Work transport tray

Abstract

To provide a workpiece transport tray that can suppress the bending or wrinkling of workpieces with a simple configuration. [Solution] A work transport tray 200 capable of placing and transporting a rectangular, single-sheet workpiece W comprises a tray body 20 and two clip portions 50. The tray body 20 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is capable of placing a workpiece W on it. The two clip portions 50 are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the tray body 20 and are capable of gripping each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a work conveying tray.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, supports that support sheet-like works or objects to be processed and can be conveyed within a processing apparatus are known. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a support that supports a sheet-like object to be processed (film) and dries the object to be processed by passing (conveying) through a heating furnace.

Prior Art Literature

Patent Literature

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The support of Patent Document 1 is provided with film holding portions such as clips that sandwich the four sides or four corners of a rectangular sheet-like object to be processed from both sides. This is intended to suppress the occurrence of wrinkles and the like on the object to be processed. In the support of Patent Document 1, four film holding portions are provided so as to correspond to the four sides or four corners. Therefore, there is a risk that the support becomes complicated and increased in size.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a work conveying tray capable of suppressing the occurrence of bending or wrinkles of a work with a simple configuration.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0006] The present invention relates to a workpiece transport tray capable of holding and transporting rectangular, single-sheet workpieces (W), comprising a tray body (20) and two clip portions (50). The tray body is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is capable of holding a workpiece. The two clip portions are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the tray body and are capable of gripping each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece.

[0007] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending or wrinkling of the workpiece. Furthermore, in this invention, there are a total of two clip portions so that they can clamp onto each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece. Therefore, the structure can be simplified compared to the support in Patent Document 1, in which there are a total of four film holding portions so that they correspond to the four sides or four corners of the workpiece. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] A schematic side view showing a heat treatment apparatus to which a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] A schematic plan view showing a heat treatment apparatus to which a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment is applied. [Figure 3] (A) is a plan view showing the workpiece, (B) is a plan view showing a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment, (C) is a front view showing a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment, and (D) is a bottom view showing a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] A plan view showing a portion of a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment. [Figure 5] A cross-sectional view showing a part of a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment. [Figure 6] A bottom view showing a portion of a workpiece transport tray according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] This figure shows a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a plan view and (B) is a front view. [Figure 8]This is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of operation of a workpiece transport tray and workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a cross-sectional view showing the clip portion of the workpiece transport tray in an open state, and (B) is a cross-sectional view showing the clip portion in a closed state. [Figure 9] This figure illustrates an example of operation of a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a plan view of the workpiece placement device and (B) is a front view of the workpiece placement device. [Figure 10] This figure illustrates an example of operation of a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a plan view of the workpiece placement device and (B) is a front view of the workpiece placement device. [Figure 11] This figure illustrates an example of operation of a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a plan view of the workpiece placement device and (B) is a front view of the workpiece placement device. [Figure 12] This figure illustrates an example of operation of a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment, where (A) is a plan view of the workpiece placement device and (B) is a front view of the workpiece placement device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] The following describes a workpiece transport tray, workpiece placement device, and heat treatment apparatus according to one embodiment, based on the drawings. Note that substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted.

[0010] (One embodiment) Figures 1 and 2 show a heat treatment apparatus equipped with a workpiece placement device according to one embodiment. The heat treatment apparatus 10 is a device for drying a material applied to a single-sheet workpiece placed on a workpiece transport tray 200 by heat treatment. The workpiece placement device 70 is a device for placing the single-sheet workpiece coated with the material onto the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0011] First, let me explain the heat treatment apparatus 10.

[0012] A heat treatment apparatus 10 includes a heat treatment furnace 1, a transfer conveyor 4, a heater 5, a work placing device 70, and the like. The heat treatment furnace 1 is, for example, a drying furnace, and has a space 100 of a predetermined length inside. The heat treatment furnace 1 has an inlet 2 at one end in the longitudinal direction and an outlet 3 at the other end. The inlet 2 and the outlet 3 communicate with the space 100.

[0013] The transfer conveyor 4 is, for example, a chain conveyor, and is provided along the space 100 of the heat treatment furnace 1. The transfer conveyor 4 can transfer a work transfer tray 200 having a work W placed thereon from the inlet 2 side to the outlet 3 side of the heat treatment furnace 1 in the space 100. Here, the direction from the inlet 2 toward the outlet 3 is defined as the "transfer direction" of the work transfer tray 200.

[0014] The heater 5 includes a heater housing 6 and a heat generating portion 7. The heater housing 6 is formed into a rectangular plate shape from, for example, metal. The heat generating portion 7 is formed into, for example, a long cylindrical shape. A plurality of heat generating portions 7 are provided on the heater housing 6 so as to be inserted into cylindrical holes formed along the longitudinal direction of the heater housing 6. The heat generating portion 7 generates heat when energized. Thereby, heat is radiated from the heater housing 6.

[0015] The heater 5 is provided on the upper side in the vertical direction of the transfer conveyor 4 such that the surface direction of the heater housing 6 extends along the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction is orthogonal to the transfer direction. A plurality of heaters 5 are provided from the inlet 2 side toward the outlet 3 side of the space 100. The space 100 is divided into three compartments (a first compartment S1, a second compartment S2, and a third compartment S3) from the inlet 2 side toward the outlet 3 side. For example, six heaters 5 are provided in each of the first compartment S1 and the second compartment S2. No heater 5 is provided in the third compartment S3.

[0016] Ten heat generating units 7 are provided in the heater 5 of the first section S1. Six heat generating units 7 are provided in the heater 5 of the second section S2. Therefore, by energizing the heat generating units 7 of each heater 5 via a control unit (not shown), the temperature of the space 100 of the heat treatment furnace 1 can be controlled such that, for example, the temperature of the first section S1 of the space 100 becomes the highest and the temperature of the third section S3 becomes the lowest. The temperature of the space 100 is controlled by the control unit to be, for example, approximately 100 to 200°C. It should be noted that providing a larger number of heaters 5 (heat generating units 7) in the first section S1 also makes it possible to increase the space temperature itself. In addition, since volatilization from the object to be processed occurs in the first half of the heat treatment furnace 1 (drying furnace), the output of the heaters 5 may be increased or the number of heaters 5 (heat generating units 7) may be increased in order to supply energy corresponding to the latent heat of vaporization.

[0017] Air is introduced into the space 100 through an inlet port (not shown). Further, the air in the space 100 is discharged through a discharge port (not shown). This makes it possible to discharge water or a solvent evaporated or volatilized from the object to be processed applied to the workpiece W out of the space 100.

[0018] An inlet conveyor 8 is provided on the side of the conveyor 4 opposite to the outlet 3. The inlet conveyor 8 is, for example, a chain conveyor, and can convey a work transfer tray 200 having a workpiece W placed thereon to the conveyor 4 via the inlet 2. An outlet conveyor 9 is provided on the side of the conveyor 4 opposite to the inlet 2. The outlet conveyor 9 is, for example, a chain conveyor, and can further convey, in the conveyance direction, the work transfer tray 200 that has been conveyed to the outlet 3 by the conveyor 4.

[0019] The workpiece placement device 70 is located near the entrance conveyor belt 8. The workpiece placement device 70 includes a workpiece transport unit 81 attached to a robot arm 80. The workpiece placement device 70 can place workpieces W, which are placed on the workpiece transport unit 81, onto the workpiece transport tray 200 using the robot arm 80, which is controlled by a control unit (not shown). The workpiece transport tray 200 on which the workpieces W are placed is transported to the heat treatment furnace 1 by the entrance conveyor belt 8. The configuration of the workpiece placement device 70 will be described in detail later.

[0020] Next, I will explain Work W.

[0021] As shown in Figure 3(A), the workpiece W is formed in a rectangular shape and as a single sheet from a metal such as aluminum. The thickness of the workpiece W is, for example, 20 μm. In other words, the workpiece W is, for example, aluminum foil. The material to be treated P1 is applied to the center of the workpiece W. The material to be treated P1 is, for example, a paste made from electrode material. In this embodiment, the material to be treated P1 is applied in a rectangular shape to one side of the workpiece W in the center. Alternatively, the material to be treated P1 applied to one side of the workpiece W may be heat-treated (dried), and then the material to be treated P1 may be applied to the other side of the workpiece W and heat-treated (dried).

[0022] Next, we will describe the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0023] As shown in Figures 3(B) to 3(C), the workpiece transport tray 200 includes a tray body 20, holes 31, rib portions 32, contact members 33, reinforcing portions 40, clip portions 50, separation biasing members 55, etc. The tray body 20 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, for example, from a metal such as aluminum. The holes 31 are formed in the shape of a rectangle so as to penetrate the tray body 20 in the thickness direction. Multiple holes 31 are formed in the longitudinal direction of the tray body 20 such that their longitudinal direction is aligned with the short direction of the tray body 20. In this embodiment, seven holes 31 are formed in the tray body 20. A tray notch 21 is formed on one of the two long sides of the tray body 20.

[0024] The rib portions 32 are formed between multiple holes 31 in the tray body 20. The rib portions 32 are part of the tray body 20, and six of them are formed on the tray body 20. The rib portions 32 can support the lower surface of the workpiece W.

[0025] The contact member 33 is formed in a long cylindrical shape from a material whose thermal conductivity is lower than that of the rib portion 32 (aluminum), such as fluororubber. The contact member 33 is provided on each of the four rib portions 32 located in the center of the tray body 20. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a tray stepped surface 34 is formed on each of the four rib portions 32 located in the center of the tray body 20. The tray stepped surface 34 is formed in a planar shape at a predetermined distance from one surface to the other surface of the tray body 20. A tray groove portion 35 is formed on the tray stepped surface 34. The tray groove portion 35 is recessed from the tray stepped surface 34 and is formed to follow the longitudinal direction of the rib portion 32. The tray groove portion 35 is formed in a dovetail shape such that the width of the bottom surface is greater than the width of the opening of the tray stepped surface 34 (see Figure 5). Both ends of the tray groove 35 are formed in a circular shape when viewed from a direction perpendicular to the tray step surface 34, so that a cutter for forming the tray groove 35 can be inserted.

[0026] The contact member 33 is provided so as to fit into the tray groove 35. When the contact member 33 is provided in the tray groove 35, the part of the contact member 33 opposite to the bottom surface of the tray groove 35 is on the same plane as one surface of the tray body 20 (see Figure 5). As a result, when the workpiece W is placed on the tray body 20, the portion of the lower surface of the workpiece W corresponding to the object to be processed P1 comes into contact with the contact member 33 without coming into contact with the rib portion 32 (tray step surface 34).

[0027] The reinforcing portion 40 is made of a material with a hardness higher than that of the tray body 20 (aluminum), such as stainless steel. The reinforcing portion 40 is provided at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the tray body 20, that is, at the outer edge of the tray body 20. Clip notches 36 are formed at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the tray body 20. Two clip notches 36 are formed at each end in the longitudinal direction of the tray body 20 (see Figures 4-6). An inclined surface 41 is formed on the side of the reinforcing portion 40 opposite to the clip notches 36 (see Figures 4 and 5). The inclined surface 41 is formed in a planar shape so as to be inclined with respect to one surface of the tray body 20. A push pin hole portion 42 is formed on the inclined surface 41 of one of the two reinforcing portions 40 provided on the tray body 20 (see Figures 4 and 5). A conveyor fitting projection 43 is formed on the side of the reinforcing portion 40 opposite to the inclined surface 41 (see Figures 5 and 6). The conveyor fitting projection 43 is formed linearly along the longitudinal direction of the reinforcing portion 40 and can be fitted onto the chains of the transport conveyor 4, the inlet transport conveyor 8, and the outlet transport conveyor 9.

[0028] When the workpiece transport tray 200 is transported by the transport conveyor 4 of the heat treatment apparatus 10, the chain of the transport conveyor 4 does not come into contact with the tray body 20, but rather with the reinforcing portion 40. This suppresses wear of the workpiece transport tray 200 during transport.

[0029] As shown in Figures 3(B) to 3(D), the clip portion 50 is provided on each of the two short sides of the tray body 20, that is, on each of the two opposing sides of the tray body 20. One of the two clip portions 50, the clip portion 501, has a pressing portion 51, a pressing receiving portion 52, a rotating portion 53, a rotating biasing member 54, a clip base portion 56, a clip support portion 57, a clip stopper portion 59, a bolt 60, a washer 61, etc. (see Figures 4 to 6).

[0030] The pressing portion 51 is formed, for example, by bending one of the longer sides of a rectangular (rectangular) plate-shaped metal material twice (see Figures 4 and 5). The curved portion of the pressing portion 51, which is the bent part, can contact one surface of the workpiece W. The pressing receiving portion 52 is formed in the shape of a long plate from a material such as fluororubber or fluororesin, whose coefficient of friction with the workpiece W (aluminum) is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the workpiece W and the tray body 20 (aluminum). The pressing receiving portion 52 has pressing receiving grooves 521 formed therein (see Figures 4 and 5). The pressing receiving grooves 521 are formed in a straight line so as to extend in the longitudinal direction on one surface of the pressing receiving portion 52. Multiple pressing receiving grooves 521 are formed at predetermined intervals in the short direction of the pressing receiving portion 52. By forming the pressing receiving portion 52 from fluororesin, the pressing receiving portion 52 can be made heat resistant. Furthermore, by forming the clamping portion 51 with a softer (lower hardness) material such as fluororesin rather than metal, the aggressiveness towards the workpiece W can be reduced, and the breakage of the workpiece W when it is sandwiched between the clamping portion 51 and the clamping receiving portion 52 can be suppressed.

[0031] The rotating part 53 is formed from, for example, a plate-shaped metal material. The rotating part 53 has a rotating part body 531 and a bearing part 532 (see Figure 5). The rotating part body 531 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The bearing part 532 is formed integrally with the rotating part body 531 so as to extend perpendicularly from each of the two opposing sides of the rotating part body 531. A rotating part notch 533 is formed in the rotating part body 531 (see Figures 4-6).

[0032] The clip base 56 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, for example, from metal. The clip base 56 is provided in each of the two clip notches 36 formed at one end of the tray body 20 in the longitudinal direction. Two rail holes 561 are formed in the clip base 56 (see Figures 5 and 6). The clip support 57 is formed in the shape of a plate-shaped metal material, for example. The clip support 57 has a clip support body 571 and a bearing portion 572 (see Figure 5). The clip support body 571 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate. The bearing portion 572 is formed integrally with the clip support body 571 so as to extend perpendicularly from each of the two opposing sides of the clip support body 571. The clip support 57 is provided integrally with the clip base 56 so as to join the upper surface of the clip base 56. The clip support 57 is provided in each of the two clip bases 56.

[0033] A clip rail portion 58 is provided in the clip notch 36. The clip rail portion 58 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, from metal. The clip rail portion 58 is provided such that one end is joined to the clip notch 36 of the tray body 20 and the other end is connected to the reinforcing portion 40 (see Figures 5 and 6). Two clip rail portions 58 are provided for each clip notch 36. The clip portion 50 is provided on the tray body 20 with the clip rail portion 58 inserted through the rail hole portion 561 of the clip base portion 56. As a result, the clip portion 50 can reciprocate in the axial direction of the clip rail portion 58.

[0034] The clip stopper portion 59 is formed in a cylindrical shape, for example, from metal. The clip stopper portion 59 is provided integrally with the clip base portion 56 between the two rail holes 561, such that one end is joined to the clip base portion 56 (see Figures 5 and 6). When the clip stopper portion 59 contacts the clip notch 36 of the tray body 20, the movement of the clip portion 50 toward the opposite side of the reinforcing portion 40 is restricted. In other words, the clip stopper portion 59 functions as a stopper that restricts excessive movement of the clip portion 50.

[0035] The rotating part 53 is provided with two bearing parts 532 positioned inside the two bearing parts 572 of the clip support part 57. A clip shaft part 534, formed in a cylindrical shape, for example from metal, is inserted through the holes formed in the bearing parts 532 and 572. As a result, the rotating part 53 is supported so as to be rotatable relative to the clip support part 57 and the clip base part 56. The rotating part 53 is provided on each of the two clip support parts 57.

[0036] The retaining portion 52 is provided integrally with the clip support portion 57 such that the surfaces opposite to the retaining groove portions 521 at both ends in the longitudinal direction are joined to the clip support portion body 571. The retaining portion 51 is provided such that both ends in the longitudinal direction are connected to the rotating portion body 531. The retaining portion 51 and the rotating portion body 531 are joined by a bolt 60. A washer 61 is provided between the head of the bolt 60 and the retaining portion 51. A predetermined gap G is set between the head of the bolt 60 and the washer 61 (see Figure 5). The retaining portion 51 and the washer 61 are movable relative to the bolt 60 between the rotating portion body 531 and the head of the bolt 60. That is, a predetermined amount of play is set between the retaining portion 51 and the rotating portion 53.

[0037] The rotation biasing member 54 is, for example, a double torsion spring and is provided between the rotating portion 53 and the clip support portion 57 on the radially outer side of the clip shaft portion 534. The rotation biasing member 54 can bias the rotating portion 53 so that the rotating portion 53 rotates relative to the pressing receiving portion 52 and the pressing portion 51 is pressed against one side of the workpiece W.

[0038] The separation biasing member 55 is, for example, a coil spring and is provided on the radially outer side of the clip rail portion 58, between the clip notch 36 of the tray body 20 and the clip base portion 56 (see Figures 4-6). The separation biasing member 55 has an axially extending force. As a result, the separation biasing member 55 biases the clip base portion 56 toward the reinforcing portion 40.

[0039] The other of the two clip portions 50, the clip portion 502, does not have a clip base portion 56 and a clip stopper portion 59. Furthermore, the rotating portion body 531 of the clip portion 502 does not have a rotating portion notch 533. Also, the clip support portion 57 of the clip portion 502 is joined to the reinforcing portion 40. In other words, the clip portion 502 is positioned so as to be immovable relative to the tray body 20.

[0040] Next, the workpiece placement device 70 will be described.

[0041] As shown in Figure 7, the workpiece placement device 70 includes a support base 71, a support base lifting unit 74, a device base 700, a trace stopper 701, a sensor 702, a robot arm 80, a workpiece transport unit 81, a tray positioning unit 90, a clip opening / closing unit 93, etc. The support base 71 has a support base 72, a workpiece support unit 73, and a workpiece suction unit 75. The support base 72 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, for example, from metal. The workpiece support unit 73 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate, for example, from metal, and is provided on the support base 72 so as to be perpendicular to the support base 72. Multiple workpiece support units 73 are provided in the longitudinal direction of the support base 72, with their surface direction aligned with the short side direction of the support base 72. In this embodiment, seven workpiece support units 73 are provided, each capable of passing through seven holes 31 of the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0042] The workpiece suction section 75 is provided on two of the seven workpiece support sections 73 arranged longitudinally on the support base section 72, specifically on the two workpiece support sections 73 on both sides. The workpiece suction section 75 opens onto the upper end surface of the workpiece support section 73 and is capable of drawing in air near the opening. As a result, when a workpiece W is placed on the upper end surface of the workpiece support section 73, the workpiece suction section 75 can cause the lower surface of the workpiece W to adhere to the upper end surface of the workpiece support section 73.

[0043] The device base 700 is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, from metal, and is provided near the inlet 2 of the heat treatment apparatus 10. The support base lifting unit 74 is provided on the upper surface of the device base 700, and the side opposite to the device base 700 is connected to the support base 72. Under the control of a control unit (not shown), the support base lifting unit 74 drives the support base 71 vertically up and down relative to the device base 700, i.e., it is able to move up and down.

[0044] The trace stopper 701 is provided so as to be movable vertically up and down relative to the device base 700. The trace stopper 701 is controlled by a control unit (not shown), and when it moves to a predetermined height relative to the device base 700, it can restrict the movement of the work transport tray 200 in the transport direction by contacting the front surface (the side where the tray notch 21 is formed) of the tray body 20 of the work transport tray 200 that is transported by the entrance transport conveyor 8.

[0045] The sensor 702 is located on the trace stopper 701. By detecting the tray notch 21 of the workpiece transport tray 200, the sensor 702 can detect whether the workpiece transport tray 200 is placed on the entrance transport conveyor 8 in the wrong direction. In other words, the sensor 702 can detect incorrect placement of the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0046] The robot arm 80 is a typical robot arm, for example, composed of 4 to 6 axes, and can freely move the workpiece handling unit 81 attached to its tip.

[0047] The workpiece transport unit 81 has a comb section 82 and a comb section support section 83. The comb section 82 is formed, for example, from metal in the shape of a long plate. Multiple comb sections 82 are provided so as to be able to support the lower surface of the workpiece W and to fit into the gaps between the multiple workpiece support sections 73 of the support base 71. In this embodiment, eight comb sections 82 are provided. The comb section support section 83 is formed to support one end of the eight comb sections 82. The workpiece transport unit 81 is attached to the robot arm 80 such that the center of the comb section support section 83 is connected to the tip of the robot arm 80. The workpiece transport unit 81 attached to the robot arm 80 can transport the workpiece W to the support base 71 by placing the workpiece W on the comb section 82.

[0048] The tray positioning sections 90 are provided at positions corresponding to both sides in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece transport tray 200, which is in contact with the trace stopper 701 and whose movement in the transport direction is restricted. The tray positioning sections 90 have positioning pins 91 that can be fitted into positioning holes (not shown) formed in the reinforcing section 40 of the workpiece transport tray 200. The two tray positioning sections 90 can position the workpiece transport tray 200 on the entrance transport conveyor 8 by fitting the positioning pins 91 into the positioning holes from both sides in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0049] Of the two tray positioning sections 90, the tray positioning section 90 located on the reinforcing section 40 side (clip section 501 side) where the push pin hole section 42 is formed is provided with a push pin 92. The push pin 92 is moved axially by a control unit (not shown), allowing it to pass through the push pin hole section 42 and press against the clip base 56 of the clip section 50 of the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0050] The clip opening / closing section 93 is provided on each of the two tray positioning sections 90. The clip opening / closing section 93 has rollers 94 and roller shafts 95. The rollers 94 are provided in pairs for each of the rotating sections 53 of the clip section 50. The roller shafts 95 are provided at the rotation center of one pair of rollers 94 and rotatably support the two rollers 94.

[0051] Next, we will explain the operation when the workpiece W is placed on the workpiece transport tray 200 and the workpiece W is clamped by the clip part 50.

[0052] As shown in Figure 8(A), when the control unit controls the push pin 92 to press against the clip base 56, the tip of the clip stopper portion 59 comes into contact with the clip notch 36 of the tray body 20, restricting the movement of the clip portion 501 toward the clip portion 502. Also, when the control unit controls the roller 94 of the clip opening / closing portion 93 to move from a position vertically above the rotating portion 53 of the clip portion 50 to a vertically below it, the rotating portion 53 rotates against the biasing force of the rotation biasing member 54, and the pressing portion 51 moves away from the pressing receiving portion 52. In this state, the workpiece W is placed on the upper surface of the tray body 20.

[0053] In the state shown in Figure 8(A), the distance D between the pressing portions 51 of the two clip portions 50 (501, 502) is greater than the longitudinal length L of the workpiece W. Therefore, the workpiece W can be placed on the upper surface of the tray body 20 without contacting the pressing portions 51.

[0054] Furthermore, in the state shown in Figure 8(A), the push pin 92 has a portion of its axial direction located inside the rotating portion notch 533, and a portion of its vertically upward side located between the two rollers 94. Therefore, with the push pin 92 pressing against the clip base 56, the rotating portion 53 can be rotated, that is, the clip portion 501 can be opened. Note that if the rotating portion notch 533 is not formed on the rotating portion 53 of the clip portion 501, the rotating portion 53 will come into contact with the push pin 92, and the clip portion 501 cannot be opened sufficiently. Also, if the rotating portion notch 533 is not formed on the rotating portion 53 of the clip portion 501, in order to open the clip portion 501 sufficiently, the rotating portion 53 and the retaining portion 51 must be positioned vertically upward by a predetermined distance. In this case, the height of the workpiece transport tray 200 may increase.

[0055] As shown in Figure 8(B), when the control unit controls the roller 94 of the clip opening / closing section 93 to move vertically upward, the rotating section 53 rotates due to the biasing force of the rotation biasing member 54, and the pressing section 51 moves toward the pressing receiving section 52. As a result, both ends of the workpiece W in the longitudinal direction are sandwiched between the pressing section 51 and the pressing receiving section 52. Subsequently, when the control unit controls the push pin 92 to move toward the clip base 56, the clip section 501 moves toward the clip section 502 due to the biasing force of the separation biasing member 55. As a result, a longitudinal tensile force acts on the workpiece W from the clip section 50, and the workpiece W is pulled in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending or wrinkling of the workpiece W.

[0056] In this embodiment, a pressing groove 521 is formed in the pressing receiving portion 52. This ensures that a predetermined gripping force is secured between the pressing portion 51 and the pressing receiving portion 52 for the workpiece W in the state shown in Figure 8(B).

[0057] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the pressing and receiving portion 52 is formed of a material whose coefficient of friction with the workpiece W (aluminum) is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the workpiece W and the tray body 20 (aluminum). As a result, in the state shown in Figure 8(B), the pressing portion 51 and the pressing and receiving portion 52 can be appropriately slid against the workpiece W. This makes it possible to suppress the occurrence of bending, wrinkling, or tearing of the workpiece W even if excessive tensile force is applied to the longitudinal direction of the workpiece W from the two clip portions 50.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a predetermined amount of play is set between the pressing portion 51 and the rotating portion 53. As a result, in the state shown in Figure 8(B), even if excessive biasing force is generated from the rotating biasing member 54, this biasing force is absorbed by the play, and the pressing portion 51 and the pressing receiving portion 52 can grip the workpiece W with an appropriate force.

[0059] Next, we will explain an example of the operation of the workpiece placement device 70 when placing a workpiece W on the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0060] The operation of each device and component described below is controlled by a control unit (not shown).

[0061] First, the workpiece W is placed on the comb section 82, and the robot arm 80 is operated so that the workpiece transport section 81 is positioned at a predetermined location opposite the trace stopper 701 to the workpiece transport tray 200, which is in contact with the trace stopper 701 on the entrance transport conveyor 8 (see Figure 7). At this time, the support base 71 is located at the uppermost vertical position within its range of motion, and the multiple workpiece support sections 73 have passed through the multiple holes 31 of the workpiece transport tray 200.

[0062] Next, the robot arm 80 moves the workpiece transport unit 81 to a predetermined position on the support base 71 so that the workpiece W is positioned above the workpiece support unit 73 and the multiple comb sections 82 are positioned in the gaps between the multiple workpiece support units 73. Then, the robot arm 80 moves the workpiece transport unit 81 vertically downward and places the workpiece W on the upper end surface of the workpiece support unit 73. After that, the workpiece suction unit 75 suctions the lower surface of the workpiece W to the upper end surface of the workpiece support unit 73. Also, the two tray positioning units 90 are moved in a direction toward each other, and the workpiece transport tray 200 is positioned by the positioning pins 91 (see Figure 9). Finally, the robot arm 80 moves the workpiece transport unit 81 away from the support base 71.

[0063] Next, the push pin 92 presses the clip base 56 of the clip portion 501, moving the clip portion 501 toward the clip portion 502. Also, by moving the roller 94 of the clip opening / closing portion 93 vertically downward, the rotating portion 53 is rotated, opening the clip portion 50 (see Figure 10).

[0064] Next, the support base lifting unit 74 moves the support base 71 vertically downward. At this time, just before the lower surface of the workpiece W contacts the upper surface of the tray body 20 of the workpiece transport tray 200, the workpiece suction unit 75 releases the suction of the workpiece W. As a result, the workpiece W is placed on the upper surface of the tray body 20, and the support base 71 is moved vertically downward of the tray body 20 (see Figure 11).

[0065] Next, the roller 94 of the clip opening / closing section 93 is moved vertically upward, thereby rotating the rotating section 53 and closing the clip section 50, that is, clamping the workpiece W with the clip section 50. After that, the push pin 92 is moved away from the clip section 501 (see Figure 12). As a result, a longitudinal tensile force acts on the workpiece W from the clip section 50, and the workpiece W is pulled in the longitudinal direction.

[0066] Subsequently, the workpiece transport tray 200 on which the workpiece W is placed is transported to the heat treatment furnace 1 by the inlet transport conveyor 8, and then transported through the space 100 inside the heat treatment furnace 1 by the transport conveyor 4 for a predetermined amount of time. This allows the material P1 applied to the workpiece W to be dried.

[0067] As described above, (1) this embodiment is a work transport tray 200 capable of placing and transporting a rectangular, single-sheet workpiece W, comprising a tray body 20 and two clip portions 50. The tray body 20 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate and is capable of placing a workpiece W on it. The two clip portions 50 are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the tray body 20 and are capable of gripping each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W.

[0068] Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending or wrinkling of the workpiece W. In addition, in this embodiment, there are a total of two clip portions 50 so that they can clamp each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W. Therefore, the structure can be simplified compared to the support in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2005-226884) in which there are a total of four film holding portions so that they correspond to the four sides or four corners of the workpiece.

[0069] Furthermore, (2) this embodiment further includes a separation biasing member 55. The separation biasing member 55 can bias at least one of the two clip portions 50 in a direction that causes the two clip portions 50 to move apart from each other. In this embodiment, the separation biasing member 55 can bias one of the two clip portions 50 (501, 502) (501) in a direction that causes the two clip portions 50 (501, 502) to move apart from each other. Therefore, when the two clip portions 50 are clamping each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W, biasing one of the clip portions 50 (501) with the separation biasing member 55 causes a tensile force to act on the workpiece W from the clip portions 50. As a result, the workpiece W is pulled in the direction of the arrangement of the clip portions 50. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the bending or wrinkling of the workpiece W.

[0070] Furthermore, (3) in this embodiment, the clip portion 50 has a pressing portion 51 and a pressing receiving portion 52. The pressing portion 51 is capable of contacting one side of the workpiece W. The pressing receiving portion 52 is made of a material whose coefficient of friction with the workpiece W is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the workpiece W and the tray body 20, and is provided so as to be capable of contacting the other side of the workpiece W, and can hold the workpiece W between itself and the pressing portion 51. Therefore, when the two opposing sides of the workpiece W are held by the two clip portions 50, the frictional force between the workpiece W and the pressing receiving portion 52 can be reduced, and the pressing receiving portion 52 can be allowed to slide appropriately against the workpiece W. As a result, even if an excessive tensile force is applied from the two clip portions 50 in the longitudinal direction of the workpiece W (the direction in which the clip portions 50 are arranged), the occurrence of bending, wrinkling, or tearing of the workpiece W can be suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, (4) in this embodiment, the clip portion 50 has a pressing portion 51, a pressing receiving portion 52, a rotating portion 53, and a rotating biasing member 54. The pressing portion 51 is formed in an elongated shape and is capable of contacting one side of the workpiece W. The pressing receiving portion 52 is provided so as to be able to contact the other side of the workpiece W and is capable of clamping the workpiece W between itself and the pressing portion 51. The rotating portion 53 is provided so as to be connected to the pressing portion 51 and is capable of rotatable relative to the pressing receiving portion 52. The rotating biasing member 54 can bias the rotating portion 53 so that it rotates relative to the pressing receiving portion 52 and the pressing portion 51 is pressed against one side of the workpiece W. As a result, the two clip portions 50 can reliably clamp each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W.

[0072] Furthermore, (5) in this embodiment, two rotating parts 53 are provided, each connected to both ends of the pressing part 51 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the workpiece W can be clamped with equal force from one end to the other in the longitudinal direction of the pressing part 51. This effectively suppresses the bending or wrinkling of the workpiece W. In addition, by applying force evenly in the longitudinal direction of the pressing part 51, the load on the workpiece W can be distributed, and tearing of the workpiece W can be suppressed.

[0073] Furthermore, (6) in this embodiment, a predetermined amount of play is set between the pressing portion 51 and the rotating portion 53. Therefore, even if excessive biasing force is generated from the rotating biasing member 54, this biasing force is absorbed by the play, and the pressing portion 51 and the pressing receiving portion 52 can grip the workpiece W with an appropriate amount of force.

[0074] Furthermore, (7) the work transport tray 200 of this embodiment transports the heat treatment furnace 1 with the workpieces W coated with the materials to be processed P1 and P2 placed on it. Workpieces W transported in the heat treatment furnace 1 are prone to bending and wrinkling due to thermal expansion. This embodiment is equipped with two clip portions 50 that can grip each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece W, thereby suppressing the bending and wrinkling of the workpiece W due to thermal expansion.

[0075] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the separation biasing member 55 is provided only on one side (501) of the two clip portions 50, and the separation biasing member 55 biases one of the two clip portions 50 (501) in the direction that the two clip portions 50 move apart from each other. In contrast, in another embodiment, the separation biasing member 55 may also be provided on the other side (502) of the two clip portions 50, and the two (two locations) separation biasing members 55 may bias both of the two clip portions 50 (501, 502) in the direction that the two clip portions 50 move apart from each other.

[0076] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the separation biasing member 55 was shown to bias the clip portion 50 by an elongating force. In contrast, in other embodiments, the separation biasing member 55 may bias the clip portion 50 by a contracting force.

[0077] In other embodiments, the separation biasing member 55 is not limited to a coil spring but can be any biasing member as long as it can bias the clip portion 50. In other embodiments, the separation biasing member may not be provided at all.

[0078] In other embodiments, the pressing and receiving portion 52 does not have to be made of a material whose coefficient of friction with the workpiece W is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the workpiece W and the tray body 20. In other words, the coefficient of friction of the pressing and receiving portion 52 with respect to the workpiece W can be any value.

[0079] In other embodiments, there may be no play between the retaining portion 51 and the rotating portion 53.

[0080] In other embodiments, the tray body 20 is not limited to aluminum, but may be made of stainless steel, iron, or the like.

[0081] In other embodiments, the workpiece is not limited to metals such as aluminum, but may be formed in the form of a single sheet (film) of, for example, resin.

[0082] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was shown where the workpiece was made from electrode material in paste form. In contrast, in other embodiments, the workpiece may be any material that requires heat treatment (drying).

[0083] The various features described in the above embodiments may be partially omitted or combined in any way.

[0084] Thus, this disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from its essence. [Explanation of symbols]

[0085] 20 Tray body, 50 Clip part, 200 Work transport tray, W Work

Claims

1. A workpiece transport tray capable of placing and transporting rectangular, single-sheet workpieces (W), A rectangular plate-shaped tray body (20) on which the workpiece can be placed, Two clip portions (50) are provided on each of the two opposing sides of the tray body, and are capable of gripping each of the two opposing sides of the workpiece. A workpiece transport tray equipped with the following features.

2. The workpiece transport tray according to claim 1, further comprising a separation biasing member (55) capable of biasing at least one of the two clip portions in a direction that causes the two clip portions to move apart from each other.

3. The aforementioned clip portion is A pressing portion (51) that can contact one side of the workpiece, and A pressing receiving portion (52) is formed from a material whose coefficient of friction with the workpiece is smaller than the coefficient of friction between the workpiece and the tray body, and is provided so as to be able to contact the other surface of the workpiece, and is capable of sandwiching the workpiece between itself and the pressing portion. A workpiece transport tray according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

4. The aforementioned clip portion is A long, elongated pressing portion (51) that can contact one side of the workpiece, A pressing receiving portion (52) is provided so as to be able to contact the other surface of the workpiece and to be able to sandwich the workpiece between itself and the pressing portion. A rotating part (53) is provided to connect to the aforementioned pressing part and is rotatable relative to the aforementioned pressing receiving part, and A rotation biasing member (54) is capable of biasing the rotation portion so that the rotation portion rotates relative to the pressing receiving portion and the pressing portion is pressed against one side of the workpiece. A workpiece transport tray according to claim 1 or 2, having the following features.

5. The workpiece transport tray according to claim 4, wherein two of the rotating parts are provided so as to be connected to each of the longitudinal ends of the pressing part.

6. The workpiece transport tray according to claim 4, wherein a predetermined amount of play is set between the pressing portion and the rotating portion.

7. A workpiece transport tray according to claim 1 or 2, on which the workpieces coated with the materials to be treated (P1, P2) are transported through a heat treatment furnace (1).

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