Method for assembling track segment, jig, track segment, and track

Abstract

A method for assembling track segments in which a first jig having a first positioning rack gear is installed at one end part of a base in a traveling direction of a truck; a rack gear is engaged with the first positioning rack gear, and fixed to the base so as to extend in a traveling direction A; a second jig having a second positioning rack gear is installed at the other end part of the base in the traveling direction so that the second positioning rack gear engages with the rack gear; and rails are arranged between the first jig and the second jig so as to extend in the traveling direction A, and are fixed to the base.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a National Stage application of International Application No. PCT / JP2023 / 020848 filed Jun. 5, 2023.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a method of assembling a track segment, a jig, a track segment, and a track.Discussion of the Related Art

[0003] There is known a track for a traveling device, and the track includes a rack gear and a rail.

[0004] In some cases, the track may be formed by laying a plurality of track segments each including a rack gear and a rail so as to be alongside each other. In these cases, a predetermined gap may be provided between rack gears of two adjacent track segments in order to secure a pitch for the rack gear. It has been required to accurately lay the rack gears of two track segments with such a gap being provided.SUMMARY

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a method of assembling a track segment including a base, a rail, and a rack gear and forming a track on which a carriage travels, the method including: placing a first jig at an end portion, at one direction of a traveling direction of the carriage, of the base, the first jig including a first positioning rack gear; engaging the rack gear with the first positioning rack gear and fixing the rack gear to the base so as to extend in the traveling direction; placing a second jig at an end portion, at the other direction of the traveling direction, of the base so as to engage the second positioning rack gear with the rack gear, the second jig including a second positioning rack gear; and arranging the rail between the first jig and the second jig so as to extend in the traveling direction and fixing the rail to the base.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a jig to be placed at a base in order to assemble a track segment including the base, a rail, and a rack gear and forming a track on which a carriage travels. The jig includes a positioning rack gear arranged at an end portion of the base in a traveling direction of a carriage, so as to extend in the traveling direction. The positioning rack gear engages with the rack gear fixed to the base to position the rack gear at a predetermined position relative to the base.

[0007] Yet the other aspect of the present disclosure provides a track segment forming a track on which a carriage travels, the track segment including: a base; a rail laid on the base so as to extend in a traveling direction of the carriage, and on which the carriage travels; and a rack gear laid on the base so as to extend in the traveling direction, and engaging with a drive part provided at the carriage in order to generate power for causing the carriage to travel on the rail. An end face of the rail in one direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the one direction of the traveling direction from an end face of the rack gear in the one direction of the traveling direction, and an end face of the rail in the other direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the other direction of the traveling direction from an end face of the rack gear in the other direction of the traveling direction.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a traveling device according to one embodiment.

[0009] FIG. 2 is a top view of the track illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0011] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view in which one end portion of the base of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 3 is enlarged.

[0012] FIG. 5 is an enlarged top view of an end portion of the base at the other side of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 3.

[0013] FIG. 6 is an enlarged perspective view in which one end portion of the base of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 3 is enlarged.

[0014] FIG. 7 is an enlarged top view of an end portion of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0015] FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view in which an end portion of the track segment at the other side illustrated in FIG. 3 is enlarged.

[0016] FIG. 9 is an enlarged top view of an end portion of the track segment illustrated in FIG. 8 as viewed from above.

[0017] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing one example of a method of assembling a track segment.

[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a first jig used to assemble a track segment.

[0019] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a state where the first jig illustrated in FIG. 11 is placed at the base.

[0020] FIG. 13 is a top view of the first jig and the base illustrated in FIG. 12 as viewed from above.

[0021] FIG. 14 is a top view of a state where a rack gear is fixed to the base illustrated in FIG. 13.

[0022] FIG. 15 is an enlarged view in which an end face of the rack gear illustrated in FIG. 14 and its surroundings are enlarged.

[0023] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of a second jig used to assemble a track segment.

[0024] FIG. 17 is a perspective view of a state where the second jig illustrated in FIG. 16 is placed at the base.

[0025] FIG. 18 is a top view of the second jig and the base illustrated in FIG. 17 as viewed from above.

[0026] FIG. 19 is an enlarged view in which an end face of the rack gear illustrated in FIG. 18 and its surroundings are enlarged.

[0027] FIG. 20 is a top view of a state where a rail is fixed to the base illustrated in FIG. 14.

[0028] FIG. 21 is an enlarged view in which an end face of the rack gear illustrated in FIG. 20 and its surroundings are enlarged.

[0029] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a state where a rail is fixed to the base illustrated in FIG. 17.

[0030] FIG. 23 is a top view of a state where a rail is fixed to the base illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0031] FIG. 24 is an enlarged view in which an end face of the rack gear illustrated in FIG. 23 and its surroundings are enlarged.

[0032] FIG. 25 is an enlarged view in which a connection portion between two track segments illustrated in FIG. 2 is enlarged.

[0033] FIG. 26 is an enlarged view in which a connection portion between rack gears of two adjacent track segments is enlarged.DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0034] Below, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Note that in various embodiments described below, the same reference characters are attached to similar elements, and explanation thereof will not be repeated. First, a traveling device 10 according to one embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1. The traveling device 10 transports, in a traveling direction A, an industrial machine such as a robot that carries out a predetermined work on a workpiece, for example. Note that in the following description, the direction indicated by an arrow A1 in the drawings represents one direction (hereinafter, referred to as a “direction A1”) of a traveling direction, and the direction indicated by an arrow A2 in the drawings represents the other direction (hereinafter, referred to as a “direction A2”) of the traveling direction.

[0035] The traveling device 10 includes a track 12, a carriage 14, and a drive part 16. The carriage 14 travels on the track 12 in the traveling direction A. For example, an industrial machine is placed at the carriage 14. The drive part 16 includes, for example, a servo motor, and is provided on the carriage 14. The drive part 16 generates power that causes the carriage 14 to travel. More specifically, the drive part 16 includes a pinion gear 16a, and rotationally drives the pinion gear 16a in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction.

[0036] The track 12 is laid on the ground. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the track 12 includes a plurality of track segments 20 arranged to align in the traveling direction A. Note that although FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which two track segments 20 form the track 12, any number of track segments 20 may be provided in the traveling direction A.

[0037] Below, the configuration of each of the track segments 20 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 9. The track segment 20 includes a base 22, a pair of rails 24 and 25, and a rack gear 26. The base 22 is provided on the ground in a fixed manner. Specifically, the base 22 includes a plurality of crosstie parts 28, a pair of supporting beams 30 and 32, and a pair of pressing parts 34 and 36, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 to 5.

[0038] The plurality of crosstie parts 28 are disposed so as to be arranged at substantially equal intervals in the traveling direction A. Each of the crosstie parts 28 is a flat plate member having substantially a rectangular shape, and is fixed to the ground using a fixture 38 such as a bolt. The supporting beams 30 and 32 straightly extend in the traveling direction A so as to be parallel to each other. The supporting beams 30 and 32 are laid on the crosstie part 28 by a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt, or welding.

[0039] As illustrated in FIG. 4, the pressing part 34 is provided integrally with a supporting beam 30 so as to protrude upward from a top face 30a of the supporting beam 30, and straightly extends in the traveling direction A. More specifically, the pressing part 34 extends in the direction A2 from an end face 30b of the supporting beam 30 in the direction A1, and terminates at an end face 30c of the supporting beam 30 in the direction A2, as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0040] In the present embodiment, the pressing part 34 includes pressing surfaces 34a and 34b, and a recessed surface 34c. The pressing surfaces 34a and 34b each have a flat surface straightly extending in the traveling direction A, and are perpendicular to the top face 30a of the supporting beam 30. The pressing surface 34a extends from the end face 30b of the supporting beam 30 up to an end edge 34d. The end edge 34d is arranged at a position separate from the end face 30c of the supporting beam 30 in the direction A1. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the recessed surface 34c is connection to the end edge 34d of the pressing surface 34a. The recessed surface 34c is provided at the pressing part 34 so as to be recessed from the pressing surface 34a toward a direction B1 perpendicular to the traveling direction A.

[0041] As illustrated in FIG. 4, a pressing part 36 is provided integrally with a supporting beam 32 so as to protrude upward from a top face 32a of the supporting beam 32. More specifically, the pressing part 36 extends in the direction A2 from an end face 32b of the supporting beam 32 in the direction A1, and terminates at an end face 36b, as illustrated in FIG. 5. This end face 36b is arranged at a position separate from an end face 32c of the supporting beam 32 in the direction A1. The pressing part 36 includes a pressing surface 36a. The pressing surface 36a perpendicularly intersects the top face 32a of the supporting beam 32 and straightly extends in the traveling direction A.

[0042] As illustrated in FIGS. 3, and 6 to 9, the pair of rails 24 and 25 and the rack gear 26 are laid on the base 22. Specifically, the rail 24 is fixed to the top face 30a of the supporting beam 30 by a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt in a state of being pressed against the pressing surface 34a of the pressing part 34. With this configuration, the rail 24 is positioned so as to straightly extend in the traveling direction A. On the other hand, the rail 25 is fixed to the top face 32a of the supporting beam 32 by a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt in a state of being pressed against the pressing surface 36a of the pressing part 36. With this configuration, the rail 25 is positioned so as to straightly extend in the traveling direction A.

[0043] The rack gear 26 is fixed to the top face 30a of the supporting beam 30 by a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt in a state of being pressed against the pressing surface 34b of the pressing part 34. With this configuration, the rack gear 26 is positioned so as to straightly extend in the traveling direction A. The rack gear 26 includes a plurality of tooth parts 26a opposite the pressing part 34. These tooth parts 26a are arranged in the traveling direction A so as to have a predetermined pitch p1. A pinion gear 16a (FIG. 1) of the above-described drive part 16 meshes with the tooth part 26a. The drive part 16 rotationally drives the pinion gear 16a in order to generate power for causing the carriage 14 to travel on the rails 24 and 25 in the traveling direction A.

[0044] In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, an end face 24a of the rail 24 in the direction A1, an end face 25a of the rail 25 in the direction A1, and an end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 are arranged to protrude toward the direction A1 further than the end faces 30b and 32b of the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22. On the other hand, as illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, an end face 24b of the rail 24 in the direction A2, an end face 25b of the rail 25 in the direction A2, and an end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 are arranged to be recessed toward the direction A1 further than the end faces 30c and 32c of the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22.

[0045] In addition, due to the recessed surface 34c of the pressing part 34, a gap 40 is formed between the pressing part 34 and an end portion of the rail 24 in the direction A2, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Thus, the pressing part 34 does not contact the end portion of the rail 24 in the direction A2. On the other hand, the end face 36b of the pressing part 36 in the direction A2 is arranged at a position separate from the end face 25b of the rail 25 in the direction A1. Thus, the pressing part 36 does not contact the end portion of the rail 25 in the direction A2.

[0046] Next, a method of assembling the track segment 20 will be described with reference to FIG. 10. Before the assembling method illustrated in FIG. 10 is performed, the base 22, the rails 24 and 25, and the rack gear 26 are manufactured in advance. In step S1, a manufacturer places a jig 50 (first jig) at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A1 that has been prepared in advance. Below, the jig 50 will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0047] The jig 50 includes a main body part 52, arms 54 and 56, and a positioning rack gear 58. The main body part 52 is a flat plate member having substantially a rectangular external shape, and includes an anchoring part 53 for fixing to the base 22. In the present embodiment, the anchoring part 53 is a through hole capable of receiving a fixture (not illustrated) such as a positioning pin or a bolt, and a plurality of anchoring parts are provided in the main body part 52. In the present embodiment, the anchoring part 53 is an elongated hole. On the other hand, an anchoring part 31 is formed in the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22 so as to correspond to the anchoring part 53. The anchoring part 31 is a hole capable of receiving a fixture.

[0048] The arm 54 is formed integrally with the main body part 52 so as to extend in one direction from the main body part 52. The arm 54 has an abutting surface 54a (first abutting surface). The abutting surface 54a extends in one direction from a side surface 52c at one side of the main body part 52, and extends between the main body part 52 and the positioning rack gear 58. In addition, the arm 56 is formed integrally with the main body part 52 so as to extend from the main body part 52 in the other direction. The arm 56 has an abutting surface 56a (first abutting surface). The abutting surface 56a extends in the other direction from a side surface 52d at the other side of the main body part 52.

[0049] The positioning rack gear 58 (first positioning rack gear) is provided at the abutting surface 54a in a fixed manner so as to extend from the abutting surface 54a. The positioning rack gear 58 extends so as to be opposed to the side surface 52c of the main body part 52, and includes a plurality of tooth parts 58a at a side that faces the side surface 52c. These tooth parts 58a are arranged to have a predetermined pitch p2. This pitch p2 is set so as to be the same value (p2=p1) as the pitch p1 of the tooth part 26a of the rack gear 26.

[0050] In this step S1, a manufacturer inserts a plurality of fixtures (positioning pins, bolts, and the like) into the anchoring part 53 formed in the main body part 52 and the anchoring part 31 formed in the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22, and fixes the main body part 52 to the supporting beams 30 and 32 using the fixture. With this process, the jig 50 is placed at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A1 as illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13.

[0051] In a state where the jig 50 is placed at the base 22, a bottom face 52b of the main body part 52 is in contact with the top faces 30a and 32a of the supporting beams 30 and 32. In addition, the positioning rack gear 58 of the jig 50 is arranged at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A1 separate from the main body part 52 in the direction B1 perpendicular to the traveling direction A, and extend in parallel to the traveling direction A.

[0052] In addition, the abutting surface 54a is arranged to extend in the direction B1 from the side surface 52c of the main body part 52, while the abutting surface 56a is arranged to extend from the side surface 52d of the main body part 52 in a direction B2 opposite the direction B1. With this process, the abutting surfaces 54a and 56a are arranged to be perpendicular (or faces the direction A2) to the traveling direction A. In addition, the anchoring part 53 as an elongated hole is arranged such that the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the directions B1 and B2. This anchoring part 53 allows the jig 50 to be displaceable in the directions B1 and B2.

[0053] In step S2, the manufacturer fixes the rack gear 26 that has been prepared in advance, to the base 22. Specifically, the manufacturer causes the tooth part 26a of the rack gear 26 to mesh with the tooth part 58a provided at the positioning rack gear 58 of the jig 50 placed at the base 22 in step S1. Then, the manufacturer brings the rack gear 26 into contact with the top face 30a of the supporting beam 30 while pressing the rack gear 26 against the pressing surface 34b of the pressing part 34.

[0054] Here, the anchoring part 53 as the elongated hole allows the jig 50 to be displaceable in the directions B1 and B2 relative to the base 22. Thus, by making fine adjustment of the position of the jig 50 in the direction B1 or B2, it is possible to cause the rack gear 26 to mesh with the positioning rack gear 58 and also be pressed against the pressing surface 34b. Thus, the rack gear 26 is arranged to extend in parallel to the traveling direction A. Then, the manufacturer fixes the rack gear 26 and the base 22 using a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt.

[0055] FIG. 14 illustrates a state where the rack gear 26 is fixed to the base 22. By fixing the rack gear 26 to the base 22 in a state where the rack gear 26 and the positioning rack gear 58 engage with each other, it is possible to position the rack gear 26 in a predetermined position Pr relative to the base 22. At this time, as illustrated in FIG. 15, a gap 60 is formed between the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 and the abutting surface 54a of the jig 50.

[0056] Here, in the present embodiment, a distance p between the abutting surface 54a and a groove 58g provided at an end of the positioning rack gear 58 in the direction A1 is set to ½ of the pitch p1 and p2 (i.e., ρ=p2 / 2=p1 / 2). The abutting surface 54a and the positioning rack gear 58 are machined in a highly accurate manner such that this distance p has a tolerance of −0.05 to −0.1, for example.

[0057] In step S3, the manufacturer places a jig 70 (second jig) at an end portion of the base 22 in the direction A2. The jig 70 will be described below with reference to FIG. 16. The jig 70 includes a first jig member 72, and a second jig member 74. The first jig member 72 is fixed to the base 22. Specifically, the first jig member 72 includes a pedestal part 75 and a pair of engagement walls 76 and 78.

[0058] The pedestal part 75 is a flat plate member including a top face 75a. The engagement wall 76 is formed integrally with a pedestal part 75 so as to protrude upward from one end portion of the pedestal part 75, and includes an engagement surface 76a. On the other hand, the engagement wall 78 is formed integrally with the pedestal part 75 so as to protrude upward from the other end portion of the pedestal part 75, and includes an engagement surface 78a. The engagement surfaces 76a and 78a are opposed to each other, and are perpendicular to the top face 75a of the pedestal part 75. The top face 75a of the pedestal part 75 and the engagement surfaces 76a and 78a of the engagement walls 76 and 78 define a groove G having a square post shape.

[0059] The first jig member 72 includes a plurality of anchoring parts 80 for fixing to the base 22. In the present embodiment, the anchoring parts 80 are each provided in the engagement walls 76 and 78. As with the above-described anchoring part 53, the anchoring part 80 is a through hole capable of receiving a fixture such as a positioning pin or a bolt, and is an elongated hole having a longitudinal direction. In addition, an anchoring part 33 is formed in each of the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22 so as to correspond to the anchoring part 80. The anchoring part 33 is a hole capable of receiving the fixture. Note that it should be understood that the anchoring part 33 provided in the supporting beam 32 is not illustrated in FIG. 16.

[0060] Furthermore, the second jig member 74 has a shape substantially symmetric with the above-described jig 50. Specifically, the second jig member 74 includes a main body part 82, arms 84 and 86, and a positioning rack gear 88. The main body part 82 is a flat plate member having substantially a rectangular external shape. The arm 84 is formed integrally with the main body part 82 so as to extend in one direction from the main body part 82, and includes an abutting surface 84a (second abutting surface). The abutting surface 84a extend in one direction from a side surface 82c at one side of the main body part82, and extends between the main body part 82 and the positioning rack gear 88. In addition, the arm 86 is formed integrally with the main body part 82 so as to extend from the main body part 82 toward the other direction, and includes an abutting surface 86a (second abutting surface). The abutting surface 86a extends in the other direction from a side surface 82d at the other side of the main body part 82.

[0061] The positioning rack gear 88 (second positioning rack gear) is provided at the abutting surface 84a in a fixed manner so as to extend from the abutting surface 84a. The positioning rack gear 88 extends so as to be opposed to the side surface 82c of the main body part 82, and includes a plurality of tooth parts 88a at a side that faces the side surface 82c. These tooth parts 88a are arranged to have a predetermined pitch p3. This pitch p3 is set so as to be the same value (i.e., p1=p2=p3) as the pitch p1 of the tooth part 26a of the rack gear 26.

[0062] The main body part 82 is received by the groove G defined in the first jig member 72, and the side surfaces 82c and 82d of the main body part 82 each engage with the engagement surfaces 76a and 78a in a slidable manner. Thus, in a state where the main body part 82 is received by the groove G, the second jig member 74 is displaceable relative to the first jig member 72.

[0063] In this step S3, the manufacturer first inserts each of a plurality of fixtures (positioning pin, bolt, or the like) into the anchoring part 80 formed in the first jig member 72, and the anchoring part 33 formed in the supporting beams 30 and 32 of the base 22, and fixes the first jig member 72 to the supporting beams 30 and 32 using the fixture. At this time, the anchoring part 80 as an elongated hole is arranged such that the longitudinal direction thereof is parallel to the directions B1 and B2 perpendicular to the traveling direction A. This anchoring part 80 allows the first jig member 72 to be displaceable in the directions B1 and B2.

[0064] Next, the manufacturer causes the tooth part 88a of the positioning rack gear 88 of the second jig member 74 to mesh with the tooth part 26a of the rack gear 26 fixed to the base 22 in step S2, and inserts the main body part 82 of the second jig member 74 into the groove G of the first jig member 72. Thus, the second jig member 74 is fitted in the first jig member 72 in a state where the positioning rack gear 88 engages with the rack gear 26, as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0065] Here, the anchoring part 80 as the elongated hole allows the first jig member 72 to be displaceable in the directions B1 and B2 perpendicular to the traveling direction A relative to the base 22. Thus, by making fine adjustment of the position of the first jig member 72 in the direction B1 or B2, the manufacturer is able to cause the positioning rack gear 58 to mesh with the rack gear 26, and also to cause the main body part 82 of the second jig member 74 to be fitted into the groove G of the first jig member 72.

[0066] In this state, a bottom face 72a (FIG. 16) of the first jig member 72 comes into contact with the top faces 30a and 32a of the supporting beams 30 and 32, and a bottom face 82b (FIG. 16) of the main body part 82 of the second jig member 74 comes into contact with the top face 75a of the pedestal part 75 of the first jig member 72. In addition, the engagement walls 76 and 78 (i.e., the engagement surfaces 76a and 78a) of the first jig member 72 are arranged to extend in parallel to the traveling direction A. Furthermore, the positioning rack gear 88 is arranged at an end portion of the base 22 in the direction A2 separate from the main body part 82 in the direction B1 perpendicular to the traveling direction A, and extend in parallel to the traveling direction A.

[0067] In addition, the abutting surface 84a is arranged to extend in the direction B1 from the side surface 82c of the main body part 82, and the abutting surface 86a is arranged to extend in the direction B2 from the side surface 82d of the main body part 82. This causes the abutting surfaces 84a and 86a to be arranged to be perpendicular (or faces the direction A1) to the traveling direction A.

[0068] Furthermore, the main body part 82 of the second jig member 74 engages with the engagement walls 76 and 78 of the first jig member 72. This restricts the movement of the second jig member 74 in the directions B1 and B2 relative to the first jig member 72. In addition, with the engagement between the positioning rack gear 88 and the rack gear 26, the movement of the second jig member 74 in the traveling direction A is restricted. Thus, the second jig member 74 is fixed to the base 22.

[0069] Here, a pitch error a may occur in the pitch p1 of the rack gear 26. This error a may occur in all the tooth parts 26a of the rack gear 26, and a cumulative pitch error Σα may occur in the rack gear 26. This cumulative pitch error Σα may lead to occurrence a dimensional error β in the entire length Lg of the rack gear 26. In the present embodiment, the engagement between the main body part 82 and the engagement wall 76 and 78 allows the second jig member 74 to be displaceable in the traveling direction A relative to the first jig member 72 fixed to the base 22.

[0070] Thus, even if any dimensional error β occurs in the entire length Lg of the rack gear 26, it is possible to cause the positioning rack gear 88 and the rack gear 26 to engage with each other to fit the main body part 82 into the groove G of the first jig member 72. That is, with the present embodiment, by causing the positioning rack gear 88 and the rack gear 26 to engage with each other, it is possible to fix the second jig member 74 at a predetermined position relative to the base 22 with the entire length Lg of the rack gear 26 being the reference, regardless of the dimensional error B.

[0071] In the manner described above, through this step S3, the jig 70 (the first jig member 72 and the second jig member 74) is placed at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A2. A gap 90 is formed between the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2, and the abutting surface 84a of the second jig member 74 as illustrated in FIG. 19, when placing the jig 70 at the base 22 as illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0072] Here, in the present embodiment, a distance ρ′ between the abutting surface 84a and a groove 88g provided at an end of the positioning rack gear 88 in the direction A2, is set to ½ of the pitch p1 and p2 (i.e., ρ′=ρ=p2 / 2=p1 / 2). The abutting surface 84a and the positioning rack gear 88 are machined in a highly accurate manner such that this distance ρ′ has a tolerance of −0.05 to −0.1, for example.

[0073] In step S4, the manufacturer fixes the rails 24 and 25 to the base 22. Specifically, the manufacturer arranges the rails 24 and 25 between the jigs 50 and 70 arranged at both end portions of the base 22, so as to extend in the traveling direction A. At this time, the manufacturer causes the end face 24a of the rail 24 in the direction A1, to abut against the abutting surface 54a of the jig 50, as illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21.

[0074] In addition, the manufacturer cause the end face 24b of the rail 24 in the direction A2 to abut against the abutting surface 84a of the jig 70 (specifically, the second jig member 74), as illustrated in FIGS. 22 to 24. Then, the manufacturer brings the rail 24 into contact with the top face 30a of the supporting beam 30, and presses the rail 24 against the pressing surface 34a of the pressing part 34. Thus, the rail 24 is arranged to extend in parallel to the traveling direction A.

[0075] Similarly, the manufacturer causes the end face 25a of the rail 25 in the direction A1 to abut against the abutting surface 56a of the jig 50 as illustrated in FIG. 20, and causes the end face 25b of the rail 25 in the direction A2 to abut against the abutting surface 86a of the jig 70 (second jig member 74) as illustrated in FIGS. 22 and 23. Then, the manufacturer brings the rail 25 into contact with the top face 32a of the supporting beam 32, and presses the rail 25 against the pressing surface 36a of the pressing part 36. Thus, the rail 25 is arranged to extend in parallel to the traveling direction A. Then, the manufacturer fixes the rails 24 and 25 to the base 22 using a fixture (not illustrated) such as a bolt.

[0076] Note that the manufacturer may take the dimensional error β of the rack gear 26 into consideration to set a tolerance γ of the entire length Lr of the rails 24 and 25. Specifically, the manufacturer sets the tolerance γ of the rails 24 and 25 so as to be equal to or less than the dimensional error β of the rack gear 26, and manufactures, in advance, the rails 24 and 25 such that the error of the entire length Lr of the rails 24 and 25 falls within the tolerance γ.

[0077] At this time, the manufacturer may cut the end face 24a or 24b of the rail 24 or the end face 25a or 25b of the rail 25 in order to cause the error of the entire length Lr to fall within the tolerance γ . By determining the tolerance γ in this manner, it is possible to arrange the rails 24 and 25 between the jigs 50 and 70 so as to abut against the abutting surfaces 54a, 56a, 84a, and 86a.

[0078] In this manner, the track segment 20 illustrated in FIG. 3 is assembled. In this track segment 20, the end faces 24a and 25a of the rails 24 and 25 in the direction A1 are arranged to be slightly shifted toward the direction A1 from the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 (see FIG. 21). In addition, the end faces 24b and 25b of the rails 24 and 25 in the direction A2 are slightly shifted toward the direction A2 from the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 (see FIG. 24).

[0079] In this manner, in the present embodiment, with the jigs 50 and 70, the rails 24 and 25 are positioned so as to have the predetermined positional relationship relative to the rack gear 26 (more specifically, the positional relationship in which the end faces 24a, 24b, 24b, and 25b of the rails 24 and 25 are arranged to be shifted from the end faces 26b and 26c of the rack gear 26), with the entire length Lg (or the end faces 26b and 26c) of the rack gear 26 being the reference. After step S4, the manufacturer takes the jigs 50 and 70 off the base 22.

[0080] By using the assembling method in FIG. 10, the manufacturer is able to mass-produce the track segment 20. In addition, the manufacturer arranges any given number of track segments 20 so as to align in the traveling direction A in response to a requirement, and fixes the crosstie parts 28 of each of the track segments 20 using the fixture 38. Thus, as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 25, the plurality of track segments 20 are laid in the traveling direction A, and the track 12 including this plurality of track segments 20 is assembled.

[0081] In this track 12, the end face 30c of the supporting beam 30, the end face 32c of the supporting beam 32, the end face 24b of the rail 24, the end face 25b of the rail 25, and the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 arranged at the direction A1 side are opposite, in the traveling direction A, the end face 30b of the supporting beam 30, the end face 32b of the supporting beam 32, the end face 24a of the rail 24, the end face 25a of the rail 25, and the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 arranged at the direction A2 side, respectively, as illustrated in FIG. 25. In addition, end portions of the rails 24 and 25 at the direction A1 and the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 at the direction A2 side are arranged on the top faces 30a and 32a of the base 22 (specifically, the supporting beams 30 and 32) of the track segment 20 at the direction A1 side.

[0082] Note that an anchoring part (e.g., a through hole capable of receiving a fixture such as a bolt) for fixing the base 22 may be provided at the end portions of the rails 24 and 25 in the direction A1. In addition, the manufacturer may fix the anchoring part formed at the rails 24 and 25 of the track segment 20 at the direction A2 side, to the base 22 (supporting beams 30 and 32) of the track segment 20 at the direction A1 side using a fixture such as a bolt.

[0083] Here, when the plurality of track segments 20 are laid, it is necessary to provide a predetermined gap 92 between the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 at the direction A1 side and the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 at the direction A2 side. This gap 92 will be described with reference to FIG. 26. In a case where two rack gears 26 having the pitch p1 are arranged in the traveling direction A, it is also necessary to secure the pitch p1 between a tooth part 26a′ at an end, in the direction A1, of the rack gear 26 at the direction A2 side and a tooth part 26a″ at an end, in the direction A2, of the rack gear 26 at the direction A1 side.

[0084] As described above, the pitch error a may occur in the rack gear 26. Given the pitch error a, it is necessary to provide the gap 92 in the traveling direction A as illustrated in FIG. 26 in order to secure the pitch p1 between the tooth part 26a′ and 26a″. This makes it possible to secure the common pitch p1 in two rack gears 26 arranged in the traveling direction A. Thus, in a case where the pinion gear 16a of the drive part 16 is rotationally driven on the tooth part 26a while meshing with the tooth part 26a of the rack gear 26, it is possible to prevent a stress from acting on the rack gear 26 or the pinion gear 16a.

[0085] Here, in the present embodiment, the end faces 24a and 25a of the rails 24 and 25 in the direction A1 are arranged to be shifted toward the direction A1 from the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 (FIG. 21), as described above. In addition, the end faces 24b and 25b of the rails 24 and 25 in the direction A2 are arranged to be shifted toward the direction A2 from the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 (FIG. 24), as described above.

[0086] With this configuration, even if the gap 92 is provided between two rack gears 26, it is possible to bring the end faces 24a and 25a of the rails 24 and 25 at the direction A2 side and the end faces 24b and 25b of the rails 24 and 25 at the direction A1 side into contact with each other, or to minimize the gap formed therebetween. This makes it possible to reduce a stress acting on the rails 24 and 25 or a member (e.g., linear ball bearing) used for the carriage 14 to smoothly move on the rails 24 and 25 when the carriage 14 travels on the rails 24 and 25.

[0087] In this manner, in the present embodiment, the manufacturer places the first jig 50 including the first positioning rack gear 58 at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A1 (step S1), and causes the rack gear 26 to engage with the first positioning rack gear 58 to fix the rack gear 26 to the base 22 so as to extend in the traveling direction A (step S2). In addition, the manufacturer places the second jig 70 including the second positioning rack gear 88 at the end portion of the base 22 in the direction A2 such that the second positioning rack gear 88 engages with the rack gear 26 (step S3). Furthermore, the manufacturer arranges the rails 24 and 25 between the first jig 50 and the second jig 70 so as to extend in the traveling direction A, and fixes the rails 24 and 25 to the base 22 (step S3).

[0088] With this configuration, as described above, it is possible to position the rails 24 and 25 so as to have the predetermined positional relationship relative to the rack gear 26 with the entire length Lg of the rack gear 26 being the reference. This makes it possible to accurately lay the rails 24 and 25 and the rack gear 26 while securing the above-described gap 92 (FIG. 26) when the mass-produced track segments 20 are laid so as to align in the traveling direction A. In addition, by connecting any given number of the mass-produced track segments 20, it is possible to easily manufacture the track 12 having the entire length in the traveling direction A that meets a requirement.

[0089] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jig 50, 70 includes the abutting surface 54a, 56a, 84a, 86a that is arranged to intersect the traveling direction A and against which the end face 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b of the rail 24, 25 fixed to the base 22 in the traveling direction A abuts. More specifically, the first jig 50 includes the first abutting surface 54a, 56a arranged to intersect the traveling direction A when being placed at the base 22.

[0090] In addition, the second jig 70 includes the second abutting surface 84a, 86a arranged to intersect the traveling direction A when being placed at the base 22. In addition, when fixing the rail 24, 25 to the base 22, the manufacturer causes the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A1 to abut against the first abutting surface 54a, 56a, and also causes the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A2 to abut against the second abutting surface 84a, 86a.

[0091] With this configuration, when the mass-produced track segments 20 are arranged and are laid, even if the above-described gap 92 (FIG. 26) is provided, it is possible to bring the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 of one of the track segments 20 and the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 of the other one of the track segments 20 into contact with each other (or minimize the gap formed therebetween).

[0092] Note that the abutting surface 54a or 56a or the abutting surface 84a or 86a may be omitted from the jig 50 or 70. For example, the jig 50 (or 70) may include only the positioning rack gear 58 (or 88). In this case, in step S1 (or S3), the manufacturer may directly fix the positioning rack gear 58 (or 88) to the base 22 using a fixture.

[0093] Then, in step S4, the manufacturer may fix the rails 24 and 25 to the base 22 so as to have the above-described positional relationship with the reference being the end face of the positioning rack gear 58 in the direction A1 and the end face of the positioning rack gear 88 in the direction A2. At this time, the manufacturer may provide the base 22 with a marker indicating the position, in the traveling direction A, of the end face of the positioning rack gear 58 and the end face of the positioning rack gear 88, and fix the rails 24 and 25 with this marker being the reference.

[0094] In addition, in the present embodiment, the gap 60 is formed between the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 and the first abutting surface 54a, when fixing the rack gear 26 to the base 22 (FIG. 15). Furthermore, the gap 90 is formed between the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 and the second abutting surface 84a, when placing the second jig 70 at the base 22 (FIG. 19).

[0095] With this configuration, it is possible to arrange the end face 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b of the rail 24, 25 so as to be shifted relative to the end face 26b, 26c of the rack gear 26, as described above (FIGS. 21 and 24). Thus, when mass-produced track segments 20 are laid so as to align, it is possible to bring the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 of one of the track segments 20 and the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 of the other one of the track segments 20 into contact with each other (or minimize the gap formed therebetween) while reliably providing the above-described gap 92. Note that it may be possible to bring the end faces 26b and 26c of the rack gear 26 and the abutting surfaces 54a and 84a into contact with each other, without forming the gap 60 or 90.

[0096] In addition, in the present embodiment, the jig 50, 70 includes the positioning rack gear 58, 88 placed at the base 22 for assembling the track segment 20 that forms the track 12 and arranged at the end portion of the base 22 at the traveling direction A, so as to extend in the traveling direction A. This positioning rack gear 58, 88 engages with the rack gear 26 fixed to the base 22 to position the rack gear 26 at the predetermined position Pr relative to the base 22. With this configuration, it is possible to advantageously position the rack gear 26 at the position Pr at which the above-described gap 92 can be set relative to the base 22 (i.e., a common pitch p1 can be secured).

[0097] In addition, in the present embodiment, the positioning rack gear 58, 88 is provided at the abutting surface 54a, 84a so as to extend from the abutting surface 54a, 84a. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jig 50, 70 further includes the main body part 52, 82 arranged separate from the positioning rack gear 58, 88 in the direction B2 perpendicular to the traveling direction A. In addition, the abutting surface 54a, 84a extends between the positioning rack gear 58, 88 and the main body part 52, 82. This configuration makes it possible to reduce the dimension of the jig 50, 70.

[0098] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jig 50, 70 includes the first abutting surface 54a, 56a extending from the main body part 52, 82 in the direction B1 perpendicular to the traveling direction A, and also includes the second abutting surface 56a, 86a extending from the main body part 52, 82 in the direction B2 opposite the direction B1. The end face 24a, 24b of the first rail 24 that is arranged between the positioning rack gear 58, 88 and the main body part 52, 82 is caused to abut against the first abutting surface 54a, 56a.

[0099] On the other hand, the end face 25a, 25b of the second rail 25 which is arranged opposite (i.e., the direction B2 side) the first rail 24 in respect to the main body part 52, 82 abuts the second abutting surface 56a, 86a. With this configuration, it is possible to position the pair of rails 24 and 25 so as to have the above-described positional relationship relative to the rack gear 26. Note that the rail 24 may be omitted from the track segment 20. That is, in this case, the abutting surfaces 54a and 84a against which the rail 24 is pressed are omitted. Alternatively, the rail 25 may be omitted from the track segment 20. In this case, the arm 86 may be omitted from the jigs 50 and 70.

[0100] In addition, in the present embodiment, the main body part 52 of the jig 50 includes the anchoring part 53 for fixing to the base 22. This configuration makes it possible to highly accurately place the jig 50 on the base 22. Note that the anchoring part 53 is not limited to being arranged at the main body part 52, and for example, may be provided at the positioning rack gear 58 or the arm 54 or 56.

[0101] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the jig 70 includes the first jig member 72 including the anchoring part 80 for fixing to the base 22, and also includes the second jig member 74 engaging with the first jig member 72 so as to be displaceable in the traveling direction A and including the positioning rack gear 88. This configuration makes it possible to cause the positioning rack gear 88 and the rack gear 26 to reliably engage with each other even if the dimensional error β occurs in the entire length Lg of the rack gear 26 as described above. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the jig 70 may include a single member having an integral shape as with the jig 50.

[0102] Note that the present embodiment describes a case where the anchoring parts 53 and 80 are through holes capable of receiving a fixture. However, the anchoring part 53 or 80 may include a protrusion capable of engaging with the base 22. In addition, the anchoring part 53 or 80 may include a first anchoring part that is a through hole, and a second anchoring part that is a protrusion.

[0103] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the track segment 20 forms the track 12 on which the carriage 14 travels, and includes: the base 22; the rail 24, 25 laid on the base 22 so as to extend in the traveling direction A of the carriage 14, and on which the carriage travels, 25; and the rack gear 26 laid on the base 22 so as to extend in the traveling direction A, the rack gear 26 engaging with the drive part 16 provided at the carriage 14 for generating power that causes the carriage 14 to travel on the rail 24, 25.

[0104] In addition, the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A1 is arranged to be shifted toward the direction A1 from the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 (FIG. 21). Furthermore, the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A2 is arranged to be shifted toward the direction A2 from the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 (FIG. 24). With this configuration, when mass-produced track segments 20 are laid, even if the gap 92 is provided between two rack gears 26 (FIG. 26), it is possible to bring the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 of one of the track segments and the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 of the other one of the track segments into contact with each other (or minimize the gap formed therebetween).

[0105] In addition, in the present embodiment, the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A1, and the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 are arranged to protrude toward the direction A1 further than the end face 30b, 32b of the base 22 in the direction A1 (FIG. 6). On the other hand, the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A2, and the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 are arranged to be recessed toward the direction A2 further than the end face 30c, 32c of the base 22 in the direction A2 (FIG. 8).

[0106] With this configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 25, when mass-produced track segments 20 are laid, the end portions of the rails 24 and 25 of the track segment 20 at the direction A2 side are arranged on the top face 30a, 32a of the base 22 of the track segment 20 at the direction A1 side. This makes it possible to advantageously fix the end portion, in the direction A1, of the rail 24, 25 of the track segment 20 at the direction A2 side to the base 22 of the track segment 20 at the direction A1 side, which makes it possible to connect these two track segments 20 together so as to align in the traveling direction A.

[0107] Note that the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A1 and the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the direction A1 may be arranged at the same position in the traveling direction A as the end face 30b, 32b of the base 22 in the direction A1. Alternatively, the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the direction A2 and the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the direction A2 may be arranged at the same position in the traveling direction A as the end face 30c, 32c of the base 22 in the direction A2.

[0108] In addition, in the present embodiment, the base 22 includes: the supporting beam 30, 32 extending in the traveling direction A and to which the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 are fixed; and the pressing part 34, 36 provided at the supporting beam 30, 32 so as to protrude from the supporting beam 30, 32 and extending in the traveling direction A. In addition, at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 is pressed against the pressing part 34, 36.

[0109] This configuration makes it possible to accurately position at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 so as to be parallel to the extending direction A with the pressing part 34, 36 being the reference. Note that the pressing part 34 or 36 may be omitted from the base 22. In this case, a marker indicating the traveling direction A may be provided on the top face 30a or 32a of the base 22. In this case, by using this marker as the reference, a manufacturer is able to position at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 so as to be in parallel to the traveling direction A.

[0110] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the pressing part 34, 36 does not contact the end portion in the direction A2 of at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26. Specifically, the pressing part 36 extends in the direction A2 from the end face 32b of the supporting beam 32 in the direction A1, and terminates at a position separate in the direction A1 from the end face 25a of the rail 25 in the direction A2, and hence, does not contact the end portion of the rail 25 in the direction A2 (FIGS. 8 and 9). On the other hand, the pressing part 34 includes: the pressing surfaces 34a and 34b against which the rail 24 and the rack gear 26 are pressed; and the recessed surface 34c connected to the end edge 34d (FIG. 5) of the pressing surface 34a and forming the gap 40 (FIG. 9) with the end portion of the rail 24.

[0111] Here, as illustrated in FIG. 25, when two track segments 20 are laid so as to align in the traveling direction A, the rail 24, the rail 25, or the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 at one side and the rail 24, the rail 25, or the rack gear 26 of the track segment 20 at the other side may be arranged to be shifted toward the direction B1 or B2 perpendicular to the traveling direction A due to manufacturing tolerance or the like of the base 28, in some cases.

[0112] For example, it is assumed that the rails 25 of two track segments 20 are arranged to be shifted toward the direction B1 or B2. In this case, a manufacturer may wish to displace the end portion of the rail 25 at one side in the direction B1 or B2 in some cases, in order to straightly align the two rails 25 in the traveling direction. With the present embodiment, the end portion of the pressing part 36 in the direction A2 is not in contact with the end portion of the rail 25, and hence, the end portion of the rail 25 is allowed to be slightly displaced in the direction B1 or B2. Thus, by fixing the end portion, in the direction A2, of the rail 25 at the direction A1 side in a state of being displaced at the direction B1 or B2 so as to sort out the misalignment of the two rails 25, the manufacturer is able to straightly align the two rails 25 in the traveling direction.

[0113] Alternatively, it is assumed that the rails 24 of two track segments 20 are arranged to be shifted toward the direction B1 or B2. With the present embodiment, the end portion of the pressing part 34 is not in contact with the end portion of the rail 24 due to the recessed surface 34c. Thus, by slightly displacing the end portion of the rail 24 in the direction B1 or B2 and fixing the end portion, it is possible to straightly align the two rails 24 in the traveling direction.

[0114] Note that it may be possible to employ a configuration in which the pressing part 34 or 36 extends from the end face 30b or 32b of the base 22 to the end face 30c or 32c, and comes into contact with both end portions, in the traveling direction A, of the rail 24 or 25. Alternatively, in the pressing part 34, the recessed surface 34c may be formed in the pressing surface 34b so as to be connected to the pressing surface 34b. In this case, a gap is formed between the end portion of the pressing part 34 and the rack gear 26.

[0115] Note that the rails 24 and 25 of each track segment 20 may include a single rail having an integral shape, or may include a plurality of rail segments arranged to align in the traveling direction A. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 3, in one track segment 20, the rail 24 may include three rail segments 24′ arranged to align in the traveling direction A. Similarly, the rail 25 may include three rail segments 25′ arranged to align in the traveling direction A.

[0116] In this case, in step S4 in FIG. 10, the manufacturer arranges the three rail segments 24′ and 25′ between the jigs 50 and 70 and in the traveling direction A. At this time, the manufacturer causes the end faces (i.e., the end faces 24a and 25a of the rails 24 and 25), in the direction A1, of the rail segment 24′ and 25′ arranged at an end, in the direction A1, from among the three rail segments 24′ and 25′ to abut against the respective abutting surfaces 54a and 56a of the jig 50.

[0117] In addition, the manufacturer causes the end faces (i.e., the end faces 24b and 25b of the rails 24 and 25) of the rail segment 24′ and 25′ in the direction A2 arranged at an end in the direction A2 from among the three rail segments 24′ and 25′ to abut against the respective abutting surfaces 84a and 86a of the jig 70. In this case, a gap δ can occur between two rail segments 24′ and 25′ adjacent to each other of the three rail segments 24′ or 25′.

[0118] For this reason, the manufacturer may take the dimensional error β of the rack gear 26 into consideration to determine the tolerance γ′ of the entire length Lr′ of each of the rail segments 24′ and 25′. For example, the manufacturer determines the tolerance γ′ of each of the rail segments 24′ and 25′ such that the total tolerance γ (=Σγ′=3γ′) of the three rail segments 24′ and 25′ is equal to or less than the dimensional error β of the rack gear 26.

[0119] The manufacturer manufactures, in advance, the rail segments 24′ and 25′ such that the error of the entire length Lr′ of each of the rail segments 24′ and 25′ falls within the tolerance γ′ set in this manner. At this time, the manufacturer may cut the end faces of the rail segments 24′ and 25′ in order to cause the error of the entire length Lr′ to fall within the tolerance γ′. By determining the tolerance γ′ in this manner, it is possible to minimize the above-described gap δ.

[0120] Note that the above-described embodiment describes a case where the positioning rack gears 58 and 88 include a plurality of tooth parts 58a, 88a. However, the positioning rack gear 58 or 88 may include only one tooth part 58a or 88a. In addition, the above-described embodiment describes a case where an industrial machine is placed at the carriage 14. However, the configuration is not limited thereto, and the track 12 (track segment 20) may be formed such that a train travels on the track 12, for example.

[0121] The present disclosure has been described in detail. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. For these embodiments, it may be possible to make addition, replacement, modification, partial deletion, or the like without departing from the main points of the present disclosure or from the gist of the present disclosure derived from the contents described in CLAIMS and equivalents thereof. In addition, these embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, in the embodiments described above, the order of individual operations and the order of individual processes are given as examples and are not limited to these orders. Furthermore, the same applies to a case where numerical values or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the above-described embodiments.

[0122] As described above, the present disclosure describes the following aspects.

[0123] (Aspect 1) A method of assembling a track segment 20 including a base 22, a rail 24, 25 and a rack gear 26, and forming a track 12 on which a carriage 14 travels, the method comprising: placing a first jig 50 including a first positioning rack gear 58 at an end portion of the base 22 in one direction (direction A1) of a traveling direction of the carriage 14; engaging the rack gear 26 with the first positioning rack gear 58, and fixing the rack gear 26 to the base 22 so as to extend in the traveling direction A; placing a second jig 70 including a second positioning rack gear 88 at an end portion of the base 22 in the other direction (direction A2) of the traveling direction so as to engage the second positioning rack gear 88 with the rack gear 26; and arranging the rail 24, 25 between the first jig 50 and the second jig 70 so as to extend in the traveling direction A, and fixing the rail 24, 25 to the base 22.

[0124] (Aspect 2) The method of Aspect 1, wherein the first jig 50 further includes a first abutting surface 54a, 56a arranged to intersect the traveling direction A when being placed at the base 22, wherein the second jig 70 further includes a second abutting surface 84a, 86a arranged to intersect the traveling direction A when being placed at the base 22, and the method comprising causing an end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in one direction of the traveling direction to abut against first abutting surface 54a, 56a, causing an end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the other direction of the traveling direction to abut against the second abutting surface 84a, 86a, when fixing the rail 24, 25 to the base 22.

[0125] (Aspect 3) The method of Aspect 2, wherein a gap 60 is formed between the first abutting surface 54a and an end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the one direction of the traveling direction when fixing the rack gear 26 to the base 22, and wherein a gap 90 is formed between the second abutting surface 84a and an end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the other direction of the traveling direction when placing the second jig 70 at the base 22.

[0126] (Aspect 4) A jig 50, 70 to be placed at a base 22 in order to assemble a track segment 20 including the base 22, a rail 24, 25, and a rack gear 26 and forming a track 12 on which a carriage 14 travels, the jig comprising: a positioning rack gear 58, 88 arranged at an end portion of the base 22 in a traveling direction A of the carriage 14 so as to extend in the traveling direction A, the positioning rack gear 58, 88 being configured to position the rack gear 26 at a predetermined position Pr relative to the base 22 by engaging with the rack gear 26 fixed to the base 22.

[0127] (Aspect 5) The jig 50, 70 of Aspect 4 further comprising: an abutting surface 54a, 56a, 84a, 86a arranged to intersect the traveling direction A, and against which an end face 24a, 24b, 25a, 25b in the traveling direction A of the rail 24, 25 fixed to the base 22 abuts.

[0128] (Aspect 6) The jig 50, 70 of Aspect 5, wherein the positioning rack gear 58, 88 is provided at the abutting surface 54a, 84a so as to extend from the abutting surface 54a, 84a.

[0129] (Aspect 7) The jig 50, 70 of Aspect 5 or 6, further comprising a main body part 52, 82 arranged separate from the positioning rack gear 58, 88 in a direction B2 perpendicular to the traveling direction A, wherein the abutting surface 54a, 84a extends between the positioning rack gear 58, 88 and the main body part 52, 82.

[0130] (Aspect 8) The jig 50, 70 of Aspect 7, further comprising: a first abutting surface 54a, 56a extending from the main body part 52, 82 in one direction of the perpendicular direction, and against which the end face 24a, 24b of a first rail 24 arranged between the positioning rack gear 58, 88 and the main body part 52, 82 abuts; and a second abutting surface 84a, 86a extending from the main body part 52, 82 in the other direction of the perpendicular direction, and against which the end face 25a, 25b of a second rail 25 arranged opposite to first rail 24 in the main body part 52, 82 abuts.

[0131] (Aspect 9) The jig 50 of Aspect 7 or 8, wherein the main body part 52 includes an anchoring part 53 for fixing to the base 22.

[0132] (Aspect 10) The jig 70 of any one of Aspects 4 to 8, comprising: a first jig member 72 including an anchoring part 80 for fixing to the base 22; and a second jig member 74 configured to engage with the first jig member 72 so as to be displaceable in the traveling direction A, and including the positioning rack gear 88.

[0133] (Aspect 11) A track segment 20 forming a track 12 on which a carriage 14 travels, the track segment comprising: a base 22; a rail 24, 25 laid on the base 22 so as to extend in a traveling direction A of the carriage 14, and on which the carriage 14 travels; and a rack gear 26 laid on the base 22 so as to extend in the traveling direction A, and engaging with a drive part 16 provided at the carriage 14 in order to generate power for causing the carriage 14 to travel on the rail 24, 25, wherein an end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in one direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the one direction of the traveling direction from an end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the one direction of the traveling direction, and wherein an end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the other direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the other direction of the traveling direction from an end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the other direction of the traveling direction.

[0134] (Aspect 12) The track segment 20 of Aspect 11, wherein the end face 24a, 25a of the rail 24, 25 in the one direction of the traveling direction, and the end face 26b of the rack gear 26 in the one direction of the traveling direction are arranged to protrude toward the one direction of the traveling direction further than the end face 30b, 32b of the base 22 in the one direction, and wherein the end face 24b, 25b of the rail 24, 25 in the other direction of the traveling direction and the end face 26c of the rack gear 26 in the other direction of the traveling direction are arranged to be recessed toward the one direction of the traveling direction further than the end face 30c, 32c of the base 22 in the other direction of the traveling direction.

[0135] (Aspect 13) The track segment 20 of Aspect 11 or 12, wherein the base 22 includes: a supporting beam 30, 32 extending in the traveling direction A and to which the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 are fixed; and a pressing part 34, 36 provided at the supporting beam 30, 32 so as to protrude from the supporting beam 30, 32, and extending in the traveling direction A, wherein at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 is pressed against the pressing part 34, 36.

[0136] (Aspect 14) The track segment 20 of Aspect 13, wherein the pressing part 34, 36 does not contact an end portion in the traveling direction A of the at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26.

[0137] (Aspect 15) The track segment 20 of Aspect 14, wherein the pressing part 36 extends in the other direction A of the traveling direction from the end face 32b of the supporting beam 32 in the one direction of the traveling direction, and terminates at a position separate in the one direction of the traveling direction from the end face 25a in the other direction of the traveling direction of the at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26, and does not contact the end portion.

[0138] (Aspect 16) The track segment 20 of Aspect 14, wherein the pressing part 36 includes: a pressing surface 34a, 34b against which the at least one of the rail 24, 25 and the rack gear 26 is pressed; and a recessed surface 34c connected to an end edge 34d of the pressing surface 34a in the traveling direction A, wherein a gap 40 is formed between the recessed surface 34 and the end portion.

[0139] (Aspect 17) A track 12 on which a carriage 14 travels, comprising a plurality of the track segments 20 described in any one of Aspects 11 to 16, wherein the plurality of the track segments 20 are arranged to align in the traveling direction A.REFERENCE SIGNS LIST10 traveling device

[0141] 12 track

[0142] 14 carriage

[0143] 16 drive part

[0144] 20 track segment

[0145] 22 base

[0146] 24, 25 rail

[0147] 26 rack gear

[0148] 30, 32 supporting beam

[0149] 34, 36 pressing part

[0150] 34a, 34b, 36a pressing surface

[0151] 50, 70 jig

[0152] 72, 74 jig member

[0153] 52, 82 main body part

[0154] 53, 80 anchoring part

[0155] 54a, 56a, 84a, 86a abutting surface

[0156] 58, 88 positioning rack gear

Claims

1. A method of assembling a track segment including a base, a rail and a rack gear, and forming a track on which a carriage travels, the method comprising:placing a first jig including a first positioning rack gear at an end portion of the base in one direction of a traveling direction of the carriage;engaging the rack gear with the first positioning rack gear, and fixing the rack gear to the base so as to extend in the traveling direction;placing a second jig including a second positioning rack gear at an end portion of the base in the other direction of the traveling direction so as to engage the second positioning rack gear with the rack gear; andarranging the rail between the first jig and the second jig so as to extend in the traveling direction, and fixing the rail to the base.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first jig further includes a first abutting surface arranged to intersect the traveling direction when being placed at the base,wherein the second jig further includes a second abutting surface arranged to intersect the traveling direction when being placed at the base, andthe method comprising causing an end face of the rail in the one direction of the traveling direction to abut against the first abutting surface and causing an end face of the rail in the other direction of the traveling direction to abut against the second abutting surface, when fixing the rail to the base.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein a gap is formed between the first abutting surface and an end face of the rack gear in the one direction of the traveling direction, when fixing the rack gear to the base, andwherein a gap is formed between the second abutting surface and an end face of the rack gear in the other direction of the traveling direction, when placing the second jig at the base.

4. A jig to be placed at a base in order to assemble a track segment including the base, a rail and a rack gear and forming a track on which a carriage travels, the jig comprising:a positioning rack gear arranged at an end portion of the base in a traveling direction of the carriage so as to extend in the traveling direction, the positioning rack gear being configured to position the rack gear at a predetermined position relative to the base by engaging with the rack gear fixed to the base.

5. The jig of claim 4, further comprising an abutting surface arranged to intersect the traveling direction, and against which an end face in the traveling direction of the rail fixed to the base abuts.

6. The jig of claim 5, wherein the positioning rack gear is provided at the abutting surface so as to extend from the abutting surface.

7. The jig of claim 5, further comprising a main body part arranged separate from the positioning rack gear in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction,wherein the abutting surface extends between the positioning rack gear and the main body part.

8. The jig of claim 7 further comprising:a first abutting surface extending from the main body part in one direction of the perpendicular direction, and against which the end face of a first rail arranged between the positioning rack gear and the main body part abuts; anda second abutting surface extending from the main body part in the other direction of the perpendicular direction, and against which the end face of a second rail, which is arranged opposite the first rail in the main body part, abuts.

9. The jig of claim 7, wherein the main body part includes an anchoring part for fixing to the base.

10. The jig of claim 4, comprising:a first jig member including an anchoring part for fixing to the base; anda second jig member configured to engage with the first jig member so as to be displaceable in the traveling direction, and including the positioning rack gear.

11. A track segment forming a track on which a carriage travels, the track segment comprising:a base;a rail laid on the base so as to extend in a traveling direction of the carriage, and on which the carriage travels; anda rack gear laid on the base so as to extend in the traveling direction, and engaging with a drive part provided at the carriage in order to generate power for causing the carriage to travel on the rail,wherein an end face of the rail in one direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the one direction of the traveling direction from an end face of the rack gear in the one direction of the traveling direction, andwherein an end face of the rail in the other direction of the traveling direction is arranged to be shifted toward the other direction of the traveling direction from an end face of the rack gear in the other direction of the traveling direction.

12. The track segment of claim 11, wherein the end face of the rail in the one direction of the traveling direction and the end face of the rack gear in the one direction of the traveling direction are arranged to protrude toward the one direction of the traveling direction further than an end face of the base in the one direction, andwherein the end face of the rail in the other direction of the traveling direction and the end face of the rack gear in the other direction of the traveling direction are arranged to be recessed toward the one direction of the traveling direction further than an end face of the base in the other direction of the traveling direction.

13. The track segment of claim 11, wherein the base includes:a supporting beam extending in the traveling direction, and to which the rail and the rack gear are fixed; anda pressing part provided at the supporting beam so as to protrude from the supporting beam, and extending in the traveling direction, wherein at least one of the rail and the rack gear is pressed against the pressing part.

14. The track segment of claim 13, wherein the pressing part does not contact an end portion in the traveling direction of the at least one of the rail and the rack gear.

15. The track segment of claim 14, wherein the pressing part extends in the other direction of the traveling direction from an end face of the supporting beam in the one direction of the traveling direction, and terminates at a position separate in the one direction away from an end face in the other direction of the at least one of the rail and the rack gear, so as not to contact the end portion.

16. The track segment of claim 14, wherein the pressing part includes:a pressing surface against which the at least one of the rail and the rack gear is pressed; anda recessed surface connected to an end edge of the pressing surface in the traveling direction, wherein a gap is formed between the recessed surface and the end portion.

17. A track on which a carriage travels, comprising:a plurality of the track segments of claim 11,wherein the plurality of the track segments are arranged to align in the traveling direction.

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