Conveying device

Abstract

A conveying device (1) comprises a frame mechanism (3) that supports a conveying member (2) so as to enable travel and extends in an extension direction, and a guide mechanism (5). The guide mechanism (5) is provided with a first guide rail (5a) and a second guide rail (5b). Each of the first guide rail (5a) and the second guide rail (5b) can curve in a lateral direction with respect to at least the extension direction. The first guide rail (5a) is disposed on one lateral-direction side surface of the frame mechanism (3). The second guide rail (5b) is disposed on the other lateral-direction surface of the frame mechanism (3). Each of the first guide rail (5a) and the second guide rail (5b) is supported on a side surface of the frame mechanism (3) with an attachment member (47) interposed therebetween.

Description

Conveyor

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveying device equipped with a guide mechanism that guides a workpiece being conveyed by a frame mechanism.

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

[0003] JP 2022-50084 A

[0004] Once the layout of the frame mechanism at the installation site is decided, the straight frame mechanism is manufactured to fit the length of the straight portion of the layout. The curved frame mechanism is manufactured to fit the length and radius of the curved portion of the layout. In this way, the frame mechanism becomes a dedicated frame mechanism that fits the layout of the installation site. The guide mechanism is also a dedicated guide mechanism that fits the dedicated frame mechanism. Therefore, the guide mechanism also has little versatility.

[0005] A conveying device according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a frame mechanism that supports a conveying member that conveys a workpiece so that it can run and extends in an extension direction, and a guide mechanism that guides the conveyance of the workpiece, wherein the guide mechanism comprises a first guide rail and a second guide rail, each of which is capable of bending at least in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, the first guide rail being arranged on one side of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and the second guide rail being arranged on the other side of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail being supported on the side of the frame mechanism via an attachment member.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conveying chain described in the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a connection state of frame constituent members constituting a frame mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the frame mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a guide mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the guide mechanism in the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in a second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of the guide mechanism in the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in a third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in a fourth embodiment. FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the fourth embodiment. FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a conveying device described in a fifth embodiment. FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the guide mechanism in the fifth embodiment.

[0007] The conveying device 1 according to the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. [Overall Configuration] As shown in Fig. 1, the conveying device 1 includes a conveying chain 2 as a conveying member and a frame mechanism 3 that supports the conveying chain 2 so that it can run. The conveying chain 2 is configured by connecting multiple chain components 11.

[0008] As shown in FIG. 2 , adjacent chain components 11 are connected to each other so that they can bend freely in both the vertical and horizontal directions. In other words, the conveyor chain 2 is a conveyor chain for a three-dimensional conveyor line. The conveyor chain 2 is an endless, band-shaped chain. The conveyor chain 2 is stretched over sprockets or idler wheels. The conveyor chain 2 has a conveying side running along the upper side of the frame mechanism 3 and a return side running along the lower side of the frame mechanism 3. The connected chain components 11 each include a top plate 12 on which a workpiece 6 to be conveyed is placed, and a guide recess 13 into which a guide portion 24 of the frame mechanism engages. The innermost surface of the guide recess 13 is the side surface 11a of the conveyor chain 2 against which the guide surface of the guide portion 24 abuts.

[0009] The frame mechanism 3 is a flexible frame mechanism that can bend left and right, which is the direction of arrow D1. The frame mechanism 3 is composed of multiple connected frame components 21. Adjacent frame components 21 are connected so that they can bend left and right. Each end of the frame mechanism 3 may be connected to an end of another frame mechanism 3, to an end of a straight frame mechanism, or to an end of a curved frame mechanism. Because the frame mechanism 3 can bend left and right, fine adjustments to the conveyor line and layout changes can be easily made. Furthermore, the frame mechanism 3 can bend not only when the conveyor chain 2 is stopped, but also while it is running. For example, the frame mechanism 3 can bend the conveyor line into an S-shape or a C-shape. Furthermore, the frame mechanism 3 can change its turning radius from a straight line to a minimum turning radius depending on the degree of the curve.

[0010] The frame mechanism 3 includes guide mechanisms 5 arranged on both sides of the frame constituent members 21 that are aligned in a row. The guide mechanisms 5 are attached to the frame constituent members 21, as will be described in detail later.

[0011] 3 and 4 show the frame component 21 used in the frame mechanism 3 in the first embodiment. The frame component 21 includes a main body 22 and a cover 34.

[0012] The main body portion 22 comprises a pair of side plates 23, guide portions 24 arranged at the upper and lower ends of the pair of side plates 23, and a first connecting portion 25 and a second connecting portion 26 arranged between the pair of side plates 23.

[0013] Each of the pair of side plates 23 is a rectangular plate. The horizontal side of each side plate 23 is in the running direction of the connected conveyor chain 2, and the vertical side is in the up-down direction. Each of the pair of side plates 23 has a valley portion 27a extending in the up-down direction. The pair of side plates 23 are also separated by a separating portion 27b at the center in the up-down direction.

[0014] The guide portions 24 disposed at the upper and lower ends of each side plate 23 protrude toward the other side plate 23. The tip surface facing inward of the guide portion 24 is a guide surface 24a that abuts against the side surface 11a of the conveyor chain 2. The guide surface 24a is configured as a curved surface that curves in the running direction of the conveyor chain 2.

[0015] A first connecting portion 25 is formed at one end of the portion of the main body 22 between the pair of side plates 23 in the extension direction (direction of arrow D2), which is the longitudinal direction of the frame constituent member 21. A second connecting portion 26 is formed at the other end of the portion of the main body 22 between the pair of side plates 23 in the extension direction. The first connecting portion 25 includes an upper connecting piece 25a and a lower connecting piece 25b. The upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b are parallel and spaced apart from each other. The upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b include connecting holes 25c whose central axes are aligned. Each of the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b includes engaging steps 25d on both sides of the connecting hole 25c, on the base end side, for determining the rotation angle.

[0016] The second connecting portion 26 includes an intermediate connecting piece 26a. The intermediate connecting piece 26a includes a connecting hole 26b. When the intermediate connecting piece 26a is inserted between the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b, the central axis of the connecting hole 26b coincides with the central axis of the connecting holes 25c of the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b. In the intermediate connecting piece 26a, both sides of the connecting hole 26b are provided with rotation restricting portions 26c that can engage with the engagement step portions 25d. The rotation restricting portions 26c protrude in the vertical direction so as to surround half the circumference of the connecting hole 26b on the base end side. The ends of the rotation restricting portions 26c engage with the engagement step portions 25d.

[0017] With the intermediate connecting piece 26a inserted between the upper connecting piece 25a and the lower connecting piece 25b, the link shaft 28 is inserted into the three overlapping connecting holes 25c, 26b. The link shaft 28 is prevented from coming off the connecting holes 25c, 26b using a retaining member such as a retaining ring or a retaining pin.

[0018] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can be rotated left and right until the rotation restricting portion 26c engages with the engagement step 25d. As an example, when one frame constituent member 21 is aligned straight with the other frame constituent member 21 in a basic state, the other frame constituent member 21 can be rotated up to, for example, 10° (set angle) with respect to the first frame constituent member 21.

[0019] Each side plate 23 has a hole 29 (see FIG. 3) extending in the running direction at the center in the up-down direction. A fixing plate 32 is inserted into the hole 29. The fixing plate 32 is a rectangular plate member and has a large fixing hole 32a and small fixing holes 32b located on both sides of the large fixing hole 32a. When the fixing plate 32 is inserted into the hole 29, it fits into the hole 29. The large fixing hole 32a and the small fixing hole 32b are, for example, screw holes. When inserted into the hole 29, the large fixing hole 32a and the small fixing hole 32b overlap with the dividing portion 27b.

[0020] A cover 34 is disposed on the outer side of the pair of side plates 23. The cover 34 is a rectangular plate. The cover 34 includes a flat plate portion 34a and a bent portion 34b. The cover 34 is formed by bending a single rectangular plate, such as a metal plate, to form the flat plate portion 34a and the bent portion 34b. The height of the cover 34 in the vertical direction is the same as that of the side plates 23, which are provided with the guide portions 24 above and below. The width of the flat plate portion 34a in the travel direction roughly corresponds to the length of the guide portions 24. The bent portion 34b extends beyond the guide portions 24 and is bent inward at the protruding portion. Therefore, in adjacent frame constituent members 21, the bent portion 34b of the cover 34 of one frame constituent member 21 slips inward at the edge of the flat plate portion 34a of the cover 34 of the other frame constituent member 21. The cover 34 is provided with a large through hole 35a and a small through hole 35b corresponding to the dividing portion 27b.

[0021] [Assembly] To assemble the frame constituent member 21, the fixing plate 32 is inserted into the hole 29, and the small fixing member 36b is fastened to the overlapping small through-hole 35b and small fixing hole 32b. Also, the large fixing member 36a is fastened to the overlapping large through-hole 35a and large fixing hole 32a.

[0022] When connecting frame constituent members 21 to each other, intermediate connecting piece 26a constituting second connecting portion 26 is inserted between upper connecting piece 25a and lower connecting piece 25b constituting first connecting portion 25. Then, link shaft 28 is inserted into overlapping connecting holes 25c, 26b to connect two frame constituent members 21. Bent portion 34b of cover 34 of one frame constituent member 21 fits inside flat portion 34a of cover 34 of the other frame constituent member 21.

[0023] 5 and 6 , the guide mechanism 5 includes a first guide rail 5a provided on one side surface parallel to the extension direction of the frame mechanism 3, and a second guide rail 5b provided on the other side surface. More specifically, the first guide rail 5a is disposed on one side surface of the frame mechanism 3 in the left-right direction. The second guide rail 5b is disposed on the other side surface of the frame mechanism 3 in the left-right direction.

[0024] Each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b is configured by connecting link units 41 provided on the side surfaces of each frame constituent member 21. Each link unit 41 includes first link members 42, 43, a second link member 44, and a guide bracket 46.

[0025] The first link member 42 includes a first link plate 42a and a mounting plate 42b. The first link plate 42a is an elongated plate member. The first link plate 42a includes a link protrusion 42c. The link protrusion 42c is a horizontally elongated boss provided on one end of the first link plate 42a. The other end of the first link plate 42a includes a fixing hole 42d and positioning holes 42e provided on both sides of the fixing hole 42d.

[0026] The mounting plate 42b has two mounting holes 42f. The first link member 42 is for mounting to the guide bracket 46. The guide brackets 46 are mounted to the frame constituent member 21 every several brackets (every three brackets in this embodiment (see FIG. 1)). The first link member 43 is a member disposed between the first link members 42, and does not have a mounting plate 42b for mounting to the guide bracket 46. The other configuration of the first link member 43 is the same as that of the first link member 42.

[0027] The second link member 44 is a pair of plates sandwiching the first link members 42 and 43. The second link member 44 includes a second link plate 44a, a link hole 44b, a fixing hole 44c, and a positioning protrusion 44d. The second link plate 44a is an elongated plate member. The second link plate 44a includes a link hole 44b that serves as a link engagement portion. The link hole 44b is a through hole, i.e., an elongated hole, provided on one end of the second link plate 44a with its major axis extending in the extension direction. The link hole 44b may also be a bottomed recessed groove. The link hole 44b is an elongated hole that engages with the link protrusion 42c and is longer than the link protrusion 42c. The link protrusion 42c is movable within the range of the link hole 44b. The other end of the second link plate 44a includes a fixing hole 44c and positioning protrusions 44d provided on both sides of the fixing hole 44c.

[0028] The positioning protrusion 44d of the second link member 44 engages with the positioning hole 42e of the first link member 42. Fixing members 45, such as screws, are fastened to the fixing holes 42d and 44c. At this portion, the first link member 42 and the second link member 44 are integrally fixed and do not displace. The link protrusion 42c of the first link member 43 engages with the link hole 44b of the second link member 44. This allows the first link member 42 to bend relative to the second link member 44 at this portion. As shown in FIG. 7 , the link protrusion 42c and the link hole 44b have the same curved shape. That is, the link protrusion 42c and the link hole 44b are located on a circular locus 40 whose center of rotation is the link shaft 28 connecting the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 26 of adjacent frame constituent members 21. This allows the link unit 41 to bend in accordance with the rotation of the adjacent frame constituent members 21 about the link shaft 28.

[0029] Here, in the curved portion of the frame mechanism 3, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery of the curved portion are longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery are shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer peripheries of the guide rails can be absorbed by the movement of the link protrusions 42c within the link holes 44b.

[0030] The first link members 42, 43 and the second link member 44 constitute one link unit 41, and the link unit 41 is supported on the side plate 23 of one frame constituent member 21. Here, every few link units 41 are attached by a guide bracket 46. In the link unit 41 to which the guide bracket 46 is attached, a first link member 42 equipped with a mounting plate 42b is used.

[0031] The guide bracket 46 includes a base portion 46a, a mounting groove 46b, and a shaft support portion 46c. The base portion 46a includes the mounting groove 46b. The mounting plate 42b of the first link member 42 is inserted into the mounting groove 46b. The base portion 46a also includes a mounting hole 46d. The mounting plate 42b of the first link member 42 is fixed by fastening fixing members 46g, such as screws, into the mounting holes 42f and 46d. A mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted into the shaft support portion 46c. The position of the guide bracket 46 in the height direction can be adjusted along the mounting shaft 47b. The shaft support portion 46c fixes the position of the guide bracket 46 in the height direction by fastening fixing members 46h, such as screws.

[0032] The mounting member 47 for mounting the guide bracket 46 to the frame component 21 includes a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b. The base portion 47a is mounted to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a.

[0033] 7, adjacent frame constituent members 21 can pivot left and right with their basic state being a linear arrangement. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can pivot relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the pivot restricting portion 26c engages with one end of the engaging step 25d. In response to this, the link units 41 provided corresponding to each frame constituent member 21 also bend around the link shaft 28 in accordance with the pivoting of the frame constituent member 21.

[0034] For example, in Figure 7, let us look at the first, second, and third frame components 21a, 21b, and 21c, which are adjacent to each other. The second frame component 21b is curved in the direction of arrow R1 relative to the first frame component 21a. In this case, in the first guide rail 5a located on the inner periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in one direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned to the right of the link hole 44b in Figure 7). In the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in the other direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned to the left of the link hole 44b in Figure 7).

[0035] Additionally, the third frame component 21c is curved in the direction of arrow R2 relative to the second frame component 21b. In this case, in the first guide rail 5a located on the outer periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in the other direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the left side of the link hole 44b in FIG. 7). In the second guide rail 5b located on the inner periphery of the curved portion, the link protrusion 42c is positioned offset in one direction within the link hole 44b (the link protrusion 42c is positioned on the right side of the link hole 44b in FIG. 7).

[0036] Effects of the First Embodiment The first embodiment described above can achieve the following effects: (1-1) Even if the frame mechanism 3 is bendable in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, the guide mechanism 5 can be attached with the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction.

[0037] (1-2) In the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b, which are configured by connecting a plurality of link units 41, one of the adjacent link units 41 pivots relative to the link unit 41 in the other direction. This allows the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b to bend in accordance with the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0038] (1-3) In the curved portion of the frame mechanism 3, either the first guide rail 5a or the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery must be long, and the other guide rail located on the inner periphery must be short. The difference in length between the inner and outer periphery guide rails 5a, 5b can be absorbed by the movement of the link protrusion 42c within the link hole 44b.

[0039] (1-4) The frame mechanism 3 can be rotated left and right, which makes it easy to change the layout, etc., and increases versatility. The guide mechanism 5 can also be curved to match the shape of the rotatable frame mechanism 3, which increases the versatility of the guide mechanism 5.

[0040] In the first embodiment, the configuration of the link unit 41 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the link between the first link members 42 and 43 and the second link member 44 may have a configuration different from that of the example described above.

[0041] Second Embodiment As shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10, a link unit 51 according to a second embodiment includes a first link member 52 and a second link member 53. As shown in FIG.

[0042] The first link member 52 includes a first link plate 52 a and a link hole 52 b. The first link plate 52 a is a long, narrow plate member. The first link plate 52 a also includes an insertion hole 52 c on the side opposite the link hole 52 b, and positioning holes 52 d on both sides of the insertion hole 52 c.

[0043] The second link members 53 are a pair of plates that sandwich the first link member 52. The second link members 53 are paired, with an upper and lower pair having slightly different configurations. The second link member 53 on the lower side in Fig. 10 includes a second link plate 53a, a pair of link rollers 53b, a positioning protrusion 53d that is inserted into the positioning hole 52d, and an engagement hole 53g. The second link member 53 on the upper side in Fig. 10 also includes a second link plate 53a. This second link plate 53a includes a receiving portion 53f for the link roller 53b, an insertion hole 53c, and an engagement hole 53e that engages with the tip of the positioning protrusion 53d.

[0044] The pair of link rollers 53b are provided at the same positions as the link protrusions 42c described in the first embodiment. That is, the pair of link rollers 53b are located on a circular locus 40 centered on the link shaft 28 that connects the first connecting portion 25 and the second connecting portion 26 of adjacent frame constituent members 21 (see FIG. 7). As a result, the link unit 51 also curves in accordance with the rotation of the adjacent frame constituent members 21 about the link shaft 28.

[0045] The guide bracket 55 has a clamping groove 55a. The clamping groove 55a holds the insertion holes 52c, 53c of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53. When the clamping groove 55a holds the insertion holes 52c, 53c of the first link member 52 and the second link member 53, the fixing member 54 is fastened to the guide bracket 55 through the fixing hole 55b. The guide bracket 55 is attached to the frame component member 21 through an attachment member.

[0046] The positioning protrusion 53d of the second link member 53 is inserted into the positioning hole 52d of the first link member 52 and engaged with the engagement hole 53e. A fixing member 54 such as a screw is fastened into the insertion holes 52c, 53c. Furthermore, the link roller 53b of the second link member 53 is engaged with the link hole 52b of the first link member 52. This allows the first link member 52 to bend relative to the second link member 53.

[0047] Here, in the curved portion of the frame mechanism 3, of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b, the guide rail located on the outer periphery of the curved portion is longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery is shorter. The difference in guide rail length between the inner and outer peripheries can be absorbed by the movement of the link rollers 53b in the link holes 52b.

[0048] Effects of the Second Embodiment The second embodiment described above can achieve the following effects: (2-1) The link rollers 53b are located on the peripheral wall that defines the link hole 52b. Therefore, the second link member 53 can move smoothly relative to the first link member 52 due to reduced friction.

[0049] In the second embodiment, the configuration of the link unit 51 is not limited to the example described above. For example, the link between the first link member 52 and the second link member 53 may have a configuration different from that described above.

[0050] Third Embodiment Compared with the guide mechanism 5 having the link units 41, 51 of the first and second embodiments, the guide mechanism 61 of the third embodiment has a shorter interval for attaching the attachment member 47 to the frame mechanism 3.

[0051] 11 and 12 , a guide mechanism 61 according to the third embodiment includes a first guide rail 5 a and a second guide rail 5 b. Each of the first guide rail 5 a and the second guide rail 5 b includes a guide tube 62 and a support member 63.

[0052] The guide tube 62 is a tube body made of flexible synthetic resin such as rubber. The guide tube 62 is, for example, hollow. The support member 63 includes a base portion 63a, a tube support portion 63b, an auxiliary guide portion 63c, and a shaft support portion 63d. The tube support portion 63b includes a support shaft 63e extending in opposite directions. The support shaft 63e is inserted into the end of the guide tube 62. The end of the guide tube 62 into which the support shaft 63e is inserted is supported to some extent by frictional force on the support shaft 63e. However, when the frame mechanism 3 is bent, the guide tube 62 can move along the support shaft 63e when pulled. In other words, when the frame mechanism 3 is bent, the length of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the inner periphery becomes shorter, and the length of the guide rail located on the outer periphery becomes longer. The overlapping area between the support shaft 63e and the end of the guide tube 62 becomes smaller when the length of the guide rail becomes longer, and becomes larger when the length of the guide rail becomes shorter.

[0053] The overlapping distance between the support shaft 63e and the end of the guide tube 62 is set to a dimension that prevents the end of the guide tube 62 from falling off the support shaft 63e even when the length of the guide rail is at its longest, in accordance with the rotation angle of the frame mechanism 3. The overlapping distance between the support shaft 63e and the end of the guide tube 62 is also set to prevent the end of the guide tube 62 from hitting the wall portion supporting the support shaft 63e and interfering with the bending of the frame constituent member 21, even when the length of the guide rail is at its shortest and the support shaft 63e moves toward the base end.

[0054] The auxiliary guide portion 63c is located at the base end of the support shaft 63e and extends parallel to the support shaft 63e. Furthermore, the auxiliary guide portion 63c extends downward at the base ends of the support shafts 63e extending in opposite directions. That is, the auxiliary guide portion 63c has a T-shaped guide surface. The vertical portions of the T are connected at the center of the horizontal portion. Furthermore, neither the horizontal nor vertical portions of the T are interrupted. Furthermore, the length of each support shaft 63e extending in opposite directions is configured to be the same as the length of the horizontal portion of the T. The guide surface (tip surface) of the horizontal portion of the T of the auxiliary guide portion 63c is configured to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 62 when inserted into the end of the guide tube 62 relative to the support shafts 63e extending in opposite directions. This allows the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 to be provided without interruption even in the support member 63 portion. The tip end surface of the vertical portion is slightly lower than the horizontal portion by the thickness of the guide tube 62 .

[0055] The mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted into the shaft support portion 63d. The position of the support member 63 in the height direction can be adjusted along the mounting shaft 47b. The shaft support portion 63d fixes the position of the support member 63 in the height direction by fastening a fixing member 63f such as a screw.

[0056] The mounting members 47 for mounting the support members 63 to the frame constituent members 21 include a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b. The base portion 47a is mounted to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a. The mounting members 47 are mounted to every other or every other frame constituent members 21 in the series. The support members 63 are fixed in their heightwise positions by fastening fixing members 63f such as screws into fastening holes 63g.

[0057] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can pivot left and right, with their basic state being a linear arrangement. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can pivot relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the pivot restricting portion 26c engages with one end of the engaging step portion 25d. In response to this, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the pivoting of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide tube 62, both ends of which are supported by the support members 63, curves to match the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0058] In the curved section, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery are longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery are shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer peripheries can be absorbed by the end of the guide tube 62 moving in the axial direction of the support shaft 63e. The overlap between the end of the guide tube 62 and the support shaft 63e is larger on the inner periphery and smaller on the outer periphery.

[0059] Effects of the Third Embodiment The third embodiment described above can achieve the following effects: (3-1) The first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b can be simplified in configuration by using the guide tube 62 as the main component.

[0060] (3-2) The guide rails for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the part of the support member 63. Therefore, the guide rails for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the part of the guide support member 63.

[0061] In comparison with the guide mechanism 5 having the link units 41, 51 of the first and second embodiments, in the guide mechanism 61 of the third embodiment, the interval at which the mounting member 47 is attached to the frame mechanism 3 is shorter.

[0062] 13 and 14 , in the fourth embodiment, the support member 63 and the mounting member 47 are integrally configured. That is, the guide support member 66 includes a base portion 66a, a tube support portion 66b, an auxiliary guide portion 66c, and a mounting portion 66d. The base portion 66a may have, for example, a C-shape, although the shape is not particularly limited. The base portion 66a includes a tube support portion 66b. The tube support portion 66b includes a support shaft 66e extending in opposite directions. The support shaft 66e is inserted into the end of the guide tube 62. The end of the guide tube 62 into which the support shaft 66e is inserted is supported to some extent by frictional force on the support shaft 66e. Meanwhile, when the frame mechanism 3 is bent and the guide tube 62 is pulled, the end of the guide tube 62 can move along the support shaft 66e. The guide tube 62 may have a notch 62 a on the side opposite to the inner surface that contacts the workpiece 6 .

[0063] The auxiliary guide portion 66c extends parallel to the support shaft 66e. Furthermore, the auxiliary guide portion 66c extends downward at the base ends of the support shafts 66e extending in opposite directions. That is, the auxiliary guide portion 66c has a T-shape. The T-shaped portion of the auxiliary guide portion 66c is configured so that when the support shafts 66e extending in opposite directions are inserted into the ends of the guide tube 62, the height of the T-shaped portion of the auxiliary guide portion 66c is aligned with the outer peripheral surface of the guide tube 62. This allows the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 to be provided without interruption even in the support member 63 portion. Therefore, the guide rail for transporting the workpiece 6 can be provided without interruption even in the guide support member 66 portion.

[0064] The mounting portions 66d are provided with mounting holes 66f, and the mounting portions 66d are attached to the side plates 23 through the large through holes 35a, and are attached to every other or every few mounting portions 66d in the continuous frame constituent members 21.

[0065] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can pivot left and right, with their basic state being a linear arrangement. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can pivot relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the pivot restricting portion 26c engages with one end of the engaging step portion 25d. In response to this, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the pivoting of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide tube 62, both ends of which are supported by the guide support members 66, curves to match the shape of the frame mechanism 3.

[0066] In the curved section, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b located on the outer periphery are longer, and the guide rail located on the inner periphery are shorter. The difference in length between the inner and outer peripheries can be absorbed by the end of the guide tube 62 moving in the axial direction of the support shaft 66e. The overlap between the end of the guide tube 62 and the support shaft 66e is larger on the inner periphery and smaller on the outer periphery.

[0067] Effects of the Fourth Embodiment The fourth embodiment described above can achieve the following effects: (4-1) The guide support member 66 has two functions: the support member 63 and the mounting member 47. Therefore, in this embodiment, the number of parts required to support the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b can be reduced.

[0068] 15 and 16, a guide mechanism 71 according to a fifth embodiment includes a first guide rail 5a and a second guide rail 5b. Each of the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b includes a guide belt 72 and a clamp member 73.

[0069] The guide belt 72 is a strip made of flexible synthetic resin such as rubber. The inner surface of the guide belt 72 that comes into contact with the workpiece 6 is configured as a smooth guide surface. The outer surface of the guide belt 72, which is the opposite side to the inner surface, is provided with an engagement holding portion 72a that extends in the longitudinal direction in the central portion in the width direction. The engagement holding portion 72a is a protrusion that has a shape in which an engagement groove extending in the longitudinal direction is formed at the base end portion of the protrusion. For example, the engagement holding portion 72a is a protrusion that has an inverted trapezoidal cross section. Of course, other shapes such as a round cross section may also be used.

[0070] The clamp member 73 includes a main body 73a, a clamp portion 73b, a belt fixing hole 73c, and a shaft support portion 73d. The clamp portion 73b includes a pair of clamp claws that engage with a pair of engagement grooves provided in the engagement holder 72a. The main body 73a includes a belt fixing hole 73c for fixing the pair of clamp claws to the pair of engagement grooves. A fixing member 73f, such as a screw, is fastened into the belt fixing hole 73c. ​​As a result, the pair of clamp claws of the clamp member 73 firmly engage with the pair of engagement grooves, fixing the guide belt 72.

[0071] The mounting shaft 47b extending from the mounting member 47 is inserted through the shaft support portion 73d. The position of the clamp member 73 in the height direction can be adjusted along the mounting shaft 47b. The position of the clamp member 73 in the height direction is fixed by fastening fixing members 73g such as screws into fastening holes 73e.

[0072] The mounting members 47 for mounting the clamp members 73 to the frame constituent members 21 include a base portion 47a and a mounting shaft 47b. The base portion 47a is mounted to the side plate 23 through the large through hole 35a. The mounting members 47 are mounted to every other or every few of the consecutive frame constituent members 21.

[0073] [Operation] Adjacent frame constituent members 21 can pivot left and right, with their basic state being a linear arrangement. That is, one frame constituent member 21 can pivot relative to the other frame constituent member 21 until one end of the pivot restricting portion 26c engages with one end of the engagement step 25d. In response to this, the first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b also curve in accordance with the pivoting of the frame constituent members 21. That is, the guide belt 72 curves to match the shape of the frame mechanism 3. In this embodiment, after the frame mechanism 3 is curved to match the predetermined layout, the guide belt 72 is fixed by the clamp member 73.

[0074] Advantages of the Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment described above can achieve the following advantages: (5-1) The first guide rail 5a and the second guide rail 5b can be simplified in configuration by using the guide belt 72 as the main component.

[0075] [Modifications] The first to fifth embodiments described above can also be modified as appropriate as follows.

[0076] In the support member 63 of the third embodiment, the auxiliary guide portion 63c may be omitted, leaving the support shaft 63e. Also, in the guide support member 66 of the fourth embodiment, the auxiliary guide portion 66c may be omitted, leaving the support shaft 66e.

[0077] The frame mechanism 3 on which the guide mechanism 5 in the first and second embodiments is provided can be bent in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 5 in the first and second embodiments can also be provided on a fixed frame mechanism. That is, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to fit a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 5 can be bent and attached to fit the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 5 is highly versatile.

[0078] The frame mechanism 3 on which the guide mechanism 61 is provided in the third and fourth embodiments is bendable in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 61 can also be provided on a fixed frame mechanism. That is, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to fit a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 61 can be bent and attached to fit the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 61 is highly versatile.

[0079] The frame mechanism 3 on which the guide mechanism 71 in the fifth embodiment is provided is bendable in the left-right direction. The guide mechanism 71 can also be provided on a fixed frame mechanism. That is, regardless of the layout of the fixed frame mechanism that is designed to fit a predetermined layout, the guide mechanism 71 can be bent and attached to fit the layout. Therefore, the guide mechanism 71 is highly versatile.

Claims

1. A conveying device comprising: a frame mechanism that supports a conveying member that conveys a workpiece so that it can run and extends in an extension direction; and a guide mechanism that guides the conveying of the workpiece, wherein the guide mechanism comprises a first guide rail and a second guide rail, each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail being bendable at least in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, the first guide rail being arranged on one side of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and the second guide rail being arranged on the other side of the frame mechanism in the left-right direction, and each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail being supported on the side of the frame mechanism via an attachment member.

2. A conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is formed by connecting a plurality of link units, each of the link units comprises a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member having an elongated shape, and one of the first link member and the second link member comprises a link protrusion, and the other link member comprises a link engagement portion with which the link protrusion engages.

3. The conveying device according to claim 2, wherein the link engagement portion is a through hole or a recessed groove whose major axis is the extension direction.

4. A conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail comprises a guide tube that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted, and the support member is supported on the frame mechanism by the mounting member.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein the support member is provided with an auxiliary guide portion that guides the conveyance of the workpiece at the position of the support member.

6. A conveying device as described in claim 1, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail comprises a guide belt that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a clamp member that clamps the guide belt, and the clamp member is supported by the mounting member.

7. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the conveying member is an endless conveying member that can be freely bent at least in the left-right direction to convey the workpiece, and the frame mechanism is configured by connecting adjacent frame components so that they can be swiveled in the left-right direction.

8. A conveying device as described in claim 7, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail is formed by connecting a plurality of link units, each of the link units being provided corresponding to each of the frame constituent members, each of the link units comprising a first link member and a second link member sandwiching the first link member, the first link member and the second link member having an elongated shape, one of the first link member and the second link member comprising a link protrusion, and the other link member comprising a link engaging portion whose major axis is the extension direction with which the link protrusion engages, and the link protrusion and the link engaging portion are located on a concentric circle with the center of rotation of the frame constituent members.

9. A conveying device as described in claim 7, wherein each of the first guide rail and the second guide rail comprises a guide tube that can be bent in the left-right direction relative to the extension direction, and a support member having a support shaft into which an end of the guide tube is inserted, the support member being supported on the frame component member by the mounting member, and the guide tube being supported so as to be movable in the axial direction of the support shaft provided on the support member.

10. The conveying device according to claim 9, wherein the support member is provided with an auxiliary guide portion that guides the conveyance of the workpiece at the position of the support member.

Images