Conveyor belt and belt-type conveying device

Abstract

A conveyor belt and a belt-type transport device are provided that can prevent parts, such as plugs for preventing a rotating shaft from falling off, from falling off. [Solution] A conveyor belt constructed by rotatably connecting belt components 11 with a connecting shaft 12, each of which has a plurality of connecting pieces 21a, 21b parallel to each other, and the connecting pieces 21a, 21b have a connecting hole 23 through which the connecting shaft 12 is inserted, and adjacent belt components 11 are connected by inserting the connecting pieces 21a, 21b of one belt component 11 between the connecting pieces 21a, 21b of the other belt component 11, and inserting the connecting shaft 12 into the overlapping connecting holes 23, and the connecting shaft 12 has a plurality of elastic pieces 33 that displace radially of the connecting hole 23, and the elastic pieces 33 have engaging protrusions 34 on their outer surface, and the end connecting pieces 21a, 21b have engaging grooves 27 on the inner surface of the connecting hole 23 into which the engaging protrusions 34 engage.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor belt configured by connecting a plurality of belt components in a rotatable state by a connecting shaft, and to a belt-type transport device using the conveyor belt. [Background technology]

[0002] Among belt-type conveying devices for conveying workpieces such as articles, there is one that uses a conveyor belt in which belt components are connected via a connecting shaft. This type of conveyor belt is configured by connecting belt components adjacent to each other in the conveyor belt traveling direction to be rotatably connected via a connecting shaft. In the conveyor belt, a plug is attached to the end of the belt component located at the end in the width direction perpendicular to the traveling direction to block the shaft hole into which the connecting shaft is inserted in order to prevent the rotating shaft from falling off (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 3586769 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 3331464 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The plugs for preventing the rotating shaft from falling off are separate from the belt components. Therefore, there is a risk that the plugs may come off due to factors such as repeated vibrations while the conveyor belt is running. If the plugs come off the belt components, they may get mixed in with the workpieces being transported. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A conveyor belt for solving the above-mentioned problems is a conveyor belt configured by rotatably connecting belt components adjacent to each other in a first direction, which is a traveling direction for transporting workpieces, with a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the belt components has a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, each of the connecting pieces has a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, the belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction are connected by inserting the connecting piece of one belt component between the connecting pieces of the other belt component, and inserting the connecting shaft into each of the overlapping connecting holes, the connecting shaft has a plurality of elastic pieces at a base end opposite to the end inserted into the connecting hole, which are displaced in the radial direction of the connecting hole, at least one of the elastic pieces has an engaging protrusion on an outer surface, and an end connecting piece located at the end in the second direction among the plurality of connecting pieces has an engaging groove on an inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole into which the engaging protrusion, which is continuous in a circumferential direction, engages.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the engaging projection engages with the engaging groove provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole. This prevents the connecting shaft from falling off from the connecting hole. When the connecting shaft is inserted into the connecting hole, the elastic piece temporarily flexes and then elastically returns to its original position, engaging the engaging projection with the engaging groove. This allows the connecting shaft to be smoothly inserted into the connecting hole. When the connecting shaft is pulled out of the connecting hole, the elastic piece is flexed. This allows the engaging state of the engaging projection with the engaging groove to be released. Then, the connecting shaft is pulled out of the connecting hole. This allows the connecting shaft to be smoothly pulled out of the connecting hole.

[0007] In the above conveyor belt, the engagement protrusion may be configured so that, on the insertion side of the engagement protrusion, there is provided an inclined surface that guides insertion into the connecting hole, and, on the opposite side of the engagement protrusion, there is provided an engagement surface that engages with the engagement groove.

[0008] According to the above configuration, when the connecting shaft is inserted into the connecting hole, the inclined surface is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole, so that the connecting shaft can be inserted into the connecting hole while deflecting the elastic piece. When the connecting shaft is inserted into the connecting hole, the engagement surface reliably engages with the side wall of the engagement groove. This prevents the connecting shaft from falling out of the connecting hole.

[0009] In the conveyor belt, the plurality of elastic pieces may be a pair, and the engaging protrusion may be provided on the outer surface of each of the elastic pieces. According to the above configuration, the pair of elastic pieces are displaced toward and away from each other, whereby the engaging protrusion is engaged with and disengaged from the engaging groove.

[0010] In the above conveyor belt, each of the multiple elastic pieces may have a flange portion at its end, and the insertion surface of the connecting shaft in the end connecting piece may have a recess in which the flange portion is located, and the recess may have a non-engaging shape with respect to the flange portion to enable rotation of the connecting shaft around its axis.

[0011] According to the above configuration, the flange portion is provided to prevent the connecting shaft from being inserted too far into the connecting hole. The flange portion is located in the recessed portion to prevent the flange portion from protruding from the insertion surface. The flange portion is disengaged in the recessed portion and is rotatable. This makes it possible to prevent loads such as torsion from being applied to the connecting shaft.

[0012] In the above conveyor belt, the insertion surface of the connecting shaft in the end connecting piece may be configured to have an operation groove extending from the open end of the connecting hole. According to the above configuration, by positioning the tip of a tool in the operation groove, it becomes easy to pinch and pull out the elastic piece.

[0013] A belt-type conveying device for solving the above problem is a belt-type conveying device that conveys workpieces by running a conveyor belt formed by rotatably connecting adjacent belt components in a first direction, which is a traveling direction, with a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting the first direction, wherein each of the belt components has a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, each of the connecting pieces has a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, and the belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction are connected by inserting the connecting piece of one belt component between the connecting pieces of the other belt component, thereby inserting the connecting shaft into each of the overlapping connecting holes, and the connecting shaft has a plurality of elastic pieces at a base end opposite to the end inserted into the connecting hole, which are displaced in the radial direction of the connecting hole, and at least one of the elastic pieces has an engaging protrusion on its outer surface, and an end connecting piece located at the end in the second direction among the plurality of connecting pieces has an engaging groove on the inner surface of the connecting hole into which the engaging protrusion, which is continuous in the circumferential direction, engages.

[0014] A conveyor belt for solving the above problems is a conveyor belt configured by rotatably connecting belt components adjacent to each other in a first direction, which is a traveling direction for transporting a workpiece, with a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting the first direction, and each of the belt components has a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, each of the connecting pieces has a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, and the belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction are connected to each other between the connecting pieces of one belt component. When the connecting pieces provided on the bolt component are inserted, the connecting shaft is inserted into each of the overlapping connecting holes to connect them, and a slip-out prevention member that prevents the connecting shaft from slipping out is arranged in the connecting hole of the end connecting piece that is located at the end of the multiple connecting pieces in the second direction, and the slip-out prevention member has a plurality of elastic pieces that are displaced in the radial direction of the connecting hole, at least one of the elastic pieces has an engaging protrusion on its outer surface, and the end connecting piece has an engaging groove on the inner surface of the connecting hole that is continuous in the circumferential direction and engages with the engaging protrusion.

[0015] According to the above configuration, in the wide conveyor belt, the connecting shaft does not have a groove or a protrusion extending in the circumferential direction, and the shaft member can have the same cross-sectional shape regardless of the position at which it is cut. In addition, by using a member to prevent the connecting shaft from falling off from the connecting hole, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft from falling off.

[0016] In the above conveyor belt, the engagement protrusion may be configured so that, on the insertion side of the engagement protrusion, there is provided an inclined surface that guides insertion into the connecting hole, and, on the opposite side of the engagement protrusion, there is provided an engagement surface that engages with the engagement groove.

[0017] In the above conveyor belt, the plurality of elastic pieces may be configured as a pair, and the engagement projection may be provided on an outer surface of each of the elastic pieces. In the above conveyor belt, each of the multiple elastic pieces may have a flange portion at its end, and the insertion surface of the connecting shaft in the end connecting piece may have a recess in which the flange portion is located, and the recess may have a non-engaging shape with respect to the flange portion to enable rotation of the connecting shaft around its axis.

[0018] In the above conveyor belt, the connecting shaft may be configured so that a peripheral surface thereof is formed as a smoothly curved surface. A belt-type transport device for solving the above problem is a belt-type transport device that transports workpieces by running a conveyor belt configured by connecting belt components adjacent to each other in a first direction, which is a traveling direction, to be rotatably connected by a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting with the first direction, and each of the belt components has a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, each of the connecting pieces has a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, and the belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction have a plurality of connecting pieces of one of the belt components. The connecting piece of the other belt component is inserted between the two connecting pieces, and the connecting shaft is inserted into each of the overlapping connecting holes to connect them, and a slip-out prevention member is arranged in the connecting hole of the end connecting piece that is located at the end of the multiple connecting pieces in the second direction to prevent the connecting shaft from slipping out, and the slip-out prevention member has a plurality of elastic pieces that displace in the radial direction of the connecting hole, at least one of the elastic pieces has an engaging protrusion on its outer surface, and the end connecting piece has an engaging groove on the inner surface of the connecting hole with which the engaging protrusion that is continuous in the circumferential direction engages. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent parts from falling off. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view of a belt-type conveying device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conveyor belt used in the belt-type conveying device shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the conveyor belt shown in FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state in which a connecting shaft is inserted into the belt component that constitutes the conveyor belt shown in FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a connecting shaft is inserted into a belt component. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a front view of a main portion of the connecting shaft. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 is a side view of a main portion of the connecting shaft. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the engaging protrusion is engaged with the engaging groove of the connecting hole. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the connecting shaft is pulled out of the connecting hole. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a sectional view continuing from FIG. 9, showing a state in which the connecting shaft is pulled out of the connecting hole. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a conveyor belt according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the anti-disconnection member. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which a connecting shaft is inserted into a belt component. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the engaging protrusion is engaged with the engaging groove of the connecting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A belt-type conveying device to which the present invention is applied will now be described with reference to the drawings. [Overall structure] As shown in FIG. 1, the belt-type conveying device 1 includes a conveyor belt 2, at least two sprockets 3a and 3b, and a driving source 3c. The conveyor belt 2 is a band-shaped endless belt that is looped around the sprockets 3a and 3b that are arranged at a predetermined distance apart in the first direction, which is the direction of travel, indicated by the arrow D1. The upper surface of the conveyor belt 2 is a work placement surface 2a on which a work 4 is placed. Of the sprockets 3a and 3b, the sprocket 3a is the driving side, and the sprocket 3b is the driven side. The driving sprocket 3a is connected to a driving source 3c, such as a motor, which is an example of a power source, via a power transmission mechanism. In addition, a plurality of rollers 5 that support the sagging of the conveyor belt 2 are arranged below the conveyor belt 2.

[0022] [First embodiment] [Conveyor belt] As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyor belt 2 is a modular chain (modular conveyor belt). The conveyor belt 2 includes a plurality of belt components 11 and a connecting shaft 12. The belt components 11 are arranged linearly in the direction of arrow D2, which is a second direction that is the width direction of the conveyor belt 2 intersecting with the direction of arrow D1, to give a predetermined width. The conveyor belt 2 is connected rotatably so that the direction of arrow D1 is a predetermined length. As a result, the belt components 11 arranged in the directions of arrow D1 and arrow D2 of the conveyor belt 2 are connected by the connecting shaft 12 and are rotatable with respect to the belt components 11 arranged in the direction of arrow D1.

[0023] Both the belt component 11 and the connecting shaft 12 are resin molded products made of plastic, for example, polyethylene, polyacetal, polypropylene, engineering plastic, or other resin material.

[0024] The connecting shaft 12 is an injection molded product. The connecting shaft 12 has a cylindrical shape and has a hollow portion therein. This enhances dimensional stability. The connecting shaft 12 may be a solid material without a hollow portion. The connecting shaft 12 is molded according to the dimension of the conveyor belt 2 to be used in the direction of the arrow D2. The connecting shaft 12 has a slip-out prevention mechanism 32 at one end (see FIG. 3).

[0025] [Belt constituent members] As shown in Figs. 2 and 3, the belt component 11 includes a plurality of first connecting pieces 21a extending in the direction of the arrow D1 and a plurality of second connecting pieces 21b extending in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow D1. The first connecting pieces 21a are arranged parallel to each other in the direction of the arrow D2. The adjacent first connecting pieces 21a form a U-shape. The second connecting pieces 21b are also arranged parallel to each other in the direction of the arrow D2. The adjacent second connecting pieces 21b form a U-shape. The second connecting pieces 21b are inserted into the first spaces 22a formed between the adjacent first connecting pieces 21a. The first connecting pieces 21a are inserted into the second spaces 22b formed between the adjacent second connecting pieces 21b.

[0026] Each of the first connecting piece 21a and the second connecting piece 21b has a connecting hole 23. When the first connecting piece 21a is inserted into the second space 22b, the connecting hole 23 of the first connecting piece 21a and the connecting hole 23 of the second connecting piece 21b overlap. When the second connecting piece 21b is inserted into the first space 22a, the connecting hole 23 of the first connecting piece 21a and the connecting hole 23 of the second connecting piece 21b also overlap. This allows the connecting shaft 12 to be inserted into the connecting hole 23.

[0027] As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, in each belt component 11, the connecting piece located at one end is the end connecting piece 21c. The insertion surface 24 located on the outside of the end connecting piece 21c has a recess 25 around the connecting hole 23, the recess 25 being larger in diameter than the connecting hole 23. The recess 25 is a circular recess. The flange portion 35 located at the base end of the connecting shaft 12 is located in the recess 25. The side surface of the recess 25 is expanded in diameter from the bottom surface of the recess 25 toward the open end to form an inclined surface 25a. In addition, an operation groove 26 extends from the recess 25 on the outside of the connecting hole 23 in the direction of arrow D1 and in the direction opposite to arrow D1. The operation groove 26 is a recess into which the tip of a tool such as radio pliers or pliers that grips the base end is inserted when pulling out the connecting shaft 12. The operation groove 26 is configured to be long on one side and short on the other side via the recess 25 in the directions of arrow D1 and arrow D2. The position of the operation groove 26 is aligned with the flat portion 35b of the connecting shaft 12 (see FIG. 7).

[0028] An engagement groove 27 is provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c. The engagement groove 27 is a groove formed by providing a recess on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole 23. The engagement groove 27 is an annular continuous groove that continues in the circumferential direction of the connecting hole 23. An engagement protrusion 34 provided on the base end of the connecting shaft 12 engages with the engagement groove 27. The side wall of the engagement groove 27 is formed of a vertical surface. At least the vertical surface of the side wall closer to the insertion surface 24 is formed of a vertical surface.

[0029] [Connection shaft] 6 and 7, the connecting shaft 12 includes a shaft portion 31, an insertion end 31a (see FIG. 5), and a base end portion 31b opposite to the insertion end 31a. The base end portion 31b includes a mechanism 32 for preventing the connecting shaft 12 from coming off the connecting hole 23.

[0030] The slip-out prevention mechanism 32 includes a plurality of elastic pieces 33. In the first embodiment, the plurality of elastic pieces 33 are in pairs. The pair of elastic pieces 33 face each other with a groove-shaped U-shaped groove 33a therebetween. The pair of elastic pieces 33 are displaced in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 12, i.e., in the direction of approaching or moving away from each other, with the base portion serving as a displacement point. The pair of elastic pieces 33 include an engagement protrusion 34 on the outer surface.

[0031] The engagement protrusion 34 has, for example, a right-angled triangular shape. The inclined surface of the engagement protrusion 34 that inclines from the insertion end 31a of the shaft portion 31 toward the base end portion 31b is the insertion guide surface 34a. The insertion guide surface 34a guides the insertion of the connecting shaft 12 when it is inserted into the connecting hole 23. The engagement protrusion 34 has a flat surface that is perpendicular to the shaft portion 31 as the engagement surface 34b. The engagement surface 34b engages with the engagement groove 27 to prevent the connecting shaft 12 from falling off from the connecting hole 23.

[0032] The tip of each elastic piece 33 is provided with a flange portion 35. Each flange portion 35 has a semicircular shape. The flange portion 35 has an inclined surface 35a whose outer circumferential surface decreases in diameter from the tip surface toward the back side opposite the tip surface. The top of the flange portion 35 is provided with a flat portion 35b. The flat portions 35b provided on the flange portions 35 of the pair of elastic pieces 33 are positioned opposite each other. This makes it easy to pinch the pair of elastic pieces 33 with a tool and displace them in a direction toward each other.

[0033] [Operation of the first embodiment] As shown in FIG. 8, in a state where the connecting shaft 12 is arranged in the belt component 11 in the directions of the arrows D1 and D2, the connecting shaft 12 is inserted from the insertion end 31a into the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c located at the end in the direction of the arrow D2 (the direction of the arrow D3 in FIG. 3). Then, when the connecting shaft 12 is inserted to the base end 31b side, the engagement protrusion 34 is engaged with the engagement groove 27 formed on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole 23. At this time, the engagement protrusion 34 is pressed while being guided by the insertion guide surface 34a between the opening end of the connecting hole 23 and the engagement groove 27, and the pair of elastic pieces 33 are temporarily bent in a direction in which they approach each other. Then, the pair of elastic pieces 33 are elastically restored thereafter. As a result, the side wall of the engagement groove 27 is engaged with the engagement surface 34b, and the movement in the direction opposite to the arrow D3 is suppressed. The flange portion 35 is also accommodated in the recess 25. The flange portion 35 suppresses the connecting shaft 12 from moving in the direction opposite to the arrow D3.

[0034] The engaging protrusion 34 is disengaged in the circumferential direction within the engaging groove 27. The flange portion 35 is also disengaged and rotatable within the recess 25. Therefore, the connecting shaft 12 is rotatable within the connecting hole 23 even in a state in which adjacent belt components 11 are connected to each other.

[0035] When the conveyor belt 2 travels in the direction of the arrow D1, a certain tension is applied to the conveyor belt 2. Therefore, the connecting shaft 12 is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of each connecting hole 23. When the connecting shaft 12 is in an arc-shaped curved position such as the sprockets 3a and 3b, the connecting shaft 12 also rotates in the connecting hole 23. When the connecting shaft 12 is engaged in the connecting hole 23 and cannot rotate, a rotational force is applied to the connecting shaft 12 and a load is applied due to torsion. When a load is repeatedly applied to the connecting shaft 12, the deterioration of the connecting shaft 12 is accelerated. In this regard, in the present embodiment, the connecting shaft 12 is rotatable in the connecting hole 23. Therefore, the application of a load to the connecting shaft 12 can be suppressed.

[0036] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, when the conveyor belt 2 is disassembled for maintenance or the like, the connecting shaft 12 is pulled out from the connecting hole 23. In this case, first, the connecting shaft 12 is rotated so that the position of the flat portion 35b of the flange portion 35 is aligned with the position of the operation groove 26. Then, the tip of a tool is engaged with the operation groove 26 to pinch the pair of elastic pieces 33 and bend them in a direction toward each other. This releases the engagement state of the engagement protrusion 34 from the engagement groove 27. Then, in this state, the connecting shaft 12 is pulled out in the direction opposite to the arrow D3.

[0037] [Effects of the first embodiment] (1-1) The conveyor belt 2 does not require a separate member such as a plug for preventing the connecting shaft 12 from falling off from the connecting hole 23. This reduces the number of parts of the conveyor belt 2 and simplifies the structure.

[0038] (1-2) The engaging protrusion 34 engages with the engaging groove 27 provided on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole 23. This prevents the connecting shaft 12 from falling off from the connecting hole 23. (1-4) When the connecting shaft 12 is pulled out of the connecting hole 23, the elastic piece 33 is bent. This releases the engagement state of the engaging protrusion 34 with the engaging groove 27. The connecting shaft 12 is then pulled out of the connecting hole 23. This allows the connecting shaft 12 to be smoothly pulled out of the connecting hole 23. The conveyor belt 2 can be disassembled simply by pinching the elastic piece 33 with a tool, simplifying the disassembly process.

[0039] (1-5) When the connecting shaft 12 is inserted into the connecting hole 23, the insertion guide surface 34a formed as an inclined surface is pressed against the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole 23, so that the connecting shaft 12 can be inserted into the connecting hole 23 while deflecting the elastic piece 33. When the connecting shaft 12 is inserted into the connecting hole 23, the engagement surface 34b reliably engages with the side wall of the engagement groove 27. This prevents the connecting shaft 12 from falling off from the connecting hole 23.

[0040] (1-6) The pair of elastic pieces 33 are displaced so as to approach or move away from each other. With such a simple configuration, the engaging projection 34 can be engaged with and disengaged from the engaging groove 27. (1-7) The flange portion 35 is provided on the connecting shaft 12, thereby preventing the connecting shaft 12 from being inserted too far into the connecting hole 23. The flange portion 35 is positioned in the recess 25, thereby preventing the flange portion 35 from protruding from the insertion surface 24. The flange portion 35 is disengaged in the recess 25 and is rotatable. Therefore, the connecting shaft 12 can be prevented from being subjected to loads such as torsion.

[0041] (1-8) The inclined surface 35a of the outer circumferential surface of the flange portion 35 is guided by the inclined surface 25a of the recess 25, so that the flange portion 35 fits smoothly into the recess 25. (1-9) Since the belt component 11 has the operation groove 26, by positioning the tip of a tool in the operation groove 26, it becomes easy to pinch and pull out the elastic piece 33.

[0042] (1-10) If the engagement protrusion 34 is provided at the insertion end of the connecting shaft 12, when the connecting shaft 12 is pushed too far in the insertion direction, the insertion guide surface 34a is pushed by the side wall of the engagement groove 27, causing the elastic piece 33 to bend in the direction of approach. Then, the engagement protrusion 34 enters the connecting hole 23 beyond. As a result, the tip of the connecting shaft 12 protrudes from the surface opposite to the insertion surface 24, and in some cases, it may come out.

[0043] Alternatively, an engaging protrusion protruding in an arc shape may be provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting hole 23, and an engaging groove that engages with the engaging protrusion may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft 12. Even in the case of such a configuration, if the connecting shaft 12 is pushed too far in the insertion direction, the engaging protrusion may come out of the engaging groove, and the tip of the engaging protrusion may protrude from the surface opposite the insertion surface 24, and in some cases may even come out.

[0044] In contrast, in this embodiment, the engagement protrusion 34 is provided at the base end. The base end is also provided with a flange portion 35. Therefore, when the engagement protrusion 34 engages with the engagement groove 27, the flange portion 35 prevents the connecting shaft 12 from moving too far in the insertion direction, and the engagement surface 34b engages with the side wall of the engagement groove 27, making it difficult for the connecting shaft 12 to come off in the anti-insertion direction as well.

[0045] Second Embodiment The connecting shaft 12 in the first embodiment is longer if the width of the conveyor belt 2 in the direction of the arrow D2 is larger. The connecting shaft 12 is manufactured by injection molding if the anti-slip mechanism 32 is integrally provided. Therefore, if the connecting shaft 12 is larger and wider than the conveyor belt 2 of the first embodiment, it is difficult to manufacture a connecting shaft 12 by injection molding to match it.

[0046] Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11, the connecting shaft 41 used in the second embodiment does not have grooves or protrusions extending in the circumferential direction, but is composed of a smooth curved surface, and the cross-sectional shape is the same regardless of the position at which it is cut. The connecting shaft 12 has a cylindrical shape and has a hollow portion inside. This improves dimensional stability. Such a connecting shaft 41 has a simpler configuration than the connecting shaft 12 of the first embodiment and is an extrusion molded product. The connecting shaft 41 is appropriately cut to a length shorter than the dimension of the conveyor belt 2 in the arrow D2 direction to be used by the depth of the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c or the thickness of the end connecting piece 21c. Of course, the connecting shaft 41 may be shorter than that. The connecting shaft 41 may be a solid material without a hollow portion. A slip-out prevention member 42 that closes the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c is arranged on both ends of the connecting shaft 41.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 12, the slip-out prevention member 42 includes a main body 42a. The main body 42a includes a plurality of elastic pieces 43. In the second embodiment, the plurality of elastic pieces 43 are in pairs. The pair of elastic pieces 43 face each other with a U-shaped groove 43a therebetween. The pair of elastic pieces 43 elastically displace in the radial direction of the connecting shaft 12, i.e., in the direction of approaching and moving away from each other, with the base portion serving as the displacement point. The pair of elastic pieces 43 include an engagement protrusion 44 on the outer surface. Note that, in the main body 42a, the base side of the pair of elastic pieces 43 is the insertion end 40 into the connecting hole 23.

[0048] The engagement protrusion 44 has, for example, a right-angled triangular shape. The inclined surface of the engagement protrusion 44 that slopes toward the insertion end 40 or toward the tip end of the elastic piece 43 is the insertion guide surface 44a. The insertion guide surface 44a guides the insertion of the anti-slip member 42 when it is inserted into the connecting hole 23. In addition, the engagement protrusion 44 has a surface that is perpendicular to the main body 42a as the engagement surface 44b. The engagement surface 44b engages with the engagement groove 27 to prevent the connecting shaft 41 and the anti-slip member 42 from falling off from the connecting hole 23.

[0049] The tip of each elastic piece 43 is provided with a flange portion 45. Each flange portion 45 has a semicircular shape. The flange portion 45 has an inclined surface 45a whose outer circumferential surface decreases in diameter from the tip surface toward the back side opposite the tip surface. The top of the flange portion 45 is provided with a flat portion 45b. The flat portions 45b provided on the flange portions 45 of the pair of elastic pieces 43 are positioned opposite each other. This makes it easy to pinch the pair of elastic pieces 43 with a tool and displace them in a direction toward each other.

[0050] [Operation of the second embodiment] 13 and 14, in a state where the belt components 11 are arranged in the directions of arrows D1 and D2, a connecting shaft 41 is inserted from the insertion end 31a through the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c located at the end in the direction of arrow D2. Then, a slip-out prevention member 42 is inserted through the connecting hole 23 of the end connecting piece 21c located at both ends in the direction of arrow D2. The slip-out prevention members 42 are attached to both ends of the connecting shaft 41. That is, the slip-out prevention members 42 are arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt 2 in the direction of arrow D2.

[0051] Then, the engagement protrusion 44 engages with the engagement groove 27 formed on the inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole 23. At this time, the engagement protrusion 44 is pressed while being guided by the insertion guide surface 44a between the opening end of the connecting hole 23 and the engagement groove 27, and the pair of elastic pieces 43 temporarily bend in a direction in which they approach each other. The pair of elastic pieces 43 then elastically return to their original state. As a result, the side wall of the engagement groove 27 engages with the engagement surface 44b, and movement in the direction opposite to the arrow D3 is suppressed. The flange portion 45 suppresses the connection shaft 12 from moving in the direction opposite to the arrow D3.

[0052] Furthermore, the flange portion 45 fits within the recess 25. The engaging protrusion 34 is not engaged with the engaging groove 27 in the circumferential direction. The flange portion 45 is also rotatable within the recess 25. Therefore, the connecting shaft 12 is rotatable within the connecting hole 23 even in a state in which adjacent belt components 11 are connected to each other.

[0053] The connecting shaft 41, which is a separate member from the fall-off prevention members 42, can also rotate within the connecting hole 23. When the conveyor belt 2 runs in the direction of arrow D1, a certain amount of tension is applied. In such a case, the connecting shaft 41 and the fall-off prevention members 42 are pressed against the inner peripheral surfaces of the connecting holes 23. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft 41 and the fall-off prevention members 42 from being subjected to a load.

[0054] When the conveyor belt 2 is disassembled for maintenance or the like, the connecting shaft 41 and the anti-slip member 42 are removed from the connecting hole 23. First, one of the anti-slip members 42 located at both ends of the connecting shaft 41 is removed from the connecting hole 23. Specifically, the anti-slip member 42 to be removed is rotated so that the position of the flat portion 45b of the flange portion 45 is aligned with the position of the operation groove 26. Then, the tip of a tool is engaged with the operation groove 26 to pinch the pair of elastic pieces 43 and bend them in a direction toward each other. As a result, the engagement protrusion 44 is released from the engagement groove 27. Then, the anti-slip member 42 is pulled out in the direction opposite to the arrow D3. When at least one of the anti-slip members 42 is removed, the connecting shaft 41 is ready to be pulled out. The other anti-slip member 42 may be removed from the connecting hole 23 before the connecting shaft 41 is pulled out, or may be removed after the connecting shaft 41 is pulled out. Moreover, the conveyor belt 2 can be disassembled even if the other slip-out prevention member 42 is left as it is.

[0055] [Effects of the second embodiment] (2-1) Even in the wide conveyor belt 2, the connecting shaft 41 does not have any grooves or protrusions extending in the circumferential direction, and the same cross-sectional shape can be used regardless of the position at which it is cut. In addition, by using the anti-slip member 42 for the connecting shaft 41, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft 41 from falling off from the connecting hole 23.

[0056] [Modifications] The conveyor belt 2 as described above may have a configuration in which, for example, the following modified examples are provided, or at least two of the modified examples are combined so as not to contradict each other.

[0057] In the first and second embodiments, the operation groove 26 provided on the insertion surface 24 of the end connecting piece 21c may be omitted. If the operation groove 26 is omitted, for example, by making the recess 25 larger than the flange portions 35, 45, the tip of a tool can be inserted into the gap between the side wall of the recess 25 and the outer circumferential surface of the flange portions 35, 35 to pinch the elastic pieces 33, 43.

[0058] In the first and second embodiments, the flange portions 35, 45 of the elastic pieces 33, 43 do not have to be provided on all of the elastic pieces 33, 43, but may be provided on at least one of all of the elastic pieces 33, 43. This is because, with such a configuration, in the first embodiment, it is possible to prevent the connecting shaft 12 from being inserted too far into the connecting hole 23, and in the second embodiment, it is possible to prevent the slip-out prevention member 42 from being inserted too far into the connecting hole 23.

[0059] In the second embodiment, the flange portion 45 of the slip-off prevention member 42 may be shaped to engage with the recess 25. This is because the slip-off prevention member 42 is an independent component relative to the connecting shaft 41.

[0060] The number of elastic pieces 33, 43 may be one or three or more. When there is one elastic piece 33, 43, the flange portion 35, 45 may or may not be provided. Even when there are three or more elastic pieces 33, 43, the flange portion 35, 45 does not have to be provided on all of the elastic pieces 33, 43, or may be provided on all of the elastic pieces 33, 43. In other words, it is sufficient that at least one of the elastic pieces 33, 43 has the flange portion 35, 45.

[0061] The insertion guide surfaces 34a, 44a may be omitted from the engagement protrusions 34, 44. Even if the insertion guide surfaces 34a, 44a are omitted, the engagement protrusions 34, 44 can engage with the engagement grooves 27 by displacing the elastic pieces 33, 43 in the direction toward each other and inserting them.

[0062] The engagement surfaces 34b, 44b are perpendicular to the axes of the connecting shafts 12, 41 and do not have to be flat surfaces. The engagement surfaces 34b, 44b may be, for example, convex or concave arc surfaces, or may be inclined surfaces inclined in either direction.

[0063] The number of engaging projections 34, 44 provided on each of the elastic pieces 33, 43 may be one, or two or more. The belt component 11 is not limited to being made of resin, but may be made of metal.

[0064] The connecting shafts 12 and 41 are not limited to being made of resin, but may be made of metal. [Explanation of symbols]

[0065] 1...Belt type conveyor 2. Conveyor belt 4. Work 11...Belt component 12...Connection shaft 21a...first connection piece 21b…Second connection piece 21c...End connection piece 22a…first space 22b…Second space 23...Connection hole 24…Insertion surface 25…Recess 25a…Slanted surface 26...Operation groove 27...Engagement groove 31...Shaft 31a…insertion end 31b...Proximal end 33...Elastic piece 33a...U groove 34…Engagement protrusion 34a…Insertion guide surface 34b…Engagement surface 35…Flange section 35a…Slanted surface 35b…Flat part

Claims

1. A conveyor belt is configured by connecting belt components adjacent to each other in a first direction, which is a traveling direction for transporting a workpiece, to be rotatably connected by a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting the first direction, Each of the belt components includes a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, and each of the connecting pieces includes a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, The belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction are connected to each other by inserting the connecting piece of one belt component between the connecting pieces of the other belt component, and inserting the connecting shaft into each of the overlapping connecting holes, the connecting shaft has a plurality of elastic pieces at a base end opposite to an end inserted into the connecting hole, the elastic pieces being displaceable in a radial direction of the connecting hole, and at least one of the elastic pieces has an engagement protrusion on an outer surface, Among the plurality of connecting pieces, an end connecting piece located at an end in the second direction has an engaging groove on an inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole, the engaging protrusion continuing in a circumferential direction engaging with the engaging groove, The engaging projection has an inclined surface on a surface on the insertion side into the connecting hole for guiding the insertion into the connecting hole, and has an engaging surface on a surface on the opposite side to the insertion side for engaging with the engaging groove. Conveyor belt.

2. A conveyor belt is configured by connecting belt components adjacent to each other in a first direction, which is a traveling direction for transporting a workpiece, to be rotatably connected by a connecting shaft extending in a second direction, which is a width direction intersecting the first direction, Each of the belt components includes a plurality of connecting pieces parallel to each other in the second direction, and each of the connecting pieces includes a connecting hole through which the connecting shaft is inserted, The belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction are connected to each other by inserting the connecting piece of one belt component between the connecting pieces of the other belt component, and inserting the connecting shaft into each of the overlapping connecting holes, the connecting shaft has a plurality of elastic pieces at a base end opposite to an end inserted into the connecting hole, the elastic pieces being displaceable in a radial direction of the connecting hole, and at least one of the elastic pieces has an engagement protrusion on an outer surface, Among the plurality of connecting pieces, an end connecting piece located at an end in the second direction has an engaging groove on an inner circumferential surface of the connecting hole, the engaging protrusion continuing in a circumferential direction engaging with the engaging groove, Each of the plurality of elastic pieces has a flange portion at a tip thereof, an insertion surface of the end connection piece for the connecting shaft includes a recess in which the flange portion is located; The recess has a non-engagement shape with respect to the flange portion that allows rotation of the connecting shaft about its axis. Conveyor belt.

3. The elastic pieces are a pair, The engagement projection is provided on the outer surface of each of the elastic pieces.

3. A conveyor belt according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The insertion surface of the end connection piece for the connecting shaft has an operation groove extending from the open end of the connecting hole.

3. A conveyor belt according to claim 1 or 2.

5. A conveyor belt comprising the conveyor belt according to claim 1 or 2, The conveyor belt is driven to transport the workpiece. Belt type conveyor device.

6. The connecting shaft includes a shaft body extending in the second direction and rotatably connecting the belt components adjacent to each other in the first direction, and a slip-out prevention member located at an end of the plurality of connecting pieces in the second direction and including the elastic piece.

3. A conveyor belt according to claim 1 or 2.

7. The elastic pieces are a pair, The engagement projection is provided on the outer surface of each of the elastic pieces.

7. The conveyor belt of claim 6.

8. The shaft body has a circumferential surface that is a smooth curved surface.

7. The conveyor belt of claim 6.

9. A conveyor belt comprising the conveyor belt according to claim 6, The conveyor belt is driven to transport the workpiece. Belt type conveying device.

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