Conveyor

Abstract

To provide a transfer device provided with a guide mechanism having high versatility.SOLUTION: A transfer device according to the present invention comprises: a frame mechanism 3 that supports a conveying member that conveys a workpiece so that it can run; and a guide mechanism 5 that guides the conveying of the workpiece 6, wherein the guide mechanism 5 comprises a first guide rail 5a arranged on one side in the extension direction of the frame mechanism 3, and a second guide rail 5b arranged on the other side in the extension direction, and each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b is supported on the side of the frame mechanism 3 via an attachment member 47 and is configured to be bendable at least in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport device equipped with a guide mechanism that guides a workpiece transported by a frame mechanism. [Background technology]

[0002] A conveying device for conveying workpieces includes a frame mechanism that supports a conveying chain for conveying the workpieces so that the conveying chain can run, and a guide mechanism that guides the conveyance of the workpieces. The frame mechanism is a fixed frame mechanism that matches a predetermined layout. The fixed frame mechanism is configured by combining a straight frame mechanism and a curved frame mechanism. The guide mechanism includes a guide rail that matches the fixed frame mechanism. The guide rails are attached to both side surfaces extending in the longitudinal direction of the frame mechanism (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-50084 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Once the layout of the frame mechanism at the installation site is decided, the straight frame mechanism is manufactured to match the length of the straight portion of the layout. The curved frame mechanism is manufactured to match the length and radius of the curved portion of the layout. In this way, the frame mechanism becomes a dedicated frame mechanism that matches the layout of the installation site. And the guide mechanism is also a dedicated guide mechanism that matches the dedicated frame mechanism. Therefore, the guide mechanism also has poor versatility. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] A conveying device for solving the above problems includes:The frame mechanism includes a frame mechanism extending in an extension direction and supporting a transport member for transporting a workpiece so that the transport member can travel, and a guide mechanism for guiding the transport of the workpiece, the frame mechanism including a first guide rail and a second guide rail, the frame mechanism and the first and second guide rails being curved in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, the first guide rail being disposed on one side surface of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and the second guide rail being disposed on the other side surface of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail being supported on a side surface of the frame mechanism via an attachment member in accordance with the curvature of the frame mechanism. .

[0006] According to the above configuration, even if the guide mechanism is a fixed frame mechanism including curved portions and straight portions, the first guide rail and the second guide rail can be curved in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction and attached to the frame mechanism according to each layout.

[0007] Furthermore, even if the frame mechanism is a frame mechanism that can be bent left and right relative to the extension direction, the guide mechanism can be attached to the frame mechanism by bending the first guide rail and the second guide rail left and right relative to the extension direction.

[0008] In the above-mentioned conveying device, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail may be formed by connecting a plurality of link units, each of the link units may include a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member may have an elongated shape, and one of the first link member and the second link member may include a link protrusion, and the other link member may include a link engagement portion with which the link protrusion engages.

[0009] According to the above configuration, each guide rail formed by connecting a plurality of link units can be curved to fit the shape of the frame mechanism by rotating one of the adjacent link units relative to the link unit in the other direction.

[0010] In the above-mentioned conveying device, the link engagement portion may be a through hole or a groove with the extension direction as a major axis. In the curved portion, the guide rail located on the outer periphery side needs to be long and the guide rail located on the inner periphery side needs to be short. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the difference in the guide rail length between the inner and outer peripheries can be absorbed by the link protrusion moving within the link engagement portion.

[0011] In the above-mentioned conveying device, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail may include a guide tube that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted, and the support member may be supported on the frame mechanism by the mounting member.

[0012] According to the above configuration, each guide rail formed of a guide tube can be attached to the frame mechanism by bending the guide tube, both ends of which are supported by support shafts, to match the shape of the frame mechanism.

[0013] In the above-mentioned conveying device, the support member may be configured to include an auxiliary guide portion that guides the conveyance of the workpiece at the position of the support member. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the portion where the support member is arranged is an interrupted portion of the guide tube. Even at the interrupted portion, the auxiliary guide portion can guide the workpiece.

[0014] In the above-mentioned conveying device, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail may include a guide belt that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a clamp member that clamps the guide belt, and the clamp member may be configured to be supported by the mounting member.

[0015] According to the above configuration, each guide rail formed of a guide belt can be attached to the frame mechanism by bending the guide belt supported by the clamp member to match the shape of the frame mechanism.

[0016] In the above-mentioned conveying device, the conveying member may be an endless conveying member that can be freely bent at least in the left-right direction to convey the workpiece, and the frame mechanism may be configured by connecting adjacent frame component members so that they can be swiveled in the left-right direction.

[0017] According to the above-mentioned configuration, the frame mechanism can be rotated in the left-right direction, which makes it easy to change the layout, etc., and increases versatility. The guide mechanism can also be curved to match the shape of such a rotatable frame mechanism, so the guide mechanism also has high versatility.

[0018] In the above-mentioned conveying device, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is formed by connecting a plurality of link units, each of the link units is provided corresponding to each of the frame constituent members, each of the link units includes a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member have an elongated shape, one of the first link member and the second link member includes a link protrusion, and the other link member includes a link engagement portion whose major axis is the extension direction with which the link protrusion engages, and the link protrusion and the link engagement portion may be located on a circle concentric with the rotation center of the frame constituent members.

[0019] According to the above configuration, each guide rail formed by connecting a plurality of link units can be curved to match the shape of the rotatable frame mechanism by rotating one of the adjacent link units relative to the link unit in the other direction. Furthermore, since the link portion and the link engagement portion are located on a circle concentric with the rotation center of the frame constituent member, the other link unit can also be curved relative to one link unit in accordance with the rotation of one of the adjacent frame constituent members relative to the other frame constituent member.

[0020] In addition, in curved sections, it is necessary to make the guide rail located on the outer periphery longer and the guide rail located on the inner periphery shorter. With the above configuration, the difference in guide rail length between the inner and outer periphery can be absorbed by the link protrusions moving within the link holes.

[0021] In the above-mentioned conveying device, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail may include a guide tube that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted, the support member being supported on the frame component member by the mounting member, and the guide tube being supported so as to be movable in the axial direction of the support shaft provided on the support member.

[0022] According to the above configuration, each guide rail formed of a guide tube can be attached to a frame component member by bending the guide tube, both ends of which are supported by support members, to match the shape of the frame mechanism.

[0023] In addition, in curved sections, the guide rail located on the outer periphery needs to be long and the guide rail located on the inner periphery needs to be short. With the above configuration, the difference in guide rail length between the inner and outer periphery can be absorbed by moving the end of the guide tube in the axial direction of the support shaft of the support member.

[0024] In the above-mentioned conveying device, the support member may be configured to include an auxiliary guide portion that guides the conveyance of the workpiece at the position of the support member. According to the above-mentioned configuration, the portion where the support member is arranged is an interrupted portion of the guide tube. Even at the interrupted portion, the auxiliary guide portion can guide the workpiece. Effect of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, a transport device equipped with a highly versatile guide mechanism can be provided. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conveying device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the conveyor chain described in the first embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connected state of frame constituent members that constitute the frame mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the frame mechanism in the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the guide mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a plan view of the guide mechanism in the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conveying device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the guide mechanism according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a conveying device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the third embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in the fifth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a guide mechanism according to the fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0027] Hereinafter, a conveying device to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to the drawings. [Overall structure] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 includes a conveying chain 2 as a conveying member, and a frame mechanism 3 that supports the conveying chain 2 so that it can run. The conveying chain 2 is formed by connecting a plurality of chain constituent members 11.

[0028] As shown in FIG. 2, adjacent chain components 11 are connected to each other so that they can be freely bent in the vertical direction and can be freely bent in the horizontal direction. The conveyor chain 2 is an endless belt-shaped chain. The conveyor chain 2 is hung on sprockets. Or, it is hung on idler wheels. The conveyor chain 2 has a conveying side on the upper side of the frame mechanism 3 and a return side on the lower side of the frame mechanism 3. The connected chain components 11 include a top plate portion 12 on which a workpiece 6 as a conveyed object is placed, and a guide recess 13 with which a guide portion 24 of the frame mechanism engages. The back surface of the guide recess 13 is the side surface 11a of the conveyor chain 2 with which the guide surface of the guide portion 24 abuts.

[0029] The frame mechanism 3 is a flexible frame mechanism that can be bent in the left-right direction, which is the direction of the arrow D1. The frame mechanism 3 is configured by connecting a plurality of frame constituent members 21. The frame constituent members 21 adjacent to each other are connected so as to be bendable in the left-right direction. Each end of the frame mechanism 3 may be further connected to an end of another frame mechanism 3, may be connected to an end of a straight frame mechanism, or may be connected to an end of a curved frame mechanism. Since the frame mechanism 3 can be bent in the left-right direction, fine adjustment of the conveying line and layout change can be easily performed. Furthermore, the frame mechanism 3 can be bent not only when the conveying chain 2 is stopped running, but also while it is running. For example, the frame mechanism 3 can bend the conveying line into an S-shape or a C-shape. Furthermore, the frame mechanism 3 can change the turning radius in a range from a straight to a minimum turning radius according to the degree of the curve.

[0030] The frame mechanism 3 includes guide mechanisms 5 disposed on both sides of the aligned frame constituent members 21. The guide mechanisms 5 are attached to the frame constituent members 21, the details of which will be described later.

[0031] [Frame components] 3 and 4 show a frame component member 21 used in the frame mechanism 3 in the first embodiment. The frame component member 21 includes a main body portion 22 and a cover .

[0032] The main body portion 22 comprises a pair of side plates 23, guide portions 24 arranged at the upper and lower ends of the pair of side plates 23, and a first connecting portion 25 and a second connecting portion 26 arranged between the pair of side plates 23.

[0033] Each of the pair of side plates 23 is a rectangular plate. The horizontal side of each side plate 23 is in the running direction of the connected conveyor chain 2, and the vertical side is in the up-down direction. Each of the pair of side plates 23 has a valley portion 27a extending in the up-down direction. In addition, the pair of side plates 23 are separated by a separating portion 27b at the center position in the up-down direction.

[0034] The guide parts 24 disposed at the upper and lower ends of each side plate 23 protrude toward the other side plate 23. The tip surface facing the inside of the guide part 24 is a guide surface 24a that abuts against the side surface 11a of the conveyor chain 2. The guide surface 24a is configured as a curved surface that curves in the running direction of the conveyor chain 2.

[0035] Between the pair of side plates 23, a first connecting portion 25 is formed at one end in the extension direction (arrow D2 direction) which is the longitudinal direction in which the frame constituent member 21 extends. A second connecting portion 26 is formed at the other end. The first connecting portion 25 has an upper connecting piece 25a and a lower connecting piece 25b. The upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b are parallel to each other and spaced apart. The upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b have connecting holes 25c whose central axes are aligned. In each of the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b, on both sides of the connecting hole 25c and on the base end side, there are engaging steps 25d for determining the rotation angle.

[0036] The second connecting portion 26 includes an intermediate connecting piece 26a. The intermediate connecting piece 26a also includes a connecting hole 26b that aligns the central axis with the connecting holes 25c of the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b when the intermediate connecting piece 26a is inserted between the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b. In the intermediate connecting piece 26a, both sides of the connecting hole 26b include a rotation restricting portion 26c that can engage with the engagement step portion 25d. The rotation restricting portion 26c protrudes in the vertical direction so as to surround half the circumference of the connecting hole 26b on the base end side. The end portion of the rotation restricting portion 26c engages with the engagement step portion 25d.

[0037] With the intermediate connecting piece 26a inserted between the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b, the link shaft 28 is inserted into the three overlapping connecting holes 25c, 26b. The link shaft 28 is prevented from coming off the connecting holes 25c, 26b by using a retaining member such as a retaining ring or a retaining pin.

[0038] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can turn left and right until the turning restriction portion 26c engages with the engagement step portion 25d. As an example, when one frame constituent member 21 is aligned straight with the other frame constituent member 21 in a basic state, the other frame constituent member 21 can turn with respect to the first frame constituent member 21 up to, for example, 10° (set angle).

[0039] Each side plate 23 has a through hole 29 (see FIG. 3) extending in the running direction at the center in the up-down direction. A fixing plate 32 is inserted into the through hole 29. The fixing plate 32 is a rectangular plate member and has a large fixing hole 32a and small fixing holes 32b located on both sides of the large fixing hole 32a. When the fixing plate 32 is inserted into the through hole 29, it fits into the through hole 29. The large fixing hole 32a and the small fixing hole 32b are screw holes, for example. When inserted into the through hole 29, the large fixing hole 32a and the small fixing hole 32b overlap with the dividing portion 27b.

[0040] A cover 34 is disposed on the outside of the pair of side plates 23. The cover 34 is a rectangular plate. The cover 34 includes a flat plate portion 34a and a bent portion 34b. The cover 34 is formed by bending a rectangular plate such as a metal plate to form the flat plate portion 34a and the bent portion 34b. The cover 34 has the same height in the up-down direction as the side plate 23 having the guide portions 24 on the top and bottom. The width in the running direction of the flat plate portion 34a corresponds roughly to the length of the guide portion 24. The bent portion 34b is configured to protrude from the guide portion 24 and bend inward at the protruding portion. Therefore, in adjacent frame constituent members 21, the bent portion 34b of the cover 34 of one frame constituent member 21 slips inward at the edge of the flat plate portion 34a of the cover 34 of the other frame constituent member 21. The cover 34 is provided with a large through hole 35a and a small through hole 35b corresponding to the dividing portion 27b.

[0041] 〔assembly〕 To assemble the frame constituent member 21, the fixing plate 32 is inserted into the hole 29, and the small fixing member 36b is fastened to the overlapping small through hole 35b and small fixing hole 32b. Also, the large fixing member 36a is fastened to the overlapping large through hole 35a and large fixing hole 32a.

[0042] The frame constituent members 21 are connected to each other by inserting the intermediate connecting piece 26a constituting the second connecting portion 26 between the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b constituting the first connecting portion 25. Then, the link shaft 28 is inserted into the overlapping connecting holes 25c, 26b to connect the two frame constituent members 21. The bent portion 34b of the cover 34 in one frame constituent member 21 fits inside the flat portion 34a of the cover 34 in the other frame constituent member 21.

[0043] [Guide mechanism] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the guide mechanism 5 includes a first guide rail 5a provided on one side parallel to the extension direction of the frame mechanism 3, and a second guide rail 5b provided on the other side.

[0044] Each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b is configured by connecting link units 41 provided on the side surface of each frame constituent member 21. Each link unit 41 includes first link members 42, 43, a second link member 44, and a guide bracket 46.

[0045] The first link member 42 includes a first link plate 42a and a mounting plate 42b. The first link plate 42a is an elongated plate member. The first link plate 42a includes a link protrusion 42c. The link protrusion 42c is a horizontally elongated boss provided on one end of the first link plate 42a. The other end of the first link plate 42a includes a fixing hole 42d and positioning holes 42e provided on both sides of the fixing hole 42d.

[0046] The mounting plate 42b has two mounting holes 42f. The first link member 42 is for mounting to the guide bracket 46. The guide brackets 46 are mounted to the frame constituent member 21 every several brackets (every three brackets in this embodiment (see FIG. 1)). The first link member 43 is a member disposed between the first link members 42, and is not provided with a mounting plate 42b for mounting to the guide bracket 46. The other configuration of the first link member 43 is the same as that of the first link member 42.

[0047] The second link member 44 is a pair of plates that sandwich the first link members 42 and 43. The second link member 44 includes a second link plate 44a, a link hole 44b, a fixing hole 44c, and a positioning protrusion 44d. The second link plate 44a is an elongated plate member. The second link plate 44a includes a link hole 44b that serves as a link engagement portion. The link hole 44b is a through hole with the extension direction as a long axis provided on one end side of the second link plate 44a, that is, a long hole. The link hole 44b may be a bottomed recessed groove. The link hole 44b is a long hole that engages with the link protrusion 42c and is longer than the link protrusion 42c. The link protrusion 42c is movable within the range of the link hole 44b. The other end side of the second link plate 44a includes the fixing hole 44c and the positioning protrusions 44d provided on both sides of the fixing hole 44c.

[0048] The positioning protrusion 44d of the second link member 44 is engaged with the positioning hole 42e of the first link member 42. A fixing member 45 such as a screw is fastened to the fixing holes 42d and 44c. At this portion, the first link member 42 and the second link member 44 are integral and do not displace. The link protrusion 42c of the first link member 43 is engaged with the link hole 44b of the second link member 44. As a result, at this portion, the first link member 42 can bend with respect to the second link member 44. As shown in FIG. 7, the link protrusion 42c and the link hole 44b both have the same curved shape. That is, they are located on a circular locus 40 with the link shaft 28 connecting the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 26 of the frame constituent members 21 adjacent to each other as the rotation center. As a result, the link unit 41 is also curved in accordance with the rotation of the frame constituent members 21 adjacent to each other about the link shaft 28.

[0049] Here, in the curved portion of the frame mechanism 3, of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b, the guide rail located on the outer periphery side of the curved portion is longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery side is shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer periphery guide rails can be absorbed by the link protrusion 42c moving in the link hole 44b.

[0050] The first link members 42, 43 and the second link member 44 constitute one link unit 41, and the link unit 41 is supported by the side plate 23 of one frame constituent member 21. Here, every several link units 41 are attached by a guide bracket 46. In the link unit 41 to which the guide bracket 46 is attached, a first link member 42 equipped with a mounting plate 42b is used.

[0051] The guide bracket 46 includes a base portion 46a, a mounting groove 46b, and a shaft support portion 46c. The base portion 46a includes a mounting groove 46b. The mounting plate 42b of the first link member 42 is inserted into the mounting groove 46b. The base portion 46a also includes a mounting hole 46d. The mounting plate 42b of the first link member 42 is fixed by fastening a fixing member 46g such as a screw into the mounting holes 42f and 46d. A mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted into the shaft support portion 46c. The guide bracket 46 can be adjusted in the height direction along the mounting shaft 47b. The shaft support portion 46c fixes the position of the guide bracket 46 in the height direction by fastening a fixing member 46h such as a screw.

[0052] The mounting member 47 for mounting the guide bracket 46 to the frame constituent member 21 has a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b. The base portion 47a is mounted to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a.

[0053] [Operation] 7, adjacent frame constituent members 21 can turn left and right with the basic state being a state in which they are aligned in a straight line. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can turn relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the turning restriction portion 26c engages with one end of the engagement step portion 25d. In accordance with this, the link units 41 provided corresponding to each of the frame constituent members 21 also bend around the link shaft 28 in accordance with the turning of the frame constituent members 21.

[0054] For example, in Fig. 7, attention is focused on the first frame component 21a, the second frame component 21b, and the third frame component 21c, which are adjacent to each other. The second frame component 21b is curved in the direction of the arrow R1 relative to the first frame component 21a. In this case, in the first guide rail 5a located on the inner periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned so as to be biased toward one direction in the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the right side of the link hole 44b in Fig. 7). In the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery, the link protrusion 42c is positioned so as to be biased toward the other direction in the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the left side of the link hole 44b in Fig. 7).

[0055] Additionally, the third frame component 21c is curved in the direction of arrow R2 relative to the second frame component 21b. In this case, in the first guide rail 5a located on the outer periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in the other direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the left side of the link hole 44b in FIG. 7). In the second guide rail 5b located on the inner periphery, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in one direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the right side of the link hole 44b in FIG. 7).

[0056] [Effects of the first embodiment] The first embodiment as described above can provide the following advantages. (1-1) Even if the frame mechanism 3 is bendable in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, the guide mechanism 5 can be attached with the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction.

[0057] (1-2) In the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b formed by connecting a plurality of link units 41, one of the mutually adjacent link units 41 rotates relative to the link unit 41 in the other direction. This allows the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b to be curved in accordance with the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0058] (1-3) In the frame mechanism 3, in the curved portion, either the first guide rail 5a or the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery side must be long, and the other guide rail located on the inner periphery side must be short. The difference in length between the guide rails 5a, 5b on the inner and outer periphery can be absorbed by the link protrusion 42c moving in the link hole 44b.

[0059] (1-4) The frame mechanism 3 can be rotated left and right, which makes it easy to change the layout and increases versatility. The guide mechanism 5 can also be curved to match the shape of the rotatable frame mechanism 3, which increases the versatility of the guide mechanism 5.

[0060] In the first embodiment, the configuration of the link unit 41 is not limited to the above example. For example, the link between the first link members 42, 43 and the second link member 44 may have a configuration different from that of the above example.

[0061] Second Embodiment As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a link unit 51 in the second embodiment includes a first link member 52 and a second link member 53. The first link member 52 and the second link member 53 are arranged in a substantially rectangular shape.

[0062] The first link member 52 includes a first link plate 52a and a link hole 52b. The first link plate 52a is a long and narrow plate member. The first link plate 52a also includes an insertion hole 52c and positioning holes 52d provided on both sides of the insertion hole 52c on the side opposite to the link hole 52b.

[0063] The second link members 53 are a pair of plates that sandwich the first link member 52. The second link members 53 are paired at the top and bottom, and the top and bottom have slightly different configurations. The second link member 53 at the bottom in FIG. 10 includes a second link plate 53a, a link roller 53b, a positioning protrusion 53d that is inserted into the positioning hole 52d, and an engagement hole 53g. The second link member 53 at the top in FIG. 10 also includes a second link plate 53a. The second link plate 53a includes a receiving portion 53f for the link roller 53b, an insertion hole 53c, and an engagement hole 53e that engages with the tip of the positioning protrusion 53d.

[0064] The link unit 51 includes a pair of link rollers 53b. The pair of link rollers 53b are provided at the same position as the link protrusion 42c described in the first embodiment. That is, the pair of link rollers 53b are located on a circular locus 40 centered on the link shaft 28 that connects the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 26 of the adjacent frame constituent members 21 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the link unit 51 also curves in accordance with the rotation of the adjacent frame constituent members 21 about the link shaft 28.

[0065] The guide bracket 55 has a clamping groove 55a that clamps the positions of the insertion holes 52c, 53c of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53. When the clamping groove 55a clamps the positions of the insertion holes 52c, 53c of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53, the fixing member 54 is fastened through the fixing hole 55b. The guide bracket 55 is attached to the frame component member 21 through an attachment member.

[0066] A positioning protrusion 53d of the second link member 53 is inserted into the positioning hole 52d of the first link member 52 and engaged with the engagement hole 53e. A fixing member 54 such as a screw is fastened into the insertion holes 52c, 53c. Furthermore, a link roller 53b of the second link member 53 is engaged with the link hole 52b of the first link member 52. This allows the first link member 52 to bend relative to the second link member 53.

[0067] Here, in the curved portion of the frame mechanism 3, of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b, the guide rail located on the outer periphery side of the curved portion is longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery side is shorter. The difference in guide rail length between the inner and outer periphery can be absorbed by the movement of the link roller 53b in the link hole 52b.

[0068] [Effects of the second embodiment] The second embodiment as described above can provide the following advantages. (2-1) The link roller 53b is located on the peripheral wall that defines the link hole 52b. Therefore, the second link member 53 can move smoothly relative to the first link member 52 due to reduced friction.

[0069] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the link unit 51 is not limited to the above example. For example, the link between the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 may have a configuration different from that of the above example.

[0070] Third Embodiment Compared with the guide mechanism 5 including the link units 41, 51 of the first and second embodiments, the guide mechanism 61 of the third embodiment has a shorter interval for attaching the mounting member 47 to the frame mechanism 3.

[0071] 11 and 12, a guide mechanism 61 in the third embodiment includes a first guide rail 5a and a second guide rail 5b. Each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b includes a guide tube 62 and a support member 63.

[0072] The guide tube 62 is a tube body made of a flexible synthetic resin such as rubber, etc. The guide tube 62 is, for example, hollow inside. The support member 63 includes a base portion 63a, a tube support portion 63b, an auxiliary guide portion 63c, and a shaft support portion 63d. The tube support portion 63b includes a support shaft 63e extending in opposite directions. An end portion of the guide tube 62 is inserted into the support shaft 63e. The end portion of the guide tube 62 inserted into the support shaft 63e is supported to some extent by frictional force on the support shaft 63e, but on the other hand, when the frame mechanism 3 is curved and the guide tube 62 is pulled, the guide tube 62 can move along the support shaft 63e. That is, when the frame mechanism 3 is curved, the length of the guide rail located on the inner circumference side of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b becomes shorter, and the length of the guide rail located on the outer circumference side becomes longer. The overlapping margin between the support shaft 63e and the end portion of the guide tube 62 becomes smaller when the length of the guide rail becomes longer, and becomes larger when the length of the guide rail becomes shorter.

[0073] The overlap between the support shaft 63e and the end of the guide tube 62 is set to a dimension that prevents the end of the guide tube 62 from falling off the support shaft 63e even when the length of the guide rail is at its longest, in accordance with the rotation angle of the frame mechanism 3. The overlap between the support shaft 63e and the end of the guide tube 62 is also set to a dimension that prevents the end from hitting the wall in which the support shaft 63e is installed and preventing the curvature of the frame constituent member 21 even when the length of the guide rail is at its shortest and the guide rail is moved toward the base end.

[0074] The auxiliary guide portion 63c is located at the base end of the support shaft 63e and extends parallel to the support shaft 63e. The base ends of the support shafts 63e extending in opposite directions extend downward. That is, the auxiliary guide portion 63c has a guide surface in a T-shape. The vertical parts are connected at the center of the horizontal part of the T. The horizontal and vertical parts of the T are not interrupted. Furthermore, the length of each support shaft 66e extending in opposite directions is configured to be the same as the length of the horizontal part of the T. The guide surface (tip surface) of the horizontal part of the T of the auxiliary guide portion 63c is configured to be aligned in height with the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 62 when inserted into the end of the guide tube 62 with respect to the support shafts 63e extending in opposite directions. This allows the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 to be provided without interruption even in the support member 63. The tip surface of the vertical part is only slightly lower than the horizontal part by the thickness of the guide tube 62.

[0075] The mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted into the shaft support portion 63d. The position of the support member 63 in the height direction can be adjusted along the mounting shaft 47b. The shaft support portion 63d fixes the position of the support member 63 in the height direction by fastening a fixing member 63f such as a screw.

[0076] The mounting member 47 for mounting the support member 63 to the frame constituent member 21 includes a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b, and the base portion 47a is attached to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a. The mounting members 47 are attached to every other one or every few of the consecutive frame constituent members 21. The support member 63 fixes its position in the height direction by fastening fixing members 63f such as screws into fastening holes 63g.

[0077] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can turn left and right with the basic state being a state in which they are aligned in a straight line. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can turn relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the turning restriction portion 26c engages with one end of the engagement step portion 25d. In accordance with this, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the turning of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide tube 62, both ends of which are supported by the support members 63, curves in accordance with the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0078] In the curved portion, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery are longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery are shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer periphery guide rails can be absorbed by the end of the guide tube 62 moving in the axial direction of the support shaft 63e. The overlap between the end of the guide tube 62 and the support shaft 63e is larger on the inner periphery side and smaller on the outer periphery side.

[0079] [Effects of the third embodiment] The third embodiment as described above can provide the following advantages. (3-1) The first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b can have a simplified configuration by using the guide tube 62 as a main component.

[0080] (3-2) The guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the part of the support member 63. Therefore, the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the part of the guide support member 63.

[0081] In addition, compared with the guide mechanism 5 including the link units 41, 51 of the first and second embodiments, in the guide mechanism 61 of the fourth embodiment, the interval at which the mounting member 47 is attached to the frame mechanism 3 is shorter.

[0082] [Fourth embodiment] As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, in the fourth embodiment, the support member 63 and the mounting member 47 are integrally configured. That is, the guide support member 66 includes a base portion 66a, a tube support portion 66b, an auxiliary guide portion 66c, and a mounting portion 66d. The base portion 66a is not particularly limited in shape, but may have, for example, a C-shape. The base portion 66a includes a tube support portion 66b. The tube support portion 66b includes a support shaft 66e extending in opposite directions. An end of the guide tube 62 is inserted into the support shaft 63e. The end of the guide tube 62 inserted into the support shaft 66e is supported to a certain extent by the frictional force of the support shaft 66e. On the other hand, the end of the guide tube 62 can move along the support shaft 66e when the guide tube 62 is pulled by bending the frame mechanism 3. The guide tube 62 may have a cutout portion 62a on the side opposite to the inner surface that contacts the workpiece 6.

[0083] The auxiliary guide portion 66c extends parallel to the support shaft 66e. The base ends of the support shafts 66e extending in opposite directions extend downward. That is, the auxiliary guide portion 66c has a T-shape. The T-shaped portion of the auxiliary guide portion 66c is configured to be aligned in height with the outer circumferential surface of the guide tube 62 when inserted into the end of the guide tube 62 with respect to the support shafts 63e extending in opposite directions. This allows the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 to be provided without interruption even in the support member 63 portion. Therefore, the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the guide support member 66 portion.

[0084] The mounting portions 66d are provided with mounting holes 66f, and the mounting portions 66d are attached to the side plate 23 through the large through holes 35a, and are attached to every other or every few of the adjacent frame constituent members 21.

[0085] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can turn left and right with the basic state being a state in which they are aligned in a straight line. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can turn relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the turning restriction portion 26c engages with one end of the engagement step portion 25d. In accordance with this, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the turning of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide tube 62, both ends of which are supported by the guide support members 66, curves in accordance with the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0086] In the curved portion, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery are longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery are shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer periphery guide rails can be absorbed by the end of the guide tube 62 moving in the axial direction of the support shaft 66e. The overlap between the end of the guide tube 62 and the support shaft 66e is larger on the inner periphery side and smaller on the outer periphery side.

[0087] [Effects of the fourth embodiment] The fourth embodiment as described above can provide the following advantages. (4-1) The guide support member 66 has two functions: the support member 63 and the mounting member 47. Therefore, in this embodiment, it is possible to reduce the number of parts required to support the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b.

[0088] Fifth embodiment 15 and 16, a guide mechanism 71 in the fifth embodiment includes a first guide rail 5a and a second guide rail 5b. Each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b includes a guide belt 72 and a clamp member 73.

[0089] The guide belt 72 is a band made of flexible synthetic resin such as rubber. The inner surface of the guide belt 72 that contacts the workpiece 6 is configured as a smooth guide surface. The outer surface of the guide belt 72, which is the opposite side to the inner surface, is provided with an engagement retaining portion 72a extending in the longitudinal direction at the center in the width direction. The engagement retaining portion 72a is a protruding portion, and has a shape in which an engagement groove extending in the longitudinal direction is configured at the base end portion of the protruding portion. For example, the engagement retaining portion 72a is a protruding portion having an inverted trapezoidal cross section. Of course, other shapes such as a round cross section may also be used.

[0090] The clamp member 73 includes a main body 73a, a clamp portion 73b, a belt fixing hole 73c, and a shaft support portion 73d. The clamp portion 73b includes a pair of clamp claws that engage with a pair of engagement grooves included in the engagement holder 72a. The main body 73a includes a belt fixing hole 73c for fixing the pair of clamp claws to the pair of engagement grooves. A fixing member 73f such as a screw is fastened to the belt fixing hole 73c. ​​As a result, the pair of clamp claws of the clamp member 73 firmly engage with the pair of engagement grooves to fix the guide belt 72.

[0091] The mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted into the shaft support portion 73d. The position of the clamp member 73 in the height direction can be adjusted along the mounting shaft 47b. The clamp member 73 fixes the position of the clamp member 73 in the height direction by fastening a fixing member 73g such as a screw into a fastening hole 73e.

[0092] The mounting member 47 for mounting the clamp member 73 to the frame constituent members 21 includes a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b, and the base portion 47a is attached to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a. The mounting members 47 are attached to every one or every few of the consecutive frame constituent members 21.

[0093] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can turn left and right with the basic state being a state in which they are aligned in a straight line. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can turn with respect to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the turning restriction portion 26c engages with one end of the engagement step portion 25d. Accordingly, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the turning of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide belt 72 curves in accordance with the shape of the frame mechanism 3. In this embodiment, the frame mechanism 3 is curved in accordance with a predetermined layout, and then the guide belt 72 is fixed by the clamp member 73.

[0094] [Effects of the fifth embodiment] The fifth embodiment as described above can provide the following advantages. (5-1) The first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b can have a simplified configuration by using the guide belt 72 as a main component.

[0095] [Modifications] The above-described first to fifth embodiments can be further modified as necessary as follows.

[0096] In the support member 63 in the third embodiment, the auxiliary guide portion 63c may be omitted, leaving only the support shaft 63e. Also, in the guide support member 66 in the fourth embodiment, the auxiliary guide portion 66c may be omitted, leaving only the support shaft 66e.

[0097] The frame mechanism 3 on which the guide mechanism 5 in the first and second embodiments is provided can be bent in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 5 in the first and second embodiments can also be provided on a fixed frame mechanism. That is, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to match a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 5 can be bent and attached to match the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 5 is highly versatile.

[0098] The frame mechanism 3 in which the guide mechanism 61 in the third and fourth embodiments is provided is bendable in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 61 can also be provided in a fixed frame mechanism. In other words, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to match a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 61 can be curved and attached to match the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 61 is highly versatile.

[0099] The frame mechanism 3 on which the guide mechanism 71 in the fifth embodiment is provided is bendable in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 71 can also be provided on a fixed frame mechanism. In other words, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to match a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 71 can be curved and attached to match the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 71 is highly versatile. [Explanation of symbols]

[0100] 1...Transportation device 2...Transport chain 3...Frame mechanism 5...Guide mechanism 5a…First guide rail 5b…Second guide rail 6. Work 11...Chain components 21...Frame component 22…Main body 24…Guide section 25...1st connection part 26…Second connection part 28...Link shaft 40...Circular trajectory 41…Link unit 42...First link member 42a…First link plate 42b...Mounting plate 42c…Link protrusion 43…First link member 44…Second link member 44a…Second link plate 44b...Link hole 46…Guide bracket 47…Mounting member

Claims

1. A frame mechanism that supports a transport member that transports a workpiece so that the transport member can travel and extends in an extension direction; A guide mechanism for guiding the transport of the workpiece, The guide mechanism includes a first guide rail and a second guide rail, The frame mechanism, the first guide rail, and the second guide rail are bendable in a left-right direction with respect to the extension direction, the first guide rail is disposed on one side surface of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and the second guide rail is disposed on the other side surface of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, A conveying device in which the first guide rail and the second guide rail are each supported on a side surface of the frame mechanism via an attachment member in accordance with the curvature of the frame mechanism.

2. Each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is configured by connecting a plurality of link units, Each of the link units includes a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member having an elongated shape, Either the first link member or the second link member has a link protrusion, and the other link member has a link engagement portion with which the link protrusion engages. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

3. The link engagement portion is a through hole or a recessed groove having a major axis in the extending direction. The conveying device according to claim 2 .

4. Each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is A guide tube that is bendable in the left-right direction with respect to the extending direction; a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted; The support member is supported on the frame mechanism by the mounting member. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

5. The support member includes an auxiliary guide portion that guides the transport of the workpiece at the position of the support member.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4.

6. Each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is A guide belt that can be bent in the left-right direction with respect to the extending direction; a clamp member that clamps the guide belt, The clamp member is supported by the mounting member. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

7. the conveying member is an endless conveying member that is freely bendable at least in the left-right direction for conveying the workpiece, The frame mechanism is configured by connecting adjacent frame components so as to be rotatable in the left-right direction. The conveying device according to claim 1 .

8. Each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is configured by connecting a plurality of link units, and each of the link units is provided corresponding to each of the frame constituent members, Each of the link units includes a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member having an elongated shape, One of the first link member and the second link member includes a link protrusion, and the other link member includes a link engagement portion having a major axis in the extension direction with which the link protrusion engages, The link protrusion and the link engagement portion are positioned concentrically with the rotation center of the frame component.

8. The conveying device according to claim 7.

9. Each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is A guide tube that is bendable in the left-right direction with respect to the extending direction; a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted; the support member is supported on the frame component member by the mounting member, The guide tube is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction of a support shaft provided in the support member.

8. The conveying device according to claim 7.

10. The support member includes an auxiliary guide portion that guides the transport of the workpiece at the position of the support member.

10. The conveying device according to claim 9.

Images