Conveyor transport equipment with replacement conveyor chain storage

Abstract

To develop a conveyor transport device that allows a replacement conveyor chain in a conveyor chain storage to be easily replaced with a conveyor chain on a production line, which is a conveyor transport device in the production line of foods such as instant noodles.SOLUTION: Replacement conveyor chain 5-3 in a conveyor chain storage 13 includes an engaging portion 29 whose end portion hangs down from the storage 13 and engages an end region of the replacement conveyor chain 5-3 hanging from the replacement conveyor chain storage 13 on a top surface of the conveyor transport device 50.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor transport device widely used in manufacturing processes such as frying and hot air drying of instant noodles, and relates to a conveyor transport device equipped with a storage cabinet for a replacement conveyor chain for replacing a conveyor chain connected to a form (retainer), and a method for holding the replacement conveyor chain. [Background technology]

[0002] In the continuous production of various dried foods such as instant noodles, in the steps of frying, hot air drying, etc., the noodle strands are often placed in a porous mold before the steps of frying, hot air drying, etc. are carried out. For example, in conveyor transport devices used in the frying process on instant noodle production lines, after steaming, the noodle strands are cut and then housed in a frame (retainer) consisting of a pair of conveyor chains with multiple liquid-permeable containers connected between them, as shown in FIG. 15, and the conveyor chains with the attached retainers are then covered with a lid as shown in FIG. 16, and the noodle strands are then immersed in a frying tank for frying, yielding a fried noodle block.

[0003] In this case, as shown in Figure 16, a conveyor chain with a retainer is often circulated endlessly to immerse and discharge the material into the frying tank. On the other hand, in the frying process step, different molds (retainers) are often used depending on the type and size of the product, and when switching to producing a different type after producing a specific type on the conveyor transport device in the frying process on the production line, the retainer (mold) needs to be replaced, which necessitates replacing it with a different conveyor chain with a different retainer.

[0004] In such cases, the overall weight of the retained conveyor chain is heavy, and to facilitate replacement, a storage space (storage cabinet) may be provided in the space above the conveyor transport device for fry processing on the production line, as shown in Figure 17. In the storage facility in Figure 17, two types of replacement retained conveyor chains are prepared, one on the left and one on the right of the page, and when it is necessary to replace a retainer on the production line, two ends of the replacement (replacement) retained conveyor chain are connected to the retained conveyor chain in the fry processing conveyor transport device on the production line at either one of the two locations, and while storing the retained conveyor chain in the conveyor transport device on the production line, the replacement retained conveyor chain is introduced into the conveyor transport device on the production line while being pulled out and lowered, thereby replacing the retained conveyor chain in the conveyor transport device on the production line with the replacement retained conveyor chain.

[0005] The reason why the retainer-equipped conveyor chain is stored at a high place is that, for example, when a lid conveyor transport device is installed as shown in Figure 18, the lid conveyor transport device needs to be lifted up to clean the frying tank, and space needs to be secured for such a case. On the other hand, when providing a storage cabinet in the upper space, it is necessary to remove the conveyor chain with the retainer from the upper storage cabinet, which can be a time-consuming task.

[0006] Furthermore, in addition to the fact that the work must be done at a high altitude, the conveyor chain with retainer is heavy, making it difficult for the worker to work. There are no prior patent applications relating to the storage of such retained conveyor chains in conveyor transport devices, and the only prior art disclosed is that of a mobile storage cabinet for the retained conveyor chain. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2019-099355 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] Therefore, the inventors aimed to develop a method for more easily replacing a retained conveyor chain in a conveyor transport device from a replacement conveyor chain storage located at a high place. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] As a result of intensive research by the inventors, it was discovered that the replacement work can be easily carried out by hanging the end of the replacement conveyor chain in the storage cabinet from the storage cabinet and providing an engaging portion on the top surface of the conveyor transport device to engage with the end area of ​​the replacement conveyor chain hanging from the replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet, and this led to the completion of the present invention. That is, the first invention of the present application is: A conveyor conveying device that conveys a conveyor chain, a replacement conveyor chain storage arranged above the conveying device; "A conveyor transport apparatus equipped with a replacement conveyor chain storage, the replacement conveyor chain storage having an engagement portion on an upper surface of the conveyor transport apparatus for engaging an end region of a replacement conveyor chain hanging down from the replacement conveyor chain storage."

[0010] Next, it is also preferable to connect a dummy chain for adjustment to the end of the replacement conveyor chain in order to smoothly carry out the replacement work. That is, the second invention of the present application is: "The conveyor transport device of claim 1 further comprises a dummy chain connected to the end of the replacement conveyor chain."

[0011] Next, the applicant of the present invention also contemplates a method of holding the replacement conveyor chain by engaging it with an engaging portion provided on the upper surface of the conveyor transport device. That is, the third invention of the present application is: "A method for holding a replacement conveyor chain for conveyor chain replacement in a conveyor transport device that transports a conveyor chain, comprising: a replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet disposed above the conveyor transport device, and an end region of the replacement conveyor chain hanging down from the replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet; "A method for holding a replacement conveyor chain, comprising providing an engagement portion on the upper surface of the conveyor transport device that engages with an end region of the replacement conveyor chain, and causing the end region of the hanging replacement conveyor chain to engage with the engagement portion."

[0012] Furthermore, in this holding method, it is also preferable that the end region of the replacement conveyor chain that is hung down is a dummy chain. That is, the fourth invention of the present application is: "The method for holding a replacement conveyor chain according to claim 3, wherein the end region of the replacement conveyor chain that is hung down is a dummy chain." [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] By utilizing the present invention, in a conveyor transport device using a retained conveyor chain, it is possible to more easily replace a retained conveyor chain stored in a replacement conveyor chain storage facility located at a high location with a conveyor chain on a production line. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic side view of an entire conveyor transport device equipped with a conveyor chain storage of a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a retainer-equipped conveyor chain in which a retainer (form) is connected to the conveyor chain of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a side schematic view of a conveyor transport device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a side view of the conveyor chain storage of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is an enlarged schematic view of the side of the conveyor chain storage of the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a conveyor chain with a retainer according to a first embodiment, in which a guide rail is provided. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet according to the first embodiment, equipped with guide rails. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is an enlarged schematic side view showing how the top sprocket of the conveyor chain storage cabinet of the first embodiment is moved. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the guide rail when moving the top sprocket of the conveyor chain storage of the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of an engagement portion provided on the upper surface of the conveyor transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of an engagement portion provided on the top surface of the conveyor transport device of the first embodiment. [Figure 12] 1 is a schematic side view showing a state in which a conveyor chain on a production line is replaced with a conveyor chain in a conveyor chain storage in the conveyor transport device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a replacement conveyor chain according to the first embodiment, in which a dummy chain is used. [Figure 14] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing the state of conveyor chain replacement when a dummy chain is used in the replacement conveyor chain in the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a retainer-equipped conveyor chain in which a retainer (form) is connected to the conveyor chain. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the conveyor transport device. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a conveyor transport device equipped with a conveyor chain storage. [Figure 18]1 is a schematic side view of a conveyor transport device equipped with a conveyor chain storage when the cover of the conveyor transport device is lifted. FIG. [Explanation of symbols]

[0015] 1 conveyor chain 3 Formwork (retainer) 5. Caged conveyor chain 5-1 Caged conveyor chain in a production line 5-3 Replacement conveyor chain with retainer 7 Weight Tension 9 driven sprocket 11 Drive sprocket 12 sprockets 13 Storage for replacement conveyor chain with retainer 15 Lid conveyor 19 Frying oil tank 21 Guide rail 23 Another conveyor 25 Sprockets for Conveyor Chain Storage with Replacement Retainers 27 Guide rail 29 Engagement part 31 Vertical Bar 33 horizontal bar 35 Hook-shaped engaging member 37 Dummy Chain 50 Conveyor transport device DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The first embodiment of the present invention will be described below. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conveyor transport device equipped with a replacement conveyor chain storage in a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] 1.Conveyor chain The conveyor chain 1 in this invention is a chain for conveying goods used in the continuous production of various foods, including instant noodles. In particular, in this invention, a retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 can be used as the conveyor chain 1, in which containers called forms (also called retainers) 3, each consisting of a plurality of connected forms, are continuously attached to a pair of conveyor chains 1 spaced a predetermined distance apart, as shown in Figure 2.

[0018] The retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 is used in conveyor transport devices in food production lines for instant noodles, etc. For example, in the case of frying instant noodles, it is used to feed cut noodle strands and subject them to frying (oil drying) or hot air drying. It can also be used in the production of various other dried foods (confectionery, etc.). In addition, in a conveyor transport device 50 such as that shown in Figure 1, a pair of conveyor chains 5 with retainers arranged approximately parallel to each other are generally wound around a pair of sprockets, which are then driven to rotate, thereby transporting the retainers 3.

[0019] Furthermore, when attached to the conveyor transport device of a production line, the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 often circulates in an endless fashion. Figure 1, which depicts a first embodiment of the present invention, shows a schematic diagram of a continuous production line for a food product (blocks of fried noodles), in which the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 circulates in an endless fashion, and after a group of noodle strands fed upstream is covered from above by a lid conveyor and fried for a predetermined period of time, the retainer 3 is reversed to remove the fried noodle blocks from the retainer 3, and the fried noodle blocks are sequentially discharged.

[0020] The conveyor chain 1 is driven by a motor connected to a sprocket. In the first embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor chain with a formwork (retainer) is used, but the present invention is not limited to this and includes various embodiments as long as the material is transported by a conveyor chain. For example, the material may be a belt-like member other than a formwork (retainer), or may be a wire mesh belt conveyor.

[0021] 2.Conveyor transport device As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the conveyor transport device 50 of the first embodiment of the present invention is configured so that a form 3 transported by the conveyor passes through a predetermined frying tank 19, and relates to a conveyor transport device for frying food. A driven sprocket 9 and a driving sprocket 11 are attached to a predetermined support, and the rotation of the driving sprocket 11 causes the conveyor as a whole to move in the direction of the arrow. A frying tank 19 is disposed along the way, and the food is configured to pass through this frying tank 19. Heated oil and fat are stored in the frying tank 19, and the food is fried as it passes through the frying tank 19.

[0022] Furthermore, in the first embodiment of the present invention, a lid conveyor transport device 15 is also provided that places a lid on top of the transported form 3. That is, food is placed in the form 3, and the form 3 is transported and a lid is placed on top of the form 3 before it enters the frying tank 19, and the form 3 enters the frying tank 19 with the lid still holding down the top of the form 3, so that the food to be fried does not come off the form 3 while it is being fried. Furthermore, when it is removed from the frying tank 19, the top lid is removed and the form 3 is transported alone. The lid conveyor transport device may be of a type that follows the form 3, or of a type that drives independently while being synchronized with the form. Each component will be described in more detail below.

[0023] 3. Overall configuration of conveyor transport device As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, in a first embodiment of the present invention, a conveyor transport device 50 is mounted such that a pair of drive sprockets 9 and a pair of driven sprockets 11 are arranged in parallel with respect to a predetermined support. Of these, a pair of drive sprockets 11 are fixed to a support and connected to a predetermined power unit such as a motor unit. 1 and 3, a predetermined weight tension 7 is applied to the driven sprocket 9, and the driven sprocket 9 is mounted so as to be able to slide horizontally. That is, a hanging weight is connected to the driven sprocket 9 by a wire, and the weight tension 7 acts outward relative to the conveyor transport device, as shown in FIGS.

[0024] Furthermore, the tension of the conveyor chain 1 opposes this tension force, and the driven sprocket 9 is located at the point where the two are balanced. A pair of conveyor chains 1 are wound around the driven sprocket 9 and the driving sprocket 11 so as to form an endless shape, and the driving force of the driving sprocket 11 is transmitted to the driven sprocket 9 by forming an engagement state when the lid closes the formwork (retainer) from above.

[0025] In addition to the driving sprocket 9 and the driven sprocket 11, a plurality of guides and sprockets are installed to regulate the direction of conveyance of the conveyor chain 1. The upper surface of the conveyor chain 1 is the conveying surface for storing and transporting food, and as shown in Figure 1, a form (retainer) 3 is connected to the conveyor chain 1, and the food to be transported is stored in the form 3 and transported. After the food has been transported, the inverted form 3 is transported along the lower conveyor route of the conveyor chain 1, and this process is repeated in a circular fashion.

[0026] Next, a feeder for feeding food is installed near driven sprocket 9, and food is supplied from above and sequentially fed into the form. In particular, in the case of producing noodle blocks of instant noodles as the food, a noodle feeder for feeding noodle strands is installed as shown in Figures 1 and 3, and noodle strands hanging down from the upper conveyor are successively cut out by a rotating blade, and the cut noodle strands are fed into form (retainer) 3. In this way, the conveyor transport device of this first embodiment can be suitably used for producing such noodle blocks.

[0027] In addition, in the area of ​​the conveyor chain 1 near the driven sprocket 9 where the form (retainer) 3 is transported, a rail 21 is provided to support the conveyor chain 1 from below as shown in FIG. 1 to prevent the form 3 connected to the conveyor chain 1 from moving up and down when the noodle strings are fed. The presence of the rail 21 makes it possible to avoid problems such as the mold 3 shaking due to impact when food (noodle strings) are fed on the conveying surface near the driven sprocket 9. This allows for stable conveyance.

[0028] Furthermore, on the conveyor transport surface (upper surface) of the food in the conveyor transport device 50, after the food to be fried is transported as supplied from the feeder, a lid is placed over the top of the form 3 before the form 3 is transported and enters the frying tank 19, and the form 3 enters the frying tank 19 while still holding down the top of the lid, so that the fried food does not come off the form 3 while the food is being fried.

[0029] In order to regulate the trajectory of the conveyor chain 1 within the frying tank, track regulating bars are appropriately provided within the frying tank 19. The conveyor chain is configured to pass through the track regulating bars, thereby regulating the conveying trajectory of the conveyor chain. Furthermore, when the product is removed from the frying tank 19, the upper lid is removed and the product is transported with only the formwork 3. With the lid removed, the formwork 3 is inverted and faces upside down at the end of the transport surface, and as shown in Figures 1 and 3, another transport conveyor 23 receives the fried product from the inverted formwork 3 and transfers it separately to the next process.

[0030] 4.Replacement conveyor chain storage The replacement conveyor chain storage 13 shown in Figures 1 and 4 of the first embodiment of the present invention is a storage for storing replacement conveyor chains 5-3 for retainer-equipped conveyor chains 5 equipped with formwork (retainers) 3 that are attached to the conveyor transport device of the production line. As shown in FIG. 1, the replacement conveyor chain storage 13 is installed separately from the conveyor transport device of the production line itself. In the replacement conveyor chain storage 13 of the first embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, the replacement conveyor chains with retainers 5-3 are inserted horizontally, and the replacement conveyor chains with retainers 5-3 are stored in multiple tiers in the vertical direction while remaining connected via multiple sprockets.

[0031] 1 and 4 of the first embodiment of the present invention, two types of replacement retained conveyor chains 5-3 are prepared on the left and right sides of the page, and when it is necessary to replace the retained conveyor chain 5-1 in the conveyor transport device on the production line, a method is adopted in which either two ends of the replacement retained conveyor chain 5-3 are connected to the retained conveyor chain 5-1 in the conveyor transport device of the production line, and while storing the retained conveyor chain 5-1 in the conveyor transport device of the production line, the replacement retained conveyor chain 5-3 is introduced by pulling out and lowering it into the conveyor transport device of the production line, and the retained conveyor chain 5-1 in the conveyor transport device of the production line is successively replaced with the replacement retained conveyor chain 5-3.

[0032] 1 and 4 show an embodiment in which two sets of replacement conveyor chains with retainers 5-3 are installed in the storage 13 for conveyor chains with replacement retainers, and by storing two sets in this way, the production line can accommodate multiple types of conveyor chains with different retainers 3. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it goes without saying that the storage shed may be of a type that stores only one set. Also, two or more sets may be stored.

[0033] Next, Figure 5 is a partially enlarged view of the conveyor chain storage 13 with replacement retainers shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figure 5, the retainers 3 are stored in each tier so that they alternate between upright and inverted positions. 4 and 5, there are a plurality of pairs of sprockets 25 in the longitudinal direction of the storage cabinet 13 for conveyor chains with replacement retainers, so that a set of conveyor chains with replacement retainers 5-3 to be stored can be inverted and stored in multiple stages in the horizontal direction. The sprockets 25 are arranged in multiple stages and are positioned at alternate heights in the longitudinal direction.

[0034] That is, inside the storage 13 for replacement retainer-equipped conveyor chains, a pair of sprockets 25 around which a pair of conveyor chains is wound are rotatably mounted so that the retainer-equipped conveyor chains 5-3 can be stored in multiple stages horizontally. In FIG. 4, the conveyor chain 1 is wound around the sprockets 25, and multiple pairs of sprockets 25 are arranged at alternate heights in the front and rear of the longitudinal direction and are rotatably mounted so that the conveyor chain 1 is wound around the sprockets 25 and turned over to store the replacement conveyor chain with retainer 5-3 in 12 stages.

[0035] In addition, it is preferable to provide guide rails 21 for a pair of conveyor chains at each stage as shown in Figures 6 and 7 so that the conveyor chain 1 at each stage can be supported from below to prevent the replacement conveyor chain with retainer 5-3 stored horizontally from slackening. Furthermore, when replacing the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5-1 in a conveyor transport device in a production line, for example, the sprockets 25 described above, the topmost sprockets 25 on both ends of the drawing may be configured to slide and move horizontally, as shown in Figure 8. It is also preferable to similarly configure the bottommost sprockets 25 on both ends of the drawing to be able to move horizontally.

[0036] If the sprockets can be slid, the area including the tip of the replacement retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5-3 can be pulled out, which makes it possible to ensure the chain length for work such as connecting it to the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5-1 in the conveyor transport device of the production line, and makes it possible to smoothly replace (swap) the conveyor chain. Note that the other sprockets 25 may also be fixed in position or slidably movable.

[0037] Furthermore, for such horizontal sliding movement, the structure for the sliding movement can utilize known sprockets, shafts, bearings, etc., and if necessary, the position of the rotation center axis can be fixed with a screw. Furthermore, when attempting to slide the sprocket 25, the guide rails 21 that support the upper side of the conveyor chain 1 wound around the sprocket 25 may obstruct the movement of the sprocket 25. Therefore, the guide rails 21 may be configured to be arranged in a horizontal direction in a continuous manner in units of short guide rails, as shown in Figure 9. Furthermore, a configuration may be adopted in which the guide rails can be detached as needed in accordance with the sliding movement of the sprocket 25.

[0038] In addition, when the sprocket 25 slides through, it can also be made to slide by temporarily moving it in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. For this purpose, any known method may be used. For example, the guide rail 21 may be configured to be swingable, so that the guide rail 21 temporarily moves outward when the sprocket 25 moves. Furthermore, instead of providing the guide rails 21, it is also possible to partially support the conveyor chain 1 with a rod-shaped member or the like so that it does not slacken.

[0039] 4. The end area of ​​the conveyor chain hanging from the conveyor chain storage In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 10, an engaging portion 29 is provided on the upper surface of the conveyor transport device to engage with the end region of the conveyor chain hanging down from the conveyor chain storage 13 with a replacement retainer. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the engaging portion of the first embodiment. 10 and 11, in the first embodiment, the engaging portion 29 is provided with a set of two vertical bars 31 and two upper and lower horizontal bars 33 that cross the vertical bars 31 for one type of replacement conveyor chain with retainer 5-3, and a set of hook-shaped engaging members 35 is attached near the left and right ends of the horizontal bars 33. This shows an embodiment in which the engaging portion 29 engages with the replacement conveyor chain with retainer 5-3 hanging down from above.

[0040] Furthermore, the term "engagement" as used in this invention includes various states such as simply hooking onto the hook-shaped engaging member 35, connecting with a screw or the like, or temporarily fastening, and includes any manner that can suppress the oscillation of the end region of the conveyor chain with a replacement retainer to a predetermined extent, and may be provided on the top surface of the conveyor transport device. Furthermore, the engagement in the present invention includes not only the case where the part that is actually hooked onto or connected to the hook is the part of the conveyor chain, but also the case where the retainer part is hooked onto or connected to the conveyor chain with a retainer, as in the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] This includes any manner in which the oscillation of the end region of the conveyor chain of the retainer chain itself is suppressed to a predetermined degree by engaging either the retainer chain itself or a portion connected to the retainer chain. In the first embodiment, two engaging structures each consisting of the vertical bar 31, horizontal bar 33, and hook-shaped engaging member 35 are provided facing each other, and each can accommodate one type of interchangeable conveyor chain with retainer 5-3.

[0042] In the present invention, it is preferable to provide the engaging portion 29 on the top surface of the conveyor transport device, since this allows the replacement work to be performed within easy reach of the worker. Furthermore, even if the conveyor transport device of the cover part is lifted as described in the background art of this application, the only thing that will happen is that the slack area of ​​the replacement retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5-3 engaged with the engagement part will increase, and this will not be a particular problem.

[0043] 5. Connection and replacement of conveyor chains and conveyor lines from the conveyor storage In the conveyor transport device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a case will be described in which a retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5-1 already installed in the conveyor transport device of the manufacturing line is replaced. As shown in Figure 12, the joint links of the retained conveyor chain (dashed line) 5-1 on the production line are released in the area just before the downstream end of the conveyor transport device of the production line, and are connected to the ends (two locations) of the replacement retained conveyor chain (solid line) 5-3 that were engaged with it. After that, the conveyor transport device starts transporting the first retained conveyor chain 5, and the retained conveyor chains 5-1 on the production line are successively replaced (swapped) with the replacement retained conveyor chains 5-3.

[0044] Once all the retained conveyor chains 5-1 on the production line have been replaced with replacement retained conveyor chains 5-3, the previously connected connecting parts (two places) are removed, and the ends of the replaced retained conveyor chains are connected together to complete the replacement. 12, the conveyor chain 1 with a retainer 5-1 on the conveyor transport device of the production line is stored in the upper storage 13, and the replacement conveyor chains with retainers 5-3 on the storage 13 side are sequentially fed into the conveyor transport device of the production line. In this way, the replacement conveyor chains with retainers 5-3 stored in storage 13 are sequentially fed to the conveyor transport device of the production line, and after all of them have been fed, the conveyor chain with retainer 5-1 on the conveyor transport device of the production line is stored in storage 13.

[0045] In this way, it is possible to easily replace the retained conveyor chain 5 already installed on the conveyor transport device of the production line with a new retained conveyor chain 5 of a different type. In addition, in order to provide slack in the chain for work such as connecting the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5, the tension of the conveyor chain on the production line can be reduced and the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 can be pulled as appropriate.

[0046] Furthermore, as described above, it is of course possible to move the sprocket 25 of the storage 13 for the replacement conveyor chain with retainer to give slack to the replacement conveyor chain with retainer 5-3. In addition to or in addition to the above-mentioned method of providing slack in the retained conveyor chain 5 for operations such as connecting and disconnecting the retained conveyor chain 5, it is also possible to use a dummy chain 37 as described below.

[0047] 6. Dummy chain connected to the end of the conveyor chain Next, as shown in Fig. 13, a part of the end region of the conveyor chain (the part indicated by the thick line) may be used as a dummy chain 37. The dummy chain 37 ensures the length of the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 when replacing, making the replacement work easier. It goes without saying that all parts of the conveyor chain will be installed on the production line except for the dummy chain 37. The dummy chain 37 may be connected to either end (the leading or trailing end) of the replacement conveyor chain with retainer 37.

[0048] In addition, in the region of the dummy chain 37, a simple rod-shaped member may be used instead of connecting the retainer 3 as shown in Fig. 2. Furthermore, a mode in which nothing is connected is also possible.

[0049] The procedure for replacing the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 when using the dummy chain 37 is to remove the joint links of the retainer-equipped conveyor chain (dashed line) 5-1 in the production line in the area just before the downstream end on the production line, and connect them to the ends (two locations) of the replacement retainer-equipped conveyor chain (solid line) 5-3 with the dummy chain that was engaged with the engagement part.

[0050] After that, the conveyor transport device in the production line transports the retained conveyor chain 5, and the replacement retained conveyor chain is sequentially replaced with the retained conveyor chain 5-1 on the production line, with the dummy chain portion being the end region (Figure 14). When all the retained conveyor chains 5-1 on the production line have been replaced with replacement retained conveyor chains 5-3, the connection between the replacement retained conveyor chain 5 and the dummy chain before the replacement work is detached, and the connection between the retained conveyor chain 5 on the production line and the replacement retained conveyor chain 5 is detached, and the ends of the replaced retained conveyor chains excluding the dummy chain are connected to each other to complete the replacement.

[0051] In addition, the storage 13 stores the retainer-equipped conveyor chain 5 that was used in the conveyor transport device on the production line with a dummy chain attached. The area where the dummy chains were connected may be disconnected and reconnected as necessary, and adjustments can be made as appropriate.

Claims

1. a conveyor conveying device that conveys the conveyor chain; a replacement conveyor chain storage arranged above the conveying device; a conveyor transport device provided with a replacement conveyor chain storage, the replacement conveyor chain storage having an engagement portion on an upper surface of the conveyor transport device for engaging an end region of the replacement conveyor chain hanging down from the replacement conveyor chain storage;

2. 2. The conveyor transport device according to claim 1, wherein a dummy chain is further connected to the end of said replacement conveyor chain.

3. 1. A method for holding a replacement conveyor chain for conveyor chain replacement in a conveyor transport device that transports a conveyor chain, comprising: a replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet disposed above the conveyor transport device, and an end region of the replacement conveyor chain hanging down from the replacement conveyor chain storage cabinet; A method for holding a replacement conveyor chain, comprising providing an engagement portion on the upper surface of the conveyor transport device that engages with the end region of the replacement conveyor chain, and engaging the end region of the hanging replacement conveyor chain with the engagement portion.

4. 4. The method for holding a replacement conveyor chain according to claim 3, wherein the end region of the replacement conveyor chain from which the replacement conveyor chain hangs down is a dummy chain.

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