Carrier device

Abstract

To provide a carrier device that carries a pallet along a bent carrying path without changing the direction of the pallet.SOLUTION: A first rail 21 of a carrying device 1 comprises a first slewing part 32 at a part overlapping with a first extension line L1 of one side rail 23 of a second rail 22 and with a second slewing part 33 at a part overlapping with a second extension line L2 of the other side rail 24. A first delivery mechanism 45 which delivers a pallet 3 between the first rail 21 and second rail 22 comprises: a slewing mechanism 80 which lets the first slewing part 32 and second slewing part 33 slue; and a first moving mechanism 85 which moves the pallet 3 between the first slewing part 32 and second slewing part 33 and the pair of second rails 22. The pallet 3 comprises a pallet body 52 and a pair of rail lock parts 53 fitted rotatably to the pallet body 52.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device that holds and transports electronic components on a pallet.

[0002] A pallet for holding electronic components is described in Patent Document 1. The pallet in this document is long, and a plurality of holding portions for holding electronic components are provided at equal intervals along the extending direction of the pallet on its upper surface. The electronic component is a chip-type electrolytic capacitor. In this document, the pallet is transported along a transport path passing through an inspection unit, and in the inspection unit, an electrical characteristic inspection and an appearance inspection of the chip-type electrolytic capacitor are performed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When the transport path extends linearly, there is a problem that the transport device for transporting the pallet tends to be enlarged in the extending direction of the transport path. In response to such a problem, if the transport path can be bent halfway, the enlargement of the transport device in the extending direction can be suppressed. However, when the transport path is bent, it is necessary to change the orientation of the pallet from the first direction before bending to the second direction after bending at the bent portion of the transport path. Therefore, at the bent portion of the transport path, a new space for changing the orientation of the pallet is required. Therefore, even if the transport path is bent, it is not easy to reduce the installation space of the transport mechanism.

[0005] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a transport device that transports a pallet along a bent transport path without changing the orientation of the pallet.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the conveying device of the present invention includes a pallet for holding electronic components, and a pallet conveying mechanism for conveying the pallet along a first conveying path linearly extending in a first direction and a second conveying path linearly extending in a second direction intersecting the first conveying path. The pallet conveying mechanism includes a single first rail for guiding the pallet along the first conveying path, a pair of second rails for guiding the pallet along the second conveying path, a first conveying mechanism for moving the pallet on the first rail, a second conveying mechanism for moving the pallet on the pair of second rails, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the pallet between the first rail and the pair of second rails. The pair of second rails includes a first side rail and a second side rail that extend in parallel at a predetermined distance in the first direction from the side of the first rail. The first rail includes a first turning portion that is rotatable between a first position extending in the first direction and a second position extending in the second direction and overlapping the first extension line of the first side rail at a portion overlapping the first extension line of the first side rail, and a second turning portion that is rotatable between a third position extending in the first direction and a fourth position extending in the second direction and overlapping the second extension line of the second side rail at a portion overlapping the second extension line of the second side rail. The pallet includes a pallet body having a holding portion for holding the electronic components, a first side rail engaging portion that is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about a first axis extending in the vertical direction and can engage with the first rail and the first side rail, and a second side rail engaging portion that is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about a second axis parallel to the first axis and spaced apart from the first axis by the predetermined distance and can engage with the first rail and the second side rail. The transfer mechanism includes a turning mechanism for turning the first turning portion and the second turning portion, and a moving mechanism for moving the pallet between the first turning portion and the second turning portion, and the pair of second rails when the first turning portion is at the second position and the second turning portion is at the fourth position.

[0007] According to the present invention, the first rail includes a first turning portion that is rotatable between a first position extending in a first direction and a second position extending in a second direction and overlapping on the first extension line at a portion overlapping with the first extension line of one side rail of the second rail. Further, the first rail includes a second turning portion that is rotatable between a third position extending in the first direction and a fourth position extending in the second direction and overlapping with the second extension line at a portion overlapping with the second extension line of the other side rail of the second rail. Further, the transfer mechanism for transferring the pallet between the first rail and the second rail includes a turning mechanism for turning the first turning portion and the second turning portion. Therefore, if the turning mechanism is used to move the first turning portion of the first rail from the first position to the second position and the second turning portion from the third position to the fourth position, the first turning portion can be connected to one side rail of the second rail, and the second turning portion can be connected to the other side rail of the second rail. Further, the transfer mechanism includes a moving mechanism for moving the pallet between the first turning portion and the second turning portion, the pair of second rails when the first turning portion is at the second position and the second turning portion is at the fourth position. Thereby, the pallet can be transferred between the first rail extending in the first direction and the pair of second rails extending in the second direction. Here, the pallet includes a pallet body having a holding portion for holding electronic components, a one-side rail engaging portion that is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about a first axis extending in the vertical direction and can engage with the first rail and the one-side rail, and a second axis that is parallel to the first axis and spaced apart from the first axis by a predetermined distance. It is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about the second axis and includes an other-side rail engaging portion that can engage with the first rail and the other-side rail. Therefore, when the first turning portion and the second turning portion turn while the pallet is engaged with the first turning portion and the second turning portion, the one-side rail engaging portion and the other-side rail engaging portion turn, but the posture of the pallet body holding the electronic components does not change. Therefore, the pallet can be conveyed along a bent conveyance path without changing the orientation of the pallet.

[0008] In the present invention, there is a control unit for driving and controlling the delivery mechanism. When the one-side rail engaging portion of the pallet conveyed along the first rail is located on the first turning portion at the first position and the other-side rail engaging portion is located on the second turning portion at the third position, the control unit drives and controls the turning mechanism to move the first turning portion to the second position and the second turning portion to the fourth position. When the first turning portion is disposed at the second position and the second turning portion is disposed at the fourth position, the control unit drives and controls the moving mechanism to move the pallet from the first rail to the pair of second rails. In this way, the pallet conveyed in the first direction on one first rail can be delivered to the pair of second rails extending in the second direction.

[0009] In the present invention, there is a control unit for driving and controlling the delivery mechanism. When the first turning portion is at the second position and the second turning portion is at the fourth position, the control unit drives the moving mechanism to move the pallet conveyed on the pair of second rails to the first turning portion and the second turning portion. When the pallet moves to the first turning portion and the second turning portion, the control unit drives and controls the turning mechanism to move the first turning portion to the first position and the second turning portion to the third position. In this way, the pallet conveyed in the second direction on the pair of second rails can be delivered to one first rail extending in the first direction.

[0010] In the present invention, the second conveying mechanism can also serve as the moving mechanism. That is, when delivering the pallet between the first turning portion and the second turning portion of the first rail and the pair of second rails, the pallet moves in the second direction. Therefore, the second conveying mechanism for moving the pallet in the second direction can be used as the moving mechanism.

[0011] In the present invention, the one-side rail engaging portion includes a protrusion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction when engaged with the first rail and protrudes in a direction intersecting the second direction when engaged with the one-side rail. The first transport mechanism includes a first locking portion that detachably locks to the protrusion on the side of the first rail, and a first locking portion moving mechanism that moves the first locking portion in the first direction. The second transport mechanism includes a second locking portion that detachably locks to the protrusion on the side of the one-side rail, and a locking member moving mechanism that moves the second locking portion in the second direction. In this way, it is easy to transport the pallet on the first rail in the first direction. Also, it is easy to transport the pallet on the second rail in the second direction.

[0012] In the present invention, the second transport mechanism includes a locking member that extends along the one-side rail, and the locking member is provided with a plurality of the second locking portions provided at equal intervals along the one-side rail. The locking member moving mechanism moves the locking member in order through a locking position where the second locking portion can engage with the protrusion, a feed position spaced a set distance from the locking position to one side in the second direction, a locking release position where the second locking portion is separated from the protrusion below the transport position, and a return position located below the locking position and spaced the set distance from the feed position to the other side in the second direction. The separation distance between adjacent second locking portions in the locking member can correspond to the set distance. In this way, the second transport mechanism can intermittently transport the pallets on the pair of second rails at each set distance. Also, a plurality of pallets can be transported along the pair of second rails.

[0013] In the present invention, the pallet includes a plurality of holding portions for holding the electronic components, the pallet body is in a long shape extending in the first direction, and the plurality of holding portions can be arranged in the extending direction of the pallet body. In this way, a plurality of electronic components can be held on the pallet and transported. Here, when the pallet (pallet body) is in a long shape, a relatively large space is required when changing the orientation of the pallet. In contrast, in the present invention, whether the pallet is transported on the first rail in the first direction or the pallet is transported on a pair of second rails in the second direction, the pallet remains in a posture where the pallet body is long in the first direction. Therefore, in the bent portion of the transport path, there is no need for a space for changing the orientation of the pallet, and it becomes easy to reduce the installation space of the transport device.

[0014] In the present invention, the electronic component can be an electrolytic capacitor.

Effects of the Invention

[0015] According to the present invention, when the pallet is transferred between the first rail extending in the first direction and the second rail extending in the second direction, the orientation of the pallet (pallet body) does not change. Therefore, in the bent portion of the transport path for transporting the pallet, there is no need for a space for changing the orientation of the pallet.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] Hereinafter, with reference to the drawings, a transport device to which the present invention is applied will be described.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a plan view of the transport device. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport device. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a rail provided in the pallet transport mechanism. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a first intersection where the first transport path and the second transport path intersect. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of the pallet. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a pair of rail engaging portions 53 provided on the pallet are rotated.

[0019] (Overall Configuration) The transport device 1 in this example transports the chip-type electrolytic capacitor 2 (electronic component) along a predetermined transport path 5. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport device 1 includes a pallet 3 that holds a plurality of electrolytic capacitors 2, and a pallet transport mechanism 4 that transports the pallet 3. FIG. 1 shows a state in which the maximum number of pallets 3 that can be transported by the pallet transport mechanism 4 are being transported along the transport path 5. In the following description, three mutually orthogonal directions are defined as the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction. The Z-axis direction is the vertical direction. Also, one direction of the X-axis direction is the X1 direction, and the other is the X2 direction. One direction of the Y-axis direction is the Y1 direction, and the other is the Y2 direction.

[0020] The pallet 3 is long and has a plurality of holding portions 51 for holding the electrolytic capacitor 2 on its upper surface. The transport path 5 passes through, for example, an inspection station for inspecting the leakage current of the electrolytic capacitor 2. In this example, the transport path 5 is in the shape of a rectangular frame. As shown in FIG. 1, while the pallet 3 is being transported along the transport path 5, the posture of the pallet 3 is maintained in a posture extending in the X-axis direction.

[0021] The transport path 5 has a first transport path 6 extending linearly in the X-axis direction (first direction), a second transport path 7 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction (second direction) orthogonal to the first transport path 6, a third transport path 8 extending linearly in the X-axis direction, and a fourth transport path 9 extending linearly in the Y-axis direction orthogonal to the third transport path 8. Further, the transport path 5 includes a first intersection portion 11 where the first transport path 6 and the second transport path 7 intersect, a second intersection portion 12 where the second transport path 7 and the third transport path 8 intersect, a third intersection portion 13 where the third transport path 8 and the fourth transport path 9 intersect, and a fourth intersection portion 14 where the fourth transport path 9 and the fourth rail intersect.

[0022] The first transport path 6 and the third transport path 8 extend in parallel. The second transport path 7 and the fourth transport path 9 extend in parallel. The pallet 3 is carried into the loading position A in the middle of the first transport path 6 by a loading mechanism (not shown). Thereafter, the pallet 3 is transported counterclockwise along the transport path 5. That is, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 1, the pallet 3 is transported via the first transport path 6, the second transport path 7, the third transport path 8, the fourth transport path 9, and the first transport path 6 in this order. Then, when the pallet 3 reaches the unloading position B in the middle of the first transport path 6, it is unloaded out of the transport path 5 by an unloading mechanism (not shown). The loading position A and the unloading position B are the same position.

[0023] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a single first rail 21 that guides the pallet 3 along the first transfer path 6, and a pair of second rails 22 that guide the pallet 3 along the second transfer path 7. The pair of second rails 22 includes a first side rail 23 and a second side rail 24 that extend in parallel with a predetermined distance D in the Y-axis direction from the side of the first rail 21. Further, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a single third rail 25 that guides the pallet 3 along the third transfer path 8, and a pair of fourth rails 26 that guide the pallet 3 along the fourth transfer path 9. Here, since the third rail 25 has a configuration corresponding to that of the first rail 21, the same reference numerals are given to the opposing configurations, and the description thereof is omitted. Further, since the pair of fourth rails 26 has a configuration corresponding to that of the pair of second rails 22, the same reference numerals are given to the corresponding configurations, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, at the first intersection 11, the first rail 21 includes a first turning portion 32 that is rotatable between a first position M1 (see FIG. 4(a)) extending in the X-axis direction and a second position M2 (see FIG. 4(b)) extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping with the first extension line L1 of the first side rail 23 of the second rail 22 at a portion overlapping with the first extension line L1 of the first side rail 23 of the second rail 22. Further, at the first intersection 11, the first rail 21 includes a second turning portion 33 that is rotatable between a third position M3 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping with the second extension line L2 of the second side rail 24 of the pair of second rails 22 at a portion overlapping with the second extension line L2 of the second side rail 24 of the pair of second rails 22. In the state shown in FIG. 3, at the first intersection 11, the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 is disposed at the first position M1, and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the third position M3.

[0025] Also, as shown in FIG. 3, at the fourth intersection 14, the first rail 21 has a first turning portion 32 that is rotatable between a first position M1 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the first extension line L1 of one side rail 23 of the pair of fourth rails 26 at a portion overlapping the first extension line L1. Further, the first rail 21 has a second turning portion 33 that is rotatable between a third position M3 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the fourth direction and overlapping the fourth extension line at a portion overlapping the second extension line L2 of the other side rail 24 of the pair of fourth rails 26. In the state shown in FIG. 3, at the fourth intersection 14, the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 is disposed at the second position M2, and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the fourth position M4.

[0026] At the second intersection 12, the third rail 25 has a first turning portion 32 that is rotatable between a first position M1 extending in the X-axis direction and a second position M2 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the first extension line L1 of one side rail 23 of the pair of second rails 22 at a portion overlapping the first extension line L1. Also, the third rail 25 has a second turning portion 33 that is rotatable between a third position M3 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the second extension line L2 at a portion overlapping the second extension line L2 of the other side rail 24 of the pair of second rails 22. In the state shown in FIG. 3, at the second intersection 12, the first turning portion 32 of the third rail is disposed at the second position M2, and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the fourth position M4.

[0027] Also, at the third intersection 13, the third rail 25 has a first turning portion 32 that is rotatable between a first position M1 extending in the X-axis direction and a second position M2 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the first extension line L1 of one side rail 23 of the pair of fourth rails 26 at a portion overlapping the first extension line L1. Also, the third rail 25 has a second turning portion 33 that is rotatable between a third position M3 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the second extension line L2 at a portion overlapping the second extension line L2 of the other side rail 24 of the pair of fourth rails 26. In the state shown in FIG. 3, at the third intersection 13, the first turning portion 32 of the third rail is disposed at the first position M1, and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the third position M3.

[0028] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a first transfer mechanism 41 that moves the pallet 3 on the first rail 21, and a second transfer mechanism 42 that moves the pallet 3 on a pair of second rails 22. Further, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a third transfer mechanism 43 that moves the pallet 3 on the third rail 25, and a fourth transfer mechanism 44 that moves the pallet 3 on a pair of fourth rails 26.

[0029] Furthermore, at the first intersection 11, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a first transfer mechanism 45 that transfers the pallet 3 from one first rail 21 to a pair of second rails 22, and at the second intersection 12 it includes a second transfer mechanism 46 that transfers the pallet 3 from a pair of second rails 22 to the third rail 25. Also, at the third intersection 13, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 includes a third transfer mechanism 47 that transfers the pallet 3 from one third rail 25 to a pair of fourth rails 26, and at the fourth intersection 14, it includes a fourth transfer mechanism 48 that transfers the pallet 3 from a pair of fourth rails 26 to the first rail 21. Furthermore, the pallet transfer mechanism 4 has a control unit 49 that synchronously drives and controls the first transfer mechanism 41, the second transfer mechanism 42, the third transfer mechanism 43, the fourth transfer mechanism 44, the first transfer mechanism 45, the second transfer mechanism 46, the third transfer mechanism 47, and the fourth transfer mechanism 48.

[0030] (Pallet) FIG. 5 is an explanatory view of the pallet 3. FIG. 5 is a side view of the pallet 3 when viewed from the Y-axis direction, and a part of it is shown as a cross-sectional view. FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a state in which the rail engaging portion 53 of the pallet 3 is rotated. As shown in FIG. 5, the pallet 3 includes a rectangular parallelepiped pallet body 52 having a holding portion 51 for holding the chip-type electrolytic capacitor 2, and a pair of rail engaging portions 53 attached to the lower end portion of the pallet body 52. The holding portions 51 are provided in plurality on the upper surface of the pallet body 52. The plurality of holding portions 51 are arranged at equal intervals in the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the pallet body 52. Each holding portion 51 has a concave shape. In this example, 10 electrolytic capacitors 2 are held on the pallet 3.

[0031] The rail engaging portion 53 includes an engaging portion main body 55, a block 56 attached to the engaging portion main body 55 in the Z2 direction, and a shaft portion 57 protruding from the block 56 in the Z2 direction. The engaging portion main body 55 includes a concave portion 58 for rail engagement. The concave portion 58 for rail engagement extends linearly. The engaging portion main body 55 can be engaged with each of the first rail 21, one-side rail 23 and the other-side rail 24 of the pair of second rails 22, the third rail 25, and one-side rail 23 and the other-side rail 24 of the pair of fourth rails 26. The block 56 includes a pair of protrusions 59 protruding from both sides in a direction orthogonal to the extending direction of the concave portion 58 for rail engagement.

[0032] Each of the pair of rail engaging portions 53 is attached to the pallet main body 52 via a bearing 54 such that the shaft portion 57 is attached. Thereby, one one-side rail engaging portion 53(1) of the pair of rail engaging portions 53 is attached to the pallet main body 52 in a rotatable state about a first axis L3 extending in the Z-axis direction. The other other-side rail engaging portion 53(2) of the pair of rail engaging portions 53 is attached to the pallet main body 52 in a rotatable state about a second axis L4 parallel to the first axis L3 and spaced apart from the first axis L3 by a predetermined distance E. Here, each of the pair of rail engaging portions 53 is attached to both end portions in the extending direction (X-axis direction) of the pallet main body 52. The predetermined distance E by which the first axis L3 and the second axis L4 are separated corresponds to the predetermined distance D between the one-side rail 23 and the other-side rail 24 in the pair of second rails 22.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 6(a), the pallet 3 engages with the first rail 21 and the third rail in a state where the rail-engaging recesses 58 of the pair of rail-engaging portions 53 extend in the X-axis direction. When the pair of rail-engaging portions 53 engage with the first rail 21 or the third rail, the pair of protrusions 59 of each rail-engaging portion 53 protrude from the side surface of the pallet body 52 to both sides in the Y-axis direction. Also, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6(b), the pallet 3 engages with the pair of second rails 22 and the pair of fourth rails in a state where the rail-engaging recesses 58 of the pair of rail-engaging portions 53 extend in the Y-axis direction. When the pair of rail-engaging portions 53 engage with each of the pair of second rails 22 and the pair of fourth rails, one protrusion 59 of one of the pair of rail-engaging portions 53(1) protrudes in the X1 direction of the pair of second rails. Also, the other protrusion 59 of the other rail-engaging portion 53(2) of the pair of rail-engaging portions 53 protrudes in the X2 direction of the pair of second rails.

[0034] (First transfer mechanism and third transfer mechanism) Fig. 7 is an explanatory view of the transfer module of the first transfer mechanism 41. As shown in Fig. 2, the first transfer mechanism 41 has four transfer modules 60. As shown in Fig. 7, each transfer module 60 includes a drive claw 61 (first locking portion) that detachably locks to the protrusion 59 of the pallet 3 on the side of the first rail 21, and a drive claw moving mechanism 62 (first locking portion moving mechanism) that moves the drive claw 61 in the X-axis direction.

[0035] The drive claw 61 has a locking recess that is recessed in the Z1 direction. The drive claw moving mechanism 62 includes a lifting mechanism 63 that raises and lowers the drive claw 61, and a drive claw reciprocating mechanism 64 that reciprocates the drive claw 61 and the lifting mechanism 63 in the X-axis direction. The lifting mechanism 63 includes an air cylinder. The drive claw reciprocating mechanism 64 includes a guide member 65 that guides the drive claw 61 and the lifting mechanism 63 in the X-axis direction, and an electric cylinder 66 as a drive source.

[0036] Here, the black arrow in FIG. 7 indicates the movement operation of the driving claw 61 when transporting the pallet 3. The white arrow in FIG. 7 indicates the movement operation of the pallet 3. In the initial state, the driving claw 61 of each transport module 60 is arranged at the standby position H in the Z1 direction of the first rail 21 at a predetermined transport start position. When the pallet 3 is arranged at the transport start position, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7, the transport module 60 drives the lifting mechanism 63 to raise the driving claw 61 and moves the driving claw 61 to the locking position I where it locks onto the protrusion 59 of the pallet 3. When the driving claw 61 locks onto the protrusion 59, the transport module 60 drives the electric cylinder 66 to move the driving claw 61 and the lifting mechanism 63 a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction to reach the transport end position J. Thereafter, the transport module 60 drives the lifting mechanism 63 to lower the driving claw 61 and arranges it at the unlocking position K where the locking between the driving claw 61 and the protrusion 59 is released. After that, the transport module 60 moves the lifting mechanism 63 and the driving claw 61 a predetermined distance in the X-axis direction to return to the standby position H. By repeating such operations, the transport module 60 transports the pallets 3 successively supplied to the transport start position to the transport end position of the first rail 21.

[0037] Here, among the four transport modules 60 shown in FIG. 2, the first transport module 60(1) transports the pallet 3 arranged at the loading position A (transport start position) to the first intermediate position (transport end position) intermediate between the first intersection 11 and the loading position A. The first transport module 60(1) locks the driving claw 61 onto the protrusion 59 that protrudes in the Y2 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail engaging portion 53 located behind (in the X2 direction) in the transport direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X1 direction. The second transport module 60(2) transports the pallet 3 transported to the first intermediate position (transport start position) from the first intermediate position to the first intersection 11 (transport end position). The second transport module 60(2) locks the driving claw 61 onto the protrusion 59 that protrudes in the Y1 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail locking portion 53 located in front (in the X1 direction) in the transport direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X1 direction.

[0038] The third transfer module 60(3) transfers the pallet 3 conveyed to the fourth intersection 14 (transfer start position) to the second intermediate position (transfer end position) between the fourth intersection 14 and the unloading position B. The third transfer module 60(3) locks the driving claw 61 to the protrusion 59 protruding in the Y1 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail engaging portion 53 located in the rear (X2 direction) in the transfer direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X1 direction. The fourth transfer module 60(4) transfers the pallet 3 conveyed to the second intermediate position (transfer start position) from the second intermediate position to the unloading position B (transfer end position). The fourth transfer module 60(4) locks the driving claw 61 to the protrusion 59 protruding in the Y2 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail engaging portion 53 located in the front (X1 direction) in the transfer direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X1 direction.

[0039] The third transfer conveyor 43 includes two transfer modules 60 similar to those of the first transfer mechanism 41. The first transfer module 60(5) of the third transfer conveyor 43 transfers the pallet 3 that has reached the second intersection 12 (transfer start position) to the third intermediate position (transfer end position) in the middle between the second intersection 12 and the third intersection 13. The first transfer module 60(5) of the third transfer conveyor 43 locks the driving claw 61 to the protrusion 59 protruding in the Y2 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail engaging portion 53 located in the rear (X1 direction) in the transfer direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X2 direction. The second transfer module 60(6) of the third transfer conveyor 43 transfers the pallet 3 conveyed to the third intermediate position (transfer start position) from the third intermediate position to the third intersection 13 (transfer end position). The second transfer module 60(6) of the third transfer conveyor 43 locks the driving claw 61 to the protrusion 59 protruding in the Y2 direction among the pair of protrusions 59 of the rail engaging portion 53 located in the front (X2 direction) in the transfer direction on the pallet 3, and moves the pallet 3 in the X2 direction.

[0040] (Second transfer mechanism and fourth transfer mechanism) FIG. 8 is an explanatory view of the second transfer mechanism 42. In FIG. 8, the transfer device 1 is viewed from the side in the X1 direction. Since the second transfer mechanism 42 and the fourth transfer mechanism 44 have corresponding configurations, the second transfer mechanism 42 will be described and the description of the fourth transfer mechanism 44 will be omitted.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the second transfer mechanism 42 includes a first locking member 71 that detachably locks to the protrusion 59 of the pallet 3 on the side of one rail 23 of the second rail 22, and a second locking member 72 that detachably locks to the protrusion 59 of the pallet 3 on the side of the other rail 23 of the second rail 22, and a locking member moving mechanism 73 (second locking portion moving mechanism) that moves the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 in the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 8, the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 are each plate-shaped members extending in the Y-axis direction, and include a plurality of locking recesses 75 (second locking portions) provided at equal intervals in the Y-axis direction. Each locking recess 75 has a concave shape and can lock to the protrusion 59 from the Z1 direction.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 8, the locking member moving mechanism 73 includes a locking member elevating mechanism 76 that raises and lowers the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72, and a locking member reciprocating mechanism 77 for reciprocating the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 in the Y-axis direction. The locking member elevating mechanism 76 includes an air cylinder. The locking member reciprocating mechanism 77 includes an electric cylinder.

[0044] As shown by the arrow in FIG. 8, the locking member moving mechanism 73 drives the locking member lifting and lowering mechanism 76 to raise the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72, and arranges them at the locking position O where the locking recess 75 can be locked to the protrusion 59. Further, the locking member moving mechanism 73 drives the locking member reciprocating movement mechanism 77 to arrange the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 at the feed position P that is separated from the locking position O by a set distance F on one side in the Y-axis direction. Furthermore, the locking member moving mechanism 73 drives the locking member lifting and lowering mechanism 76 at the feed position P to lower the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72, and arranges them at the unlocking position Q where the locking recess 75 is separated from the protrusion 59. Furthermore, the locking member moving mechanism 73 drives the locking member reciprocating movement mechanism 77 to separate the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 at the unlocking position Q by a set distance F from the feed position P to the other side in the Y-axis direction and arrange them at the return position R located in the Z1 direction of the locking position O. Also, the locking member moving mechanism 73 repeats the operation of cyclically moving the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 in the order of the locking position O, the feed position P, the unlocking position Q, and the return position R.

[0045] Here, the state shown in FIG. 8 is a state where the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 are arranged at the feed position P. The separation distance G between the adjacent locking recesses 75 in the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 corresponds to the set distance F by which the locking member reciprocating movement mechanism 77 moves the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72. The locking member moving mechanism 73 intermittently conveys the pallet 3 on the second rail 22 by the set distance F each time.

[0046] (First Delivery Mechanism, Second Delivery Mechanism, Third Delivery Mechanism, and Fourth Delivery Mechanism) FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the turning mechanism. In FIG. 9, the conveying device 1 is viewed from the side in the Z1 direction. Also, in FIG. 9, the second conveying module 60(2) is removed from the conveying device 1 and shown.

[0047] In the first intersection portion 11, the first transfer mechanism 45 that transfers the pallet 3 from one first rail 21 to a pair of second rails 22 includes a turning mechanism 80 that turns the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the first rail 21. As shown in FIG. 9, the turning mechanism 80 includes a first pinion 81 attached to the first turning portion 32, a second pinion 82 attached to the second turning portion 33, a rack member 83 having two rack portions that mesh with the first pinion 81 and the second pinion 82, and an air cylinder 84 that moves the rack member 83 in the X-axis direction. In the turning mechanism 80, the air cylinder 84 linearly reciprocates the rack member 83 in the X-axis direction to rotate the first pinion 81 and the second pinion 82, and synchronously turns the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33.

[0048] Further, the first transfer mechanism 45 includes a first moving mechanism 85 that moves the pallet 3 from the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 to a pair of second rails 22 when the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 is at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is at the fourth position M4. As shown in FIG. 8, in this example, the second transfer mechanism 42 also serves as the first moving mechanism 85. That is, in this example, the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 of the second transfer mechanism 42 include an extended portion 87 that extends from the side of the second rail 22 toward the first rail 21 near the Y1 direction. Further, the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 are provided with a transfer locking recess 88 at the extended portion 87 (the end portion in the Y1 direction).

[0049] Here, the transfer locking recess 88 provided in the extended portion 87 locks to the protrusions 59 that protrude in the X1 direction and the X2 direction from the pallet 3 located on the first turning portion 32 at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 at the fourth position M4 when the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 are arranged at the locking position O. When the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 move from the locking position O to the feeding position P, the pallet 3 moves from the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the first rail 21 onto the pair of second rails 22.

[0050] Here, when the pallet 3 conveyed along the first rail 21 reaches the first intersection 11 and the pair of rail engaging portions 53 of the pallet 3 are located on the first turning portion 32 at the first position M1 and on the second turning portion 33 at the third position M3, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to move the first turning portion 32 to the second position M2 and move the second turning portion 33 to the fourth position M4. Further, when the first turning portion 32 is arranged at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is arranged at the fourth position M4, the control unit 49 operates the first moving mechanism 85 (the second conveying mechanism 42) to move the pallet 3 from the first rail 21 to the pair of second rails 22.

[0051] Furthermore, when the pallet 3 moves from the first rail 21 to the pair of second rails 22, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to return the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 to the first position M1 and return the second turning portion 33 to the third position M3. Also, the control unit 49 continues to operate the second conveying mechanism 42 even after the pallet 3 has moved to the second rail 22 to convey the pallet 3 along the second rail 22.

[0052] The second transfer mechanism 46 that transfers the pallet 3 from the pair of second rails 22 to one third rail at the second intersection 12 includes a turning mechanism 80 that turns the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the third rail 25. The turning mechanism 80 has the same configuration as the turning mechanism 80 of the first transfer mechanism 45. Also, the second transfer mechanism 46 includes a second moving mechanism 90 that moves the pallet 3 from the pair of second rails 22 to the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the third rail 25 when the first turning portion 32 of the third rail 25 is at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is at the fourth position M4.

[0053] In this example, the second transfer mechanism 42 also serves as the second moving mechanism 90. That is, when the pallet 3 reaches the Y2-direction ends of the pair of second rails 22, if the second transfer mechanism 42 moves the next pallet 3 located in the Y1 direction of that pallet 3 to the Y2-direction ends of the pair of second rails 22, the pallet 3 existing at the Y2-direction ends will be pushed out in the Y2 direction by the next pallet 3 and move onto the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the third rail 25. Thereby, the transfer from the pair of second rails 22 to the single third rail is completed.

[0054] Here, as shown in FIG. 3, at the second intersection 12, the first turning portion 32 of the third rail is arranged at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is arranged at the fourth position M4 in the initial state. When the pallet 3 stopped at the Y2-direction ends of the pair of second rails 22 is pushed onto the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the third rail, the control unit 49 drives the turning mechanism 80 of the second transfer mechanism 46 to move the first turning portion 32 to the first position M1 and the second turning portion 33 to the third position M3. Thereby, the pallet 3 can move in the X-axis direction on the third rail 25. When the pallet 3 becomes movable, the control unit 49 drives the third transfer mechanism to move the pallet along the third rail 25 in the X2 direction. Further, when the pallet 3 reaches the middle between the second intersection 12 and the third intersection 13, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 of the second transfer mechanism 46 to return the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 to the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 to the fourth position M4.

[0055] The third transfer mechanism 47 has the same configuration as the first transfer mechanism. When the pallet 3 conveyed along the third rail 25 reaches the third intersection 13 and the pair of rail engaging portions 53 of the pallet 3 are located on the first turning portion 32 at the first position M1 and on the second turning portion 33 at the third position M3, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to move the first turning portion 32 to the second position M2 and move the second turning portion 33 to the fourth position M4. Further, when the first turning portion 32 is disposed at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the fourth position M4, the control unit 49 operates the first moving mechanism 85 (the fourth transfer mechanism 44) to move the pallet 3 from the third rail 25 to the pair of fourth rails 26.

[0056] Furthermore, when the pallet 3 moves from the third rail 25 to the pair of fourth rails 26, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to return the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 to the first position M1 and return the second turning portion 33 to the third position M3. Also, the control unit 49 continues to operate the fourth transfer mechanism 44 even after the pallet 3 has moved to the fourth rail 26 to convey the pallet 3 along the fourth rail 26.

[0057] The fourth transfer mechanism 48 has the same configuration as the second transfer mechanism. As shown in FIG. 3, at the fourth intersection 14, in the initial state, the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 is disposed at the second position M2, and the second turning portion 33 is disposed at the fourth position M4. When the pallet 3 stopped at the Y1-direction end of the pair of fourth rails by the fourth transfer mechanism 44 is pushed out onto the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the first rail 21, the control unit 49 drives the turning mechanism 80 of the fourth transfer mechanism 48 to move the first turning portion 32 to the first position M1 and move the second turning portion 33 to the third position M3. As a result, the pallet 3 can move in the X-axis direction on the first rail 21. When the pallet 3 becomes movable, the control unit 49 drives the first transfer mechanism 41 to move the pallet in the X1 direction along the first rail 21. Further, when the pallet 3 reaches the middle between the fourth intersection 14 and the unloading position B, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 of the fourth transfer mechanism 48 to return the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 to the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 to the fourth position M4.

[0058] (Function and Effect) According to this example, the first rail 21 includes a first turning portion 32 that is turnable between a first position M1 extending in the X-axis direction and a second position M2 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping on the first extension line L1 at a portion overlapping the first extension line L1 of one side rail 23 of the second rail 22. Further, the first rail 21 includes a second turning portion 33 that is turnable between a third position M3 extending in the X-axis direction and a fourth position M4 extending in the Y-axis direction and overlapping the second extension line L2 at a portion overlapping the second extension line L2 of the other side rail 24 of the second rail 22. The first transfer mechanism 45 for transferring the pallet 3 between the first rail 21 and the second rail 22 includes a turning mechanism 80 for turning the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33. Therefore, if the turning mechanism 80 moves the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 from the first position M1 to the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 from the third position M3 to the fourth position M4, the first turning portion 32 can be connected to one side rail 23 of the second rail 22, and the second turning portion 33 can be connected to the other side rail 24 of the second rail 22.

[0059] Further, when the first turning portion 32 is at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is at the fourth position M4, the first transfer mechanism 45 includes a first moving mechanism 85 for moving the pallet 3 between the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 and the pair of second rails 22. Thereby, the pallet 3 can be transferred between the first rail 21 extending in the X-axis direction and the pair of second rails 22 extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0060] Here, the pallet 3 includes a pallet body 52 having a block 56 for holding the electrolytic capacitor 2, a one-sided rail engaging portion 53 that is attached to the pallet body 52 in a rotatable state around a first axis L3 extending in the Z-axis direction and can engage with the first rail 21 and the one-sided rail 23, and another-sided rail engaging portion 53 that is attached to the pallet body 52 in a rotatable state around a second axis L4 that is parallel to the first axis L3 and spaced apart from the first axis by a predetermined interval E and can engage with the first rail 21 and the other-sided rail 24. Therefore, when the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 turn while the pallet 3 is engaged with the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33, each rail engaging portion 53 turns, but the posture of the pallet body 52 holding the electrolytic capacitor 2 does not change. Thus, the pallet 3 can be conveyed along the bent conveying path 5 without changing the orientation of the pallet 3.

[0061] In this example, the conveying device 1 has a control unit 49 that drives and controls the first delivery mechanism 45. When the one-sided rail engaging portion 53 of the pallet 3 conveyed along the first rail 21 is located on the first turning portion 32 at the first position M1 and the other-sided rail engaging portion 53(2) is located on the second turning portion 33 at the third position M3, the control unit 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to move the first turning portion 32 to the second position M2 and move the second turning portion 33 to the fourth position M4. Further, when the first turning portion 32 is arranged at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is arranged at the fourth position M4, the control unit 49 drives and controls the first moving mechanism 85 (the second conveying mechanism 42) to move the pallet 3 from the first rail 21 to the pair of second rails 22. Therefore, the pallet 3 conveyed in the X-axis direction on the single first rail 21 can be delivered to the pair of second rails 22 extending in the Y-axis direction.

[0062] Also, in this example, it has a control unit 49 that drives and controls the second delivery mechanism 46. When the first turning portion 32 of the second intersection portion 12 is at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 of the second intersection portion 12 is at the fourth position M4, the control unit 49 drives and controls the second moving mechanism 90 (the second conveying mechanism 42) to convey the pallet 3 on the pair of second rails 22 to the first turning portion 32 and the second turning Move it to the part 33. Further, when the pallet 3 moves to the first turning part 32 and the second turning part 33 at the second intersection part 12, the control part 49 drives and controls the turning mechanism 80 to move the first turning part 32 to the first position M1 and move the second turning part 33 to the third position M3. Therefore, the pallet 3 conveyed in the Y-axis direction on the pair of second rails 22 can be delivered to a single third rail 25 extending in the X-axis direction.

[0063] Here, in this example, the second transfer mechanism 42 also serves as the first moving mechanism 85 and the second moving mechanism 90. That is, when delivering the pallet 3 between the first turning part 32 and the second turning part 33 of the first rail 21 and the pair of second rails 22, the pallet 3 moves in the Y-axis direction. Therefore, the second transfer mechanism 42 for moving the pallet 3 in the Y-axis direction can be used as the first moving mechanism 85.

[0064] In this example, the rail locking part 53 of the pallet 3 is provided with a protrusion 59 that protrudes in a direction intersecting the X-axis direction when engaged with the first rail 21 and protrudes in a direction intersecting the Y-axis direction when locked to one side rail 23 of the pair of second rails 22. The first transfer mechanism 41 has a plurality of transfer modules 60, and the transfer module 60 includes a driving claw 61 that is detachably locked to the protrusion 59 on the side of the first rail 21, and a driving claw moving mechanism 62 that moves the driving claw 61 in the X-axis direction. The second transfer mechanism 42 includes a locking recess 75 that is detachably locked to the protrusion 59 on the side of the one side rail 23, and a locking member moving mechanism 73 that moves the locking recess 75 in the Y-axis direction. According to such a configuration, it is easy to convey the pallet 3 on the first rail 21 in the X-axis direction. Also, it is easy to convey the pallet 3 on the second rail 22 in the Y-axis direction.

[0065] In this example, the second transport mechanism 42 includes a first locking member 71 and a second locking member 72 that extend along the one-side rail 23. The first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 include a plurality of locking recesses 75 provided at equal intervals along the one-side rail 23. The second transport mechanism 42 moves the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 in order and repeatedly to a locking position O where the locking recess 75 can engage with the protrusion 59, a feed position P spaced a set distance F from the locking position O to one side in the Y-axis direction, a locking release position Q where the locking recess 75 is separated from the protrusion 59 in the Z1 direction of the transport position, and a return position R spaced a set distance F from the feed position P to the other side in the Y-axis direction and positioned in the Z1 direction of the locking position O. The separation distance G between adjacent engaging portions in the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 corresponds to the set distance F. Therefore, the second transport mechanism 42 can intermittently transport the pallets 3 on the pair of second rails 22 by the set distance F each time. Also, a plurality of pallets 3 can be transported along the pair of second rails 22.

[0066] In this example, the pallet 3 includes a plurality of holding portions 51 for holding the electrolytic capacitors 2. The pallet body 52 is elongated in the X-axis direction. The plurality of holding portions 51 are arranged in the extending direction of the pallet body 52. Therefore, the transport device 1 can hold and transport a plurality of electrolytic capacitors 2 on the pallet 3. Here, when the pallet 3 (the pallet body 52) is elongated, a relatively large space is required when changing the orientation of the pallet 3. In contrast, in the present invention, whether the pallet 3 is transported on the first rail 21 in the X-axis direction or the pallet 3 is transported on the pair of second rails 22 in the Y-axis direction, the posture of the pallet 3 (the pallet body 52) does not change, and the pallet 3 (the pallet body 52) remains in a posture elongated in the X-axis direction. Therefore, in the bent portion of the transport path 5, there is no need for a space for changing the orientation of the pallet 3, and it is easy to reduce the space occupied by the transport device 1.

[0067] In the above example, the electronic component transported by the transport device 1 is the chip-type electrolytic capacitor 2. However, the transport device 1 can transport LED elements, resistance elements, transistors, etc. as electronic components.

[0068] (Modification example) In the above example, by providing the extended portion 87 having the delivery locking recess 88 at the Y1-direction ends of the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 of the second transport mechanism 42, the second transport mechanism 42 also serves as the first movement mechanism 85 of the first delivery mechanism 45. On the other hand, by providing the extended portion 87 having the delivery locking recess 88 at the Y2-direction ends of the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72 of the second transport mechanism, the second transport mechanism 42 may also serve as the second movement mechanism 90 of the second delivery mechanism 46.

[0069] In this case, as the first movement mechanism 85 for moving the pallet 3 from the first rail 21 to the pair of second rails 22, when the first turning portion 32 of the first rail 21 is at the second position M2 and the second turning portion 33 is at the fourth position M4, an extrusion mechanism can be provided that abuts against the pallet 3 on the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 and extrudes the pallet 3 by a predetermined distance F in the Y2 direction. The extrusion mechanism can be configured to include, for example, a linear actuator.

[0070] Also, in the above example, the second transport mechanism 42 includes the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72, but it may include only one of the first locking member 71 and the second locking member 72.

[0071] Also, as shown in FIG. 10, the second transport path 7 may not be orthogonal to the first transport path 6. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of the first rail 21 and a pair of second rails 22 when the second transport path 7 is inclined with respect to the first transport path 6. That is, in the transport device 1, the pair of second rails 22 may be inclined with respect to the first rail 21. Even in this case, by adjusting the turning angles of the first turning portion 32 and the second turning portion 33 of the first rail 21 by the turning mechanism 80, the first turning portion 32 can be arranged on the extension line L1 of one side rail of the pair of second rails 22, and the second turning portion 33 can be arranged on the extension line of the other side rail of the pair of second rails 22. Further, the second transport mechanism 42 that transports the pallet 3 along the pair of second rails can transfer the pallet 3 from the first rail 21 to the second rail 22.

Explanation of Signs

[0072] 1. Conveyor device, 2. Electrolytic capacitor, 3. Pallet, 4. Pallet conveyor mechanism, 5. Conveyor path, 6. First conveyor path, 7. Second conveyor path, 8. Third conveyor path, 9. Fourth conveyor path, 11. First intersection, 12. Second intersection, 13. Third intersection, 14. Fourth intersection, 21. First rail, 22. Pair of second rails, 23. One-side rail, 24. The other-side rail, 25. Third rail, 26. Fourth rail, 32. First swivel part, 33. Second swivel part, 41. First conveyor mechanism, 42. Second conveyor mechanism, 43. Third conveyor mechanism, 44. Fourth conveyor mechanism, 45. First transfer mechanism, 46. Second transfer mechanism, 47. Third transfer mechanism, 48. Fourth transfer mechanism, 49. Control unit, 51. Holding part, 52. Pallet body, 53. Pair of rail engaging parts, 53(1). One-side rail engaging part, 53(2). The other-side rail engaging part, 54. Bearing, 55. Engaging part body, 56. Block, 57. Shaft part, 58. Rail engaging concave part, 59. Protrusion, 60·60(1)~60(4). Conveyor module, 61. Driving claw, 62. Driving claw moving mechanism, 63. Lifting mechanism, 64. Driving claw reciprocating moving mechanism, 65. Guide member, 66. Electric cylinder, 71. First locking member, 72. Second locking member, 73. Locking member moving mechanism, 75. Locking concave part, 76. Locking member lifting mechanism, 77. Locking member reciprocating moving mechanism, 80. Swivel mechanism, 81. First pinion, 82. Second pinion, 83. Rack member, 84. Air cylinder, 85. First moving mechanism, 87. Extended part, 88. Engagement concave part for transfer, 90. Second moving mechanism, L1. First extension line, L2. Second extension line, L3. First axis line, L4. Second axis line

Claims

1. A pallet for holding electronic components, a pallet transport mechanism for transporting the pallet along a first transport path linearly extending in a first direction and a second transport path linearly extending in a second direction intersecting the first transport path, wherein the pallet transport mechanism includes a single first rail for guiding the pallet along the first transport path, a pair of second rails for guiding the pallet along the second transport path, a first transport mechanism for moving the pallet on the first rail, a second transport mechanism for moving the pallet on the pair of second rails, and a transfer mechanism for transferring the pallet between the first rail and the pair of second rails, the pair of second rails includes a first side rail and a second side rail extending in parallel at a predetermined distance from the side of the first rail in the first direction, the first rail includes a first turning portion that is rotatable between a first position extending in the first direction and a second position extending in the second direction and overlapping the first extension line of the first side rail at a portion overlapping the first extension line of the first side rail, and a second turning portion that is rotatable between a third position extending in the first direction and a fourth position extending in the second direction and overlapping the second extension line of the second side rail at a portion overlapping the second extension line of the second side rail, the pallet includes a pallet body having a holding portion for holding the electronic components, a first side rail engaging portion that is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about a first axis extending in the vertical direction and is engageable with the first rail and the first side rail, and a second side rail engaging portion that is attached to the pallet body in a rotatable state about a second axis parallel to the first axis and spaced apart from the first axis by the predetermined distance and is engageable with the first rail and the second side rail, the transfer mechanism includes a turning mechanism for turning the first turning portion and the second turning portion, and a moving mechanism for moving the pallet between the first turning portion and the second turning portion and the pair of second rails when the first turning portion is at the second position and the second turning portion is at the fourth position. A transport device characterized by comprising.

2. having a control unit for driving and controlling the transfer mechanism, When the one-side rail engaging portion of the pallet conveyed along the first rail is located on the first turning portion at the first position and the other-side rail engaging portion is located on the second turning portion at the third position, the control unit drives and controls the turning mechanism to move the first turning portion to the second position and the second turning portion to the fourth position. When the first turning portion is arranged at the second position and the second turning portion is arranged at the fourth position, the control unit drives and controls the moving mechanism to move the pallet from the first rail to the pair of second rails. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

3. It has a control unit that drives and controls the delivery mechanism, When the first turning portion is at the second position and the second turning portion is at the fourth position, the control unit drives the moving mechanism to move the pallet conveyed on the pair of second rails to the first turning portion and the second turning portion. When the pallet moves to the first turning portion and the second turning portion, the control unit drives and controls the turning mechanism to move the first turning portion to the first position and the second turning portion to the third position. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

4. The second conveying mechanism also serves as the moving mechanism. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

5. When engaged with the first rail, the one-side rail engaging portion protrudes in a direction intersecting the first direction and is provided with a protrusion that protrudes in a direction intersecting the second direction when engaged with the one-side rail. The first conveying mechanism includes a first locking portion that detachably locks to the protrusion on the side of the first rail, and a first locking portion moving mechanism that moves the first locking portion in the first direction. The second conveying mechanism includes a second locking portion that detachably locks to the protrusion on the side of the one-side rail, and a locking member moving mechanism that moves the second locking portion in the second direction. The conveying device according to claim 1, characterized in that.

6. The second conveying mechanism includes a locking member extending along the one-side rail. A plurality of the second locking portions are provided at equal intervals along the one-side rail on the locking member. The locking member moving mechanism repeatedly moves the locking member in order to a locking position where the second locking portion can engage with the protrusion, a feeding position spaced from the locking position by a set distance in one side in the second direction, a locking release position where the second locking portion is separated from the protrusion below the feeding position, and a return position located below the locking position and spaced from the feeding position by the set distance in the other side in the second direction. The conveying device according to claim 5, wherein a separation distance between adjacent second locking portions in the locking member corresponds to the set distance.

7. The pallet includes a plurality of the holding portions for holding the electronic components. The pallet body has an elongated shape extending in the first direction. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of the holding portions are arranged in the extending direction of the pallet body.

8. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the electronic component is an electrolytic capacitor.

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