Transfer system and transport vehicle

Abstract

Ensure that work is handed over properly. [Solution] A transfer system comprising a transport vehicle for transporting a workpiece and a transfer device for transferring the workpiece between the transport vehicle and the transport vehicle, wherein the transport vehicle has a mounting section on which the workpiece is placed, a power receiving section positioned opposite to a power supply section of the transfer device when the transport vehicle stops at a transfer position for transferring the workpiece between the transport vehicle and the transfer device, and a transfer mechanism that moves the workpiece placed on the mounting section in the transfer direction to and from the transfer device by power input from the power supply section to the power receiving section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer system and a carrier vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an automatic transfer device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0004] In this automatic transfer device, when the carrier vehicle moving along the transfer path reaches the delivery position of the workpiece, one wheel in the width direction of the carrier vehicle rides on the slope, so that the carrier vehicle tilts toward the workpiece receiving device side. As a result, the workpiece mounted on the carrier vehicle moves to the receiving device side due to its own weight, and the workpiece is delivered from the carrier vehicle to the receiving device.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In a transfer system that performs this type of workpiece delivery, it is required to appropriately perform the workpiece delivery.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the present invention is a carrier vehicle for transporting a workpiece, a transfer system having a transfer device for transferring the workpiece between the carrier vehicle, wherein the carrier vehicle has a placement portion on which the workpiece is placed, and a power receiving portion that is disposed opposite to a power supply portion provided in the transfer device when the carrier vehicle stops at a transfer position where the workpiece is transferred between the carrier vehicle and the transfer device. The transfer system includes a transfer mechanism that moves the workpiece placed on the aforementioned placement unit in the transfer direction with respect to the transfer device using power input from the power supply unit to the power receiving unit.

[0007] Other aspects of the present invention include: A mounting section on which the workpiece is placed, When the vehicle stops at the transfer position for transferring the workpiece, a power receiving unit is positioned opposite the external power supply unit, The transport vehicle has a transfer mechanism that moves the workpiece placed on the aforementioned mounting section in the transfer direction using power input from the power supply section to the power receiving section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to one aspect of the present invention, workpieces can be transferred appropriately. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the transfer system. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a diagram illustrating the transport vehicle. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a diagram illustrating the transfer device. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a diagram illustrating the transfer device. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the transfer device. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining the transfer device. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the transfer mechanism. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram for explaining the transfer mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the second roller. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the first roller. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view of a portion that functions as a spacer when the transport vehicle stops at the transfer position. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining the arrangement of the magnetic coupling when the transport vehicle is arranged at the transfer position. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the transport vehicle according to a modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the transport vehicle according to a modified example.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, an example in which an embodiment of the present invention is applied to a system (transfer system 1) that unmannedly transports a work base WB on which a work WK such as a part is placed in a factory and performs the transfer of the work base WB at a predetermined delivery position (transfer position) will be described. FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the transfer system 1. As shown in FIG. 1, the transfer system 1 includes a transport vehicle 3 that moves along a transport path R, and a transfer device 2 (2A, 2B) that transfers a work base WB on which a work WK is placed between the transport vehicle 3. <00001​As an example, a tape is attached to the floor of a factory along the transport path R of the transport vehicle 3. The transport vehicle 3 is equipped with a camera (not shown) that images the tape. A control device (not shown) controls the movement of the transport vehicle 3 along the tape and the stopping of the transport vehicle 3 at a predetermined transfer position ST (stopping position) based on the image captured by the camera. If the tape is a magnetic tape, the transport vehicle 3 is equipped with a sensor such as a magnetic detection element. In this case, the control device (not shown) controls the movement and stopping of the transport vehicle 3 based on the detected magnetism.

[0012] [Transport vehicle 3] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate the transport vehicle 3. Figure 2 schematically shows a side view of the transport vehicle 3 as seen from the transfer device 2 side. Figure 3 schematically shows the transport vehicle 3 as viewed from the direction of arrow AA in Figure 2. Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-section of the transport vehicle 3 cut along line BB in Figure 2. Figure 5 schematically shows a cross-section of the transport vehicle 3 cut along line AA in Figure 4.

[0013] In the following explanation, the positional relationships of the components of the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2 may be described with reference to the X, Y, and Z directions in Figure 2, as needed. The X direction corresponds to the direction of movement when the transport vehicle 3 moves toward the transfer position ST of the transfer device 2. The Y direction corresponds to the direction of handover of the work base WB when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST. The Z direction corresponds to the vertical direction relative to the installed state of the transport vehicle 3.

[0014] As shown in Figure 2, the transport vehicle 3 has a mounting section 4 on which the work base WB is placed, and a base section 5 that supports the bottom plate 400 of the mounting section 4 and is equipped with a drive unit 9 (drive wheels 91, driven wheels 95). As shown in Figure 5, the mounting section 4 has a pair of guide rails 41A and 41B. The guide rails 41A and 41B are spaced apart and parallel to each other in the X direction. In the Y direction, one end of the guide rails 41A and 41B and the other end are connected to the support beams 48A and 48B, respectively.

[0015] Multiple rollers 42 are provided between the guide rails 41A and 41B, oriented perpendicular to the guide rails 41A and 41B. Multiple rollers 42 are provided at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction (Y direction) of the guide rails 41A and 41B. In this embodiment, a total of six rollers 42 are provided. When viewed from the Z direction, these rollers 42 are located within a rectangular space enclosed by the guide rails 41A and 41B and the support beams 48A and 48B.

[0016] The roller 42 has a cylindrical shape. The roller 42 is externally fitted onto a rod-shaped shaft 43 and is rotatably supported by the shaft 43. One end and the other end of the shaft 43 in the longitudinal direction are supported by guide rails 41A and 41B, respectively.

[0017] An intermediate rail 41C is provided between guide rails 41A and 41B in the X direction. The intermediate rail 41C is provided between guide rails 41A and 41B, parallel to guide rails 41A and 41B. In the X direction, the intermediate rail 41C is provided closer to guide rail 41B (to the right in the figure) than guide rail 41A. The intermediate rail 41C is provided with a through hole 410 for the roller 42. The through hole 410 penetrates the intermediate rail 41C in the X direction. The through hole 410 has an inner diameter larger than the outer diameter of the roller 42. The roller 42 penetrates the through hole 410 in the X direction. In this state, the roller 42 is loosely fitted into the through hole 410.

[0018] Guide rails 41A and 41B, and one end of intermediate rail 41C are connected to support columns 44A, 45A, and 46A, respectively. The other end of guide rails 41A and 41B, and intermediate rail 41C are connected to support columns 44B, 45B, and 46B, respectively. Support columns 44A, 45A, and 46A are fixed in the X-direction by support beam 48A, which is positioned along the X-direction. Support columns 44B, 45B, and 46B are fixed in the X-direction by support beam 48B, which is positioned along the X-direction. Viewed from the Z direction, the mounting section 4 is an area enclosed by six columns (support columns 44A, 45A, 46A, support columns 44B, 45B, 46B), guide rails 41A, 41B connecting the columns, an intermediate rail 41C, and support beams 48A, 48B.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3, guide plates 47, 47 are fixed to the upper surfaces of the guide rail 41A and the intermediate rail 41C. The guide plates 47, 47 are plate-shaped members with a width W47 in the X direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the guide plates 47, 47 have a roughly rectangular shape. The guide plates 47, 47 are arranged with their longer sides aligned along the Y direction. When viewed from the Z direction, the guide plates 47, 47 are provided in a range that crosses the area where the roller 42 is installed in the Y direction.

[0020] Viewed from the Z direction, the guide plates 47, 47 extend toward each other from the guide rail 41A and the intermediate rail 41C. The leading edges 47a, 47a of the guide plates 47, 47 face each other in the X direction with a gap W47a between them. On the other end 47c side of the guide plates 47, 47 in the Y direction, inclined portions 471, 471 are provided in such a way that the distance between the guide plates 47, 47 increases as you move towards the end 47c.

[0021] In this embodiment, the area of ​​the roller 42 exposed between the guide plates 47, 47 when viewed from the Z direction is the mounting area of ​​the work base WB. On one side (the upper side in the figure) of the mounting area of ​​the work base WB, a stopper 485 supported by a support beam 48A is located. The stopper 485 restricts the movement of the work base WB, which is placed on the mounting area of ​​the work base WB, to one side (upper side in the figure).

[0022] A stopper 49 is located on the other side (lower side in the figure) of the mounting area of ​​the work base WB. The stopper 49 is rotatably supported by a plate 481 fixed to the support beam 48B. As shown in Figure 5, the plate 481 is fixed to the support beam 48B on the side opposite to the roller 42.

[0023] Figures 6 and 7 illustrate the transport vehicle 3. Figure 6 shows a magnified and schematic representation of the area around the stopper 49 of the transport vehicle 3 shown in Figure 7. Figure 7 is a cross-section of the transport vehicle 3 cut along line AA in Figure 6, showing a magnified and schematic representation of the area around the stopper 49 and the first roller 71.

[0024] As shown in Figure 6, the stopper 49 is rotatably supported on the side of the plate 481 opposite to the roller 42 (the lower side in the figure) via a shaft member 482 (see Figure 7). As shown in Figure 7, the stopper 49 is a plate-shaped member that has length in the radial direction of the shaft member 482. When viewed from the Y direction, the stopper 49 has short sides 491 and 492 that are arranged parallel to each other. One end of each of the short sides 491 and 492 (the right end in the figure) is connected via the long side 493. The other end of the short sides 491 and 492 (the left end in the figure) is connected to the long side 494 via the inclined section 495. The inclined section 495 connects the long side 494 to the short side 491. Therefore, when viewed from the Y direction, the stopper 49 has a tapered shape in which the area on the shorter side 491 side (upper side in the figure) becomes narrower in the direction perpendicular to the longer side 493 (X direction) as it approaches the shorter side 491.

[0025] Viewed from the Y direction, the shaft member 482 is located between the inclined portion 495 and the long side portion 493. When viewed from the X direction, the shaft member 482 is positioned to overlap with the inclined portion 495. Therefore, the center of gravity of the stopper 49 is located on the shorter side 492 (lower side in the figure) than the shaft member 482. Therefore, in normal operation when no operating force is acting on the stopper 49, the stopper 49 is positioned in a reference position with its short side portion 491 positioned on the upper side in the Z direction and its short side portion 492 positioned on the lower side in the Z direction. In this state, the area of ​​the short side portion 491 of the stopper 49 is located above the roller 42 in the Z direction. Therefore, when the work base WB is placed on the roller 42, it interferes with the front end face of the work base WB on the paper side, restricting the movement of the work base WB toward the front of the paper.

[0026] Furthermore, when the stopper 49 interferes with the operator 29 (described later), it rotates around the pivot axis X482 and is positioned in the operated position with its short side 491 below the roller 42 (see dashed line in the figure). When the stopper 49 is positioned in the operated position, the work base WB is allowed to move toward the front of the paper.

[0027] As shown in Figure 5, the roller 42 has a groove 421 in the region located between the intermediate rail 41C and the guide rail 41B. In cross-sectional view, the groove 421 is inclined such that its width in the X direction increases as it moves toward the outer diameter. As shown in Figure 4, a driven shaft 61 is provided below the region of the roller 42 where the groove 421 is located, oriented along the Y direction. The driven shaft 61 is rotatably supported at one end in the longitudinal direction by a support plate 461. The other end of the driven shaft 61 in the longitudinal direction passes through the support plate 462. The other end of the driven shaft 61 is rotatably supported by the support plate 462. The driven shaft 61 is rotatable around the rotation axis X61 which is along the Y direction.

[0028] On the driven shaft 61, a magnetic coupling MG2 is connected to the other end from the Y direction. The magnetic coupling MG2 is a disc-shaped member with a larger diameter than the driven shaft 61. The magnetic coupling MG2 is positioned concentrically with the driven shaft 61. Multiple magnets are provided on the side of the magnetic coupling MG2 opposite to the support plate 462.

[0029] The driven shaft 61 is provided with pulleys 62 at predetermined intervals in the Y direction. The number of pulleys 62 is the same as the number of rollers 42. Each of the pulleys 62 is provided with a groove 621. In cross-sectional view, the groove 621 is inclined such that its width in the Y direction increases as it approaches the outer diameter. In this embodiment, a ring-shaped belt V is wrapped around the groove 421 of the roller 42 and the groove 621 of the pulley 62. In this embodiment, the rotation of the driven shaft 61 is transmitted to the roller 42 via the rubber belt V.

[0030] Here, the driven shaft 61, the multiple rollers 42, the grooves 421 of the rollers 42, and the belt V wrapped around the pulley 62 of the driven shaft 61 to transmit rotation between the driven shaft 61 and the multiple rollers 42 constitute the transfer mechanism 6 in the invention. Furthermore, the driven shaft 61 and the magnetic coupling MG2 constitute the power receiving section in the invention.

[0031] As shown in Figure 6, when viewed from the Z direction, the support plate 462 is attached to the side of the support columns 45B and 46B opposite to the roller 42 (the lower side in Figure 6). As shown in Figure 7, the support plate 462 completely covers the opening between the support columns 45B and 46B when viewed from the Y direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the lower end of the support plate 462 is fixed to the side surface of the base plate 400.

[0032] On the front side of the support plate 462, the first roller 71 and the magnetic coupling MG2 are positioned vertically. The first roller 71 is located on the front side of the magnetic coupling MG2 and above the magnetic coupling MG2.

[0033] The first roller 71 is rotatably supported by a support shaft 72 that is aligned in the Z direction. The support shaft 72 is fixed to the support portion 731 of the bracket 73. The support portion 731 is arranged horizontally in the direction of the Y. One side of the support portion 731 (the side of the support column 46B) is bent upward, and the bent end forms the connection portion 732 with the support frame 74. The bracket 73 is an integral part formed by bending a plate-shaped member so that the support portion 731 and the connection portion 732 are arranged in substantially perpendicular directions. The connection portion 732 of the bracket 73 is fixed to the side of the support frame 74.

[0034] As shown in Figure 6, the support frame 74 is installed in an orientation along the Y direction. The support frame 74 is installed in a range that crosses the support beam 48B in the Y direction (vertical direction in the figure). Between support columns 45B and 46B, a rib 483 is provided on the upper part of support beam 48B. The rib 483 spans both support column 45B and support column 46B. The support frame 74 is provided across the rib 483 in the Y direction. The support frame 74 rests on the support beam 48B and the support plate 462. In this state, the displacement of the support frame 74 in the X direction is restricted by the rib 483. As shown in Figure 4, the first roller 71 has an overlapping region with the magnetic coupling MG2 in the Z direction (up and down direction in the figure) on the support plate 462 side (right side in the figure). Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, the first roller 71 and the magnetic coupling MG2 are positioned in an overlapping position.

[0035] Figures 8 to 10 illustrate the transport vehicle 3. Figure 8 schematically shows the base portion 5 of the transport vehicle 3 as viewed from the direction of arrow AA in Figure 3. Figure 9 schematically shows a cross-section of the area around the second roller 81A cut along line AA in Figure 8. Figure 10 schematically shows the base portion 5 of the transport vehicle 3 as viewed from the direction of arrow BB in Figure 3.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the second roller 81A is located below the first roller 71 when viewed from the Y direction. The second roller 81A overlaps with the area of ​​the first roller 71 on the support column 45B side (left side in the figure) in the Z direction. Therefore, when viewed from the Z direction, the first roller 71 and the second roller 81A are positioned in an overlapping position.

[0037] As shown in Figure 9, the second roller 81A is attached to the side of the support plate 85 via a bracket 83. The second roller 81A is rotatably supported by a support shaft 82 that is aligned in the Z direction. The support shaft 82 is fixed to a support portion 831 of the bracket 83. The support portion 831 is arranged horizontally in the Y direction. One end of the support portion 831 (the support column 54B side) is connected to a connecting portion 832 that extends upward. The bracket 83 is a single piece formed by bending a plate-like member so that the support portion 831 and the connecting portion 832 are arranged in substantially orthogonal directions. The connecting portion 832 of the bracket 83 is fixed to the side of the support plate 85.

[0038] As shown in Figure 8, the support plate 85 has a width W85 in the X direction. Two second rollers 81A and 81B are arranged on the support plate 85 with a gap between them in the X direction. The second rollers 81A and 81B are spaced apart d81 in the X direction. In this state, the second rollers 81A and 81B are positioned at the same height h81 away from the floor surface FR.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, in the base portion 5, the drive wheel 91 of the drive unit 9 is provided below the support plate 85 when viewed from the Y direction. As shown in Figure 4, the drive wheel 91 is mounted on the lower part of the lower frame 51C, which extends in the Y direction. On the lower frame 51C, the drive wheel 91 is located in the center in the Y direction. The drive wheel 91 is positioned with its rotation axis X91 aligned with the Y direction. Furthermore, the drive wheel 91 is a movable wheel that can rotate around a rotation axis Z91 aligned with the Z direction. In the transport vehicle 3, the drive wheels 91 rotate around the rotation axis X91 due to the output rotation of the motor, causing the transport vehicle 3 to move forward or backward. Furthermore, the drive wheels 91 rotate around the rotation axis Z91 due to the output rotation of the stepping motor, changing the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3.

[0040] Driven wheels 95, 95 are provided at the lower part of support columns 44A, 44B (see Figures 8 and 10). As shown in Figure 4, the driven wheels 95, 95 are positioned with the rotation axis X95 aligned with the Y direction. The driven wheels 95, 95 are fixed wheels and cannot rotate around an axis aligned with the Z direction like the drive wheels 91.

[0041] [Delivery device] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer system 1 has multiple transfer devices 2 (2A, 2B) installed along the transport path R. Transfer device 2A is responsible for transferring the work base WB on which the workpiece WK is placed to the transport vehicle 3. Transfer device 2B is responsible for receiving the work base WB on which the workpiece WK is placed from the transport vehicle 3. In this specification, the terms "transfer" and "receive" include both the delivery of a work base (work WK) and the receipt of a work base (work WK). In the following explanation, unless otherwise specified, transfer devices 2A and 2B will be referred to as transfer device 2.

[0042] In the transport path R, a transfer position ST is set in front of the transfer device 2. As shown in Figure 1, a marker MK indicating that it is the transfer position ST and a wheel stop WC are installed at the transfer position ST. When the transport vehicle 3 detects marker MK using a camera or sensor (not shown), a control device (not shown) stops the transport vehicle 3. At this time, the driven wheels 95 of the transport vehicle 3, which will be described later, ride up onto the inclination of the wheel stop WC (see Figure 10), so that the transport vehicle 3 stops precisely at the handover position of the work base WB with the transfer device 2.

[0043] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate the transfer device 2. Figure 11 schematically shows the transfer device 2 as viewed from the Z direction. Figure 12 schematically shows a cross-section along line AA in Figure 11. The transfer device 2 has a pair of guide rails 21, 21. The guide rails 21, 21 are arranged parallel to each other in a direction along the Y direction (perpendicular to the transport path R). The guide rails 21, 21 are spaced apart in the X direction (the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3). Between the guide rails 21, 21, a plurality of rollers 22 are provided in a direction perpendicular to the guide rails 21. Multiple rollers 22 are provided at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the guide rails 21, 21.

[0044] The roller 22 has a cylindrical shape. The roller 22 is externally fitted onto a rod-shaped shaft 23 and is rotatably supported by the shaft 23. One end and the other end of the shaft 23 in the longitudinal direction are supported by guide rails 21, 21, respectively. Each of the rollers 22 is designed to rotate in the same direction by a drive mechanism (not shown). For example, in the case of Figure 12, when receiving the work base WB from the transport vehicle 3, the rollers 22 are rotated in the counterclockwise direction CCW in Figure 12. When handing the work base WB to the transport vehicle 3, the rollers 22 are rotated in the clockwise direction CW in Figure 12.

[0045] The ends 21a, 21a of the guide rails 21, 21 on the transport path R side are resting on the support wall 25. As shown in Figure 11, the support wall 25 is provided in a direction perpendicular to the guide rails 21, 21. The support wall 25 is wider than the guide rails 21, 21. As shown in Figure 12, the lower end of the support wall 25 is fixed to the floor surface FR via a bracket BK.

[0046] A second guide member 26 is fixed to the support wall 25 on the side facing the transfer position ST (right side in Figure 12). The second guide member 26 has a protruding wall portion 261 that is oriented perpendicular to the support wall 25. The protruding wall portion 261 is provided parallel to the floor surface FR. The protruding wall portion 261 extends from the support wall 25 toward the transfer position ST. A pair of guide rails 262, 262 are provided on the tip 261a side of the protruding wall portion 261. The guide rails 262, 262 are provided parallel to each other with a gap W262 in the Y direction. The gap W262 between the guide rails 262, 262 is slightly wider than the outer diameter of the second roller 81 (81A, 81B) (see Figure 13). The space between the guide rails 262, 262 forms the guide groove 263 of the second roller 81 (81A, 81B).

[0047] As shown in Figure 11, the protruding wall portion 261 has a roughly rectangular shape when viewed from the Z direction. The protruding wall portion 261 is provided with its long side oriented along the X direction (the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3). One end 261b of the protruding wall portion 261 in the X direction is located between the guide rails 21, 21. The other end 261c is located outside the guide rail 21. The protruding wall portion 261 is provided in the area between the guide rails 21, 21, and crosses the side of one of the guide rails 21 on the downstream side (downward side in the figure) in the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3. Viewed from the Z direction, the region on the end 261c side of the protruding wall portion 261 overlaps with the magnetic coupling MG1, which will be described later.

[0048] The guide rails 262, 262 extend linearly from the other end 261c to the one end 261b. The guide rails 262, 262 are provided along the entire length of the protruding wall portion 261 in the longitudinal direction. The guide rails 262, 262 are inclined such that the area on the end 261b side of the protruding wall portion 261 becomes wider as it approaches the end 261b. The region where the spacing between the guide rails 262, 262 widens is the enlarged portion 263' of the guide groove 263 in the invention.

[0049] As shown in Figure 12, a retaining plate 27 is provided on the upper side of the second guide member 26 in the support wall 25. As shown in Figure 11, the retaining plate 27 is provided along the entire length of the support wall 25 in the longitudinal direction (X direction). A first guide member 28 is provided on the other end 27c side of the retaining plate 27.

[0050] Figures 13 and 14 illustrate the transfer device 2. Figure 13 schematically shows a cross-section of the transfer device 2 cut along line BB in Figure 11. Figure 14 schematically shows a cross-section of the transfer device 2 cut along line AA in Figure 13.

[0051] As shown in Figure 13, the first guide member 28 is a columnar member with a substantially rectangular cross-section. As shown in Figure 14, the first guide member 28 is positioned in the direction of the X direction (the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3) when viewed from the Z direction. In this state, the first guide member 28 is installed horizontally along its entire length in the longitudinal direction such that the height h28 (see Figure 13) from the floor surface FR is the same.

[0052] As shown in Figure 11, one end 28b of the first guide member 28 in the X direction is located between the guide rails 21, 21. The other end 28c is located outside the guide rail 21. Viewed from the Z direction, the end 28c of the first guide member 28 is flush with the end 261c of the protruding wall portion 261.

[0053] As shown in Figure 14, the first guide member 28 has an inclined surface 281 on the end 28b side. When viewed from the Z direction, the inclined surface 281 is inclined such that the thickness W28 in the Y direction increases as it moves from the end 28b to the end 28c side. On the end 28c side of the inclined surface 281, there is a flat surface 282 formed with the same width W28 along the entire length in the longitudinal direction. The flat surface 282 is located between the guide rail 262 and the retaining plate 27.

[0054] A drive unit 251 for the magnetic coupling MG1 is provided at a position that overlaps with the flat surface 282 when viewed from the Z direction. As shown in Figure 13, the drive unit 251 penetrates the support wall 25 and the retaining plate 27 in the Y direction. The drive unit 251 has a motor (not shown) and a shaft 252 that rotates with the output rotation of the motor. A magnetic coupling MG1 is connected to the tip of the shaft 252 from the axial direction. The magnetic coupling MG1 rotates around an axis Y252 parallel to the floor surface FR due to the output rotation of a motor (not shown). Here, the drive unit 251 and the magnetic coupling MG1 correspond to the power supply unit in the invention.

[0055] As shown in Figure 14, an operator 29 is provided on one end 261b (upper side in the figure) of the second guide member 26, as viewed from the first guide member 28. As shown in Figure 12, the operator 29 is a plate-shaped member that extends in the Y direction from the transfer area side surface 271 of the holding plate 27. In the Z direction, the operator 29 extends linearly toward the stop area (right side in the figure) from a region that is below the first guide member 28 and above the second guide member 26. The tip 29a of the operator 29 protrudes slightly toward the stopping area side (right side in the figure) than the vertical line VL passing through the tip 261a of the second guide member 26.

[0056] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate the transfer mechanism 6. As shown in Figures 15 and 16, in the transfer system 1, when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST, the driven shaft 61 on the transport vehicle 3 side is positioned concentrically with respect to the shaft 252 on the transfer device 2 side. In this state, the magnetic coupling MG2 on the driven shaft 61 side and the magnetic coupling MG1 on the shaft 252 side are positioned opposite each other on the same axis with a gap between them.

[0057] When transferring a work base WB on which a workpiece WK is mounted between the transfer device 2 and the transport vehicle 3, the drive unit 251, which is the power supply unit on the transfer device 2 side, is driven to rotate the shaft 252 and the magnetic coupling MG1 provided at the tip of the shaft 252. As a result, the magnetic coupling MG2 at the tip of the driven shaft 61 rotates due to the magnetic force of the rotating magnetic coupling MG1. In other words, the rotation of the shaft 252 is transmitted to the driven shaft 61 without contact by the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2.

[0058] As described above, in the transfer mechanism 6, a ring-shaped belt V is wrapped around the pulley 62 of the driven shaft 61 and the grooves 421 of the multiple rollers 42. Therefore, when the driven shaft 61 rotates due to the rotation transmitted from the transfer device 2, the rotation of the driven shaft 61 is transmitted to each of the multiple rollers 42 via the belt V, causing the rollers 42 to rotate in the same direction.

[0059] For example, as shown in Figure 16, when transferring the work base WB from the transport vehicle 3 to the transfer device 2, the driven shaft 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow a, causing the roller 22 to rotate counterclockwise (CCW) in Figure 16. When transferring the work base WB from the transfer device 2 to the transport vehicle 3, the driven shaft 61 is rotated in the direction of arrow b, causing the roller 22 to rotate clockwise (CW) in Figure 16.

[0060] In this embodiment, the transport vehicle 3 is not equipped with a drive source to rotate the driven shaft 61. Rotation is transmitted from the transfer device 2 to the transport vehicle 3 using a magnetic power transmission mechanism MG, which consists of a magnetic coupling MG1 on the transfer device 2 side and a magnetic coupling MG2 on the transport vehicle 3 side. In the power transmission mechanism MG, the magnetic coupling MG1 on the transfer device 2 side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the transport vehicle 3 side are positioned opposite each other in the Y direction to transmit rotation. This is for the following reasons: (a) When the magnetic coupling MG1 on the transfer device 2 side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the transport vehicle 3 side are connected by magnetic force, there is a possibility that the transport vehicle 3 will be unable to move away from the transfer device 2 after the transfer of the work base WB is completed.

[0061] Furthermore, in order to transmit rotation from the magnetic coupling MG1 on the transfer device 2 side to the magnetic coupling MG2 on the transport vehicle 3 side, the magnetic coupling MG1 and the magnetic coupling MG2 need to be arranged concentrically with a gap W in the Y direction. This is for the following reasons: (b) For example, if the upper side of the magnetic coupling MG2 is tilted toward the magnetic coupling MG1 side, it may affect the efficiency of rotational transmission from the magnetic coupling MG1 to the magnetic coupling MG2.

[0062] Therefore, the transfer system 1 uses the second guide member 26 and the first guide member 28 to position the transport vehicle 3, which has reached the transfer position ST, in the Y direction relative to the transfer device 2. Specifically, the first roller 71 contacts the first guide member 28, preventing the upper side of the transport vehicle 3 from being positioned closer to the support wall 25 than the lower side. Furthermore, the second rollers 81A and 81B are positioned in the guide grooves 263 between the pair of guide rails 262, 262 of the second guide member 26, which prevents the lower side of the transport vehicle 3 from being positioned closer to the support wall 25 than the upper side.

[0063] The following describes the process by which the transport vehicle 3, moving along the transport path R, arrives at the transfer position ST set in front of the transfer device 2 and hands over the work base WB to the transfer device 2. Figure 17 illustrates the operation of the second rollers 81A and 81B when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST. Figure 18 illustrates the operation of the first roller 71 when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST. Figure 19 is an enlarged view of the part that functions as a spacer when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST. Figure 20 illustrates the arrangement of the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side when the transport vehicle 3 is stopped at the transfer position ST.

[0064] As shown in Figure 17, in the transfer device 2, the end portion 261b of the second guide member 26 is located on the upstream side in the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3, that is, on the side where the transport vehicle 3 approaches the transfer position ST. Therefore, as the transport vehicle 3 approaches the transfer device 2 from the X direction, the second roller 81A on the direction of travel side of the transport vehicle 3 is inserted into the guide groove 263 between the pair of guide rails 262, 262 of the second guide member 26 as the transport vehicle 3 moves.

[0065] Here, the guide rails 262, 262 are inclined such that the area on the end 261b side widens as it approaches the end 261b. Therefore, if the transfer device 2 and the transport vehicle 3 are misaligned in the Y direction, the misalignment in the Y direction is corrected during the process in which the second roller 81A is inserted into the guide groove 263 (enlarged portion 263') between the guide rails 262, 262 (see Figures 17(a) and (b)). Then, when the rear second roller 81B is inserted into the guide groove 263 between the guide rails 262, 262, the transport vehicle 3 is positioned parallel to the support wall 25 of the transfer device 2 at both the front and rear ends in the direction of movement, by the second rollers 81A and 81B inserted between the guide grooves 263 (see Figure 17(c)).

[0066] Furthermore, on the upper side of the transport vehicle 3, the first roller 71 reaches the area where the first guide member 28 is provided at approximately the same time as the insertion of the second roller 81B on the rear side of the vehicle between the guide rails 262, 262 (see Figures 18(a) and (b)). In this process, if the upper side of the transport vehicle 3 is too close to the support wall 25, the first roller 71 will come into contact with the inclined surface 281 of the first guide member 28. As the transport vehicle 3 moves, the first roller 71 moves along the inclined surface 281 and eventually rides onto the flat surface 282 (see Figure 18(c)). This process corrects the upper side of the transport vehicle 3 from being too close to the support wall 25.

[0067] Here, as shown in Figure 15, when the transport vehicle 3 reaches the transfer position ST, the first roller 71, the second roller 81A, and the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2 are aligned in the Z direction on the front side of the transport vehicle 3. In other words, when viewed from the Z direction, the first roller 71, the second roller 81A, and the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2 are arranged in an overlapping position (see Figure 20). Therefore, when the transport vehicle 3 reaches the transfer position, the magnetic coupling MG2 on the transport vehicle 3 side and the magnetic coupling MG1 on the transfer device 2 side are positioned parallel to each other with a gap W necessary for power transmission (see Figures 16 and 20).

[0068] As shown in Figure 19, when the transport vehicle 3 reaches the transfer position ST, the first roller 71 that contacts the first guide member 28 and the second rollers 81A and 81B that contact the guide groove 263 function as spacers between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2, maintaining a non-contacting distance W between the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side. This effectively reduces the occurrence of contact between the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side.

[0069] As the transport vehicle 3 approaches the transfer position ST, the stopper 49 on the transport vehicle 3 side approaches the operator 29 from the X direction (see Figure 18(d) and (e)). As a result, just before the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST, the operator 29 makes contact with the stopper 49, causing the stopper 49 to rotate. Consequently, when the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST, the stopper 49, pushed by the operator 29, tilts and is positioned below the roller 42 (see Figure 18(f)).

[0070] In this state, when the drive unit 251 on the transfer device 2 side rotates the magnetic coupling MG1, the rotation is transmitted to the magnetic coupling MG2 which is positioned opposite to the magnetic coupling MG1, causing the driven shaft 61 to rotate. When the driven shaft 61 rotates, the rotation of the driven shaft 61 is transmitted to the roller 42 via the belt V, causing the roller 42 to rotate. If the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST of the transfer device 2A, the roller 42 rotates in the direction of receiving the work base WB from the transfer device 2A. If the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST of the transfer device 2B, the roller 42 rotates in the direction of sending the work base WB to the transfer device 2B. This allows the work base WB to be transferred between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer devices 2A and 2B. For example, in the case of Figure 19, since the restriction on the movement of the work base WB by the stopper 49 is released, the rotation of the roller 42 causes the work base WB to move from the transport vehicle 3 on the right side of the figure toward the transfer device 2 on the left side, and the work base WB is transferred to the transfer device 2B.

[0071] Figures 21 and 22 illustrate the transport vehicle 3A in a modified example. In the above embodiment, an example was given in which a first roller 71, second rollers 81A and 81B, and a magnetic coupling MG2 are provided on one side of the transport vehicle 3 in the Y direction. A transport vehicle 3A may also be provided with a first roller 71, second rollers 81A and 81B, and a magnetic coupling MG2 on both sides in the Y direction. In this case, regardless of whether the transfer device 2 is located on one side or the other in the Y direction from the perspective of the transport vehicle 3A, the work base WB can be transferred between the transfer device 2 and the transport vehicle 3A.

[0072] In the embodiments and modifications described above, the first roller 71 and the second rollers 81A and 81B are provided on the transport vehicle 3 side, and the first guide member 28 and the second guide member 26 are provided on the transfer device 2 side. The following configuration is also possible. (A) The first roller 71 and the second rollers 81A and 81B are provided on the transfer device 2 side, and the first guide member 28 and the second guide member 26 are provided on the transport vehicle 3 side. (B) Either the transfer device 2 or the transport vehicle 3 is provided with a first roller 71 and a second guide member 26, while the other is provided with second rollers 81A and 81B and a first guide member 28.

[0073] In the embodiments and modifications described above, examples were given in which rotation is transmitted between the shaft 252 on the power supply side and the driven shaft 61 (shaft) on the power receiving side using magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2. Rotation may also be transmitted between the transfer device 2 and the transport vehicle 3 by connecting the shaft 252 on the power supply side and the driven shaft 61 (shaft) on the power receiving side. Furthermore, an example was given in which rotation is transmitted between the driven shaft 61 and the roller 42 via a rubber belt V. Rotation may also be transmitted via a gear train or the like.

[0074] As described above, the transfer system 1 according to one aspect of the present invention has the following configuration. (1) Transfer system 1 is, Transport vehicle 3 for transporting work WK, It includes transfer devices 2 (2A, 2B) for transferring the workpiece WK between the transport vehicle 3 and the transport vehicle 3. Transport vehicle 3 is, A mounting section 4 on which a work base WB on which a workpiece WK is placed is placed, When the transfer device 2 (2A, 2B) stops at the transfer position ST where the work base WB is transferred, the power receiving unit is positioned opposite the power supply unit of the transfer device 2 (2A, 2B), The system includes a transfer mechanism 6 that uses power input from the power supply unit to the front power receiving unit to move the work base WB, which is placed on the mounting unit 4, in the transfer direction with respect to the transfer devices 2 (2A, 2B).

[0075] According to one aspect of the present invention, the transfer of workpieces WK (workpiece base WB) can be performed appropriately. Furthermore, since there is no need to mount a power source on the transport vehicle 3 to drive the transfer mechanism 6 that moves the workpieces WK (workpiece base WB) placed on the mounting section 4 in the transfer direction to the transfer device 2, a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the transport vehicle 3 can be expected. Furthermore, transport vehicles moving within a factory, for example, are subjected to vibrations caused by uneven floor surfaces and movement. The impact of vibrations on a transport vehicle increases as its weight increases, potentially affecting its durability and the accuracy of workpiece transfer. As described above, by not having a power source mounted on the transport vehicle 3, the total weight of the transport vehicle 3 can be reduced, thereby reducing the possibility of affecting the durability of the transport vehicle 3 and the accuracy when transferring the workpiece WK (workpiece base WB).

[0076] (2) Power from the power supply unit is transmitted to the power receiving unit via magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2.

[0077] According to one aspect of the present invention, power can be transmitted between a power supply unit and a power receiving unit without contact. If the transmission of power requires engagement or connection between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit, the movement and stopping of the transport vehicle 3 must be performed with precision to ensure that the power receiving unit on the transport vehicle 3 side is reliably engaged or connected to the power supply unit on the transfer device 2 side. In such cases, it may be necessary to increase the number of sensors used for controlling the movement of the transport vehicle, improve the precision of the braking mechanism, and refine the steering control of the transport vehicle, potentially increasing the cost of manufacturing the transport vehicle. By configuring it as described above, it is possible to ensure proper power transmission between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit while minimizing the possibility of increased manufacturing costs for the transport vehicle.

[0078] (3) When the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST, a spacer is interposed between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2 to maintain a distance (gap W) between the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side so that they do not come into contact with each other.

[0079] When the transport vehicle 3 stops at the transfer position ST, if the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side are connected by magnetic force, there is a possibility that the transport vehicle 3 will be unable to move away from the transfer device 2 after transferring the workpiece WK (workpiece base WB). With the configuration described above, the spacer prevents magnetic coupling between the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side, thus effectively preventing such a situation from occurring.

[0080] (4) The spacer is The first roller 71 installed on the transport vehicle 3, The transfer device 2 includes a first guide member 28 provided on the part facing the first roller 71, The first guide member 28 is provided in a direction along the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3, and on the side where the transport vehicle 3 approaches the transfer position, there is an inclined surface 281 that increases in protrusion height toward the first roller 71 as it approaches the transfer position.

[0081] With this configuration, if the transport vehicle 3 gets too close to the transfer device 2 during its journey toward the transfer position ST, the first roller 71 rolls along the inclined surface 281, thereby adjusting the distance between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2 to an appropriate distance.

[0082] (5) The spacer is The second rollers 81 (81A, 81B) provided on the transport vehicle 3, The transfer device 2 includes a second guide member 26 provided on the part facing the second roller 81 (81A, 81B). The second guide member 26 has a protruding wall portion 261 that protrudes toward the second roller 81 (81A, 81B), The protruding wall portion 261 has a guide groove 263 that traverses the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3 and has a width that matches the outer diameter of the second roller 81 (81A, 81B). In the guide groove 263, an enlarged section 263' is provided on the side where the transport vehicle 3 approaches the transfer position ST, and the width increases as it moves away from the transfer position ST.

[0083] With this configuration, as the transport vehicle 3 moves towards the transfer position ST, the second rollers 81 (81A, 81B) roll on the tilting expansion section, thereby adjusting the distance between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2 to an appropriate distance.

[0084] (6) When the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2, which are stopped at the transfer position ST, are viewed from the vertical direction (Z direction), the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2, the first roller 71, and the second roller 81A are arranged in an overlapping positional relationship. A first roller 71 and a second roller 81A are positioned on one side (upper side) and the other side (lower side) of the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2 in the vertical direction (Z direction).

[0085] According to one aspect of the present invention, in the region where at least the magnetic couplings MG1 and MG2 are provided, the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side can be arranged parallel to each other with an appropriate gap between them.

[0086] (7) At least two second rollers 81A and 81B are provided, spaced apart in the direction of movement of the transport vehicle 3.

[0087] According to one aspect of the present invention, the second roller 81A and the second roller 81B are arranged at an interval in the direction of movement (front-to-back direction) of the transport vehicle 3. As the transport vehicle 3 moves toward the transfer position ST, the second roller 81A and the second roller 81B are inserted into the guide groove 263 in sequence and roll within the guide groove 263. When the transport vehicle 3 reaches the transfer position ST and stops in front of the transfer device 2, the distance between the transport vehicle and the transfer device 2 is maintained at the same distance on both the front and rear sides of the transport vehicle 3 by the second roller 81A and the second roller 81B inserted into the guide groove 263. This allows the distance between the transport vehicle 3 and the transfer device 2 to be adjusted to an appropriate distance on both the front and rear sides.

[0088] (8) A wheel stopper WC is provided at the transfer position ST to stop the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving side in a position where their respective shaft centers are not offset.

[0089] In order to properly transmit power between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit, the driving magnetic member constituting the magnetic coupling MG1 on the power supply unit side and the driven magnetic member constituting the magnetic coupling MG2 on the power receiving unit side must be arranged coaxially. For example, a wheel stopper WC is installed on the floor surface FR on which the transport vehicle 3 moves, at a position where the driven wheels 95 will ride up when the transport vehicle 3 reaches the transfer position ST. As a result, when the driven wheel 95 rides onto the wheel stop WC, the load on the motor (not shown) that moves the transport vehicle 3 toward the transfer position ST increases. By stopping the transport vehicle 3 at the moment this load increases, the transport vehicle 3 can be stopped in a position suitable for transferring the work base WB at the transfer position ST. This allows the axis of the driving magnetic member and the axis of the driven magnetic member to be positioned without offset, thus enabling proper power transmission between the power supply unit and the power receiving unit.

[0090] Here, the height of the wheel chock WC from the floor is sufficiently low compared to the height required to tilt the transport vehicle 3 and move the work base WB towards the transfer device 2 by its own weight. Therefore, when the transport vehicle 3 is moved after the work base WB has been transferred, the impact force acting on the transport vehicle 3 due to the wheel chock being switched is sufficiently smaller than the impact force acting on the transport vehicle 3 when the transport vehicle 3 is tilted and the work base WB is moved. Therefore, the possibility of impact force accumulating in the transport vehicle 3 due to overcoming the wheel chock WC can be significantly reduced. This is expected to extend the lifespan of the transport vehicle 3.

[0091] (9) The transfer mechanism 6 is A driven shaft 61 to which the magnetic coupling MG2 is attached at one end in the longitudinal direction, Multiple rollers 42 are provided above the driven shaft 61 in the vertical direction (Z direction), spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft 61, The system includes a driven shaft 61 and a belt V that is wrapped around the roller 42 and transmits rotation between the driven shaft 61 and the roller 42.

[0092] According to one aspect of the present invention, for example, rotation can be appropriately transmitted between a driven shaft 61 and a roller 42 simply by wrapping a belt around a driven shaft 61 and a roller 42 that rotate around mutually orthogonal axes. If a gear train is used to transmit rotation, it becomes necessary to provide space for the gear train in the transport vehicle 3, which could increase the size of the transport vehicle 3. By configuring it as described above, rotation can be appropriately transmitted between the driven shaft 61 and the roller 42 while preventing the transport vehicle 3 from becoming larger.

[0093] (10) Transfer mechanism 6 is A driven shaft 61 with the aforementioned magnetic coupling MG2 attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction, Multiple rollers 42 are provided above the driven shaft 61 in the vertical direction (Z direction), spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the driven shaft 61, The system includes a driven shaft 61 and a belt V that is wrapped around the roller 42 and transmits rotation between the driven shaft 61 and the roller 42.

[0094] According to one aspect of the present invention, for example, rotation can be appropriately transmitted between a driven shaft 61 and a roller 42 simply by wrapping a belt around a driven shaft 61 and a roller 42 that rotate around mutually orthogonal axes. If a gear train is used to transmit rotation, it becomes necessary to provide space for the gear train in the transport vehicle 3, which could increase the size of the transport vehicle 3. By configuring it as described above, rotation can be appropriately transmitted between the driven shaft 61 and the roller 42 while preventing the transport vehicle 3 from becoming larger. Furthermore, in the case of a transport vehicle 3A in which magnetic couplings MG2 are provided at both ends of the driven shaft 61, and the first roller 71, second rollers 81A and 81B, and magnetic couplings MG2 are provided on both sides in the Y direction, the work base WB can be transferred between the transport vehicle 2 and the transport vehicle regardless of whether the transport vehicle 2 is located on one or the other side in the Y direction.

[0095] Furthermore, one aspect of the present invention can also be specified as a transport vehicle 3 for transporting a workpiece WK. (11) Transport vehicle 3 is A mounting section 4 on which a work base WB on which a workpiece WK is placed is placed, When the work base WB is moved to the transfer position ST, the power receiving unit is positioned opposite the external power supply unit, The system includes a transfer mechanism 6 that moves the work base WB, which is placed on the mounting section 4, in the transfer direction using power input from the power supply section to the front power receiving section.

[0096] According to one aspect of the present invention, since there is no need to mount a power source on the transport vehicle 3 to drive the transfer mechanism 6 that moves the workpiece WK (workpiece base WB) placed on the mounting section 4 in the transfer direction, a reduction in the manufacturing cost of the transport vehicle 3 can be expected. For example, if the external power supply unit is a transfer device 2 (2A, 2B), the power input from the transfer device 2 to the power receiving unit drives the transfer mechanism 6, allowing the work base WB placed on the mounting unit 4 to be moved to the transfer device 2 side and handed over. This enables the proper handover of the workpiece WK (work base WB).

[0097] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments are merely examples of how the present invention can be applied, and are not intended to limit the technical scope of the present invention to the specific configurations of these embodiments. Modifications can be made as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of ​​the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 1. Transfer System 2(2A, 2B) Transfer device 3, 3A transport vehicle 4 Mounting section 6 Transfer mechanism 26. Second guide member (spacer) 28. First guide member (spacer) 42 Laura 61 Driven shaft (shaft power receiving part) 71. First roller (spacer) 81 (81A, 81B) Second roller (spacer) 251 Drive unit (power supply unit) 261 Projecting wall part 263 Guide groove (spacer) 263' Enlarged section 281 Slope MC Wheel Chocks MG1 Magnetic Coupling (Power Supply Unit) MG2 Magnetic Coupling (Power Receiving Section) ST transfer position V-belt WC wheel chocks WK Work

Claims

1. A transport vehicle for transporting workpieces, A transfer system comprising a transfer device for transferring the workpiece between the transport vehicle and the transport vehicle, The aforementioned transport vehicle is A mounting section on which the aforementioned workpiece is placed, When the transfer device stops at the transfer position for transferring the workpiece, the power receiving unit is positioned opposite the power supply unit of the transfer device, A transfer system comprising a transfer mechanism that moves the workpiece placed on the aforementioned placement unit in the transfer direction with respect to the transfer device by power input from the power supply unit to the power receiving unit.

2. In claim 1, A transfer system in which power from the power supply unit is transmitted to the power receiving unit via a magnetic coupling.

3. In claim 2, A transfer system having a spacer interposed between the transport vehicle and the transfer device when the transport vehicle stops at the transfer position, maintaining a distance between the magnetic coupling on the power supply unit side and the magnetic coupling on the power receiving unit side such that they do not come into contact with each other.

4. In claim 3, The previous spacer is A first roller provided on one of the transport vehicle and the transfer device, The other of the transport vehicle and the transfer device has a first guide member provided on the part facing the first roller, A transfer system wherein the first guide member is provided in a direction along the direction of movement of the transport vehicle, and on the side where the transport vehicle approaches the transfer position, an inclined surface is provided, the height of the protrusion toward the first roller increases as it approaches the transfer position.

5. In claim 4, The previous spacer is A second roller provided on one of the transport vehicle and the transfer device, The other of the transport vehicle and the transfer device has a second guide member provided on the part facing the second roller, The second guide member is, The protruding wall portion that protrudes toward the second roller side, The protruding wall portion has a guide groove that traverses the direction of movement of the transport vehicle and has a width that matches the outer diameter of the second roller, A transfer system in which the guide groove is provided with a widening section on the side where the transport vehicle approaches the transfer position, such that the width increases as it moves away from the transfer position.

6. In claim 5, When the transport vehicle and the transfer device, which are stopped at the aforementioned transfer position, are viewed from a vertical direction, The magnetic coupling, the first roller, and the second roller are arranged in an overlapping positional relationship. A transfer system in which the first roller and the second roller are positioned on one side and the other side of the magnetic coupling in the vertical direction.

7. In claim 5, The transfer system is provided with at least two second rollers spaced apart in the direction of movement of the transport vehicle.

8. In any one of claims 3 to 7, A transfer system in which a wheel stopper is provided at the transfer position to stop the magnetic coupling on the power supply side and the magnetic coupling on the power receiving side at a position where their respective shaft centers are not offset.

9. In any one of claims 3 to 7, The aforementioned transfer mechanism is, A shaft with the magnetic coupling attached to one end in the longitudinal direction, On one side of the shaft in the vertical direction, a plurality of rollers are provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the shaft, A transfer system comprising a shaft and a belt wrapped around the roller, which transmits rotation between the shaft and the roller.

10. In any one of claims 3 to 7, The aforementioned transfer mechanism is, A shaft with magnetic couplings attached to both ends in the longitudinal direction, On one side of the shaft in the vertical direction, a plurality of rollers are provided at intervals along the longitudinal direction of the shaft, A transfer system comprising a shaft and a belt wrapped around the roller, which transmits rotation between the shaft and the roller.

11. A mounting section on which the workpiece is placed, When the vehicle stops at the transfer position for transferring the workpiece, a power receiving unit is positioned opposite the external power supply unit, A transport vehicle having a transfer mechanism that moves the workpiece placed on the aforementioned placement section in the transfer direction by power input from the power supply section to the power receiving section.

Images