shutter

Abstract

The opening and closing body (2) has a plurality of rod-shaped members (20), and a plurality of linking members (21) linking the plurality of rod-shaped members (20). The linking member (21) has a pair of fitting portions (211) as linking targets for a pair of rod-shaped members (20) adjacent in the guide direction (DR), and is disposed so as to be apart from the pair of rod-shaped members (20) in the guide direction (DR) in a manner of fitting each of the linking targets. The fitting portion (211) has a covering portion having flexibility and covering a range of more than half of the outer peripheral surface of the rod-shaped member (20) and less than the entire outer peripheral surface when viewed in the first direction (X).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an opening and closing device, the opening and closing device having a guide path, an opening and closing body, and a pair of guide rails disposed apart in a first direction along the horizontal direction, the opening and closing body being formed between the pair of guide rails in the first direction along the extending direction of the pair of guide rails, and the opening and closing body moving along the guide path. Background Technology

[0002] An example of such an opening and closing device is disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-115761 (Patent Document 1). The opening and closing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is assembled by mounting a plate-shaped opening and closing body (2) onto a door-shaped frame (1a). In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses in the above content are reference numerals of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The type of opening and closing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is used, for example, for building entrances and exits, or to separate worker areas from equipment operating areas in factories. Openings and closing devices used for such purposes tend to be large-scale; in particular, when a plate-shaped opening and closing body is used, as in the opening and closing device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the size of that body tends to be large. Thus, when a large-sized opening and closing body is mounted on a frame to assemble a large opening and closing device, a large space is required for the assembly work, and a larger number of workers are also needed, which can easily increase the limitations of the assembly work. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above situation, it is desirable to realize an opening and closing device that can be easily assembled even in cases with large opening and closing bodies.

[0005] The techniques used to solve the above problems are described below.

[0006] An opening / closing device includes a guide path, an opening / closing body, and a pair of guide rails disposed apart in a first direction along a horizontal direction. The guide path is formed between the pair of guide rails in the first direction along the extending direction of the pair of guide rails. The opening / closing body moves along the guide path. The opening / closing device is characterized in that the direction along the guide path is defined as the guiding direction. The opening / closing body includes multiple rod-shaped members and multiple connecting members. The multiple rod-shaped members extend along the first direction and are arranged at intervals along the guiding direction. The multiple connecting members are arranged along the guiding direction. The configuration connects multiple of the aforementioned rod-shaped components, with each end of the aforementioned rod-shaped components in the aforementioned first direction being movably guided by each of a pair of aforementioned guide rails along the aforementioned guide direction. The aforementioned connecting component uses a pair of the aforementioned rod-shaped components adjacent to each other in the aforementioned guide direction as the connecting object. The aforementioned connecting component has a pair of fitting portions. The aforementioned connecting component is configured to move away along the aforementioned guide direction in a manner that fits into each of the pair of aforementioned rod-shaped components of the connecting object. The aforementioned fitting portions have a covering portion that is flexible and covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a whole circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned rod-shaped component when viewed along the aforementioned first direction.

[0007] According to this structure, the opening / closing body includes multiple rod-shaped components and multiple connecting components. When assembling the opening / closing device, the two ends of each of the multiple rod-shaped components in a first direction are mounted on each of a pair of guide rails, thereby arranging the multiple rod-shaped components in a guide direction. Furthermore, a pair of mating portions of the connecting components are mated with each of the adjacent pair of rod-shaped components in the guide direction, thereby connecting the adjacent pair of rod-shaped components in the guide direction. Thus, according to this structure, multiple rod-shaped components can be sequentially installed on a pair of guide rails, allowing assembly operations to be performed without requiring a large space as in the case of installing a large opening / closing body on a pair of guide rails. Moreover, since the assembly operation is separated for each component, the number of operators can be easily reduced. Furthermore, according to this structure, the covering portion of the mating portion is flexible, so when the mating portion is pressed against the rod-shaped component from a direction orthogonal to the first direction to achieve mating, the portion of the mating portion without a covering portion, i.e., the cut portion, can be temporarily enlarged, allowing the rod-shaped component to be inserted into the inside of the covering portion. Furthermore, the covering portion covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a full circumference on the outer periphery of the rod-shaped member when viewed in the first direction. Therefore, after the fitting portion is fitted with the rod-shaped member, the connecting member is difficult to detach from the rod-shaped member. Thus, multiple rod-shaped members can be connected to form an opening and closing body through a simple operation. As described above, according to this structure, an opening and closing device can be realized that allows for relatively easy assembly even when the opening and closing body is large.

[0008] Further features and advantages of the technology described in this application will become clearer from the following illustrative and non-limiting description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 It is a top view of a handling equipment equipped with an opening and closing device.

[0010] Figure 2 This is the first-direction view of the open / closed body in its first state.

[0011] Figure 3 This is the first-direction view representing the second state of the open / closed body.

[0012] Figure 4 This is the second-direction view of the opener / closer.

[0013] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 VV sectional view.

[0014] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Sectional view VI-VI.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a second-direction view that enlarges a portion of the open / closed body.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a second-direction view showing the configuration position of the detection device.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the connecting component viewed from the front side in the second embodiment.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the connecting component viewed from the rear side in the second embodiment.

[0019] Figure 11 This is a second-direction view shown by magnifying a portion of the opening and closing body in the second embodiment.

[0020] Figure 12 This is a second-direction view showing the fitting portion of the connecting component in other embodiments.

[0021] Figure 13 This is a second-direction view showing the fitting portion of the connecting component in other embodiments.

[0022] Figure 14 This is a second-direction view showing the connecting component in other embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0023] [First Embodiment] The following describes a case where the conveying equipment is equipped with an opening and closing device, and the first embodiment of the opening and closing device will be explained.

[0024] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the handling equipment F is the equipment used to handle the item 9 and perform various operations relative to the item 9.

[0025] The handling equipment F includes an opener / closer 100, an item placement section 8 provided in the placement area of ​​the opener / closer 100 for placing items 9, a work area WA for performing operations relative to the items 9 placed in the item placement section 8, and a handling area TA for moving items 9 to the item placement section 8.

[0026] The item placement unit 8 is positioned between the work area WA and the transport area TA when viewed vertically. In this embodiment, the item placement unit 8 includes multiple support columns 80 arranged vertically and an item receiving portion 81 provided on the upper part of each support column 80. In the illustrated example, the four support columns 80 are arranged spaced apart from each other. In this example, the item receiving portion 81 provided at each support column 80 includes a receiving surface 8Fa for receiving an item 9 from below and a guide surface 8Fb that rises from the receiving surface 8Fa. The guide surface 8Fb guides the item 9, which approaches from above, toward the receiving surface 8Fa relative to the receiving surface 8Fa via a transfer action performed by the transport device T (described later). The guide surface 8Fb faces the side of the item 9 when it is placed on the receiving surface 8Fa. Thus, the guide surface 8Fb also has the function of positioning the item 9 placed in the item placement unit 8 in the horizontal direction.

[0027] In this embodiment, the opener 100 is configured to cover the item placement section 8, thereby separating the work area WA and the transport area TA. Specifically, the opener 100 is configured to separate the area where the item placement section 8 is located from the work area WA, and also to separate the area where the item placement section 8 is located from the transport area TA. Therefore, the opener 100 can separate the work area WA and the transport area TA.

[0028] In the work area WA, various tasks are performed by an operator W or a work robot. In this embodiment, in the work area WA, the operator W performs tasks relative to the items 9 arranged in the item placement unit 8. In this embodiment, a work platform Ws is provided in the work area WA. The operator W can stand on the work platform Ws to perform tasks. The work platform Ws is configured to support the operator W at a position that is raised above the ground.

[0029] In the transport area TA, the transport operation of item 9 is performed. In this embodiment, a transport device T for transporting item 9 is provided in the transport area TA. The transport device T is configured to transport item 9 to the item placement unit 8.

[0030] The transport device T is configured as a trackless or tracked unmanned transport vehicle. In this embodiment, the transport device T is configured to travel on the ground. Figure 2 In the example shown, the conveying device T is configured to travel on the ground at a position lower than the upper surface of the workbench Ws to convey the item 9.

[0031] In this embodiment, the article 9 includes a container 91 for holding the object and a tray 90 for holding the container 91 (see reference). Figure 2 and Figure 3 The handling device T can handle a pallet 90 containing containers 91. Alternatively, the handling device T can handle a pallet 90 that does not contain containers 91. Here, the objects contained in the containers 91 include, for example, finished products, semi-finished products, etc. Furthermore, the containers 91 can be, for example, cardboard boxes, shipping containers, etc. Alternatively, multiple containers 91 may be stacked on the pallet 90.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the conveying device T includes a trolley body Ta, multiple traveling wheels Tb mounted on the trolley body Ta, and a transfer section Tc for transferring items 9 between the trolley body Ta and the item placement section 8.

[0033] In this embodiment, the transfer unit Tc raises and lowers the mounting platform Td, which can hold the article 9, between an upper position and a lower position, thereby transferring the article 9 between it and the article placement unit 8. When the mounting platform Td is positioned in the upper position, its upper surface is positioned above the receiving surface 8Fa of the article receiving part 81. When the mounting platform Td is positioned in the lower position, its upper surface is positioned below the receiving surface 8Fa of the article receiving part 81. With the article 9 placed on the article receiving part 81 of the article placement unit 8, the transfer unit Tc raises the mounting platform Td from the lower position to the upper position, thereby receiving the article 9 from the article receiving part 81. With the article 9 placed on the mounting platform Td, the transfer unit Tc lowers the mounting platform Td from the upper position to the lower position, thereby transferring the article 9 to the article receiving part 81.

[0034] like Figures 1-3 As shown, the opening / closing device 100 includes a guide path R, an opening / closing body 2, and a pair of guide rails 1. The pair of guide rails 1 are disposed apart in a first direction X along the horizontal direction. The guide path R is formed between the pair of guide rails 1 in the first direction X along the extension direction of the pair of guide rails 1. The opening / closing body 2 moves along the guide path R.

[0035] Hereinafter, one side of the first direction X is designated as the first direction first side X1, and the other side of the first direction X is designated as the first direction second side X2. In addition, the direction orthogonal to the first direction X when viewed along the vertical direction is designated as the second direction Y, one side of the second direction Y is designated as the second direction first side Y1, and the other side of the second direction Y is designated as the second direction second side Y2.

[0036] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, each of the pair of guide rails 1 is configured to overlap when viewed along the first direction X. Furthermore, both ends of the opening / closing body 2 in the first direction X are guided by the pair of guide rails 1.

[0037] In this embodiment, each of the pair of guide rails 1 includes a first rail portion 11 extending in the vertical direction, a ceiling rail portion 1c extending in the second direction Y at a position higher than the first rail portion 11, and a first arc-shaped rail portion 110 formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X, such that the upper end of the first rail portion 11 and the end of the ceiling rail portion 1c in the second direction first side Y1 are connected. Furthermore, each of the pair of guide rails 1 includes a second rail portion 12 extending in the vertical direction, disposed away from the first rail portion 11 in the second direction second side Y2, and a second arc-shaped rail portion 120 formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X, such that the upper end of the second rail portion 12 and the end of the ceiling rail portion 1c in the second direction second side Y2 are connected. The first rail portion 11 is disposed closer to the second direction first side Y1 than the article placement portion 8. The ceiling rail portion 1c is disposed higher than the article placement portion 8. The second track section 12 is positioned on the second side Y2 in the second direction relative to the article placement section 8. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the first track section 11 and the second track section 12 are arranged parallel to the vertical direction, but they may also be inclined relative to the vertical direction. Additionally, in the illustrated example, the ceiling track section 1c is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction, but it may also be inclined relative to the horizontal direction.

[0038] The guide path R is a planar imaginary path formed between a pair of guide rails 1 in the first direction X, and is the path along which the open / closed body 2 is guided. That is, the guide path R is equivalent to the movement trajectory of the open / closed body 2 moving along a pair of guide rails 1.

[0039] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, the guide path R includes a first region R1 extending in the vertical direction, a ceiling region RC extending in the second direction Y at a position above the first region R1, and a first arc-shaped region R10 formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X, such that the upper end of the first region R1 and the end of the ceiling region RC in the second direction first side Y1 are connected. Furthermore, the guide path R includes a second region R2 extending in the vertical direction, disposed away from the first region R1 in the second direction second side Y2, and a second arc-shaped region R20 formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X, such that the upper end of the second region R2 and the end of the ceiling region RC in the second direction second side Y2 are connected. The first region R1 is disposed above the article placement section 8 in the second direction first side Y1. The ceiling region RC is disposed above the article placement section 8. The second region R2 is disposed above the article placement section 8 in the second direction second side Y2. Additionally, in the illustrated example, regions R1 and R2 are arranged parallel to the vertical direction, but they can also be tilted relative to the vertical direction. Furthermore, in the illustrated example, the ceiling region RC is arranged parallel to the horizontal direction, but it can also be tilted relative to the horizontal direction.

[0040] In this embodiment, the first region R1 corresponds to the region sandwiched between a pair of first track portions 11. The first arc-shaped region R10 corresponds to the region sandwiched between a pair of first track portions 110. The ceiling region RC corresponds to the region sandwiched between a pair of ceiling track portions 1c. The second arc-shaped region R20 corresponds to the region sandwiched between a pair of second track portions 120. The second region R2 corresponds to the region sandwiched between a pair of second track portions 12.

[0041] In this embodiment, an article placement section 8 for placing the article 9 is provided between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the second direction Y. Furthermore, the article placement section 8 is provided below the ceiling region RC. That is, in this example, the article placement section 8 is surrounded by the first region R1, the first arc-shaped region R10, the ceiling region RC, the second arc-shaped region R20, and the second region R2.

[0042] In this embodiment, a work area WA is provided on the first side Y1 in the second direction relative to the first region R1 for performing work on the items 9 arranged in the item arrangement unit 8. As described above, in this embodiment, a workbench Ws is provided in the work area WA. The operator W can stand on the workbench Ws and perform work on the items 9 arranged in the item arrangement unit 8 from the first side Y1 in the second direction.

[0043] In this embodiment, a transport area TA for transporting articles 9 to the article placement unit 8 is provided on the second side Y2 in the second direction, relative to the second region R2. As described above, in this embodiment, a transport device T for transporting articles 9 is provided in the transport area TA. As described above, the transport device T can enter the region where the article placement unit 8 is provided from the second side Y2 in the second direction and transfer articles 9 between itself and the article placement unit 8.

[0044] In this embodiment, a scaffold 82 for the worker W is provided around the item placement unit 8 between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the second direction Y. Figure 1 As shown, in this embodiment, scaffolding 82 is provided on both sides of the item placement unit 8 in the first direction X. Additionally, a workbench Ws is provided on the first side Y1 in the second direction relative to the item placement unit 8. That is, in this example, the worker W can enter the areas on both sides of the first direction X and the first side Y1 in the second direction relative to the item placement unit 8, and can perform work on the items 9 placed in the item placement unit 8 from both sides of the first direction X and the first side Y1 in the second direction. Furthermore, the worker W can also perform maintenance on the surrounding structure of the item placement unit 8 by entering the scaffolding 82.

[0045] In this embodiment, the opening / closing body 2 is configured such that its state can be changed to the first state (see reference). Figure 2 ) and the second state (refer to) Figure 3 In the first state, the opening / closing body 2 is disposed throughout the first region R1, the first arc-shaped region R10, and the ceiling region RC, but not in the second region R2. In the second state, the opening / closing body 2 is disposed throughout the ceiling region RC, the second arc-shaped region R20, and the second region R2, but not in the first region R1. In this embodiment, the opening / closing device 100 includes a driving source M (refer to...) for driving the opening / closing body 2. Figure 1 and Figure 4 The opening / closing body 2 is configured to change its state to a first state and a second state when driven by a driving source M. The driving source M is, for example, a motor. Alternatively, in the first state, a portion of the opening / closing body 2 may be disposed in the second region R2. Alternatively, in the second state, a portion of the opening / closing body 2 may be disposed in the first region R1.

[0046] like Figure 2As shown, in the first state, the second region R2 of the opening / closing body 2 is open, allowing the transport of the item 9 from the transport region TA to the item placement section 8. In this embodiment, the opening / closing device 100 includes an opening / closing device control device 5 that controls the operation of the opening / closing body 2. The opening / closing device control device 5 is configured to communicate with the transport device T (more specifically, a control device mounted on the transport device T) or a transport control device that controls multiple transport devices T. For example, when the transport device T receives information from the opening / closing device control device 5 that the opening / closing body 2 is in the first state, it allows entry into the region where the item placement section 8 is located. On the other hand, when the transport device T receives information from the opening / closing device control device 5 that the opening / closing body 2 is in the second state, it restricts entry into the region where the item placement section 8 is located.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, in the second state, the first area R1 of the opening / closing body 2 is open, enabling the movement of items 9 from the work area WA to the item placement section 8. Although detailed illustrations are omitted, in this embodiment, the opening / closing device 5 notifies the operator W that the opening / closing body 2 is in the second state using at least one visual or auditory means. Examples of visual means include rotating lights. When the opening / closing body 2 is in the second state and enabling the movement of items 9 from the work area WA to the item placement section 8, the opening / closing device 5 may illuminate a green light, for example. Conversely, when the opening / closing body 2 is in the first state and cannot enable the movement of items 9 from the work area WA to the item placement section 8, the opening / closing device 5 may illuminate a red light, for example. Furthermore, examples of auditory means include loudspeakers. When the opening / closing body 2 is in the second state and is capable of operating from the work area WA to the item 9 arranged in the item arrangement section 8, the opening / closing device 5 can make the speaker emit a sound indicating that the operation can be carried out safely, or it can remain silent. Conversely, when the opening / closing body 2 is in the first state and is unable to operate from the work area WA to the item 9 arranged in the item arrangement section 8, the opening / closing device 5 can, for example, make the speaker emit an alarm sound.

[0048] Next, the structure of the opening and closing body 2 will be explained in detail.

[0049] The direction along the guide path R is designated as the guide direction DR. The opening / closing body 2 includes multiple rod-shaped members 20 and multiple connecting members 21. The multiple rod-shaped members 20 extend along the first direction X and are arranged at intervals along the guide direction DR. The multiple connecting members 21 are arranged along the guide direction DR to connect the multiple rod-shaped members 20. The multiple rod-shaped members 20 are connected as a single unit by the multiple connecting members 21, thereby constituting the opening / closing body 2. In this example, connecting members 21 are connected to multiple locations in the first direction X relative to each of the multiple rod-shaped members 20.

[0050] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the dimension of the guiding direction DR of the opening / closing body 2 is smaller than the dimension of the guiding direction DR of the guiding path R (or guiding track 1). Therefore, a portion of the guiding path R contains the rod-shaped component 20 and the connecting component 21, i.e., a region where the opening / closing body 2 does not exist. Consequently, in the first state, the second region R2 of the guiding path R is open. Furthermore, in the second state, the first region R1 of the guiding path R is open.

[0051] like Figure 4 As shown, the two ends of each of the plurality of rod-shaped components 20 in the first direction X are movably guided by each of a pair of guide rails 1 along the guide direction DR. In this embodiment, as Figure 5 As shown, each of the pair of guide rails 1 has a guide groove 10 extending along the guide direction DR. The guide groove 10 opens inward in the first direction X (towards where other guide rails 1 are located). Guided portions 20e are provided at both ends of the rod-shaped member 20 in the first direction X. The guided portions 20e are movably supported in the guide groove 10 along the guide direction DR. In the illustrated example, the guided portions 20e are constructed using rollers.

[0052] like Figure 6 As shown, the connecting member 21 uses a pair of adjacent rod-shaped members 20 in the guiding direction DR as the connecting objects, and has a pair of fitting portions 211. These fitting portions 211 are configured to engage with each of the pair of rod-shaped members 20 of the connecting objects and then separate along the guiding direction DR. Specifically, the connecting member 21 includes a main body 210 extending along the guiding direction DR and fitting portions 211 formed at both ends of the main body 210 in the guiding direction DR. In this embodiment, the main body 210 is formed as a strip having surfaces along the guiding direction DR and the first direction X (see also...). Figure 7 ).

[0053] When assembling the opener / closer 100, the two ends of each of the multiple rod-shaped components 20 in the first direction X are mounted on each of a pair of guide rails 1, thereby arranging the multiple rod-shaped components 20 in a guide direction DR. Furthermore, the pair of mating portions 211 of the connecting member 21 are mated with each of the pair of adjacent rod-shaped components 20 in the guide direction DR, thereby connecting the pair of adjacent rod-shaped components 20 in the guide direction DR. Thus, according to the opener / closer 100 of this application, multiple rod-shaped components 20 can be sequentially mounted on a pair of guide rails 1, so assembly work can be performed without requiring a large space as in the case of mounting a large opener / closer body on a pair of guide rails. Furthermore, since the assembly work is separated into steps for each component, it is also easy to reduce the number of operators.

[0054] The fitting portion 211 includes a covering portion 211c, which is flexible and covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a full circumference of the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 when viewed along the first direction X. The covering portion 211c has a cutout shape in which a portion of the cylindrical portion surrounding the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 (specifically, the area smaller than half a circumference of the outer peripheral surface 20f) is cut out when viewed along the first direction X.

[0055] Thus, the covering portion 211c of the fitting portion 211 is flexible. Therefore, when the fitting portion 211 is pressed against the rod-shaped member 20 from a direction orthogonal to the first direction X to fit together, the portion of the fitting portion 211 where the covering portion 211c is not formed, i.e., the cut portion 211n, can be temporarily enlarged, allowing the rod-shaped member 20 to be inserted into the inside of the covering portion 211c. Furthermore, the covering portion 211c covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a full circumference of the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 when viewed from the first direction X. Therefore, after the fitting portion 211 and the rod-shaped member 20 are fitted together, the connecting member 21 is difficult to detach from the rod-shaped member 20.

[0056] In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 20 is composed of a solid or hollow cylindrical rod, and its outer peripheral surface 20f is formed into a cylindrical shape. The covering portion 211c contacts the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 from the outside, covering an area of ​​the outer peripheral surface 20f that is larger than half a circumference and smaller than a full circumference. In this example, the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape. Furthermore, the covering portion 211c is configured such that, when viewed in the first direction X, it covers an area of ​​the cylindrical outer peripheral surface 20f that is larger than 180° and smaller than 360°. The covering portion 211c has an inner peripheral surface 211f with a shape corresponding to the shape of the outer peripheral surface 20f. As a result, the contact area of ​​the covering portion 211c with the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 can be increased, and the fitting portion 211 can be firmly fitted with the rod-shaped member 20. As described above, in this example, the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 is formed into a cylindrical shape. Therefore, the inner circumferential surface 211f of the cover portion 211c is formed into an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X. In the illustrated example, the cover portion 211c has a cylindrical circumferential portion (specifically, a circumferential region smaller than 180°) surrounding the outer circumferential surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20, which is cut out.

[0057] In this embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, multiple connecting parts 21 are arranged in a guide direction DR while their positions in the first direction X are alternately interchanged. Furthermore, the fitting portions 211 of two adjacent connecting parts 21 in the guide direction DR are configured to fit into the same rod-shaped member 20, and are adjacent in the first direction X. With this structure, multiple rod-shaped members 20 can be properly connected even if all the connecting parts 21 are of the same shape. Therefore, the assembly of the opening / closing device 100 can be performed more easily. In this example, all the multiple connecting parts 21 arranged along the guide direction DR are arranged while their positions in the first direction X are alternately interchanged.

[0058] In this embodiment, two fitting portions 211 that fit into the same rod-shaped member 20 and are adjacent in the first direction X abut against each other in the first direction X. This makes it easier to integrate the two connecting members 21 that are adjacent in the guide direction DR of the two fitting portions 211 in the first direction X into one unit. Therefore, the assembly of the opener / closer 100 can be performed more easily.

[0059] In this embodiment, the opening / closing body 2 includes a limiting member 22. The limiting member 22 is configured to remain stationary relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in the first direction X, thereby limiting the movement of the connecting member 21 relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in the first direction X.

[0060] In this embodiment, the limiting member 22 is a component other than the rod-shaped member 20, configured to be mounted relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X. Therefore, the mounting position of the limiting member 22 relative to the rod-shaped member 20 can be easily and freely set. Thus, after connecting the connecting member 21 relative to the rod-shaped member 20, the limiting member 22 can be mounted in accordance with the position of the connecting member 21. For example, the limiting member 22 is constructed using an insulating lock (registered trademark).

[0061] In this embodiment, the limiting member 22 is configured such that, relative to the fitting part group U consisting of two fitting parts 211 that fit with the same rod-shaped member 20 and are adjacent in the first direction X, the positions of each of the plurality of rod-shaped members 20 arranged along the guide direction DR are alternately interchanged at adjacent positions on the first side X1 and adjacent positions on the second side X2 in the first direction. That is, relative to the fitting part group U in which the limiting member 22 is arranged on the first side X1 in the first direction, the limiting member 22 is not arranged on the second side X2 in the first direction. Similarly, relative to the fitting part group U in which the limiting member 22 is arranged on the second side X2 in the first direction, the limiting member 22 is not arranged on the first side X1 in the first direction.

[0062] Furthermore, relative to the fitting group U where the limiting member 22 is disposed on the first side X1 in the first direction, a limiting member 22 is disposed on the second side X2 in the first direction of another fitting group U adjacent in the guide direction DR. Additionally, relative to the fitting group U where the limiting member 22 is disposed on the second side X2 in the first direction, a limiting member 22 is disposed on the first side X1 in the first direction of another fitting group U adjacent in the guide direction DR.

[0063] According to the structure described above, for the plurality of fitting assembly U, the limiting member 22 is disposed only at one of the positions adjacent to the first side X1 in the first direction and the position adjacent to the second side X2 in the first direction. This restricts each of the plurality of fitting assembly U from moving towards either the first side X1 or the second side X2 in the first direction. Therefore, the number of limiting members 22 can be reduced to a smaller number, and the connecting member 21 can be properly fixed relative to the rod-shaped member 20.

[0064] like Figure 8 As shown, in this embodiment, the opening / closing device 100 includes a detection device 4 for detecting objects passing through the first region R1 from the working area WA. As described above, in this embodiment, the working area WA (see reference) is provided on the first side Y1 in the second direction compared to the first region R1. Figure 2 and Figure 3Furthermore, operator W can perform operations relative to the items 9 arranged in the item placement section 8 from the work area WA. However, preferably, the aforementioned operations performed by operator W are not performed if it is difficult to ensure the safety of operator W. In such a situation, in this embodiment, for example, if part of operator W's body passes through the first area R1 from the work area WA, it can be detected by means of the detection device 4. In this case, preferably, for example, the handling of item 9 in the handling area TA is stopped, and an alarm sound is emitted, thereby attracting the attention of the equipment manager, operator W, etc. In addition, the object detected by the detection device 4, i.e., the "object", can be the work robot in the case where the work robot is set in the work area WA, in addition to operator W, or it can be item 9, etc.

[0065] In this embodiment, the detection device 4 is configured to detect an object at multiple locations in the first region R1 that extend vertically away from it. In this example, the detection device 4 is configured to also detect an object in the first arc-shaped region R10.

[0066] In this embodiment, the detection device 4 includes a first detection unit 41, a second detection unit 42, a third detection unit 43, a fourth detection unit 44, and a fifth detection unit 45 disposed at different heights. In this example, the first detection unit 41, the second detection unit 42, the third detection unit 43, the fourth detection unit 44, and the fifth detection unit 45 are mounted on the guide rail 1. In this example, the first detection unit 41, the second detection unit 42, the third detection unit 43, the fourth detection unit 44, and the fifth detection unit 45 are each constructed using a light sensor having a light-receiving part and a light-projecting part, and project detection light along the first direction X.

[0067] Figure 8 In the example shown, the first detection unit 41 and the second detection unit 42 are configured to detect an object at a position lower than the center of the first region R1 in the vertical direction. For example, using the height of a typical adult male (approximately 170 cm) as a reference, the first detection unit 41 is configured to detect the object at a height near the knee of the worker W. The second detection unit 42 is configured to detect the object at a height near the groin of the worker W.

[0068] Furthermore, the third detection unit 43 and the fourth detection unit 44 are configured to detect objects at a position slightly above the center of the first region R1 in the vertical direction. The third detection unit 43 is configured to detect objects at a height near the chest of the worker W. The fourth detection unit 44 is configured to detect objects at a height near the head of the worker W.

[0069] Furthermore, the fifth detection device 45 is configured to detect objects in the first arc-shaped region R10. With the help of the fifth detection unit 45, objects such as those caught in the opening and closing body 2 that avoids upward from the first region R1 can be detected.

[0070] According to the above description of the opening / closing device 100, even in the case of a large opening / closing body 2, the assembly operation can be performed relatively easily.

[0071] [Second Implementation] Next, a second embodiment of the opening and closing device will be described. Hereinafter, the differences from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Parts not specifically described are the same as in the first embodiment.

[0072] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of the connecting component 21 from the front side. Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the connecting member 21 from the rear side. Here, "front" refers to the side of the connecting member 21 facing outwards from the opener / closer 100, where the connecting member 21 is mounted on the rod-shaped member 20. "Rear" refers to the side of the connecting member 21 facing inwards from the opener / closer 100 (the side of the space surrounded by the opener / closer 100), where the connecting member 21 is mounted on the rod-shaped member 20. Figure 2 As shown, a transport area TA and a work area WA are provided on the outside of the opener 100, and an item placement section 8 is provided on the inside of the opener 100.

[0073] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, the connecting member 21 includes a main body portion 210 extending along the guiding direction DR and fitting portions 211 formed at both ends of the main body portion 210 along the guiding direction DR. In this embodiment, the pair of fitting portions 211 have different shapes and are complementary shapes. Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the plurality of connecting members 21 are arranged to alternately interchange positions in the first direction X while being arranged along the guiding direction DR. In contrast, in this embodiment, the plurality of connecting members 21 are arranged to be at the same position in the first direction X along the guiding direction DR.

[0074] In this embodiment, one of the pair of mating portions 211 of the connecting member 21 is designated as the first mating portion 211A, and the other is designated as the second mating portion 211B. The first mating portion 211A and the second mating portion 211B have complementary shapes. Specifically, the first mating portion 211A and the second mating portion 211B have complementary shapes when viewed from a direction orthogonal to both the first direction X and the guide direction DR (see reference). Figure 11 ).

[0075] In this embodiment, the number of covering portions 211c provided in the first fitting portion 211A is different from the number of covering portions 211c provided in the second fitting portion 211B. In this example, N (N is a natural number) covering portions 211c are provided in the first fitting portion 211A, and N+1 covering portions 211c are provided in the second fitting portion 211B. In the illustrated example, one covering portion 211c is provided in the first fitting portion 211A, and two covering portions 211c are provided in the second fitting portion 211B.

[0076] The covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A and the covering portion 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are disposed at different positions in the first direction X. In this embodiment, within the specified width Lx described later (refer to...) Figure 11 The covering portions 211c of the first fitting portion 211A and the covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are disposed at different positions in the first direction X. In the illustrated example, the covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A is provided at the center of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X. The pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are provided at both ends of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X.

[0077] Each of the plurality of connecting members 21 arranged along the guide direction DR is configured to face the same side in the guide direction DR. Specifically, each of the plurality of connecting members 21 is configured such that the first fitting portion 211A faces one side in the guide direction DR and the second fitting portion 211B faces the other side in the guide direction DR.

[0078] like Figure 11 As shown, the respective fitting portions 211 of two adjacent connecting members 21 in the guide direction DR fit into the same rod-shaped member 20. That is, for the same rod-shaped member 20, it fits into the first fitting portion 211A of one of the connecting members 21 and the second fitting portion 211B of the other connecting member 21. However, the two rod-shaped members 20 (the object rod-shaped members 20T described later) arranged at both ends of the guide direction DR of all the rod-shaped members 20 only fit into one of the first fitting portion 211A and the second fitting portion 211B.

[0079] As described above, the covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A is provided at the center of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X. A pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are provided at both ends of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X. Therefore, at the same rod-shaped member 20, the covering portions 211c of the first fitting portion 211A and the pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X. In this example, the first fitting portion 211A and the second fitting portion 211B are complementary in shape. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first fitting portion 211A of the first connecting member 21A and the second fitting portion 211B of the second connecting member 21B, which fit with the same rod-shaped member 20, are configured to fit together in the first direction X. Furthermore, the first fitting portion 211A of the second connecting member 21B, which is fitted with the same rod-shaped member 20, and the second fitting portion 211B of the first connecting member 21A are configured to fit together in the first direction X.

[0080] like Figure 10 As shown, the connecting member 21 includes a reinforcing rib 210a protruding from the main body 210 toward the front or rear side. In this embodiment, the reinforcing rib 210a is formed to protrude from the main body 210 toward the rear side. Furthermore, in this example, the reinforcing rib 210a is formed to extend along the guiding direction DR. In the illustrated example, a pair of reinforcing ribs 210a arranged in parallel are formed on the rear side of the main body 210.

[0081] like Figure 11 As shown, in this embodiment, one of two adjacent connecting members 21 in the guiding direction DR is designated as the first connecting member 21A, and the other is designated as the second connecting member 21B. The first connecting member 21A and the second connecting member 21B are connected to the same rod-shaped member 20. For each of the plurality of rod-shaped members 20, the first fitting portion 211A of the first connecting member 21A and the second fitting portion 211B of the second connecting member 21B are fitted together, or the second fitting portion 211B of the first connecting member 21A and the first fitting portion 211A of the second connecting member 21B are fitted together. At the same rod-shaped member 20, the first fitting portion 211A and the second fitting portion 211B are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X.

[0082] In this embodiment, at least one of the first fitting portion 211A and the second fitting portion 211B is formed such that at least a portion of the other is sandwiched between both sides in the first direction X. In this example, at the same rod-shaped member 20, the second fitting portion 211B is formed such that the first fitting portion 211A is sandwiched between both sides in the first direction X. Specifically, a pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are formed such that the covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A is sandwiched between both sides in the first direction X. The pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B and the covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A are arranged adjacent to each other in the first direction X at the same rod-shaped member 20 and are arranged alternately along the first direction X.

[0083] In this embodiment, two rod-shaped members 20 disposed at both ends of the guide direction DR among all rod-shaped members 20 are designated as target rod-shaped members 20T. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the limiting member 22 is only provided on the two target rod-shaped members 20T, and at each target rod-shaped member 20T, a first fitting portion 211A or a second fitting portion 211B that engages with the target rod-shaped member 20T is positioned from both sides in the first direction X. The limiting member 22 is not disposed on any rod-shaped member 20 other than the target rod-shaped member 20T.

[0084] As described above, each of the plurality of connecting members 21 arranged along the guide direction DR is configured to face the same side in the guide direction DR. Therefore, the first fitting part 211A fits with the target rod-shaped member 20T disposed at one end of all the rod-shaped members 20 in the guide direction DR, and the second fitting part 211B fits with the target rod-shaped member 20T disposed at the other end.

[0085] The first fitting portion 211A, which fits into the object rod-shaped member 20T, has a cover portion 211c. Restriction members 22 are arranged on both sides of the cover portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A in the first direction X.

[0086] Furthermore, the second fitting portion 211B, which engages with the other object rod-shaped member 20T, includes a cover portion 211c. A limiting member 22 is disposed on the outer side of each of the pair of cover portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B in the first direction X. No limiting member 22 is disposed on the inner side of each of the pair of cover portions 211c in the first direction X.

[0087] In this embodiment, a plurality of first connecting members 21A and a plurality of second connecting members 21B arranged along the guide direction DR are integrally formed as a strip along the guide direction DR within a predetermined width Lx in the first direction X. The "predetermined width Lx" corresponds to the dimension of the main body portion 210 of the connecting member 21 in the first direction X. In this embodiment, the predetermined width Lx is the same as the dimension of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X (design errors are allowed).

[0088] In this embodiment, the first fitting portion 211A and the second fitting portion 211B, which engage with the same rod-shaped member 20, are disposed within a predetermined width Lx. In this example, at the same rod-shaped member 20, the covering portion 211c of the first fitting portion 211A and the pair of covering portions 211c of the second fitting portion 211B are disposed adjacent to each other in the first direction X within the predetermined width Lx.

[0089] [Other Implementation Methods] Next, other embodiments of the opening and closing device will be described.

[0090] (1) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which all of the plurality of connecting members 21 arranged along the guide direction DR were arranged while the positions of the first direction X were alternately interchanged. However, it is not limited to such an example. It is also possible that only a portion of the plurality of connecting members 21 arranged along the guide direction DR are arranged while the positions of the first direction X are alternately interchanged.

[0091] (2) In the first embodiment described above, an example of the rod-shaped member 20 having a cylindrical outer peripheral surface 20f was given. However, it is not limited to this example; the rod-shaped member 20 may also have a polygonal cylindrical outer peripheral surface 20f. Here, as a polygonal cylindrical shape, for example, it can be set to a quadrilateral, hexagon, octagon, etc. when viewed in the first direction X. In this case, the inner peripheral surface 211f of the fitting portion 211 (cover portion 211c) of the connecting member 21 may be a shape corresponding to the polygonal cylindrical outer peripheral surface 20f, or it may be formed as an arc shape when viewed in the first direction X, as described above.

[0092] (3) In the first embodiment described above, an example was described in which the limiting member 22 is arranged relative to the fitting assembly U at a position adjacent to the first side X1 in the first direction and at a position adjacent to the second side X2 in the first direction, alternating the position of each of the plurality of rod-shaped members 20 arranged along the guide direction DR while being arranged along the guide direction DR. However, it is not limited to such an example; the limiting member 22 may also be arranged relative to the fitting assembly U at both a position adjacent to the first side X1 in the first direction and a position adjacent to the second side X2 in the first direction.

[0093] (4) In the first embodiment described above, an example of the limiting member 22 being constructed with an insulating lock was given. However, it is not limited to such an example; the limiting member 22 may also be a pin, bolt, or the like that mounted on the rod-shaped member 20.

[0094] (5) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given where the limiting member 22 is a component other than the rod-shaped member 20, configured to be mounted relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X. However, this is not limited to such an example; the limiting member 22 (limiting portion) may also be configured as part of the rod-shaped member 20. In this case, the limiting portion may, for example, be formed to protrude from the outer peripheral surface 20f of the rod-shaped member 20 in a direction orthogonal to the first direction X. Even with such a structure, it is possible to limit the movement of the connecting member 21 relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in the first direction X.

[0095] (6) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the opening and closing body 2 has a limiting member 22 that restricts the movement of the connecting member 21 relative to the rod-shaped member 20 in the first direction X. However, it is not limited to such an example, and the traveling body 2 may not have the limiting member 22 as described above.

[0096] (7) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given of a guide path R having a first region R1, a ceiling region RC, a first arc-shaped region R10, a second region R2, and a second arc-shaped region R20. However, it is not limited to this example; the guide path R may also have only regions along the vertical direction. By means of the opening and closing body 2 arranged in such a guide path R, each region can also be divided in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, the guide path R may also have only regions along the horizontal direction. By means of the opening and closing body 2 arranged in such a guide path R, each region can be divided in the vertical direction. Furthermore, as described above, each of a pair of guide rails 1 may have only a portion along the vertical direction, or it may have only a portion along the horizontal direction. In addition, the guide path R may also be configured to have a first region R1, a ceiling region RC, and a first arc-shaped region R10, but without a second region R2 and a second arc-shaped region R20.

[0097] (8) In the first embodiment described above, an example of the opener 100 having a detection device 4 for detecting an object passing through the first region R1 from the work area WA has been described. However, the opener 100 may not be limited to such an example and may not have the detection device 4 as described above.

[0098] (9) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which a scaffold 82 for the worker W was provided between the first region R1 and the second region R2 in the second direction Y and around the item placement unit 8. However, it is not limited to this example, and the scaffold 82 for the worker W may not be provided around the item placement unit 8.

[0099] (10) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the opener / closer 100 includes a drive source M for driving the opener / closer 2. However, it is not limited to this example, and the opener / closer 100 may not include the drive source M as described above. In this case, the opener / closer 2 may be configured to be opened and closed manually. The structure of the detection device 4 described above is particularly suitable for cases where the opener / closer 2 is opened and closed manually.

[0100] (11) In the first embodiment described above, an example was given in which the article placement unit 8 has a plurality of pillars 80 arranged in the vertical direction and an article receiving part 81 provided on the upper part of each pillar 80. However, it is not limited to such an example, and the article placement unit 8 may be configured to place articles 9. In addition, as long as the article placement unit 8 can place articles 9, it may also be configured as a conveyor or the like.

[0101] (12) In the first embodiment described above, an example of the transport device T being configured as a trackless or tracked unmanned transport vehicle was given. However, it is not limited to such an example. The transport device T may also be a manned transport device such as a stacker crane or a forklift.

[0102] (13) In the second embodiment described above, an example was given where the number of covering portions 211c in the first fitting portion 211A and the number of covering portions 211c in the second fitting portion 211B are different, in which one covering portion 211c is provided in the first fitting portion 211A and two covering portions 211c are provided in the second fitting portion 211B. However, this is not limited to such an example; when the number of covering portions 211c provided in the fitting portions 211A and the two fitting portions 211B are different, the number can be arbitrarily determined. For example, Figure 12 As shown, three covering portions 211c may be provided in the first fitting portion 211A, and two covering portions 211c may be provided in the second fitting portion 211B.

[0103] (14) In the second embodiment described above, an example was given where the number of covering portions 211c provided in the first fitting portion 211A and the number of covering portions 211c provided in the second fitting portion 211B are different. However, this is not limited to such an example; for example, Figure 13As shown, the number of covering portions 211c provided in the first fitting portion 211A can be the same as the number of covering portions 211c provided in the second fitting portion 211B. Figure 13 In the example shown, two covering portions 211c are provided on each of the mating portions 211. However, when the number of covering portions 211c provided on the mating portions 211 of both sides is the same, this number can be arbitrarily determined.

[0104] (15) In the second embodiment described above, an example was given in which a pair of reinforcing ribs 210a arranged in parallel are formed on the rear side of the main body portion 210. However, this is not limited to such an example; for example, Figure 14 As shown, the reinforcing rib 210a may also be provided only once in the central portion of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X. When the reinforcing rib 210a is provided in the main body portion 210, the rigidity of the main body portion 210 is increased by means of the reinforcing rib 210a, so the cutout portion may also be provided in the portion of the main body portion 210 other than the central portion in the first direction X (the portion where the reinforcing rib 210a is not provided). As a result, the material cost of the connecting member 21 can be kept to a lower level. Figure 14 In the example shown, a main body cutout 210b is provided at both ends of the main body portion 210 in the first direction X.

[0105] (16) Furthermore, the structures disclosed in the above embodiments can be combined with structures disclosed in other embodiments, provided that no contradictions arise. Regarding other structures, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be appropriately made without departing from the spirit of this application.

[0106] [Summary of the above embodiments] The following is an explanation of the opening and closing mechanism described above.

[0107] An opening / closing device includes a guide path, an opening / closing body, and a pair of guide rails disposed apart in a first direction along a horizontal direction. The guide path is formed between the pair of guide rails in the first direction along the extending direction of the pair of guide rails. The opening / closing body moves along the guide path. The opening / closing device is characterized in that the direction along the guide path is defined as the guiding direction. The opening / closing body includes multiple rod-shaped members and multiple connecting members. The multiple rod-shaped members extend along the first direction and are arranged at intervals along the guiding direction. The multiple connecting members are arranged along the guiding direction. The configuration connects multiple of the aforementioned rod-shaped components, with each end of the aforementioned rod-shaped components in the aforementioned first direction being movably guided by each of a pair of aforementioned guide rails along the aforementioned guide direction. The aforementioned connecting component uses a pair of the aforementioned rod-shaped components adjacent to each other in the aforementioned guide direction as the connecting object. The aforementioned connecting component has a pair of fitting portions. The aforementioned connecting component is configured to move away along the aforementioned guide direction in a manner that fits into each of the pair of aforementioned rod-shaped components of the connecting object. The aforementioned fitting portions have a covering portion that is flexible and covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a whole circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned rod-shaped component when viewed along the aforementioned first direction.

[0108] According to this structure, the opening / closing body includes multiple rod-shaped components and multiple connecting components. When assembling the opening / closing device, the two ends of each of the multiple rod-shaped components in a first direction are mounted on each of a pair of guide rails, thereby arranging the multiple rod-shaped components in a guide direction. Furthermore, a pair of mating portions of the connecting components are mated with each of the adjacent pair of rod-shaped components in the guide direction, thereby connecting the adjacent pair of rod-shaped components in the guide direction. Thus, according to this structure, multiple rod-shaped components can be sequentially installed on a pair of guide rails, allowing assembly operations to be performed without requiring a large space as in the case of installing a large opening / closing body on a pair of guide rails. Moreover, since the assembly operation is separated for each component, the number of operators can be easily reduced. Furthermore, according to this structure, the covering portion of the mating portion is flexible, so when the mating portion is pressed against the rod-shaped component from a direction orthogonal to the first direction to achieve mating, the portion of the mating portion without a covering portion, i.e., the cut portion, can be temporarily enlarged, allowing the rod-shaped component to be inserted into the inside of the covering portion. Furthermore, the covering portion covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a full circumference on the outer periphery of the rod-shaped member when viewed in the first direction. Therefore, after the fitting portion is fitted with the rod-shaped member, the connecting member is difficult to detach from the rod-shaped member. Thus, multiple rod-shaped members can be connected to form an opening and closing body through a simple operation. As described above, according to this structure, an opening and closing device can be realized that allows for relatively easy assembly even when the opening and closing body is large.

[0109] Preferably, one of the pair of aforementioned fitting portions of the aforementioned connecting member is designated as the first fitting portion and the other as the second fitting portion. Alternatively, one of the two aforementioned connecting members adjacent in the aforementioned guiding direction is designated as the first connecting member and the other as the second connecting member. The aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion are complementary in shape. The aforementioned first fitting portion of the aforementioned first connecting member and the aforementioned second fitting portion of the aforementioned second connecting member, which are fitted with the same aforementioned rod-shaped member, are configured to fit together in the aforementioned first direction.

[0110] According to this structure, multiple rod-shaped components can be properly connected even if all connecting components are of the same shape. Furthermore, the mating portions of two adjacent connecting components in the guiding direction fit together in the first direction, thereby restricting their movement in the first direction. Therefore, it is possible to make it difficult for the positions of the multiple connecting components arranged in the guiding direction to deviate in the first direction.

[0111] Preferably, the aforementioned opening and closing body includes a limiting member, which is configured to not move relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction, thereby limiting the movement of the aforementioned connecting member relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction. At least one of the aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion is formed to sandwich at least a portion of the other from both sides of the aforementioned first direction. The aforementioned limiting member is only provided on the two aforementioned rod-shaped members, i.e., the target rod-shaped members, which are arranged at both ends of the aforementioned guide direction. Furthermore, at each of the aforementioned target rod-shaped members, the aforementioned first fitting portion or the aforementioned second fitting portion that fits into the target rod-shaped member is arranged to sandwich from both sides of the aforementioned first direction.

[0112] According to this structure, each of the multiple connecting parts arranged in the guiding direction can be appropriately restricted from deviating in the first direction by means of a small number of limiting parts.

[0113] Preferably, one of the pair of aforementioned fitting portions of the aforementioned connecting member is designated as the first fitting portion and the other as the second fitting portion. Similarly, one of the two adjacent aforementioned connecting members in the aforementioned guiding direction is designated as the first connecting member and the other as the second connecting member. The aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion are complementary in shape. A plurality of the aforementioned first connecting members and a plurality of the aforementioned second connecting members arranged along the aforementioned guiding direction are integrally formed as a strip along the aforementioned guiding direction within a predetermined width in the aforementioned first direction. The aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion that fit into the same aforementioned rod-shaped member are disposed within a predetermined width.

[0114] According to this structure, the area in the first direction where multiple connecting parts are arranged at the opening and closing body can be within a specified width. Therefore, it is easy to ensure observational confirmation when it is necessary to pass through the opening and closing body to observe and confirm the opposite side.

[0115] Preferably, the plurality of the aforementioned connecting components are configured to alternately interchange their positions in the first direction while arranging them along the aforementioned guiding direction, and the respective fitting portions of two adjacent aforementioned connecting components in the aforementioned guiding direction are configured to fit into the same aforementioned rod-shaped component, and are adjacent in the aforementioned first direction.

[0116] According to this structure, multiple rod-shaped components can be properly connected even if all the connecting components are of the same shape.

[0117] Preferably, the aforementioned opening and closing body includes a limiting member, which is configured to remain stationary relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction, thereby limiting the movement of the aforementioned connecting member relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction. One side of the aforementioned first direction is designated as the first side of the first direction, and the other side of the aforementioned first direction is designated as the second side of the first direction. The aforementioned limiting member is configured to, relative to a group of fitting parts consisting of two fitting parts that fit with the same aforementioned rod-shaped member and are adjacent in the aforementioned first direction, alternately swap the positions of each of the plurality of aforementioned rod-shaped members arranged along the aforementioned guiding direction at adjacent positions on the first side of the aforementioned first direction and adjacent positions on the second side of the aforementioned first direction.

[0118] According to this structure, for multiple mating parts assemblies, the limiting member is positioned only at one of the adjacent positions on the first side in the first direction and the adjacent positions on the second side in the first direction. This restricts each of the multiple mating parts assemblies from moving towards either the first side in the first direction or the second side in the first direction. Therefore, the number of limiting members can be reduced to a smaller number, and the connecting member can be properly fixed relative to the rod-shaped member.

[0119] Preferably, the direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed along the vertical direction is designated as the second direction, one side of the second direction is designated as the first side of the second direction, and the other side of the second direction is designated as the second side of the second direction. The guide path includes a first region extending in the vertical direction, a ceiling region extending in the second direction at a position above the first region, and a first arc-shaped region formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction, such that the upper end of the first region and the end of the ceiling region on the first side of the second direction are connected. The guide path also includes a direction that extends in the second direction relative to the first region. The second region, which is disposed away from the second side and extends in the vertical direction, and the second arc-shaped region, which is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction, in a manner that connects the upper end of the second region and the end of the second side of the second direction of the ceiling region, are configured such that the opening and closing body can be changed to a first state and a second state. The first state is that the opening and closing body is disposed throughout the first region, the first arc-shaped region, and the ceiling region, but not disposed in the second region. The second state is that the opening and closing body is disposed throughout the ceiling region, the second arc-shaped region, and the second region, but not disposed in the first region.

[0120] According to this structure, the opening and closing bodies can be selectively moved, such that one of the first and second regions is open while the other is closed.

[0121] Preferably, an item placement section for item placement is provided between the first region and the second region in the second direction. Relative to the first region, a work area for performing operations on the item placed in the item placement section is provided on the first side in the second direction. Relative to the second region, a transport area for transporting the item to the item placement section is provided on the second side in the second direction. In the first state, the second region is open, allowing the item to be transported from the transport area to the item placement section. In the second state, the first region is open, allowing operations to be performed from the work area to the item placed in the item placement section.

[0122] According to this structure, when performing operations from the work area relative to items arranged in the item arrangement section, the first area is opened, and the area where the item arrangement section is located and the transport area can be separated by an opening and closing mechanism arranged in the second area. Furthermore, when transporting items from the transport area relative to the item arrangement section, the second area is opened, and the area where the item arrangement section is located and the transport area can be separated by an opening and closing mechanism arranged in the first area. Therefore, according to this structure, it is possible to prevent operations from the work area relative to the item arrangement section and the transport of items from the transport area from being performed simultaneously.

[0123] Preferably, a transport device for transporting the aforementioned items is provided in the aforementioned transport area. The aforementioned transport device is configured to transport the aforementioned items to the aforementioned item placement section. In the aforementioned work area, an operator performs work relative to the aforementioned items placed in the aforementioned item placement section. Between the aforementioned first area and the aforementioned second area in the aforementioned second direction, a scaffold for the aforementioned operator is provided around the aforementioned item placement section.

[0124] According to this structure, the operator can utilize the scaffolding set up around the item placement area to perform work related to the items placed in the item placement area, maintenance work around the item placement area, and other similar tasks. Furthermore, in this case, the opening and closing body can be placed in a second area by setting it to a second state, thus preventing the handling of items by the handling device set up in the handling area from occurring simultaneously with the operator's work.

[0125] Preferably, the device includes a detection apparatus that detects objects passing through the first region from the aforementioned work area. The detection apparatus is configured to detect the objects at multiple locations in the first region that are moving away in a vertical direction.

[0126] According to this structure, when the first area is open, if an object such as a work robot or worker enters the area where the item placement unit is located from the work area, the entry can be detected by a detection device. If the detection device detects an object, it may, for example, stop the movement of items in the handling area and sound an alarm, thereby attracting the attention of equipment managers, operators, etc.

[0127] Industrial availability The technology of this application can be used in an opening and closing device, which includes a guide path, an opening and closing body, and a pair of guide rails. The pair of guide rails are disposed apart in a first direction along the horizontal direction. The guide path is formed between the pair of guide rails in the first direction along the extension direction of the pair of guide rails. The opening and closing body moves along the guide path.

[0128] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures 100: Opening / closing device 1: Guide Track 2: Opening and closing body 20: Rod-shaped component 20T: Object rod-shaped component 20f: outer perimeter 21: Connecting components 21A: First connecting component 21B: Second connecting component 211: Chimera part 211A: First fitting part 211B: Second mating part U: Fitting assembly 211c: Covering section 22: Restricting components 4: Detection device 8: Item Procurement Department 82: Scaffolding 9: Items R: Boot path R1: Region 1 R10: First arc-shaped region R2: Region 2 R20: Second arc-shaped region RC: Ceiling Area TA: Transport Area T: Transport device WA: Work Area W: Operator DR: Directional Guide X: Direction 1 X1: First direction, first side X2: First direction, second side Y: 2nd direction Y1: Second direction, first side Y2: Second direction, second side.

Claims

1. A switch, comprising a guide path, a switching body, and a pair of guide rails disposed apart in a first direction along a horizontal direction, the guide path being formed between the pair of guide rails in the first direction along the extending direction of the pair of guide rails, the switching body moving along the guide path, characterized in that... The direction along the aforementioned guiding path will be designated as the guiding direction. The aforementioned opening and closing body includes multiple rod-shaped components and multiple connecting components. The multiple rod-shaped components extend along the aforementioned first direction and are arranged at intervals along the aforementioned guiding direction. The multiple connecting components are arranged along the aforementioned guiding direction to connect the multiple rod-shaped components. The two ends of each of the aforementioned rod-shaped components in the aforementioned first direction are movably guided by each of the aforementioned guide rails along the aforementioned guide direction. The aforementioned connecting component uses a pair of adjacent rod-shaped components in the aforementioned guiding direction as the connecting objects. The aforementioned connecting component has a pair of fitting portions, which are configured to engage with each of the pair of rod-shaped components of the connecting objects and then move away along the aforementioned guiding direction. The aforementioned fitting portion includes a covering portion, which is flexible and, when viewed along the first direction, covers an area larger than half a circumference and smaller than a whole circumference on the outer peripheral surface of the aforementioned rod-shaped member. The direction orthogonal to the first direction when viewed along the vertical direction is designated as the second direction. One side of the second direction is designated as the first side of the second direction, and the other side of the second direction is designated as the second side of the second direction. The aforementioned guide path includes a first region extending in a vertical direction, a ceiling region extending in a second direction at a position above the first region, and a first arc-shaped region that is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the first direction, such that the upper end of the first region and the end of the ceiling region in the second direction on the first side are connected. The aforementioned guide path also includes a second region that is disposed away from the aforementioned first region in a second direction and extends in a vertical direction, and a second arc-shaped region that is formed in an arc shape when viewed in the aforementioned first direction, such that the upper end of the aforementioned second region is connected to the end of the aforementioned ceiling region in a second direction and on the second side. The aforementioned opening and closing body is configured to change to a first state and a second state. The first state is that the aforementioned opening and closing body is distributed throughout the aforementioned first region, the aforementioned first arc-shaped region, and the aforementioned ceiling region, but not distributed in the aforementioned second region. The second state is that the aforementioned opening and closing body is distributed throughout the aforementioned ceiling region, the aforementioned second arc-shaped region, and the aforementioned second region, but not distributed in the aforementioned first region.

2. The opening / closing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Designate one of the pair of mating portions of the aforementioned connecting member as the first mating portion and the other as the second mating portion; designate one of the two adjacent connecting members in the aforementioned guiding direction as the first connecting member and the other as the second connecting member. The aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion are complementary in shape. The first fitting portion of the first connecting member and the second fitting portion of the second connecting member, which are fitted with the same rod-shaped member, are configured to fit together in the first direction.

3. The opening / closing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The aforementioned opening and closing body includes a limiting member, which is configured to remain stationary relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction, thereby limiting the movement of the aforementioned connecting member relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction. At least one of the aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion is formed such that at least a portion of the other portion is sandwiched between both sides of the aforementioned first direction. The aforementioned limiting member is provided only on the two aforementioned rod-shaped members, namely the object rod-shaped members, which are arranged at both ends of the aforementioned guiding direction, and at each of the aforementioned object rod-shaped members, the aforementioned first fitting part or the aforementioned second fitting part is arranged to be sandwiched from both sides of the aforementioned first direction.

4. The opening / closing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Designate one of the pair of mating portions of the aforementioned connecting member as the first mating portion and the other as the second mating portion; designate one of the two adjacent connecting members in the aforementioned guiding direction as the first connecting member and the other as the second connecting member. The aforementioned first fitting portion and the aforementioned second fitting portion are complementary in shape. The plurality of the aforementioned first connecting components and the plurality of the aforementioned second connecting components, arranged along the aforementioned guiding direction, are integrally formed into a strip shape along the aforementioned guiding direction within a predetermined width in the aforementioned first direction. The first fitting portion and the second fitting portion, which are fitted with the same aforementioned rod-shaped component, are arranged within a specified width.

5. The opening / closing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The aforementioned connecting components are configured to alternately interchange their positions in the first direction while arranging them along the aforementioned guiding direction. The respective fitting portions of two adjacent connecting components in the aforementioned guiding direction are configured to fit into the same aforementioned rod-shaped component, and are adjacent in the aforementioned first direction.

6. The opening / closing device as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The aforementioned opening and closing body includes a limiting member, which is configured to remain stationary relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction, thereby limiting the movement of the aforementioned connecting member relative to the aforementioned rod-shaped member in the aforementioned first direction. Let one side of the aforementioned first direction be designated as the first side of the first direction, and let the other side of the aforementioned first direction be designated as the second side of the first direction. The aforementioned limiting member is configured such that, relative to a group of fitting portions consisting of two such fitting portions that fit with the same such rod-shaped member and are adjacent in the aforementioned first direction, the positions of each of the plurality of such rod-shaped members arranged along the aforementioned guiding direction are alternately interchanged at adjacent positions on the first side of the aforementioned first direction and adjacent positions on the second side of the aforementioned first direction.

7. The opening / closing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Between the aforementioned first region and the aforementioned second region in the second direction, an item placement unit for item placement is provided. A work area is provided on the first side of the second direction relative to the first area mentioned above, where work is performed on the items arranged in the item placement section. In contrast to the aforementioned second area, a transport area is provided on the second side of the aforementioned second direction for transporting the aforementioned items to the aforementioned item placement unit. In the first state described above, the second area of ​​the aforementioned opening and closing body is open, allowing the aforementioned items to be moved from the aforementioned transport area to the aforementioned item placement unit. In the aforementioned second state, the aforementioned first area of ​​the opening and closing body is open, and is in a state in which operations can be carried out from the aforementioned work area to the aforementioned items placed in the aforementioned item placement section.

8. The opening / closing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, A handling device for handling the aforementioned items is provided in the aforementioned handling area. The aforementioned conveying device is configured to convey the aforementioned items to the aforementioned item placement unit. In the aforementioned work area, the operator performs operations related to the aforementioned items arranged in the aforementioned item arrangement section. Between the aforementioned first area and the aforementioned second area in the aforementioned second direction, the aforementioned scaffolding for the aforementioned workers is set up around the aforementioned item placement unit.

9. The opening / closing device as described in claim 7, characterized in that, Equipped with a detection device, the aforementioned detection device detects objects passing through the aforementioned first area from the aforementioned work area. The aforementioned detection device is configured to detect the aforementioned object at multiple locations in the aforementioned first region that are located in the vertical direction.

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