Conveying system

Abstract

To provide a conveying system capable of transferring a conveying part body for supporting a conveyance object from a conveying device to another device, while suppressing complication of a structure.SOLUTION: A conveying system 1 comprises a pallet P as a conveying part body, a first conveying device 10, and a first changing device 20. The pallet P supports a conveyance object. The first conveying device 10 has a first screw shaft 11 for conveying the pallet P in accordance with rotation, and a first fixed guide 12 for supporting the pallet P in a freely conveying manner. The first changing device 20 has a first movable guide 21 connected with the first fixed guide 12. The first changing device 20 releases connection between the first fixed guide 12 and the first movable guide 21. The pallet P has a first nut engaged with the first screw shaft 11. The first changing device 20 releases engagement of the first nut with the first screw shaft 11.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyance system.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] In the conveyance device described in Patent Document 1, a carriage is conveyed by a conveyance shaft mounted such that a coil spring is wound around a shaft. The protrusion of the carriage that engages with the coil spring deflects the coil spring of the second conveyance shaft, so that the carriage can be transferred between the first conveyance shaft and the second conveyance shaft without aligning the thread phases of the first conveyance shaft and the second conveyance shaft.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

PATENT DOCUMENTS

[0003]

PATENT DOCUMENT 1

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0004] In the conveyance device described in Patent Document 1, although it is not necessary to perform phase alignment between the threaded shafts, a threaded shaft with a special structure around which a coil spring is wound is required. As a result, the structure of the conveyance device that conveys the carriage (conveyance section main body) may become complicated.

[0005] The present invention has been made under the circumstances described above, and an object of the present invention is to provide a conveyance system capable of transferring a conveyance section main body that supports an object to be conveyed from one conveyance device to another device while suppressing complication of the structure.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] To achieve the above object, the present invention The first perspective the conveyance system according to a conveyance section main body that supports an object to be conveyed, and A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device comprises a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device disengages the first nut from the first screw shaft. death, The first nut is detachably provided on the main body of the conveying unit. .

[0007] The first conversion device moves the first nut in a direction that brings it closer to or further away from the first screw shaft. By moving the first nut in a direction that separates it from the first screw shaft, the engagement between the first nut and the first screw shaft is released. The first nut may be moved in a direction that brings it closer to the first screw shaft, thereby engaging the first nut with the first screw shaft.

[0008] The first movable guide may be configured to be movable in a direction toward or toward the first fixed guide, and by moving toward the first fixed guide, it may be connected to the first fixed guide so that the transport unit body can transfer from the first fixed guide, and by moving toward the first fixed guide, it may be configured to release the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide.

[0009] The first nut may be a nut formed in a split shape.

[0010] The first nut may be pressed against the first screw shaft by an elastic member.

[0012] A transport system according to a second aspect of the present invention is: A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device comprises a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with respect to the first screw shaft. The first nut is formed of an oil-impregnated material ru .

[0013] A transport system according to a third aspect of the present invention is: A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device comprises a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with respect to the first screw shaft. The first conveyor apparatus includes a holding portion that rotatably holds the first screw shaft, and a support member disposed in sliding contact with the first screw shaft, has do .

[0014] The first movable guide may be provided with a first stopper that engages with the conveyor unit main body.

[0015] a second conveyor apparatus having a second screw shaft that conveys the conveyor unit main body as it rotates, and a second fixed guide that supports the conveyor unit main body in a conveyable manner and is connected to the first movable guide, The conveyor unit main body has a second nut that engages with the second screw shaft, The first switching device may selectively engage the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft. A transport system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is: A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, A first switching device having a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The second conveying device includes a second screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a second fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so as to be transportable and is connected to the first movable guide, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft and a second nut that engages with the second screw shaft, The first conversion device disengages the first nut from the first screw shaft and selectively engages the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft.

[0016] The second nut may be a nut formed in a split shape.

[0017] The first screw shaft may be arranged parallel to the second screw shaft, and at least a portion of the first screw shaft in the axial direction may overlap the second screw shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

[0018] The transport unit body is supported so as to be transportable, and has a second movable guide connected to the first fixed guide and the second fixed guide, and is equipped with a second switching device for releasing the connection between the second movable guide and the first fixed guide and the second fixed guide, The second conversion device may selectively engage the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft.

[0019] The second movable guide may be equipped with a second stopper that engages with the transport unit body.

[0020] The transport unit may have multiple bodies.

[0021] The transport unit may have a fixing device for securing it during transport.

[0022] A transport system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is: A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, A first switching device having a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The transport unit body is equipped with a fixing device for fixing it in place during transport, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with respect to the first screw shaft. The aforementioned fixing device is driven by a screw nut mechanism. ru . [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] In the present invention, it is possible to provide a conveying system that allows the conveying unit body supporting the object to be conveyed to be transferred from a first conveying device to another device, a first conversion device, while suppressing structural complexity. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of the transport system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the first transport device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view (part 1) of the pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 6] This is an exploded perspective view (part 2) of the pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] This is an exploded perspective view (part 3) of the pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of the pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view of the first conversion device and pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 10] This is an exploded cross-sectional view of the pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] This is an exploded perspective view of the first conversion device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a part of the first conversion device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of the first conversion device and pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 14] This is a perspective view of the fixing device and pallet according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the palette according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 16]This is a plan view (part 1) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 17] This is a plan view (part 2) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view (part 1) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 19] This is a plan view (part 3) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 20] This is a perspective view (part 2) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 21] This is a plan view (part 4) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 23] This is a side view (part 1) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1 with the tip-side holding part removed. [Figure 24] This is a side view (part 2) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1 with the tip-side holding part removed. [Figure 25] This is a plan view (part 5) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 26] This is a perspective view of the transport system according to Modification Example 1. [Figure 27] This is a perspective view of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 28] This is a plan view of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 29] This is an exploded perspective view of the pallet according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 30] This is a side view of the pallet according to Embodiment 2, with the tip-side holding part removed. [Figure 31] This is a perspective view of the first conversion device and pallet according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 32]This is a perspective view showing an enlarged portion of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 33A] This is a perspective view of the pallet and second conversion device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 33B] This is a cross-sectional view illustrating the function of the second conversion device according to Embodiment 2, and corresponds to the AA section in Figure 28. [Figure 34] This is a plan view (part 1) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 35] This is a plan view (part 2) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 36] This is a perspective view illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 37] This is a plan view (part 3) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 38] This is a side view illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 39] This is a plan view (part 4) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 40] This is a plan view (part 5) illustrating the operation of the transport system according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 41] This is a plan view of the transport system according to modified example 2. [Figure 42] This is a plan view of the transport system according to modified example 3. [Figure 43] This is a plan view of the transport system according to Modification 4. [Figure 44] This is a perspective view of the transport system according to Modification 5. [Figure 45] This is a plan view of the transport system according to modified example 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiment 1. The transport system 1 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to the figures. For the sake of ease of understanding, XYZ coordinates will be set and referred to as appropriate.

[0026] The conveying system 1 is a device used, for example, as part of a manufacturing line used in a factory, to convey objects (workpieces) such as parts of industrial products. As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the conveying system 1 comprises a pallet P (conveying unit body), a first conveying device 10, a first switching device 20, and a fixing device 60.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4 to 8, the pallet P (conveying unit body) is a member that supports the object to be conveyed (workpiece) by placing the object on it. The pallet P includes an object to be conveyed placement section 51, a slider 52, a first nut 53-1, a second nut 53-2, nut support members 54-1 and 54-2, and elastic members 55-1 and 55-2.

[0028] The object placement section 51 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate with a placement surface 51a parallel to the XY plane formed on the Z side. In addition, groove-shaped fitting portions 51b and 51c are formed at the -X side and +X side ends of the object placement section 51. In this embodiment 1, the fitting portions 51b and 51c are formed by penetrating in the Z-axis direction and being notched.

[0029] The slider 52 is a member that is supported by the first fixed guide 12 of the first conveying device 10 so as to be movable in the Y-axis direction via rolling elements. The slider 52 has a main body made of metal, a front return member fixed to the front end face of the main body on the -Y side with fasteners, and a rear return member fixed to the rear end face of the main body on the +Y side with fasteners. A rolling element circulation path is formed inside the pair of return members for the rolling elements to pass through. The slider 52 is also fixed to the conveyed object placement section 51 by fasteners such as bolts and screws.

[0030] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the first nut 53-1 is a component that engages with the first screw shaft 11 of the first conveying device 10. The first nut 53-1 is formed of a material with good sliding properties, for example. Specifically, the first nut 53-1 is formed of, for example, self-lubricating polyacetal (POM) material. However, it is not limited to this. The first nut 53-1 may be formed of any material with good sliding properties, such as an oil-impregnated material. However, from the viewpoint of smooth rotation of the first screw shaft 11 relative to the first nut 53-1, it is preferable that the first nut 53-1 is formed of, for example, a self-lubricating material. In this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is a nut in which at least a part is formed in a half-split shape (an arc shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the first screw shaft 11). However, it is not limited to this. The first nut 53-1 may be a nut other than one formed in a half-split shape. This first nut 53-1 is supported by a nut support member 54-1 such that its female threaded surface is exposed in the +X direction.

[0031] The nut support member 54-1 is shaped to have a nut fitting portion into which the first nut 53-1 is fitted. The nut support member 54-1 also has a screw hole, and the nut support member 54-1 is fixed to the transport object placement section 51 by fasteners such as bolts or screws.

[0032] The elastic member 55-1 is a component made of an elastic material. The elastic member 55-1 is used to press or bias the first nut 53-1 against the first screw shaft 11 of the first conveying device 10. In this embodiment 1, the elastic member 55-1 is a coil spring. However, it is not limited to this. The elastic member 55-1 may be something other than a coil spring, as long as it can press or bias the first nut 53-1 against the first screw shaft 11 of the first conveying device 10. The elastic member 55-1 is housed in the nut support member 54-1 and covered by the lid portion 56-1, thereby being positioned inside the nut support member 54-1. The lid portion 56-1 is attached to the nut support member 54-1 by fasteners such as bolts or screws. In this embodiment 1, the pallet P has two elastic members 55-1. However, it is not limited to this. The pallet P may have only one elastic member 55-1, or it may have three or more elastic members 55-1.

[0033] In the first nut 53-1 and nut support member 54-1 configured as described above, the first nut 53-1 is sandwiched between a stepped portion and a cover portion 56-1 formed on the -X side of the nut support member 54-1, and is attached so as to be biased in the +X direction by an elastic member 55-1. The nut support member 54-1 is attached to the object to be transported section 51 by a fastener. With these configurations, the first nut 53-1 is detachably provided on the object to be transported section 51 (pallet P).

[0034] As shown in Figure 8, the second nut 53-2 is a component that engages with the second screw shaft 31, which is positioned separately from the first screw shaft 11 of the first conveying device 10. The second nut 53-2 is formed of a material with good sliding properties, for example. Specifically, the second nut 53-2 is formed of polyacetal (POM) material, which is the same material as the material that forms the first nut 53-1. However, it is not limited to this. The second nut 53-2 may be formed of any material with good sliding properties, such as an oil-impregnated material. However, from the viewpoint of smooth rotation of the second screw shaft 31 relative to the second nut 53-2, it is preferable that the second nut 53-2 is formed of a material with self-lubricating properties, for example. Furthermore, the second nut 53-2 is formed in the same shape as the first nut 53-1, and at least a part of it is formed in a half-split shape (an arc shape corresponding to the outer circumference of the second screw shaft 31). However, it is not limited to this. The second nut 53-2 may be a nut other than one formed in a split shape. This second nut 53-2 is supported by the nut support member 54-2 such that its female threaded surface is exposed in the -X direction.

[0035] The nut support member 54-2 is shaped to have a nut fitting portion into which the second nut 53-2 is fitted. The nut support member 54-2 also has a screw hole, and the nut support member 54-2 is fixed to the object to be transported section 51 by fasteners such as bolts or screws.

[0036] The elastic member 55-2 is a component that has an elastic function. The elastic member 55-2 is used to press or bias the second nut 53-2 against the second screw shaft 31. In this embodiment 1, the elastic member 55-2 is a coil spring. However, it is not limited to this. The elastic member 55-2 may be something other than a coil spring, as long as it can press or bias the second nut 53-2 against the second screw shaft 31. The elastic member 55-2 is housed in the nut support member 54-2 and covered by the lid portion 56-2, thereby being positioned inside the nut support member 54-2. The lid portion 56-2 is attached to the nut support member 54-2 by fasteners such as bolts or screws. In this embodiment 1, the pallet P has two elastic members 55-2. However, it is not limited to this. The pallet P may have only one elastic member 55-2, or it may have three or more elastic members 55-2.

[0037] In the second nut 53-2 and nut support member 54-2 configured as described above, the second nut 53-2 is sandwiched between the stepped portion and the cover portion 56-2 formed on the +X side of the nut support member 54-2, and is attached so as to be biased in the -X direction by the elastic member 55-2. The nut support member 54-2 is attached to the object to be transported section 51 by fasteners. With these configurations, the second nut 53-2 is detachably provided on the object to be transported section 51 (pallet P).

[0038] As shown in Figure 4, the first conveying device 10 is a device that conveys pallet P in the -Y direction or the +Y direction. The first conveying device 10 includes a first screw shaft 11, a first fixed guide 12, a motor 13, holding parts 14a and 14b, a support member 15, and a plate-shaped base 16 that supports each of these members.

[0039] The first screw shaft 11 is used to transport the pallet P as it rotates around the Y axis. A helical male screw groove is formed on the outer surface of the first screw shaft 11. The first screw shaft 11 engages with the first nut 53-1 of the pallet P. As a result, as the first screw shaft 11 rotates around the Y axis, it moves the first nut 53-1 in the -Y direction or the +Y direction, thereby transporting the pallet P in the -Y direction or the +Y direction.

[0040] As shown in Figure 8, the first fixed guide 12 is a member that supports the slider 52 via a plurality of rolling elements. This allows the first fixed guide 12 to support the pallet P having the slider 52 in a transportable manner. The first fixed guide 12 is fixed to the base 16 (see Figures 3 and 4). This first fixed guide 12 is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum. The first fixed guide 12 has a bottom plate and a pair of side walls formed upward (+Z direction) from both sides of the bottom plate. Recesses are provided on the inner surfaces of each side wall. For example, steel rod-shaped rails 12R and 12L are attached to these recesses. The surface of rail 12R (-X side) and the surface of rail 12L (+X side) are configured as surfaces on which the rolling elements roll.

[0041] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the motor 13 includes, for example, an output shaft, rotor, stator, encoder, etc. Power is supplied to the motor 13 from a power source via an actuator cable. When power is supplied to the motor 13, the rotor of the motor 13 rotates. This rotational motion of the rotor is output to the output shaft. The tip of the output shaft is connected to the first screw shaft 11 via a coupling.

[0042] The retaining portion 14a is a front bracket fixed near the -Y end of the base 16. Inside the retaining portion 14a, for example, is a bearing. This bearing rotatably supports the -Y end of the first screw shaft 11. In this way, the retaining portion 14a rotatably holds the first screw shaft 11.

[0043] The retaining portion 14b is a rear bracket fixed near the +Y side end of the base 16. A bearing is housed inside the retaining portion 14b. This bearing rotatably supports the +Y side end of the first screw shaft 11. Thus, the retaining portion 14b, together with the retaining portion 14a, rotatably holds the first screw shaft 11.

[0044] The support member 15 is installed in sliding contact with the first screw shaft 11 at locations other than the end of the first screw shaft 11. At least the portion of the support member 15 that slides against the first screw shaft 11 is made of a self-lubricating material to allow the first screw shaft 11 to rotate smoothly. The support member 15 is also formed in a shape that does not interfere with the engagement between the first nut 53-1 (see Figure 7) and the first screw shaft 11. The support member 15 is installed to enable high-speed rotation of the first screw shaft 11 when the first screw shaft 11 is relatively long in the Y-axis direction. In this embodiment 1, the first conveying device 10 has two support members 15. However, the number of support members 15 installed is not limited to this. The number of support members 15 installed in the first conveying device 10 can be appropriately changed according to the length of the first screw shaft 11 in the Y-axis direction. The installation position of the support member 15 can also be appropriately changed according to the length of the first screw shaft 11 in the Y-axis direction.

[0045] The base 16 is supported by multiple frames 17 so that the first conveying device 10 and the pallet P are kept at an appropriate height from the surface on which the conveying system 1 is installed.

[0046] The first switching device 20 is a linear actuator in which a first movable guide 21 is installed on a slider table, as shown in Figure 3. Together with the first movable guide 21, the first switching device 20 transports the pallet P in the -X direction or the +X direction. In addition to the first movable guide 21, the first switching device 20 includes a slider 22, a motor 23, a ball screw (not shown) having a ball screw shaft and a ball screw nut, a housing 24 having rails, and a folding unit 25.

[0047] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first movable guide 21 is a member that supports the slider 52 via a plurality of rolling elements. The first movable guide 21 is formed, for example, by extruding aluminum. The first movable guide 21 has a bottom plate and a pair of side walls formed on both sides of the bottom plate upward (+Z direction). Recesses are provided on the inner surfaces of each side wall. For example, rod-shaped rails 21R and 21L made of steel are attached to the recesses. The surface of rail 21R (-X side surface) and the surface of rail 21L (+X side surface) are configured as surfaces on which the rolling elements roll.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the first movable guide 21 is provided to move toward or toward the first fixed guide 12 by moving together with the slider 22. Specifically, when the first movable guide 21 moves toward the first fixed guide 12 in the +X direction, it connects to the first fixed guide 12 so that the pallet P can be transferred from the first fixed guide 12 to it. Then, when the first movable guide 21 moves toward the first fixed guide 12 in the -X direction, it is configured to release the connection between the first fixed guide 12 and the first movable guide 21. As a result, the first switching device 20 releases the connection between the first fixed guide 12 and the first movable guide 21.

[0049] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11, the first movable guide 21 is equipped with a first stopper 26 that engages with the pallet P.

[0050] The first stopper 26 is composed of, for example, a stopper pin 26a, a bracket 26b that slidably supports the stopper pin 26a in the Z-axis direction, and a spring 26c that biases the stopper pin 26a in the +Z direction. As shown in Figures 12 and 13, the stopper pin 26a of the first stopper 26 is formed such that its +Z side tip fits into a hole 52a formed in the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the slider 52 of the pallet P when the pallet P moves to the first movable guide 21. In this embodiment 1, the first stopper 26 has a stopper pin 26a. However, it is not limited to this. The first stopper 26 may have something other than a stopper pin 26a as long as it engages with the pallet P. For example, the first stopper 26 may have a ball that is biased by a spring.

[0051] The slider 22 is supported on a rail of the housing 24 via rolling elements so as to be movable in the X-axis direction. A ball screw nut is also assembled to the slider 22. As a result, the slider 22 moves in the X-axis direction in conjunction with the rotational motion of the ball screw shaft. The slider 22 has a main body made of metal, a front return member fixed to the front end face of the main body on the -X side with fasteners, etc., and a rear return member fixed to the rear end face of the main body on the +X side with fasteners, etc. A rolling element circulation path is formed inside the pair of return members for the rolling elements to pass through.

[0052] The motor 23 includes, for example, an output shaft, rotor, stator, encoder, etc. Power is supplied to the motor 23 from a power source via an actuator cable. When power is supplied to the motor 23, the rotor of the motor 23 rotates. This rotational motion of the rotor is output to the output shaft. As a result, the output shaft rotates.

[0053] The housing 24 protects the slider 22 and the ball screw by housing them together. The housing 24 has bearings to rotatably support both ends of the ball screw shaft. The housing 24 also has rails that movably support the slider 22.

[0054] The folding unit 25 has a belt (not shown) and a belt housing for housing the belt. The belt transmits the rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 23 to the ball screw shaft of the ball screw. As the output shaft of the motor 23 rotates, the rotational motion of the output shaft is transmitted to the ball screw shaft via the belt. As the ball screw shaft rotates, the ball screw nut moves linearly together with the slider 22. This folding unit 25 is fixed to the housing 24. The motor 23 is also fixed to the folding unit 25.

[0055] In the first conversion device 20 configured as described above, as shown in Figure 9, the first movable guide 21 is connected to the first fixed guide 12 of the first transport device 10, so that the slider 52 can move from the first fixed guide 12.

[0056] Furthermore, the first switching device 20, configured as described above, is formed to move the first nut 53-1 in a direction that moves it closer to or further away from the first screw shaft 11, as shown in Figure 8. Specifically, the first switching device 20 disengages the engagement between the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 by moving the first nut 53-1 in the -X direction, which moves it further away from the first screw shaft 11. Then, the first switching device 20 engages the first nut 53-1 with the first screw shaft 11 by moving the first nut 53-1 in the +X direction, which moves it closer to the first screw shaft 11.

[0057] As shown in Figure 14, the fixing device 60 is used to fix the pallet P during transport. This fixing device 60 is an actuator that moves the fixing pin 61 in the Z-axis direction. The fixing device 60 also has a ball screw for fixing and is driven by a screw nut mechanism. In addition to the fixing pin 61, the fixing device 60 has a guide device 65, a movable body 62, and a fixing device drive actuator 64. The fixing device drive actuator 64 has a motor 63, a ball screw for fixing having a ball screw shaft and a ball screw nut (not shown), and a fixing device housing that houses the ball screw.

[0058] The fixing pin 61 is fixed to the guide device slider 65b of the guide device 65 so that its tip protrudes in the +Z direction. The +Z side tip of the fixing pin 61 is shaped to fit into one of the fitting portions 51b, 51c, which are formed on the object placement portion 51 of the pallet P.

[0059] The movable body 62 is fixed to the tip of the ball screw shaft of the actuator 64 for driving the stationary device, and is also fixed to the guide device slider 65b of the guide device 65.

[0060] The motor 63 rotates the ball screw nut, causing the ball screw shaft to move in the Z-axis direction. As the ball screw shaft moves in the Z-axis direction, the movable body 62 and the fixing pin 61 also move in the Z-axis direction.

[0061] The motor 63 includes, for example, an output shaft, rotor, stator, encoder, etc. Power is supplied to the motor 63 from a power source via an actuator cable. When power is supplied to the motor 63, the rotor of the motor 63 rotates. This rotational motion of the rotor is output to the output shaft. As a result, the output shaft rotates.

[0062] The housing for the fixing device is used to house and protect the various components of the fixing device, such as the ball screw. Furthermore, the housing for the fixing device has bearings inside to rotatably support the ball screw nut.

[0063] The rotational motion of the output shaft of the motor 63 is transmitted to the ball screw nut of the ball screw for the fixing device by a belt (not shown). As the ball screw nut rotates, the ball screw shaft moves in the Z-axis direction.

[0064] The guide device 65 is used to facilitate the movement of the fixing pin 61 in the Z-axis direction. The guide device 65 includes, for example, a guide device slider 65b and a base 65a that supports the guide device slider 65b so as to be movable in the Z-axis direction.

[0065] In this embodiment 1, the fixing device 60 is driven by a screw nut mechanism by having a ball screw for the fixing device. However, it is not limited to this. The fixing device 60 may be driven by something other than a screw nut mechanism. For example, the fixing device 60 may be a solenoid structure that raises the fixing pin 61 when it is de-energized or energized.

[0066] The operation of transporting the pallet P and the object to be transported in the transport system 1 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the diagram.

[0067] First, in the first conveying device 10, power is supplied to the motor body of the motor 13, causing the output shaft of the motor 13 to rotate, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. As the output shaft of the motor 13 rotates, the first screw shaft 11 also rotates. When the first screw shaft 11 rotates, as shown in Figure 15, the first nut 53-1 is engaged with the first screw shaft 11, so the conveyed object placement section 51 moves, for example, in the -Y axis direction. As a result, the pallet P moves linearly in the -Y direction, as shown in Figure 16. At this time, as shown in Figure 15, the slider 52 is supported by the first fixed guide 12 via rolling elements, so the rolling elements roll, allowing the slider 52 to move smoothly on the first fixed guide 12 and move the pallet P smoothly. Furthermore, the first nut 53-1 is pressed against the first screw shaft 11 by the elastic member 55-1, which improves the engagement force of the first nut 53-1 with respect to the first screw shaft 11. As a result, the elastic member 55-1 improves the efficiency of transmitting the rotational motion of the first screw shaft 11 to the first nut 53-1.

[0068] As pallet P moves linearly in the -Y direction, as shown in Figure 17, pallet P eventually moves to a position where it can be fixed by the fixing device 60.

[0069] As shown in Figure 18, power is supplied to the motor body of the motor 63 in the fixing device 60, causing the output shaft of the motor 63 to rotate. As the output shaft of the motor 63 rotates, the ball screw shaft also rotates, causing the fixing pin 61 to rise. The fixing pin 61 then fits into the fitting portion 51b of the object placement portion 51 of the pallet P. In this way, the fixing device 60 fixes the pallet P. With the pallet P fixed by the fixing device 60, the user or a device other than the transport system 1 performs work on the object (workpiece) placed on the pallet P.

[0070] In this embodiment 1, the fixing device 60 is positioned so that it fits into the fitting portion 51b of the object placement portion 51 of the pallet P when the fixing pin 61 rises. However, it is not limited to this. Depending on the usage of the transport system 1, the fixing device 60 may be positioned so that it fits into another fitting portion 51c of the object placement portion 51 of the pallet P when the fixing pin 61 rises.

[0071] When the user finishes their work, the output shaft of the motor 63 rotates in the opposite direction (reverse rotation), causing the fixing pin 61 to descend. As a result, the fixing pin 61 disengages from the fitted portion 51b of the object placement portion 51 of the pallet P, thereby releasing the fixing device 60 from securing the pallet P.

[0072] Again, in the first conveying device 10, as shown in Figure 19, the output shaft of the motor 13 and the first screw shaft 11 rotate. As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the pallet P moves linearly in the -Y direction while the slider 52 moves smoothly on the first fixed guide 12. Eventually, the slider 52 of the pallet P moves from the first fixed guide 12 to the first movable guide 21 of the first switching device 20.

[0073] When the slider 52 of the pallet P moves to the first movable guide 21, as shown in Figures 12, 13, and 22, the stopper pin 26a of the first stopper 26 provided on the first movable guide 21 is fitted into the hole 52a formed on the lower surface of the slider 52. This keeps the pallet P fixed to the first movable guide 21. A stopper retaining member 52b is installed on the -Z side surface of the slider 52, and when the slider 52 moves in the Y-axis direction, the inclined portion of the stopper retaining member 52b on the -Y side or +Y side moves the stopper pin 26a to the -Z side against the spring 26c. When the hole 52a and the stopper pin 26a align, the spring 26c pushes the stopper pin 26a up into the hole 52a and fits it in place.

[0074] Next, as shown in Figures 23 and 24, power is supplied to the motor body of the motor 23 in the first switching device 20, causing the output shaft of the motor 23 to rotate. As the output shaft of the motor 23 rotates, rotational motion is transmitted by the belt, and the ball screw shaft also rotates. When the ball screw shaft rotates, the slider 22 moves in the -X direction. Then, the first switching device 20 releases the engagement of the first nut 53-1 with the first screw shaft 11. The first movable guide 21 then moves in the -X direction together with the pallet P. Note that in Figures 23 and 24, the transport system 1 is shown with the tip-side holding part 14a removed. Also, in Figures 23 and 24, the motor 13 behind the holding part 14b is omitted. As shown in Figure 25, the pallet P moves to near the -X end of the first switching device 20.

[0075] With the above steps, the transport of pallet P in transport system 1 is completed.

[0076] In the operation of transporting the pallet P and the object to be transported in the transport system 1, as shown in Figure 17, the first transport device 10 transports the pallet P in the -Y direction. As shown in Figure 25, the first conversion device 20 transports the pallet P in the -X direction. However, it is not limited to this. The user of the transport system 1 may make the pallet P reciprocate by rotating the first screw shaft 11 of the first transport device 10 and the ball screw shaft of the first conversion device 20 in the forward and reverse directions, or may make the pallet P move in various directions depending on the application of the transport system 1. When the rotation direction of the ball screw shaft of the first conversion device 20 is reversed, the first nut 53-1, which was separated from the first screw shaft 11, can be engaged with the first screw shaft 11. At this time, if an attempt is made to engage the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 while the threads of the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 are not in phase, the threads of the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 will come into contact with each other. However, the first nut 53-1 can move to escape radially from the first screw shaft 11 based on the elasticity of the elastic member 55-1. When the screw shaft is rotated while the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 are in contact, the elastic member 55-1 presses against the first nut 53-1 when the threads of the two screws are in phase, causing the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 to fully engage.

[0077] As described above, in the conveying system 1 according to this embodiment 1, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the first conveying device 10 has a general first screw shaft 11. Therefore, in the conveying system 1, a special screw shaft structure, such as one with a coil spring wrapped around it, can be eliminated. As a result, in the conveying system 1 according to this embodiment 1, the pallet P supporting the object to be conveyed can be transferred from the first conveying device 10 to another device, the first transfer device 20, while suppressing structural complexity.

[0078] Furthermore, in the transport system 1 according to this embodiment 1, the first transport device 10 and the first switching device 20 are combined to form the system. Therefore, the user can arbitrarily select the scale of the transport system 1 by selecting the length of the first screw shaft 11 of the first transport device 10 and the stroke of the first switching device 20. Thus, a highly versatile transport system 1 can be provided that is compatible with the method of use of the transport system 1.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is pressed against the first screw shaft 11 by the elastic member 55-1, as shown in Figures 7 and 8. This eliminates backlash between the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11. Moreover, the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 can smoothly transition from a disengaged state to an engaged state without having to match the phase of the threads of the first nut 53-1 with the phase of the threads of the first screw shaft 11.

[0080] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is detachably attached to the pallet P. Therefore, the user can easily replace the first nut 53-1, improving the efficiency of maintenance work on the pallet P.

[0081] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is made of a self-lubricating material. If an oil-impregnated material is used instead of this self-lubricating material, the user can omit the task of lubricating the pallet P, thereby improving the efficiency of maintenance work on the pallet P.

[0082] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is a nut formed in a split shape. In contrast, if, for example, the first nut 53-1 is a nut that is not formed in a split shape but has an annular shape, even if a support member 15 is installed in the conveying system 1, the support member 15 will interfere with the engagement between the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11, making it difficult to install a support member 15 that does not interfere with the engagement.

[0083] However, in this embodiment 1, the first nut 53-1 is a nut formed in a half-split shape. Therefore, a support member 15 formed in a shape that does not interfere with the engagement between the first nut 53-1 and the first screw shaft 11 can be installed in the conveying system 1. As a result, the support members 15 that slide against the first screw shaft 11 can be installed in the desired locations and quantities, enabling the lengthening of the first screw shaft 11 and allowing the first screw shaft 11 to rotate at high speed.

[0084] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the transport system 1 includes a fixing device 60 for fixing the pallet P during transport, as shown in Figure 14. By fixing the pallet P with the fixing device 60, the accuracy of various operations on the pallet P can be improved. In addition, since the pallet P can be fixed with the fixing device 60, the power to the motor 13 of the first transport device 10 can be turned off when various operations are being performed on the pallet P.

[0085] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, the first movable guide 21 is equipped with a first stopper 26 that engages with the pallet P, as shown in Figure 11. This allows the transport system 1 to prevent the pallet P from falling from the first movable guide 21 when the pallet P is being transported by the first conversion device 20.

[0086] In the above embodiment 1, the transport system 1 is equipped with one pallet P, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in modified example 1 in Figure 26, the transport system 1A may be equipped with three pallets P. Furthermore, the transport system 1A may be equipped with two or four or more pallets P, depending on its intended use. The number of pallets P can be appropriately changed depending on the intended use of the transport system 1A.

[0087] In the above embodiment 1, the transport system 1 is equipped with one fixing device 60, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in modified example 1 in Figure 26, the transport system 1A may be equipped with two fixing devices 60. Furthermore, the transport system 1A may be equipped with three or more fixing devices 60 depending on its intended use. The number of fixing devices 60 can be appropriately changed depending on the intended use of the transport system 1A.

[0088] In the above embodiment 1, the first conveying device 10 in the conveying system 1 has a plurality of frames 17 that support the base 16, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in modified example 1 in Figure 26, the first conveying device 10 may omit the frames 17 depending on the usage of the conveying system 1A. Alternatively, the frames 17 may be integrally assembled and formed with the base 16.

[0089] Embodiment 2. In the above embodiment 1, the transport system 1 includes one first transport device 10 and one first switching device 20, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. However, it is not limited to this. The transport system 1 may include two or more first transport devices 10 and first switching devices 20. Hereinafter, the transport system 2, which has a different number of transport devices and switching devices, will be mainly described in terms of the differences from embodiment 1 with reference to the figures. Except for the differences described, it will be the same or equivalent to embodiment 1. For the sake of ease of understanding, XYZ coordinates will be set and referred to as appropriate.

[0090] As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the transport system 2 comprises six pallets P (transport unit bodies), a first transport device 10, a first switching device 20, a second transport device 30, a second switching device 40, and a fixing device 60.

[0091] The first conveying device 10, the first switching device 20, and the fixing device 60 are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0092] The second conveying device 30 has the same structure as the first conveying device 10. Similar to the first conveying device 10, the second conveying device 30 includes a second screw shaft 31, a second fixed guide 32, a motor 33, holding parts 34a and 34b, a support member 35, and a plate-shaped base 36 that supports each of these members.

[0093] The second screw shaft 31 is equivalent to the first screw shaft 11 and, as shown in Figure 29, is used to transport the pallet P as it rotates around the Y axis. A helical male screw groove is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the second screw shaft 31. The second screw shaft 31 engages with the second nut 53-2 of the pallet P. As a result, the second screw shaft 31 moves the second nut 53-2 in the -Y direction or the +Y direction as it rotates around the Y axis, thereby transporting the pallet P in the -Y direction or the +Y direction. As shown in Figures 27 and 28, the second screw shaft 31 is arranged parallel to the first screw shaft 11 and is positioned to overlap the first screw shaft 11 in the X direction which is perpendicular to the Y direction.

[0094] The second fixed guide 32 is equivalent to the first fixed guide 12 and, as shown in Figures 30 and 31, is a member that supports the slider 52 via a plurality of rolling elements. As a result, the second fixed guide 32 supports the pallet P having the slider 52 in a transportable manner and is also provided to be connectable to the first movable guide 21. Note that in Figure 30, the transport system 2 is shown with the front-end holding parts 14a and 34a removed. Also, in Figure 30, the motors 13 and 33 behind the holding parts 14b and 34b are omitted from the diagram.

[0095] The motor 33, holding parts 34a and 34b, support member 35, and base 36 are equivalent to those of the first conveying device 10, as shown in Figures 27 and 28.

[0096] The second switching device 40 is equivalent to the first switching device 20 and is a linear actuator with a second movable guide 41 installed on a slider table, as shown in Figures 32 and 33A. The second switching device 40, together with the second movable guide 41, transports the pallet P in the -X direction or the +X direction. In addition to the second movable guide 41, the second switching device 40 includes a slider 42, a motor 43, a ball screw having a ball screw shaft and a ball screw nut, a housing 44 having a rail, and a folding unit 45.

[0097] The second movable guide 41 is a component that supports the slider 52 via a plurality of rolling elements.

[0098] As shown in Figure 33A, the second movable guide 41 is provided to move in a direction toward or toward the second fixed guide 32 by moving together with the slider 42. Specifically, when the second movable guide 41 moves toward the second fixed guide 32 in the -X direction, it connects with the second fixed guide 32 so that the pallet P can be transferred from the second fixed guide 32 to it. Then, when the second movable guide 41 moves toward the second fixed guide 32 in the +X direction, it is formed to release the connection between the second fixed guide 32 and the second movable guide 41. As a result, the second switching device 40 releases the connection between the second fixed guide 32 and the second movable guide 41.

[0099] Furthermore, the second movable guide 41 is provided to move in a direction toward or toward the first fixed guide 12 by moving together with the slider 42. For this reason, the second switching device 40 is configured to be able to release the connection between the second fixed guide 32 and the first fixed guide 12.

[0100] Furthermore, the second movable guide 41 is equipped with a second stopper 46 that engages with the pallet P.

[0101] The second stopper 46 is composed of, for example, a stopper pin 46a, a bracket 46b that slidably supports the stopper pin 46a in the Z-axis direction, and a spring 46c that biases the stopper pin 46a in the +Z direction. The stopper pin 46a of the second stopper 46 is formed such that its +Z-side tip fits into a hole 52a formed in the lower surface (-Z side surface) of the slider 52 of the pallet P when the pallet P moves to the second movable guide 41. In this embodiment 2, the second stopper 46 has a stopper pin 46a. However, it is not limited to this. The second stopper 46 may have something other than a stopper pin 46a, as long as it engages with the pallet P. For example, the second stopper 46 may have a ball that is biased by a spring.

[0102] The slider 42, motor 43, ball screw, housing 44, and folding unit 45 are equivalent to those of the first switching device 20.

[0103] As described above, the second switching device 40 can engage the first nut 53-1 of the pallet P with the first screw shaft 11, or engage the second nut 53-2 with the second screw shaft 31, as shown in Figure 33B. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the second switching device 40 can selectively engage the first nut 53-1 and the second nut 53-2 with the first screw shaft 11 and the second screw shaft 31. Note that in Figure 33B, the motors 13 and 33 behind the holding parts 14b and 34b are omitted from the illustration.

[0104] Similarly, as shown in Figure 30, the first switching device 20 can engage the first nut 53-1 with the first screw shaft 11 or engage the second nut 53-2 with the second screw shaft 31. Therefore, in this second embodiment, the first switching device 20 can selectively engage the first nut 53-1 and the second nut 53-2 with the first screw shaft 11 and the second screw shaft 31.

[0105] The operation of transporting the pallet P and the object to be transported in the transport system 2 configured as described above will be explained with reference to the diagram. Note that this explanation assumes the transport system 2 has only one pallet P.

[0106] First, as shown in Figure 34, the first conveying device 10 conveys the pallet P in the -Y direction by allowing the pallet P to move smoothly along the first fixed guide 12. At this time, the pallet P is fixed by a fixing device 60 installed near the first fixed guide 12, allowing a user or a device other than the conveying system 2 to perform work on the object to be conveyed (workpiece) placed on the pallet P. Once the work is completed, the first conveying device 10 conveys the pallet P again in the -Y direction.

[0107] As the pallet P is transported in the -Y direction by the first transport device 10, as shown in Figure 35, the slider 52 of the pallet P eventually moves from the first fixed guide 12 onto the first movable guide 21 of the first conversion device 20.

[0108] When the slider 52 of the pallet P moves to the first movable guide 21, the stopper pin 26a of the first stopper 26 provided on the first movable guide 21 is fitted into the hole 52a formed on the lower surface of the slider 52. As a result, the pallet P is maintained in a fixed state relative to the first movable guide 21.

[0109] Next, as shown in Figures 30 and 36, the first conversion device 20 releases the engagement of the first nut 53-1 with the first screw shaft 11 and, together with the first movable guide 21, transports the pallet P in the -X direction.

[0110] Eventually, as shown in Figure 37, the pallet P moves to the vicinity of the -X end of the first switching device 20. When the pallet P moves to the vicinity of the -X end of the first switching device 20, as shown in Figure 38, the second nut 53-2 of the pallet P engages with the second screw shaft 31 of the second conveying device 30.

[0111] Next, the second screw shaft 31 of the second conveying device 30 rotates. As the second nut 53-2 is engaged with the second screw shaft 31, the pallet P moves, for example, from the first movable guide 21 to the second fixed guide 32 of the second conveying device 30, as shown in Figure 39. The pallet P then moves smoothly along the second fixed guide 32 and is conveyed in the +Y direction.

[0112] As the pallet P is transported in the +Y direction by the second transport device 30, the slider 52 of the pallet P moves from the second fixed guide 32 onto the second movable guide 41 of the second switching device 40, as shown in Figure 33A.

[0113] When the slider 52 of the pallet P moves to the second movable guide 41, as shown in Figure 40, the stopper pin 46a of the second stopper 46 provided on the second movable guide 41 is fitted into the hole 52a formed on the lower surface of the slider 52. This keeps the pallet P fixed to the second movable guide 41. A stopper retaining member 52b is installed on the -Z side surface of the slider 52, and when the slider 52 moves in the Y-axis direction, the inclined portion of the stopper retaining member 52b on the -Y side or +Y side moves the stopper pin 46a to the -Z side against the spring 46c. When the hole 52a and the stopper pin 46a align, the spring 46c pushes the stopper pin 46a up into the hole 52a and fits it in place.

[0114] Next, as shown in Figure 40, the second conversion device 40, together with the second movable guide 41, transports the pallet P in the +X direction.

[0115] Pallet P moves to the vicinity of the +X end of the second switching device 40, and also to a position where it can be transferred onto the first fixed guide 12 of the first switching device 20.

[0116] With the above steps, the transport of pallet P in transport system 2 is completed.

[0117] Furthermore, the user of the transport system 2 may cause the pallet P to reciprocate by rotating the first and second screw shafts 11 and 31 of the first and second transport devices 10 and 30, and the ball screw shafts of the first and second switching devices 20 and 40 in the forward and reverse directions, or they may cause the pallet P to move in various directions depending on the application of the transport system 2.

[0118] As described above, in the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2, similar to embodiment 1, it is possible to transfer the pallet P supporting the transported object from the first and second transport devices 10 and 30 to another device, the first and second switching devices 20 and 40, or from the first and second switching devices 20 and 40 to another device, the second and first transport devices 30 and 10, while suppressing structural complexity. Furthermore, the transport system 2 can achieve the same effects as embodiment 1.

[0119] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above.

[0120] For example, the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2 includes two transport devices (first transport device 10, second transport device 30) and two switching devices (first switching device 20, second switching device 40), as shown in Figure 28. However, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in modified example 2 in Figure 41, the transport system 2A may include two transport devices (first transport device 10, second transport device 30) and one switching device (first switching device 20).

[0121] Furthermore, in the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2, as shown in Figure 28, the first screw shaft 11 of the first transport device 10 and the second screw shaft 31 of the second transport device 30 are arranged to overlap in the X-axis direction, which is perpendicular to the Y-axis direction. However, this is not the only arrangement. For example, as in the transport system 2B according to modified example 3 shown in Figure 42, at least a portion of the first screw shaft 11 in the Y-axis direction may be arranged to overlap with the second screw shaft 31 in the X-axis direction.

[0122] Furthermore, the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2 comprises two transport devices (first transport device 10, second transport device 30) and two switching devices (first switching device 20, second switching device 40), as shown in Figure 28. However, it is not limited to this. The transport system 2 can be used by appropriately combining the transport devices and switching devices depending on its application. For example, as shown in the modified example 4 of the transport system 2C in Figure 43, it may be equipped with three or more transport devices (first transport device 10, second transport device 30, transport devices 71-74) and three or more switching devices (first switching device 20, second switching device 40, switching devices 81-84). In the transport system 2C, it becomes possible to increase the length of the transport path for pallets P without securing a large area for installing the transport system 2C.

[0123] Furthermore, the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2 is installed on a mounting surface parallel to the XY plane, as shown in Figure 27. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in modified example 5 in Figure 44, the transport system 2D may be installed on a mounting surface parallel to the YZ plane. In this case, in the transport system 2D, two transport devices (first transport device 10, second transport device 30) are installed to transport the pallet P in the Y-axis direction, and two switching devices (first switching device 20, second switching device 40) are installed to transport the pallet P in the Z-axis direction. In addition, in this case, for example, an L-shaped bracket may be installed on the pallet P to support the transported object being transported by the pallet P.

[0124] Furthermore, in this embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 16, the transport system 1 is installed on the mounting surface such that the transport direction of the pallet P of the first transport device 10 (Y-axis direction) and the transport direction of the pallet P of the first conversion device 20 (X-axis direction) are perpendicular to each other. However, it is not limited to this. As shown in modified example 6 in Figure 45, the transport system 1B may be installed on the mounting surface such that the transport direction of the pallet P of the first transport device 10 is not perpendicular to the transport direction of the pallet P of the first conversion device 20. The same applies to the transport system 2 according to this embodiment 2. The transport systems 1 and 2 can be used by appropriately combining the transport device and the conversion device depending on their application.

[0125] The present invention can be implemented in various forms and modified without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the invention. The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0126] 1, 1A, 1B, 2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D: Conveyor System 10: First conveying device 11: First screw shaft 12: First Fixed Guide 12R, 12L: Rail 13: Motor 14a, 14b: Holding part 15: Support component 16: Bass 17: Stand 20: First conversion device 21: First movable guide 21R, 21L: Rail 22: Slider 23: Motor 24: Housing 25: Turnaround Unit 26: First Stopper 26a: Stopper pin 26b: Bracket 26c: Spring 30: Second conveying device 31: Second screw shaft 32: Second Fixed Guide 33: Motor 34a, 34b: Holding part 35: Support component 36: Bass 40: Second conversion device 41: Second movable guide 42: Slider 43: Motor 44: Housing 45: Turnaround Unit 46: Second Stopper 46a: Stopper pin 46b: Bracket 46c: Spring 51: Unit for placing transported objects 51a: Mounting surface 51b, 51c: Mated part 52: Slider 52a: Hole 52b: Stopper retaining member 53-1: First nut 53-2: Second nut 54-1, 54-2: Nut support member 55-1, 55-2: Elastic members 56-1,56-2: Lid part 60:Fixing device 61: Fixing pin 62: Mobile 63: Motor 64: Actuator for driving fixed devices 65: Guide device 65a: Bass 65b: Slider for guide device 71, 72, 73, 74: Conveyor equipment 81, 82, 83, 84: Conversion device P: Pallet (conveyor unit body)

Claims

1. A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device includes a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide. The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with the first screw shaft, The first nut is detachably provided on the main body of the conveying unit in a conveying system.

2. The first conversion device moves the first nut in a direction that brings it closer to or further away from the first screw shaft. By moving the first nut in a direction that separates it from the first screw shaft, the engagement between the first nut and the first screw shaft is released. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first nut is moved in a direction that brings it closer to the first screw shaft, thereby engaging the first nut with the first screw shaft.

3. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first movable guide is provided so as to be movable in a direction toward or toward the first fixed guide, and is configured to be connected to the first fixed guide so that the conveying unit body can transfer from the first fixed guide when moved toward the first fixed guide, and to be disconnected from the first fixed guide when moved toward the first fixed guide.

4. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first nut is a nut formed in a split shape.

5. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first nut is pressed against the first screw shaft by an elastic member.

6. A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device includes a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide. The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with the first screw shaft, The first nut is formed of an oil-impregnated material in the conveying system.

7. A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, The device includes a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide. The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with the first screw shaft, The first transport device is A holding part that rotatably holds the first screw shaft, A support member is installed while slidingly contacting the first screw shaft, A transport system having

8. The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first movable guide is provided with a first stopper that engages with the conveying unit body.

9. The second conveying device includes a second screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a second fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be conveyed and is connected to the first movable guide. The transport unit body has a second nut that engages with the second screw shaft, The conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first conversion device selectively engages the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft.

10. A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, A first switching device having a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The second conveying device includes a second screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a second fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so as to be transportable and is connected to the first movable guide, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft and a second nut that engages with the second screw shaft, The first conversion device is a conveying system that disengages the first nut from the first screw shaft and selectively engages the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft.

11. The conveying system according to claim 10, wherein the second nut is a nut formed in a split shape.

12. The conveying system according to claim 10, wherein the first screw shaft is arranged parallel to the second screw shaft, and at least a portion of the first screw shaft in the axial direction is arranged to overlap the second screw shaft in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

13. The transport unit body is supported so as to be transportable, and has a second movable guide connected to the first fixed guide and the second fixed guide, and is equipped with a second switching device for releasing the connection between the second movable guide and the first fixed guide and the second fixed guide, The conveying system according to claim 12, wherein the second conversion device selectively engages the first nut and the second nut with the first screw shaft and the second screw shaft.

14. The conveying system according to claim 13, wherein the second movable guide is provided with a second stopper that engages with the conveying unit body.

15. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a plurality of transport unit bodies.

16. The transport system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, further comprising a fixing device for fixing the transport unit body during transport.

17. A transport unit body that supports the object to be transported, A first conveying device having a first screw shaft that conveys the conveying unit body as it rotates, and a first fixed guide that supports the conveying unit body so that it can be freely conveyed, A first switching device having a first movable guide connected to the first fixed guide, and a first switching device for releasing the connection between the first fixed guide and the first movable guide, The transport unit body is equipped with a fixing device for fixing it in place during transport, The transport unit body has a first nut that engages with the first screw shaft, The first conversion device releases the engagement of the first nut with the first screw shaft, The aforementioned fixing device is a conveying system driven by a screw nut mechanism.

Images