS. 15 and 16) of the conveying rail 150 by crimping the conveying body main body 111 and the conveying portion 155. Function. The crimping body 115 includes a pair of left and right leg portions 115 a extending in the longitudinal direction of the transport body 111 and a plate-shaped crimping plate (crimping portion) 115 b fixed to the upper ends of the pair of leg portions 115 a.

Each of the leg portions 115a is formed by combining two longitudinally-shaped plate-like portions arranged forward and backward. A lower lateral frame 111c of the transport body 111 is disposed inside the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115a, and an upper lateral frame 111b is disposed outside the plate. Further, the crimping body 115 is supported on the transport body 111 in a state where the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115a is received in the four cutouts of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

The crimping plate 115b has a rectangular base portion between the plate-like portions of the leg portions 115a and is fixed to the leg portions 115a. The crimping plate 115b is formed in a tapered shape so as to extend in the left-right width direction and with both ends thereof retracted downward. That is, the upper surface of the crimping plate 115b is configured as a crimping portion which is crimped to the conveying portion 155.

As shown in FIG. 8, an engagement shaft 115 c is provided on an upper portion of each leg portion 115 a. The engaging shaft 115c extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the front and rear plate-like portions, and is disposed so as to be able to be engaged with the outer surface of the engaging body 116e of the control mechanism 116 described below. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, a long hole 115 d extending in the longitudinal direction is provided in a substantially central portion of each leg portion 115 a. More specifically, a long hole 115d is provided through both of the plate-like portions of the leg portion 115a, and the rotation shaft 116h of the control mechanism 116 can be movably (slidded) interposed. A bottom wall 115e is provided at the lower end of each leg portion 115a. The bottom wall 115e connects the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115a so as to close the lower end thereof. As shown in FIG. 8, a spring 116 f of the control mechanism 116 is arranged between the upper surface of the bottom wall 115 e and the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111 c.

The control mechanism 116 drives the crimping body 115 toward the conveying rail 150 (conveying section 155) and the crimping body 115 away from the conveying rail 150 to control the crimping of the crimping body 115 to the conveying section 155 and the The method of releasing the crimping function. The control mechanism 116 includes a rod-shaped operation portion 116 a for driving and operating the crimping body 115. The operation portion 116 a can be moved to an operating position (inclined posture) in which the crimping body 115 is crimped to the conveying portion 155 and a releasing position (vertical posture) to move the crimping body 155 away from the conveying portion 155. In addition, the operation portion 116a holds a rotatable bearing 116b at the front end.

The operation portion 116 a is pivotally supported at a base end (lower end) of the lateral frame 111 b above the conveyance body 111 via a pivot shaft 116 g so as to be rotatable. The rotation shaft 116g penetrates the front and rear upper lateral frames 111b so as to protrude toward the front side of the conveyance body main body 111, and is rotatable relative to the conveyance body main body 111. As shown in FIG. 7, an operation portion 116 a is fixed to the front end of the rotation shaft 116 g, and is disposed further forward (front side) than the transport body 111. Further, between the outer surface of the lateral frame 111b on the front side and the operation portion 116a, the driving gear 116c is fixed to the rotation shaft 116g. That is, the operation portion 116a and the driving gear 116c can rotate in synchronization with each other around the rotation shaft 116g.

On the other hand, on both sides of the rotating shaft 116g, two driven gears 116d are rotatably supported on the upper horizontal frame 111b of the transport body 111 via two rotating shafts 116h. Each of the rotation shafts 116h penetrates the pair of front and rear upper lateral frames 111b, and is rotatable relative to the transport body 111. The rotation shaft 116g, the rotation shafts 116h, and 116h are arranged on a straight line in the extending direction of the upper horizontal frame 111b (the left-right width direction of the conveyance body 110). Each driven gear 116d is fixed to the front end of the rotating shaft 116h, and the two left and right driven gears 116d are arrange | positioned at the position which can mesh with the central driving gear 116c. That is, the driven gear 116d is configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the driving gear 116c. In addition, in this embodiment, the driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d are configured with the same diameter. Therefore, the rotation angle of the driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d is the same. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned aspects.

The engaging body 116e is fixed to each of the rotation shafts 116h between the pair of front and rear upper lateral frames 111b. That is, since the engagement body 116e is integrally fixed to the driven gear 116d via the rotation shaft 116h, it rotates synchronously with respect to the rotation of the driven gear 116d. The engaging body 116e has a shape that is recessed with the center of each side of the square as the center side in front view. In other words, a recessed portion is formed in the center of each side of the engaging body 116e. The outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e gradually changes and is bent as a whole. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is arranged so as to be in contact (folded) with the engaging shaft 115c (see FIGS. 8 and 9). That is, the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e and the rotation axis 116h is not the same. Therefore, as the engaging body 116e rotates, the engaging shaft 115c folded to the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e can be approached with respect to the rotating axis 116h. Move away from the way.

Further, the control mechanism 116 is provided with a spring 116f that biases the crimping body 115 in a backward direction (downward). The springs 116f are disposed inside the respective leg portions 115a. In particular, the lower end of the spring 116f is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e, and the upper end of the spring 116f is fixed to the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c. In the form of FIG. 8 (and FIG. 9), the spring 116 f is in a state of contracting from the natural length, and is urged in a direction in which the bottom wall 115 e is separated from the lower horizontal frame 111 c. That is, with the elastic restoring force of the spring 116f, the bottom wall 115e of each leg portion 115a is biased downward with respect to the lower horizontal frame 111c of the transport body 111, whereby the crimping body 115 is moved backward (downward). Exert force. By maintaining the contact of the engaging shaft 115c and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e by this urging force, the engaging shaft 115c can be relatively slid on the outer peripheral surface of the driven gear 116d as the driven gear 116d rotates.

Next, the operation of the carrier 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the conveying body 110 in a state where the crimping body 115 is retracted away from the conveying rail 150. FIG. 9 shows the conveying body 110 in a state where the crimping body 115 advances in the direction of being crimped to the conveying rail 150.

In FIG. 8, the operation portion 116 a of the control mechanism 116 assumes a substantially vertical posture, and the bearing 116 b at the front end of the operation portion 116 a is located at the first height. An engagement shaft 115c is in contact with the center of one of the upper sides of the engagement body 116e. At the recessed portion in the center of the side of the engaging body 116e, the distance between the center of the rotating shaft 116h and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is the smallest. That is, in the form of FIG. 8, the crimping body 115 is arranged at the lowermost position. In addition, the operation portion 116a (not shown) may be intentionally controlled by folding the bearing 116b to a rail body provided with a height change on the transport rail 150.

In addition, by tilting the operation portion 116a (to the left or right) of the control mechanism 116 from the configuration of FIG. 8, the crimping body 115 can be moved in the forward direction (upward) as shown in FIG. More specifically, when the operation portion 116a is rotated at a predetermined angle into an inclined posture, the driving gear 116c is rotated in one direction at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of the operation portion 116a. At this time, the bearing 116b at the front end of the operation portion 116a is positioned at the second height. In this embodiment, the predetermined angle is about 45 degrees. Since the central driving gear 116c is meshed with two driven gears 116d on both sides, as the driving gear 116c rotates, the two driven gears 116d are driven to rotate at a predetermined angle. The engaging body 116e rotates at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of each driven gear 116d. As the engaging body 116e rotates, the engaging shaft 115c relatively slides on the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e. As the engaging shaft 115c moves outward from the recessed portion in the center of the side of the engaging body 116e, the engaging shaft 115c gradually moves upward so that the rotation shaft 116g is separated from the engaging shaft 115c. At the same time, the rotating shaft 116h slides relatively downward in the long hole 115d. Further, as shown in FIG. 9, when the engaging shaft 115 c is moved toward the corner of the engaging body 116 e, the crimping body 115 advances in the direction to be crimped to the transport rail 150 at the maximum. In addition, the operation portion 116a can be fixed to the conveyance body 111 at a desired tilting angle with a fixing device such as a pin, so that the crimping body 115 can be maintained in the forward position, but it is not shown.

Next, a connecting body 120 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the connecting body 120 in this embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of the connecting body 120. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting body 120.

The connecting body 120 connects adjacent conveying bodies 110 and can be elastically deformed in an inelastic manner in the conveying direction of the conveying bodies 110. The connecting body 120 is connected to the connecting portion 118 at both ends of which is fixed to the adjacent conveying body 110. Moreover, the connection body 120 is comprised so that a shrinkage | deformation deformation and an expansion deformation may each require a predetermined load. That is, since the connecting body 120 deforms inelastically, a load is required in both directions of elongation deformation and contraction deformation. Further, the coupling body 120 functions by allowing the connected transport bodies to travel at different speeds by the expansion and contraction and reducing the relative speed change of the adjacent transport bodies.

In particular, as shown in FIG. 10 to FIG. 12, the coupling body 120 is a zoom-type telescopic structure formed by connecting a plurality of intersecting long plate-shaped first link members 121 and second link members 122 in the axial direction. body. A pair of intersecting link members 121 and 122 are rotatably connected to each other at the intersection of the centers thereof by the first shaft 123. Further, each link member 121 and 122 is rotationally connected to the other pair of link members adjacent to each other by the second shaft 124 at both ends. That is, with the first shaft 123 and the second shaft 124 as the center, the link members 121 and 122 of the entire connecting body 120 rotate with each other, thereby, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and (b), the connecting body 120 acts in an extended or contracted manner. Furthermore, the first shaft 123 connects the link members 121 and 122 via a damper structure that requires a predetermined torque through the rotation of the intersecting link members 121 and 122.

More specifically, the first shaft 123 penetrates and intersects the center of the pair of the first link member 121 and the second link member 122. The first shaft 123 is fixed to the first link member 121 on the near side, and is rotatably supported by the second link member 122. A first gear 126 is integrally fixed to the first shaft 123 between the first link member 121 and the second link member 122. That is, when the first link member 121 rotates with respect to the second link member 122, the first gear 126 rotates with respect to the second link member 122 together with the first link member 121. On the other hand, a rotary damper 125 is fixed to the second link member 122 adjacent to the first shaft 123. The rotary damper 125 includes a base fixed to the second link member 122 and a shaft portion that protrudes from the base and requires a predetermined torque for rotation. A second gear 127 is integrally fixed to a shaft portion of the rotary damper 125. That is, the second gear 127 is rotatably supported by the second link member 122 with a predetermined torque. The second gear 127 is arranged so as to mesh with the first gear 126.

That is, when the first link member 121 rotates relative to the second link member 122, the first gear 126 meshes with the second gear 127, and the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125 rotates together with the second gear 127. Since the rotation of the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125 requires a predetermined torque, the rotation of the first link member 121 with respect to the second link member 122 also requires torque. As described above, the connection body 120 is configured such that a predetermined load is required for the shrinkage deformation and the expansion deformation, respectively.

In addition, in this embodiment, the damper structure is formed only on the first shaft 123, but may be formed on both the first shaft 123 and the second shaft 124, or may be formed only on the second shaft 124. In this embodiment, the coupling body 120 includes five rotary dampers 125 that require a torque of about 0.004 N · m for rotation. However, the present invention is not limited to this form, and the load required for the elongation and contraction deformation of the coupling body can be arbitrarily determined in consideration of the power of the transport body and the like. Further, as shown in the connecting body 120 'of FIG. 13, when the link member is connected, it may be configured to firmly tighten the screw to a certain degree so as to require a force to rotate, instead of the rotary damper 125. Alternatively, it may be configured such that a high-friction body is interposed between the contacting link members so as to prevent smooth rotation. In either case, the elongation and contraction of the connected body require a predetermined load.

Next, with reference to FIGS. 14 to 16, a transfer track 150 constituting a part of the transfer system 10 according to the present embodiment and used to transfer an object in the transfer direction will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the transport rail 150. 15 (a) and 15 (b) are a plan view and a side view of the conveyance rail 150, respectively. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are a B-B vertical cross-sectional view and a C-C cross-sectional view of the transport rail 150, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, the conveyance rail 150 is provided with a top wall portion 152 extending in a strip shape in the conveying direction, and one of the top wall portion 152 hanging down from both end edges in the width (short side) direction of the top wall portion 152. A pair of side wall portions 153 and an opening portion 154 opened downward between the pair of side wall portions 153. At the open ends of the side wall portions 153, rail portions 151 protruding inward are formed. An interval between a pair of rail portions 151 extending in the long-side direction (conveying direction) is larger than a width of the transport body 111 and corresponds to a position of a pair of wheels constituting the running portion 113. Further, a hanger 157 for hanging and fixing the transport rail 150 to the structure is fixed to the upper surface of the top wall portion 152.

On the other hand, a conveying portion 155 is provided on the opposite side (back side) of the opening portion 154 of the conveying rail 150. The conveying part 155 is provided in parallel to the rail part 151 and drives the conveying body 110 so as to travel on the rail part 151. The conveyance unit 155 includes a plurality of pulleys 155a rotatably supported between the two side wall portions 153 and a conveyor belt 155b that is suspended from the plurality of pulleys 155a. In addition, for convenience of description, the drawing of the conveyor belt 155b is omitted in FIG. 14. The pulley 155a and the conveyor belt 155b are rotationally driven by the power unit 156. As the power unit 156, a rotation driving device such as a motor can be used. The crimping plate 115b of the crimping body 115 is crimped to the surface of the conveying belt 155b, and the conveying body 110 moves with the rotational driving of the conveying belt 155b.

In addition to the power supply area X provided with both the rail portion 151 and the conveyance portion 155 described in FIG. 14 to FIG. The power loss region Y of the portion 151 without the conveying portion 155 is provided (see FIGS. 19 to 21). That is, the conveyance track 150 may be comprised of the power supply area X and the power loss area Y alternately.

In addition, although the conveyance rail 150 is schematically shown as a unit or a part for the convenience of description, in practice, in order to connect the one-step implementation site with at least one other step-implementation site remote from it, the transport rail 150 is used. Can be made into long strips. The conveyance rail 150 may be laid in a straight line, may be laid in a curved or meandering manner, or may be laid in a loop. In addition, the length of the transport rail 150 can be arbitrarily determined according to a site and the like.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the transfer system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the transfer device 100 (a pair of transfer bodies 110 and a coupling body 120) and a transfer rail 150 described above.

As shown in FIG. 18, the upper part of the conveyance body 110 is accommodated in the conveyance rail 150 through the opening part 154 of the conveyance rail 150. A pair of running sections 113 of a transport body 110 is placed on one of the pair of rail sections 151 of the transfer track 150, and a crimping plate 115b of the crimping body 115 is crimped to a conveyor belt 155b of the transport section 155. That is, the conveyance part 155 is rotationally driven in a state where the conveyance body 110 is coupled to the conveyance part 155 via the crimping body 120, and the traveling part 113 travels on the rail part 151 in the conveying direction.

FIG. 19 shows one form of the conveyance system 10 in which the conveyance device 100 travels in the area where the power supply area X of the conveyance rail 150 is continuous. In the transfer system 10 of FIG. 19, three units having a power supply area X are combined. In each unit, the conveyance unit 155 is driven synchronously at the same speed. Therefore, the first conveyance body 110-1 in front and the second conveyance body 110-2 in the rear travel on the conveyance track 150 at the same speed. At this time, the distance between the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2 is the length L1 of the connecting body 120. Since the first and second transport bodies 110-1 and 110-2 travel on the transport track 150 at the same speed, the link body 120 maintains the length L1 during transport.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show one form of the conveyance system 10 in which the conveyance device 100 travels in the area where the power supply area X and the power lack area Y are alternately arranged on the conveyance track 150.

In FIG. 20, the first conveyance body 110-1 automatic power supply area X enters the power loss area Y, and the second conveyance body 110-2 stays in the power supply area X. At this time, a driving force is supplied to the second conveyance body 110-2, whereas a driving force is not supplied to the first conveyance body 110-1. In addition, since the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2 are connected by the expandable link 120, the link 120 is contracted and deformed to a length L2 (<L1), and is arranged around the conveyance track 150 The second conveyance body 110-2 travels relatively faster than the first conveyance body 110-1. In addition, since the contraction and deformation of the coupling body 120 requires a predetermined load, the second transporting body 110-2 is driven so as to press the first transporting body 110-1 in the transporting direction. At the same time, since the connected body 120 functions to reduce the relative speed change of the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2, the second conveying body 110-2 gradually follows the first conveying body 110-1 speed change.

In FIG. 21, the first conveyance body 110-1 has the automatic force loss area Y entering the power supply area X, and the second conveyance body 110-2 remains in the power loss area Y. At this time, the driving force is supplied to the first conveyance body 110-1, whereas the driving force is not supplied to the second conveyance body 110-2. In addition, the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2 are connected by the expandable and contractible linking body 120. Therefore, the linking body 120 is elongated and deformed to a length L3 (> L1), and is arranged around the conveying track 150 The first conveying body 110-1 travels at a relatively faster speed than the second conveying body 110-2. In addition, since the contraction and deformation of the coupling body 120 requires a predetermined load, the first transporting body 110-1 is driven to pull the second transporting body 110-2 in the transporting direction. At the same time, since the connected body 120 functions to reduce the relative speed change of the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2, the second conveying body 110-2 gradually follows the first conveying body 110-1 speed change.

Hereinafter, the functions and effects of the transfer device 100 and the transfer system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

The transfer device 100 (the transfer system 10) according to the present embodiment is configured so that a predetermined load is required for the inelastic contraction deformation and expansion deformation of the connection body 120 connecting the plurality of transportation bodies 110. As a result, the connecting body 120 allows the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2 arranged at the front and back of the conveying track to travel at different speeds by the expansion and contraction, and makes the first conveying body 110-1 The second conveyor 110-2 functions to reduce the relative speed change. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the transport system 10 includes a transport track 150 having both a power supply area X and a power loss area Y, the first transport body 110-1 and the second transport body When any of 110-2 is located in the power loss area Y, the relative speed and distance of the first conveyer 110-1 and the second conveyer change. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the coupling body 120, the coupling body 120 absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first transporting body 110-1 and the second transporting body 110-2. Alternatively, when the first conveying body 110-1 and the second conveying body 110-2 are stopped in order from the preceding first conveying body 110-1, the connecting body 120 is contracted after the first conveying body 110-1 is stopped. At the same time, the speed of the second conveyance body 110-2 decreases. Thereby, the conveyance apparatus 100 can be stopped more stably. Therefore, according to the transfer device 100 and the transfer system 10 of this embodiment, it is possible to more stably transfer the object with respect to the stop operation or speed change of the transfer body 110.

In addition, according to the conveying device (conveying system 10) of the present embodiment, the connecting body 120 is a zoom-type telescopic body, whereby the connecting body 120 can be mechanically expanded and deformed with a simple structure. Furthermore, by providing a load to a plurality of first shafts 123 that connect a pair of intersecting link members 121 and 122 at an intersection, the connecting body 120 can be configured to expand and contract with a predetermined load. In addition, the first shaft 123 connects the link members 121 and 122 via the rotary damper 125, thereby enabling the connected body 120 to operate stably for a long time.

Furthermore, according to the transfer system 10 of this embodiment, the transfer rail 150 is composed of a power supply area X and a power loss area Y. That is, when the first automatic conveyance body X1-1 of the first conveyance body 110 enters the power loss area Y, the distance between the first conveyance body 110-1 and the second conveyance body 110-2 gradually decreases, and the first conveyance body 110-1 The stepwise speed change of 110-1 and the second conveyance body 110-2 is possible. On the other hand, when the first automatic conveyance body 110-1 of the first conveyance body 110-1 enters the power supply area X, the distance between the first conveyance body 110-1 and the second conveyance body 110-2 gradually increases. Gradual speed change of the transporting body 110-1 and the second transporting body 110-2 is possible. That is, the power lacking region Y can be arranged on the transfer track 150 of the transfer system 10 without reducing the stability of the transfer. As a result, a work area for decelerating or stopping the conveyance body 110 can be arbitrarily arranged. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve a reduction in cost or reduction in energy consumption by a relative reduction in the power supply region X.

[Modification] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the conveying device is configured by connecting two conveying bodies with one connected body, and may be configured by connecting three or more conveying bodies with two or more connected bodies. That is, the number of conveyance bodies can be selected according to the use.

The form of the conveyance body of this invention is not limited to this embodiment. That is, as long as the form of the conveyer body, the crimp body, and the running part of the conveyer can perform its function, various structures can be adopted. For example, the form of a conveyance body described in Japanese Patent No. 5878996 of the present inventor may be adopted.

The form of the transport track of the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, it is also possible to omit the side wall portion and the top wall portion without making the conveying rail into a shell type, and to use a long rod-shaped rail portion independently of the conveying portion. In addition, the rail portion and the running portion may be made into a rack and a pinion, and the carrier may be moved by the meshing of the teeth of the gear. If racks and pinions are used in this way, it is advantageous to move the conveying body when laying the conveying path in an inclined or vertical direction. Furthermore, instead of sandwiching the running portion between the track portion from above and below, the running portion may run on one surface of the track portion.

Moreover, the conveyance part is not limited to the form of a pulley and a conveyer belt, As long as it can maintain the pressure-contact relationship with a crimping body, and can convey a conveyance body along a conveyance path, arbitrary devices can be used. For example, the conveyance unit may use a plurality of drive wheels, and the conveyance body may be delivered as each drive wheel rotates.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments or modified examples, and may be implemented in various aspects as long as it belongs to the technical scope of the present invention.

10‧‧‧ transport system

100‧‧‧ transport device

110‧‧‧ transport body

110-1‧‧‧ the first transporter

110-2‧‧‧ 2nd transporter

111‧‧‧ transport body

111a‧‧‧ vertical frame

111b‧‧‧above horizontal frame

111c‧‧‧ bottom horizontal frame

112‧‧‧Support Department

113‧‧‧Running Department

115‧‧‧ Crimp body

115a‧‧‧foot

115b‧‧‧ Crimping plate (crimping part)

115c‧‧‧ Engagement shaft

115d‧‧‧ long hole

115e‧‧‧ bottom wall

116‧‧‧Control agency

116a‧‧‧Operation Department

116b‧‧‧bearing

116c‧‧‧Drive Gear

116d‧‧‧Driven Gear

116e‧‧‧ Fitted

116f‧‧‧Spring

116g‧‧‧rotating shaft

116h‧‧‧Rotary shaft

118‧‧‧Link Department

120‧‧‧ Link

121‧‧‧ 1st connecting rod

122‧‧‧ 2nd connecting rod

123‧‧‧1st axis

124‧‧‧ 2nd axis

125‧‧‧rotary damper

126‧‧‧The first gear

127‧‧‧ 2nd gear

150‧‧‧ transport track

151‧‧‧Track Department

152‧‧‧Top wall section

153‧‧‧ sidewall

154‧‧‧ opening

155‧‧‧Transportation Department

155a‧‧‧Pulley

155b‧‧‧ conveyor belt

156‧‧‧Power Department

157‧‧‧ spreader

X‧‧‧ Power supply area

Y‧‧‧ lack of power

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the transfer device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the conveying device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the conveying device of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of a transport body of the transport apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. 6 is (a) a front view and (b) a rear view of the conveyance body of FIG. 5. FIG. Fig. 7 is (a) a plan view and (b) a side view of the conveyance body of Fig. 5; FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A of the conveyance body of FIG. 7. FIG. Fig. 9 is a view showing a crimping form of the conveyance body of Fig. 8. FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of a connection body of the transfer device of FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a front view of the coupling body of FIG. 10. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connection body of FIG. 10. FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of a coupling body according to another embodiment. Fig. 14 is a schematic perspective view showing a transport rail according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 is a top view of the transport rail of FIG. 14. FIG. 16 is a (a) side view and (b) a B-B cross-sectional view of the conveying rail of FIG. 14. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a transfer system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the transfer system of FIG. 17. FIG. 19 is a schematic front view showing one form of the conveyance system of FIG. 17 and a conveyance system in which the conveyance device runs in an area where the power supply area of the conveyance track is continuous. FIG. 20 is a form of a conveying system showing the conveying system of FIG. 17 and a conveying device in an area where a power supply area and a power lacking area are alternately arranged on a conveying track, and the first power supply automatic power supply area enters a power shortage. Area and a schematic front view of a form in which the second transport body is left in the power supply area. FIG. 21 is a form of a conveying system showing the conveying system of FIG. 17 and an area where a conveying device is arranged on a conveying track alternately with a power supply area and a power lacking area, and the first conveying body has an automatic power loss area entering power A schematic front view of a form in which the second transport body is left in the power supply area and the supply area.

Claims (10)

A conveying device is composed of a plurality of conveying bodies including a rail portion extending in a conveying direction of an object, and a conveying portion provided in the rail portion and rotatingly driven in the conveying direction. The moving track is characterized in that each of the moving bodies includes: a moving body body; a running part for the moving body body to run on the rail part; and a crimping body supported on the moving body body and crimped to the above The conveyance unit is configured to connect the conveyance body and the conveyance unit, the plurality of conveyance bodies are connected to each other by a connection body capable of being deformed in a conveying direction, and the first conveyance body of the plurality of conveyance bodies precedes the second conveyance body. The conveying body travels on the above-mentioned conveying track, and the connection system is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation, respectively. The connection body allows the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body to interact with each other through expansion and contraction. Travel at different speeds and reduce the relative speed change of the first transport body and the second transport body . The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying body is provided with a control mechanism that drives the crimping body toward a direction approaching the conveying section and drives the crimping body away from the conveying section to control The crimping of the crimping body to the conveying portion and the release of the crimping. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the above-mentioned connection system is a telescopic telescopic body formed by connecting a pair of intersecting link members in the axial direction. The conveying device according to claim 3, wherein the pair of intersecting link members are rotationally connected to each other at the intersection point by the first axis, and each of the link members is adjacent to other links at both ends The members are rotationally connected to each other by a second shaft, and either or both of the first shaft and the second shaft connect the link member in such a manner that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member. Connected to each other. The conveyance device according to claim 4, wherein either or both of the first shaft and the second shaft connect the link members to each other via a rotary damper. A conveying system, comprising: a plurality of conveying bodies for conveying an object to a predetermined position in a conveying direction; and a conveying track having a track portion extending in the conveying direction of the object and allowing the conveying body to travel And a conveying unit that is provided in the track portion and is rotationally driven in the conveying direction; and each of the conveying bodies includes: a conveying body body; a running portion for the conveying body body to travel on the track portion; and a crimping body Supporting the conveyer body and being crimped to the conveying section to connect the conveyer body and the conveying section, the plurality of conveyers are connected to each other by a link body capable of being deformed in a conveying direction, and the plurality of conveyances The first transport body in the body travels on the transport track in a manner that precedes the second transport body. The connection system is configured in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation, and the connection body allows the The first conveyance body and the second conveyance body travel at different speeds from each other, and The relative speed of the first transport member and the second variation of the transfer member is reduced. The conveyance system according to claim 6, wherein the conveyance track includes a power supply area provided with both the track portion and the conveyance portion; and a power loss area formed adjacent to the power supply area and provided with the above The rail portion is not provided with the conveying portion, and the power supply area and the power lacking area are alternately arranged. The conveying system according to claim 6, wherein the conveying body is provided with a control mechanism that controls the crimping body toward the conveying section and drives the crimping body away from the conveying section to control The crimping of the crimping body to the conveying portion and the release of the crimping. The conveyance system according to claim 6, wherein the above-mentioned connection system is a telescopic telescopic body formed by connecting a pair of intersecting link members in the axial direction. The conveying system according to claim 9, wherein the pair of intersecting link members are rotationally connected to each other at the intersection point by the first axis, and each of the link members is adjacent to other links at both ends. The members are rotationally connected to each other by a second shaft, and either or both of the first shaft and the second shaft connect the link member in such a manner that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member. They are connected via a rotary damper.