Cart positioning device

Abstract

To provide a truck positioning system capable of holding a truck, carried along a carrying path, stably in a positioned state.SOLUTION: A truck positioning system positions a truck at a predetermined position, and comprises: engagement object parts provided on the truck; a bearing part fixed to a carrying path; a rotary arm with a rotary shaft serving as a rotation center pivotably supported on the bearing part, and turned between a horizontal position and an inclined position inclined from the horizontal position in a plane extending in a carrying direction along the carrying path and a vertical direction; an inclination drive device tilting the rotary arm; and engaging parts provided on the rotary arm and engaging the engaged part. Therein, the rotary arm is configured to: cause the engaging part to engage the engagement object part at the horizontal position, with contact positions each between each engaging part and the engagement object part are aligned with a center line of the rotary shaft of the rotary arm on the same horizontal plane in an engagement state, and the engaging parts disengage from the engagement object part at the inclined position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cart positioning device that positions a cart transported along a transport path at a predetermined position. [Background technology]

[0002] In a casting line, multiple carts loaded with molds and flasks are lined up in a row on rails for transport. In such cases, it is sometimes necessary to stop the carts at precise positions, such as at the end of the transport path, at a frame transfer position, or at a weight replacement position. For this reason, a positioning device such as that described in Patent Document 1 has been used. This positioning device is configured such that a short arm with a roller at one end and a long arm with a roller at the other end are synchronized by two gears so that the ends move closer to each other like a pair of crab scissors. The positioning device is driven by a cylinder device connected to the other end of the long arm, and the wheels of the dolly are gripped between the short arm and the long arm, thereby positioning the dolly at a predetermined position. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-210015 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the positioning device of Patent Document 1, when the power is cut off for maintenance work or during a power outage, the driving force is cut off, and the support force of each arm by the cylinder, which is the driving device, is lost. This causes the problem that the cart can move even with a small unexpected force.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to provide a cart positioning device that can stably maintain a cart transported along a transport path in a positioned state. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a cart positioning device is a cart positioning device that positions a cart transported along a transport path at a predetermined position.

[0007] The trolley is provided with an engaged portion, a bearing portion fixed to the transport path, a rotating arm whose rotation axis serves as the center of rotation is supported by the bearing portion and which tilts between a horizontal position positioned to extend horizontally within a plane extending in the transport direction along the transport path and in the vertical direction and an inclined position inclined from the horizontal position, a tilting drive device which tilts the rotating arm, and an engaging portion provided on the rotating arm which engages with the engaged portion.

[0008] In the horizontal position, the engaging portion of the rotating arm engages with the engaged portion, and when engaged, the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion coincides on the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line of the rotation shaft of the rotating arm, and in the inclined position, the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion.

[0009] According to this, when the engaging portion and the engaged portion engage with each other, the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion coincides on the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line of the rotation shaft of the rotating arm, so that the force of the dolly in the transport direction does not generate a force component in the rotation direction of the rotating arm. Therefore, even if a force in the transport direction is applied to the positioned dolly, the engaging portion does not come off the engaged portion, and the dolly can continue to be positioned at the specified position.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the engaging portion is provided at two positions capable of clamping the engaged portion from the conveying direction and from the direction opposite to the conveying direction when the rotating arm is in the horizontal position. According to this, the engaged portion of the cart is clamped by the engaging portion of the rotating arm, and the cart can be reliably positioned from the conveying direction of the cart and from the direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0011] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the engagement portion is a rotating roller. With this, even if the engagement position of the engaging part relative to the engaged part is misaligned when engaging, the contact position between the engaged part and the engaging part exceeds the top of the outer periphery of the rotating roller in the direction of engagement, allowing for smooth guided engagement.

[0012] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the rotating arm includes a horizontal position maintaining device that maintains the rotating arm in the horizontal position when the driving force of the tilt drive device disappears. According to this, even if the driving force of the tilt drive device is lost, the engaging portion and the engaged portion are maintained in an engaged state, thereby suppressing unintended movement of the trolley and improving safety.

[0013] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the rotating arm has the engaging portion at one end and the rotating shaft at the other end. This allows for a compact carriage positioning device with a simple structure.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the rotating arm has the engagement portion provided at one end and the tilt drive device connected to the other end, the rotating shaft is provided between the one end and the other end, and an elastic member serving as the horizontal position maintaining device for biasing in a direction to maintain the horizontal position is provided between the other end and the rotating shaft. This makes it possible to realize a carriage positioning device that tilts one end downward with a simple structure.

[0015] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the rotating arm is formed to a length spanning two corresponding ones of the engaged parts of the multiple carts, and is provided with an engaging part at each end, with the rotating shaft being provided between the engaging parts provided at both ends. This allows a plurality of carriages to be positioned by a single rotating arm.

[0016] According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the engaged portion is a cylindrical member having a central axis parallel to the axle of the bogie. Since the engaged portion is a cylindrical member, it can smoothly engage with the engaging portion along the arc-shaped outer circumferential surface.

[0017] According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the engaged portion is provided on the bottom of the cart so as to protrude downward. This allows a space-saving design in which the engaging portion and the engaged portion are stored below the cart.

[0018] According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for positioning a cart using a cart positioning device that includes an engaged part provided on a cart and an engaging part that engages with the engaged part to position the cart, and that positions the cart transported along a transport path at a predetermined position. The engaging part is provided on a rotating arm that is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft provided on the transport path, and when the cart is positioned, the engaging part, the engaged part and the rotating shaft are parallel to the transport direction of the transport path.

[0019] According to this, when positioned, the engaging portion, the engaged portion, and the rotating shaft are parallel to the conveying direction of the conveying path, so the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion coincides with the rotation center line of the rotating shaft of the rotating arm on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, the force in the conveying direction by the dolly does not generate a force component in the rotation direction of the rotating arm. As a result, even if some force in the conveying direction is applied to the positioned dolly, the engaging portion does not come off the engaged portion, and the dolly can continue to be positioned at the specified position.

[0020] According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, during the positioning, the engaging portion sandwiches the engaged portion in parallel with the transport direction. According to this, the engaged portion of the cart is clamped parallel to the conveying direction by the engaging portion of the rotating arm, so that the cart can be reliably positioned from the conveying direction of the cart and from the direction opposite to the conveying direction. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an outline of a carriage positioning device according to a first embodiment of the present invention implemented in a casting line. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a side view of a carriage positioning device implemented on the first transport path. [Diagram 5] FIG. 13 is a front view of the carriage positioning device implemented on the first transport path. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the carriage positioning device showing the positional relationship with the carriage to be positioned. [Figure 7] 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the rotary arm is rotated to disengage the carriage. FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a cart positioning device according to a second embodiment, which performs positioning at two locations, a carry-in position and a mounting position. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a side view of a cart positioning device according to a second embodiment, which performs positioning at two locations, a carry-in position and a mounting position. [Figure 10] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of the carriage positioning device according to the second embodiment, showing a state in which the rotary arm has been rotated to disengage the carriage; [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a side view showing a carriage positioning device according to a third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of the carriage positioning device according to the third embodiment, showing a state in which the rotary arm has been rotated to disengage the carriage. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the carriage positioning device in the third embodiment. [Figure 14] 13A and 13B are diagrams showing a state in which the rotary arm is rotated to disengage the carriage in another example of the carriage positioning device in the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a side view showing a carriage positioning device according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a front view showing a carriage positioning device according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] First embodiment A first embodiment of a carriage positioning device according to the present invention applied to a casting line will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 7.

[0023] (Casting line) FIG. 1 shows an outline of a part of a casting line CTL including a carriage positioning device 1 according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 1, the casting line CTL is equipped with a molding line ML, a pouring line PL, and a cooling line CL. In this facility, a mold M molded on the molding line ML is carried into the pouring line PL, placed on a carriage 2, and poured into the pouring area PA while being transported on the pouring line PL. The poured mold M is then carried out to the cooling line CL, and is transported on the carriage 2 while being cooled on the cooling line CL.

[0024] In this specification, the direction in which the poured mold PM is transported along the first and second transport paths TP1, TP2 of the casting line CTL is referred to as the "transport direction." The transport of the mold is likened to a water flow, and the side where the transport starts in the casting line CTL is referred to as the "upstream side," and the side where the transport ends is referred to as the "downstream side." In the transport direction, the upstream side is referred to as the "rear" and the downstream side is referred to as the "front." Assuming a center line extending in the transport direction, the side farther from the center line is referred to as the "outside" and the side closer to the center line is referred to as the "inside."

[0025] In the molding line ML, an unillustrated molding device presses molding sand whose moisture, binder, etc. have been adjusted to create an upper mold UM and a lower mold LM, and the upper mold UM is placed on top of the lower mold LM to form the mold M. In the molding line ML, the lower flask LCF, in which the lower mold LM is formed, and the upper flask UCF, in which the upper mold UM is formed, are transported on a rolling roller conveyor (unillustrated). The molding line ML and the pouring line PL are connected by a flask alignment transfer device FATD.

[0026] The flask alignment transfer device FATD is equipped with a flask reversing device (not shown) that turns the lower mold LM upside down, a flask alignment device (not shown) that overlaps the upper mold UM on the lower mold LM, and a transfer device (not shown) that transfers the mold M that has been overlapped on the pouring line PL from the molding line ML to the pouring line PL. The flask reversing device, flask alignment device, and transfer device are all well known technologies, so their explanations will be omitted.

[0027] The pouring line PL is used to pour molten metal into multiple molds M arranged one above the other in sequence. The pouring line PL is equipped with a first mold transport device MT1, a fourth carriage positioning device 1d described in the second embodiment, a weight transfer device WT, a pouring area PA, and a first carriage positioning device 1a as the carriage positioning device 1.

[0028] (First mold transport device) The first mold transport device MT1 transports a plurality of carriages 2 arranged on a first transport path TP1 from the upstream side to the downstream side. The first mold transport device MT1 is equipped with a first transport path TP1, a first pusher device (not shown), and a first cushion device CD1. The first mold transport device MT1 transports the mold M produced in the molding line ML on a cart 2 to the pouring area PA, and then transports the poured mold PM poured in the pouring area PA to the first traverser T1 which is connected to the cooling line CL.

[0029] The cart 2 is equipped with a rectangular platform 21 on which the mold M is placed, and four wheels 22 (rotatable) having rotation axes perpendicular to the transport direction on the side of the platform 21. An engaged portion 23 is provided on the outer surface of the cart 2, which is an extension of the central axis 22a of each wheel 22. The engaged portion 23 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a central axis parallel to the central axis 22a of the wheels 22 (coaxial in this embodiment), and protrudes in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction. The other configuration of the cart 2 is a known technique for carrying and transporting the mold M, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] 2, the first transport path TP1 includes a platform MOT that is provided along the transport direction and rises from a floor surface BG, and transport rails TR (track rails) that are provided on the platform MOT and extend in parallel in the transport direction. A number of carriages 2, on which molds M are respectively placed, are arranged in a row on the transport rails TR.

[0031] The first pusher device (not shown) is provided at the upstream end of the first conveying path TP1 and pushes the rearmost cart 2 lined up on the first conveying path TP1 one stroke in the conveying direction (the length of one cart 2 in the conveying direction).

[0032] The first cushion device CD1 is provided at the downstream end of the first transport path TP1 and serves to receive the frontmost cart 2 among the carts 2 lined up on the first transport path TP1. The first mold transport device MT1 transports multiple carts 2 in the transport direction while sandwiching them between the first cushion device CD1 and the first pusher device so that they do not move freely. The first pusher device and first cushion device CD1 are well known technologies and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0033] (weight transfer device) The weight transfer device WT is provided to connect an upstream position (weight attachment position MP) of the pouring area PA of the first transport path TP1 and a downstream position (weight removal position WP) of the second transport path (described later) TP2 corresponding to the upstream position. The weight W covers the mold M from above to prevent damage or destruction of the mold M due to internal pressure during pouring. The weight transfer device WT is a known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] (Pouring area) The pouring area PA is equipped with a melting furnace (not shown) for melting metal at high temperature and a ladle L for pouring the molten metal into the mold. The melting furnace and ladle L are well known technologies, so their explanation will be omitted. A first carriage positioning device 1a, which is the carriage positioning device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention, is provided at the downstream end of the first transport path TP1.

[0035] (First carriage positioning device) The first carriage positioning device 1a performs positioning for position adjustment, for example, to provide a gap between the carriage 2 stopped at the downstream end of the first transport path TP1 and the carriage 2 mounted on the first traverser T1. The first carriage positioning device 1a includes a base 11, a bearing portion 12, a rotating arm 13, an engagement portion (a rotating roller 131), and a tilt drive device 15, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The base 11 is made of iron, for example, and formed in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. As shown in Fig. 5, the base 11 is fixed to a rail support member RSM that constitutes the frame MOT and supports the transport rail TR. The rail support member RSM is made of iron, for example, extends along the transport rail TR, and is formed in a rectangular cross section. The base 11 is attached to the outer side surface of the rail support member RSM, for example, with bolts and nuts (not shown). A bearing portion 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 11, for example, with bolts and nuts (not shown).

[0037] The bearing portion 12 includes a bracket portion 12a that is mounted on the base 11, and a bearing 12b that is integrally formed with the bracket portion 12a. The central axis of the bearing 12b is provided in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. A rotating shaft 13a of a rotating arm 13, which will be described later, is rotatably supported by the bearing 12b.

[0038] The rotating arm 13 is made of, for example, iron and formed into a thin rod shape extending horizontally. The cross section of the rotating arm 13 is formed with the long side in the vertical direction and the short side perpendicular to the conveying direction. The base end 13be (corresponding to the other end TT) of the rotating arm 13 is formed into a disk shape whose diameter extends in the conveying direction and vertical direction, and a rotating shaft 13a, which serves as the center of rotation, protrudes outward at a right angle from the center of the disk. The tip side of the rotating arm 13 is tapered so that the width becomes narrower toward the tip than the central part.

[0039] Two roller rotation shafts 131s are provided protruding from a tip end 13pe (corresponding to one end OT) of the rotating arm 13, side by side in the conveying direction. The roller rotation shafts 131s (see FIG. 6) are each provided protruding inward at a right angle to the conveying direction. A rotating roller 131 is loosely fitted to each roller rotation shaft 131s so as to be able to rotate freely. The rotating rollers 131 are made of iron, for example, and formed into an annular shape. Each rotating roller 131 corresponds to an engaging portion. The engaged portion 23 can be clamped between the two aligned rotating rollers 131 (engaging portions).

[0040] As shown in Fig. 7, the rotating arm 13 has a horizontal position HP where the rotating arm 13 extends along the horizontal direction, and an inclined position TP where a tip end 13pe rotates and inclined upward from the horizontal position HP. The rotating arm 13 tilts on a virtual vertical plane extending in the conveying direction and the vertical direction. In the horizontal position HP, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) of the rotating arm 13 engages with the engaged portion 23 of the dolly 2, and when engaged, a contact position CP between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 coincides with the rotation center line 13ac of the rotation shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13 on the same horizontal plane (see Fig. 4), and in the inclined position TP, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) disengages from the engaged portion 23 (see Fig. 7).

[0041] Although the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) is provided at the tip 13pe (corresponding to one end OT) of the rotating arm 13, the present invention is not limited to this. Any engaging portion that is located away from the rotating shaft 13a and that rotates and moves may be provided, for example, between the rotating shaft 13a and the tip 13pe. A tip end of a tilt drive device 15 is connected to the intermediate portion between the rotation shaft 13a of the rotation arm 13 and the tip end 13pe, and a base end of the tilt drive device 15 is connected to the base 11.

[0042] (Tilt drive mechanism) The tilt drive device 15 is formed of an air cylinder, and tilts the rotating arm 13 between a horizontal position HP where the rotating arm 13 extends horizontally and an inclined position TP inclined from the horizontal position HP. As shown in FIG. 4, the tilt drive device 15 includes a cylinder portion 151, a piston portion 152 including a piston rod 152a, an air pump 153, and an electromagnetic switching valve 154.

[0043] The cylinder section 151 is fixed via a bracket BR to the side surface of the base 11 in the conveying direction. A lower connecting section 151d is provided at the lower end of the cylinder section 151, and the lower connecting section 151d is connected to the tip of the bracket BR via a connecting shaft 151s. The cylinder section 151 extends in the vertical direction, but is connected by the connecting shaft 151s so as to be tiltable within a virtual vertical plane extending in the conveying direction and the vertical direction.

[0044] The piston rod 152a is provided so as to move forward and backward from the upper part of the cylinder part 151. An upper connecting part 152u is provided at the tip of the piston rod 152a, and the upper connecting part 152u is connected via a connecting shaft 152s to an intermediate part between the rotation shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13 and the tip part 13pe. When the piston rod 152a is in the retracted lower end position, the rotating arm 13 extends to a horizontal position HP, and when the piston rod 152a is in the advanced upper end position, the rotating arm 13 is in an inclined position TP (see FIG. 7).

[0045] The cylinder portion 151 is connected to an air pump 153 via an air delivery pipe. An electromagnetic switching valve 154 is provided between the cylinder portion 151 and the air pump 153. The electromagnetic switching valve 154 is switched and positioned between a forward position FP where the piston rod 152a is advanced and a retracted position BP where the piston rod 152a is retracted. The operation of the electromagnetic switching valve 154 is controlled by a control device (not shown).

[0046] When the pressure of the air pump 153 is reduced due to a power outage or the like, the rotating arm 13 is set to be positioned at the horizontal position HP by the weight of the rotating arm 13 and the piston rod 152a. The structure that positions the rotating arm 13 at the horizontal position HP by the weight of the rotating arm 13 and the piston rod 152a constitutes a horizontal position maintaining device that maintains the rotating arm 13 at the horizontal position HP when the driving force of the air pump 153 disappears. The poured mold PM transported along the pouring line PL is placed on a cart 2 and connected to the cooling line CL by a traverser T1.

[0047] (Traverser) The traverser T1 is equipped with a carriage platform T1a on which the carriage 2 on which the poured mold PM is placed is placed, a transition rail T1b perpendicular to the transport rail TR, and a drive unit (not shown) for driving the carriage platform T1a on the transition rail T1b. The carriage platform T1a is equipped with a platform rail T1c on which the carriage 2 is placed, and four wheels T1d having rotation axes extending along the transport direction on the side. The traverser T1 is a known technology, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0048] (Cooling line) The cooling line CL transports and cools the poured mold PM which has been poured and is at a high temperature. The cooling line CL includes a second mold transport device MT2, a second carriage positioning device 1b, and a third carriage positioning device 1c. The cooling line CL transports the poured mold PM to a mold disassembly device (not shown). In the mold disassembly device, the casting is removed from the cooled poured mold PM. The poured mold PM is removed from the carriage 2, and the carriage 2 is transported to a second traverser (not shown).

[0049] (Second mold transport device) The second mold transport device MT2 is equipped with a second transport path TP2, a second pusher device PD2, and a second cushion device (not shown). The second mold transport device MT2 transports a carriage 2 on which a poured mold PM is placed in the opposite direction to the first mold transport device MT1. The second transport path TP2, the second pusher device PD2, and the second cushion device have the same configurations as the first transport path TP1, the first pusher device, and the first cushion device CD1 in the first mold transport device MT1, respectively, and therefore will not be described here.

[0050] (Second traverser) The second traverser (not shown) connects the downstream end of the second transport path TR2 and the upstream end of the first transport path. The second traverser transports the cart 2 from which the poured mold PM has been removed in the opposite direction to the first traverser T1, and since its configuration is the same as that of the first traverser T1, its explanation will be omitted.

[0051] By transporting the cart 2 along the first transport path TP1, the first traverser T1, the second transport path TP2 and the second traverser, the cart 2 is circulated and the same cart 2 can be used repeatedly.

[0052] (Second carriage positioning device / Third carriage positioning device) The second carriage positioning device 1b positions the carriage 2 stopped at the upstream end of the cooling line CL. The carriage 2 placed at the upstream end position UEP of the cooling line is accurately positioned so as to form a gap between it and the carriage transported by the first traverser T1.

[0053] The third carriage positioning device 1c performs positioning of the carriage 2 stopped at the release position WP of the weight transfer device WT for the weight W. Accurate positioning is required at the release position WP to reliably pick up the weight. The second and third carriage positioning devices 1b, 1c have the same configuration as the first carriage positioning device 1a, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0054] (Control device) The control device controls the driving of the tilt drive devices 15 in the first carriage positioning device 1a, the second carriage positioning device 1b and the third carriage positioning device 1c, and the operation of the first pusher device, the second pusher device PD2, the first cushion device CD1 and the second cushion device.

[0055] (Activation) Next, the operation of the cart positioning device 1 configured as above will be described. Since the second and third carriage positioning devices 1b, 1c have the same configuration as the first carriage positioning device 1a, the operation of the first carriage positioning device 1a will be explained as a representative example.

[0056] First, the control device switches the electromagnetic switching valve 154 of the tilt drive device 15 to the forward position FP, and positions the rotating arm 13 of the first carriage positioning device 1a at the tilt position TP. Next, the control device drives the first pusher device (not shown) to carry it from the carry-in position of the second traverser (not shown) to the upstream end position (not shown) of the first transport path TP1, and simultaneously moves the multiple carts 2 arranged on the first transport path TP1 downstream by one pitch. At that time, the control device makes the cart 2 located at the downstream end of the multiple arranged carts 2 abut against the first cushion device CD1. Then, the control device moves the multiple arranged carts 2 while sandwiching them between the first pusher device and the first cushion device CD1. The control device stops the cart 2 located at the downstream end at the downstream end position DEP of the first transport path TP1.

[0057] Next, the control device positions the electromagnetic switching valve 154 at the retracted position BP, and the rotating arm 13 at the horizontal position HP. Even if the position of the carriage 2 stopped at the downstream end position DEP is misaligned, the carriage 2 can be positioned accurately within a range in which the two rotating rollers 131 can guide the engaged portion 23. When the diameter of the rotating roller 131 is 10 cm, the misalignment when the contact position CP with the engaged portion 23 exceeds the top of the rotating roller 131 by, for example, 2.5 cm in the engagement direction can be adjusted by one rotating roller 131. In this embodiment, the two rotating rollers 131 allow an adjustment of 5 cm in the conveying direction and in the opposite direction to the conveying direction.

[0058] This allows the position of the carriage 2 positioned at the downstream end position DEP to be moved downstream or returned to the upstream side, creating the necessary gap between the carriage 2 transported by the first traverser T1 and ensuring the continuation of fast and safe transport.

[0059] In addition, the contact point CP between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 coincides with the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line 13ac of the rotation shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13. Therefore, the force in the conveying direction generated between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 does not affect the rotation force of the rotating arm 13. Furthermore, even if the driving force of the tilt drive device 15 is lost, for example, the first carriage positioning device 1a maintains the engaged state by the horizontal position maintaining device (the weight of the rotating arm 13 and the piston rod 152a), and it is possible to prevent an unexpected state in which the carriage moves from the downstream end position DEP.

[0060] As is clear from the above description, the cart positioning device 1 of this embodiment is a cart positioning device that positions the cart 2 transported along the transport paths TP1, TP2 at predetermined positions (downstream end position DEP, upstream end position UEP).

[0061] It also includes an engaged portion 23 provided on the trolley 2, a bearing portion 12 fixed to the conveying paths TP1, TP2, a rotating arm 13 whose rotating shaft 13a serving as the center of rotation is supported by the bearing portion 12 and which tilts between a horizontal position HP positioned to extend horizontally within a plane extending in the conveying direction along the conveying paths TP1, TP2 and in the vertical direction, and an inclined position TP inclined from the horizontal position HP, a tilting drive device 15 that tilts the rotating arm 13, and an engaging portion (rotating roller 131) provided at the tip of the rotating arm 13 and engaging with the engaged portion 23 from the conveying direction.

[0062] When the rotating arm 13 is in the horizontal position HP, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) engages with the engaged portion 23, and when engaged, the contact position CP between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 coincides on the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line 13ac of the rotating shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13, and when in the inclined position TP, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) disengages from the engaged portion 23.

[0063] According to this, when the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 engage with each other, the contact position CP between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 coincides on the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line of the rotation shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13, so that the force in the conveying direction by the dolly 2 does not generate a force component in the rotation direction of the rotating arm 13. Therefore, even if some force in the conveying direction is applied to the positioned dolly 2, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) does not come off the engaged portion 23, and the dolly 2 can continue to be positioned at the predetermined position.

[0064] The engaging portion (rotating roller 131) is provided at two positions capable of clamping the engaged portion 23 from the conveying direction and the direction opposite to the conveying direction when the rotating arm 13 is in the horizontal position HP. According to this, the engaged portion 23 of the cart 2 is clamped by the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) of the rotating arm 13, and the cart can be reliably positioned from the conveying direction of the cart 2 and from the direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0065] The engaging portion is a rotating roller 131. According to this, even if the engagement position of the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) relative to the engaged portion 23 is misaligned during engagement, the contact position CP between the engaged portion 23 and the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) exceeds the top of the outer periphery of the rotating roller 131 in the direction of engagement, thereby allowing smooth guided engagement.

[0066] Furthermore, the rotating arm 13 is provided with a horizontal position maintaining device (the weight of the rotating arm 13 and the piston rod 152a) that maintains the rotating arm 13 in the horizontal position HP when the driving force of the tilt drive device 15 disappears. According to this, even if the driving force of the tilt drive device 15 is lost, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 are maintained in an engaged state, so that unintended movement of the trolley 2 can be suppressed, thereby improving safety.

[0067] The rotating arm 13 has an engagement portion (rotating roller 131) at one end OT, and a rotating shaft 13a at the other end TT. This allows for a compact carriage positioning device with a simple structure. Moreover, the engaged portion 23 is a cylindrical member having a central axis parallel to the axle of the carriage 2. Since the engaged portion 23 is a cylindrical member, it can smoothly engage with the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) along the arc-shaped outer circumferential surface.

[0068] The method also includes an engaged portion 23 provided on the cart 2 and an engaging portion (rotating roller 131) that engages with the engaged portion 23 to position the cart 2, and the cart positioning device 1 positions the cart 2 transported along the first and second transport paths TP1 and TP2 at a predetermined position.

[0069] An engagement portion (rotating roller 131) is provided on a rotating arm 13 that is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft 13a provided for the first and second conveying paths TP1, TP2, and when the trolley 2 is positioned, the engagement portion (rotating roller 131), the engaged portion 23 and the rotating shaft 13a are parallel to the conveying direction of the first and second conveying paths TP1, TP2.

[0070] According to this, when the dolly 2 is positioned, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131), the engaged portion 23 and the rotating shaft 13a are parallel to the conveying direction of the first and second conveying paths TP1 and TP2, so that the contact position CP between the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 23 coincides with the rotation center line 13ac of the rotating shaft 13a of the rotating arm 13 on the same horizontal plane. Therefore, no force component is generated in the rotation direction of the rotating arm 13 due to the force in the conveying direction of the dolly 2. As a result, even if some force in the conveying direction is applied to the positioned dolly 2, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) does not come off the engaged portion 23, and the dolly 2 can be kept positioned at the predetermined position.

[0071] Furthermore, when the carriage is positioned, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) pinches the engaged portion 23 in parallel with the conveying direction. According to this, the engaged portion 23 of the cart 2 is clamped parallel to the conveying direction by the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) of the rotating arm 13, so that the cart 2 can be reliably positioned from the conveying direction of the cart 2 and the direction opposite to the conveying direction.

[0072] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment in which a carriage positioning device according to the present invention is applied to a casting line will be described below with reference to FIGS. The cart positioning device 101 of the second embodiment simultaneously positions the cart 2 at two positions on the first transport path TP1. The fourth cart positioning device 1d (101) in the second embodiment positions the carts 2 lined up on the first conveying path TP1 of the pouring line PL, including the cart 2 placed at the loading position CIP from the molding line ML to the pouring line PL, the cart 2 placed at the mounting position MP for the weight W of the weight transfer device WTD, and the cart 2 placed between the loading position CIP and the mounting position MP.

[0073] The rotating arm 113 in the second embodiment is formed to a length spanning between the downstream engaged part 23 of the cart 2 placed at the carry-in position CIP of the multiple (three in this embodiment) carts 2 from the molding line ML to the pouring line PL, and the upstream engaged part 23 of the cart 2 placed at the attachment position MP of the weight W of the weight transfer device WTD, one cart 2 away. Two sets of rotating rollers 131 as engagement parts are provided on both ends of the rotating arm 113. The rotating shaft 113a of the rotating arm 113 is provided between the two sets of engagement parts (rotating rollers 131) provided on both ends, i.e., in the center of the rotating arm 113.

[0074] The tilt drive device 15 is provided between one end OT and the rotation shaft 113a. A coil spring S is provided between the tilt drive device 15 and the rotating shaft 113a, and the coil spring S biases the rotating arm 113 in a direction to the horizontal position HP. The coil spring S corresponds to an elastic member and constitutes a horizontal position maintaining device. In this embodiment, the elastic member is the coil spring S, but is not limited to this. Anything that applies a biasing force in one direction to the rotating arm may be used, for example, a rubber member, a spiral spring, or the like.

[0075] The other configuration is similar to that of the cart positioning device 1 in the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted. According to the carriage positioning device 101 of the second embodiment, the positioning of three carriages 2 can be performed simultaneously by one rotating arm 113. The rotating arm 113 is formed to have a length spanning two corresponding engaged parts 23 of the plurality of carts 2, and is provided with an engaging part (rotating roller 131) at each end, with the rotating shaft 113a being provided between the engaging parts (rotating roller 131) provided at each end. The length spanning two corresponding engaged parts 23 of the plurality of carts 2 means, for example, the length between the engaged part 23 on the downstream side of the cart positioned at the carry-in position CIP and the engaged part 23 on the upstream side of the cart 2 positioned at the mounting position MP, and is a length that allows the engaging parts (rotating roller 131) at both ends of the rotating arm 113 to engage with the engaged parts 23, respectively. According to this, it is possible to position a plurality of carriages 2 by one rotating arm 113. The number of carriages 2 that can be positioned is not limited to three, and may be, for example, two, four or more.

[0076] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment in which a carriage positioning device according to the present invention is applied to a casting line will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11, in the cart positioning device 201 of the third embodiment, the rotating arm 213 has an engagement portion (rotating roller 131) at one end OT, and the other end TT is connected to the tilting device 15. A rotating shaft 213a is provided between the one end OT and the other end TT, and a coil spring S is provided between the rotating shaft 213 and the one end OT.

[0077] As shown in FIG. 12, the rotating arm 213 tilts between a horizontal position HP where the rotating arm 213 extends horizontally and an inclined position TP where one end OT rotates upward and inclines from the horizontal position HP. The other configurations are similar to those of the first embodiment, and therefore will not be described.

[0078] The differences are detailed below. The rotating arm 213 is made of, for example, iron and formed into a thin rod shape extending horizontally. An engagement portion (rotating roller 131) is provided at one end OT of the rotating arm 213, and the other end TT is connected to the tilting device 15. A rotating shaft 213a is provided between the one end OT and the other end TT, and a coil spring S is provided between the rotating shaft 213a and the one end OT.

[0079] The coil spring S is not limited to being provided between the rotating shaft 213a and one end OT. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, it may be provided between the rotating shaft 213a and the other end TT. In this case, as shown in Fig. 14, the rotating arm 213 tilts between a horizontal position HP where the rotating arm 213 extends horizontally and an inclined position TP where one end OT rotates downward from the horizontal position HP and inclines.

[0080] As described above, the rotating arm 213 has the engagement portion (rotating roller 131) at one end OT and the tilt drive device 15 connected to the other end TT, the rotating shaft 213a is provided between the one end OT and the other end TT, and an elastic member (coil spring S) serving as a horizontal position maintaining device that biases the rotating arm in a direction to maintain the horizontal position HP is provided between the other end TT and the rotating shaft 213a. This makes it possible to realize the carriage positioning device 201 that tilts one end OT downward with a simple structure.

[0081] Fourth embodiment Next, a fourth embodiment in which a carriage positioning device according to the present invention is applied to a casting line will be described below with reference to FIGS. In the carriage positioning device 301 of the fourth embodiment, an engaged portion 323 is provided on the bottom of the carriage 2, and the engaged portion 323 protrudes downward.

[0082] The engaged part 323 is formed, for example, in the shape of a thin iron rectangular strip in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and its upper end is attached to the center of the bottom of the dolly 2. The upper part of the engaged part 323 is formed so that its width in the conveying direction gradually increases toward the top.

[0083] The rotating arm 313 has a base 311 fixed between two opposing rail support members RSM, and a bearing portion 12 is fixed to the upper surface of the base 311. The base 311 is fixed by a bolt or the like via a bracket (not shown), for example. An engagement portion (rotating roller 131) is provided at one end OT of the rotating arm 313, and the other end TT is connected to the tilt drive device 15. A rotating shaft 313a is provided between the one end OT and the other end TT, and a coil spring S is provided between the rotating shaft 313a and the other end TT.

[0084] 16, the rotating arm 313 tilts between a horizontal position HP where the rotating arm 313 extends horizontally and an inclined position TP where one end of the rotating arm 313 rotates downward and inclined from the horizontal position HP. The engaging portion (rotating roller 131) engages with an engaged portion 323 attached to the bottom surface of the dolly 2. In these respects, the configuration differs from the first embodiment. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, so description thereof will be omitted.

[0085] As described above, the engaged portion 323 is provided on the bottom of the dolly 2 so as to protrude downward. According to this, a space-saving design in which the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) and the engaged portion 323 are stored below the dolly 2 can be implemented.

[0086] In this embodiment, the engaging portion of the rotating arm 13 is the rotating roller 131, but is not limited to this. Anything can be used as long as it guides the engaged portion 23, which has shifted position during the engaging operation, to the correct position, and for example, it may be a U-shaped member whose opening widens toward the tip.

[0087] In addition, the engaging portion (rotating roller 131) is configured as two engaging portions that can hold the engaged portion 23, but is not limited to this. For example, at the upstream end position of the conveying path, a single engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion from the upstream side may be sufficient. Alternatively, two rotating arms each having an engaging portion facing each other may be arranged in the conveying direction, and engaged with the front and rear side surfaces of one engaged portion 23 in the conveying direction.

[0088] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment and shown in the drawings, and can be modified and carried out as appropriate without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1: carriage positioning device, 1a: first carriage positioning device, 1b: second carriage positioning device, 1c: third carriage positioning device, 1d: fourth carriage positioning device, 12: bearing portion, 13: rotating arm, 131: rotating roller (engagement portion), 13a: rotating shaft, 13ac: rotation center line, 15: tilting drive device, 2: carriage, 23: engaged portion, 201: carriage positioning device, 213: rotating arm, 213a: rotating shaft, 301: carriage positioning device, 313: rotating arm, 313a: rotating shaft, CIP: loading position, CP: contact position, DEP: downstream end position (predetermined position), HP: horizontal position, MP: attachment position (predetermined position), OT: one end, S: coil spring (horizontal position maintaining device), TP: inclined position, TP1: first conveying path (conveying path), TP2: second conveying path (conveying path), TT: other end, UEP: upstream end position (predetermined position), WP: removal position (predetermined position).

Claims

1. A cart positioning device that positions a cart transported along a transport path at a predetermined position, An engaged portion provided on the carriage; A bearing portion fixed to the conveying path; a rotating arm having a rotating shaft supported by the bearing portion as a center of rotation, the rotating arm being tilted between a horizontal position positioned so as to extend horizontally within a plane extending in a conveying direction along the conveying path and in a vertical direction and an inclined position inclined from the horizontal position; A tilt drive device that tilts the rotating arm; an engaging portion provided on the rotating arm and adapted to engage with the engaged portion; Equipped with A cart positioning device in which the engaging portion of the rotating arm engages with the engaged portion when in the horizontal position, and when engaged, the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion coincides on the same horizontal plane as the rotation center line of the rotation shaft of the rotating arm, and the engaging portion disengages from the engaged portion when in the inclined position.

2. 2. The cart positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is provided at two positions capable of clamping the engaged portion from the conveying direction and from a direction opposite to the conveying direction when the rotating arm is in the horizontal position.

3. 3. The carriage positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is a rotating roller.

4. 4. The carriage positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating arm includes a horizontal position maintaining device that maintains the rotating arm in the horizontal position when the driving force of the tilt drive device disappears.

5. 5. The carriage positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the rotating arm is provided with the engaging portion at one end and with the rotating shaft at the other end.

6. 5. The trolley positioning device as described in claim 4, wherein the rotating arm has the engagement portion provided at one end and the tilt drive device connected to the other end, the rotating shaft is provided between the one end and the other end, and an elastic member as the horizontal position maintaining device that biases in a direction to maintain the horizontal position is provided between the other end and the rotating shaft.

7. A trolley positioning device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the rotating arm is formed to a length spanning two corresponding ones of the engaged portions of the multiple trolleys lined up, and the engaging portion is provided at each end, and the rotating shaft is provided between the engaging portions provided at both ends.

8. 7. The trolley positioning device according to claim 1, wherein the engaged portion is a cylindrical member having a central axis parallel to a rotation center of an axle of the trolley.

9. 7. The cart positioning device according to claim 6, wherein the engaged portion is provided on a bottom of the cart and protrudes downward.

10. An engaged portion provided on the carriage; an engaging portion that engages with the engaged portion to position the cart, the cart being transported along a transport path being positioned at a predetermined position by a cart positioning device, A cart positioning method in which the engagement portion is provided on a rotating arm that is rotatably supported on a rotating shaft provided on the transport path, and when the cart is positioned, the engagement portion, the engaged portion and the rotating shaft are parallel to the transport direction of the transport path.

11. A cart positioning method as described in Claim 10, wherein when the engaging portion engages with the engaged portion, the contact position between the engaging portion and the engaged portion coincides on the same horizontal plane as the center line of the rotation axis of the rotating arm, and during positioning, the two engaging portions lined up along the conveying direction clamp the engaged portion between them.

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