Packing and cart handling system including same

Abstract

The packing according to the present invention includes an expansion part that is inserted into a groove formed in an annular shape on an outer surface of an object to be installed and has an expansion space therein through which air can flow, and a sealing part that is connected to a side of the expansion part facing the outside of the groove and is configured to be pushed out of the groove as the expansion part expands to pressurize the object to be pressurized, so as to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the object to be installed and a pressurized object adjacent to the object to be installed.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the treatment of trolleys, and in particular to a system for treating products loaded on trolleys, such as by sterilization, and the packaging contained therein. [Background technology]

[0002] Retort food refers to food that is made by sterilizing a sealed food product with high temperature and then rapidly cooling it. A retort sterilizer is a device that applies high temperature to the sealed product during the manufacturing process of such retort food.

[0003] Various methods have been applied to sterilize products uniformly and thoroughly, and to process a large number of products in a short period of time, thereby increasing production efficiency.

[0004] A batch method can be used in which products are loaded onto a cart and transported into the sterilizer, where all processing steps, including sterilization, are carried out simultaneously. However, this method has the problem of low thermal efficiency, requiring additional heat treatment time, and uneven heating due to deviations in heat distribution.

[0005] A continuous method can be used, in which products are continuously transferred and each product is processed in its own space. In this case, the overall length of the equipment becomes excessively long, and the complex structure makes it difficult for workers to enter and makes maintenance difficult.

[0006] Additionally, there are systems that have emerged to compensate for the disadvantages of the continuous and batch methods, but for safety reasons, the entire sterilization system must be designed to conform to a pressure vessel. In particular, in some countries, the entire sterilization system is treated the same as a pressure vessel, and distribution is possible only when the design requirements equivalent to a pressure vessel are met. Therefore, even if the disadvantages of the continuous and batch methods are compensated for, there is a problem in that the system must be modified within a structure that can sufficiently maintain airtightness between each component to satisfy the design requirements equivalent to a pressure vessel. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been developed to solve such problems, and provides a cart handling system and packing included therein that can easily maintain airtightness. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A packing according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an expansion part that is inserted into a groove formed in an annular shape on an outer surface of an installation object and has an expansion space therein through which air can flow, and a sealing part that is connected to a side of the expansion part facing outward from the groove and is configured to be pushed out of the groove as the expansion part expands to pressurize the pressurized object so as to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the installation object and a pressurized object adjacent to the installation object.

[0009] A trolley processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pre-processing module for processing trolleys, an intermediate module configured to receive and process trolleys processed in the pre-processing module, and a post-processing module configured to receive and process trolleys processed in the intermediate module, wherein the intermediate module includes an intermediate body, a front end flange formed at the front end of the intermediate body, a rear end flange formed at the rear end of the intermediate body, a pre-processing seal inserted into a groove formed in the rear end flange to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the pre-processing module and the intermediate module, and a post-processing seal which is a packing inserted into a groove formed in the front end flange to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the post-processing module and the intermediate module. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] This allows the use of a trolley system and allows for quick and uniform heating of loaded products.

[0011] Allowing the modules to be separated allows for easier maintenance of the sterilizer, and if major repairs are required the modules can be separated and replaced or repaired.

[0012] Even if a malfunction occurs in a particular module, causing a product malfunction, the problem only occurs in that module and the product located in that module, minimizing waste.

[0013] Although the modules have a structure in which they can be separated, airtightness between the modules can be easily maintained by the respective joints. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a cart handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 1 is a diagram showing a cart processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention as viewed in the left-right direction. [Figure 3]1 is a top-down view of a cart handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 4] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which an intermediate module of a carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated from a pre-processing module and a post-processing module. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a view of the state of FIG. 4 viewed from above downward. [Figure 6] 5 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the shutter is closed in the state of FIG. 4. FIG. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a pre-processing door of a cart processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is open; [Figure 8] 1 is a perspective view illustrating an intermediate module of a carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention approaching a pre-processing module and a post-processing module. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 9 is a view of a portion of FIG. 8 viewed from above downward. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram illustrating a front end coupling portion and an adjacent area of ​​a carriage handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the arrangement of pre-processing seals in an intermediate module of a carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the placement of inlet seals in a pre-processing module of a cart processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the placement of exit seals in a post-processing module of a cart processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a post-processing shutter seal disposed on a post-processing shutter of a cart processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 16] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the packing of the carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is contracted. [Figure 17] 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the packing of the cart processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is expanded. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a cross section of a packing and a nipple structure according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the arrangement of nipple installation locations and nipple fixing portions on a packing according to a first modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 10 is a diagram showing a cross section of a packing and the structure of a nipple according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 21] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a cross section of a packing and the structure of a nipple according to a third modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] 10A and 10B are diagrams showing a cross section of a packing and a nipple structure according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] 1 is a view showing a state in which the post-processing shutter of the carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention is closed, viewed along the front. FIG. [Figure 24] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a partially opened post-processing shutter according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 25] 10 is a view illustrating a state in which an upper housing of a post-processing shutter according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated from a lower housing of the post-processing shutter. [Figure 26] 26 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the post-processing shutter shielding portion is ejected to the outside from the state of FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 27] 10 is a perspective view showing a state of the rotating means and the carriage before the carriage is fixed by the fixing means according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a view of the state of FIG. 27 seen from the front. [Figure 29] FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a state in which the carriage is fixed by the fixing means according to the embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 30] 1 is a perspective view of a fixing means of a carriage handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 31] 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a carriage rotates while being fixed by a fixing means according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. [Figure 32]FIG. 32 is a view of the state of FIG. 31 as seen from the front. [Figure 33] 1 is a diagram illustrating a rotary drive unit of a carriage processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] This application claims priority based on Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0109764, filed on August 19, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety in the specification and drawings.

[0016] Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary drawings. When assigning reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used for the same components even if they are displayed in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known structures or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted.

[0017] Furthermore, when describing components of an embodiment of the present invention, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc. may be used. These terms are used to distinguish the component from other components, and do not limit the essence, procedure, or order of the components. When a component is described as being "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" to another component, it should be understood that the component may be directly coupled or connected to the other component, but that there may also be other components "coupled," "coupled," or "connected" between the components.

[0018] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a trolley processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a view of the trolley processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from the left to right. Fig. 3 is a view of the trolley processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention viewed from above downward.

[0019] Referring to the drawings, a carriage processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a pre-processing module 10, an intermediate module 20, and a post-processing module 30. The intermediate module 20 is configured to receive and process carriages C processed in the pre-processing module 10. The post-processing module 30 is configured to receive and process carriages C processed in the intermediate module 20. Each module performs a process such as heat treatment on products loaded on the carriages C, and can be referred to as a carriage processing module. In other words, the pre-processing module 10, the intermediate module 20, and the post-processing module 30 can be referred to as a carriage processing module. However, the process performed by each carriage processing module on the carriages C and items loaded on the carriages C is not limited to heat treatment.

[0020] The modules constituting the vehicle processing system 1 of the present invention can be arranged along the front-to-rear direction. The pre-processing module 10, the intermediate module 20, and the post-processing module 30 can be lined up in order toward the front. The vehicle C can move forward within the vehicle processing system 1. The vehicle C processed in the pre-processing module 10 can move forward and be transferred to the intermediate module 20 for further processing, and the vehicle C processed in the intermediate module 20 can move forward and be transferred to the post-processing module 30 for further processing.

[0021] In this specification, the left-right direction and the up-down direction refer to directions perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Each direction is used for the convenience of explanation and may be relative depending on the direction and posture in which the cart processing system 1 is placed.

[0022] The pre-processing module 10 may include a pre-processing body 11. The intermediate module 20 may include a middle body 21, and the post-processing module 30 may include a post-processing body 31. The pre-processing body 11 may be defined to surround a pre-processing space, which is an internal space through which the carriage C can pass and be processed. The middle body 21 may be defined to surround an intermediate space, which is an internal space through which the carriage C can pass and be processed. The post-processing body 31 may be defined to surround a post-processing space, which is an internal space through which the carriage C can pass and be processed. Therefore, the pre-processing body 11, the middle body 21, and the post-processing body 31 may physically separate the internal space from the external space. Each module may be referred to as a carriage processing module, and the pre-processing body 11, the middle body 21, and the post-processing body 31 may be referred to as a processing body. The processing body may be formed in a cylindrical shape that is open in the front-rear direction, but the shape is not limited thereto.

[0023] The intermediate module 20 may include a protruding body 217 protruding from the cylindrical portion of the intermediate body 21. A portion of the rotating means 24 for providing a driving force may be housed in the protruding body 217.

[0024] The processing body may include a hard processing body divided into multiple sections and a soft processing body made of an expandable or contractible material that connects the divided sections of the hard processing body, thereby forming an expansion joint. Each section of the hard processing body may be separated from each other along the front-rear direction, and the soft processing body may connect these hard processing bodies 211 of each section in the front-rear direction.

[0025] By including a soft processing body, the processing body can expand or contract in the front-to-rear direction due to an external force applied to the processing body, such as a pressure difference. When contracted, the soft processing body can have a wrinkled shape. In one embodiment of the present invention, the middle body 21 is described as being divided into two parts, the middle hard processing body 211, which is a type of hard processing body, and the middle soft processing body 214, which is a type of soft processing body, and capable of expanding or contracting. However, this configuration is not limited to the middle body 21. The processing body has elasticity, allowing it to accommodate pressure changes. By having the processing body accommodate pressure changes, when pressure changes occur while the bodies 11, 21, and 31 of each module 10, 20, and 30 are connected to each other via the connecting parts 13, 22, 23, and 33, damage to the connecting parts 13, 22, 23, and 33 due to pressure changes can be prevented.

[0026] The handle body may further include bridges 215 connecting portions of the rigid handle body such that the soft handle body prevents excessive deformation, such as distorting the separate portions of the rigid handle body relative to one another.

[0027] The carriage processing module may include a heat medium provider formed toward the interior space for heat treatment of the carriage C. The heat medium may be steam, hot water, a refrigerant, or the like, and the heat medium provider may include a pump and a nozzle for pressurizing the heat medium. For other treatments such as disinfection, the carriage processing module may further include other medium provider devices for spraying disinfectants or spraying detergents or cleaning water for internal cleaning.

[0028] Fig. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the intermediate module 20 of the cart processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is separated from the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30. Fig. 5 is a view from above looking down at the state of Fig. 4. Fig. 6 is a view illustrating a state in which the shutters 16 and 36 are closed in the state of Fig. 4.

[0029] Each module can be connected or separated from the other. The middle module 20 can be configured to be in either a connected state where it is connected to the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30, or a separated state where it is separated from the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30. When transitioning from the connected state to the separated state, the middle module 20 can move away from the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30 in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction. Conversely, when transitioning from the separated state to the combined state, the middle module 20 can move toward the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30 in a direction transverse to the front-rear direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the direction in which the middle module 20 moves away from the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30 while in the separated state is described as being to the left, and the direction in which the middle module 20 moves while in the combined state is described as being to the right, but these directions are not limited thereto.

[0030] The carriage processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a module moving device 40. The module moving device 40 is coupled to the intermediate module 20 to move the intermediate module 20 so that the intermediate module 20 is placed in either a coupled state or a separated state. The module moving device 40 may include a moving rail 41 to which the intermediate module 20 is slidably coupled. The moving rail 41 may extend in the left-right direction and be disposed on the ground. The intermediate module 20 may include a middle leg 27 extending downward from the intermediate body 21 and a middle roller coupled to a lower end of the middle leg 27 so that the intermediate module 20 can slide along the moving rail 41, and the middle roller may be slidably coupled to the moving rail 41. The module moving device 40 may include a fixed rail 42 extending in the front-rear direction and coupled to other modules so that the other modules can be placed in a predetermined position. The moving rail 41 may be disposed across the fixed rail 42.

[0031] The pre-processing module 10 has pre-processing legs 17 extending downward from the pre-processing body 11, and the post-processing module 30 has post-processing legs 37 extending downward from the post-processing body 31, and the lower ends of the pre-processing legs 17 and the post-processing legs 37 are connected to fixed rails 42 or are positioned on the ground to support the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30, respectively.

[0032] A towing hook 216 to which a winch or a hoist can be attached may be formed on the outer surface of the intermediate body 21. By attaching a winch or a hoist to the towing hook 216 and pulling it in the left-right direction, the intermediate module 20 can move along the moving rail 41 and be separated from or connected to the pre-treatment module 10 and the post-treatment module 30.

[0033] Alternatively, the module moving device 40 may include a power source to drive the intermediate rollers, thereby allowing the intermediate module 20 to move left and right along the moving rail 41 .

[0034] In this way, each carriage processing module can be selectively separated or combined to form an integrated system capable of processing carriages C moving along the front in stages, thereby facilitating maintenance of the carriage processing system 1, and in the event that major repairs are required, the required carriage processing module can be separated and replaced or repaired.

[0035] Furthermore, even if an equipment failure occurs in a specific carriage processing module, causing a product abnormality, the problem only occurs in that carriage processing module and the product located in that carriage processing module, thereby minimizing the amount of product waste.

[0036]

[0037] door

[0038] FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the pre-processing door 50 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is open.

[0039] A system entrance that is open in the front-rear direction may be formed at the rear end of the pre-treatment body 11 of the pre-treatment module 10. The carriage C may move forward through the system entrance to enter the carriage processing system 1 from the outside. The pre-treatment module 10 may include an entrance coupling part 12 installed at the rear end of the pre-treatment body 11.

[0040] The cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a pre-processing door 50. The pre-processing door 50 is a device for opening and closing the system entrance. The pre-processing door 50 may include a pre-processing door shielding portion 51. The pre-processing door shielding portion 51 is a portion disposed adjacent to the rear end of the pre-processing body 11 to shield and open and close the system entrance. The system entrance may be formed in a circular shape, and the pre-processing door shielding portion 51 may also be formed in a circular shape. When viewed in the front-to-rear direction, the area of ​​the pre-processing door shielding portion 51 may be larger than the area of ​​the system entrance.

[0041] The pre-processing door 50 may include a pre-processing door support portion 53. The pre-processing door support portion 53 is a portion to which the pre-processing door shielding portion 51 is coupled so as to be rotatable about an axial direction in the forward / backward direction when opening or closing the system entrance. The pre-processing door support portion 53 may be coupled to the pre-processing module 10, but may not be fixed to the pre-processing module 10 and may be fixed to the ground or to a fixed rail 42.

[0042] The pre-processing door 50 may include a pre-processing door coupling part 52. The entrance coupling part 12 and the pre-processing door coupling part 52 are coupled to a pre-processing door flange 54 formed on the periphery of the pre-processing door shielding part 51, and can couple the pre-processing module 10 and the pre-processing door 50 when the pre-processing door shielding part 51 closes the system entrance. The function of the pre-processing door coupling part 52 and the entrance coupling part 12 will be described in detail when the coupling relationship between the intermediate module 20, the pre-processing module 10, and the post-processing module 30 is described below.

[0043] A system outlet that is open in the front-rear direction may be formed at the front end of the after-treatment body 31 of the after-treatment module 30. The vehicle C may move forward through the system outlet and be discharged from the inside to the outside of the vehicle processing system 1. The after-treatment module 30 may include an outlet coupling part 32 installed at the front end of the after-treatment body 31.

[0044] The vehicle processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rear processing door 60. The rear processing door 60 is a device for opening and closing a system exit. The rear processing door 60 may include a rear processing door shielding portion 61. The rear processing door shielding portion 61 is a portion disposed adjacent to the front end of the rear processing body 31 to shield and open and close the system exit. The system exit may be formed in a circular shape, and the rear processing door shielding portion 61 may also be formed in a circular shape. When viewed in the front-to-rear direction, the area of ​​the rear processing door shielding portion 61 may be larger than the area of ​​the system exit.

[0045] The aftertreatment door 60 may include an aftertreatment door support portion 63. The aftertreatment door support portion 63 is a portion to which the aftertreatment door shielding portion 61 is coupled so as to be rotatable about the front-to-rear direction as an axial direction when opening or closing the system exit. The aftertreatment door support portion 63 may be coupled to the aftertreatment module 30, but may not be fixed to the aftertreatment module 30 and may be fixed to the ground or to the fixed rail 42.

[0046] The post-processing door 60 may include a post-processing door coupling part 62. The outlet coupling part 32 and the post-processing door coupling part 62 are coupled to a post-processing door flange formed on the periphery of the post-processing door shielding part 61, and can couple the post-processing module 30 and the post-processing door 60 when the post-processing door shielding part 61 closes the system outlet. The functions of the post-processing door coupling part 62 and the outlet coupling part 32 will be described in detail when describing the coupling relationship between the intermediate module 20, the pre-processing module 10, and the post-processing module 30, which will be described later.

[0047] The pre-processing door 50 and the post-processing door 60 allow the trolley processing system 1 to form an entirely sealed internal space, and this internal space can be separated from the outside by the pre-processing door 50, the post-processing door 60 and each module.

[0048]

[0049] joint part

[0050] Figure 8 is a perspective view illustrating a situation in which the intermediate module 20 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention approaches the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing module 30. Figure 9 is an enlarged detailed view of a portion of Figure 8. Figure 10 is a view of a portion of Figure 8 viewed from above. Figure 11 is a view illustrating the area adjacent to the front end coupling portion 23 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] The intermediate module 20 may include a front-end coupling portion 23 coupled to the front end of the intermediate body 21. The intermediate module 20 may include a rear-end coupling portion 22 coupled to the rear end of the intermediate body 21. The pre-processing module 10 may include a pre-processing coupling portion 13 coupled to the rear end of the pre-processing body 11. The post-processing module 30 may include a post-processing coupling portion 33 coupled to the front end of the post-processing body 31.

[0052] In the coupled state, the pre-processing coupling part 13 and the rear end coupling part 22 can couple the pre-processing main body 11 and the intermediate module 20. In the coupled state, the post-processing coupling part 33 and the front end coupling part 23 can couple the post-processing main body 31 and the intermediate module 20. That is, each coupling part can couple modules that contact each other.

[0053] When transitioning from the separated state to the coupled state, the middle module 20 moves along a first direction, which is one of the left and right directions, and the second direction is the direction opposite to the first direction. In one embodiment of the present invention, the first direction is described as the right side, and the second direction is described as the left side.

[0054] The pre-processing coupling part 13 can be located on the first direction side of the rear end of the pre-processing main body 11, and the post-processing coupling part 33 can be located on the first direction side of the rear end of the post-processing main body 31. The front end coupling part 23 can be located on the second direction side of the front end of the intermediate main body 21, and the rear end coupling part 22 can be located on the second direction side of the rear end of the intermediate main body 21. This coupling part arrangement can prevent collision between the coupling parts when the intermediate module 20 moves from a separated state to a coupled state.

[0055] The pre-processing coupling part 13 and the rear end coupling part 22 surround the boundary between the pre-processing body 11 and the intermediate body 21, allowing the pre-processing module 10 to be coupled to the intermediate module 20. The post-processing coupling part 33 and the front end coupling part 23 surround the boundary between the post-processing body 31 and the intermediate body 21, allowing the intermediate module 20 to be coupled to the post-processing module 30.

[0056] Specifically, the structure of the front-end coupling part 23 shown in Fig. 11 will be described. The front-end coupling part 23 may be formed to surround a portion of the front-end flange 213 formed to protrude radially outward from the periphery of the front end of the intermediate body 21 and to be coupled to the front-end flange 213, and in the coupled state, to surround a portion of the post-processing flange 313 formed to protrude radially outward from the periphery of the rear end of the post-processing body 31. The front-end coupling part 23 may be coupled to the front-end flange 213 by interference fit, or may be coupled with an adhesive or a fastener. The front-end flange 213 and the post-processing flange 313 may be formed in an annular shape, and the front-end coupling part 23 may also have the shape of a portion of a ring or a shape similar to the periphery of a semicircle when viewed in the front-rear direction.

[0057] In the present specification, the term "annular" is not limited to a round ring, but is a general term for a shape that forms a closed curve. Therefore, the term "annular" can include a rounded circular ring shape, a rectangular peripheral shape, a polygonal peripheral shape, a polygonal peripheral shape with rounded corners, etc.

[0058] The front-end coupling part 23 may have a U-shaped cross section and surround the front-end flange 213. The front-end coupling part 23 may include a front-end coupling rear member 231 that contacts the rear surface of the front-end flange 213, a front-end coupling intermediate member 232 that extends forward from the front-end coupling rear member 231 and contacts the peripheral surface of the front-end flange 213, and a front-end coupling front member 233 that extends radially inward from the front end of the front-end coupling intermediate member 232 and forms, between the front end of the front-end flange 213 and the front end of the front-end coupling front member 233, a front-end coupling space 230 into which the front-end coupling intermediate member 232 and the post-processing flange 313 can be inserted. In a coupled state, the front-end flange 213 and the post-processing flange 313 are positioned in the space formed by the front-end coupling part 23 and are surrounded by the front-end coupling part 23, allowing the intermediate module 20 and the post-processing module 30 to be coupled. The front end coupling member 233 is formed with a pressure hole 234, through which a fastening member such as a bolt can be inserted to further pressurize the flange inserted therein.

[0059] The post-processing coupling part 33 of the post-processing module 30 may have the same configuration as the front end coupling part 23 described above, but may have an opposite configuration in the front-to-rear direction, and may similarly be coupled by surrounding the front end flange 213 and the post-processing flange 313. Thus, the front end coupling part 23 and the post-processing coupling part 33 can couple the intermediate module 20 and the post-processing module 30. When this coupling is performed, the front end coupling part 23 and the post-processing coupling part 33 may contact each other to form a ring so that airtightness is well maintained.

[0060] The front-end coupling part 13 and the rear-end coupling part 22 have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the front-end coupling part 23 and the rear-end coupling part 33 described above, and can surround the front-end flange 113 and the rear-end flange 212 to couple the front-end module 10 and the intermediate module 20. Therefore, the description of the front-end coupling part 13 and the rear-end coupling part 22 is the same as or similar to the description of the front-end coupling part 23 and the rear-end coupling part 33, and is hereby incorporated by reference. For example, the front-end coupling flange 113 may also include a front-end coupling rear end member, a front-end coupling intermediate member, a front-end coupling front end member, etc.

[0061] The pre-processing door coupling portion 52 and the inlet coupling portion 12 have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the front-end coupling portion 23 and the post-processing coupling portion 33 described above, and can surround the pre-processing door flange 54 and the inlet flange 112 to couple the pre-processing door 50 and the pre-processing module 10. Therefore, the description of the pre-processing door coupling portion 52 and the inlet coupling portion 12 is the same as or similar to the description of the front-end coupling portion 23 and the post-processing coupling portion 33, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0062] The post-processing door coupling portion 62 and the outlet coupling portion 32 have a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the front end coupling portion 23 and the post-processing coupling portion 33 described above, and can surround the post-processing door flange and the outlet flange 312 to couple the post-processing door 60 and the post-processing module 30. Therefore, the description of the post-processing door coupling portion 62 and the outlet coupling portion 32 is the same as or similar to the description of the front end coupling portion 23 and the post-processing coupling portion 33, and is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0063]

[0064] Packing 70

[0065] Figure 12 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a pre-processing seal 251 in the intermediate module 20 of a cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is a diagram showing the arrangement of an entrance seal 151 in the pre-processing module 10 of a cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14 is a diagram showing the arrangement of an exit seal 351 in the post-processing module 30 of a cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 15 is a diagram showing the arrangement of a post-processing shutter seal 352 arranged in the post-processing shutter 36 of a cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] The cart handling system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include packing 70. The packing 70 is disposed at the boundary between components to maintain the boundary airtight.

[0067] Referring to the drawings, the intermediate module 20 may include a post-processing seal, which is an annular packing 70 inserted into a groove formed in the front-end flange 213 to maintain an airtight boundary between the intermediate body 21 and the post-processing module 30. The intermediate module 20 may include a front-processing seal 251, which is an annular packing 70 inserted into a groove formed in the rear-end flange 212 to maintain an airtight boundary between the intermediate body 21 and the front-processing module 10.

[0068] The pre-processing module 10 may include an inlet seal 151, which is a packing 70 inserted into a groove formed in the inlet flange 112, to maintain an airtight seal at the boundary between the pre-processing module 10 and the pre-processing door 50. The after-processing module 30 may include an outlet seal 351, which is a packing 70 inserted into a groove formed in the outlet flange 312, to maintain an airtight seal at the boundary between the after-processing module 30 and the after-processing door 60.

[0069] The pre-processing module 10 can include a pre-processing shutter 16. The pre-processing shutter 16 can include a pre-processing shutter shielding portion, a pre-processing shutter housing in which a pre-processing opening that is selectively shielded and opened / closed by the pre-processing shutter shielding portion is formed, and a pre-processing shutter seal that is a packing 70 inserted into a groove formed around the pre-processing opening to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the pre-processing shutter shielding portion and the pre-processing shutter housing.

[0070] The post-processing module 30 may include a post-processing shutter 36. The post-processing shutter 36 may include a post-processing shutter shielding portion 361, post-processing shutter housings 362 and 363 in which a post-processing opening 360 that is selectively shielded and opened / closed by the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 is formed, and a post-processing shutter seal 352 that is a packing 70 inserted into a groove formed around the post-processing opening 360 to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 and the post-processing shutter housings 362 and 363.

[0071] The pre-processing seal 251, post-processing seal, entrance seal 151, and exit seal 351 may be formed in an annular shape. The pre-processing shutter seal and post-processing shutter seal 352 may be formed in a rectangular peripheral shape with rounded corners. The specific function and configuration of the pre-processing shutter 16 and post-processing shutter 36 will be described later in the explanation of Figures 23 to 26.

[0072] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the packing 70 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is contracted. Fig. 17 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the packing 70 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is expanded.

[0073] The packing 70 is made of an elastic material and can maintain airtightness by adhering closely to each component at the boundary between the components. The packing 70 expands when air flows in, and can adhere strongly to each component to maintain airtightness. The fluid injected into the packing 70 may be other fluids instead of air.

[0074] Assume that the packing 70 is disposed at the boundary between the installation target M2 and the pressurized target M1. The installation target M2 is the target on which the packing 70 is installed, and the pressurized target M1 is the target that the expanded packing 70 will come into contact with. Taking the example of a post-processing seal, which is the packing 70 installed on the front flange 213, the installation target M2 is the front flange 213 of the intermediate body 21. The post-processing seal is inserted into a groove G1 formed in the front flange 213 to pressurize the post-processing flange 313 of the post-processing module 30, which is the pressurized target M1. In addition, the rear flange 212, the inlet flange 112, the outlet flange 312, the pre-processing shutter housing, and the post-processing shutter housings 362 and 363 can be the installation target M2, and the pre-processing flange 113, the pre-processing door flange 54, the post-processing door flange, the pre-processing shutter shielding portion, and the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 can be the pressurized target M1.

[0075] The packing 70 may include an expansion portion 71 and a sealing portion 72. The expansion portion 71 is a portion that expands when air is injected. The expansion portion 71 is inserted into a groove G1 formed in an annular shape on the outer surface of the installation object M2. The groove G1 may be formed by recessing the outer surface of the installation object M2 in the front-rear direction. Therefore, the expansion portion 71 may be inserted into the groove G1 in the front-rear direction.

[0076] The expansion portion 71 includes an expansion space 710 therein into which air can flow. The expansion space 710 may have a cross section that is tapered in the center based on the front-to-rear direction on a cross section obtained by cutting the packing 70 in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the packing 70 extends. The expansion portion 71 that forms the expansion space 710 may also have a shape that is tapered in the center, like the expansion space 710. The expansion space 710 and expansion portion 71 of the packing 70 have such a shape and are inserted into a groove, so that before and after expansion occurs, expansion in the protrusion direction (the up-down direction in FIGS. 16 and 17) occurs first, rather than expansion in the thickness direction (the left-right direction in FIGS. 16 and 17).

[0077] The groove outer boundary 711b of the expansion space 710 may have a shape that bulges outward from the groove. The groove outer boundary of the expansion space may also have a shape that is not flat but has a curved or folded section, such as a wave shape or sawtooth shape.

[0078] The sealing portion 72 is connected to the side of the expansion portion 71 facing the outside of the groove G1 and is a portion that can come into contact with the pressurized object M1. As the expansion portion 71 expands, the sealing portion 72 is pushed out of the groove G1 by the expansion portion 71 to pressurize the pressurized object M1 so as to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the installation object M2 and the pressurized object M1. Unlike the expansion portion 71, the interior of the sealing portion 72 does not have a portion into which a fluid can flow and expand, which can impart rigidity to the packing 70.

[0079] The thickness of the sealing portion 72 may be smaller than the thickness of the expanding portion 71. Therefore, a step may be formed at the boundary between the sealing portion 72 and the expanding portion 71. This step may be formed only on one side in the thickness direction (the right side in FIGS. 16 and 17) as shown, or on both sides. A step is formed between the sealing portion 72 and the expanding portion 71, and a locking step M21 that locks with the locking portion 712, which is a part of the sealing portion 71 that forms this step, is also formed in the groove G1 of the installation object M2, preventing the packing 70 from slipping out of the groove. Furthermore, even if the sealing portion 72 contacts the pressurized object M1 but the inner side surface of the expanding portion 72 in the groove cannot properly contact the side surface located inside the groove G1, the locking step M21 locks with the locking step M21, thereby sealing the packing 70 to the installation object M2.

[0080] The corners located at both ends in the thickness direction of the sealing portion 72 may be chamfered or rounded. Depending on the shape of the sealing portion 72, only the ends in the thickness direction of the sealing portion 72 come into contact with the pressure object M1, and the center does not, which can prevent a situation in which airtightness is not maintained properly.

[0081] The packing 70 according to an embodiment of the present invention may further include a nipple connected to the expansion portion 71 to allow air to flow in and out of the expansion space 710. The nipple is connected to an air supply means and communicates with the expansion space 710 to transfer air provided by the air supply means to the expansion space 710. Air stored in the expansion space 710 may also be discharged to the outside through the nipple. Although the nipple is not shown in FIGS. 16 and 17, the nipple may extend from the bottom to the top of the drawings, and its upper end may be connected to the expansion portion 71.

[0082] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing a cross section of packing 70b according to a first modified example of one embodiment of the present invention and the structure of nipple N1. Fig. 19 is a diagram showing the arrangement of nipple installation positions P1, P2 and nipple fixing portion N11 on packing 70b according to a first modified example of one embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The packing 70b of the first modified example includes a nipple fixing portion N11. The nipple fixing portion N11 is disposed between the expansion portion 71b and the nipple N1 outside the boundary of the expansion space 710b and extends in the same direction as the expansion portion 71b to fix the nipple N1 to the expansion portion 71b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 19, the nipple fixing portion N11 may be formed in a ring shape like the expansion portion 71b. The nipple fixing portion N11 surrounds the periphery of the nipple N1 where the nipple N1 is disposed and is sandwiched between the expansion portion 71b and the nipple N1, preventing the nipple N1 from easily detaching from the expansion portion 71b. The nipple fixing portion N11 may be made of stainless steel tape.

[0084] In the first modification, the side surface of the sealing portion 72b facing the outside of the groove G2 is recessed into the inside of the groove G2, forming irregularities 721b. The formed irregularities 721b make it possible for the sealing portion 72b to easily maintain a tight contact state with the pressure target M1 even when it is deformed by being in close contact with the pressure target M1.

[0085] In the first modified example, the nipple N1 and the packing fixing bolts included in the packing 70b may be disposed at a plurality of nipple installation positions P1, P2 spaced apart from one another along the circumferential direction of the expansion portion 71b. As described above, the nipple N1 may supply fluid to the packing 70b, and the packing fixing bolts may be used to prevent the supply of fluid to the packing 70b and fix the packing 70b so that it does not come off the groove G2. The nipple N1 may be connected to the fluid supply position P2 of the nipple installation positions P1, P2, and the packing fixing bolt may be connected to the packing fixing position P1 of the nipple installation positions P1, P2. When the packing 70b is viewed as a rectangle, the packing fixing positions P1 may be disposed at portions corresponding to the vertices, and the fluid supply positions P2 may be disposed at portions corresponding to the corners of the packing 70b. However, another nipple may be connected to the packing fixing point P1 to supply fluid to the packing 70b.

[0086] FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a cross section of a packing 70c according to a second modified example of an embodiment of the present invention and the structure of a nipple N2.

[0087] Unlike the first modification, the packing 70c of the second modification does not have a nipple fixing portion N11. Therefore, the depth of the groove G3 can be shallower than in the first modification, and since the nipple fixing portion N11 does not need to be surrounded by the expansion portion 71c, the length of the expansion portion 71c along the depth direction can be shorter than in the first modification. Since the nipple N2 does not need to be fixed by the nipple fixing portion N11, the fixing portion can be formed more simply than in the first modification. The shapes of the expansion space 710c and the sealing portion 72c can be the same in the first and second modifications.

[0088] FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a cross section of a packing 70d according to a third modified example of an embodiment of the present invention and the structure of a nipple N2.

[0089] The thickness of the thickest portion of the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71d of the packing 70d of the third modified example may be greater than the thickness of the sealing portion 72d. The thickness of the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71d may increase and then decrease toward the inside of the groove G4. Therefore, the inner end of the groove may include a portion where the thickness increases toward the inside of the groove G4 and a portion where the thickness decreases from the thickest portion of the inner end of the groove toward the inside of the groove G4. A fitting groove G41 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner end of the groove may be formed inside the groove G4 so that the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71d can be tightly fitted. However, the shape of the expansion space 710d may be the same as in the other modified examples, and the same nipple N2 as in the other modified examples may be used.

[0090] FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a cross section of a packing 70e according to a fourth modified example of an embodiment of the present invention and the structure of a nipple N1.

[0091] In the fourth modified example, the thickness of the thickest portion of the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71e of the packing 70e may be greater than the thickness of the sealing portion 72e. The thickness of the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71e may increase toward the inside of the groove G5. A fitting groove G51 having a shape corresponding to the shape of the inner end of the groove may be formed inside the groove G5 so that the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion 71d can be tightly fitted. In the fourth modified example, as in the first modified example, a nipple N1 on which a nipple fixing portion N11 can be disposed may be used.

[0092]

[0093] Transfer section

[0094] The vehicle processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a transfer unit. The transfer unit may include a pre-processing transfer member 142 arranged inside the pre-processing module 10 for transferring the vehicle C. The transfer unit may include an intermediate transfer member 242 arranged inside the intermediate module 20 for transferring the vehicle C. The transfer unit may include a post-processing transfer member 342 arranged inside the post-processing module 30 for transferring the vehicle C. The pre-processing transfer member 142, the intermediate transfer member 242, and the post-processing transfer member 342 may be arranged spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. The pre-processing transfer member 142, the intermediate transfer member 242, and the post-processing transfer member 342 may be configured as conveyor belts arranged along the front-rear direction at the lower parts of the inside of the pre-processing support frame 141, the rotating frame 241 of the pre-processing support means 14, and the post-processing support frame 341 of the post-processing support means 34, respectively, and capable of moving the vehicle C placed above them in the front-rear direction. However, other configurations than the conveyor belt may be used as the transport unit as long as the device is capable of moving the object placed thereon.

[0095]

[0096] Shutter 16, 36

[0097] Figure 23 is a view showing a state in which the post-processing shutter 36 of the cart processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention is closed, viewed from the front. Figure 24 is a view showing a state in which the post-processing shutter 36 according to one embodiment of the present invention is partially opened. Figure 25 is a view showing a state in which the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter according to one embodiment of the present invention is separated from the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter. Figure 26 is a view showing a state in which the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 is ejected to the outside from the state shown in Figure 25.

[0098] Referring to the drawings, a cart processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a pre-processing shutter 16 and a post-processing shutter 36. The pre-processing module 10 may include a pre-processing shutter 16 that selectively divides the internal space of the pre-processing body 11 along the front-rear direction. The post-processing module 30 may include a post-processing shutter 36 that selectively divides the internal space of the post-processing body 31 along the front-rear direction.

[0099] The pre-processing shutter 16 may include a pre-processing shutter shielding portion, a lower housing of the pre-processing shutter in which a pre-processing opening that is opened and closed by the pre-processing shutter shielding portion is formed, and an upper housing of the pre-processing shutter in which the pre-processing shutter shielding portion is located when the pre-processing opening is opened. The upper housing of the pre-processing shutter may be detachably coupled to the upper side of the lower housing of the pre-processing shutter.

[0100] The post-processing shutter 36 may include a post-processing shutter shielding portion 361, a post-processing shutter lower housing 363 in which a post-processing opening 360 that is opened and closed by the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 is formed, and a post-processing shutter upper housing 362 in which the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 is located when the post-processing opening 360 is opened. The post-processing shutter upper housing 362 may be detachably coupled to the top of the post-processing shutter lower housing 363.

[0101] The following provides a detailed description of the post-processing shutter 36, but the description of the post-processing shutter 36 can be directly applied to the pre-processing shutter 16 by reversing the front-to-back direction and changing the target for which the shutter is formed from the post-processing module 30 to the pre-processing module 10.

[0102] The lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter may include a lower plate 3631 of the post-processing shutter that shields a portion of the internal space of the post-processing module 30 and forms the post-processing opening 360, and a lower protrusion 3632 of the post-processing shutter that protrudes from the upper side of the post-processing module 30. The upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter may be coupled to the upper side of the lower protrusion 3632 of the post-processing shutter. That is, the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter may be disposed outside the post-processing body 31. When the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 is disengaged from the post-processing opening 360 to open it, the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 may be positioned in the internal space between the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter and the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter.

[0103] The post-processing shutter shielding unit 361 may include a plate-shaped post-processing shutter shielding plate 3611 and a post-processing shutter rack 3612 formed on the post-processing shutter shielding plate 3611. The post-processing shutter shielding plate 3611 may be formed with lattice-shaped ribs for pressure resistance. The post-processing shutter rack 3612 may mesh with a post-processing shutter gear 3641 included in the post-processing shutter driving unit 364. The post-processing shutter rack 3612 and the post-processing shutter driving unit 364 may have a structure similar to that of the pinwheel 245 and sprocket 2441 of the rotation means 24 described below.

[0104] When the post-processing shutter motor 3643, which is connected to the gear of the post-processing shutter driving unit 364 via the post-processing shutter driving shaft 3642, operates, the post-processing shutter gear 3641 rotates, thereby raising and lowering the post-processing shutter shielding unit 361. The post-processing shutter motor 3643 may be a device that receives power and generates driving force, such as a motor or actuator, and the post-processing shutter driving shaft 3642 is an axial member disposed above the post-processing opening 360 so as to receive the driving force generated by the post-processing shutter motor 3643 and rotate with the left-right direction as its axial direction.

[0105] The post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 may include a post-processing shutter guide roller 3613. The post-processing shutter guide roller 3613 is disposed adjacent to the periphery of the post-processing shutter shielding plate 3611 and can slide along a post-processing shutter guide rail 365 disposed adjacent to the post-processing opening 360 and extending in the vertical direction. The post-processing shutter guide roller 3613 and the post-processing shutter guide rail 365 act to guide the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 as it moves up and down so as to prevent the post-processing shutter shielding portion 361 from separating from the post-processing opening 360. As shown in the figure, one post-processing shutter guide rail 365 may be disposed on each of the left and right sides of the post-processing opening 360, and four post-processing shutter guide rollers 3613 may be disposed, one on each of the top and bottom and left and right corners of the post-processing shutter shielding plate 3611, but the number and arrangement are not limited thereto.

[0106] The upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter can be detachably coupled to the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter. After separating the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter from the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter as shown in FIG. 25, the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 can be moved upward to detach the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 from the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter as shown in FIG. 26. After maintenance is complete, the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 can be inserted downward into the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter, and the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter can be coupled to the lower housing 363 of the post-processing shutter. Because the post-processing shutter 36 has such a separable structure, management of the post-processing shutter shielding part 361 and the upper housing 362 of the post-processing shutter can be easily performed.

[0107]

[0108] Rotating means 24 and fixing means 26

[0109] Figure 27 is a perspective view showing the state of the rotating means 24 and the carriage C before the carriage C is fixed by the fixing means 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 28 is a view of the state of Figure 27 as seen from the front.

[0110] Referring to the drawings, a carriage processing module of a carriage processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention may include a rotating means 24 and a fixing means 26. In one embodiment of the present invention, the carriage processing module may be an intermediate module 20, where a module for pre-processing of carriages C may be a pre-processing module 10, a module for post-processing of carriages C may be a post-processing module 30, and a processing body of the carriage processing module may be an intermediate body 21. Hereinafter, the intermediate module 20 will be described as a carriage processing module.

[0111] The fixing means 26 is provided to fix the cart C that has entered the inside of the intermediate body 21. The rotation means 24 is provided to rotate the cart C fixed by the fixing means 26 relative to the intermediate body 21, with the front-to-rear direction as an axis. In other words, the direction in which the cart C advances within the cart processing system 1 can coincide with the axial direction in which the cart C is rotated by the rotation means 24. The fixing means 26 serves to fix the cart C to the rotation means 24 so that the cart C and the products inside the cart C do not come off during rotation by the rotation means 24.

[0112] The rotation means 24 may include a rotation frame 241. The rotation frame 241 is a frame having a rotation space therein, which is a space for the carriage C to enter. The rotation frame 241 may have a cylindrical appearance, but does not necessarily have to have a cylindrical shape as a whole. The rotation frame 241 may have a cylindrical skeleton-like shape, including a plurality of disk-shaped members spaced apart along the front-rear direction, with an opening through which the carriage C can be inserted at the center, and a plurality of connecting ribs connecting these members along the front-rear direction. The pre-processing support frame 141 of the pre-processing module 10 and the post-processing support frame 341 of the post-processing module 30 may have a shape similar to that of the rotation frame 241.

[0113] The connecting rib may be disposed adjacent to the opening of the disc-shaped member. A transfer assist roller 243 may be rotatably coupled to the inside of the connecting rib. An intermediate transfer member 242, which is a transfer member for the carriage C, may be disposed adjacent to the opening of the disc-shaped member, and the transfer assist roller 243 may assist the intermediate transfer member 242 in transferring the carriage C. A plurality of transfer assist rollers 243 may be disposed to be freely rotatable. The transfer assist roller 243 may be disposed on at least one of the upper, lower, left, and right sides of the opening of the disc-shaped member. The pre-processing support means 14 and the post-processing support means 34 may have a configuration similar to the transfer assist roller 243.

[0114] Fig. 29 is a perspective view showing a state in which the carriage C is fixed by the fixing means 26 according to one embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 30 is a perspective view of the fixing means 26 of the carriage processing system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0115] The fixing means 26 may include a fixed actuator 262 and a fixed driver 261 for operating the fixed actuator 262. The fixed actuator 262 and the fixed driver 261 may be spaced apart or in contact with each other. The fixed actuator 262 is coupled to the rotating means 24 and rotates together with the rotation of the rotating means 24, while the fixed driver 261 is coupled to the intermediate body 21 and is not affected by the rotation of the rotating means 24. When the fixed driver 261 operates the fixed actuator 262, it comes into contact with the fixed actuator 262, and the fixed driver 261 does not change the state of the fixed actuator 262. When the carriage C is rotated by the rotating means 24, the fixed driver 261 and the fixed actuator 262 may be spaced apart from each other.

[0116] The fixed operating part 262 is selectively placed in either a fixed state or a released state. In the fixed state, the fixed operating part 262 is deformed by the fixed driving part 261 to apply pressure to the carriage C that has entered the inside of the intermediate body 21, thereby clamping and fixing it between the carriage C and the rotating means 24. In the released state, the fixed operating part 262 is released from the carriage C, allowing the carriage C to move in the front-rear direction and to be released from the rotating means 24.

[0117] The fixed driving portion 261 is provided so as to be in detachable contact with the fixed operating portion 262 and to transition the state of the fixed operating portion 262. That is, by operation of the fixed driving portion 261, the fixed operating portion 262 can transition from the fixed state to the released state, or from the released state to the fixed state.

[0118] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the fixed actuator 262 may have a link structure. Specifically, the fixed actuator 262 may include a four-bar link 2622, a toggle link 2624, and a pressure plate 2621. The four-bar link 2622 is a diamond-shaped part formed by connecting four links. The four-bar link 2622 may be connected to the rotating frame 241 and a fixed member 2623 that does not move relative to the rotating frame 241. When the upper end of the four-bar link 2622 is pressed downward by the link operating member included in the fixed actuator 261, the distance between the upper and lower ends of the four-bar link 2622 decreases, and the distance between the left and right ends increases. When the upper end of the four-bar link 2622 is pressed downward again by the fixed actuator 261 after the distance between the upper and lower ends of the four-bar link 2622 has narrowed, the distance between the upper and lower ends of the four-bar link 2622 returns to normal, and the distance between the left and right ends decreases. To enable such a recovery operation, the four-bar link 2622 may include an elastic member such as a spring that connects each link, and a locking structure for each link.

[0119] The toggle link 2624 is connected to the left and right ends of the four-bar link 2622 so as to rotate in response to the movement of the four-bar link 2622. The toggle link 2624 is configured to push the pressure plate 2621 connected to the lower end of the toggle link 2624 downward when the distance between the left and right ends of the four-bar link 2622 widens, and perform a toggle movement like a toggle clamp that is fixed in that state. When the distance between the left and right ends of the four-bar link 2622 narrows, the pressure plate 2621 moves upward.

[0120] The pressure plate 2621 is a plate that applies downward pressure to the carriage C, and in a fixed state, it descends to apply pressure to the carriage C, and in a released state, it ascends to separate from the carriage C. The pressure plate 2621 presses the carriage C against the rotation means 24. With the carriage C placed on the inner surface of the rotation means 24, the pressure of the pressure plate 2621 is applied, and the carriage C can be sandwiched and fixed between the pressure plate 2621 and the inner surface of the rotation means 24.

[0121] The link actuation member included in the fixed drive unit 261 can be an air cylinder that can move up and down, but any device that can pressurize the link structure by raising and lowering can be used as the link actuation member.

[0122] Although one embodiment of the present invention describes the four-bar link 2622 as being capable of expanding or contracting along the left-right direction, the four-bar link 2622 may also be arranged to expand or contract along the front-to-back direction.

[0123] Figure 31 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which a carriage C rotates while being fixed by a fixing means 26 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 32 is a view of the state of Figure 31 as seen from the front. Figure 33 is a view illustrating a rotation driver 244 of a carriage processing system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0124] The rotation means 24 may include a pinwheel 245 coupled to the rotating frame 241 for rotating the rotating frame 241. The pinwheel 245 may be formed by a plurality of pins spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the wheel. Although not all pins are shown in FIGS. 27 and 31, the pin and wheel structure can be seen in FIG. 33. The wheel of the pinwheel 245 may be spaced apart from the disc-shaped member of the rotating frame 241 in the front-rear direction and connected to the disc-shaped member by a connecting rib. Therefore, the carriage C can pass through the center of the pinwheel 245. A plurality of pins may be coupled to the wheel rotatably with the front-rear direction as the axial direction. Therefore, the sprocket 2441 prevents excessive force from being applied to the pin, thereby preventing damage and wear of the pin and the sprocket 2441.

[0125] The rotation means 24 may include a rotation drive unit 244. The rotation drive unit 244 rotates the rotation frame 241 relative to the intermediate body 21, with the front-rear direction as the axial direction. The rotation drive unit 244 may be housed inside the protruding body 217.

[0126] The rotation driver 244 may include a sprocket 2441 that meshes with the pinwheel 245 and rotates around the front-to-rear direction as an axial direction so as to rotate the pinwheel 245 as the rotation of the sprocket 2441 occurs. The sprocket 2441 may be disposed outside the pinwheel 245. The rotation driver 244 may include a rotation driver motor 2442 that transmits a driving force for rotation to the sprocket 2441. The rotation driver motor 2442 may be a device that generates a driving force by receiving electric power, such as a motor or an actuator.

[0127] The tooth profile of the sprocket 2441 allows the space between each tooth to be larger than the space occupied by the pin of the pinwheel 245, and can be formed with ample space. Therefore, even if deviation occurs between the sprocket 2441 and the pinwheel 245 due to expansion of the device or the like, the sprocket 2441 and the pinwheel 245 can maintain their meshed state.

[0128] Although all components constituting the embodiments of the present invention have been described as being combined or operating in combination, the present invention is not necessarily limited to such embodiments. That is, all components may be selectively combined and operate in combination with one another within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the terms "comprise," "comprise," "have," and the like used above should be interpreted as meaning that the component in question may be inherent, and as including other components rather than excluding other components. All terms, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains, unless otherwise defined. Commonly used terms, such as dictionary-defined terms, should be interpreted in accordance with the context of the relevant art and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined in the present invention.

[0129] The above description merely exemplifies the technical concept of the present invention, and various modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the present invention, as long as they are not deviated from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the technical concept of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical concepts within the scope equivalent thereto should be interpreted as being within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. an expansion part that is inserted into a groove formed in an annular shape on the outer surface of the installation object and includes an expansion space therein into which air can flow; a sealing part connected to a side of the expansion part facing the outside of the groove, the sealing part being pushed out of the groove as the expansion part expands to pressurize the pressurized object so as to maintain airtightness at the boundary between the installation object and the pressurized object adjacent to the installation object; Including, The expansion space is formed in a narrow shape such that the width of the center of the expansion space is smaller than the width of the outer portion of the groove and the width of the inner portion of the groove in a cross section of the expansion space so that the expansion of the expansion space occurs outside the groove, The packing, wherein the thickness of the sealing portion is smaller than the thickness of the expanding portion, and a step is formed at the boundary between the sealing portion and the expanding portion.

2. 2. The packing of claim 1, wherein the groove outer boundary of the expansion space bulges outward from the groove.

3. 2. The packing of claim 1, wherein the corners of the sealing portion are chamfered.

4. 2. The packing of claim 1, further comprising a nipple connected to said expansion portion to allow fluid to enter and exit said expansion space.

5. 5. The packing according to claim 4, further comprising a packing fixing bolt for fixing the expansion portion.

6. 6. The packing according to claim 5, wherein the nipples and the packing fixing bolts are respectively arranged at a plurality of nipple installation positions spaced apart along the circumferential direction of the expansion portion.

7. 5. The packing according to claim 4, further comprising a nipple fixing portion disposed between the nipple and the expansion portion and extending along the extension direction of the expansion portion to fix the nipple to the expansion portion.

8. 5. The packing according to claim 4, wherein the thickness of the thickest portion of the inner end of the groove of said expansion portion is greater than the thickness of said sealing portion.

9. 9. The packing of claim 8, wherein the inner end of the groove of the expansion section includes a portion that increases in thickness toward the inside of the groove.

10. 10. The packing of claim 9, wherein the inner end of the groove of the expansion portion further includes a portion whose thickness decreases from the thickest portion of the inner end of the groove toward the inside of the groove.

11. 2. The packing according to claim 1, wherein the outer side of the sealing portion of the groove is recessed toward the inner side of the groove to form an uneven surface.

Images