Movable body moving device

Abstract

A movable body moving device (10) is provided with an engagement chain (11), a first support member (31), and a second support member (32). When the meshing chain (11) moves forward and backward, the first support member (31) follows the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain (11) with the first extension pin (21) engaged with the groove (40) and rotates about the axis (L1) of the support shaft (15). Furthermore, when the meshing chain (11) moves forward and backward, the second support member (32) follows the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain (11) in a state where the second extension pin (22) is engaged with the groove (40) and rotates about the axis (L1) of the support shaft (15).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a movable body moving device that moves a movable body using an engaging chain. Background Art

[0002] The movable body moving device is provided with a meshing chain. The meshing chain has at least one pair of chain members that can move forward and backward. Furthermore, the meshing chain is constructed so that the paired chain members mesh with each other and become integrated by moving in the forward direction, and on the other hand, the chain members disengage from each other and branch out by moving from the integrated meshing state to the backward direction. Some meshing chains are constructed so as to be able to move forward and backward along a curved moving trajectory, as in Patent Document 1. Furthermore, the movable body moving device moves the movable body connected to the meshing chain along the moving trajectory by moving the meshing chain forward and backward along the moving trajectory. Prior art literature Patent Literature

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2021-88379 Summary of the Invention Problems to be solved by the invention

[0004] However, when the meshing chain is configured to move forward and backward along a curved trajectory, a buckling load may sometimes act on the meshing chain during the forward and backward movement. Therefore, it is desired to improve the durability of the meshing chain against the buckling load even when the meshing chain is subjected to the buckling load during the forward and backward movement. Solutions to Problems

[0005] The movable body moving device of one embodiment of the present invention is provided with a meshing chain, wherein the meshing chain has at least one pair of chain members that can move forward and backward, and the meshing chain is configured so that the paired chain members mesh with each other and become integrated by moving in the forward direction, and on the other hand, the chain members disengage from each other and branch out by moving from the integrated meshing state to the backward direction, and the meshing chain is configured to be able to move forward and backward along a curved moving trajectory, and the meshing chain moves forward and backward along the moving trajectory, so that the movable body connected to the meshing chain moves along the moving trajectory. In the movable body moving device, a supporting member for supporting the meshing chain is provided, and the supporting member is supported by a supporting shaft so as to be freely rotatable, and the supporting member has a locking portion for locking the chain member, and the chain member has a locked portion locked to the locking portion, and the supporting member follows the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain in a state where the locked portion is locked to the locking portion and rotates with the axis of the supporting shaft as the rotation center. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a perspective view showing a movable body moving device in the embodiment. Figure 2 It is a side view of the movable body moving device. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing a part of the movable body moving device in an enlarged manner. Figure 4 This is a perspective view showing a part of the movable body moving device in an enlarged manner. Figure 5 It is a perspective view showing the first supporting member. Figure 6 It is a side view showing the groove in an enlarged manner. Figure 7 It is a perspective view showing the relationship between the first extension pin and the first support member. Figure 8 It is a perspective view showing the relationship between the second extension pin and the second support member. Figure 9 It is a cross-sectional view showing the positional relationship between the first supporting member and the second supporting member. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The following, according to Figures 1 to 9 An embodiment in which the movable body moving device is embodied will be described. <Overall Structure of the Movable Body Moving Device> like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the movable body moving device 10 includes a meshing chain 11 and a storage portion 12. The meshing chain 11 includes a pair of chain members 13 that can move forward and backward. Furthermore, the meshing chain 11 is configured such that the paired chain members 13 mesh with each other and become integrated by moving in the forward direction Z1. Furthermore, the chain members 13 disengage from this integrated meshing state and branch out by moving in the backward direction Z2.

[0008] like Figure 2 As shown, the movable body moving device 10 uses the meshing chain 11 to move the movable body 14. The movable body 14 is connected to the end of the meshing chain 11 in the travel direction Z1.

[0009] The movable body 14 is supported by a support shaft 15. The support shaft 15 supports the movable body 14 so that it can rotate freely. The movable body 14 rotates with the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation. Therefore, the meshing chain 11 is configured to be able to move forward and backward along a curved moving trajectory. The moving trajectory extends along an imaginary circle C1 centered on the axis L1 of the support shaft 15. The movable body moving device 10 moves the movable body 14 connected to the meshing chain 11 along the moving trajectory by moving the meshing chain 11 forward and backward along the moving trajectory. The forward and backward movement direction Z of the meshing chain 11 is along the direction of the moving trajectory. The support shaft 15 supports the movable body 14 so that it can rotate freely in such a manner that the movable body 14 moves along the moving trajectory.

[0010] Storage area like Figure 1 As shown, the storage portion 12 is configured to accommodate the meshing chain 11. The storage portion 12 is box-shaped. An opening 12h is formed in the storage portion 12. Therefore, the storage portion 12 has an opening-forming wall 12a that forms the opening 12h. The opening 12h allows the meshing portion of the pair of chain members 13 in the meshing chain 11, which are meshed and integrated, to pass through in the forward and backward movement direction Z.

[0011] like Figure 2 As shown, a drive unit 16 is provided within the storage portion 12. The drive unit 16 includes a lifting motor, a reduction mechanism, and an engagement guide mechanism (not shown). The drive unit 16 is configured to move the meshing chain 11 along the forward and backward movement direction Z while meshing and integrating the pair of chain members 13 or disengaging the pair of chain members 13. Since this drive unit 16 is already known, a detailed description of its structure is omitted.

[0012] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, each chain member 13 includes multiple link plates 17 and multiple connecting pins 18. Each link plate 17 has a pair of pin holes 19. Each pin hole 19 is circular. The pair of pin holes 19 is aligned along the forward and backward movement direction Z. Each connecting pin 18 is cylindrical. Each connecting pin 18 connects link plates 17 adjacent to each other in the forward and backward movement direction Z. The multiple link plates 17 are connected in series in the pair of pin holes 19 by the connecting pins 18 so as to be rotatable.

[0013] The meshing chain 11 of this embodiment includes six pairs of chain members 13. The six pairs of chain members 13 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the thickness direction of the link plate 17. Adjacent chain members 13 in the thickness direction of the link plate 17 are connected via connecting pins 18.

[0014] The pin holes 19 of the link plates 17 of the chain members 13 adjacent in the thickness direction of the link plates 17 overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the link plates 17. Furthermore, the link plates 17 of the chain members 13 adjacent in the thickness direction of the link plates 17 are assembled together by inserting each connecting pin 18 through the pin holes 19 that overlap with each other in the thickness direction of the link plates 17. Both ends of each connecting pin 18 protrude from the pin holes 19 of the link plates 17 located at the two ends in the thickness direction of the link plates 17 in the meshing chain 11.

[0015] In the following description, one of the pair of chain members 13 may be referred to as "first chain member 13A" and the other as "second chain member 13B." The first chain member 13A and the second chain member 13B are configured to mesh with each other.

[0016] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the second chain member 13B is located closer to the support shaft 15 than the first chain member 13A when the engagement chain 11 moves forward and backward along the movement trajectory. Therefore, the second chain member 13B is located inside the first chain member 13A when the engagement chain 11 moves forward and backward along the movement trajectory.

[0017] The shapes of the multiple link plates 17 constituting the first chain member 13A and the multiple link plates 17 constituting the second chain member 13B are designed so as to tilt the meshing chain 11 toward the second chain member 13B. As a result, when the first chain member 13A and the second chain member 13B are meshed and integrated with each other, the meshing chain 11 assumes a curved columnar shape extending along a curved trajectory that tilts the meshing chain 11 toward the second chain member 13B.

[0018] Extension pin like Figure 3 As shown, one of the plurality of connecting pins 18 that serially connect the plurality of link plates 17 constituting the first chain member 13A in a pair of pin holes 19 is an extension pin that protrudes from the pin hole 19 and is longer than the other connecting pins 18. In the following description, the extension pin of the first chain member 13A is referred to as "first extension pin 21." The first extension pin 21 is formed to be longer than the other connecting pins 18 constituting the first chain member 13A.

[0019] like Figure 4As shown, one of the plurality of connecting pins 18 that serially connect the plurality of link plates 17 constituting the second chain member 13B in a pair of pin holes 19 is an extension pin that protrudes from the pin hole 19 to a length longer than the other connecting pins 18. In the following description, the extension pin of the second chain member 13B is referred to as "second extension pin 22." The second extension pin 22 is formed to be longer than the other connecting pins 18 constituting the second chain member 13B.

[0020] like Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first extension pin 21 is cylindrical. The second extension pin 22 is cylindrical. The length of the first extension pin 21 protruding from the pin hole 19 is longer than the length of the second extension pin 22 protruding from the pin hole 19. Therefore, the lengths of the extension pins protruding from the pin hole 19 are different from each other.

[0021] <Supporting member> like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the movable body moving device 10 includes a first supporting member 31 and a second supporting member 32 as supporting members. Thus, the movable body moving device 10 includes a plurality of supporting members. The first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 support the meshing chain 11. The first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 15 so as to move along the movement trajectory.

[0022] exist Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the structure of the first supporting member 31 will be described. In addition, since the structure of the second supporting member 32 is substantially the same as that of the first supporting member 31, a detailed description of the structure of the second supporting member 32 will be omitted.

[0023] like Figure 5 As shown, the first support member 31 includes a pair of extension pieces 33 and a connecting piece 34. Thus, each support member includes a pair of extension pieces 33. Each extension piece 33 is in the shape of an elongated plate. Each extension piece 33 is in the shape of a flat plate. Each extension piece 33 extends parallel to one another. Each extension piece 33 extends so that its thickness direction is aligned. Each extension piece 33 has an aligned length direction.

[0024] The connecting piece 34 is in the shape of an elongated plate. The connecting piece 34 is in the shape of a flat plate. The connecting piece 34 connects one of the two long side edges of each extension piece 33. The longitudinal direction of the connecting piece 34 coincides with the longitudinal direction of each extension piece 33. The connecting piece 34 connects the extension pieces 33 with each other in a state where the thickness direction of the connecting piece 34 coincides with the width direction of each extension piece 33. The length of the connecting piece 34 in the longitudinal direction is shorter than the length of each extension piece 33 in the longitudinal direction. The first end portion of each extension piece 33 on one side in the longitudinal direction protrudes beyond the first end edge of the connecting piece 34 on one side in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] An axial hole 35 is formed at the second end portion on the other side in the longitudinal direction of each extension piece 33. Each axial hole 35 is in the shape of a circular hole and penetrates each extension piece 33 along the thickness direction of each extension piece 33.

[0026] like Figure 1 As shown, the support shaft 15 can be inserted through each shaft hole 35. The first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are rotatably supported by the support shaft 15 so that the edge 36 of each extended piece 33 located on the side opposite to the connecting piece 34 is located on the side of the storage portion 12. Therefore, the edge 36 of each extended piece 33 located on the side opposite to the connecting piece 34 is the edge of the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 located on the side of the storage portion 12.

[0027] like Figure 2 As shown, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are rotatably supported by a support shaft 15 that rotatably supports the movable body 14 so that the movable body 14 moves along the movement trajectory.

[0028] like Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the first support member 31 has a groove 40. The groove 40 is formed at the first end portion of each extension piece 33. Thus, each of the pair of extension pieces 33 has a groove 40. Each groove 40 opens at the edge portion 36 of the first support member 31.

[0029] like Figure 6As shown, the groove 40 has an arc edge 41 and a pair of extended edges 42. The arc edge 41 is formed into an arc shape that protrudes in the direction away from the edge 36 of the first support member 31. One of the pair of extended edges 42 connects the first end of the arc edge 41 to the edge 36 of the first support member 31. The other of the pair of extended edges 42 connects the second end of the arc edge 41 to the edge 36 of the first support member 31. Each extended edge 42 extends straight. The pair of extended edges 42 extend in a manner that gradually separates from each other as they move away from the arc edge 41. In this way, the width of the groove 40 becomes wider as it approaches the edge of the first support member 31 located on the side of the storage portion 12.

[0030] like Figure 7 As shown, a pair of extended pieces 33 of the first supporting member 31 are respectively arranged on both sides of the meshing chain 11. The first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 can be locked in the respective grooves 40 of the first supporting member 31. The respective grooves 40 of the first supporting member 31 are locking portions for the first chain member 13A to be locked. Thus, the first supporting member 31 has a locking portion for the chain member 13A to be locked. The locking portion is a groove that is open at the edge of the supporting member and is located on the side of the storage portion 12. The first extension pin 21 is a locked portion that is locked in the groove 40 of the first supporting member 31. Thus, the chain member 13 has a locked portion that is locked in the groove 40 serving as the locking portion. The locked portion is the extension pin.

[0031] like Figure 8 As shown, a pair of extended pieces 33 of the second supporting member 32 are respectively arranged on both sides of the meshing chain 11. The second extension pin 22 of the meshing chain 11 that passes through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 can be locked in the respective grooves 40 of the second supporting member 32. The respective grooves 40 of the second supporting member 32 are locking portions for the second chain member 13B to be locked. Thus, the second supporting member 32 has a locking portion for the chain member 13B to be locked. The locking portion is a groove with an opening at the edge of the supporting member located on the side of the storage portion 12. The second extension pin 22 is a locked portion that is locked in the groove 40 of the second supporting member 32. Thus, the chain member 13 has a locked portion that is locked in the groove 40 serving as the locking portion. The locked portion is the extension pin.

[0032] like Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, the length of the first supporting member 31 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the second supporting member 32 in the longitudinal direction. Figure 7 As shown, the length of the first support member 31 in the longitudinal direction is a length that allows the first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 to be locked in the groove 40 of the first support member 31. Figure 8As shown, the length of the second support member 32 in the longitudinal direction is a length that allows the second extension pin 22 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 to be locked in the groove 40 of the second support member 32. The length of the second support member 32 in the longitudinal direction is set to a length that does not interfere with the first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1.

[0033] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the first support member 31 rotates about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11, while the first extension pin 21 is engaged with the groove 40 of the first support member 31. The second support member 32 rotates about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11, while the second extension pin 22 is engaged with the groove 40 of the second support member 32.

[0034] like Figure 9 As shown, the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the first support member 31 is different from the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the second support member 32. Thus, the widths of the pairs of extended pieces 33 of the plurality of support members are different. The width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the first support member 31 is wider than the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the second support member 32.

[0035] like Figure 3 As shown in FIG. 1 , the length of the first extension pin 21 that is locked in the groove 40 of the first support member 31 and projects from the pin hole 19 becomes a length corresponding to the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the first support member 31. Figure 4 As shown, the length of the second extension pin 22 locked in the groove 40 of the second support member 32 protruding from the pin hole 19 is a length corresponding to the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the second support member 32. Therefore, the length of each extension pin locked in the groove 40 of each support member protruding from the pin hole 19 is different from each other, corresponding to the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of each support member.

[0036] exist Figure 9, the first extension pin 21 is shown locked in front of the groove 40 of the first support member 31, and the second extension pin 22 is locked in front of the groove 40 of the second support member 32. In this state, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are arranged relative to the housing portion 12, with the extended pieces 33 of the first support member 31 and the extended pieces 33 of the second support member 32 overlapping in the thickness direction. Thus, when the extension pins are locked in front of the grooves 40, the support members are arranged relative to the housing portion 12, with the extended pieces 33 overlapping in the thickness direction.

[0037] When the first extension pin 21 is locked in front of the groove 40 of the first support member 31 and the second extension pin 22 is locked in front of the groove 40 of the second support member 32, the first support member 31 covers the second support member 32. When the first extension pin 21 is locked in front of the groove 40 of the first support member 31 and the second extension pin 22 is locked in front of the groove 40 of the second support member 32, the second support member 32 is arranged on the inner side of the first support member 31.

[0038] The first support member 31 is placed on the outer surface of the opening forming wall 12a of the storage portion 12 before the first extension pin 21 is engaged with the groove 40 of the first support member 31. Furthermore, the first support member 31 is arranged relative to the storage portion 12 so that the groove 40 of the first support member 31 is located on the movement trajectory of the first extension pin 21 before the first extension pin 21 is engaged with the groove 40 of the first support member 31.

[0039] The second support member 32 is placed on the outer surface of the opening forming wall 12a of the storage portion 12 before the second extension pin 22 is engaged with the groove 40 of the second support member 32. Furthermore, the second support member 32 is arranged relative to the storage portion 12 such that the groove 40 of the second support member 32 is located on the movement trajectory of the second extension pin 22 before the second extension pin 22 is engaged with the groove 40 of the second support member 32.

[0040] [Effects of Implementation Methods] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. like Figure 1 As shown, the first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 is locked in the groove 40 of the first support member 31. Furthermore, when the meshing chain 11 moves forward or backward, the first support member 31 rotates around the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the rotation center, following the forward or backward movement of the meshing chain 11 while the first extension pin 21 is locked in the groove 40.

[0041] The second extension pin 22 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 is locked in the groove 40 of the second support member 32. Furthermore, when the meshing chain 11 moves forward or backward, the second support member 32 rotates around the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the rotation center, following the forward or backward movement of the meshing chain 11 while the second extension pin 22 is locked in the groove 40.

[0042] Therefore, even if a buckling load acts on the meshing chain 11 when the meshing chain 11 moves forward and backward, the meshing chain 11 is supported by the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 , thereby suppressing the meshing chain 11 from being bent and vibrating.

[0043] [Effects of the embodiment] In the above-described embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. (1) When the meshing chain 11 moves forward or backward, the first support member 31 rotates about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward or backward movement of the meshing chain 11, while the first extension pin 21 is engaged with the groove 40. Furthermore, when the meshing chain 11 moves forward or backward, the second support member 32 rotates about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward or backward movement of the meshing chain 11, while the second extension pin 22 is engaged with the groove 40. Therefore, even if a buckling load acts on the meshing chain 11 when the meshing chain 11 moves forward or backward, the durability of the meshing chain 11 against the buckling load can be improved because the meshing chain 11 is supported by the first support member 31 and the second support member 32.

[0044] (2) The first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 , which is one of the plurality of connecting pins 18 and protrudes from the pin hole 19 longer than the other connecting pins 18 , is preferably a locked portion locked in the groove 40 of the first support member 31 or the second support member 32 .

[0045] (3) The first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage section 12 in the travel direction Z1 is engaged with the groove 40 of the first support member 31. This allows the first support member 31 to rotate about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11. Furthermore, the second extension pin 22 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage section 12 in the travel direction Z1 is engaged with the groove 40 of the second support member 32. This allows the second support member 32 to rotate about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the center of rotation, following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11.

[0046] (4) The width of each groove 40 increases as it approaches the edge 36 of the first supporting member 31 or the second supporting member 32 located on the side of the storage portion 12. This allows the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 of the engagement chain 11, which has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1, to be easily engaged with each groove 40. Consequently, the reliability of the movable body moving device 10 can be improved.

[0047] (5) Before the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 is locked in the groove 40, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 are arranged relative to the housing portion 12 with the extension pieces 33 overlapping in the thickness direction. Therefore, it is possible to achieve space saving for the movable body moving device 10. Consequently, the movable body moving device 10 can be made compact.

[0048] (6) The first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 are supported so as to be freely rotatable by the supporting shaft 15 that supports the movable body 14 so as to be freely rotatable so as to allow the movable body 14 to move along the moving track. For example, a structure in which the first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 are supported so as to be freely rotatable is considered to be provided separately from the supporting shaft 15 that supports the movable body 14 so as to be freely rotatable. Compared with such a structure, the first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 can easily follow the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11 and move along the moving track. Therefore, the reliability of the movable body moving device 10 can be improved.

[0049] (7) Even if a buckling load acts on the meshing chain 11 during its forward and backward movement, the meshing chain 11 is supported by the first support member 31 and the second support member 32. This suppresses the meshing chain 11 from vibrating due to bending. As a result, the generation of noise can be suppressed.

[0050] [Change Example] The above-described embodiment can be implemented by modifications as follows: The above-described embodiment and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within a range that does not technically conflict.

[0051] In the embodiment, the meshing chain 11 need not include the first extension pin 21 and the second extension pin 22. Furthermore, for example, the protrusion that engages with the groove 40 of the first support member 31 may protrude from one of the plurality of link plates 17 constituting the first chain member 13A as the engaged portion. Alternatively, for example, the protrusion that engages with the groove 40 of the second support member 32 may protrude from one of the plurality of link plates 17 constituting the second chain member 13B as the engaged portion. In short, the chain member 13 only needs to include an engaged portion that engages with the engaging portion of the support member.

[0052] In the embodiment, for example, the second chain member 13B may not include the second extension pin 22, and the first chain member 13A may include multiple first extension pins 21. In this case, the lengths of the multiple first extension pins 21 protruding from the pin holes 19 may differ. Furthermore, the multiple first extension pins 21 are respectively engaged with the grooves 40 of the first support member 31 and the grooves 40 of the second support member 32. In short, the meshing chain 11 only needs to include multiple extension pins.

[0053] In the embodiment, each groove 40 does not need to widen as it approaches the edge 36 of the first supporting member 31 or the second supporting member 32 located on the housing portion 12 side. For example, the pair of extended edges 42 of the groove 40 may extend parallel to each other from the arcuate edge 41.

[0054] In the embodiment, the first and second support members 31 and 32 may be arranged relative to the storage portion 12 in a state where the extended pieces 33 overlap in the thickness direction, rather than before the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 engages in the grooves 40. For example, the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the first support member 31 may be the same as the width between the pair of extended pieces 33 of the second support member 32. Alternatively, the first and second support members 31 and 32 may be arranged relative to the storage portion 12 in a state where they overlap in the forward and backward movement direction Z, before the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 engages in the grooves 40. In this case, the longitudinal length of the first support member 31 is a length sufficient for the first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11, which has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1, to engage in the groove 40 of the first support member 31. The length of the second support member 32 in the longitudinal direction is a length that allows the second extension pin 22 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1 to be locked in the groove 40 of the second support member 32. Furthermore, the length of the second support member 32 in the longitudinal direction is set to a length that does not interfere with the first extension pin 21 of the meshing chain 11 that has passed through the opening 12h of the storage portion 12 in the travel direction Z1.

[0055] In the embodiment, the movable body moving device 10 may also include, for example, support shafts that rotatably support the first and second support members 31, 32, separately from the support shaft 15 that rotatably supports the movable body 14. In this case, for example, the support shafts that rotatably support the first and second support members 31, 32 are positioned closer to the meshing chain 11 than the support shaft 15 that rotatably supports the movable body 14. Furthermore, the first and second support members 31, 32 are configured to be bendable, so that after the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 is engaged in the respective grooves 40, they become straight while following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11.

[0056] In the embodiment, the first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 may not include the connecting piece 34 connecting one of the two long side edges of each extension piece 33. In short, the first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 may be composed of a pair of extension pieces 33.

[0057] In the embodiment, the first supporting member 31 and the second supporting member 32 may be formed of only one extended piece 33. In short, the supporting member may be configured to rotate about the axis L1 of the support shaft 15 as the rotation center, following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain 11 while the locked portion is locked to the locking portion. The configuration is not particularly limited.

[0058] In the embodiment, for example, the first extension pin 21 may be formed by adding an extension portion to a pin of the same length as the other connecting pins 18 constituting the first chain member 13A. For example, a threaded hole may be formed in the front end surface of the connecting pin 18, and a pin member may be screwed into the threaded hole, thereby forming the first extension pin 21 so that its protrusion from the pin hole 19 is longer than that of the other connecting pins 18. Alternatively, for example, a pin member may be bonded or welded to the front end surface of the connecting pin 18, thereby forming the first extension pin 21 so that its protrusion from the pin hole 19 is longer than that of the other connecting pins 18. Furthermore, for example, the second extension pin 22 may be formed by adding an extension portion to a pin of the same length as the other connecting pins 18 constituting the second chain member 13B, similarly to the first extension pin 21 described above.

[0059] In the embodiment, for example, the supporting member may include a convex portion as a locking portion to which the chain member 13 is locked, and the chain member 13 may include a concave portion as a locked portion to be locked to the convex portion.

[0060] In the embodiment, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 do not need to have the groove 40. In this case, for example, the first support member 31 and the second support member 32 may have magnets as locking portions, and the first extension pin 21 or the second extension pin 22 may be attracted by the magnets and locked to the magnets.

[0061] In the embodiment, the movable body moving device 10 may be configured to include only one supporting member. Alternatively, the movable body moving device 10 may be configured to include three or more supporting members.

[0062] In the embodiment, the meshing chain 11 only needs to have a structure including at least one pair of chain members 13 . In the embodiment, the movable body 14 that is moved along the movement trajectory by the movable body moving device 10 is not limited to the upper wing of the container.

Claims

1. A movable body moving device comprising a meshing chain, the meshing chain comprising at least one pair of chain members capable of forward and backward movement, the meshing chain being configured such that the paired chain members mesh with each other and become integrated by moving in a forward direction, and the chain members disengage from each other and branch off by moving in a backward direction from the integrated meshing state. The meshing chain is configured to be able to move forward and backward along a curved moving trajectory. The meshing chain moves forward and backward along the movement track, thereby causing the movable body connected to the meshing chain to move along the movement track. The movable body moving device is characterized in that: A supporting member for supporting the meshing chain is provided, The support member is rotatably supported by the support shaft. The supporting member has a locking portion for locking the chain member. The chain member includes a locked portion locked to the locking portion, The support member rotates about the axis of the support shaft as a rotation center following the forward and backward movement of the meshing chain in a state where the engaged portion is engaged with the engaging portion.

2. The movable body moving device according to claim 1, wherein: Each chain member has: a plurality of link plates, each having a pair of pin holes arranged along the forward and backward movement direction of the meshing chain; and A plurality of connecting pins connect the link plates adjacent to each other in the forward and backward movement direction. The plurality of link plates are connected in series in the pair of pin holes via the connecting pins so as to be rotatable. The locked portion is one of the plurality of connecting pins, and is an extended pin that protrudes from the pin hole longer than the other connecting pins.

3. The movable body moving device according to claim 2, wherein: The movable body moving device includes a storage portion configured to store the engagement chain. The storage portion has an opening formed therein, the opening allowing a meshing portion of the meshing chain, in which the pair of chain members are meshed and integrated, to pass therethrough in the forward and backward movement direction. The locking portion is a groove that is open at an edge portion of the support member located on the housing portion side.

4. The movable body moving device according to claim 3, wherein: The groove becomes wider as it approaches an edge portion of the support member located on the housing portion side.

5. The movable body moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The movable body moving device includes a plurality of the support members. Each of the supporting members has a pair of extended pieces respectively arranged on both sides of the meshing chain and each having the locking portion. The widths between the pair of extending pieces of the plurality of support members are different from each other.

6. The movable body moving device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The support shaft is a support shaft that rotatably supports the movable body so that the movable body moves along the movement trajectory.

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