Chain belt bending guide

Abstract

To enable a chain conveyor device to be installed adapt to various situations of an installation site to realize arbitrary up-down and right-left curves with simple configuration and highly versatile components.SOLUTION: A rail 10 with a vertical shaft or the like and a rail 12 with a bearing or the like are connected by first and second vertical shafts of the rail 10 with the vertical shaft or the like and first and second vertical bearings of the rail 12 with the bearing or the like, and can be bent in a right-left direction. Further, a rail 11 with a horizontal shaft or the like and the rail 12 with the bearing or the like are connected by first and second horizontal shafts of the horizontal shafted rail 11, etc., and the first and second horizontal bearings or the like of the rail 12 with the bearing, and can be bent in an up-down direction. By combining and connecting the rail 10 with the vertical shaft and the rail 11 with the horizontal shaft, it becomes possible to bend and move in the right-left and up-down directions.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a bending guide for a chain belt, which allows a chain belt having a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel horizontally and vertically on a conveyor-side running path. [Background technology]

[0002] In a gaming machine island where multiple gaming media using machines (for example, gaming machines such as slot machines, medal lending machines that lend out medals, etc., gaming media counting machines that count medals, etc.) are lined up, a gaming media circulation system has been constructed to circulate gaming media (for example, medals) within the gaming machine island. The gaming media circulation system uses a chain conveyor device to collect and transport surplus medals dispensed from slot machines and medals dispensed from gaming media counters, temporarily storing them in a storage tank at the end of the gaming machine island, and then transporting them to each slot machine or medal lending machine as needed for replenishment.A known chain conveyor device transports medals by rotating a chain belt made up of multiple connected chain pieces in a fixed direction.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART Among chain conveyor devices, there are known chain conveyor devices in which the chain belt can be curved while traveling (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-002937 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-096440 [Patent Document 3] Patent Publication No. 2021-088466 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the chain conveyor devices of Patent Documents 1 to 3 can make the chain belt bend and run horizontally, but cannot make it bend and run actively in the vertical direction, which causes a problem of lacking versatility in conveyor layout.

[0006] The chain belt bending guides in Patent Documents 1 and 3 have rails that can be bent in the left-right direction, but the side walls of the running path of each rail are formed straight. Therefore, when the chain belt runs on the curved running path, the bending radius of the chain belt changes as it runs, causing problems such as pulsation in the chain belt, increasing drive resistance, and generating vibrations and noise. Furthermore, the sliding surface (51) that adjusts the amount of overhang at the rail bend in Patent Document 2 is a component that comes into contact with the side of the wheel of the conveyor chain, but its purpose is to apply a predetermined outward tension and to prevent the conveyor chain from getting caught on each guide piece, and it is not intended to actively reduce the pulsation of the chain belt when the running path is bent. Furthermore, since the amount of overhang must be adjusted whenever a curved running path is formed, there is a problem in that the number of work steps during installation increases.

[0007] Furthermore, the chain belt bending guide of Patent Document 2 requires that the length of the curve curvature at the installation location be determined in advance and that a dedicated frame material be prepared. In this case, since the curve of the traveling frame device is predetermined, there is a problem in that there is little flexibility in adapting to unexpected situations at the installation site.

[0008] Furthermore, the bending guide for a chain belt in Patent Document 3 has a component shape that is not symmetrical from top to bottom, which can lead to the problem of it being assembled upside down by mistake.

[0009] Furthermore, since the side walls of the running path of the bending guide for a chain belt in Patent Document 3 are formed in straight lines, when the chain belt bends and runs, it runs in a polygonal shape in a plan view, so the turning radius is not constant, and the linear speed of the chain belt changes, making it easy for pulsation to occur when it is driven, resulting in increased noise and vibration.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a bending guide for a chain belt that can be installed in accordance with various conditions at the installation site, realizing any curve up, down, left, or right using a simple and versatile component. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bending guide for a chain belt that can reduce the driving resistance of the chain belt and reduce vibration and noise during driving. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] (Means 1: Up / Down / Right / Left Bending) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide (1) for bending a chain belt (3, 45, 145) made of a plurality of connected chain links so that the chain belt (3, 45, 145) runs horizontally on a conveying-side running path (13) made of a plurality of connected rails, The plurality Concatenated The rails are a vertical shaft-mounted rail (10, 30, 40, 140, 150) having a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude in the vertical direction; a horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11, 31, 41, 141, 151) having a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude horizontally; a bearing rail (12, 32, 42, 142, 152) having a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-equipped rail (10, 30, 40, 140, 150) and the shaft-receiving rail (12, 32, 42, 142, 152) (e.g., Figures 9, 22, 30, 42, 51). The first horizontal shaft (73) was inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) was inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11, 31, 41, 141, 151) and the shaft-receiving rails (12, 32, 42, 142, 152) (e.g., Figures 10, 23, 32, 47, and 52).

[0012] (Means 1-2: Above and below the conveying side traveling path) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide (1) that allows a chain belt (3) made of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel in horizontal and vertical directions on a conveying-side running path (13) made of a plurality of connected rails, The plurality Concatenated The rails are a vertical shaft-mounted rail (10) having a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude vertically; a horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11) having a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude horizontally; a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, and a separate shaft-receiving rail (12) different from the vertical shaft-mounted rail (10) and the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11); The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-mounted rail (10) and the shaft-receiving rail (12) (see, for example, FIG. 9 ). The first horizontal shaft (73) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) is inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11) and the shaft-receiving rail (12) (for example, FIG. 10 ). The conveying-side running path is formed in at least two of the vertical shaft-mounted rail (10), the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11), and the shaft-receiving rail (12) (for example, Figures 6, 7, and 8), The first vertical shaft (71) and the first vertical bearing (81) are arranged above the conveying-side running path (13), and the second vertical shaft (72) and the second vertical bearing (82) are arranged below the conveying-side running path (13) (e.g., Figures 6, 8, and 9).

[0013] (Means 1-3: Below the conveying side running path) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide (1) for bending a chain belt (3, 45, 145) made of a plurality of connected chain links along a conveying-side running path (13) made of a plurality of connected rails in a horizontal and vertical direction, The plurality Concatenated The rails are a vertical shaft-mounted rail (30, 40, 140, 150) having a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude in the vertical direction; a horizontal shaft-mounted rail (31, 41, 141, 151) having a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude horizontally; a bearing rail (32, 42, 142, 152) having a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-equipped rail (30, 40, 140, 150) and the shaft-receiving rail (32, 42, 142, 152) (e.g., Figures 22, 30, 31, 42, 51), The first horizontal shaft (73) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) is inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (31, 41, 141, 151) and the shaft-receiving rail (32, 42, 142, 152) (e.g., Figures 23, 32, 47, 52). The conveying-side running path (13) is formed on at least two of the vertical shaft rails (30, 40, 140, 150), the horizontal shaft rails (31, 41, 141, 151), and the shaft receiving rails (32, 42, 142, 152) (e.g., Figures 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 42, 47, 51, 52), The first vertical shaft (71) and the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) and the second vertical bearing (82) are arranged below the conveying side running path (13) (e.g., Figures 19, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30, 42, 47, 51, and 52).

[0014] (Means 1-4:: Below the conveying side running path and above the return side chain belt) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides: A bending guide (1) for a chain belt allows a chain belt (3, 45, 145) made of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel in horizontal and vertical directions on a conveying-side running path (13) made of a plurality of connected rails, and allows the return-side chain belt (3, 45, 145) to travel on a return-side running path (14) provided below the conveying-side running path (13), The plurality Concatenated The rails are a vertical shaft-mounted rail (30, 40, 140) having a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude in the vertical direction; a horizontal shaft-mounted rail (31, 41, 141) having a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude horizontally; a bearing rail (32, 42, 142) having a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-equipped rail (30, 40, 140) and the shaft-receiving rail (32, 42, 142) (e.g., Figures 22, 30, 31, 42). The first horizontal shaft (73) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) is inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (31, 41, 141) and the shaft-receiving rail (32, 42, 142) (for example, Figures 23, 32, 47). The conveying-side running path (13) and the return-side running path (14) are formed on at least two of the vertical shaft-mounted rails (30, 40, 140), the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (31, 41, 141), and the shaft-receiving rails (32, 42, 142) (e.g., Figures 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 29, 42, 47, 48), The first vertical shaft (71) and the first vertical bearing (81), as well as the second vertical shaft (72) and the second vertical bearing (82), are arranged below the conveying side running path (13) and above the chain belt on the return side (e.g., Figures 19, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30, 42, and 48).

[0015] (Means 2: Up / Down / Right / Left Bending and Bottom Plate) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt (3, 145) made of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel horizontally on a conveying-side travel path made of a plurality of connected rails, includes a vertical shaft rail (10, 150), a horizontal shaft rail (11, 151), and a shaft receiving rail (12, 152), The vertical shaft rail (10, 150) has a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11, 151) has a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude in the horizontal direction, The shaft receiving rail (12, 152) has a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-equipped rail (10, 150) and the shaft-receiving rail (12, 152), The first horizontal shaft (73) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) is inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11, 151) and the shaft-receiving rail (12, 152), At least one of the vertical shaft rail (10, 150), the horizontal shaft rail (11, 151), and the shaft receiving rail (12, 152) has: a left side plate (104, 116a, 124, 1504, 1514, 1524) and a right side plate (105, 116b, 125, 1505, 1515, 1525) that support the conveying side traveling path; and a bottom plate (103, 113b, 123b, 1503, 1513, 1523) that connects the left side plate (104, 116a, 124, 1504, 1514, 1524) and the right side plate (105, 116b, 125, 1505, 1515, 1525) at the bottom (e.g., Figures 6, 7, 8, 51, 52, 53).

[0016] (Means 3: Up, down, left, right bending and foot) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt (145) made up of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel horizontally on a conveying-side running path made up of a plurality of connected rails, includes a vertical shaft rail (150), a horizontal shaft rail (151), and a shaft receiving rail (152), The vertical shaft rail (150) has a first vertical shaft (71) and a second vertical shaft (72) that protrude in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (151) has a first horizontal shaft (73) and a second horizontal shaft (74) that protrude in the horizontal direction, The shaft receiving rail (152) has a first vertical bearing (81) through which the first vertical shaft (71) can be inserted, a second vertical bearing (82) through which the second vertical shaft (72) can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing (83) through which the first horizontal shaft (73) can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing (84) through which the second horizontal shaft (74) can be inserted, The first vertical shaft (71) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), and the second vertical shaft (72) is inserted into the second vertical bearing (82), thereby connecting the vertical shaft-equipped rail (150) and the shaft-receiving rail (152); The first horizontal shaft (73) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), and the second horizontal shaft (74) is inserted into the second horizontal bearing (84), thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (151) and the shaft-receiving rail (152); At least one of the vertical shaft rail (150), the horizontal shaft rail (151), and the shaft receiving rail (152) has: a left side plate (1504, 1514, 1524) and a right side plate (1505, 1515, 1525) that support the conveying side traveling path; Further to the left at the bottom of the left side plate extension or further to the right at the bottom of the right side plate. extension and foot portions (1506, 1516, 1526) that support the base (see, for example, Figures 51, 52, and 53).

[0017] (Method 4: The vertical axis protrudes in the opposite direction) Method 1 3 In either of the following cases: The first vertical shaft (71) and the second vertical shaft (72) may be configured to protrude in opposite directions (for example, FIGS. 6, 19, 27, 42, and 51).

[0018] (Means 5: The vertical axis is within the range of the conveying side running path) Means 1 to 3 In either of the following cases: The first vertical shaft (71) and the first vertical bearing (81), as well as the second vertical shaft (72) and the second vertical bearing (82), are arranged within the range of the conveying side running path (13) (above or below the range in which the chain belt 3 runs) when the conveying side running path (13) is viewed in a plane (e.g., Figures 6, 8, 9, 13, 19, 21, 22, 27, 29, 30, 42, 48, 51, 53).

[0019] (Means 6: Vertical connecting shaft and horizontal connecting shaft) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: The chain belt bending guide allows a chain belt (145) made of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel horizontally on a conveying-side running path made of a plurality of connected rails, and includes a rail (160) with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail (161) with bearing holes for up and down bending, a rail (142) for receiving a shaft, a vertical connecting shaft (163), and a horizontal connecting shaft (173). The bearing rails (142, etc.) are made up of a first vertical bearing (81) and a second vertical bearing (82) that are coaxial in the vertical direction. and a first horizontal bearing (83) and a second horizontal bearing (84) that are coaxial in the horizontal direction. and The rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160, etc.) has a first vertical bearing hole (81a) and a second vertical bearing hole (82a) that are coaxial in the vertical direction, The vertical connecting shaft (163) is inserted into the first vertical bearing (81), the first vertical bearing hole (81a), the second vertical bearing (82), and the second vertical bearing hole (82a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142, etc.) and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160, etc.) so as to be bendable in the horizontal direction, The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161, etc.) has a first horizontal bearing hole (83a) and a second horizontal bearing hole (84a) that are coaxial in the horizontal direction, The horizontal connecting shaft (173) is inserted into the first horizontal bearing (83), the first horizontal bearing hole (83a), the second horizontal bearing (84), and the second horizontal bearing hole (84a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142, etc.) and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161, etc.) so as to be bendable in the vertical direction, The conveying side running path (13) is formed on at least two of the axle receiving rail (142, etc.), the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160, etc.), or the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161, etc.) (for example, Figures 54 and 55).

[0020] (Means 7: Vertical connecting shaft, horizontal connecting shaft and bottom plate) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt (145) made of multiple chain links to bend and travel horizontally on a conveying-side running path made of multiple connected rails, includes a rail (160 (150)) with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail (161 (151)) with bearing holes for up and down bending, a rail (142 (152)) with a shaft receiving portion, a vertical connecting shaft (163), and a horizontal connecting shaft (173) (Figures 48, 54, 55 (Figures 51, 52, 53)), The journal rail (142 (152)) has a first vertical bearing (81) and a second vertical bearing (82) which are coaxial in the vertical direction, and a first horizontal bearing (83) and a second horizontal bearing (84) which are coaxial in the vertical direction (Figure 54 (Figure 52)), The rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)) has a first vertical bearing hole (81a) and a second vertical bearing hole (82a) that are coaxial in the vertical direction (Figure 54 (Figure 52)), The vertical connecting shaft (163) is inserted through the first vertical bearing (81), the first vertical bearing hole (81a), the second vertical bearing (82), and the second vertical bearing hole (82a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142 (152)) and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)) so as to be able to bend in the horizontal direction (Figure 54 (Figure 51)). The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161 (151)) has a first horizontal bearing hole (83a) and a second horizontal bearing hole (84a) that are coaxial in the horizontal direction (Figure 55 (Figure 52)), The horizontal connecting shaft (173) is inserted through the first horizontal bearing (83), the first horizontal bearing hole (83a), the second horizontal bearing (84), and the second horizontal bearing hole (84a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142 (152)) and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161 (151)) so as to be able to bend in the vertical direction (Figure 55 (Figure 52)). The conveying-side running path (13) is formed in at least two of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)), the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161 (151)), and the bearing receiving rail (142 (152)) (Figures 54 and 55 (Figures 51, 52, and 53)), At least one of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)), the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161 (151)), and the bearing receiving rail (142 (152)) has: a left side plate (1504, 1514, 1524 (1404, 1414, 1424)) and a right side plate (1505, 1515, 1525 (1405, 1415, 1425)) for supporting the conveying side traveling path; and a bottom plate (1503, 1513, 1523) that connects the left side plate (1504, 1514, 1524) and the right side plate (1505, 1515, 1525) at the bottom (see, for example, Figures 51, 52, and 53).

[0021] (Means 8: Vertical connecting shaft, horizontal connecting shaft and foot portion) In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides: A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt (145) made of a plurality of connected chain links to bend and travel horizontally on a conveying-side running path made of a plurality of connected rails, includes a rail (150 (160) with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail (161 (151) with bearing holes for up and down bending), a rail (142 (152)), a vertical connecting shaft (163), and a horizontal connecting shaft (173) (Figures 48, 54, 55 (Figures 51, 52, 53)), The journal rail (142 (152)) has a first vertical bearing (81) and a second vertical bearing (82) which are coaxial in the vertical direction, and a first horizontal bearing (83) and a second horizontal bearing (84) which are coaxial in the vertical direction (Figure 54 (Figure 52)), The rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)) has a first vertical bearing hole (81a) and a second vertical bearing hole (82a) that are coaxial in the vertical direction (Figure 54 (Figure 52)), The vertical connecting shaft (163) is inserted through the first vertical bearing (81), the first vertical bearing hole (81a), the second vertical bearing (82), and the second vertical bearing hole (82a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142 (152)) and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)) so as to be able to bend in the horizontal direction (Figure 54 (Figure 51)). The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161 (151)) has a first horizontal bearing hole (83a) and a second horizontal bearing hole (84a) that are coaxial in the horizontal direction (Figure 55 (Figure 52)), The horizontal connecting shaft (173) is inserted through the first horizontal bearing (83), the first horizontal bearing hole (83a), the second horizontal bearing (84), and the second horizontal bearing hole (84a), thereby connecting the shaft receiving rail (142 (152)) and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161 (151)) so as to be able to bend in the vertical direction (Figure 55 (Figure 52)). The conveying-side running path (13) is formed in at least two of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)), the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161 (151)), and the bearing receiving rail (142 (152)) (Figures 54 and 55 (Figures 51, 52, and 53)), At least one of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160 (150)), the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161 (151)), and the bearing receiving rail (142 (152)) has: a left side plate (1504, 1514, 1524 (1404, 1414, 1424)) and a right side plate (1505, 1515, 1525 (1405, 1415, 1425)) for supporting the conveying side traveling path; Further to the left at the bottom of the left side plate extensionor further to the right at the bottom of the right side plate. extension The base includes legs (1506, 1516, 1526) that support the base (for example, FIGS. 51, 52, 53 (54, 55)).

[0022] (Means 9: First and second vertical connecting shafts and horizontal connecting shafts) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: The vertical connecting shaft (163) includes a first vertical connecting shaft and a second vertical connecting shaft, The first vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the first vertical bearing (81) and the first vertical bearing hole (81a), The second vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the second vertical bearing (82) and the second vertical bearing hole (82a), The horizontal connecting shaft (173) includes a first horizontal connecting shaft and a second horizontal connecting shaft, The first horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the first horizontal bearing (83) and the first horizontal bearing hole (83a), The second horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the second horizontal bearing (84) and the second horizontal bearing hole (84a) (10, 30, 40, 140, 150, 160, Figures 11, 25, 32, 42, 47, 51, 52, 54, 55).

[0023] According to the present invention, by forming a bending guide by alternately combining vertical shaft-mounted rails and shaft-receiving rails, it is possible to realize any versatile curve with a simple configuration, and the freedom of conveyor layout can be improved depending on various conditions at the installation site. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the bending guide for the chain belt can be made symmetrical in the front-rear direction, so that there is no difference in running characteristics between when the chain belt is rotating forward and when it is rotating reversely. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the bending guide for a chain belt can be made to have a vertically symmetrical shape, so that no problems arise when the guide is assembled upside down. Furthermore, according to the present invention, the sliding surfaces of the conveying side running path and the return side running path of the chain belt become separate parts when assembled upside down, so by reassembling the chain belt bending guide upside down after a certain period of operation, the life of the chain belt bending guide against wear can be extended.

[0024] (Method 10: Horizontal shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the horizontal direction and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), and running path side walls (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A); The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 58, 62, 66, 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0025] According to the configuration of means 10, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 60, 67(b), 68(b)).

[0026] (Means 11: Vertical transition portion 29 of conveying side running path 13 on horizontal shaft-equipped rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141A, 151A) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a top-bottom transfer portion (29) of the conveying-side running path (13), and a running path side wall (15); The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The vertical transfer section (29) of the conveying-side running path (13) is a portion where the chain belt (145) transfers between the conveying-side running path (13) of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side running path (13) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left-right line (1452a) of the lower sliding surface (1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the conveying-side running path (13) of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side running path (13) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0027] According to the configuration of means 11, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A) with the up and down bending connecting portions (5) of the other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 67(b) and 68(b)). Furthermore, since the vertical transition section 29 is formed in the conveying-side running path 13, the lower sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. As a result, the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving can be reduced (FIG. 68(c) and FIG. 71).

[0028] (Means 12: Floating prevention part 16 in horizontal shaft mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the horizontal direction and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), running path side walls (15), and lift-up prevention portions (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 58, 62, 66, 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up.

[0029] According to the configuration of means 12, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 60, 67(b), 68(b)). In addition, it is possible to prevent the chain belt (3, 45, 145) from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) (FIG. 64, FIG. 67(a)).

[0030] (Means 13: Vertical transition portion 29 of lift-up prevention portion 16 on horizontal shaft-mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141A, 151A) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a running path side wall (15), a lift-up prevention portion (16), and a top-bottom transfer portion (29) of the lift-up prevention portion (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transfer portion (29) of the anti-lift portion (16) is a portion where the chain belt (145) transfers between the anti-lift portion (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the anti-lift portion (16) of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, and the left and right line (1452a) of the anti-lift sliding surface (lower sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the direction of travel of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the anti-lift portion (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the anti-lift portion (16) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail.

[0031] According to the configuration of means 13, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 67(b) and 68(b)). Furthermore, the chain belt (145) can be prevented from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (145) (FIG. 67(a)). Furthermore, since the lift-up prevention section 16 is provided with the vertical transition section 29, the lift-up prevention sliding surface (lower mounting sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A connected thereto, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIGS. 68 and 71).

[0032] (Means 14: Return side running path 14 on horizontal shaft-mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the horizontal direction and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14, a lower bottom plate portion 114), and running path side walls (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 58, 62, 66, 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return-side running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114) supports the curved running of the return-side chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0033] According to the configuration of means 14, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 60, 67(b), 68(b)). Furthermore, since the return running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114) is formed on the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the forward and return paths of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be arranged compactly (Figures 59, 64, 67(a)).

[0034] (Means 15: Upper and lower transition portions 29 of the return-side running path 14 on the horizontal shaft-equipped rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141A, 151A) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14), a top-bottom transfer portion (29) of the return-side running path (14), and a running path side wall (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The vertical transition section (29) of the return-side running path (14) is a section where the chain belt (145) transfers between the return-side running path (14) of the horizontal shaft rail and the return-side running path (14) of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, and the left-right line (1454a) of the suspended sliding surface (1454) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the return-side running path (14) of the horizontal shaft rail and the return-side running path (14) of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0035] According to the configuration of means 15, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 67(b) and 68(b)). Furthermore, since the return runway (14) is formed on the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A), the outgoing and returning runs of the chain belt (145) can be arranged compactly (FIG. 67). Furthermore, since the return runway 14 is provided with the vertical transition section 29, the suspended sliding surface 1454 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIG. 71).

[0036] (Means 16: Return-side running path 14 and lift-up prevention part 16 in horizontal shaft-mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the horizontal direction and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel in the vertical direction, The horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14, a lower bottom plate portion 114), running path side walls (15), and lift-up prevention portions (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 58, 62, 66, 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up.

[0037] According to the configuration of means 16, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 60, 67(b), 68(b)). Furthermore, since the return running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114) is formed on the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the forward and return paths of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be arranged compactly (Figures 59, 64, 67). In addition, it is possible to prevent the chain belt (3, 45, 145) from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) (FIG. 64, FIG. 67(a)).

[0038] (Means 17: Upper and lower transition portions 29 of the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the conveying side running path 13 and the return side running path 14 on the horizontal shaft-equipped rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141A, 151A) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14), a running path side wall (15), a lift-up prevention portion (16), and a top-bottom transfer portion (29) of the lift-up prevention portion (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A); The upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) are Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. Among the anti-floating parts, The lift-up prevention portion (16) on the conveying side is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the conveying chain belt from lifting up, The return-side lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the return-side chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transfer section (29) of the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) is a section where the chain belt (145) transfers between the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of another horizontal shaft rail or vertical shaft rail, and the left-right line (1454a) of the lift-up prevention sliding surface (suspended sliding surface 1454) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The vertical transfer portion (29) of the return side anti-lift portion (16) is the portion where the chain belt (145) transfers between the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the return side anti-lift portion (16) of another horizontal shaft rail or vertical shaft rail, and the left and right line (1452a) of the anti-lift sliding surface (lower sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the horizontal shaft rail and the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the other horizontal shaft rail or vertical shaft rail.

[0039] According to the configuration of means 17, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) or a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run while bending in the vertical direction (up and down) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figures 67(b) and 68(b)). Furthermore, since the return runway (14) is formed on the horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A), the outgoing and returning runs of the chain belt (145) can be arranged compactly (FIG. 67). Furthermore, it is possible to prevent the chain belt (145) from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (145) (FIGS. 64 and 67(a)). Furthermore, since the vertical transition sections 29 are formed in the lift-up prevention sections 16 on the conveying side and the return side, the suspended sliding surface 1454 and the lower sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the connected other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. As a result, the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving can be reduced.

[0040] (Means 18: Left and right contact parts and upper and lower contact parts) In order to solve the above problems, the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) according to any one of means 10 to means 17, left and right contact portions (17b) that limit rotation about the vertical axis relative to other vertical axis-equipped rails; The rail has upper and lower contact portions (18a, 18b) that restrict rotation about the horizontal axis relative to other horizontal axis-mounted rails (Figures 58, 62, 66, 76, 78). By having the left and right abutment portions, the bending angle in the left and right direction is limited when connecting other vertical shaft rails (Figure 60, Figure 68(b)). By providing the upper and lower contact portions, the bending angle in the vertical direction is limited when another horizontal shaft-mounted rail is connected (Figure 68(c)).

[0041] According to the configuration of means 18, By having the left and right abutment portions (17b), it is possible to form a conveying side running path with limited bending angle in the left and right direction when connecting other vertical shaft rails (Figure 60, Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by having upper and lower abutment portions (18a, 18b), it is possible to form a conveying-side running path with a limited bending angle in the vertical direction when connecting other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (Figure 68(c)).

[0042] (Means 19: Side wall transition portion 27 of running path side wall 15 in horizontal shaft-mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the running path side wall (15) of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) according to any one of means 10 to means 17 is The rail has side wall transition sections (27, 28) for the chain belt (45, 145) to transfer between the rail and the running path side wall (15) of another connected vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The side wall transition portions (27, 28) are the portions where the upper and lower lines (453a, 1453a) of the lateral sliding surfaces (453, 1453) of the chain belts (45, 145), which extend up and down relative to the traveling direction of the chain belts (45, 145), simultaneously come into contact with the side wall transition portion (27) on the running path side wall (15) of the horizontal axle rail and the side wall transition portion (28) on the running path side wall (15) of the other connected vertical axle rail or horizontal axle rail.

[0043] According to the configuration of means 19, Since the side wall transition portion (27) is formed on the running path side wall (15) of the horizontal axle rail (41A, 141A, 151A), regardless of the bending angle or increase or decrease of the gap between the other connected vertical axle rail (40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal axle rail (41A, 141A, 151A), there exists a state in which the lateral sliding surface (453, 1453) of the chain belt (45, 145) simultaneously contacts the running path side wall (15) of the horizontal axle rail and the running path side wall (15) of the other vertical axle rail or horizontal axle rail (Figure 73). This allows the lateral sliding surfaces (453, 1453) of the chain belt (45, 145) to smoothly transfer between the horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) and the running path side walls (15) of the other horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) or the vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A), thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt (45, 145), and thus reducing driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0044] (Means 20: Planar view convex arc shape of side wall 15 of running path in horizontal shaft mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the running path side wall (15) of the horizontal shaft mounted rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) according to any one of means 10 to means 17 is It was formed into a convex arc shape in plan view according to the left and right bending radii (Figure 76(b)).

[0045] According to the configuration of means 20, The turning radius of the chain belt (145) can be kept constant (Figure 68(b)). This allows the chain belt (145) to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt (145) is driven, thereby reducing driving resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0046] (Means 21: Rail 160A with bearing holes for left and right bending) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending, which allows a chain belt (145) to bend and run horizontally, and a rail (161A) with bearing holes for up and down bending, which allows a chain belt (145) to bend and run vertically, can be connected using a vertical connecting shaft (163) or a horizontal connecting shaft (173), The rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending includes a left and right bending connecting portion (4), a top and bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a running path side wall (15), a top and bottom regulating portion (a horizontal engaging piece 70, a step portion 4014, a step portion 4024, an upper horizontal plate 1401, a lower horizontal plate 1402), and a left and right regulating portion (a left plate 1404, a right plate 1405), The left-right bending connecting portion (4) connects another left-right bending bearing hole-equipped rail (160A) or a up-down bending bearing hole-equipped rail (161A) so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane using a vertical connecting shaft (163); Vertical bearing holes (81a, 82a) opened in the vertical direction; and vertical bearings (81, 82) opened corresponding to the vertical bearing holes (81a, 82a) of the other rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending, The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects another vertical bending bearing hole-equipped rail (161A) using a horizontal connecting shaft (173) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane. The horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided corresponding to the horizontal bearing holes (83a, 84a) of the other vertical bending bearing hole-equipped rail (161A) (Fig. 79). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The vertical regulating portion (horizontal engagement piece 70, etc.) is a portion that slides against another rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or another rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161A) to perform vertical positioning. The left and right regulating portions (left plate 1404, right plate 1405) are parts that come into sliding contact with other rails with bearing holes for vertical bending (161A) to perform positioning in the left and right direction.

[0047] According to the configuration of Means 21, By connecting the left-right bending connecting portion (4) of the rail (160A) with bearing holes for left-right bending to the left-right bending connecting portion (4) of another rail (160A) with bearing holes for left-right bending or the rail (161A) with bearing holes for up-down bending using a vertical connecting shaft (163), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) (Figure 79(b)). In addition, by connecting the vertical bending connection portion (5) of the rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending to the vertical bending connection portion (5) of another rail (161A) with bearing holes for up and down bending using a horizontal connecting shaft (173), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down).

[0048] (Means 3-2: Rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161A)) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A rail (161A) with bearing holes for vertical bending used in a chain conveyor device (C) that can connect a rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and run horizontally and a rail (161A) with bearing holes for vertical bending that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and run vertically using a vertical connecting shaft (163) or a horizontal connecting shaft (173), The rail (161A) with bearing holes for vertical bending includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a running path side wall (15), a top-bottom regulating portion (upper horizontal plate 1411, lower horizontal plate 1412), and a left-right regulating portion (vertical engagement piece 70, left side plate 1414, right side plate 1415). The left-right bending connecting portion (4) connects another left-right bending bearing hole-equipped rail (160A) by using a vertical connecting shaft (163) so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane; and vertical bearings (81, 82) opened corresponding to the vertical bearing holes (81a, 82a) of the other rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending, The vertical bending connection portion (5) connects another rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending or another rail (161A) with bearing holes for up and down bending so that the rail can be bent in a vertical plane using a horizontal connecting shaft (173). Horizontal bearing holes (83a, 84a) opened in the horizontal direction; The horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided corresponding to the horizontal bearing holes (83a, 84a) of the other vertical bending bearing hole-equipped rail (161A) (Fig. 80). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The vertical regulating parts (upper horizontal plate 1411, lower horizontal plate 1412) are parts that slide against other rails with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) to position the rails in the vertical direction. The left and right regulating portions (vertical engagement pieces 70, etc.) are parts that slide against other left and right bending bearing hole rails (160A) or up and down bending bearing hole rails (161A) to position them in the left and right direction.

[0049] According to the configuration of means 22, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161A) to the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending (161A) using a horizontal connecting shaft (173), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 80(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of the rail (161A) with bearing holes for vertical bending to the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of another rail (160A) with bearing holes for horizontal bending using a vertical connecting shaft (163), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction).

[0050] (Means 23: Side wall transition portion 27 of travel path side wall 15) In order to solve the above problems, the running path side wall (15) described in means 2-1 or 2-2 is The rail (160A) has side wall transition sections (27, 28) for the chain belt (145) to transfer between the rail (160A) and the running path side wall (15) of the other rail (161A) with bearing holes for left and right bending (Fig. 79). The side wall transition portions (27, 28) are portions where the upper and lower lines (1453a) of the lateral sliding surface (1453) of the chain belt (145), which extends up and down relative to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145), simultaneously contact the side wall transition portion (27) on the running path side wall (15) of the rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending or the rail (161A) with bearing holes for up and down bending, and the side wall transition portion (28) on the running path side wall (15) of the other connected rail (160A) with bearing holes for left and right bending or the rail (161A) with bearing holes for up and down bending.

[0051] According to the configuration of Means 23, Since the side wall transition portion (27) is formed on the running path side wall (15) of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161A), regardless of the bending angle or increase or decrease of the gap between the other connected rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161A), there exists a state in which the lateral sliding surface (1453) of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the running path side wall (15) of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161A) and the running path side wall (15) of the other rail with bearing holes for left and right bending (160A) or the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending (161A) (Figure 73). This allows the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 to smoothly transfer between the rail 160A with bearing holes for left / right bending or the rail 161A with bearing holes for up / down bending and the track side wall 15 of another rail 160A with bearing holes for left / right bending or the rail 161A with bearing holes for up / down bending, thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0052] (Means 24: Planar view convex arc shape of side wall 15 of running path) In order to solve the above problems, the side wall (15) of the running path described in means 3-1 or 3-2 is It was formed into a convex arc shape in plan view according to the left and right bending radius (CR) (Figure 69(b)).

[0053] According to the configuration of means 24, The turning radius of the chain belt (145) can be kept constant (Figure 68(b)). This allows the chain belt (145) to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt (145) is driven, thereby reducing driving resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0054] (Method 2-1: Vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), and running path side walls (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-equipped rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 57, 61, 65, 69, 77), The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0055] According to the configuration of Means 2-1, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 60, Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of other horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)).

[0056] (Means 2-2: Upper and lower transition section 29 of conveying side running path 13 on vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for use in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for running a chain belt (145) in a horizontally bent direction and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) for running a chain belt (145) in a vertically bent direction, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), up and down transfer portions (29) of the conveying-side running path (13), and running path side walls (15); The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 69, 77). The conveying side running path (13) supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The vertical transfer section (29) of the conveying-side running path (13) is a portion where the conveying chain belt (145) transfers between the conveying-side running path (13) of the vertical shaft rail and the conveying-side running path (13) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left-right line (1452a) of the lower sliding surface (1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the conveying-side running path (13) of the vertical shaft rail and the conveying-side running path (13) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0057] According to the configuration of Means 2-2, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the other horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, since the vertical transition section 29 is formed in the conveying-side running path 13, the lower sliding surface 1452 of the conveying chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the conveying chain belt 145. This also reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIG. 68(c) and FIG. 71).

[0058] (Means 2-3: Floating prevention part 16 in vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), running path side walls (15), and lift-up prevention portions (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-equipped rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 57, 58, 61, 62, 65, 66, 69, 76, 77, 78), The conveying side running path (13) supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up.

[0059] According to the configuration of Means 2-3, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 60, Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of other horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). In addition, it is possible to prevent the chain belt (3, 45, 145) from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) (Figures 59, 64, and 67(a)).

[0060] (Means 2-4: Vertical transition portion 29 of lift-up prevention portion 16 on vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for use in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for running a chain belt (145) in a horizontally bent direction and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) for running a chain belt (145) in a vertically bent direction, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), running path side walls (15), lift-up prevention portions (16), and up and down transfer portions (29) of the lift-up prevention portions (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 69, 77). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transfer portion (29) of the anti-lift portion (16) is a portion where the chain belt (145) transfers between the anti-lift portion (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the anti-lift portion (16) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left and right line (1452a) of the anti-lift sliding surface (lower sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the direction of travel of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the anti-lift portion (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the anti-lift portion (16) of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail.

[0061] According to the configuration of means 2-4, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the other horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, the chain belt (145) can be prevented from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (145). Furthermore, since the lift-up prevention section 16 is provided with the vertical transition section 29, the lift-up prevention sliding surface (lower sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer between the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A connected thereto, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A or the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIGS. 68 and 71).

[0062] (Means 2-5: Return running path 14 on vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14, a lower bottom plate portion 114), and running path side walls (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-equipped rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 57, 58, 61, 62, 65, 66, 69, 76, 77, 78), The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway supports the curved run of the return chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0063] According to the configuration of means 2-5, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 60, Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of other horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, since the return running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114) is formed on the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the forward and return paths of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be arranged compactly (Figures 59, 63, 67(c)).

[0064] (Means 2-6: Upper and lower transition section 29 of return side running path 14 on vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for use in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for running a chain belt (145) in a horizontally bent direction and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) for running a chain belt (145) in a vertically bent direction, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), upper and lower bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14), upper and lower transfer portions (29) of the return-side running path (14), and running path side walls (15); The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 76, 78). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The vertical transition section (29) of the return-side running path (14) is a section where the chain belt (145) transfers between the return-side running path (14) of the vertical shaft rail and the return-side running path (14) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left-right line (1454a) of the suspended sliding surface (1454) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the return-side running path (14) of the vertical shaft rail and the return-side running path (14) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0065] According to the configuration of Means 2-6, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the other horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, since the return path (14) is formed on the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the outgoing and returning paths of the chain belt (145) can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, since the return runway 14 is provided with the vertical transition section 29, the suspended sliding surface 1454 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIG. 71).

[0066] (Means 2-7: Return running path 14 and lift-up prevention part 16 on vertical shaft-mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) that causes a chain belt (3, 45, 145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114), running path side walls (15), and lift-up prevention portions (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of other vertical shaft-equipped rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A) (Figures 57, 61, 65, 69, 77), The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up.

[0067] According to the configuration of Means 2-7, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 60, Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of other horizontal shaft rails (11A, 11B, 41A, 141A, 151A), the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, since the return running path (14, lower bottom plate portion 114) is formed on the vertical shaft-mounted rails (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A), the outgoing and returning paths of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be arranged compactly. In addition, it is possible to prevent the chain belt (3, 45, 145) from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) (Figures 59, 64, and 67(a)).

[0068] (Means 2-8: Upper and lower transition portions 29 of the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the conveying side running path 13 and the return side running path 14 on the vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for use in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140A, 150A) for running a chain belt (145) in a horizontally bent direction and a horizontal shaft rail (141A, 151A) for running a chain belt (145) in a vertically bent direction, The vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A) include left and right bending connecting portions (4), up and down bending connecting portions (5), a conveying-side running path (13), a return-side running path (14), running path side walls (15), a lift-up prevention portion (16), and up and down transition portions (29) of the lift-up prevention portion (16), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-mounted rails (140A, 150A), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, Horizontal bearings (83, 84) are provided to receive the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (141A, 151A) (Figures 69, 77). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return runway (14) supports the curved return run of the chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. Among the anti-floating parts, The lift-up prevention portion (16) on the conveying side is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the conveying chain belt from lifting up, The return-side lift-up prevention portion (16) is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the return-side chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transfer section (29) of the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) is a section where the chain belt (145) transfers between the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left-right line (1454a) of the lift-up prevention sliding surface (suspended sliding surface 1454) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the conveying-side lift-up prevention section (16) of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The vertical transfer portion (29) of the return side anti-lift portion (16) is the portion where the chain belt (145) transfers between the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the return side anti-lift portion (16) of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left and right line (1452a) of the anti-lift sliding surface (lower sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt (145) extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145) simultaneously contacts the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the vertical shaft rail and the return side anti-lift portion (16) of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail.

[0069] According to the configuration of Means 2-8, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the left and right bending connecting portions (4) of other vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) or horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction) (Figure 67(b), Figure 68(b)). Furthermore, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A) with the upper and lower bending connecting portions (5) of the other horizontal shaft rails (141A, 151A), the chain belt (145) can be made to run bending in the vertical direction (up and down direction) (Figure 67(c), Figure 68(c)). Furthermore, since the return path (14) is formed on the vertical shaft rails (140A, 150A), the outgoing and returning paths of the chain belt (145) can be arranged compactly. Furthermore, the chain belt (145) can be prevented from floating up due to the tension of the chain belt (145). Furthermore, since the vertical transition sections 29 are formed in the lift-up prevention sections 16 on the conveying and return sides, the suspended sliding surface 1454 and the lower sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transition between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A and the connected other vertical shaft rail 140A, 150A or the horizontal shaft rail 141A, 151A, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This in turn reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving (FIGS. 68 and 71).

[0070] (Means 2-9: Left and right contact parts and top and bottom contact parts on vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the vertical shaft rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) according to any one of means 2-1 to means 2-8 is left and right contact portions (17a, 17b) that limit rotation about the vertical axis relative to another vertical axis-equipped rail; The horizontal shaft is provided with upper and lower contact portions (18b) that limit rotation about the horizontal shaft relative to other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (Figures 57, 61, 65, 69, 77). By having the left and right abutment portions, the bending angle in the left and right direction is limited when connecting other vertical shaft rails (Figure 60, Figure 68(b)). By providing the upper and lower contact portions, the bending angle in the vertical direction is limited when another horizontal shaft-mounted rail is connected (Figure 68(c)).

[0071] According to the configuration of Means 2-9, By providing the left and right contact portions (17a, 17b), it is possible to form a conveying-side running path with a limited bending angle in the left and right direction when connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail. Furthermore, by having the upper and lower abutment portions (18b), it is possible to form a conveying-side running path with a limited bending angle in the vertical direction when connecting other horizontal shaft-mounted rails (Figure 60, Figure 68(c)).

[0072] (Means 2-10: Side wall transition portion 27 of running path side wall 15 in vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the running path side wall (15) of the vertical shaft-mounted rail (40A, 140A, 150A) according to any one of means 2-1 to means 2-8 is The rail has sidewall transition sections (27, 28) for the chain belt (45, 145) to transfer between the rail and the running path sidewall (15) of another connected vertical or horizontal rail (Figures 65, 69, 77). The side wall transition portions (27, 28) are the portions where the upper and lower lines (453a, 1453a) of the lateral sliding surfaces (453, 1453) of the chain belt (145), which extend up and down relative to the traveling direction of the chain belt (145), simultaneously come into contact with the side wall transition portion (27) on the running path side wall (15) of the vertical axle rail and the side wall transition portion (28) on the running path side wall (15) of the other connected vertical axle rail or horizontal axle rail.

[0073] According to the configuration of Means 2-10, Since the side wall transition portion (27) is formed on the running path side wall (15) of the vertical axle rail (40A, 140A, 150A), regardless of the bending angle or increase or decrease in the gap between the connected other vertical axle rail (40A, 140A, 150A) or horizontal axle rail (41A, 141A, 151A), there exists a state in which the lateral sliding surface (453, 1453) of the chain belt (45, 145) simultaneously contacts the running path side wall (15) of the vertical axle rail and the running path side wall (15) of the other vertical axle rail or horizontal axle rail (Figure 73). This allows the lateral sliding surfaces (453, 1453) of the chain belt (45, 145) to smoothly transfer between the vertical shaft rail (40A, 140A, 150A) and the running path side walls (15) of the other vertical shaft rail (40A, 140A, 150A) or the horizontal shaft rail (41A, 141A, 151A), thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt (45, 145). This in turn reduces driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0074] (Means 2-11: Planar convex arc shape of side wall 15 of running path in vertical shaft mounted rail) In order to solve the above problems, the running path side wall (15) of the vertical shaft-mounted rail (10A, 10B, 40A, 140A, 150A) according to any one of means 2-1 to means 2-8 is It was formed into a convex arc shape in plan view according to the left and right bending radius (CR) (Figure 60, Figure 69(b)).

[0075] According to the configuration of Means 2-11, The turning radius of the chain belt (3, 45, 145) can be kept constant (Figure 60, Figure 68(b)). This allows the chain belt (3, 45, 145) to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt (3, 45, 145) is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0076] (Means 3-1: Vertical shaft receiving rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft receiving rail (140B) for use in a chain conveyor device (C) that can connect a vertical shaft receiving rail (140B) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft receiving rail (140B) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying side running path (13), and a running path side wall (15). The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft receiving rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearings (81, 82) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft receiving rail (140B), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) so that it can be bent in a vertical plane. Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; The horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) are provided with front and rear elongated holes (83b, 84b) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) (Figures 81 and 82). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0077] According to the configuration of Means 3-1, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of the vertical axle bearing rail (140B) with the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of another vertical axle bearing rail (140B) or a horizontal axle bearing rail (141B), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run horizontally (left and right). In addition, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of the vertical axle receiving rail (140B) with the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of the other horizontal axle receiving rail (141B), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down direction).

[0078] (Means 3-2: Horizontal shaft receiving rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft receiving rail (140B) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying side running path (13), and a running path side wall (15). The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft receiving rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical shaft front and rear elongated holes (81b, 82b) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft receiving rail (140B), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects the other horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) so that it can be bent in a vertical plane. Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearings (83, 84) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft receiving rail (141B) (Figures 81 and 82). The conveying side running path (13) supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0079] According to the configuration of Means 3-2, By connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal axle bearing rail (141B) with the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal axle bearing rail (141B) or a vertical axle bearing rail (140B), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down). In addition, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of the horizontal axle receiving rail (141B) with the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of another vertical axle receiving rail (140B), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run horizontally (left and right).

[0080] (Method 4-1: Vertical shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A vertical shaft rail (140C) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140C) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141C) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The vertical shaft-mounted rail (140C) includes a left-right bending connecting portion (4), a top-bottom bending connecting portion (5), a conveying-side running path (13), and a running path side wall (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. Vertical axes (71, 72) extending vertically; and vertical bearing left and right elongated holes (81c, 82c) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of another vertical shaft-equipped rail (140C), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects another horizontal shaft-mounted rail so that it can be bent in a vertical plane. The horizontal shafts (73, 74) of the other horizontal shaft-mounted rails are provided with upper and lower elongated holes (83c, 84c) for horizontal bearings (Fig. 83). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0081] According to the configuration of Means 4-1, By connecting the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of the vertical shaft rail (140C) with the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of another vertical shaft rail (140C) or a horizontal shaft rail (141C), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction). In addition, by connecting the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of the vertical shaft rail (140C) with the upper and lower bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141C), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down). In addition, the vertical shaft rail (140C) can be connected to another vertical shaft rail (140C) or a horizontal shaft rail (141C) in a twisted state, which makes it easy to install the bending guide 1 even if the surface on which the bending guide 1 is installed is not completely flat.

[0082] (Method 4-2: Horizontal shaft rail) In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides: A horizontal shaft rail (141C) used in a chain conveyor device (C) capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail (140C) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail (141C) that causes a chain belt (145) to bend and travel vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141C) includes a left-right bending joint (4), a top-bottom bending joint (5), a conveying-side running path (13), and a running path side wall (15), The left and right bending connecting portion (4) connects other vertical shaft-equipped rails so that they can be bent in a horizontal plane. The rail (140C) has left and right elongated holes (81c, 82c) for receiving the vertical shafts (71, 72) of the other vertical shaft-equipped rail (140C), The vertical bending connecting portion (5) connects another horizontal shaft-mounted rail (141C) so that it can be bent in a vertical plane. Horizontal axes (73, 74) extending horizontally; and horizontal bearing upper and lower elongated holes (83c, 84c) for receiving the horizontal shafts (73, 74) of another horizontal shaft-equipped rail (141C) (not shown). The conveying side running path (13) supports the bending running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls (15) of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves.

[0083] According to the configuration of Means 4-2, By connecting the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of the horizontal shaft rail (141C) with the vertical bending connecting portion (5) of another horizontal shaft rail (141C) or a vertical shaft rail (140C), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the vertical direction (up and down). In addition, by connecting the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of the horizontal shaft rail (141C) with the left and right bending connecting portion (4) of another vertical shaft rail (140C), the chain belt (145) can be made to bend and run in the horizontal direction (left and right direction). In addition, the vertical shaft rail (140C) can be connected to another vertical shaft rail (140C) or a horizontal shaft rail (141C) in a twisted state, which makes it easy to install the bending guide 1 even if the surface on which the bending guide 1 is installed is not completely flat. [Effects of the Invention]

[0084] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a chain conveyor device that can be installed in accordance with various conditions at the installation site, by realizing arbitrary left-right bending and up-down bending using highly versatile parts. Furthermore, according to the present invention, any curve in the up, down, left, or right direction can be realized using simple configuration and highly versatile components. Furthermore, according to the present invention, it is possible to reduce the driving resistance of the chain belt, and also to reduce vibration and noise when the chain belt is driven. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0085] [Figure 1] FIG. 10 is a top view of the circular island and the supply conveyor. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a chain belt. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail. [Figure 8] FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing the state in which the vertical shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail are connected. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing the state in which the horizontal shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail are connected. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a bending guide that can be bent in the horizontal direction. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a side cross-sectional view of the bending guide cut vertically. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a plan cross-sectional view of the bending guide cut horizontally. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is an enlarged plan cross-sectional view of a portion of the bending guide cut horizontally. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which linear guides are connected using a bearing rail. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how the bending guide is used. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how the bending guide is used. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are explanatory diagrams showing how the bending guide is used. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail according to a first modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail according to a first modified example. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a journal bearing rail according to Modification 1. [Figure 22] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a vertical shaft-mounted rail and a shaft-receiving rail according to Modification 1 are connected together. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which the horizontal shaft mounted rail and the shaft receiving rail according to Modification 1 are connected. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a bending guide according to Modification 1. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a bending guide according to Modification 1. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the appearance of a bending guide according to Modification 1. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail according to a second modification. [Figure 28] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail according to a second modification. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view of a journal bearing rail according to Modification 2. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a vertical shaft-mounted rail and a shaft-receiving rail according to Modification 2 are connected together. [Figure 31]FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a vertical shaft-mounted rail and a shaft-receiving rail according to Modification 2 are connected together. [Figure 32] FIG. 10 is an external perspective view showing a state in which a vertical shaft mounted rail, a shaft receiving rail, and a horizontal shaft mounted rail according to Modification 2 are connected together. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which a bending guide according to Modification 2 is attached to a support member. [Figure 34] FIG. 10 is a front view showing a state in which a bending guide according to Modification 2 is attached to a support member. [Figure 35] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a bending guide according to a second modified example. [Figure 36] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a bending guide according to a second modified example. [Figure 37] FIG. 11 is an external perspective view of a bending guide according to a second modified example. [Figure 38] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a manufacturing line using a bending guide. [Figure 39] 11A to 11C are a front view, a plan view, and a right side view of a chain conveyor according to a third modification. [Figure 40] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a right side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a bending guide according to a third modified example. [Figure 41] 10A to 10C are a side view, a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view of a chain belt according to a third modification. [Figure 42] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a vertical shaft-mounted rail and a shaft-receiving rail according to Modification 3 are connected together. [Figure 43] 10 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a transition portion of a vertical shaft rail or a horizontal shaft rail according to Modification 3, as viewed from the side. FIG. [Figure 44] 10 is a diagram illustrating the side view shape of the transition portion in a state in which the vertical shaft mounted rail or the horizontal shaft mounted rail and the bearing mounted rail are connected according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 45] 10 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional shape in a plan view of a side wall transition portion of a vertical shaft-mounted rail or a horizontal shaft-mounted rail according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 46]10 is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional shape in plan view of a side wall transition portion in a state in which a vertical shaft mounted rail or a horizontal shaft mounted rail and a bearing mounted rail are connected according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 47] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a horizontal shaft mounted rail and a shaft receiving rail according to Modification 3 are connected together. [Figure 48] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a journal rail according to a third modified example. [Figure 49] 10 is a diagram illustrating the shape of a transition portion of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail according to Modification 3 as viewed from the side. FIG. [Figure 50] 10 is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional shape in plan view of a side wall transition portion of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail according to Modification 3. FIG. [Figure 51] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a vertical shaft-mounted rail and a shaft-receiving rail according to Modification 4 are connected together. [Figure 52] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a horizontal shaft mounted rail and a shaft receiving rail according to Modification 4 are connected together. [Figure 53] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a journal rail according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 54] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a rail with bearing holes for left and right bending and a bearing receiving rail according to Modification 5 are connected together. [Figure 55] 10A and 10B are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a state in which a rail with bearing holes for vertical bending and a bearing receiving rail according to Modification 5 are connected together. [Figure 56] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a bending guide in a sixth modified example. [Figure 57] 13A is a top perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in a sixth modified example, and FIG. 13B is a top perspective view when viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 13A. [Figure 58] 13A is a top perspective view of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail in a sixth modified example, and FIG. 13B is a top perspective view when viewed from an angle different from that of FIG. 13A. [Figure 59]FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the inside of a bending guide in a sixth modified example, viewed from the side. [Figure 60] 13 is a partial cross-sectional view of the inside of a bending guide in a sixth modified example, viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 61] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in Modification 7. [Figure 62] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail in Modification 7. [Figure 63] FIG. 19 is a perspective view showing a state in which a bending guide in Modification 8 is attached to a support member. [Figure 64] FIG. 19 is a front view showing a state in which a bending guide in Modification 8 is attached to a support member. [Figure 65] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in Modification 8. [Figure 66] FIG. 20 is a top perspective view of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail in Modification 8. [Figure 67] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a right side view of a chain conveyor device according to a ninth modification. [Figure 68] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a right side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a bending guide in a ninth modified example. [Figure 69] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in a ninth modified example. [Figure 70] 13 is a diagram illustrating the side view shape of a transition portion of a vertical shaft rail or a horizontal shaft rail in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 71] 13 is a diagram illustrating the side view shape of the transition portion in a state in which vertical shaft rails, horizontal shaft rails, or a vertical shaft rail and a horizontal shaft rail are connected in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 72] 13 is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional shape in plan view of a side wall transition portion of a vertical shaft rail or a horizontal shaft rail in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 73] 13 is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional shape in plan view of the side wall transition portion in a state in which vertical shaft rails, horizontal shaft rails, or a vertical shaft rail and a horizontal shaft rail are connected in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 74] 13 is a diagram illustrating the side view shape of a transition portion of a vertical shaft rail or a horizontal shaft rail in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 75] 13 is a diagram illustrating the cross-sectional shape in plan view of a side wall transition portion of a vertical shaft rail or a horizontal shaft rail in Modification 9. FIG. [Figure 76] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail in Modification 9. [Figure 77] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in a tenth modification. [Figure 78] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a horizontal shaft-mounted rail in a tenth modification. [Figure 79] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the state in which rails with bearing holes for left and right bending in Modification 11 are connected to each other. [Figure 80] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the state in which rails with bearing holes for vertical bending in Modification 11 are connected to each other. [Figure 81] 12A is a front view, FIG. 12B is a plan view, and FIG. 12C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a vertical shaft receiving rail in a modified example 12. [Figure 82] 12A is a front view, FIG. 12B is a plan view, and FIG. 12C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a horizontal shaft receiving rail in a modified example 12. [Figure 83] 13A is a front view, FIG. 13B is a plan view, and FIG. 13C is a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of a vertical shaft-mounted rail in which the vertical bearings and horizontal bearings are elongated holes in a thirteenth modification. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0086] [composition] First, the configuration of this embodiment will be described.

[0087] [Chain conveyor device] The chain conveyor device of this embodiment is, for example, a device for transporting medals, and is capable of forming a transport path that is bent horizontally and vertically at a predetermined angle at a predetermined location.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 1, the chain conveyor device C of this embodiment functions as a supply conveyor located inside and above a circular island S. The slot machines P and the chairs R on which players sit are each arranged at equal intervals around the circumference of the circular island S. A medal dispenser Q is also located next to the slot machine P. When the chain conveyor device C is used as a supply conveyor, it supplies medals to the slot machines P and the medal dispenser Q.

[0089] The chain conveyor device C comprises a plurality of curved guides 1, a plurality of straight guides 2, a conveyor drive unit U1, and a conveyor return unit U2. The curved guides 1 form the curved portions of the conveying path formed by the chain conveyor device C. The straight guides 2 form the straight portions of the conveying path formed by the chain conveyor device C.

[0090] The multiple curved guides 1 and multiple straight guides 2 are connected alternately, and each curved guide 1 is bent horizontally by a predetermined angle. Therefore, the chain conveyor device C can form a conveying path that follows the arc of the circular island S.

[0091] The conveyor drive unit U1 drives the chain belt 3 (see Figure 4) of the chain conveyor device C in the conveying direction of the conveyed object. The conveyor drive unit U1 is located at the end of the conveying path of the conveyed object. The chain belt 3 is an endless belt that moves in a circular motion.

[0092] The conveyor drive unit U1 includes a drive motor U1a (see FIG. 2) for driving the chain belt 3 in the conveying direction. The conveyor drive unit U1 also includes a drive sprocket (not shown) around which the endless chain belt 3 is wound.

[0093] The conveyor return unit U2 is driven by the conveyor drive unit U1 to drive the chain belt 3 in the conveying direction of the conveyor path. The conveyor return unit U2 is located at the start of the conveyor path. The conveyor return unit U2 is located inside the automatic medal supply device T, which supplies medals to the circular island S, and functions as a medal receiving port when the automatic medal supply device T supplies medals. The conveyor return unit U2 also has a driven sprocket (not shown) around which the endless chain belt 3 is wound. The bending guide 1 in front of the automatic medal supply device T can also be installed bent upward to adjust the height.

[0094] Medals supplied to the conveyor return unit U2 from the automatic medal supply device T pass alternately through the curved guide 1 and the straight guide 2 a predetermined number of times, and reach the slot machine P or the medal lending machine Q. Medals that are not supplied to the slot machine P or the medal lending machine Q then reach the conveyor drive unit U1 and fall into the conveyor return unit U2 of the chain conveyor device C used as a collection conveyor.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 2, the supply conveyor is provided with a branch unit B1 and a supply bellows B2 for the slot machine P.

[0096] The branch unit B1 branches medals being transported by the chain conveyor device C used as a supply conveyor from the transport direction toward the corresponding slot machine P. The branch unit B1 is attached to the linear guide 2.

[0097] The supply bellows B2 guides the medals branched by the branch unit B1 into the slot machine P. The supply bellows B2 is attached to the branch unit B1 and the slot machine P.

[0098] The medal dispenser Q (see FIG. 1) is also provided with a branching unit B1 and a supply bellows B2, which guide the transported medals into the medal dispenser Q.

[0099] The curved guide 1 and the straight guide 2 are connected by a connecting portion M.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 3, the chain conveyor device C of this embodiment can also function as a collection conveyor located inside and below the circular island S. When the chain conveyor device C is used as a collection conveyor, the chain conveyor device C collects medals from the slot machine P and the medal dispenser Q. The configuration of the chain conveyor device C as a collection conveyor is the same as the configuration of the chain conveyor device C as a supply conveyor.

[0101] On the collection conveyor side, collection trays D1 and D2 are provided for the slot machine P and the medal lending machine Q. Collection tray D1 allows medals ejected from the slot machine P to flow into the chain conveyor device C. Collection tray D2 allows medals ejected from the medal lending machine Q to flow into the chain conveyor device C.

[0102] Medals collected from the slot machine P and the medal lending machine Q pass alternately through the curved guide 1 and the straight guide 2 a predetermined number of times, reach the conveyor drive unit U1, and fall into the automatic medal supply device T.

[0103] [Chain belt] As shown in Figure 4, the chain belt 3 is a belt made up of multiple chain links 3b with top plates, each of which has a surface 3a on which transported objects are placed, connected by multiple connecting pins. The chain links 3b can be made of, for example, but not limited to, polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, modified polyphenylene ether, or polybutylene terephthalate. The connecting pins can be made of, for example, but not limited to, metals such as polyamide resin, stainless steel, or brass.

[0104] [Bending guide] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the assembled bending guide 1. The bending guide 1 shown in the figure is formed by connecting multiple rails (repeated with reference symbols 12-10-12-11...) that provide a running path for the chain belt 3 to run in a curved manner. Reference symbol 10 denotes a vertical shaft rail 10 having a vertical shaft on its frame body, and is a rail that is connected when the running path is bent in the left-right direction. Reference symbol 11 denotes a horizontal shaft rail 11 having a horizontal shaft on its frame body, and is a rail that is connected when the running path is bent in the up-down direction. Reference symbol 12 denotes a shaft-receiving rail 12 having vertical and horizontal bearings on its frame body, and can be connected to a connecting part M attached to the vertical shaft rail 10, the horizontal shaft rail 11, or the linear guide 2.

[0105] When constructing the bending guide 1, connecting the vertical shaft rail 10 and the shaft receiving rail 12 makes it possible to bend horizontally, and connecting the horizontal shaft rail 11 and the shaft receiving rail 12 makes it possible to bend vertically.

[0106] By connecting the shaft bearing rail 12 between the vertical shaft rail 10 and the horizontal shaft rail 11, the bending guide 1 can bend in both the horizontal and vertical directions. The vertical shaft rail 10, horizontal shaft rail 11, and shaft bearing rail 12 can be made of materials such as, but not limited to, polycarbonate, polyacetal resin, polyamide resin, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene, modified polyphenylene ether, and polybutylene terephthalate. By integrally forming the vertical shaft rail 10, horizontal shaft rail 11, or shaft bearing rail 12 from a transparent material, it becomes easy to check the state of the transported object and the state of the chain belt 3 from the outside.

[0107] In the example shown in Fig. 5(a), the bending guide 1 is bent horizontally and vertically from the upper right to the lower left in the figure. In addition, in the example shown in Fig. 5(b), the bending guide 1 is bent horizontally and vertically from the upper left to the lower right in the figure. In other words, the bending guide 1 can be bent horizontally and vertically at any angle.

[0108] The conveying chain belt 3 runs on a conveying-side running path 13 formed within the curved guide 1, and the returning chain belt 3 runs on a returning-side running path 14.

[0109] [Vertical shaft rail] Figure 6 is an external perspective view of the vertical shaft rail 10. The vertical shaft rail 10 shown in the figure has a shape that is symmetrical in terms of up / down, left / right, front / back. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the vertical (top / bottom), left / right, and front / back are set in Figure 6 for explanation, but the vertical shaft rail 10 shown in Figure 6 has the same configuration even if its up / down, left / right, and front / back are reversed.

[0110] The vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 shown in FIG. 6 is a substantially rectangular frame body and includes a top plate 102, a bottom plate 103, a left plate 104 connecting both ends of the top plate 102 and the bottom plate 103, and a right plate 105. The inner surfaces of the left plate 104 and the right plate 105 are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 1051 and 1052 connecting the left and right side plates, and two left and right vertical plates 1053 and 1054 connecting the two upper and lower horizontal plates 1051 and 1052. A conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 1051, and running path side walls 15 are formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the conveying-side running path 13. A return-side running path 14 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 103, and running path side walls 15 are also formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the return-side running path 14. Above the travel path side wall 15, a protruding anti-lift portion 16 is formed extending along the conveying direction of the chain belt 3. In addition, the front and rear edges of the left side plate 104 and the right side plate 105 function as left and right abutment portions 17a.

[0111] An engagement piece 70 is formed at the front and rear of the center of the left and right of the top panel 102, and a notch CW is formed on both the left and right sides of the engagement piece 70. A first vertical shaft 71 that protrudes upward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0112] Engagement pieces 70 are also formed at the front and rear of the left-right center portion of the bottom plate 103, with notches CW formed on both the left and right sides of the engagement pieces 70. A second vertical shaft 72 that protrudes downward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70. The second vertical shaft 72 protrudes in the opposite direction to the first vertical shaft 71.

[0113] The conveying-side running path 13 has a function of supporting the conveying-side chain belt 3 from below and guiding the sliding running of the chain belt 3 in the vertical direction.

[0114] The return runway 14 has the function of supporting the return chain belt 3 from below and guiding the chain belt 3 in the vertical direction as it slides.

[0115] The travel path side walls 15 support the chain belt 3 on the conveying or returning side from the side, and function to guide the sliding travel of the chain belt 3 in the left and right directions. The travel path side walls 15 are formed with a convex shape on the inside in a plan view according to the left and right bending radius, and can maintain a constant turning radius of the chain belt 3 (see Figure 14). This allows the chain belt 3 to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0116] The lift-up prevention portion 16 is a protrusion for preventing the chain belt 3 from lifting up and separating from the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14 while traveling. When the chain belt 3 travels on the conveying-side running path 13 and the return-side running path 14 with the vertical shaft rail 10 bent left or right, the driving tension applied to the chain belt 3 may cause the outer circumferential portion of the chain belt 3 to lift up in a direction away from the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14. Furthermore, when the conveying-side running path 13 is bent upward in a concave shape as viewed from the side, the entire chain belt 3 may lift up in a direction away from the conveying-side running path 13 as the chain belt 3 attempts to travel the shortest distance. Furthermore, when the return-side running path 14 is bent upward in a concave shape as viewed from the side, the entire chain belt 3 may lift up in a direction away from the return-side running path 14 as the chain belt 3 attempts to travel the shortest distance. Even in this case, by abutting the upper surface of the end of the chain belt 3 against the lift-up prevention portion 16, the chain belt 3 can be prevented from lifting up significantly from the conveying side running path 13 or the return side running path 14.

[0117] The upper surface of the top plate 102 and the engagement piece 70 abut against the underside of the engagement base 80 on the top plate 123a of the axle receiving rail 12, which will be described later, and the underside of the bottom plate 103 and the engagement piece 70 abut against the upper surface of the engagement base 80 on the bottom plate 123b of the axle receiving rail 12, thereby positioning the vertical axle rail 10 and the axle receiving rail 12 in the vertical direction.

[0118] The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are arranged within the range of the conveyor-side running path 13 (above or below the range in which the chain belt 3 runs) when the conveyor-side running path 13 is viewed from above. As a result, when the vertical shaft-equipped rail 10 is bent left or right relative to the shaft-receiving rail 12, the gap between the running path side walls 15 on the inside of the bend, with which the chain belt 3 slides (the gap in the front-to-back direction when running), becomes narrow, allowing for smooth transfer when the chain belt 3 turns. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven (see Figure 14).

[0119] The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are inserted into bearings of the shaft-receiving rail 12 (described later) to connect the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 and the shaft-receiving rail 12 and enable left-right rotation. By having the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 protrude upward and downward relative to the engaging piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be formed thin even when the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are formed in two locations. This allows the bending guide 1 to be made more compact and to be inserted into a narrower space. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 9, for example, the overall height including the engaging piece 70, the first vertical shaft 71, and the first vertical bearing 81 is approximately 5 mm, so the first vertical shaft 71 and the first vertical bearing 81 can be accommodated within the thickness of the top plate 123a. Therefore, the presence of the first vertical shaft 71 and the first vertical bearing 81 hardly increases the vertical dimension (see FIG. 12).

[0120] The engagement piece 70 functions as an elastic deformation part that generates elastic deformation due to a bending moment when a force in the vertical direction is applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72, allowing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 to swing up and down and be retracted. When the force in the vertical direction that was applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 to retract it is released, the engagement piece 70 (elastic deformation part) returns to a state parallel to the top plate 102 or the bottom plate 103.

[0121] The notch CW is formed to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the engaging piece 70 (elastically deformable portion), thereby lowering the bending rigidity of the engaging piece 70 (elastically deformable portion), and to make it easier to move the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 up and down by the force of an operator's fingers. This makes it possible to easily retract the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 when inserting the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 into the bearing of the journal rail 12 to connect, or when removing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 from the bearing of the journal rail 12 to disconnect, and makes it easy to connect and disconnect the vertical journal rail 10 and journal rail 12.

[0122] Although the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 shown in FIG. 6 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0123] The lengths of the top plate 102, bottom plate 103, transport side running path 13 and return side running path 14 in the front-to-rear direction (transport direction) are formed so as to gradually become shorter from the center toward the left and right ends by the bending angle when bending left and right.

[0124] The dimensions of the top plate 102, bottom plate 103, conveying-side runway 13, and return-side runway 14 are set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-to-back direction) is shorter than their width in the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the left-to-right bending angle per link of the vertical shaft rail 10, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 3 can be smoothly rotated. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0125] The left and right contact portions 17a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the vertical axis of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 and the shaft-receiving rail 12 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the left and right contact portions 17b of the shaft-receiving rail 12, which will be described later. The portions that function as the left and right contact portions 17a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the left side plate 104 and the right side plate 105, but may also be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the top plate 102, the bottom plate 103, the horizontal plates 1051 and 1052, the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 1053 or the vertical plate 1054, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16.

[0126] [Horizontal shaft rail] The horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 shown in Figure 7 is a substantially rectangular frame and includes a top plate 113a, a bottom plate 113b, and a left plate 116a and a right plate 116b connecting the ends of the top plate 113a and the bottom plate 113b. The inner surfaces of the left plate 116a and the right plate 116b are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 1151 and 1152 connecting the left and right side plates, and two left and right vertical plates 1153 and 1154 connecting the two upper and lower horizontal plates 1151 and 1152. The conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 1151, and running path side walls 15 are formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the conveying-side running path 13. The return-side running path 14 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 113b, and running path side walls 15 are also formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the return-side running path 14. Above the travel path sidewall 15, there is formed a protruding anti-lift portion 16 extending along the conveying direction of the chain belt 3. In addition, the front and rear edges of the top plate 113a and the bottom plate 113b function as upper and lower abutment portions 18a. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the configuration of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0127] An engagement piece 70 is formed at the front and rear of the vertical center of the left side plate 116a, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement piece 70. A first horizontal shaft 73 that protrudes leftward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0128] An engagement piece 70 is also formed at the front and rear of the vertical center of the right side plate 116b, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement piece 70. A second horizontal shaft 74 that protrudes to the right is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0129] The left outer surface and engagement piece 70 of the left side plate 116a abut against the inner surface of the engagement base 80 on the left side plate 124 of the axle receiving rail 12, which will be described later, and the right outer surface and engagement piece 70 of the right side plate 116b abut against the inner surface of the engagement base 80 on the right side plate 125 of the axle receiving rail 12, thereby positioning the horizontal axle rail 11 and the axle receiving rail 12 in the left-right direction.

[0130] The first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are inserted into bearings of the shaft-receiving rail 12, which will be described later, to connect the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 and the shaft-receiving rail 12 and enable rotation in the vertical direction. By having the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 protrude in opposite directions, left and right, relative to the engaging piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be made thin even when the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are formed in two locations, so the bending guide 1 can be made smaller and can be passed through narrower spaces.

[0131] Although the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 shown in FIG. 7 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0132] The lengths of the left and right plates 116a and 116b in the front-rear direction (transport direction) are formed so as to gradually decrease from the center toward the upper and lower ends by the bending angle when bending up and down.

[0133] The dimensions of the top plate 113a, bottom plate 113b, conveying-side runway 13, and return-side runway 14 are set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-to-back direction) is shorter than their height in the up-down direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the up-down bending angle per link of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 3 can run smoothly in the up-down direction. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0134] The upper and lower contact portions 18a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the horizontal axis of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 and the shaft-receiving rail 12 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the upper and lower contact portions 18b of the shaft-receiving rail 12, which will be described later. The portions that function as the upper and lower contact portions 18a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the top plate 113a and the bottom plate 113b, but may be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the horizontal plates 1151, 1152, the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 1153 or the vertical plate 1154, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0135] [Axle bearing rail] The axle bearing rail 12 shown in Figure 8 is a substantially rectangular frame body and includes a top plate 123a, a bottom plate 123b, a left plate 124 connecting both ends of the top plate 123a and the bottom plate 123b, and a right plate 125. The inner surfaces of the left plate 124 and the right plate 125 are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 1251 and 1252 connecting the left and right side plates, and two left and right vertical plates 1253 and 1254 connecting the two upper and lower horizontal plates 1251 and 1252. The conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the horizontal plate 1251, and running path side walls 15 are formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the conveying-side running path 13. The return-side running path 14 is formed on the upper surface of the bottom plate 123b, and running path side walls 15 are also formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connecting to the return-side running path 14. Above the travel path sidewalls 15, there are formed protruding anti-lift portions 16 extending in the conveying direction of the chain belt 3. The front and rear portions of the top plate 123a, bottom plate 123b, left plate 124, and right plate 125 have thinner engaging bases 80 extending forward and rearward than the thick portions at the front-to-rear center. Vertical abutment portions 18b are formed at the stepped portions between the thick portions at the front-to-rear center of the top plate 123a and bottom plate 123b and the thin portions of the engaging bases 80, and horizontal abutment portions 17b are formed at the stepped portions between the thick portions at the front-to-rear center of the left plate 124 and right plate 125 and the thin portions of the engaging bases 80. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0136] The left and right abutment portions 17b are portions that, when coupled to the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10, come into contact with the left and right abutment portions 17a of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 to limit the left and right rotation angle about the vertical axis. The up and down abutment portions 18b are portions that, when coupled to the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11, come into contact with the up and down abutment portions 18a of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 to limit the up and down rotation angle about the horizontal axis. The portions that function as the left and right abutment portions 17b are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the left side plate 124 and the right side plate 125, but may also be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear end edges of the top plate 123a, the bottom plate 123b, the horizontal plates 1251 and 1252, the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 1253 or the vertical plate 1254, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16. Furthermore, the portions that function as the upper and lower contact portions 18b are not limited to the front and rear edges of the top plate 123a and the bottom plate 123b, but can be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the horizontal plates 1251, 1252, the conveying side running path 13 or the return side running path 14, the front and rear edges of the vertical plate 1253 or the vertical plate 1254, or the front and rear edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0137] A first vertical bearing 81 is formed in the left-right center of the front and rear engagement bases 80 of the top plate 123a, and a second vertical bearing 82 is formed in the left-right center of the front and rear engagement bases 80 of the bottom plate 123b. Because the engagement bases 80 are formed thin, when inserting or removing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72, a force in the vertical direction can be applied to the engagement bases 80 to cause elastic deformation, making it possible to more easily connect and disconnect the vertical shaft-equipped rail 10 and the shaft-receiving rail 12.

[0138] A first horizontal bearing 83 is formed in the vertical center of the front and rear engagement base 80 of the left side plate 124, and a second horizontal bearing 84 is formed in the vertical center of the front and rear engagement base 80 of the right side plate 125. Because the engagement base 80 is formed thin, when inserting or removing the first horizontal shaft 73 or the second horizontal shaft 74, a force in the lateral direction can be applied to the engagement base 80 to cause elastic deformation, making it possible to further easily connect and disconnect the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 and the shaft-receiving rail 12.

[0139] The inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the top plate 123a abuts against the upper surface of the top plate 102 of the vertical shaft rail 10 and the engaging piece 70, and the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the bottom plate 123b abuts against the lower surface of the bottom plate 103 of the vertical shaft rail 10 and the engaging piece 70, thereby enabling the vertical positioning of the vertical shaft rail 10 and the shaft receiving rail 12. At this time, the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the left side plate 124 covers the outer surface of the left side plate 104 of the vertical shaft rail 10 from the left side, and the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the right side plate 125 covers the outer surface of the right side plate 105 of the vertical shaft rail 10 from the right side, thereby functioning to cover any gaps that occur when the rails are connected.

[0140] Furthermore, the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the left side plate 124 abuts against the left outer surface and engaging piece 70 of the left side plate 116a of the horizontal shaft rail 11, and the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the right side plate 125 abuts against the right outer surface and engaging piece 70 of the right side plate 116b of the horizontal shaft rail 11, thereby enabling the left-right positioning of the horizontal shaft rail 11 and the shaft receiving rail 12. At this time, the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the top plate 123a covers the upper surface of the top plate 113a of the horizontal shaft rail 11 from above, and the inner surface of the engaging base 80 of the bottom plate 123b covers the lower surface of the bottom plate 113b of the horizontal shaft rail 11 from below, thereby having the function of covering any gaps that occur when the horizontal shaft rails are coupled.

[0141] The first vertical bearing 81 and the second vertical bearing 82 are inserted through the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 12 and the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 and allowing rotation in the left-right direction. The first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal bearing 84 are inserted through the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 12 and the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 11 and allowing rotation in the up-down direction.

[0142] The dimensions of the thickened portions in the front-to-rear center of the top plate 123a and the bottom plate 123b, as well as the conveying-side running path 13 and the return-side running path 14, can be set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-to-rear direction) is shorter than their width in the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the lateral bending angle per link of the axle bearing rail 12. Furthermore, the dimensions of the thickened portions in the front-to-rear center of the left plate 124 and the right plate 125 can be set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-to-rear direction) is shorter than their height in the up-to-down direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the lateral or up-to-down bending angle per link of the axle bearing rail 12, and by combining many links with small bending angles, the chain belt 3 can be smoothly rotated or traveled up and down. This reduces pulsation during chain belt 3 operation, reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during operation.

[0143] [Other Examples Regarding the Protruding Direction of the Vertical Axis] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 6, the first vertical shaft 71 protrudes upward, and the second vertical shaft 72 protrudes downward in the opposite direction. Conversely, for example, a first vertical bearing may be formed in place of the first vertical shaft 71 shown in Fig. 6, and a second vertical bearing may be formed in place of the second vertical shaft 72, and a first vertical shaft may protrude downward in place of the first vertical bearing 81 shown in Fig. 8, and a second vertical shaft may protrude upward in the opposite direction may be used.

[0144] [Other examples regarding the direction of horizontal shaft protrusion] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 7, the first horizontal shaft 73 protrudes leftward, and the second horizontal shaft 74 protrudes in the opposite direction, toward the right. Conversely, for example, a first horizontal bearing may be formed in place of the first horizontal shaft 73 shown in Fig. 7, and a second horizontal bearing may be formed in place of the second horizontal shaft 74, and a first horizontal shaft may be formed in place of the first horizontal bearing 83 shown in Fig. 8 and protrude in the opposite direction, toward the left.

[0145] [Other Examples Regarding the Conveying-Side Running Path 13 or the Returning-Side Running Path 14] In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 8, the vertical shaft mounted rails 10, the horizontal shaft mounted rails 11, and the shaft receiving rails 12 all have the conveying side running paths 13 and the return side running paths 14 formed thereon. However, it is also possible to further shorten the length in the conveying direction (front-to-back direction) of either the vertical shaft mounted rails 10, the horizontal shaft mounted rails 11, or the shaft receiving rails 12, or to omit the conveying side running paths 13 and the return side running paths 14.

[0146] [Connection between vertical shaft mounted rail and shaft bearing rail] As shown in Figure 9, the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 and the shaft-receiving rail 12 can be connected by inserting the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 into the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 of the shaft-receiving rail 12. Any gaps created by the connection are covered by the engagement base 80 of the shaft-receiving rail 12. This makes it possible to prevent transported objects from jumping out or foreign matter from getting mixed in.

[0147] When the vertical axle rail 10 and the axle bearing rail 12 are connected, the conveying-side running path 13 of the vertical axle rail 10 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the axle bearing rail 12 come close to each other to form a continuous conveying-side running path 13. In addition, the return-side running path 14 of the vertical axle rail 10 and the return-side running path 14 of the axle bearing rail 12 form a continuous return-side running path 14 (see Figure 5).

[0148] In this embodiment, by forming the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 and the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 in two separate locations, rattling in the connected state caused by clearance between the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 and the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 can be suppressed, and the torsional force applied to the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 and the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 can be reduced, thereby making it possible to miniaturize the configuration of the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 and the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82.

[0149] In addition, the chain belt 3 can be bent left and right at any angle using the vertical shaft rail 10 and the shaft receiving rail 12. This allows any curve to be realized using versatile parts with a simple configuration, making it possible to install the belt in accordance with various conditions at the installation site.

[0150] [Connection between horizontal shaft mounted rail and shaft receiving rail] As shown in Figure 10, the horizontal shaft mounted rail 11 and the shaft receiving rail 12 can be connected by inserting the first and second horizontal shafts 73, 74 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 11 into the first and second horizontal bearings 83, 84 of the shaft receiving rail 12. This connection forms a conveying-side running path 13 connecting the conveying-side running path 13 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 11 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the shaft receiving rail 12. Also, a return-side running path 14 (see Figure 5) connecting the return-side running path 14 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 11 and the return-side running path 14 of the shaft receiving rail 12 is formed.

[0151] Furthermore, the lift-up prevention portions 16 of the axle bearing rail 12, the horizontal axle rail 11 and the vertical axle rail 10 are close to each other, preventing the chain belt 3 from lifting up.

[0152] [Effect] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0153] [Chain conveyor device C operation] First, the operation of the chain conveyor device C of this embodiment will be described. Here, the operation of the chain conveyor device C will be described, which uses a bending guide 1 that connects multiple vertical shaft-mounted rails 10 and multiple shaft-receiving rails 12 and allows the chain belt 3 to bend and run horizontally. Also, the case where the chain conveyor device C is placed inside and above the circular island S (see FIG. 1) and used as a supply conveyor that supplies medals will be described. However, this description also applies to the case where the chain conveyor device C is placed inside and below the circular island S (see FIG. 1) and used as a recovery conveyor that recovers medals.

[0154] Fig. 11 is an external perspective view showing the horizontal bending guide 1. Fig. 12 is a YY cross-sectional view (side cross-sectional view) of the bending guide 1 shown in Fig. 11, Fig. 13 is a ZZ cross-sectional view (plan cross-sectional view) of the bending guide 1 shown in Fig. 11, and Fig. 14 is an enlarged view of a part of the bending guide in the plan cross-sectional view shown in Fig. 13.

[0155] When the chain belt 3, which is moved in a circular motion by the conveyor drive unit U1, enters the bending guide 1, the lower side of the chain belt 3 bends and travels while sliding on the conveying side running path 13 and the return side running path 14.

[0156] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the lift-up prevention portion 16 comes into contact with the chain link 3b whose outer periphery tends to lift up due to the driving tension of the chain belt 3, thereby preventing the chain link 3b from lifting up.

[0157] 13 and 14, when the bending guide 1 is bent to the right, the left and right abutment portions 17a on the inner side of the bend of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 come into contact with the left and right abutment portions 17b on the inner side of the bend of the previous shaft-receiving rail 12. This limits the rotation of the bending guide 1 around the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72.

[0158] On the other hand, a considerable gap CL is formed between the left and right abutment portions 17a on the outer side of the bend of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 and the left and right abutment portions 17b on the outer side of the bend of the previous shaft-receiving rail 12 as the vertical shaft-mounted rail 10 bends.

[0159] However, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, even when the curved guide 1 is bent to the maximum extent to the right (in this embodiment, the turning radius of the chain belt 3 and the curvature radius of the running path side wall 15 are 425 mm), the gap CL that occurs on the outside of the bend is covered by the engaging base 80 of the axle receiving rail 12, so the medals being transported will not leak out of the curved guide 1.

[0160] Furthermore, when the train is traveling in a right turn, the right side edge (inside the bend) of the chain belt 3 slides against the inner surface of the running path side walls 15 of the vertical axle rail 10 and the axle receiving rail 12, but since the gap between the running path side walls 15 of the vertical axle rail 10 and the axle receiving rail 12 on the inside of the bend is narrow or tightly packed, the chain belt 3 is prevented from entering the gap between the running path side walls 15 and traveling while swaying from side to side.

[0161] When the chain belt 3 is traveling in a rightward bend, the left side edge (outside of the bend) of the chain belt 3 travels away from the running path side walls 15 of the vertical axle-mounted rail 10 and the axle-receiving rail 12, so even if a gap CL occurs between the running path side walls 15, it is unaffected by the running of the chain belt 3.

[0162] In this embodiment, the vertical shaft rail 10, the horizontal shaft rail 11, and the shaft receiving rail 12 are symmetrical in shape from front to back, so there is no difference in performance between when the chain belt 3 is rotating forward and when it is rotating reversely. Therefore, it is only necessary to conduct performance tests and durability tests when the chain belt 3 is rotating forward, and tests when it is rotating reversely are not necessary.

[0163] Furthermore, in the bending guide 1, by alternately connecting the vertical shaft rails 10 and the horizontal shaft rails 11 via the shaft receiving rails 12, it is also possible to bend the conveying-side running path 13 in both the horizontal and vertical directions. For example, when the bending guide 1 is bent upward, the horizontal shaft rail 11 and the shaft receiving rail 12 bend upward around the first and second horizontal shafts 73, 74. At this time, the upper and lower abutting portions 18a on the horizontal shaft rail 11 abut against the lower upper and lower abutting portions 18b on the previous shaft receiving rail 12. This limits the rotation of the bending guide 1 around the first and second horizontal shafts 73, 74.

[0164] [Usage of the axle bearing rail] 15 is an external view of two connected linear guides 2. The linear guides 2 can be connected to each other by attaching connection parts M to both ends of the linear guides 2 and connecting a journal rail 12 between the connection parts M of the two linear guides 2. In this way, the journal rail 12 can also be used to connect the linear guides 2 to each other, so the number of parts in the chain conveyor device C can be reduced and the linear guides 2 can be easily connected to each other.

[0165] [Usage of the vertical bending guide] Figure 16 is a diagram showing a usage mode in which three linear guides 2 are bent in the vertical direction to achieve upward or downward conveyance. The usage mode in Figure 16 shows an example in which a bent guide 1 that bends in the vertical direction is connected between three linear guides 2. The bent guide 1 is formed by alternately connecting two horizontal shaft-mounted rails 11 and three shaft-receiving rails 12. In this case, the linear guide 2 is supported by an adjustable stand 20 that can support the linear guide 2 by changing its height and horizontal position.

[0166] As shown in FIG. 16, the adjustable stand 20 includes a base 201, four legs 202 that support the base 201, and a support arm 203 whose height and horizontal position relative to the base 201 can be adjusted.

[0167] The horizontal position of the support arm 203 can be adjusted by sliding it in a groove 201a formed in the base 201. In addition, the support arm 203 can be raised and lowered by rotating the locking mechanism in the circumferential direction to release the lock, thereby adjusting the vertical height.

[0168] By using such a bent guide 1, for example, it is possible to adjust the height of the conveyor return unit U2 within the automatic medal supply device T. For example, it becomes easier to design and install the collection conveyor so that a collection conveyor that has been passed through at a high position can be lowered just before the automatic medal supply device T and pulled into the standard collection port of the automatic medal supply device T.

[0169] In addition, it becomes easier to design a corresponding supply conveyor to lower from the standard supply port of the automatic medal supply device T to a supply conveyor that is placed at a low position, and to install the supply conveyor.

[0170] [How to use the horizontal bending guide] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a usage mode in which the three linear guides 21, 22, and 23 are bent horizontally to change the conveying direction to the left or right. Fig. 18 shows a usage mode in which the three linear guides 21, 22, and 23 are arranged in a straight line without being bent horizontally. The usage modes shown in Figs. 17 and 18 show an example in which the linear guides are connected in a mode that allows a wider range of left and right bending than the mode shown in Fig. 15 (a mode in which the bending angle can be finely adjusted within a range of, for example, about 6°), and the linear guides 22 and 23 are actively bent horizontally.

[0171] In the example shown in Figure 17, three adjustable stands 20 are lined up along the medal transport direction, and each of the linear guides 21 to 23 is attached to a corresponding support arm 203, allowing the left-right position of the support arm 203 to be adjusted so as to change the horizontal angle between the linear guide 22 and the linear guide 23. The height of all three support arms 203 is set to the same.

[0172] With this configuration, the linear guide 21 and the linear guide 22 can be connected and the conveying path can be bent. In the example of Fig. 17, the position of the support arm 203 is adjusted so that the conveying path bends left from the conveyor return unit U2 side toward the conveyor drive unit U1.

[0173] In the example shown in FIG. 18, a tray 24 is disposed below the curved guide 1 to prevent water dripping from the transported object and powdery matter (dust, etc.) from dropping onto the floor.

[0174] The receiving tray 24 has a base plate 241. A pair of hanging holders 242 are rotatably mounted on the base plate 241. The hanging holders 242 are hung slidably in the front-to-rear direction of conveyance so as to sandwich the linear guides 22 and 23. Even when the bent guide 1 is bent horizontally from the state shown in FIG. 18, the receiving tray 24 is positioned below the bent guide 1 and can receive water or powdery material dripping from the conveyed object.

[0175] [Variation 1] Next, a first modification of the above embodiment will be described. The bending guide 1 of the above embodiment has been described as an embodiment in which the conveying chain belt 3 runs inside an area surrounded by side plates and a top plate, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it is also possible to configure it with a rail without a top plate, as will be explained in the following first modification. Note that parts having the same functions as those of the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0176] [Vertical shaft rail] Figure 19 is an external perspective view of the vertical shaft rail 30. The vertical shaft rail 30 shown in the figure has a shape that is symmetrical in terms of up / down, left / right, front / back. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the vertical (top / bottom), left / right, and front / back are set in Figure 19 for explanation, but the vertical shaft rail 30 shown in Figure 19 has the same configuration even if its up / down, left / right, and front / back are reversed.

[0177] The vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 shown in Figure 19 is generally H-shaped when viewed from the front and includes a left plate 301 and a right plate 302. The inner surfaces of the left plate 301 and the right plate 302 are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 3031 and 3032 that connect the left and right side plates together, and two left and right vertical plates 3023 and 3034 that connect the two upper and lower horizontal plates 3031 and 3032 together. The upper ends of the left plate 301 and the right plate 302 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3011 and 3021 that protrude inward and face each other. The lower ends of the left plate 301 and the right plate 302 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3012 and 3022 that protrude inward and face each other. The upper surface of the horizontal plate 3031 forms a conveying-side running path 13, and a running path side wall 15 is formed on the inner surface of the side plate that connects to the conveying-side running path 13. The return run 14 is formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of protruding pieces 3012 and 3022, and run side walls 15 are also formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates connected to the return run 14. The lower surfaces of the protruding pieces 3011 and 3021 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 for the conveying run 13, and the lower surface of the horizontal plate 3032 functions as lift-up prevention portion 16 for the return run 14. In addition, the front and rear edges of the left plate 301 and the right plate 302 function as left and right abutment portions 17a.

[0178] Engagement pieces 70 are formed on the front and rear of the center of the left and right of the horizontal plate 3031. A first vertical shaft 71 that protrudes upward is formed on the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively. Furthermore, by having only the engagement pieces 70 extend forward and rearward at the left and right ends of the horizontal plate 3031 and engaging them with the underside of a horizontal plate 3231 of the journal rail 32, which will be described later, it is possible to further increase the torsional rigidity when the vertical journal rail 30 and journal rail 32 are connected and to reduce displacement in the torsional direction.

[0179] Engagement pieces 70 are also formed at the front and rear of the center of the left and right of the horizontal plate 3032. A second vertical shaft 72 that protrudes downward (in the opposite direction to the first vertical shaft 71) is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70. Furthermore, by having only the engagement pieces 70 without the vertical shaft extend forward and rearward at the left and right ends of the horizontal plate 3032 and engaging with the upper surface of the horizontal plate 3232 of the journal bearing rail 32, it is possible to further increase the torsional rigidity when the vertical journal rail 30 and journal bearing rail 32 are connected and to reduce displacement in the torsional direction.

[0180] The conveying-side running path 13 has a function of supporting the conveying-side chain belt 3 from below and guiding the sliding running of the chain belt 3 in the vertical direction.

[0181] The return runway 14 has the function of supporting the return chain belt 3 from below and guiding the chain belt 3 in the vertical direction as it slides.

[0182] The travel path side walls 15 support the chain belt 3 on the conveying or returning side from the side, and function to guide the sliding travel of the chain belt 3 in the left and right directions. The travel path side walls 15 are formed with a convex shape on the inside in a plan view according to the left and right bending radius, and can maintain a constant turning radius of the chain belt 3 (see Figure 14). This allows the chain belt 3 to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0183] The lift-up prevention portion 16 is a surface for preventing the chain belt 3 from separating from the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14 and lifting up during running.

[0184] The left and right protruding pieces 3011 and 3021, which function as the lift-up prevention parts 16, have oblique sides 25 (transition parts of the ends of the chain link 3b in the lift-up prevention parts 16) for increasing the length of the protruding pieces in the front-to-rear direction from the base to the tip. The oblique sides 25 are parts that face the oblique sides 26 (see FIG. 21) of the left and right protruding pieces 3211 and 3221 of the axle receiving rail 32 when the vertical axle-mounted rail 30 is connected to the axle receiving rail 32 described later.

[0185] The left and right protruding pieces 3012 and 3022, which function as the return-side running path 14, are provided with oblique sides 25 (transition parts in the return-side running path 14) for increasing the length of the protruding pieces in the front-rear direction from the base to the tip. When the vertical axle-mounted rail 30 and the axle-receiving rail 32 are connected, the oblique sides 25 are opposed to the oblique sides 26 (see FIG. 21) of the left and right protruding pieces 3212 and 3222 of the axle-receiving rail 32, which will be described later, when the vertical axle-mounted rail 30 and the axle-receiving rail 32 are connected.

[0186] The engaging piece 70 of the horizontal plate 3031 abuts against the underside of the horizontal plate 3231 of the axle-receiving rail 32, which will be described later, and the engaging piece 70 of the horizontal plate 3032 abuts against the upper surface of the horizontal plate 3232 of the axle-receiving rail 32, thereby positioning the vertical axle-mounted rail 30 and the axle-receiving rail 32 in the vertical direction.

[0187] The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are arranged within the range of the conveyor-side running path 13 (within the range where the chain belt 3 runs) when the conveyor-side running path 13 is viewed from above. As a result, when the vertical shaft-equipped rail 30 is bent left and right relative to the shaft-receiving rail 32, the gap between the running path side walls 15 on the inside of the bend, with which the chain belt 3 slides (the gap in the front-to-rear direction when running), becomes narrow, allowing for smooth transfer when the chain belt 3 turns. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0188] The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are inserted into bearings of the shaft receiving rail 32, which will be described later, to connect the vertical shaft-equipped rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 and enable left-right rotation. By making the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 protrude in opposite directions, upward and downward, relative to the engaging piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be made thin even when the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are formed in two locations. In the embodiment shown in Figures 19 to 21, for example, the overall height including the engaging piece 70, first vertical shaft 71, and first vertical bearing 81 is about 5 mm, so two sets of first vertical shafts 71 and first vertical bearings 81 can be stored between horizontal plates 3231 and 3232 (see Figures 21 and 22). Therefore, there is almost no increase in the vertical dimension due to the presence of the first vertical shaft 71 and the first vertical bearing 81, and the second vertical shaft 72 and the second vertical bearing 82, and the bending guide 1 can be made compact.

[0189] The engaging piece 70 functions as an elastic deformation part that generates elastic deformation due to a bending moment when a force in the vertical direction is applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72, allowing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 to swing up and down and retract. When the force in the vertical direction that has been applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 is released, the engaging piece 70 (elastic deformation part) returns to a state parallel to the horizontal plates 3031 and 3032.

[0190] Although the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 shown in FIG. 19 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0191] The length of the horizontal plates 3031 and 3032 in the front-rear direction (transport direction) is formed so as to gradually become shorter from the center toward the left and right ends by the bending angle when bending left and right.

[0192] The dimensions of the horizontal plates 3031 and 3032 are set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-to-back direction) is shorter than their width in the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the left-to-right bending angle per link of the vertical shaft rail 30, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 3 can be smoothly rotated. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0193] The left and right contact portions 17a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the vertical axis of the vertical shaft-equipped rail 30 and the shaft-receiving rail 32 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the left and right contact portions 17b of the shaft-receiving rail 32, which will be described later. The portions that function as the left and right contact portions 17a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the left side plate 301 and the right side plate 302, but may be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the horizontal plates 3031, 3032, the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plates 3023 or 3034, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16.

[0194] [Horizontal shaft rail] The horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 shown in FIG. 20 is a frame body that is generally H-shaped when viewed from the front and includes a left plate 311 and a right plate 312. The inner surfaces of the left plate 311 and the right plate 312 are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 3131 and 3132 that connect the left and right side plates together, and two left and right vertical plates 3133 and 3134 that connect the upper and lower horizontal plates 3131 and 3132 together. The upper surface of the horizontal plate 3131 forms the conveying-side running path 13, and running path side walls 15 are formed on the inner surfaces of the side plates that connect to the conveying-side running path 13. The upper ends of the left plate 311 and the right plate 312 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3111 and 3121 that protrude inward in opposition. The lower ends of the left plate 311 and the right plate 312 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3112 and 3122 that protrude inward in opposition. The return run 14 is formed on the upper surfaces of the pair of protruding pieces 3112 and 3122, and a run side wall 15 is also formed on the inner surface of the side plate connected to the return run 14. The lower surfaces of the protruding pieces 3111 and 3121 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 for the conveying run 13, and the lower surface of the horizontal plate 3132 functions as lift-up prevention portion 16 for the return run 14. The front and rear edges of the left plate 311 and the right plate 312 function as upper and lower abutment portions 18a. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the configuration of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0195] An engagement piece 70 is formed at the front and rear of the vertical center of the left side plate 311, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement piece 70. A first horizontal shaft 73 that protrudes leftward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and at the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70.

[0196] An engagement piece 70 is also formed at the front and rear of the vertical center of the right side plate 312, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement piece 70. A second horizontal shaft 74 that protrudes to the right is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0197] The left outer surface and engagement piece 70 of the left side plate 311 abut against the inner surface of the cover portion 85 of the left side plate 321 of the axle receiving rail 32, which will be described later, and the right outer surface and engagement piece 70 of the right side plate 312 abut against the inner surface of the cover portion 85 of the right side plate 322 of the axle receiving rail 32, thereby positioning the horizontal axle rail 31 and the axle receiving rail 32 in the left-right direction.

[0198] The first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are inserted into bearings of the shaft receiving rail 32, which will be described later, to connect the horizontal shaft-equipped rail 31 and the shaft receiving rail 32 and enable rotation in the vertical direction. By making the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 protrude in opposite directions, left and right, relative to the engaging piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be made thin even when the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are formed in two locations, so the bending guide 1 can be made smaller and it can be passed through narrower spaces.

[0199] Although the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 shown in FIG. 20 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0200] The lengths of the left and right plates 311 and 312 in the front-rear direction (transport direction) are formed so as to gradually decrease from the center toward the upper and lower ends by the bending angle when bending up and down.

[0201] The upper and lower contact portions 18a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the horizontal axis of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 and the shaft-receiving rail 32 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the upper and lower contact portions 18b of the shaft-receiving rail 32, which will be described later. The portions that function as the upper and lower contact portions 18a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the left side plate 311 and the right side plate 312, but may be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the horizontal plates 3131, 3132, the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plates 3133 or 3134, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16.

[0202] The left and right protruding pieces 3111 and 3121, which function as the lift-up prevention parts 16, have oblique sides 25 (transition parts of the ends of the chain link 3b in the lift-up prevention parts 16) for increasing the length of the protruding pieces in the front-to-rear direction from the base to the tip. The oblique sides 25 are parts that face the oblique sides 26 (see FIG. 21) of the left and right protruding pieces 3211 and 3221 of the axle receiving rail 32 when the horizontal axle-mounted rail 31 is connected to the axle receiving rail 32 described later.

[0203] The left and right protruding pieces 3112 and 3122 that function as the return-side running path 14 have oblique sides 25 (transition parts in the return-side running path 14) for increasing the length of the protruding pieces in the front-rear direction from the base to the tip. The oblique sides 25 are parts that face the oblique sides 26 (see FIG. 21) of the left and right protruding pieces 3212 and 3222 of the axle-receiving rail 32 when the horizontal axle-mounted rail 31 is connected to the axle-receiving rail 32 described later.

[0204] [Axle bearing rail] The axle bearing rail 32 shown in FIG. 21 is a frame body that is generally H-shaped when viewed from the front and includes a left plate 321 and a right plate 322. The inner surfaces of the left plate 321 and the right plate 322 are provided with two upper and lower horizontal plates 3231 and 3232 that connect the left and right side plates together, and two left and right vertical plates 3233 and 3234 that connect the two upper and lower horizontal plates 3231 and 3232 together. The upper surface of the horizontal plate 3231 forms the conveying-side running path 13, and a running path side wall 15 is formed on the inner surface of the side plate that connects to the conveying-side running path 13. The upper ends of the left plate 321 and the right plate 322 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3211 and 3221 that protrude inward in opposition. The lower ends of the left plate 321 and the right plate 322 are provided with a pair of protruding pieces 3212 and 3222 that protrude inward in opposition. The upper surfaces of the pair of protruding pieces 3212 and 3222 form the return runway 14, and a runway side wall 15 is formed on the inner surface of the side plate connected to the return runway 14. The lower surfaces of the protruding pieces 3211 and 3221 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 for the conveying runway 13, and the lower surface of the horizontal plate 3232 functions as lift-up prevention portion 16 for the return runway 14. The front and rear portions of the left and right plates 321 and 322 have thinner covering portions 85 extending forward and rearward than the thicker portions in the front-to-rear center. Furthermore, left and right abutment portions 17b and 18b are formed at the steps between the thicker portions and the thinner portions of the covering portions 85 at the front and rear ends of the left and right plates 321 and 322. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0205] The left and right abutment portions 17b are portions that, when coupled to the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30, come into contact with the left and right abutment portions 17a of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 to limit the left and right rotation angle about the vertical axis. The up and down abutment portions 18b are portions that, when coupled to the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, come into contact with the up and down abutment portions 18a of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 to limit the up and down rotation angle about the horizontal axis. The portions that function as the left and right abutment portions 17b are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the left side plate 321 and the right side plate 322, but may also be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the horizontal plates 3231, 3232, the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plates 3233 or 3234, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16. Furthermore, the portions that function as the upper and lower contact portions 18b are not limited to the front and rear edges of the left side plate 321 and the right side plate 322, but can be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the horizontal plates 3231, 3232, the conveying side running path 13 or the return side running path 14, the front and rear edges of the vertical plates 3233 or 3234, or the front and rear edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0206] First vertical bearings 81 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the left-right central portion of the horizontal plate 3231, and second vertical bearings 82 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the left-right central portion of the horizontal plate 3232.

[0207] First horizontal bearings 83 are formed at two locations, one at the front and one at the rear, in the vertical center of the left side plate 321, and second horizontal bearings 84 are formed at two locations, one at the front and one at the rear, in the vertical center of the right side plate 322.

[0208] The lower surface of horizontal plate 3231 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of horizontal plate 3031 of vertical shaft-mounted rail 30, and the upper surface of horizontal plate 3232 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of horizontal plate 3032 of vertical shaft-mounted rail 30, thereby enabling the vertical positioning of vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 and shaft-receiving rail 32.

[0209] Furthermore, in the vertical axle rail 30, if the engagement pieces 70 without a vertical axle are extended forward and backward on the left and right end sides of the horizontal plate 3031 and horizontal plate 3032, by engaging them with the lower surface of the horizontal plate 3231 and the upper surface of the horizontal plate 3232 of the axle-receiving rail 32, the torsional rigidity when the vertical axle rail 30 and the axle-receiving rail 32 are connected can be further increased and the torsional displacement can be reduced.

[0210] In addition, the inner surface of the covering portion 85 of the left side plate 321 covers the outer surface of the left side plate 301 of the vertical shaft rail 30 from the left side, and the inner surface of the covering portion 85 of the right side plate 322 covers the outer surface of the right side plate 302 of the vertical shaft rail 30 from the right side, thereby having the function of covering the gap that occurs when connecting.

[0211] In addition, the inner surface of the left side plate 321 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the left side plate 311 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, and the inner surface of the right side plate 322 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the right side plate 312 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, thereby allowing the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 and the shaft-receiving rail 32 to be positioned in the left-right direction.

[0212] In addition, the inner surface of the cover portion 85 of the left side plate 321 abuts against the left outer surface of the left side plate 311 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, and the inner surface of the cover portion 85 of the right side plate 322 abuts against the right outer surface of the right side plate 312 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, thereby positioning the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 and the shaft-receiving rail 32 in the left-right direction and also having the function of covering the gap that occurs when they are connected.

[0213] The first vertical bearing 81 and the second vertical bearing 82 are inserted through the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 32 and the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 and allowing rotation in the left-right direction. The first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal bearing 84 are inserted through the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 32 and the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 31 and allowing rotation in the up-down direction.

[0214] The dimensions of the conveying-side running path 13 and the return-side running path 14 can be set so that the length in the conveying direction (front-rear direction) is shorter than the width in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the left-right bending angle per link of the axle receiving rail 32, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 3 can be smoothly rotated. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 3 is driven, reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0215] The left and right protruding pieces 3212 and 3222, which function as the return-side running path 14, have oblique sides 26 (transition parts in the return-side running path 14) for shortening the length of the protruding pieces in the front-rear direction from the base to the tip.

[0216] The left and right protrusions 3211 and 3221, which function as the lift-up prevention portion 16, are provided with an oblique side portion 26 (a transition portion for the end of the chain link 3b in the lift-up prevention portion 16) for shortening the length of the protrusions in the front-to-rear direction from the base to the tip.

[0217] [Connection between vertical shaft mounted rail and shaft bearing rail] As shown in Figure 22, the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 and the shaft-receiving rail 32 can be connected by inserting the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 into the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 of the shaft-receiving rail 32. This connection brings the conveying-side running path 13 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the shaft-receiving rail 32 close to each other to form a continuous conveying-side running path 13 (see Figures 24 to 26). Also, the return-side running path 14 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 and the return-side running path 14 of the shaft-receiving rail 32 close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14 (see Figures 24 to 26).

[0218] Furthermore, when the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 are connected, the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the vertical shaft rail 30 and the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the shaft receiving rail 32 come close to each other to form a continuous lift-up prevention portion 16. Furthermore, the lift-up prevention portion 16 is formed with oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions). As a result, even if the gap between the protruding pieces 3011 and 3211 on the outer side of the bend becomes wider by bending the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 in the left-right direction, when the mounting surface of the raised chain link 3b transfers from the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the shaft receiving rail 32 to the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the vertical shaft rail 30, there will always be a section in which the lift-up prevention portions 16 of both sides come into contact (a range where the oblique sides 25 and the oblique sides 26 face each other). By forming these oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions), it is possible to prevent the corners of the mounting surface of the chain link 3b from getting caught in the gaps between the separated protruding pieces (for example, 3011, 3211) and running while being caught.

[0219] Similarly, when the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 are connected, the return-side running path 14 of the vertical shaft rail 30 and the return-side running path 14 of the shaft receiving rail 32 come close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14. Furthermore, the return-side running path 14 also has oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions). As a result, even if the gap between the protruding pieces 3012 and 3212 on the outer side of the bend becomes wider by bending the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 in the left-right direction, when the mounting surface of the chain link 3b transfers from the return-side running path 14 of the shaft receiving rail 32 to the return-side running path 14 of the vertical shaft rail 30, there will always be a section in which the oblique sides 25 and 26 come into contact with both return-side running paths 14 (a range where the oblique sides 25 and 26 face each other). By forming these oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions), it is possible to prevent the corners of the mounting surface of the chain link 3b from getting caught in the gaps between the separated protruding pieces (for example, 3012, 3212) and running while being caught.

[0220] [Connection between horizontal shaft mounted rail and shaft receiving rail] As shown in Figure 23, the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 and the shaft receiving rail 32 can be connected by inserting the first and second horizontal shafts 73, 74 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 into the first and second horizontal bearings 83, 84 of the shaft receiving rail 32. This connection brings the conveying-side running path 13 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the shaft receiving rail 32 close to each other to form a continuous conveying-side running path 13 (see Figure 25). Also, the return-side running path 14 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 and the return-side running path 14 of the shaft receiving rail 32 close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14 (see Figure 25).

[0221] Furthermore, when the horizontal shaft rail 31 and the axle bearing rail 32 are connected, the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the horizontal shaft rail 31 and the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the axle bearing rail 32 come close to each other to form a continuous lift-up prevention portion 16. Furthermore, the lift-up prevention portion 16 is formed with oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions). Therefore, when the mounting surface of the chain piece 3b, which tends to lift up due to the horizontal shaft rail 31 and the axle bearing rail 32 being bent upward in a concave shape in side view, transfers from the protruding pieces 3111 and 3121 of the horizontal shaft rail 31 to the protruding pieces 3211 and 3221 of the axle bearing rail 32, there is always a section (a range where the oblique sides 25 and the oblique sides 26 face each other) where the mounting surface of the chain piece 3b comes into contact with both protruding pieces (the lift-up prevention portions 16 of the protruding pieces). The formation of these oblique sides 25, 26 (transition parts) reduces the problem of the corners of the mounting surface of the chain link 3b getting caught on the corners of the protruding pieces while running. Note that it is also possible to form parts equivalent to the oblique sides 25, 26 (transition parts) on the conveying-side running path 13 of the upper horizontal plates 3031, 3131, 3231.

[0222] Similarly, when the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 and the axle receiving rail 32 are connected, the return-side running path 14 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 and the return-side running path 14 of the axle receiving rail 32 come close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14. Furthermore, oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions) are formed in the return-side running path 14. Therefore, when the mounting surface of the chain link 3b transfers from the protruding pieces 3112 and 3122 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 31 to the protruding pieces 3212 and 3222 of the axle receiving rail 32, there is a section (a range where the oblique sides 25 and 26 face each other) where the mounting surface of the chain link 3b always comes into contact with both protruding pieces (the return-side running path 14). The formation of these oblique sides 25, 26 (transition portions) reduces the problem of the corners of the mounting surface of the chain link 3b getting caught on the corners of the protruding pieces as it travels. It is also possible to form portions corresponding to the oblique sides 25 and 26 (transition portions) on the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the lower horizontal plates 3032, 3132, and 3232.

[0223] [Flexion of Flexion Guide] As shown in Figure 24, by configuring the bending guide 1 with the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32, it can be bent clockwise around the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72. At this time, the left and right abutment portions 17a of the right side plate 302 of the vertical shaft rail 30 on the inside of the bend abut against the left and right abutment portions 17b of the right side plate 322 of the previous shaft receiving rail 32. This limits the rotation of the vertical shaft rail 30 and the shaft receiving rail 32 around the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72.

[0224] At this time, a considerable gap CL is formed between the left and right abutment portions 17a of the left side plate 301 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 30 on the outside of the bend and the left and right abutment portions 17b of the left side plate 321 of the shaft-receiving rail 32 one step ahead.

[0225] Even if a gap CL is formed on the outer side of this bend, the covering portion 85 of the shaft receiving rail 32 covers the side plates 301 and 302 of the vertical shaft mounted rail 30 from the outside.

[0226] 25 and 26, the bending guide 1 is configured with a vertical shaft rail 30, a horizontal shaft rail 31, and a shaft receiving rail 32, making it possible to bend the bending guide 1 in the horizontal direction (i.e., left and right direction) as well as in the up and down direction. This increases the degree of freedom in layout, and allows the bending guide 1 to be optimally installed depending on the installation location.

[0227] In this embodiment, the vertical shaft rail 30, the horizontal shaft rail 31, and the shaft receiving rail 32 are symmetrical in shape from front to back, so the chain belt 3 can rotate forward and backward, and there is no difference in performance between forward and reverse rotation.

[0228] [Variation 2] Next, a second modification of the above embodiment will be described. The bending guide 1 of the above embodiment has been described as having U-shaped guide paths that are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction and support the chain belt 3 from the sides and below. However, as will be described in the second modification shown in Figures 33 and 34 below, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which π-shaped guide paths are formed symmetrically in the vertical direction and the chain belt 45 runs on the guide paths like a straddle-type monorail. Note that parts that have the same functions as those in the above embodiment will be assigned the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0229] [Chain Belt 45] 33 and 34, the chain belt 45 of the second modification runs (straddle type) across the upper part (conveying side) of the curved guide 1, which has a shape in which two π-shaped running paths are combined symmetrically in a front view, and runs suspended across the lower part (returning side). The curved guide 1 can be configured by connecting a vertical shaft rail 40, a shaft receiving rail 42, and a horizontal shaft rail 41.

[0230] The chain link of the chain belt 45 has a mounting surface 45a, a connecting recess 45c, a connecting protrusion 45d, a connecting pin hole 45f, and a rail mounting groove 451. The rail mounting groove 451 has a straddling sliding surface 452, a lateral sliding surface 453, and a suspended sliding surface 454.

[0231] The placement surface 45a is a portion of the chain link on which an object to be transported is placed.

[0232] The connecting recess 45c is a portion into which the connecting protrusion 45d of another chain link is inserted. The connecting recess 45c and the connecting protrusion 45d are provided with connecting pin holes 45f through which connecting pins for connecting the chain links are inserted. Only one chain link is shown in Figure 33.

[0233] The rail mounting grooves 451 are grooves formed facing each other in the front-to-rear direction at the bottom of the chain link. The rail mounting grooves 451 of the conveying-side chain belt 45 sandwich both left and right edges of the upper horizontal plate of the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41 from above and below, and are guided in the up-down and left-right directions by the bending guide 1. In this way, the conveying-side chain belt 45 can run on the bending guide 1.

[0234] The rail mounting grooves 451 of the return-side chain belt 45 sandwich both left and right edges of the lower horizontal plate of the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41 from above and below, and are guided in the up and down and left and right directions by the bending guide 1. In this way, the conveying-side chain belt 45 hangs from the bottom of the bending guide 1, allowing it to travel in a suspended manner.

[0235] The straddle sliding surface 452 is a portion that slides against the conveying-side running path 13 of the upper horizontal plate of the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41, and is a portion that is supported in the vertical direction.

[0236] The lateral sliding surfaces 453 are portions of the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41 that come into sliding contact with the runway side walls 15, and are portions that are supported in the left-right direction.

[0237] The suspended sliding surface 454 of the return side chain belt 45 is the part that comes into sliding contact with the return side running path 14 of the lower horizontal plate on the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41, and is the part that is suspended and supported.

[0238] On the other hand, the suspended sliding surface 454 of the conveying side chain belt 45 is the part that comes into sliding contact with the anti-lift portion 16 of the upper horizontal plate of the vertical shaft rail 40, the shaft receiving rail 42, and the horizontal shaft rail 41, and can prevent the conveying side chain belt 45 from lifting up.

[0239] [Vertical shaft rail] Figure 27 is an external perspective view of the vertical shaft rail 40. The vertical shaft rail 40 shown in the figure has a shape that is symmetrical in terms of up / down, left / right, front / back. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the vertical (top / bottom), left / right, and front / back will be set and explained in Figure 27, but the vertical shaft rail 40 shown in Figure 27 has the same configuration even if its up / down, left / right, and front / back are reversed.

[0240] The vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 shown in Figure 27 includes an upper horizontal plate 401, a lower horizontal plate 402, and two left and right vertical plates 403 and 404 that connect the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402. A conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the upper horizontal plate 401. Return-side running paths 14 are formed on the upper surfaces of the left and right ends of the lower horizontal plate 402. Running path side walls 15 are formed on both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402. The lower surfaces of both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 that prevent the chain belt 45 (see Figures 33 and 34) from lifting up. In addition, the front and rear end edges of both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402 function as left and right abutment portions 17a. Steps 4014 and 4024 protrude from the front and rear edges of both the left and right ends of the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402, and side wall transition portions 27 are formed on the side edges of the step portions 4014 and 4024.

[0241] An engagement piece 70 is formed at the front and rear of the lower surface of the left-right center portion of the upper horizontal plate 401, and a notch CW is formed on both the left and right sides of the engagement piece 70. A first vertical shaft 71 that protrudes upward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0242] An engagement piece 70 is also formed at the front and rear of the upper surface of the left-right center portion of the lower horizontal plate 402, with a notch CW formed on both the left and right sides of the engagement piece 70. A second vertical shaft 72 that protrudes downward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0243] The conveying-side running path 13 has a function of supporting the conveying-side chain belt 45 and guiding the sliding running of the chain belt 45 in the vertical direction.

[0244] The return runway 14 has a function of supporting the return chain belt 45 and guiding the sliding run of the chain belt 45 in the vertical direction.

[0245] The travel path side walls 15 have the function of supporting the conveying side and return side chain belts 45 from the sides and guiding the sliding travel of the chain belts 45 in the left and right directions. The travel path side walls 15 are formed in a convex shape on the outside in a plan view according to the left and right bending radius, thereby maintaining a constant turning radius of the chain belt 45. This allows the chain belt 45 to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt 45 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0246] The lift-up prevention section 16 is a section for preventing the chain belt 45 from floating up due to the tension of the drive force while the chain belt 45 is running.

[0247] The side wall transition portion 27 is located at the front and rear ends of the running path side wall 15, and is a portion that overlaps in the vertical direction with a part of the side wall transition portion 28 of the axle receiving rail 42 when the axle receiving rail 42 described below is connected to the vertical axle-mounted rail 40.

[0248] When the chain belt 45 is curved left and right while the vertical axle-mounted rail 40 and the axle-receiving rail 42 are connected, the runway side wall 15 on the outside of the curve slides in sliding contact with the lateral sliding surface 453 (see FIG. 33) of the chain belt 45. At this time, the driving tension of the chain belt 45 causes the lateral sliding surface 453 of the chain belt 45 to press against the runway side wall 15 of the rail with a strong force. Therefore, when the lateral sliding surface 453 of the chain belt 45 transfers from the runway side wall 15 of the axle-receiving rail 42 to the runway side wall 15 of the vertical axle-mounted rail 40, it is desirable that the transfer be continuous and smooth, without discontinuities.

[0249] According to the present invention, there is a range in which the side wall transition portion 27 of the vertical shaft mounted rail 40 and the side wall transition portion 28 of the shaft receiving rail 42 overlap in the vertical direction. Therefore, when the lateral sliding surface 453 of the chain belt 45 transfers from the runway side wall 15 of the shaft receiving rail 42 to the runway side wall 15 of the vertical shaft mounted rail 40, there is always a range in which it contacts both the side wall transition portion 27 and the side wall transition portion 28, so that the sliding state between the chain belt 45 and the two runway side walls 15 is continuous, allowing for smooth transfer during turning. Therefore, pulsation during driving of the chain belt 45 can be reduced, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0250] The upper surface of the engagement piece 70 of the upper horizontal plate 401 abuts against the lower surface of the upper horizontal plate 421 of the journal bearing rail 42, which will be described later. On the other hand, the lower surface of the engagement piece 70 of the lower horizontal plate 402 abuts against the upper surface of the lower horizontal plate 422 of the journal bearing rail 42, thereby positioning the vertical journal rail 40 and journal bearing rail 42 in the up-down direction.

[0251] A first vertical shaft 71 projects upward from the engagement piece 70 of the upper horizontal plate 401 . A second vertical shaft 72 projects downward in the opposite direction from the engaging piece 70 of the lower horizontal plate 402 .

[0252] The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are inserted into bearings of the shaft-receiving rail 42 (described later) to connect the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 and enable left-right rotation. By having the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 protrude in opposite directions (upward and downward) relative to the engagement piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be made thin even when the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are formed in two locations, allowing the bending guide 1 to be made smaller and to be passed through a narrower space. In the embodiment shown in Figures 27 to 29, for example, the overall height including the engagement piece 70, the first vertical shaft 71, and the first vertical bearing 81 is about 5 mm, so two sets of the first vertical shaft 71 and the first vertical bearing 81 and the second vertical shaft 72 and the second vertical bearing 82 can be accommodated between the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422 (see Figures 29 and 30). Therefore, there is almost no increase in the vertical dimension due to the presence of the first vertical shaft 71 and the first vertical bearing 81, and the second vertical shaft 72 and the second vertical bearing 82, and the bending guide 1 can be made compact.

[0253] The engaging piece 70 functions as an elastic deformation part that generates elastic deformation due to a bending moment when a vertical force is applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72, allowing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 to swing up and down and retract. When the vertical force applied to the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 is released, the engaging piece 70 (elastic deformation part) returns to a state parallel to the upper horizontal plate 401 or the lower horizontal plate 402.

[0254] The notch CW is formed to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the engaging piece 70 (elastically deformable portion), thereby lowering the bending rigidity of the engaging piece 70 (elastically deformable portion), and to enable the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 to be easily moved up and down by the force of an operator's fingers. This makes it possible to easily retract the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 when inserting the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 into the bearing of the journal rail 42 to connect, or when removing the first vertical shaft 71 or the second vertical shaft 72 from the bearing of the journal rail 42 to disconnect, and makes it easy to connect and disconnect the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the journal rail 42.

[0255] Although the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 shown in FIG. 27 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0256] The lengths of the transport path 13 and the return path 14 in the front-rear direction (transport direction) may be formed so as to gradually decrease from the center toward the left and right ends by the bending angle when bending left and right.

[0257] The dimensions of the conveying-side running path 13 and the return-side running path 14 are set so that their length in the conveying direction (front-rear direction) is shorter than their width in the left-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the left-right bending angle per link of the vertical shaft rail 40, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 45 can be smoothly rotated. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 45 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0258] The left and right contact portions 17a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the vertical axis of the vertical shaft-equipped rail 40 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the left and right contact portions 17b of the shaft-receiving rail 42, which will be described later. The portions that function as the left and right contact portions 17a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of both left and right ends of the upper horizontal plate 401 and the lower horizontal plate 402, but may be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 403 or the vertical plate 404, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16.

[0259] By engaging the upper surface of step portion 4014 and the lower surface of step portion 4024 with the lower surface of step portion 4215 and the upper surface of step portion 4225 of the axle-receiving rail 42 shown in Figure 29, it is possible to further increase the torsional rigidity when connecting the vertical axle-mounted rail 40 and the axle-receiving rail 42 and reduce the torsional displacement.

[0260] [Horizontal shaft rail] The horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 shown in Figure 28 includes an upper horizontal plate 411, a lower horizontal plate 412, and two left and right vertical plates 413 and 414 that connect the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412 to each other. A conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the upper horizontal plate 411. A return-side running path 14 is formed on the upper surface of the left and right ends of the lower horizontal plate 412. Running path side walls 15 are formed on both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412. The lower surfaces of both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 that prevent the chain belt 45 (see Figures 33 and 34) from lifting up. In addition, the front and rear end edges of the left and right center portions of the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412 function as upper and lower abutment portions 18a. Step portions 4114 and 4124 are protruded from the front and rear edges of both left and right ends of the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412, and side wall transition portions 27 are formed on the side edges of the step portions 4114 and 4124. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the configuration of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 will be given the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0261] An engagement piece 70 is formed at the front and rear of the inner surface of the vertical center of the vertical plate 413, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement piece 70. A first horizontal shaft 73 protruding to the left is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and at the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0262] Engagement pieces 70 are also formed at the front and rear of the inner surface of the vertical center of the vertical plate 414, with notches CW formed on both the top and bottom of the engagement pieces 70. A second horizontal shaft 74 protruding to the right is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and at the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0263] The engaging piece 70 of the vertical plate 413 abuts against the inner surface of the vertical plate 423 of the journal bearing rail 42, which will be described later. On the other hand, the engaging piece 70 of the vertical plate 414 abuts against the inner surface of the vertical plate 424 of the journal bearing rail 42, thereby positioning the horizontal journal rail 41 and journal bearing rail 42 in the left-right direction.

[0264] The first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are inserted into bearings of the shaft-receiving rail 42 (described later), connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 and enabling vertical rotation. By having the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 protrude in opposite directions (left and right) relative to the engaging piece 70, the shafts and bearings can be made thin even when the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are formed in two locations. This allows the bending guide 1 to be made more compact and to be inserted into a narrower space. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, two sets of the first horizontal shaft 73 and the first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal shaft 74 and the second horizontal bearing 84 can be accommodated between the vertical plates 423 and 424 (see FIG. 32). Therefore, there is no increase in the left-right dimensions due to the presence of the first horizontal shaft 73 and the first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal shaft 74 and the second horizontal bearing 84, allowing the bending guide 1 to be made more compact.

[0265] Although the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 shown in FIG. 28 are shown as an embodiment in which they are integrally molded on the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41, the retractable retraction structure can also be configured from a plurality of parts.

[0266] The upper and lower contact portions 18a are portions that function as rotation limiting portions that limit the bending angle around the horizontal axis of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 to a predetermined angle by coming into contact with the upper and lower contact portions 18b of the shaft-receiving rail 42, which will be described later. The portions that function as the upper and lower contact portions 18a are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the upper horizontal plate 411 and the lower horizontal plate 412, but can also be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 413 or the vertical plate 414, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0267] By engaging the upper surface of step portion 4114 and the lower surface of step portion 4124 with the lower surface of step portion 4215 and the upper surface of step portion 4225 of the axle-receiving rail 42 shown in Figure 29, it is possible to further increase the torsional rigidity when connecting the horizontal axle-mounted rail 41 and the axle-receiving rail 42 and reduce the torsional displacement.

[0268] [Axle bearing rail] The axle receiving rail 42 shown in Figure 29 includes an upper horizontal plate 421, a lower horizontal plate 422, and two left and right vertical plates 423 and 424 that connect the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422 to each other. A conveying-side running path 13 is formed on the upper surface of the upper horizontal plate 421. A return-side running path 14 is formed on the upper surface of the left and right ends of the lower horizontal plate 422. Running path side walls 15 are formed on both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422. The undersides of both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422 function as lift-up prevention portions 16 that prevent the chain belt 45 (see Figures 33 and 34) from lifting up. Left and right abutment portions 17b are formed on the front and rear end edges of both left and right end edges of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422. Furthermore, upper and lower contact portions 18b are formed on the front and rear edges of the left-right center portion of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422. Furthermore, step portions 4215 and 4225 protrude from the front and rear edges of both left and right ends of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422, and side wall transition portions 28 are formed on the side edges of the step portions 4215 and 4225. Note that portions having the same functions as those described for the configuration of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0269] The left and right contact portions 17b are portions that, when coupled to the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40, come into contact with the left and right contact portions 17a of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 to limit the left and right rotation angle about the vertical axis. The up and down contact portions 18b are portions that, when coupled to the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41, come into contact with the up and down contact portions 18a of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 to limit the up and down rotation angle about the horizontal axis. The portions that function as the left and right contact portions 17b are not limited to the front and rear end edges of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422, but may also be formed on at least a part of the front and rear end edges of the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear end edges of the vertical plate 423 or the vertical plate 424, or the front and rear end edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16. Furthermore, the portions that function as the upper and lower abutment portions 18b are not limited to the front and rear edges of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422, but can be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the conveying side running path 13 or the return side running path 14, the front and rear edges of the vertical plate 423 or the vertical plate 424, or the front and rear edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0270] First vertical bearings 81 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the center of the left and right of the upper horizontal plate 421, and second vertical bearings 82 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the center of the left and right of the lower horizontal plate 422.

[0271] First horizontal bearings 83 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the vertical center of the vertical plate 423, and second horizontal bearings 84 are formed at two locations, front and rear, in the vertical center of the vertical plate 424. Furthermore, a stand attachment portion 4232 is formed at the vertical center and front and rear center of the vertical plate 423, and a stand attachment portion 4242 is formed at the vertical center and front and rear center of the vertical plate 424.

[0272] The side wall transition portion 28 is located at the front and rear ends of the running path side wall 15, and is a portion that overlaps in the vertical direction with a portion of the side wall transition portion 27 of the vertical shaft rail 40 and the horizontal shaft rail 41 when the axle receiving rail 42 is connected to the vertical shaft rail 40 or the horizontal shaft rail 41.

[0273] The lower surface of the upper horizontal plate 421 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the upper horizontal plate 401 of the vertical shaft rail 40. On the other hand, the upper surface of the lower horizontal plate 422 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the lower horizontal plate 402 of the vertical shaft rail 40, thereby enabling the vertical positioning of the vertical shaft rail 40 and the shaft receiving rail 42.

[0274] The inner surface of the vertical plate 423 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the vertical plate 413 of the horizontal shaft rail 41. On the other hand, the inner surface of the vertical plate 424 abuts against the engaging piece 70 of the vertical plate 414 of the horizontal shaft rail 41, thereby enabling the horizontal shaft rail 41 and the shaft receiving rail 42 to be positioned in the left-right direction.

[0275] The first vertical bearing 81 and the second vertical bearing 82 are inserted through the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 42 and the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and allowing rotation in the left-right direction. The first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal bearing 84 are inserted through the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41, connecting the shaft-receiving rail 42 and the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and allowing rotation in the up-down direction.

[0276] The stand attachment portion 4232 of the vertical plate 423 and the stand attachment portion 4242 of the vertical plate 424 are portions for attaching a stand 46, which will be described later.

[0277] The dimensions of the front-to-rear width of the upper horizontal plate 421 and the lower horizontal plate 422, and the length in the conveying direction (front-to-rear direction) of the conveying-side runway 13 and the return-side runway 14 can be set so that the length in the conveying direction (front-to-rear direction) is shorter than the width in the left-to-right direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. This configuration reduces the left-to-right bending angle per link of the axle receiving rail 42, and by combining many links with this small bending angle, the chain belt 45 can be smoothly rotated. This reduces pulsation when the chain belt 45 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0278] [Connection between vertical shaft mounted rail and shaft bearing rail] As shown in Figures 30 and 31, the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 can be connected to the journal-receiving rail 42 by inserting the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 into the first and second vertical bearings 81, 82 of the journal-receiving rail 42. This connection brings the conveying-side running path 13 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the journal-receiving rail 42 close to each other to form a continuous conveying-side running path 13 (see Figure 35). Also, the return-side running path 14 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the return-side running path 14 of the journal-receiving rail 42 close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14 (see Figure 35).

[0279] Furthermore, when the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 are connected, the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the shaft-receiving rail 42 come close to each other to form a continuous lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0280] Furthermore, when the vertical shaft rail 40 and the shaft receiving rail 42 are connected, the upper surface of the step portion 4014 of the vertical shaft rail 40 and the lower surface of the step portion 4215 of the shaft receiving rail 42 face to face and overlap. Similarly, the lower surface of the step portion 4024 of the vertical shaft rail 40 and the upper surface of the step portion 4225 of the shaft receiving rail 42 face to face and overlap. Furthermore, there is a range where the side wall transition portion 27 of the vertical shaft rail 40 and the side wall transition portion 28 of the shaft receiving rail 42 overlap in the vertical direction.

[0281] In the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the shaft-receiving rail 42, the first vertical shaft 71 and first vertical bearing 81, as well as the second vertical shaft 72 and second vertical bearing 82, are positioned below the conveying side running path 13 and above the return side chain belt 45, and are also positioned within the range of the conveying side running path 13 when viewed in a plane.This means that even if the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are formed in two locations, the shafts and bearings can be made thin, allowing the bending guide 1 to be made smaller and the bending guide 1 to be passed through narrower spaces.

[0282] [Connection between vertical axle rail, horizontal axle rail and axle receiving rail] 32, the vertical shaft rail 40 and the horizontal shaft rail 41 can be connected via a shaft bearing rail 42. It is also possible to connect only the horizontal shaft rail 41 to the shaft bearing rail 42.

[0283] The horizontal shaft mounted rail 41 and the shaft receiving rail 42 are connected by inserting first and second horizontal shafts 73, 74 of the horizontal shaft mounted rail 41 into first and second horizontal bearings 83, 84 of the shaft receiving rail 42.

[0284] At this time, the conveying-side running path 13 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the conveying-side running path 13 of the shaft-receiving rail 42 come close to each other to form a continuous conveying-side running path 13 (see Figure 36). Also, the return-side running path 14 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the return-side running path 14 of the shaft-receiving rail 42 come close to each other to form a continuous return-side running path 14 (see Figure 36).

[0285] Furthermore, when the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the shaft-receiving rail 42 are connected, the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the lift-up prevention portion 16 of the shaft-receiving rail 42 come close to each other to form a continuous lift-up prevention portion 16.

[0286] Furthermore, when the horizontal shaft rail 41 and the shaft receiving rail 42 are connected, the upper surface of the step portion 4114 of the horizontal shaft rail 41 and the lower surface of the step portion 4215 of the shaft receiving rail 42 face to face and overlap. Similarly, the lower surface of the step portion 4124 of the horizontal shaft rail 41 and the upper surface of the step portion 4225 of the shaft receiving rail 42 face to face and overlap. Furthermore, there is a range in which the side wall transition portion 27 of the horizontal shaft rail 41 and the side wall transition portion 28 of the shaft receiving rail 42 overlap in the vertical direction.

[0287] [Bending guide support method] 33 and 34, the bending guide 1 according to the second modification can be supported by a stand 46. The stand 46 includes a bracket 461, a cylindrical vertical support portion 462 that supports the bracket 461, and a rail holder 463 that mounts the bearing rail 42.

[0288] Bracket 461 is made of a frame bent into a U-shape. A vertical support part 462 is attached to the bottom surface of bracket 461. Rail holder 463 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and both ends thereof are fixed to both side plates of bracket 461 with screws.

[0289] The rail holder 463 is fixed to the bracket 461 in a state where it is inserted into the stand attachment portions 4232 and 4242 of the journal receiving rail 42. This allows the journal receiving rail 42 to be held by the stand 46.

[0290] By connecting the vertical shaft rail 40 and the horizontal shaft rail 41 to the shaft receiving rail 42 and holding the shaft receiving rail 42 with the rail holder 463, the bending guide 1 can be installed in a predetermined position.

[0291] [Upper horizontal board width] As shown in Figure 34, in this embodiment, the width dimension WU of the upper horizontal plate 401 of the vertical axle rail 40, the upper horizontal plate 411 of the horizontal axle rail 41, or the upper horizontal plate 421 of the axle-receiving rail 42 can be narrower than the width dimension WD of the lower horizontal plate 402 of the vertical axle rail 40, the lower horizontal plate 412 of the horizontal axle rail 41, or the lower horizontal plate 422 of the axle-receiving rail 42.

[0292] Furthermore, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 34 , the width dimension WU of the upper horizontal plate is provided in a portion narrower than the inside dimension WL of the pair of left and right suspended sliding surfaces 454 of the chain belt 45. This allows the conveying-side chain belt 45 to be easily removed from the conveying-side runway 13, facilitating replacement and maintenance of the chain belt 45. At the bent portion of the rail, the tension during driving pulls the chain belt 45 toward the inside of the bend, resulting in a gap WC=0 around the outer periphery of the bend. The rail mounting groove 451 on the outside of the bend in the chain belt 45 slides against the runway side wall 15 on the outside of the bend in the upper horizontal plate. Therefore, even if the width dimension WU of the upper horizontal plate is narrower than the inside dimension WL of the suspended sliding surfaces 454 in a portion during bend running, the chain belt 45 will not fall off the bending guide 1.

[0293] On the other hand, the width dimension WD of the lower horizontal plate is formed larger than the inside dimension WL of the vertical sliding surface 454, thereby preventing the chain belt 45 from falling off the lower horizontal plate in the straight portion.

[0294] Furthermore, by making the width dimension WU of the upper horizontal plate and the width dimension WD of the lower horizontal plate the same or approximately the same, it is possible to configure the chain belt 45 so that it cannot be removed on both the conveying side running path 13 and the return side running path 14.

[0295] [Flexion of Flexion Guide] As shown in Figure 35, when the bending guide 1 is composed of a vertical shaft rail 40 and a shaft receiving rail 42 and is bent to the right, the vertical shaft rail 40 and the shaft receiving rail 42 each bend clockwise around the first and second vertical shafts 71, 72. At this time, the left and right abutment portions 17a on the inside of the bending of the vertical shaft rail 40 abut against the left and right abutment portions 17b on the inside of the bending of the previous shaft receiving rail 42. This limits the rotation of the bending guide 1 around the vertical axis between the vertical shaft rail 40 and the shaft receiving rail 42.

[0296] Conversely, on the outside of the bend, a considerable gap CL is formed between the left and right abutment portions 17a on the outside of the bend of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 40 and the left and right abutment portions 17b on the outside of the bend of the previous shaft-receiving rail 42. As described above, on the outside of the bend, the rail mounting groove 451 of the chain belt 45 slides, sandwiching the runway side wall 15 on the upper horizontal plate on the outside of the bend. If the runway side wall 15 on the outside of the bend is separated by the gap CL, the chain belt 45 may fall into the separated portion, causing unstable running of the chain belt 45. This increases the running resistance when the lateral sliding surface 453 of the chain belt 45 passes through the gap CL, causing pulsation in the running of the chain belt 45.

[0297] Therefore, in this embodiment, even if a gap CL is formed on the outside of this bend, a side wall transition portion 27 is formed on the vertical axle-mounted rail 40 and a side wall transition portion 28 is formed on the axle-receiving rail 42, so that both running path side walls 15 are continuous, thereby preventing pulsation from occurring in the chain belt 45.

[0298] 36 and 37, the bending guide 1 can be configured with a vertical shaft rail 40, a horizontal shaft rail 41, and a shaft receiving rail 42, and the bending guide 1 can be bent in the horizontal direction (i.e., left and right direction) as well as up and down. This increases the degree of freedom in layout, and the bending guide 1 can be optimally installed depending on the installation location.

[0299] The bending angle in the vertical direction is limited by the contact between the upper and lower abutment portions 18a and 18b. For example, when bending downward, the upper and lower abutment portions 18a of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 come into contact with the upper and lower abutment portions 18b of the previous shaft-receiving rail 42, limiting the bending angle. This limits the rotation of the bending guide 1 around the horizontal axis between the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 41 and the shaft-receiving rail 42.

[0300] In this embodiment, the vertical shaft rail 40, the horizontal shaft rail 41, and the shaft receiving rail 42 are symmetrical in shape from front to back, so that the chain belt 45 can rotate forward and backward, and there is no difference in performance between forward and reverse rotation.

[0301] [Example of using a bending guide] Next, an example of use of the bending guide 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 38. Fig. 38 is a plan view illustrating a manufacturing line 50 for products A and B.

[0302] 38, production line 50 includes assembly machine 51 (assembly machine-1 in the figure) that manufactures work-in-progress 58. Assembly machine 51 is connected to component conveyors 55-57 that stock components 52-54. Components 52-54 are supplied from component conveyors 55-57 to assembly machine 51, and work-in-progress 58 is manufactured by assembly machine 51.

[0303] The assembly machine 59 (assembly machine-2 in the drawing) is an assembly machine that manufactures a finished product 64 (product A) using the work-in-progress 58. The assembly machine 51 and the assembly machine 59 are connected via a bending guide 1. Work-in-progress 58 assembled by assembly machine 51 is transported to assembly machine 59 by bending guide 1. Assembly machine 59 is connected to parts conveyors 62-63 that stock and supply parts 60-61. In assembly machine 59, finished product 64 (product A) is assembled using work-in-progress 58 and parts 60-61.

[0304] The packaging machine 65 is a device that packages a finished product 64 (product A). The assembly machine 59 and the packaging machine 65 are connected via a bending guide 1. The finished product 64 (product A) assembled by the assembly machine 59 is transported to the packaging machine 65. The finished product 64 is packaged in the packaging machine 65, and the packaged product 66 is shipped.

[0305] Assembly machine 99 (assembly machine-3 in the figure) is an assembly machine that uses work-in-progress 58 to manufacture finished product 94 (product B). Assembly machine 51 and assembly machine 99 can be connected via bending guide 1 by changing the setup. Work-in-progress 58 assembled by assembly machine 51 is transported to assembly machine 99 by bending guide 1. Component conveyors 92-23 that stock and supply components 90-91 are connected to assembly machine 99. Assembly machine 99 assembles finished product 94 (product B) using work-in-progress 58 and components 90-91.

[0306] The assembly machine 99 and the packaging machine 65 can be connected by changing the setup via the bending guide 1. The finished product 94 (product B) assembled by the assembly machine 99 is transported to the packaging machine 65.

[0307] [What to do when assembly machine trouble occurs] The role of the bending guide 1 in changing the conveyance path of the work-in-progress 58, which is a semi-finished product, as in the case where a problem occurs in the assembly machine 59, will be described below.

[0308] For example, if a problem such as a temporary breakdown or shortage of parts 60-61 occurs in assembly machine 59 in a subsequent process, the bending direction of bending guide 1 connected to assembly machine 51 is changed to change the destination of work-in-progress 58 to accumulator 68, and while work-in-progress 58 is accumulated in accumulator 68, production of work-in-progress 58 in assembly machine 51 continues. After that, when the problem with assembly machine 59 is resolved, accumulator 68 and assembly machine 59 are connected using another bending guide 1, and work-in-progress 58 accumulated in accumulator 68 is transported to assembly machine 59 to manufacture finished product 64 (product A).

[0309] Generally, assembly machine 59 in the later process has a higher processing capacity than assembly machine 51 in the earlier process, so over time the amount of work-in-progress 58 accumulated in accumulator 68 decreases, and when the accumulated amount in accumulator 68 becomes zero, use of accumulator 68 can be stopped and assembly machine 51 and assembly machine 59 can be directly connected using bending guide 1, returning them to their original state.

[0310] At this time, since the bending guide 1 is bendable, it has a high degree of freedom, and alignment work is easy when connecting and disconnecting the assembly machine 51, assembly machine 59, and accumulator 68. Therefore, the temporary location of the accumulator 68 does not need to be precise. Furthermore, in the present invention, the connection destination of the bending guide 1 can be changed while the chain belt is still in operation, so even if a problem occurs with the assembly machine 59, the decrease in production volume can be kept to a minimum.

[0311] [Handling changeovers] The role of the bending guide 1 when changing the setup from the state where the finished product 64 (product A) is being assembled to the state where the finished product 64 (product B) is being assembled will be described below.

[0312] Because different parts are used for assembling finished product 64 (product A) and finished product 94 (product B), different assembly machines 99 (assembly machine-3 in the figure) are used. In conventional manufacturing line setup changes, conveyors with predetermined bending angles are connected to each assembly machine in advance, and a branch section is provided to change the flow path for work-in-progress or finished products, and setup changes are performed by switching the conveyance destination at this branch section.

[0313] However, if the conveyors are connected to each assembly machine in advance, it becomes difficult to enter the area surrounded by the conveyors (in the example shown in Figure 38, the area where component conveyors 92-93 are installed), which restricts the supply of components to component conveyors 92-93 and access to assembly machines 59 and 99, resulting in a deterioration in maintainability.

[0314] By using the bending guide 1 according to the present invention, a setup change between assembling the finished product 64 (product A) and assembling the finished product 94 (product B) can be easily performed by changing the connection of the bending guide 1, so there are no restrictions on access to the area where the part conveyors 92-93 are installed. Therefore, since there are no restrictions on access to the assembly machines 59, 99, there is no deterioration in the replenishment of parts to the part conveyors 92-93 or in the ease of maintenance of the equipment.

[0315] In the above explanation, an embodiment has been shown in which the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are integrally formed in the vertical shaft-mounted rail (10, 30, 40), and the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are integrally formed in the horizontal shaft-mounted rail (11, 31, 41), but these shafts may not be integrally molded, and separate independent connecting shafts may be used. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which bearing holes are opened instead of the first vertical shaft 71, the second vertical shaft 72, the first horizontal shaft 73, and the second horizontal shaft 74, and a bending shaft that can be received in the bearing corresponding to the bearing hole is inserted through the bearing.

[0316] [Variation 3] Next, a third modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to the assembly diagrams of the chain conveyor C shown in Figures 39(a) to (c) and the assembly diagrams of the bent guide 1 shown in Figures 40(a) to (c). Note that parts having the same functions as those in the above embodiment will be given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted.

[0317] The chain conveyor C shown in Figures 39(a) to (c) is an external view of the chain conveyor C in which a chain belt 145 shaped like an "E" when viewed from the front runs while being guided by a curved guide 1. Figure 39(a) is a front view of the chain conveyor C observed from the front-to-rear direction of the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 39(b) is a plan view of the chain conveyor C observed from above the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 39(c) is a right side view of the chain conveyor C observed from the right side with respect to the transport direction of the chain belt 145.

[0318] [Configuration of chain conveyor device of modified example 3] The chain belt 145 of the chain conveyor device C shown in Figures 39(a) to (c) runs on the upper part (transport side) of the curved guide 1 having a vertically symmetrical shape, and runs hanging from the lower part (return side).

[0319] The bent guide 1 shown in Figures 40(a) to (c) is an external view and a side cross-sectional view showing a state in which the chain belt 145 has been removed from the assembly view shown in Figures 39(a) to (c) to make the connected state of the bent guide 1 easier to see. Figure 40(a) is a front view of the bent guide 1 observed from the front-to-rear direction of the conveyance of the chain belt 145. Figure 40(b) is a plan view of the bent guide 1 observed from above the conveyance direction of the chain belt 145. Figure 40(c) is a view of the bent guide 1 observed from the right side with respect to the conveyance direction of the chain belt 145, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow XX shown in Figure 40(a).

[0320] The bending guide 1 can be configured by connecting a vertical shaft-mounted rail 140, a shaft-receiving rail 142, and a horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141. The vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 can bend left and right around the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 (for example, 3° left and right). The horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 can bend up and down around the first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 (for example, 3° up and down). The first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72 are coaxial. The first horizontal shaft 73 and the second horizontal shaft 74 are coaxial.

[0321] [Chain Belt 145] 41(a), (b), (c), and (d) are a side view, a plan view, a front view, and a bottom view of the chain belt 145. The chain belt 145 has a mounting surface 145a, a connecting recess 145c, a connecting protrusion 145d, a connecting pin hole 145f, and a rail mounting groove 1451. The rail mounting groove 1451 has a lower mounting sliding surface 1452, a left-right line 1452a, a horizontal sliding surface 1453, an upper-lower line 1453a, a suspended sliding surface 1454, and a left-right line 1454a.

[0322] The placement surface 145a is a portion of the chain belt 145 on which an object to be conveyed is placed.

[0323] The connecting recess 145c is a portion into which the connecting protrusion 145d of another chain link is inserted. Connecting pin holes 145f are formed on the left and right sides of the connecting protrusion 145d and the connecting recess 145c, through which connecting pins for connecting the chain belt links are inserted.

[0324] The rail mounting groove 1451 is a groove that opens outward to the left and right in the center of the chain link in the vertical direction and is formed along the front-to-rear direction. The rail mounting groove 1451 of the conveying-side chain belt 145 is a portion that sandwiches the opposing ends of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140, the shaft-receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141, which are made up of the conveying-side running path 13, the running path side wall 15, and the lift-up prevention portion 16. This rail mounting groove 1451 restricts the conveying-side chain belt 145 in the vertical and left-to-right directions, allowing it to run in the front-to-rear direction on the top surface of the bending guide 1.

[0325] The rail mounting groove 1451 of the return-side chain belt 145 is a portion that vertically sandwiches the opposing ends of the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141, which are made up of the return-side running path 14, the running path side wall 15, and the lift-up prevention portion 16. The rail mounting groove 1451 restricts the return-side chain belt 145 in the vertical and horizontal directions, and allows it to travel in a suspended manner in the front-to-rear direction while hanging from the lower part of the bending guide.

[0326] The lower sliding surface 1452 is a portion that comes into sliding contact with the conveying-side running path 13 of the upper horizontal plate of the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141, and is a portion that is supported in the vertical direction.

[0327] The lateral sliding surfaces 1453 are portions of the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141 that come into sliding contact with the travelway side walls 15, and are portions that are supported in the left-right direction.

[0328] The suspended sliding surface 1454 of the return side chain belt 145 is the part that comes into sliding contact with the return side running path 14 of the lower horizontal plate on the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141, and is the part that is suspended and supported.

[0329] The suspended sliding surface 1454 of the conveying side chain belt 145 is the part that comes into sliding contact with the lift-up prevention part 16 on the underside of the conveying side running path 13 on the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141, and can prevent the conveying side chain belt 145 from lifting up.

[0330] The lower sliding surface 1452 of the return side chain belt 145 is the part that comes into sliding contact with the anti-lift portion 16 on the lower side of the return side running path 14 on the vertical shaft rail 140, the shaft receiving rail 142, and the horizontal shaft rail 141, and can prevent the return side chain belt 145 from lifting up.

[0331] [Vertical shaft rail] Figures 42(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the vertical shaft rail 140, and are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 when connected. Figure 42(a) is a front view of the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from the front-to-rear direction of the conveyance of the chain belt 145. Figure 42(b) is a plan view of the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from above the conveyance of the chain belt 145. Figure 42(c) is a view of the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from the right side with respect to the conveyance direction of the chain belt 145, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrows W-W shown in Figure 42(a).

[0332] The vertical shaft rail 140 shown in the figure has a symmetrical shape in the up-down, left-right, and front-back directions. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the up-down (top-bottom), left-right, and front-back directions are set in Fig. 42 for explanation, but the same configuration can be achieved even if the up-down (top-bottom), left-right, and front-back directions of the vertical shaft rail 140 shown in Fig. 42 are reversed.

[0333] The vertical shaft rail 140 shown in Figure 42 comprises a conveying side running path 13, a return side running path 14, a running path side wall 15, a lift prevention portion 16, left and right abutment portions 17a, an oblique side portion 25, a side wall transfer portion 27, an upper and lower transfer portion 29, an engagement piece 70, a first vertical shaft 71, a second vertical shaft 72, a left side plate 1404, a right side plate 1405, a step portion 4014, a step portion 4024, an upper horizontal plate 1401, a lower horizontal plate 1402, and two left and right vertical plates 1406 and 1407 that connect the upper horizontal plate 1401 and the lower horizontal plate 1402 to each other.

[0334] The conveying-side running path 13 has a function of supporting a lower sliding surface 1452 of the conveying-side chain belt 145 and guiding the sliding running of the chain belt 145 in the up and down directions.

[0335] The return-side running path 14 has a function of supporting the suspended sliding surface 1454 of the return-side chain belt 145 and guiding the sliding run of the chain belt 145 in the vertical direction.

[0336] The travel path side walls 15 are vertical surfaces between the conveying-side travel path 13 and the lift-up prevention section 16, and between the return-side travel path 14 and the lift-up prevention section 16, and the left and right travel path side walls 15 are formed opposite to each other. The travel path side walls 15 are in sliding contact with the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145, and support the chain belt 145 in the left-right direction while guiding the chain belt 145 in the front-rear direction.

[0337] The travel path side walls 15 are formed in a convex shape facing inward in a plan view according to the left and right bending radii, thereby maintaining a constant turning radius CR of the chain belt 145. This allows the chain belt 145 to turn smoothly and reduces pulsation when the chain belt 145 is driven, thereby reducing drive resistance and vibration and noise when driven.

[0338] The lift-up prevention section 16 is a section for preventing the chain belt 145 from floating up due to the tension of the drive force while the chain belt 145 is running.

[0339] The left and right abutment portions 17a are portions that function as rotation limiters that limit the bending angle around the vertical axis between the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 to a predetermined angle, and can be formed on the front and rear edges of the left plate 1404 and the right plate 1405. Furthermore, the portions that function as the left and right abutment portions 17a are not limited to the front and rear edges of the left and right plates 1404 and 1405, but can also be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the left and right halves of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear edges of the vertical plate 1406 or the vertical plate 1407, the front and rear edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16, or the front and rear edges of the left and right sides of the upper horizontal plate 1401 or the lower horizontal plate 1402.

[0340] Since the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 can be bent around a vertical axis, as shown in Figure 42(b), the gap between the left and right abutment portions 17a of the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the left and right abutment portions 17b of the shaft-receiving rail 142 (the gap that widens or narrows when bent) can be formed so that it gradually widens from the center toward the left and right ends by the amount of the bending angle when bending left and right.

[0341] The oblique side portions 25 shown in Figure 42(b) are formed in a convex shape in the front-rear direction in plan view at the front and rear ends of the conveying-side running path 13, the return-side running path 14, and the lift-up prevention portion 16, and function as transfer portions for the chain belt 145. The oblique side portions 25, which are convex in plan view, are portions that fit into the oblique side portions 26, which are concave in plan view and formed on the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 when the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 are connected. In the embodiment shown in Figure 42(b), the oblique side portions 25, 26 are formed as straight oblique sides to reduce the impact caused by dust getting caught during transfer, but rectangular or curved shapes may also be used. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figure 42(b), the oblique side portion 25 of the vertical shaft rail 140 is formed convex in plan view, and the oblique side portion 26 of the shaft receiving rail 142 is formed concave in plan view, but it is also possible to reverse this embodiment by forming the oblique side portion 25 of the vertical shaft rail 140 concave, and the oblique side portion 26 of the shaft receiving rail 142 convex.

[0342] Here, the shape of the side wall transition portion 27 as viewed from the side will be described using Figures 43 and 44, and the shape as viewed from above will be described using Figures 45 and 46. Figures 43 and 44 are side views illustrating an enlarged view of range E in Figure 42(c). Figures 45 and 46 are plan cross-sectional views illustrating an enlarged view of range F in Figure 42(b), and the cross section is a cross section as seen from the arrow VV in Figure 42(a).

[0343] The side wall transition portions 27 are formed in a convex shape in the front-rear direction when viewed from the side at the front and rear ends of the runway side wall 15, and function as transition portions for the chain belt 145 (see Figures 42(c), 43, and 44). These convex side wall transition portions 27 are portions that fit into concave side wall transition portions 28 formed in the axle receiving rail 142 when the vertical axle-mounted rail 140 and the axle receiving rail 142 are connected (see Figures 42(c) and 44). In the embodiment shown in Figures 42(c) and 44, the side wall transition portions 27, 28 are formed in a tapered convex shape by incorporating straight lines into their side view in order to reduce the impact of dust getting caught during the transition, but rectangular or curved shapes may also be used. In addition, in the embodiment shown in Figures 42(c) and 44, the side wall transition portion 27 is formed convexly in side view, and the side wall transition portion 28 of the axle receiving rail 142 is formed concavely in side view, but in the opposite manner to this embodiment, the side wall transition portion 27 of the vertical axle rail 140 can be formed concavely in side view, and the side wall transition portion 28 of the axle receiving rail 142 can be formed convexly in side view.

[0344] Next, the planar shape of the side wall transition portion 27 will be described with reference to FIGS. As shown in Figure 45, the planar shape of the side wall transition portion 27 is tapered by forming left and right inclined portions 27a on the runway side wall 15. Also, as shown in Figure 46, the planar shape of the side wall transition portion 28 of the mating axle receiving rail 142 is tapered by forming left and right inclined portions 28a on the runway side wall 15. The left and right inclined transition portions of the side wall transition portion 27 and the side wall transition portion 28 can be formed as a straight line in a planar view or as a curved line in a planar view. It is preferable that the slopes of the left and right inclined transition portions 27a and the left and right inclined transition portions 28a intersect at an obtuse angle close to 180° in a planar view, even when the vertical axle rail 140 and the axle receiving rail 142 are bent left and right.

[0345] When the side wall transition sections 27, 28 are formed in this manner to connect the vertical axle rail 140 and the axle receiving rail 142, as the chain belt 145 runs and transfers from the vertical axle rail 140 to the axle receiving rail 142, the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 slides while contacting the running path side wall 15 of the vertical axle rail 140 → the side wall transition section 27 (the left and right transition inclined sections 27a) → the side wall transition section 28 (the left and right transition inclined sections 28a) of the axle receiving rail 142 → the running path side wall 15. At this time, the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 transfers while contacting both the inclined surfaces of the side wall transition section 27 and the side wall transition section 28. In this way, the left and right transition inclined sections 27a, 28a are formed so that the sliding state is continuous.

[0346] Therefore, even when the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft bearing rail 142 are bent, the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the vertical shaft rail 140 to the shaft bearing rail 142 regardless of the bending angle or increase or decrease in the gap, thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt 145. Similarly, when the chain belt 145 transfers from the shaft bearing rail 142 to the vertical shaft rail 140, pulsation of the chain belt 145 can be reduced. This reduces driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0347] When the chain belt 145 is curved left and right while the vertical axle-mounted rail 140 and the axle-receiving rail 142 are connected, the runway side wall 15 on the inside of the curve comes into sliding contact with the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145. At this time, the driving tension of the chain belt 145 causes the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 to press with a strong force against the runway side wall 15 of the rail on the inside of the curve. Therefore, when the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 transfers from the runway side wall 15 of the axle-receiving rail 142 to the runway side wall 15 of the vertical axle-mounted rail 40, it is desirable that the transfer be continuous and smooth, without discontinuities, as described above.

[0348] The vertical transition portions 29 are characteristic portions of the side shape formed on the oblique side portion 25. As shown in FIG. 43, the vertical transition portions 29 of the oblique side portion 25 form vertically inclined transition portions 29a at the front and rear ends of the conveying-side running path 13 (or the return-side running path 14) and the lift-up prevention portion 16, giving the vertical transition portions 29 a tapered shape. As shown in FIG. 44, the vertical transition portions 29 having a characteristic side shape are also formed on the oblique side portion 26 of the mating axle receiving rail 142. The vertical transition portions 29 of the oblique side portion 26 also form vertically inclined transition portions 29a at the front and rear ends of the conveying-side running path 13 (or the return-side running path 14) and the lift-up prevention portion 16, giving the vertical transition portions 29 a tapered shape. The vertical transition inclination of the vertical transition portions 29 can be formed either linearly or curved in side view. It is preferable that the inclined surfaces of the upper and lower transition portions 29 of the oblique side portions 25 and 26 intersect at an obtuse angle close to 180° when viewed from the side, even when the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 are bent left and right.

[0349] When the vertical transition section 29 is formed in this way to connect the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft receiving rail 142, when the conveying-side chain belt 145 runs and transfers from the vertical shaft rail 140 to the shaft receiving rail 142, the lower-placement sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 slides while contacting the conveying-side running path 13 of the vertical shaft rail 140 → the vertical transition section 29 (vertical inclined transition section 29a) → the vertical transition section 29 (vertical inclined transition section 29a) of the shaft receiving rail 142 → the conveying-side running path 13. At this time, the lower-placement sliding surface 1452 (or the suspended sliding surface 1454) of the chain belt 145 transfers while contacting the slopes of the vertical transition sections 29 of both the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft receiving rail 142. In this way, the upper and lower transition sections are formed so that the sliding state is continuous.

[0350] Therefore, the lower sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the vertical shaft rail 140 to the shaft receiving rail 142 regardless of the bending angle or the increase or decrease in the gap between the vertical shaft rail 140 and the shaft receiving rail 142 due to bending, thereby reducing the pulsation of the chain belt 145. This also reduces the driving resistance and the vibration and noise during driving.

[0351] Incidentally, when the chain belt 145 transfers from the journal bearing rail 142 to the vertical journal bearing rail 140, the pulsation of the chain belt 145 can be reduced in a similar manner. Similarly, the suspended sliding surface 1454 of the return-side chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the return-side running path 14 of the vertical journal bearing rail 140 to the return-side running path 14 of the journal bearing rail 142 via the vertical transfer section 29. Similarly, the suspended sliding surface 1454 (and the lower mounting sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt 145 can also transfer from the lift-up prevention section 16 of the vertical journal bearing rail 140 to the lift-up prevention section 16 of the journal bearing rail 142 via the vertical transfer section 29.

[0352] Engagement pieces 70 are formed at the front and rear of the center of the left and right of the upper horizontal plate 1401. A first vertical shaft 71 protruding upward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and at the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0353] Engagement pieces 70 are also formed at the front and rear of the center of the left and right of the lower horizontal plate 1402. A second vertical shaft 72 protruding downward is formed at the front end of the front engagement piece 70 and at the rear end of the rear engagement piece 70, respectively.

[0354] Steps 4014 and 4024 protrude forward and rearward from the front and rear edges of the upper horizontal plate 1401 and the lower horizontal plate 1402 on both the left and right sides of the first vertical shaft 71 and the second vertical shaft 72. The upper surface of the step 4014 engages with the lower surface of the upper horizontal plate 1421 of the journal rail 142 to which the vertical journal rail 140 is connected, thereby further increasing torsional rigidity and reducing torsional displacement when the vertical journal rail 140 and journal rail 142 are connected. Similarly, the lower surface of the step 4024 engages with the upper surface of the lower horizontal plate 1422 of the journal rail 142 to which the vertical journal rail 140 is connected, thereby further increasing torsional rigidity and reducing torsional displacement when the vertical journal rail 140 and journal rail 142 are connected.

[0355] [Horizontal shaft rail] Figures 47(a), (b), and (c) are diagrams for explaining the horizontal shaft rail 141, and are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the horizontal shaft rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 when they are connected. Figure 47(a) is a front view of the horizontal shaft rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from the front-to-rear direction of the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 47(b) is a plan view of the horizontal shaft rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from above the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 47(c) is a diagram of the horizontal shaft rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 observed from the right side with respect to the transport direction of the chain belt 145, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow UU shown in Figure 47(a).

[0356] The horizontal shaft rail 141 shown in the figure has a symmetrical shape in the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the vertical (top and bottom), horizontal (left and right), and front-to-back directions are set in Fig. 47 for explanation, but the horizontal shaft rail 141 shown in Fig. 47 has the same configuration even if its vertical (top and bottom), horizontal (left and right), and front-to-back directions are reversed.

[0357] 47 includes the conveying-side running path 13, the return-side running path 14, the running path side wall 15, the lift-up prevention portion 16, the upper and lower contact portions 18a, the oblique side portion 25, the side wall transition portion 27, the upper and lower transition portion 29, the engagement piece 70, the first horizontal shaft 73, the second horizontal shaft 74, the left side plate 1414, the right side plate 1415, the upper horizontal plate 1411, the lower horizontal plate 1412, two left and right vertical plates 1416 and 1417 that connect the upper horizontal plate 1411 and the lower horizontal plate 1412, and the stand mounting portion 4232. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the configuration of the vertical shaft rail 140 will be assigned the same reference numerals and their description will be omitted.

[0358] The vertical abutment portions 18a are portions that function as rotation limiters that limit the bending angle around the horizontal axis between the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 to a predetermined angle, and can be formed on the front and rear vertical edges of the left plate 1414 and the right plate 1415. Furthermore, the portions that function as the vertical abutment portions 18a are not limited to the front and rear vertical edges of the left plate 1414 and the right plate 1415, but can also be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear vertical edges of the vertical plate 1416 or the vertical plate 1417, the front and rear edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16, or the front and rear edges of the upper horizontal plate 1411 and the lower horizontal plate 1412.

[0359] Since the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 can be bent around a horizontal axis, as shown in Figure 47(c), the gap between the upper and lower abutment portions 18a of the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the upper and lower abutment portions 18b of the shaft-receiving rail 142 (a gap that widens or narrows when bent) can be formed so that it gradually widens from the center toward the upper and lower ends by the amount of the bending angle when bending up and down.

[0360] The shapes and functions of the oblique side portion 25, the side wall transition portion 27, the left and right transition inclined portions 27a, the upper and lower transition portions 29, and the upper and lower transition inclined portions 29a are the same as those described for range E in Figures 43 and 44 and range F in Figures 45 and 46, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0361] The stand attachment portion 4232 is formed in the vertical center and front-to-back center of the left side plate 1414 and the right side plate 1415. The stand attachment portion 4232 is a portion for attaching the stand 46 shown in FIG.

[0362] When the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 are connected, they can be bent in the vertical direction. In this case, the lift-up prevention portion 16 can be formed in a downwardly convex (or concave) shape (radius CR) so that the ascending and descending radius CR of the conveying-side chain belt 145 is constant. Also, the conveying-side running path 13 can be formed in an upwardly concave (or convex) shape (radius CR). Also, the return-side running path 14 can be formed in an upwardly convex (or concave) shape (radius CR) so that the ascending and descending radius CR of the return-side chain belt 145 is constant.

[0363] [Axle bearing rail] Figures 48(a), (b), and (c) are a front view, a plan view, and a side view (partial cross-sectional view) of the journal rail 142. Figure 48(a) is a front view of the journal rail 142 observed from the front-to-rear direction of the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 48(b) is a plan view of the journal rail 142 observed from above the transport of the chain belt 145. Figure 48(c) is a view of the journal rail 142 observed from the right side with respect to the transport direction of the chain belt 145, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow SS shown in Figure 42(a).

[0364] The axle bearing rail 142 shown in the figure has a symmetrical shape in the vertical, horizontal, and front-to-back directions. Therefore, for the sake of convenience, the vertical (top and bottom), horizontal, and front-to-back directions are set in Fig. 48 for explanation, but the same configuration can be achieved even if the vertical (top and bottom), horizontal, and front-to-back directions of the axle bearing rail 142 shown in Fig. 48 are reversed.

[0365] 48 includes the conveying-side running path 13, the return-side running path 14, running path side walls 15, lift-up prevention portions 16, left and right contact portions 17b, upper and lower contact portions 18b, oblique side portions 26, side wall transition portions 28, upper and lower transition portions 29, a first vertical bearing 81, a second vertical bearing 82, a first horizontal bearing 83, a second horizontal bearing 84, a left side plate 1424, a right side plate 1425, an upper horizontal plate 1421, a lower horizontal plate 1422, two left and right vertical plates 1426 and 1427 connecting the upper horizontal plate 1421 and the lower horizontal plate 1422, and a stand mounting portion 4232. Note that parts having the same functions as those described for the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted. The first vertical bearing 81 and the second vertical bearing 82 are coaxial. The first horizontal bearing 83 and the second horizontal bearing 84 are coaxial.

[0366] The left and right abutment portions 17b are portions that function as rotation limiters that limit the bending angle around the vertical axis between the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 to a predetermined angle, and can be formed on the front and rear edges of the left plate 1424 and the right plate 1425. Furthermore, the portions that function as the left and right abutment portions 17b are not limited to the front and rear edges of the left plate 1424 and the right plate 1425, but can also be formed on at least a part of the front and rear edges of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear edges of the vertical plate 1426 or the vertical plate 1427, the front and rear edges of the running path side walls 15 or the lift-up prevention portions 16, or the front and rear edges of the upper horizontal plate 1421 and the lower horizontal plate 1422.

[0367] The vertical abutment portions 18b are portions that function as rotation limiters that limit the bending angle around the horizontal axis between the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 and the shaft-receiving rail 142 to a predetermined angle, and can be formed on the front and rear vertical edges of the left plate 1424 and the right plate 1425. Furthermore, the portions that function as the vertical abutment portions 18b are not limited to the front and rear vertical edges of the left plate 1424 and the right plate 1425, but can also be formed on at least a portion of the front and rear edges of the conveying-side running path 13 or the return-side running path 14, the front and rear vertical edges of the vertical plate 1426 or the vertical plate 1427, the front and rear edges of the running path side wall 15 or the lift-up prevention portion 16, or the front and rear edges of the upper horizontal plate 1421 and the lower horizontal plate 1422.

[0368] The oblique side portions 26 are formed in a concave shape in the front-to-rear direction in plan view at the front and rear ends of the conveying-side running path 13, the return-side running path 14, and the lift-up prevention portion 16, and function as transition portions for the chain belt 145. The concave oblique side portions 26 in plan view are the portions into which the convex oblique side portions 25 formed on the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 or the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 fit when the vertical shaft-mounted rail 140 or the horizontal shaft-mounted rail 141 is connected to the shaft-receiving rail 142.

[0369] Here, the shape of the side wall transition portion 28 as viewed from the side will be described using Figures 49 and 44, and the shape as viewed from above will be described using Figures 50 and 46. Figure 49 is a side view illustrating an enlarged view of range G in Figure 48(c). Figure 50 is a plan cross-sectional view illustrating an enlarged view of range H in Figure 48(b), and the cross section is a cross section as seen from the arrow VV in Figure 48(a).

[0370] The side wall transition portions 28 are formed at the front and rear ends of the travelway side wall 15 in a concave shape in the front-to-rear direction when viewed from the side, and function as transition portions for the chain belt 145 (see Figures 48(c), 49, and 44). These concave side wall transition portions 28 are areas into which the convex side wall transition portions 27 formed on the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 fit when the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 is connected to the shaft receiving rail 142 (see Figures 42(c), 47(c), and 44).

[0371] Next, the planar shape of side wall transition portion 28 will be described with reference to Figure 50. As shown in Figure 50, side wall transition portion 28 has a tapered planar shape that transitions onto runway side wall 15 and forms left and right inclined portions 28a.

[0372] By forming the side wall transition portion 28 in this way to connect the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 and the shaft bearing rail 142, the lateral sliding surface 1453 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 to the shaft bearing rail 142, thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt 145. Similarly, when the chain belt 145 transfers from the shaft bearing rail 142 to the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141, pulsation of the chain belt 145 can be reduced. This reduces driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0373] The vertical transition portion 29 is a characteristic part of the side shape formed on the oblique side portion 26. As shown in FIG. 49, the vertical transition portion 29 of the oblique side portion 26 forms a vertical inclined portion 29a at the transfer-side running path 13 (or the return-side running path 14) and the lift-up prevention portion 16, giving the vertical transition portion 29 a tapered shape. Also, as shown in FIG. 44, the vertical transition portion 29 having a characteristic side shape is formed on the oblique side portion 25 of the mating vertical shaft rail 140 or horizontal shaft rail 141. The vertical inclination of the transition of the vertical transition portion 29 can be formed as a straight line when viewed from the side, or as a curved line when viewed from the side.

[0374] By forming the upper and lower transition sections 29 in this way and connecting the vertical shaft rail 140 or the horizontal shaft rail 141 to the shaft receiving rail 142, the lower sliding surface 1452 of the chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the vertical shaft rail 140 to the shaft receiving rail 142, thereby reducing pulsation of the chain belt 145. This also reduces driving resistance and vibration and noise during driving.

[0375] Incidentally, when the chain belt 145 transfers from the journal bearing rail 142 to the vertical journal rail 140 or the horizontal journal rail 141, the pulsation of the chain belt 145 can be reduced in a similar manner. Similarly, the suspended sliding surface 1454 of the return-side chain belt 145 can smoothly transfer from the return-side running path 14 of the vertical journal rail 140 or the horizontal journal rail 141 to the return-side running path 14 of the journal bearing rail 142 via the vertical transfer section 29. Similarly, the suspended sliding surface 1454 (and the lower mounting sliding surface 1452) of the chain belt 145 can also transfer from the lift-up prevention section 16 of the vertical journal rail 140 or the horizontal journal rail 141 to the lift-up prevention section 16 of the journal bearing rail 142 via the vertical transfer section 29.

[0376] The stand attachment portion 4232 is formed in the vertical center and the front-to-back center of the left side plate 1424 and the right side plate 1425. The stand attachment portion 4232 is a portion for attaching the stand 46 shown in FIG.

[0377] In this embodiment, the vertical shaft rail 140, the horizontal shaft rail 141, and the shaft receiving rail 142 are symmetrical in shape from front to back, so that the chain belt 145 can rotate forward and backward, and there is the characteristic that there is no difference in performance between forward and reverse rotation.

[0378] [Variation 4] Next, a fourth modification of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 51 to 53. The bending guide 1 of the fourth modification uses the same chain belt 145 as the third modification, and the conveying-side running path 13, the return-side running path 14, the running path side walls 15, the lift-up prevention portions 16, the left and right contact portions 17a, the left and right contact portions 17b, the upper and lower contact portions 18a, the upper and lower contact portions 18b, the oblique side portions 25, the oblique side portions 26, the side wall transition portions 27, the upper and lower transition portions 29, the engaging pieces 70, the first vertical shaft 71, the first horizontal shaft 73, the second horizontal shaft 74, the first vertical bearing 81, the first horizontal bearing 83, the second horizontal bearing 84, the step portion 4014, the step portion 4024, the upper horizontal plate 1401, the lower horizon...

Claims

1. A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt, which is made up of multiple connected chain pieces, to bend and travel in horizontal and vertical directions on a conveying-side running path of multiple connected rails, The multiple connected rails include: a vertical shaft rail having a first vertical shaft and a second vertical shaft protruding in a vertical direction; a horizontal shaft-mounted rail having a first horizontal shaft and a second horizontal shaft protruding in a horizontal direction; a shaft receiving rail having a first vertical bearing through which the first vertical shaft can be inserted and a second vertical bearing through which the second vertical shaft can be inserted, and a first horizontal bearing through which the first horizontal shaft can be inserted and a second horizontal bearing through which the second horizontal shaft can be inserted, The first vertical shaft is inserted into the first vertical bearing, and the second vertical shaft is inserted into the second vertical bearing, thereby connecting the vertical shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail; The first horizontal shaft is inserted into the first horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal shaft is inserted into the second horizontal bearing, thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail. A bending guide for a chain belt.

2. A chain belt bending guide for bending a chain belt, which is made up of multiple chain links connected together, in a horizontal direction on a conveying-side running path made up of multiple connected rails, the chain belt bending guide including a vertical shaft rail, a horizontal shaft rail, and a shaft receiving rail; The vertical shaft rail has a first vertical shaft and a second vertical shaft protruding in a vertical direction, The horizontal shaft rail has a first horizontal shaft and a second horizontal shaft protruding in a horizontal direction, The shaft receiving rail has a first vertical bearing through which the first vertical shaft can be inserted, a second vertical bearing through which the second vertical shaft can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing through which the first horizontal shaft can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing through which the second horizontal shaft can be inserted, The first vertical shaft is inserted into the first vertical bearing, and the second vertical shaft is inserted into the second vertical bearing, thereby connecting the vertical shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail; The first horizontal shaft is inserted into the first horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal shaft is inserted into the second horizontal bearing, thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail; At least one of the vertical shaft rail, the horizontal shaft rail, and the shaft receiving rail has A left side plate and a right side plate supporting the conveying side running path; A bottom plate connecting the left side plate and the right side plate at the lowermost portion; A bending guide for a chain belt comprising:

3. A chain belt bending guide for bending a chain belt, which is made up of multiple chain links connected together, in a horizontal direction on a conveying-side running path made up of multiple connected rails, the chain belt bending guide including a vertical shaft rail, a horizontal shaft rail, and a shaft receiving rail; The vertical shaft rail has a first vertical shaft and a second vertical shaft protruding in a vertical direction, The horizontal shaft rail has a first horizontal shaft and a second horizontal shaft protruding in a horizontal direction, The shaft receiving rail has a first vertical bearing through which the first vertical shaft can be inserted, a second vertical bearing through which the second vertical shaft can be inserted, a first horizontal bearing through which the first horizontal shaft can be inserted, and a second horizontal bearing through which the second horizontal shaft can be inserted, The first vertical shaft is inserted into the first vertical bearing, and the second vertical shaft is inserted into the second vertical bearing, thereby connecting the vertical shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail; The first horizontal shaft is inserted into the first horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal shaft is inserted into the second horizontal bearing, thereby connecting the horizontal shaft-mounted rail and the shaft-receiving rail; At least one of the vertical shaft rail, the horizontal shaft rail, and the shaft receiving rail has A left side plate and a right side plate supporting the conveying side running path; a foot portion extending further to the left from the lowermost portion of the left side plate, or a foot portion extending further to the right from the lowermost portion of the right side plate; A bending guide for a chain belt comprising:

4. The first and second perpendicular shafts extend in opposite directions.

4. The bending guide for a chain belt according to claim 1, wherein the bending guide is a bent guide for a chain belt.

5. The first vertical shaft and the first vertical bearing, and the second vertical shaft and the second vertical bearing are disposed within a range of the conveying-side running path when the conveying-side running path is viewed in a plan view.

4. The bending guide for a chain belt according to claim 1, wherein the bending guide is a bent guide for a chain belt.

6. A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt, which is made up of multiple chain links connected together, to bend and travel in a horizontal direction on a conveying-side running path made up of multiple connected rails, includes a rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, a rail for receiving axles, a vertical connecting shaft, and a horizontal connecting shaft; The journal rail has a first vertical bearing and a second vertical bearing which are coaxial with each other in a vertical direction, and a first horizontal bearing and a second horizontal bearing which are coaxial with each other in a horizontal direction, The rail with bearing holes for left and right bending has a first vertical bearing hole and a second vertical bearing hole which are coaxial with each other in the vertical direction, the vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the first vertical bearing, the first vertical bearing hole, the second vertical bearing, and the second vertical bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending in a horizontally bendable manner, The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending has a first horizontal bearing hole and a second horizontal bearing hole which are coaxial with each other in the horizontal direction, the horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the first horizontal bearing, the first horizontal bearing hole, the second horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending so as to be bendable in the vertical direction, The conveying side running path is formed on at least two of the axle receiving rail, the left / right bending bearing hole rail, or the up / down bending bearing hole rail. A bending guide for a chain belt.

7. A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt, which is made up of multiple chain links connected together, to bend and travel in a horizontal direction on a conveying-side running path made up of multiple connected rails, includes a rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, a rail for receiving axles, a vertical connecting shaft, and a horizontal connecting shaft; The journal rail has a first vertical bearing and a second vertical bearing which are coaxial with each other in a vertical direction, the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending has first and second vertical bearing holes which are coaxial in the vertical direction, and first and second horizontal bearings which are coaxial, the vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the first vertical bearing, the first vertical bearing hole, the second vertical bearing, and the second vertical bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending in a horizontally bendable manner, The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending has a first horizontal bearing hole and a second horizontal bearing hole which are coaxial with each other in the horizontal direction, the horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the first horizontal bearing, the first horizontal bearing hole, the second horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending so as to be bendable in the vertical direction, the conveying-side running path is formed on at least two of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, and the rail with axles; At least one of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, and the rail with axles is provided with A left side plate and a right side plate supporting the conveying side running path; A bottom plate connecting the left side plate and the right side plate at the lowermost portion; A bending guide for a chain belt comprising:

8. A chain belt bending guide that allows a chain belt, which is made up of multiple chain links connected together, to bend and travel in a horizontal direction on a conveying-side running path made up of multiple connected rails, includes a rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, a rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, a rail for receiving axles, a vertical connecting shaft, and a horizontal connecting shaft; The journal rail has a first vertical bearing and a second vertical bearing which are coaxial with each other in a vertical direction, the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending has first and second vertical bearing holes which are coaxial in the vertical direction, and first and second horizontal bearings which are coaxial, the vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the first vertical bearing, the first vertical bearing hole, the second vertical bearing, and the second vertical bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending in a horizontally bendable manner, The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending has a first horizontal bearing hole and a second horizontal bearing hole which are coaxial with each other in the horizontal direction, the horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the first horizontal bearing, the first horizontal bearing hole, the second horizontal bearing, and the second horizontal bearing hole to connect the shaft receiving rail and the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending so as to be bendable in the vertical direction, the conveying-side running path is formed on at least two of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, and the rail with axles; At least one of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, the rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, and the rail with axles is provided with A left side plate and a right side plate supporting the conveying side running path; a foot portion extending further to the left from the lowermost portion of the left side plate, or a foot portion extending further to the right from the lowermost portion of the right side plate; A bending guide for a chain belt comprising:

9. The vertical connecting shaft includes a first vertical connecting shaft and a second vertical connecting shaft, the first vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the first vertical bearing and the first vertical bearing hole, the second vertical connecting shaft is inserted through the second vertical bearing and the second vertical bearing hole, The horizontal connecting shaft includes a first horizontal connecting shaft and a second horizontal connecting shaft, the first horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the first horizontal bearing and the first horizontal bearing hole, The second horizontal connecting shaft is inserted through the second horizontal bearing and the second horizontal bearing hole.

9. The bending guide for a chain belt according to claim 6, wherein the bending guide is a bent guide for a chain belt.

10. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, an up-down bending joint, a conveying-side running path, and a side wall of the running path, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The vertical bending connection portion is for connecting another horizontal shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a vertical plane, A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. A horizontal shaft rail.

11. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying-side running path, top-bottom transition parts of the conveying-side running path, and a running path side wall, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The vertical transition portion of the conveying-side running path is a portion where the chain belt transfers between the conveying-side running path of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side running path of another vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, and the left and right lines of the lower sliding surface of the chain belt extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt contact the conveying-side running path of the horizontal shaft rail and the conveying-side running path of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail simultaneously; The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. A horizontal shaft rail.

12. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying side running path, a side wall of the running path, and a lift-up prevention part, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention part is a part that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up. A horizontal shaft rail.

13. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying side running path, a side wall of the running path, a lift-up prevention part, and a top-bottom transition part of the lift-up prevention part, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention portion is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transition portion of the lift-up prevention portion is a portion where the chain belt transfers between the lift-up prevention portion of the horizontal shaft rail and the lift-up prevention portion of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, and the left and right lines of the lift-up prevention sliding surface of the chain belt extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt simultaneously contact the lift-up prevention portion of the horizontal shaft rail and the lift-up prevention portion of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail. A horizontal shaft rail.

14. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying-side running path, a return-side running path, and a running path side wall, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return run supports the curved run of the return chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. A horizontal shaft rail.

15. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying-side running path, a return-side running path, top-bottom transition portions for the return-side running path, and running path side walls, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return run supports the curved run of the return chain belt from below, The vertical transition portion of the return-side running path is a portion where the chain belt transfers between the return-side running path of the horizontal shaft rail and the return-side running path of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, and the left and right lines of the suspended sliding surface of the chain belt extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt simultaneously contact the return-side running path of the horizontal shaft rail and the return-side running path of the other horizontal shaft rail or the vertical shaft rail, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. A horizontal shaft rail.

16. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending joint, a top-bottom bending joint, a conveying side running path, a return side running path, a running path side wall, and a lift-up prevention part, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return run supports the curved run of the return chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The lift-up prevention part is a part that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the chain belt from lifting up. A horizontal shaft rail.

17. A horizontal shaft rail used in a chain conveyor device capable of connecting a vertical shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run horizontally and a horizontal shaft rail that causes a chain belt to bend and run vertically, The horizontal shaft-mounted rail includes a left-right bending connection portion, a top-bottom bending connection portion, a conveying side running path, a return side running path, a running path side wall, a lift-up prevention portion, and a top-bottom transition portion of the lift-up prevention portion, The left and right bending connecting portion is for connecting another vertical shaft-mounted rail so as to be bendable in a horizontal plane, A vertical bearing is provided for receiving the vertical shaft of the other vertical shaft-mounted rail, The upper and lower bending joints are A horizontal axis extending in a horizontal direction; a horizontal bearing for receiving a horizontal shaft of another horizontal shaft-mounted rail; The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The return run supports the curved run of the return chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. Among the anti-floating parts, The lift-up prevention portion on the conveying side is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the conveying chain belt from lifting up, The return side lift-up prevention portion is a portion that comes into contact with the chain belt to prevent the return side chain belt from lifting up, The vertical transition portion of the anti-floating part on the conveying side is a portion where the chain belt transfers between the anti-floating part on the conveying side of the horizontal shaft rail and the anti-floating part on the conveying side of another horizontal shaft rail or a vertical shaft rail, and the left and right lines of the anti-floating sliding surface of the chain belt extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt simultaneously contact the anti-floating part on the conveying side of the horizontal shaft rail and the anti-floating part on the conveying side of the other vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The vertical transition portion of the return side lift-up prevention portion is a portion where the chain belt transfers between the return side lift-up prevention portion of the horizontal shaft rail and the return side lift-up prevention portion of another horizontal shaft rail or vertical shaft rail, and the left and right lines of the lift-up prevention sliding surface of the chain belt extending left and right with respect to the traveling direction of the chain belt simultaneously contact the return side lift-up prevention portion of the horizontal shaft rail and the return side lift-up prevention portion of the other horizontal shaft rail or vertical shaft rail. A horizontal shaft rail.

18. 18. The horizontal shaft rail according to claim 10, Left and right abutment portions that limit rotation about the vertical axis relative to the other vertical axis rail; The horizontal shaft is provided with upper and lower abutment portions that limit rotation about the horizontal shaft relative to another horizontal shaft-mounted rail, By having the left and right abutment portions, the left and right bending angle is limited when another vertical shaft rail is connected, By having the upper and lower abutment portions, the bending angle in the vertical direction is limited when another horizontal shaft mounted rail is connected. A horizontal shaft rail.

19. The side wall of the running track of the horizontal shaft mounted rail according to any one of claims 10 to 17, A side wall transition portion is provided for the chain belt to transfer between the side wall of the running path of another connected vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail, The sidewall transition portion is a portion where the upper and lower lines of the lateral sliding surface of the chain belt, which extend up and down in the traveling direction of the chain belt, simultaneously contact the sidewall transition portion on the sidewall of the running path of the horizontal shaft rail and the sidewall transition portion on the sidewall of the running path of another connected vertical shaft rail or horizontal shaft rail. A horizontal shaft rail.

20. 18. The horizontal shaft rail according to claim 10, The side walls of the running path are formed in a convex arc shape in plan view according to the left and right bending radius. A horizontal shaft rail.

21. A rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, which allows a chain belt to bend and run horizontally, and a rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, which allows a chain belt to bend and run vertically, can be connected using a vertical connecting shaft or a horizontal connecting shaft, The rail with bearing holes for left and right bending includes a left and right bending connecting portion, a top and bottom bending connecting portion, a conveying side running path, a running path side wall, a top and bottom regulating portion, and a left and right regulating portion, The left-right bending connecting portion connects another rail with bearing holes for left-right bending or another rail with bearing holes for up-down bending to be bendable in a horizontal plane using a vertical connecting shaft, A vertical bearing hole opened in a vertical direction; and a vertical bearing provided in correspondence with the vertical bearing hole of the other rail with bearing holes for left and right bending. The vertical bending connection part connects another rail with a bearing hole for vertical bending to be bendable in a vertical plane using a horizontal connecting shaft, A horizontal bearing is provided corresponding to the horizontal bearing hole of another rail with bearing holes for vertical bending. The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The vertical regulating portion is a portion that slides against another rail with bearing holes for left / right bending or another rail with bearing holes for up / down bending to determine the vertical position; The left and right regulating portion is a portion that slides against other rails with bearing holes for vertical bending to determine the left and right position. A rail with bearing holes for left and right bending.

22. The roadway side wall according to claim 21 comprises: a side wall transition portion for the chain belt to transition between the rail and a running path side wall of another connected rail with bearing holes for left / right bending or another connected rail with bearing holes for up / down bending; A side wall transition portion of a rail with bearing holes for left and right bending is characterized in that the upper and lower lines of the lateral sliding surface of the chain belt, which extend up and down in the direction of travel of the chain belt, simultaneously contact the side wall transition portion on the side wall of the running path of the rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, and the side wall transition portion on the side wall of the running path of another connected rail with bearing holes for left and right bending or rail with bearing holes for up and down bending.

23. The roadway side wall according to claim 21 comprises: A rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, characterized in that the bearing holes are formed in a convex arc shape in a plan view according to the left and right bending radius.

24. A rail with bearing holes for left and right bending, which allows a chain belt to bend and run horizontally, and a rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, which allows a chain belt to bend and run vertically, can be connected using a vertical connecting shaft or a horizontal connecting shaft, The rail with bearing holes for vertical bending includes a left-right bending connecting portion, a top-bottom bending connecting portion, a conveying side running path, a running path side wall, a top-bottom regulating portion, and a left-right regulating portion, The left and right bending connecting portion is a portion for connecting another rail with bearing holes for left and right bending in a manner that allows the rail to be bent in a horizontal plane using a vertical connecting shaft, A vertical bearing is provided corresponding to the vertical bearing hole of the other rail with bearing holes for left and right bending. The vertical bending connection portion connects another rail with bearing holes for left / right bending or another rail with bearing holes for up / down bending to be bendable in a vertical plane using a horizontal connecting shaft, A horizontal bearing hole opened in a horizontal direction; and a horizontal bearing provided in correspondence with the horizontal bearing hole of the other rail with bearing holes for vertical bending. The conveying side running path supports the curved running of the conveying chain belt from below, The side walls of the running path support the chain belt from the sides as it curves. The vertical regulating portion is a portion that slides against another rail with bearing holes for left and right bending to determine the vertical position, The left-right regulating portion is a portion that slides against another rail with bearing holes for left-right bending or another rail with bearing holes for up-down bending to determine positioning in the left-right direction. A rail with bearing holes for vertical bending.

25. The side wall of the travel path according to claim 24 comprises: a side wall transition portion for the chain belt to transition between the rail and a running path side wall of another connected rail with bearing holes for left / right bending or another connected rail with bearing holes for up / down bending; A side wall transition portion of a rail with bearing holes for vertical bending is characterized in that the upper and lower lines of the lateral sliding surface of the chain belt extending up and down in the direction of travel of the chain belt simultaneously contact the side wall transition portion on the side wall of the running path of the rail with bearing holes for vertical bending, and the side wall transition portion on the side wall of the running path of another connected rail with bearing holes for left and right bending or rail with bearing holes for vertical bending.

26. The side wall of the travel path according to claim 24 comprises: A rail with bearing holes for up and down bending, characterized in that the bearing holes are formed in a convex arc shape in a plan view according to the left and right bending radius.

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