WO2019106710A1

WO2019106710A1 - Conveyance device and conveyance system

Info

Publication number: WO2019106710A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/042565
Authority: WO
Inventors: 宇野　強
Original assignee: 中洲電機株式会社
Priority date: 2017-11-28
Filing date: 2017-11-28
Publication date: 2019-06-06
Also published as: JPWO2019106710A1; KR20190071629A; KR102134798B1; TW201925053A; TWI682887B; CN111479763B; CN111479763A

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

Transport apparatus and transport system

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

Conventionally, various conveyance devices (conveyance systems) for conveying an object from a first process implementation place where one process is performed on an object (work material) to a second process implementation place where another process is performed Is used. In particular, in order to cooperatively convey one or a plurality of objects by a plurality of conveyance bodies, connecting a plurality of conveyance bodies by a coupling body is performed.

For example, the conveyance line system (article conveyance apparatus) of Patent Document 1 discloses an article conveyance apparatus in which a large number of traveling carriages on which conveyance articles are placed are connected. The carriage (1) has traveling wheels (2) rolling on rails built along the traveling path, and the guide rollers (3) roll on guide rails installed along the rails To prevent the roll of (1), the reaction plate (P) of the linear motor is horizontally mounted on the lower surface of the carriage (1). Both ends of the connecting rod (4, 4) of the carriage (1) are connected via universal joints (5, 5) at an upper position of the mounting position of the traveling wheel (2) of the carriage (1) Both ends (6 ', 6') of the guard plate (6, 6) covering the connection rod (4, 4) and the separated space between the front and rear carriages are long holes at both end positions of the connection rod (4, 4) They are connected so as to be free to move horizontally, vertically, vertically and movably back and forth.

JP 10-258928 A

However, in the conveyance device of Patent Document 1, since the plurality of front and rear conveyance bodies (carriage) are connected by the rigid connecting rod, the distance between the plurality of conveyance bodies is configured to be kept constant during conveyance. ing. Therefore, for example, when the supply of power to the preceding transport is stopped at a desired position such as a work area to stop or decelerate the transport, the rear transport maintains the previous speed. It has been difficult to stably stop or decelerate the preceding carrier at the desired position. Also, if it is attempted to change the speed of the preceding carrier by changing the power supply amount according to the position of the rail, the rear carrier can not follow the speed change, so the desired rail position It is difficult to stably change the speed of the preceding carrier. In particular, when a heavy load is transported by the transport body, the inertial force of each transport body is increased. Therefore, the conventional transfer apparatus can not sufficiently cope with the speed change and the stopping operation of the preceding transfer body, and the speed change and the stopping operation cause the transfer body to shake or vibrate, thereby stably conveying the heavy load. It was a problem that it became very difficult.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transport apparatus and a transport system capable of more stably stopping the transport body and changing the speed.

A transport apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention travels on a transport rail including a rail portion extending along a transport direction of an object, and a conveyor portion juxtaposed to the rail portion and rotationally driven in the transport direction. A transport device comprising a plurality of transport bodies,
The transport bodies are supported by a transport body, a traveling portion for the transport body to travel through the rail portion, and the transport body, and are pressed against the conveyor portion to convey the transport body to the conveyor And a pressure contact body for connecting to the
The plurality of carriers are connected to each other by a connector which can be deformed in the carrier direction.
Traveling on the transport rails such that a first transport of the plurality of transports precedes a second transport;
The connector is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction and extension deformation, respectively.
The combined body allows the first and second carriers to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first and second carriers. It is characterized by reducing various speed changes.

In the transport apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the transport body drives the pressure-contacting body in a direction to approach the conveyor portion and in a direction to separate the pressure-contact body from the conveyor portion A control mechanism may be provided to control press contact and release of the press contact.

The transport device according to a further embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that the connecting body is a pantograph-type stretchable body configured by connecting a plurality of intersecting link members in the axial direction.

In the transport apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by the first axis at the intersection point, and each link member is adjacent to the other link member at both ends. Are pivotally connected to each other by a second shaft,
The link members may be connected to each other such that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member, or both or any one of the first axis and the second axis.

The transport apparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that the link member is connected to each other via a rotary damper of the first axis and / or the second axis.

The transport system of one embodiment of the present invention is
A plurality of transport bodies for transporting the object to a predetermined position along the transport direction;
It comprises: a rail portion which extends along the transport direction of the object and on which the transport body travels, and a transport rail which is juxtaposed to the rail portion and which is rotationally driven in the transport direction. ,
The transport bodies are supported by a transport body, a traveling portion for the transport body to travel through the rail portion, and the transport body, and are pressed against the conveyor portion to convey the transport body to the conveyor And a pressure contact body for connecting to the
The plurality of carriers are connected to each other by a connector which can be deformed in the carrier direction.
Traveling on the transport rails such that a first transport of the plurality of transports precedes a second transport;
The connector is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction and extension deformation, respectively.
The combined body allows the first and second carriers to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first and second carriers. It is characterized by reducing various speed changes.

In the transport system according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the transport rail is formed adjacent to the power supply area where the power supply area is provided with both the rail section and the conveyor section, and the conveyor section is provided. It is also possible to provide a power absent area where the rail portion is provided without being separated, and the power supply area and the power absent area are alternately arranged.

In the transport system according to a further embodiment of the present invention, the transport body drives the press-contact body in the direction approaching the conveyor unit and the press-contact body in the direction separating the press-contact body from the conveyor unit A control mechanism may be provided to control press contact and release of the press contact.

The transport system according to a further embodiment of the present invention may be characterized in that the connecting body is a pantograph-type expandable body configured by connecting a plurality of intersecting link members in a row in the axial direction.

The transport system according to a further embodiment of the present invention, wherein the pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first axis at an intersection point, and each link member is adjacent to the other link member at both ends. Are pivotally connected to each other by a second shaft,
The link members are connected via a rotary damper such that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member, or both or any one of the first axis and the second axis It may be a feature.

According to the transport device of one aspect of the present invention, the connecting body that links the plurality of transport bodies is configured to require a predetermined load for the contraction deformation and the extension deformation, respectively. As a result, the coupling body allows the first and second conveyance bodies arranged at the front and back of the conveyance rail to travel at mutually different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body Function to reduce the relative velocity change of the carrier. For example, when a speed change or power supply stoppage occurs in the preceding first carrier, the distance between the first carrier and the second carrier fluctuates. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the coupled body, the coupled body absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first and second conveyance bodies, and the second conveyance body Gradually follow the one carrier. Therefore, according to the transport apparatus of the present invention, it is possible to transport the object more stably with respect to the stop operation of the transport body and the speed change.

According to the conveying apparatus of the further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the above-mentioned invention, the conveying body is provided with a control mechanism for releasing the pressure contact of the pressure-contacting body to the conveyor portion. The supply of power can be optionally stopped.

According to the conveying apparatus of the further form of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the above-mentioned invention, since a connection object is a pantograph type expansion-contraction body, a connection object can be made to carry out elastic expansion-contraction mechanically by simple structure. Furthermore, by providing a load on a first axis that connects a pair of crossing link members at an intersection point and / or a second axis that connects ends of the link members, the connector can be expanded and contracted with a predetermined load. Can be configured. Then, the first shaft and / or the second shaft connect the link members via the rotary damper, whereby the coupled body can be stably operated for a long time.

According to the transport system of one aspect of the present invention, the connecting body that links the plurality of transport bodies is configured to require predetermined loads for the contraction deformation and the extension deformation, respectively. As a result, the coupling body allows the first and second conveyance bodies arranged at the front and back of the conveyance rail to travel at mutually different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the first conveyance body and the second conveyance body Function to reduce the relative velocity change of the carrier. For example, when a speed change or power supply stoppage occurs in the preceding first carrier, the distance between the first carrier and the second carrier fluctuates. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the coupled body, the coupled body absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first and second conveyance bodies, and the second conveyance body Gradually follow the one carrier. Therefore, according to the transport system of the present invention, it is possible to transport the object more stably against the stop operation and the speed change of each transport body.

According to the transport system of the further aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the above-mentioned invention, the transport rail of the transport system is composed of a power supply area and a power absence area. That is, when the preceding first carrier enters from the power supply region to the power absent region, the distance between the first carrier and the second carrier is gradually reduced, and the first carrier and the second carrier are reduced. Gradual speed change of the body is possible. On the other hand, when the preceding first carrier enters the power supply region from the power absent region, the distance between the first carrier and the second carrier gradually increases, and the first carrier and the second carrier Gradual speed change of the body is possible. That is, it is possible to arrange the power absent area on the transport rails of the transport system without reducing the transport stability. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange a work area for decelerating or stopping the transport body. Furthermore, it is possible to realize cost reduction and energy consumption reduction due to relative reduction of the power supply area.

According to the conveyance system of the further form of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the above-mentioned invention, the conveyance body is provided with a control mechanism for releasing the pressure contact of the pressure-contacting body to the conveyor portion. The supply of power can be optionally stopped.

According to the conveyance system of the further form of the present invention, in addition to the effect of the above-mentioned invention, since a connection object is a pantograph type expansion-contraction body, a connection object can be made to extend-contract and deform mechanically by simple structure. Furthermore, by providing a load on a first axis that connects a pair of crossing link members at an intersection point and / or a second axis that connects ends of the link members, the connector can be expanded and contracted with a predetermined load. Can be configured. Then, the first shaft and / or the second shaft connect the link members via the rotary damper, whereby the coupled body can be stably operated for a long time.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic perspective view of the conveying apparatus of one Embodiment of this invention. The schematic front view of the conveyance apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a plan view of the conveyance device of FIG. 1; The side view of the conveyance apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a carrier of the carrier of FIG. 1; (A) Front view of the conveyance body of FIG. 5, (b) It is a rear view. (A) top view and (b) side view of the conveyance body of FIG. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyance body of FIG. 7 taken along line AA. The figure which shows the press-contacting form of the conveyance body of FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a connected body of the transport device of FIG. 1; The front view of the connection body of FIG. The disassembled perspective view of the coupling body of FIG. The schematic perspective view of the connection body of another embodiment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic perspective view which shows the conveyance rail of one Embodiment of this invention. The top view of the conveyance rail of FIG. (A) side view of the conveyance rail of FIG. 14 and (b) BB sectional drawing. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The schematic perspective view of the conveyance system of one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery system of FIG. 17; FIG. 18 is a schematic front view showing one form of the conveyance system of FIG. 17, in which the conveyance device travels in an area where the power supply area of the conveyance rail continues; In the transfer system of FIG. 17, one embodiment of a transfer system in which the transfer device travels in a region where the power supply region and the power absence region of the transfer rail are alternately arranged is shown, and the first transfer body is from the power supply region The schematic front view of the form which approachs into a motive power absent area, and the 2nd conveyance body remains in a motive power supply area. 17 shows one form of a transfer system in which the transfer device travels in a region where the power supply region and the power absence region of the transfer rail are alternately arranged in the transfer system of FIG. 17, and the first carrier is from the power absence region The schematic front view of the form which approachs into a motive power supply area | region, and the 2nd conveyance body remains in a motive power absent area | region.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In addition, the shape of each figure referred in the following description is a conceptual diagram or schematic in the case of demonstrating a suitable shape, and a dimension ratio etc. do not necessarily correspond with an actual dimension ratio. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratio in the drawings.

The conveyance system 10 according to the present embodiment includes the conveyance device 100 (a plurality of conveyance bodies 110) for conveying an object to a predetermined position, and the conveyance rails 150 laid according to a predetermined conveyance path. That is, the transport system 10 transports an object (not shown) to a predetermined position by the transport apparatus 100 along the transport rails 150 laid according to a predetermined transport path. More specifically, in order to apply a plurality of steps to an object (work material), from one process implementation place for applying a first process to another process implementation place for applying a second process. The transfer apparatus 100 can be used to transfer an object along the transfer rail 150.

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

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the transport apparatus 100 connects a pair of transports 110 for transporting an object to a predetermined position and the pair of transports 110, and inelastically stretches in the transport (axial) direction. And a deformable coupling body 120. For convenience of description, the preceding conveyance of the pair of conveyances 110 constituting the conveyance apparatus 100 is defined as a first conveyance 110-1 and the following conveyance is defined as a second conveyance 110-2. The Each component will be described in detail below.

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

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 8, the transport body 110 includes a transport body main body 111, a support portion 112 for supporting an object, and the transport body main body 111 traveling on the transport rail 150 (rail portion 151). The pressure member 115 supported by the traveling portion 113 and the carrier body 111 and in pressure contact with the conveyor portion 155 of the carrier rail 150 to couple the carrier body 111 to the conveyor portion 155; And a control mechanism 116 for controlling the pressure contact and the release of the pressure contact.

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

Each vertical frame 111a is formed as a rectangular column. At the lower end of each vertical frame 111a, a support portion 112 for suspending and fixing a support plate (not shown) for mounting and supporting an object is provided. The support portion 112 may be a screw hole in which a support plate can be connected by a screw. In addition, a traveling portion 113 is provided at the upper end of the vertical frame 111a. The traveling portion 113 includes a pair of wheels attached to the upper end of the vertical frame 111 a so as to be rotatable in the lateral width direction of the transport body 111. The traveling portion 113 is positioned so as to protrude from the front and back surfaces of the vertical frame 111 a, is mounted on the rail portion 151 of the conveyance rail 150, and is configured to be capable of traveling on the rail portion 151. Furthermore, on the upper end side of one of the vertical frames 111a, a connecting portion 118 for connecting a connecting body 120 for connecting the carriers 110 is formed. That is, by fixing the connected body 120 via the respective connecting portions 118 of the pair of transfer bodies 110, the transfer bodies 110 can be connected by the connected body 120.

The pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b is formed in an elongated plate shape, and is fixed to the front and back of the vertical frame 111a so that the flat portions thereof face the front and back. That is, a pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b sandwich and connect the pair of vertical frames 111a. Further, as shown in FIG. 8, three shaft holes are bored in the planar portion of the upper horizontal frame 111 b in order to pivotally support the rotary shaft 116 g and the

rotary shafts

116 h and 116 h of the control mechanism 116. . On the other hand, the lower horizontal frame 111c is formed in an elongated plate shape. The lower horizontal frame 111 c is fixed (sandwiched) to the opposing inner surfaces of the pair of left and right vertical frames 111 a so that the flat portions thereof face upward and downward. Further, four rectangular notches for guiding the movement of the leg portion 115a of the pressure-contacting body 115 are formed at both front and rear side edges of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

The pressure-contacting body 115 is movably supported in the vertical direction by the conveyance main body 111, and is in pressure contact with the conveyor portion 155 (see FIG. 15, FIG. 16 and the like) of the conveyance rail 150 to connect the conveyance main body 111 to the conveyor portion 155. To function. The pressure-contacting body 115 includes a pair of left and right legs 115a extending in the longitudinal direction of the carrier body 111, and a plate-like pressure-contacting plate (pressure-contacting part) 115b fixed to the upper end of the pair of legs 115a.

Each leg portion 115a is formed by combining two vertically long plate-like portions disposed in front and back. The lower horizontal frame 111c of the carrier body 111 is disposed inside the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115a, and the upper horizontal frame 111b is disposed outside the plate material. The pressure-contacting body 115 is supported by the carrier body 111 in a state in which the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115 a is accommodated in the four notches of the lower horizontal frame 111 c.

The pressure contact plate 115b is fixed to the leg portion 115a so that its rectangular base is sandwiched by the plate-like portion of the leg portion 115a. The pressure contact plate 115b extends in the lateral width direction, and is configured in a tapered shape so that both ends thereof are retracted downward. That is, the upper surface of the pressure contact plate 115 b is configured as a pressure contact portion in pressure contact with the conveyor portion 155.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, an engagement shaft 115 c is provided on the upper part of each leg 115 a. The engagement shaft 115c extends in the front-rear direction so as to connect the front and rear plate-like parts, and is arranged to be engageable with the outer surface of an engagement body 116e of a control mechanism 116 described later. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8, an elongated hole 115 d extending in the longitudinal direction is bored in a substantially central portion of each leg 115 a. More specifically, the long holes 115 d are bored in both of the plate-like parts of the legs 115 a, and the rotation shaft 116 h of the control mechanism 116 is slidably inserted. And the bottom wall 115e is provided in the lower end of each leg part 115a. The bottom wall 115 e connects the plate-like portions of the legs 115 a so as to close the lower end thereof. As shown in FIG. 8, a spring 116f of the control mechanism 116 is disposed between the upper surface of the bottom wall 115e and the lower surface of the lower horizontal frame 111c.

The control mechanism 116 drives the press-contacting body 115 in the direction approaching the transport rail 150 (conveyor portion 155) and in the direction separating the press-contacting body 115 from the transport rail 150, and press-contacting the press-contacting body 115 against the conveyor portion 155 Function to control the release of The control mechanism 116 includes a lever-like operation portion 116 a for driving and operating the pressure contact body 115. The operation unit 116 a is movable to an operation position (inclination posture) for pressing the pressure-contacting body 115 against the conveyor unit 155 and a release position (vertical posture) for separating the pressure-contacting body 155 from the conveyor unit 155. In addition, the operation portion 116a holds a rotatable bearing 116b at its tip.

The operation portion 116a is pivotally supported at substantially the center of the upper horizontal frame 111b of the carrier body 111 via a pivot shaft 116g at its base end (lower end). The pivot shaft 116 g penetrates the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111 b so as to protrude to the front side of the carrier body 111, and is rotatable with respect to the carrier body 111. As shown in FIG. 7, the operation portion 116 a is fixed to the front end of the rotation shaft 116 g and is disposed in front (front side) of the transport body 111. Then, the main driving gear 116c is fixed to the rotation shaft 116g between the outer surface of the front side horizontal frame 111b and the operation portion 116a. That is, the operation portion 116a and the main drive gear 116c can rotate in synchronization with each other about the rotation shaft 116g.

On the other hand, on both sides of the rotation shaft 116g, two driven gears 116d are rotatably supported by the upper horizontal frame 111b of the carrier body 111 via two rotation shafts 116h. Each rotation shaft 116 h penetrates the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111 b and is rotatable with respect to the carrier body 111. The rotating shaft 116g and the

rotating shafts

116h and 116h are aligned in a straight line along the extending direction of the upper horizontal frame 111b (the lateral width direction of the transport body 110). Each driven gear 116d is fixed to the front end of the rotary shaft 116h, and the two left and right driven gears 116d are arranged at positions where they can mesh with the central main moving gear 116c. That is, the driven gear 116d is configured to rotate as the main driving gear 116c rotates. In the present embodiment, since the main driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d have the same diameter, the rotation angles of the main driving gear 116c and the driven gear 116d are the same. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

And between the pair of front and rear upper horizontal frames 111b, the engaging body 116e is being fixed to each rotating shaft 116h. That is, since the engaging body 116e is integrally fixed to the driven gear 116d via the rotation shaft 116h, the engaging body 116e rotates in synchronization with the rotation of the driven gear 116d. The engaging body 116e has a shape in which the center of each side of the square is recessed toward the center in a front view. In other words, a hollow portion is formed at the center of each side of the engagement body 116e. The outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e changes gradually and is curved as a whole. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e is disposed in contact (sliding contact) with the engaging shaft 115c (see FIGS. 8 and 9). That is, since the distance between the outer peripheral surface of the engaging member 116e and the rotating shaft 116h is not uniform, the engaging shaft 115c in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface of the engaging member 116e with the rotational movement of the engaging member 116e It is movable to approach and separate.

Furthermore, the control mechanism 116 is provided with a spring 116 f that biases the press-contacting body 115 in the backward direction (downward). The springs 116f are respectively disposed inside the respective legs 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. Then, the spring 116f is contracted from the natural length in the configuration of FIG. 8 (and FIG. 9), and the bottom wall 115e and the lower horizontal frame 111c are biased in the direction of separating. That is, the bottom wall 115e of each leg 115a is urged downward with respect to the lower horizontal frame 111c of the transport body 111 by the elastic return force of the spring 116f, whereby the pressure contact body 115 is attached in the backward direction (downward). Be driven. By maintaining the contact between the engaging shaft 115c and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging body 116e by the biasing force, the engaging shaft 115c can relatively slide on the outer peripheral surface of the driven gear 116d as the driven gear 116d rotates. is there.

Subsequently, the operation of the carrier 110 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 shows the transport body 110 in a form in which the press-contacting body 115 is retracted in the direction away from the transport rail 150. FIG. 9 shows the transport body 110 in a form in which the press-contact body 115 is advanced in the direction in which the press-contact body 115 is in pressure contact with the transport rail 150.

In FIG. 8, the operation portion 116 a of the control mechanism 116 is in a substantially vertical posture, and the bearing 116 b at the tip of the operation portion 116 a is located at the first height. The engagement shaft 115c is in contact with the center of the upper side of the engagement body 116e. The distance between the center of the rotary shaft 116h and the outer peripheral surface of the engaging member 116e is minimized at the depressed portion at the center of the side of the engaging member 116e. That is, in the embodiment of FIG. 8, the pressure-contacting body 115 is disposed at the most retracted position. In addition, it is also possible to control the operation part 116a intentionally by bringing the bearing 116b into sliding contact with a rail body provided in the transport rail 150 whose height is changed (not shown).

Then, by tilting the operation part 116a of the control mechanism 116 (rightward or leftward) from the configuration of FIG. 8, as shown in FIG. 9, the press-contacting body 115 can be moved in the forward direction (upward). More specifically, when the operation portion 116a is turned to the inclined posture at a predetermined angle, the main driving gear 116c is rotated at a predetermined angle in one direction in synchronization with the rotation of the operation portion 116a. At this time, the bearing 116b at the tip of the operation portion 116a is located at the second height. Further, in the present embodiment, the predetermined angle is about 45 degrees. Since the central main drive gear 116c is in mesh with the two driven gears 116d on both sides, the two driven gears 116d are driven to rotate at a predetermined angle as the main drive gear 116c rotates. Then, the engaging member 116e rotates at a predetermined angle in synchronization with the rotation of each driven gear 116d. As the engaging member 116e rotates, the engaging shaft 115c relatively slides on the outer peripheral surface of the engaging member 116e. As the engagement shaft 115c moves outward from the hollow portion at the side center of the engagement body 116e, the engagement shaft 115c gradually moves upward such that the rotation shaft 116g and the engagement shaft 115c are separated. At the same time, the rotating shaft 116 h slides relative to the inside of the long hole 115 d downward. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, when the engagement shaft 115c moves to the corner of the engaging body 116e, the pressure-contacting body 115 is most advanced in the direction in which the pressure contact body 115 is in pressure contact with the transport rail 150. Although not shown, it is possible to maintain the pressure-contacting body 115 in the forward posture by fixing the operation portion 116a to the carrier body 111 at a desired tilt angle with fixing means such as a pin.

Next, a connector 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 connector 120 of the present embodiment. FIG. 11 is a front view of the connector 120. FIG. FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the connector 120. As shown in FIG.

The coupling body 120 couples the adjacent conveyance bodies 110 and can be elastically and elastically deformed in the conveyance direction of the conveyance body 110. The coupling body 120 is fixed to the coupling portion 118 of the adjacent carrier 110 at both ends thereof. In addition, the connector 120 is configured to require a predetermined load for the contraction deformation and the extension deformation, respectively. That is, since the connector 120 is deformed inelastically, a load is required in both of the extension deformation and the contraction deformation. The connector 120 functions to allow the transport bodies linked by the expansion and contraction to travel at different speeds, and to reduce the relative speed change of the adjacent transport bodies.

In particular, as shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the connecting body 120 is a pantograph type in which a plurality of intersecting long plate-shaped first link members 121 and second link members 122 are provided in a row in the axial direction. It is an elastic body. The pair of intersecting

link members

121 and 122 are pivotally connected to each other by the first shaft 123 at the central intersection point thereof. And each link member 121,122 is mutually pivotally connected with the pair of other link members adjacent at both ends by the 2nd axis 124. That is, as shown in FIGS. 11 (a) and 11 (b), when the

link members

121 and 122 of the entire connecting body 120 rotate relative to each other about the first shaft 123 and the second shaft 124, the connecting body 120 is Operate to stretch or contract. Furthermore, the first shaft 123 connects the

link members

121 and 122 via a damper structure that requires a predetermined torque to rotate the

intersecting link members

121 and 122.

In more detail, the 1st axis | shaft 123 penetrates the center of a pair of 1st link member 121 and 2nd link member 122 which cross | intersect. 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. Further, the 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 the first link member 121 with respect to the second link member 122. On the other hand, the 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 that protrudes from the base and requires a predetermined torque for rotation. The second gear 127 is integrally fixed to the 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 disposed to mesh with the first gear 126.

That is, when the first link member 121 rotates with respect 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 with the second gear 127. Since rotation of the shaft portion of the rotary damper 125 requires a predetermined torque, torque is also required for the rotation of the first link member 121 with respect to the second link member 122. In this manner, the connector 120 is configured to require predetermined loads for contraction and extension deformation, respectively.

In the present 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 formed only on the second shaft 124. It may be done. Further, in the present embodiment, the connector 120 includes five rotary dampers 125 which require a torque of about 0.004 N · m for rotation. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and the load required for the extension and contraction deformation of the connector is arbitrarily determined in consideration of the power of the carrier and the like. Furthermore, as shown in the connector 120 'of FIG. 13, instead of the rotary damper 125, when connecting the link member, the screw may be configured to be tightened to a certain degree so that a force is required for rotation. . Alternatively, the high friction body may be interposed between the abutting link members so as to prevent the lubricating rotation. In any case, a predetermined load is required for extension and contraction of the connector.

Next, with reference to FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, a conveyance rail 150 which constitutes a part of the conveyance system 10 of the present embodiment and conveys an object along the conveyance direction will be described. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the transport rail 150. As shown in FIG. FIGS. 15A and 15B are a plan view and a side view of the transport rail 150. FIG. 16 (a) and 16 (b) are a BB longitudinal sectional view and a CC transverse sectional view of the transport rail 150, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, the transport rail 150 includes a top wall 152 extending longitudinally along the transport direction, and a pair depending downward from both widthwise (lateral) end edges of the top wall 152. And an opening 154 opened downward between the pair of side walls 153. At the open end of each side wall portion 153, a rail portion 151 projecting inward is formed. The distance between the pair of rail portions 151 extending in the longitudinal direction (the transport direction) is larger than the width of the transport body main body 111 and corresponds to the position of the pair of wheels forming the travel portion 113. Furthermore, on the upper surface of the top wall portion 152, a hanger 157 for suspending and fixing the transport rail 150 to the structure is fixed.

On the other hand, on the opposite side (rear side) of the opening portion 154 of the transport rail 150, a conveyor portion 155 is provided. The conveyor unit 155 is juxtaposed to the rail unit 151 and drives the transport body 110 to travel on the rail unit 151. The conveyor unit 155 includes a plurality of pulleys 155 a rotatably supported between both side walls 153 and a conveyor belt 155 b suspended around the plurality of pulleys 155 a. Note that for convenience of description, the depiction of the conveyor belt 155b is omitted in FIG. Then, the pulley 155 a and the conveyor belt 155 b are rotationally driven by the power unit 156. The power unit 156 may employ a rotational drive unit such as a motor. The pressure contact plate 115b of the pressure contact member 115 is in pressure contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 155b, and the conveyer 110 moves with the rotation of the conveyor belt 155b.

The conveyance rail 150 is formed adjacent to the power supply area X in addition to the power supply area X in which both the rail part 151 and the conveyor part 155 described in FIGS. 14 to 16 are provided, and the conveyor part 155 is It is possible to optionally provide a power absent area Y in which the rail portion 151 is provided without being provided (see FIGS. 19 to 21). That is, the transport rails 150 may be alternately configured by the power supply area X and the power absence area Y.

In addition, although the conveyance rail 150 is typically shown as 1 unit or part for convenience of explanation, in fact, the conveyance rail 150 of one process implementation place and at least one other process implementation place apart from this is It can be configured to be long to connect. Also, the transport rails 150 may be laid straight, may be laid in a bent or meander, or may be laid annularly. The length of the transport rail 150 is arbitrarily determined according to the site and the like.

FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of a delivery system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 17, the transport system 10 of the present embodiment is configured of the above-described transport device 100 (a pair of transport body 110 and coupling body 120) and transport rails 150.

As shown in FIG. 18, the upper portion of the carrier 110 is accommodated inside the carrier rail 150 via the opening 154 of the carrier rail 150. The pair of traveling portions 113 of the conveyance body 110 is placed on the pair of rail portions 151 of the conveyance rail 150, and the pressure contact plate 115 b of the pressure contact body 115 is in pressure contact with the conveyor belt 155 b of the conveyor portion 155. That is, when the conveyor unit 155 is rotationally driven in a state where the conveyance body 110 is coupled to the conveyor unit 155 via the pressure contact member 120, the traveling unit 113 travels along the rail unit 151 in the conveyance direction.

FIG. 19 shows an embodiment of the transfer system 10 in which the transfer device 100 travels in a region where the power supply region X of the transfer rail 150 is continuous. In the transfer system 10 of FIG. 19, three units having a power supply area A are combined. Since the conveyor units 155 are synchronously driven at the same speed in each unit, the preceding first carrier 110-1 and the rear second carrier 110-2 travel on the carrier rails 150 at the same speed. . At this time, the distance between the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 is the length L1 of the connector 120. Since the first and second carriers 110-1 and 110-2 travel on the carrier rails 150 at the same speed, the connector 120 is maintained at the length L1 at the time of transportation.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show an embodiment of the transfer system 10 in which the transfer apparatus 100 travels in areas where the power supply areas X and the power absence areas Y of the transfer rails 150 are alternately arranged.

In FIG. 20, the first transfer body 110-1 enters the power absence area Y from the power supply area X, and the second transfer body 110-2 remains in the power supply area X. At this time, the driving force is supplied to the second carrier 110-2, but the driving force is not supplied to the first carrier 110-1. Further, since the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 are connected by the expandable connector 120, the connector 120 shrinks and deforms to a length L2 (<L1). The second transport body 110-2 travels at a relatively higher speed than the first transport bodies 110-1 arranged in front of and behind the transport rails 150. Then, since a predetermined load is necessary for the contraction and deformation of the connector 120, the second carrier 110-2 is driven to push the first carrier 110-1 in the carrying direction. At the same time, since the connector 120 functions to reduce the relative velocity change of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2, the speed of the first carrier 110-1 is reduced. The second carrier 110-2 gradually follows the change.

In FIG. 21, the first carrier 110-1 enters the power supply region X from the power absent region Y, and the second carrier 110-2 remains in the power absent region Y. At this time, while the driving force is supplied to the first carrier 110-1, the driving force is not supplied to the second carrier 110-2. In addition, since the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 are connected by the expandable connector 120, the connector 120 is deformed into a length L3 (> L1). The first carrier 110-1 arranged in front of and behind the carrier rail 150 travels at a relatively higher speed than the second carrier 110-2. Then, since a predetermined load is necessary for the contraction and deformation of the connector 120, the first carrier 110-1 is driven to pull the second carrier 110-2 in the conveyance direction. At the same time, since the connector 120 functions to reduce the relative velocity change of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2, the speed of the first carrier 110-1 is reduced. The second carrier 110-2 gradually follows the change.

Hereinafter, the effect of the conveyance apparatus 100 and the conveyance system 10 of one Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated.

According to the conveyance apparatus 100 (the conveyance system 10) of the present embodiment, the coupling body 120 that couples the plurality of conveyance bodies 110 is configured so as to require inelastically each of the predetermined loads for the contraction deformation and the elongation deformation. ing. As a result, the connecting member 120 allows the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 arranged at the front and back of the carrier rails to travel at mutually different speeds due to expansion and contraction. It functions to reduce the relative velocity change of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20 and 21, when the transport system 10 includes the transport rail 150 having both the power supply area X and the power absence area Y, if either one is located in the power absence area Y, The relative velocity and distance of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier vary. At this time, since a predetermined load is required for the expansion and contraction of the connector 120, the connector 120 absorbs the rapid relative speed change of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2. . Alternatively, when stopping sequentially from the preceding first carrier 110-1, after the first carrier 110-1 is stopped, the speed of the second carrier 110-2 decreases while the connector 120 contracts. . Thereby, it is possible to stop the transport apparatus 100 more stably. Therefore, according to the transport apparatus 100 and the transport system 10 of the present embodiment, it is possible to transport the object more stably with respect to the stop operation and the speed change of the transport body 110.

Moreover, according to the conveyance apparatus (conveyance system 10) of this embodiment, since the connection body 120 is a pantograph-type expandable body, the connection body 120 can be mechanically extended / contracted by simple structure. Furthermore, by providing a load to the plurality of first shafts 123 connecting the pair of intersecting

link members

121 and 122 at the intersection point, the connector 120 can be configured to expand and contract with a predetermined load. Then, the first shaft 123 connects the

link members

121 and 122 via the rotary damper 125, whereby the connector 120 can be stably operated for a long time.

Furthermore, according to the conveyance system 10 of the present embodiment, the conveyance rail 150 is configured of the power supply area X and the power absence area Y. That is, when the preceding first carrier 110-1 enters the power absent region Y from the power supply region X, the distance between the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 is gradually reduced. In this case, it is possible to gradually change the speeds of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2. On the other hand, when the preceding first carrier 110-1 enters the power supply region X from the power absence region Y, the distance between the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2 gradually increases. In this case, it is possible to gradually change the speeds of the first carrier 110-1 and the second carrier 110-2. That is, it is possible to dispose the power absence area Y on the transport rail 150 of the transport system 10 without reducing the transport stability. As a result, it is possible to arbitrarily arrange the work area for decelerating or stopping the transport body 110. Furthermore, it is possible to realize cost reduction and reduction of energy consumption due to relative reduction of the power supply area X.

[Modification]
In the above-mentioned embodiment, although a conveyance device connects and connects two conveyance bodies by one connection object, it may connect and constitute three or more conveyance objects by two or more connection objects. That is, the number of carriers can be selected according to the application.

The form of the carrier of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. That is, the forms of the transport body, the pressure-contacting body, the traveling portion and the like of the transport body can have various structures as long as the functions thereof can be exhibited. For example, it may be in the form of a carrier as described in Japanese Patent No. 5878996 by the same inventor.

The form of the conveyance rail of the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. For example, the side wall portion and the top wall portion may be omitted so as not to form the transport rail in a housing shape, and a shaft-like rail portion may be adopted separately from the conveyor portion. Also, the carrier may be made to travel by meshing the teeth of the gear with the rail portion and the traveling portion as a rack and pinion. Thus, adopting the rack and pinion is advantageous for traveling of the transport body when laying the transport path in an inclined or vertical direction. Furthermore, the traveling portion may travel on one surface of the rail portion without sandwiching the rail portion from above and below in the traveling portion.

Further, the conveyor unit is not limited to the form of the pool and the conveyor belt, and any means may be used as long as it can maintain the pressure contact relationship with the pressure-contacting body and can feed the conveying body along the conveying path. For example, a plurality of drive wheels may be employed in the conveyor unit, and the transport body may be fed out as the drive wheels rotate.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and modifications, and may be embodied in various forms within the technical scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 conveyance system 100 conveyance apparatus 110 conveyance body 110-1 first conveyance body 110-2 second conveyance body 111 conveyance body 111a vertical frame 111b upper horizontal frame 111b lower horizontal frame 112 support portion 113 traveling portion 115 pressure contact member 115a Leg 115b Pressure welding plate (pressure welding portion)
115c engaging shaft 115d elongated hole 115e bottom wall 116 control mechanism 116a operating portion 116b bearing 116c main moving gear 116d driven gear 116e engaging body 116f spring

116g rotating shaft

116h rotating shaft 118 connecting portion 120 connecting member 121 first link 122 second link 123 first shaft 124 second shaft 125 rotary damper 126 first gear 127 second gear 150 transport rail 151 rail portion 152 top wall portion 153 side wall portion 154 opening portion 155 conveyor portion 155 a pulley 155 b conveyor belt 156 power portion 157 suspension member X Power supply area Y Power absent area

Claims

A conveying device comprising: a rail portion extending along a conveying direction of an object; and a plurality of conveying bodies traveling on a conveying rail provided with a conveyor portion which is juxtaposed to the rail portion and rotationally driven in the conveying direction. ,
The transport bodies are supported by a transport body, a traveling portion for the transport body to travel through the rail portion, and the transport body, and are pressed against the conveyor portion to convey the transport body to the conveyor And a pressure contact body for connecting to the
The plurality of carriers are connected to each other by a connector which can be deformed in the carrier direction.
Traveling on the transport rails such that a first transport of the plurality of transports precedes a second transport;
The connector is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction and extension deformation, respectively.
The combined body allows the first and second carriers to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first and second carriers. A transfer device characterized by reducing various speed changes.
The conveyance body drives the pressure-contacting body in the direction to approach the conveyor unit and in the direction to separate the pressure-contacting body from the conveyor unit, and controls the pressure-contacting of the pressure-contacting body to the conveyor unit and the release of the pressure contact. The transport apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control mechanism.
The conveyance device according to claim 1, wherein the connection body is a pantograph-type stretchable body configured by connecting a plurality of crossing link members in an axial direction.
The pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first axis at an intersection point, and each link member is pivotally connected to another link member adjacent at both ends in a second axis. Has been
The link members are connected to each other such that a predetermined torque is required for the rotation of the link member, in which one or both of the first axis and the second axis is required. The conveyance apparatus of 3.
5. The transfer apparatus according to claim 4, wherein both or any one of the first axis and the second axis connects the link members via a rotary damper.
A plurality of transport bodies for transporting the object to a predetermined position along the transport direction;
It comprises: a rail portion which extends along the transport direction of the object and on which the transport body travels, and a transport rail which is juxtaposed to the rail portion and which is rotationally driven in the transport direction. ,
The transport bodies are supported by a transport body, a traveling portion for the transport body to travel through the rail portion, and the transport body, and are pressed against the conveyor portion to convey the transport body to the conveyor And a pressure contact body for connecting to the
The plurality of carriers are connected to each other by a connector which can be deformed in the carrier direction.
Traveling on the transport rails such that a first transport of the plurality of transports precedes a second transport;
The connector is configured to require a predetermined load for contraction and extension deformation, respectively.
The combined body allows the first and second carriers to travel at different speeds due to expansion and contraction, and the relative relationship between the first and second carriers. Transfer system characterized by reducing various speed changes.
The transport rail is formed adjacent to the power supply area where the rail part and the conveyor part are provided, and the power supply area, and the power where the rail part is provided without the conveyor part 7. The transfer system according to claim 6, further comprising: an absent area, wherein the power supply area and the non-powered area are alternately arranged.
The conveyance body drives the pressure-contacting body in the direction to approach the conveyor unit and in the direction to separate the pressure-contacting body from the conveyor unit, and controls the pressure-contacting of the pressure-contacting body to the conveyor unit and the release of the pressure contact. The transfer system according to claim 6, further comprising a control mechanism.
7. The transfer system according to claim 6, wherein the connecting body is a pantograph-type expandable body configured by connecting a plurality of intersecting link members in the axial direction.
The pair of intersecting link members are pivotally connected to each other by a first axis at an intersection point, and each link member is pivotally connected to another link member adjacent at both ends in a second axis. Has been
The link members are connected via a rotary damper such that a predetermined load is required for the rotation of the link member, or both or any one of the first axis and the second axis The transport system according to claim 9, characterized in that: