JP6725161B2 - Transport unit, transfer mechanism and processing system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a transport unit that transports articles between a plurality of stations.

Conventionally, in order to perform a plurality of steps on an article (work material), various kinds of transportation for transporting an object from a first step performing location where one step is performed to a second step performing location where another step is performed. Units are used.

The transport line system of Patent Document 1 includes a plurality of main trunk rail members (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e), a shunt rail member (5a, 5b, 5c), and sub trunk rail members (6a, 6b, 6c). ), a support member (3), and a belt member (103). The support member (3) is movable along the main backbone rail members (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e), the escape rail members (5a, 5b, 5c) or the sub backbone rail members (6a, 6b, 6c). And supporting a container body (2) for containing a work material. Then, by electrically driving the belt member (103), the support member (3) moves along each rail. The plurality of main backbone rail members (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e) are arranged between one process execution place and another process execution place in order to convey a predetermined work material. There is. The escape rail member (5a, 5b, 5c) is provided between one main trunk rail member and the other main trunk rail member of the plurality of trunk rail members (4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e). It is located at the location where the process is carried out and can be moved by the moving member to a position where it is disconnected from the position where it is continuous with one or other main backbone rail members when the process is performed using a predetermined work material. Yes, or it can be moved by a moving member from a position where it disconnects from one and the other main backbone rail members to a continuous position. Further, the sub trunk rail members (6a, 6b, 6c) are arranged at the process execution location and are connected to the escape rail members (5a, 5b, 5c) by a connecting member (7). When the retracting rail members (5a, 5b, 5c) move from a position continuous with one or other main backbone rail members to a position where they are disconnected, another work material can pass through the process execution place in conjunction therewith. In this way, the sub trunk rail members (6a, 6b, 6c) move from the position where they are disconnected from one or the other main trunk rail members to the continuous position. Alternatively, when the escape rail members (5a, 5b, 5c) move from a position where they are disconnected from one or the other main backbone rail members to a continuous position, in conjunction with this, they continue to the one and other main backbone rail members. The sub trunk rail members (6a, 6b, 6c) move from the closed position to the disconnected position.

Japanese Patent No. 5004377

However, in the conventional transport unit as disclosed in Patent Document 1, at the process execution location on the line where the cutoff portion of the main rail is provided directly above, the worker has a support member (transporter) suspended from the escape rail member. It is necessary to manually remove the work material from the above to process the work material, and then manually return the processed work material to the support member. Since the support member is hung on the rail in a relatively unstable state, when the worker transfers the work material between the support member and the process execution place, it wastes time and falls. However, there was a problem that the continuity of the process was interrupted due to the accident. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve at least an article transfer process between stations by automating the transfer of articles between a station, which is a process execution site, and a carrier in a transfer unit.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is a transport unit capable of more efficiently transporting an article between a plurality of stations, and an article between the station and a transport body. It is an object of the present invention to provide a transfer mechanism that automates transfer and a processing system provided with the transfer unit.

A transport unit according to one aspect of the present invention is a transport unit that transports articles between a plurality of stations,
A transport rail extending along the transport direction of the article so as to connect a plurality of stations,
A carrier that travels along the carrier rail and carries the article,
A pallet that is supported by the carrier in a state where the article is placed and is conveyed between the plurality of stations,
A transfer device provided inside the station, adjacent to the transport rail, and configured to be able to deliver the pallet to the transport body;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the transport unit,
The transfer device,
A support configured to support the pallet,
A rail member that is fixed to the support and extends in the transfer direction of the pallet;
A traveling body that travels on the rail member, having an engaging portion that selectively engages with an engaged portion of the pallet, and in a state of engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion. And a traveling body that pushes or pulls the pallet.

According to the transport unit of one aspect of the present invention, the transfer device operates so as to transfer the pallet between the support body of the transfer device installed inside the station and the transport body. It is possible to automatically transfer the held articles between the station and the carrier. That is, the traveling body travels on the rail member while the engaging portion of the traveling body of the transfer device and the engaged portion of the pallet are selectively engaged with each other, so that the traveling body pushes or pulls the pallet. It is possible to transfer articles between the carrier and the support. Therefore, the transport unit of the present invention enables more efficient transport of articles among a plurality of stations.

In a transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the engaged portion is defined by an engaging hole formed in the pallet, and the engaging portion is insertable into the engaging hole and has a projecting and retracting operation. The running body may be movable to an engaging position where the engaging hole and the engaging pin coincide with each other. That is, the traveling body moves to the engagement position with the engagement pin retracted, and at the engagement position, the engagement pin protrudes and is inserted into the engagement hole, and the engagement pin is inserted into the engagement hole. In this state, the traveling body can push or pull the pallet.

In the transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the pallet may be provided with two or more engagement holes along the extending direction of the rail member. That is, the traveling body moves the pallet to a predetermined position by pushing and pulling the pallet in multiple steps by engaging the engaging pins with the two or more engaging holes in order and reciprocating on the rail member. Can be made. Accordingly, the transport unit of the present invention can be applied to a pallet capable of supporting long articles in the delivery direction.

In a transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the transfer device may further include a frame body supported by the structure of the station and suspending and supporting the support body inside. Further, the transfer device may further include a vertical position adjusting mechanism for changing a relative height of the support in the frame. That is, since the support can be displaced in the height direction by the vertical position adjusting mechanism, the transfer device can deliver the pallets held at various heights to the support. Furthermore, a guide piece protruding outward is provided on the support body, and a guide rail extending in a height direction is provided on the frame body so as to fit the guide piece, and the guide piece is provided. The movement in the height direction of the support may be guided by sliding in the groove of the guide rail.

In the transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the transfer device may further include a horizontal position adjustment mechanism that horizontally moves the frame body in a direction orthogonal to the delivery direction. That is, since the frame body can be displaced in the horizontal direction together with the support body by the horizontal position adjusting mechanism, the transfer device causes the pallet to be displaced from the support body in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction. Can be delivered to.

In a transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the transfer device is configured to be able to transfer the pallet to an article mounting portion adjacent to the transfer device on the opposite side of the transfer rail inside the station. May be done.

In a transport unit according to a further aspect of the present invention, the frame body is provided with a support plate supported by a structure of the station via a support shaft, and the frame body is movably mounted in a long hole formed in the support plate. A support shaft may be inserted.

A processing system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a first station,
A second station spaced apart from the first station;
The transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which transports an article between the first station and the second station,
The transfer device of the transport unit includes a first transfer device and a second transfer device which are respectively arranged in the first station and the second station,
Inside the first station, a first article placement section adjacent to the first transfer apparatus is arranged on the opposite side of the transport rail, and the first transfer apparatus places the pallet on the first article placement section. It is configured to be handable to the department,
Inside the second station, a second article placing section adjacent to the second transfer apparatus is disposed on the opposite side of the transport rail, and the second transfer apparatus places the pallet on the second article placing section. It is characterized in that it can be handed over to the department.

According to the processing system of one aspect of the present invention, the article is automatically transferred between the first article placement section of the first station and the carrier by the operation of the first transfer apparatus, and the second transfer apparatus is used. The articles are automatically transferred between the second article placement section of the second station and the carrier by the operation of the loading device. That is, in the present processing system, the step of manually handing over the article to the carrier by the worker is completely omitted. As a result, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the processing steps in this processing system.

In a processing system according to a further aspect of the present invention, the first article placement section is an article entry section for loading an article processed by a user, and the second article placement section stores the article. The article storage unit may have a plurality of shelves in the height direction.

A transfer mechanism according to an aspect of the present invention is a transfer mechanism that transfers an article between a first region and a second region that are adjacent to each other,
A pallet that moves between the first area and the second area while holding the article;
A support configured to support the pallet, the support defining the first region;
A rail member that is fixed to the support and extends in the transfer direction of the pallet;
A traveling body that travels along the rail member, which has an engagement pin that can be inserted into an engagement hole formed in the pallet and that is capable of projecting and retracting, and the engagement hole and the engagement member. A traveling body that can move to an engagement position where the dowel pin matches,
And a control unit that controls the operation of the transfer mechanism.

According to the transfer mechanism of one aspect of the present invention, the traveling body travels on the rail member while the engagement pin of the traveling body and the pallet (the inner peripheral surface of the engagement hole) are selectively engaged with each other. The body can push or pull the pallet to transfer articles between the carrier and the support. That is, the traveling body moves to the engagement position with the engagement pin retracted, and at the engagement position, the engagement pin protrudes and is inserted into the engagement hole, and the engagement pin is inserted into the engagement hole. The traveling body pushes or pulls the pallet. Therefore, the transfer mechanism of the present invention can automatically transfer the articles held on the pallet between the first area and the second area (which is the article mounting portion outside the support). It is possible.

A transfer mechanism according to a further aspect of the present invention further includes a frame body that internally supports the support body, and a vertical position adjustment mechanism that changes a relative height of the support body in the frame body, A guide piece that projects outward is provided on the support body, and a guide rail that extends in the height direction is provided on the frame body so that the guide piece is fitted therein. The movement in the height direction of the support may be guided by sliding in the groove.

The transport unit of the present invention automates the transfer of articles between stations and transport bodies, and enables articles to be transported more efficiently between a plurality of stations.

1 is a schematic perspective view of a processing system in which a transfer unit according to an embodiment of the present invention is incorporated. The top view of the processing system of FIG. The front view of the processing system of FIG. The side view of the processing system of FIG. The schematic perspective view seen from the conveyance rail side of the 1st station of the processing system of FIG. The front view of the 1st station of FIG. The side view of the 1st station of FIG. The schematic perspective view seen from the conveyance rail side of the 2nd station of the processing system of FIG. The rear view of the 2nd station of FIG. The side view of the 2nd station of FIG. The top view of the 2nd station of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transfer device that constitutes a transport unit of the processing system of FIG. 1. The front view of the transfer apparatus of FIG. The side view of the transfer apparatus of FIG. The AA end view of FIG. The elements on larger scale of FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a transfer mechanism (an assembly of a rail member and a traveling body) that constitutes the transfer device of FIG. 12. The (a) top view of the delivery mechanism of FIG. 17, and the (b) front view. The BB schematic sectional drawing of FIG. The perspective view of the running body of FIG. 21A is a plan view, FIG. 21B is a front view, and FIG. 21C is a side view. The figure which shows the form which the traveling body moved on the rail member and the engaging pin projected in the delivery mechanism of FIG. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a transport rail and a transport assembly of a transport body that constitute a transport unit of the processing system of FIG. 1. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the transport assembly of FIG. 23. FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged view of the transport assembly of FIG. 24. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a pallet that constitutes a transport unit of the processing system of FIG. 1. 23A is a plan view and FIG. 23B is a side view. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing a step of pulling the pallet from the article placement section to the support body in the transport unit of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a process of sending out a pallet from a support to an article placement section in the transport unit of the present embodiment. The side view which shows an example of the flow of the article conveyed from the 1st station to the 2nd station in the processing system of this embodiment. FIG. In the processing system of this embodiment, a schematic plan view showing an example of the flow of articles conveyed from the first station to the second station. The schematic plan view of the processing system of another embodiment of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The shape of each drawing referred to in the following description is a conceptual diagram or a schematic view for explaining a preferable shape, and the dimensional ratios and the like do not necessarily match the actual dimensional ratios. That is, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios in the drawings. Also, the up, down, left, and right directions may be interpreted interchangeably.

The processing system 10 of the present embodiment is configured such that an article W as a work material is arbitrarily conveyed between the first station 11 and the second station 11 and a predetermined processing is executed. Further, the processing system 10 is provided with the transport unit 15 of the present embodiment. The transport unit 15 is configured to transport the article W along a predetermined transport path. FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view showing the entire processing system 10 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view showing the entire processing system 10. FIG. 3 is a schematic front view showing the entire processing system 10. FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing the entire processing system 10.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the processing system 10 includes a first station 11 that performs a first process on an article W and a first station 11 that is spaced apart from the first station 11. It is provided with a second station 13 on which the second processing is performed, and a transport unit 15 for transporting the article W between the first station 11 and the second station 13. The first and second processes show a wide range of concepts such as processing, inspection, storage, storage, and handling of the article W, and do not limit the present invention.

The transport unit 15 is an assembly of components required to transport the article W. That is, the transport unit 15 has a hollow transport rail 130 extending along the transport direction of the article W so as to connect the adjacent stations 11 and 13, and a transport that travels along the transport rail 130 and transports the article W. A body 150, a pallet 110 which is supported by the carrier 150 with the article W placed thereon, and is transferred between two adjacent stations 11 and 13, and a carrier rail inside the stations 11 and 13. A transfer device 100 that is provided adjacent to each end of 130 and is configured to be able to transfer the pallet 110 to the transport body 150; and a control unit (not shown) that controls the operation of the transport unit 15. Equipped with. Hereinafter, each component of the processing system 10 will be described in detail.

The configuration of the first station 11 will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 to 7. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the first station 11 as viewed from the transport rail 130 side. FIG. 6 is a front view of the first station 11. FIG. 7 is a side view of the first station 11.

As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the first station 11 is composed of a frame-shaped structure forming a casing. For convenience of explanation, wall materials and the like are omitted. Further, the first station 11 has an arrangement space for the transfer device 100 on the transport rail 130 side, and has an article introduction section 11a on the opposite side to which the article W is introduced. The transfer device 100 is fixed to the structure of the first station 11. Specifically, the transfer device 100 is suspended and supported from the ceiling of the structure via the connecting shaft 11b. The article introducing unit 11a is divided into upper and lower shelves, and each shelf has a stage 14 on which the pallet 110 supporting the article W can be placed. At the first station 11, the mounting device 100 itself is fixed to the structure and does not move, but as shown by the phantom line in FIG. 6, the support body 102 of the mounting device 100 can move up and down.

The stage 14 is composed of a pair of rail bodies. The pair of rails of the stage 14 are spaced apart so as to support the outer frame portion of the pallet 110, and a traveling body 104 described later can be inserted between the rails. Further, on the side surface of the rail, a positioning member 14a that is a bearing or a wheel-shaped projecting body that extends to the upper surface side of the rail is arranged. The positioning member 14a is configured to elastically retract when a downward force is applied. The positioning member 14a functions to enter the notch 114 of the pallet 110 arranged on the stage 14 and position and hold the pallet 110 at a predetermined mounting position. The configuration of the stage 14 is common to the first station 11 and the second station 13.

The configuration of the second station 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 11. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the second station 13 as viewed from the transport rail 130 side. FIG. 9 is a rear view of the second station 13. FIG. 10 is a side view of the second station 13. FIG. 11 is a plan view of the second station 13.

As shown in FIGS. 8 to 11, the second station 13 is configured by a frame-shaped structure that forms a housing, like the first station 11. For convenience of explanation, wall materials and the like are omitted. In addition, the second station 13 has an arrangement space for the transfer device 100 on the side of the transport rail 130, and has an article storage portion 13a for storing the article W on the opposite side thereof. The transfer device 100 is supported by the structure of the second station 13 so as to be horizontally movable in a direction orthogonal to the transport rail 130. Particularly, the transfer device 100 is movably supported by a support shaft 13b and a support rail 13c fixed to the ceiling of the structure of the second station 13. The transfer device 100 is horizontally driven by a slider device 106 (horizontal position adjusting mechanism) connected to the upper wall of the frame 101 and the ceiling of the structure. The slider device 106 may be a known mechanical mechanism that can be driven by an external power source or the like. In addition, the article storage unit 11a is divided into upper and lower two-tier shelves, and is divided into two rooms in the front and rear. That is, the article storage unit 11a has four rooms, and each room is provided with the stage 14. In the second station 13, the placing device 100 can be horizontally moved forward and backward (see the phantom line in FIG. 11) in order to convey the articles W and the pallets 110 to each room, and the supporting body 102 of the placing device 100. Can be vertically moved vertically (see the phantom line in FIG. 9).

Next, the configuration of the transfer device 100 that is installed in each of the stations 11 and 13 and that constitutes the transport unit 15 will be described. FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the transfer device 100 of this embodiment. FIG. 13 is a front view of the transfer device 100. FIG. 14 is a side view of the transfer device 100. The transfer device 100 described here is arranged in the second station 13. The transfer device 100 arranged in the first station 11 is simpler than the device arranged in the second station 13 because it does not move horizontally. Therefore, the description is omitted.

The transfer device 100 includes a frame body 101 supported by the structure of the second station 13, a support body 102 supported inside the frame body 101, and configured to support the pallet 110 and the article W. The rail member 103 is fixed to the support body 102 and extends in the transfer direction of the pallet 110, and the traveling body 104 traveling on the rail member 103. Further, in the transfer device 100, a vertical position adjusting mechanism (chin block device 105) for moving the support body 102 up and down relative to the frame body 101, and for horizontally moving the frame body 101 together in the transfer direction. The horizontal position adjusting mechanism (slider device 106) is provided. In the transfer device 100 installed in the first station 11, the horizontal position adjusting mechanism is omitted.

The frame body 101 is formed by assembling the wire rod in a rectangular shape so as to accommodate the support body 102 therein. Further, the frame body 101 has a top wall 101a so as to define a housing space for the support body 102 below. The frame 101 is at least opened in the transfer direction so that the pallet 110 can be transferred to the support 102. In other words, the frame 101 has only to be opened toward the transport rail 130 and toward the article introducing section 11a or the article accommodating section 13a, and other side surfaces may be closed by walls. Further, the frame body 101 is opened downward so that the support body 102 can be moved below the frame body 101.

The top wall 101a of the frame 101 is configured to be fixed or supported by the structural material of each station 11, 13. In the transfer device 100 installed in the second station 13 described here, the support plate 101b and the traveling wheel 101c protruding upward are fixed to the upper surface of the top wall 101a. A long hole that is long in the vertical direction is formed in the support plate 101b. By inserting the support shaft 13b of the second station 13 into the elongated hole, the frame 101 is suspended and supported on the ceiling of the second station 13 via the support plate 101b. Since the support shaft 13b can move freely within the elongated hole, a slight displacement of the transfer device 100 in the height direction is allowed. The traveling wheel 101c is supported so as to be able to travel on the horizontal rail of the second station 13. That is, the traveling wheels 101c function to assist the horizontal movement of the transfer device 100 within the station. Further, a horizontal drive plate 101d connected to the slider device 106 is provided on the upper surface of the top wall 101a. The slider device 106 horizontally drives the entire transfer device 100 via the horizontal drive plate 101d.

A chain block device 105, which is a type of pulley device, is provided on the top wall 101a. The chain block device 105 is a known mechanical device that has a chain that hangs downward and that automatically winds and lowers the chain on the principle of a pulley. The chain block device 105 is driven by an external power supply. The support body 102 is supported by the chain hanging from the lower surface of the top wall 101a. The chain block device 105 functions as a vertical position adjusting mechanism for changing the height of the support 102. Note that another pulley device may be adopted as the vertical position adjusting mechanism.

Further, a pair of guide rails 101e extending in the height direction are provided on both sides of the frame body 101 in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction. Each guide rail 101e is arranged substantially in the middle of the frame 101 in the delivery direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the guide rail 101e is an elongated body having a groove that opens inward with a narrow width. The guide rail 101e is configured such that a guide piece 102d of a support body 102, which will be described later, is vertically slidably inserted therein.

The support body 102 is formed as a rectangular basket on which the pallet 110 and the article W are placed. The support body 102 includes a bottom wall 102a and a top wall 102b, and the bottom wall 102a and the top wall 102b are connected by a wire rod. Then, the support body 102 defines a space for placing the pallet 110 and the article W between the bottom wall 102a and the top wall 102b. The support body 102 is at least opened in the transfer direction in order to draw the pallet 110 into the inside thereof and send it out to the outside. In other words, similarly to the frame body 101, the support body 102 may be opened toward the transport rail 130 and toward the article introducing portion 11a or the article housing portion 13a, and the other side surface is a wall. It may be closed. That is, both the frame body 101 and the support body 102 are opened so that the pallet 110 and the article W can pass therethrough in the delivery direction.

The central portion of the upper surface of the top wall 102b of the support body 102 is fixed to the tip of the chain of the chain block device 105. As a result, the support body 102 is suspended from the frame body 101 via the chain. The support body 102 is movable in the vertical direction with respect to the frame body 101. Further, the top wall 102b of the support is provided with a pair of guide pieces 102d protruding outward from both edges along the transfer direction. Each guide piece 102d is located substantially in the middle of the top wall 102b in the delivery direction. As shown in FIG. 15, the guide piece 102d is a protrusion having a T-shape in cross section corresponding to the groove shape of the guide rail 101e. The guide piece 102d is arranged in the groove of the guide rail 101e. The guide piece 102d is restricted from coming out of the opening of the guide rail 101e. The guide piece 102d is slidable along the guide rail 101e. That is, the guide rail 101e and the guide piece 102d cooperatively guide the movement of the support body 102 in the height direction with respect to the frame body 101. As a result, the support 102 can be stably moved up and down.

As shown in FIG. 16, the bottom wall 102a of the support 102 is provided with a support base 102c for supporting or placing the pallet 110. The support base 102c is composed of a pair of rails. The pair of rails of the support base 102c are separated so as to support the outer frame portion of the pallet 110. In addition, a positioning member 102e, which is a bearing or a wheel-shaped protrusion that extends to the upper surface side of the support 102c, is arranged on the side surface of the rail. The positioning member 102e is configured to elastically retract when a downward force is applied. The positioning member 102e functions to enter the notch 114 of the pallet 110 arranged on the support base 102c and position and hold the pallet 110 at a predetermined mounting position. An assembly of the rail member 103 and the traveling body 104 is arranged between the pair of rails. This assembly is called the delivery mechanism. The delivery mechanism will be described below.

The delivery mechanism operates so that the pallet 110 is drawn from the article placing section outside the transfer apparatus 100 to the support table 102a and is sent out from the support table 102a to the article placing section outside the transfer apparatus 100. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the traveling body 104 and the rail member 103 are connected so that the traveling body 104 can travel along the rail member 103. FIG. 17 is a schematic perspective view of the delivery mechanism. FIG. 18 is a plan view and a front view of the delivery mechanism. FIG. 19 is a schematic sectional view of the delivery mechanism. For convenience of description, in some drawings, depiction of some components such as an endless belt is omitted.

The rail member 103 is fixed to the upper surface of the bottom wall 102a of the support 102, and extends linearly along the transfer direction of the pallet 110. Further, the rail member 103 is arranged between the pair of rails of the support base 102c. The rail member 103 is opposed to the bottom wall portion extending along the longitudinal direction, a pair of side wall portions provided upright from both end edges of the bottom wall portion in the width (short side) direction, and the pair of side wall portions. Thus, a flange extending in such a manner and an opening opening upward between the pair of flanges are provided. The opening has a width in which the traveling body 104 can be arranged, and the flange corresponds to the position of the wheel 104b of the traveling body 104. The length of the rail member 103 is substantially the same as or slightly longer than the length of the support body 102 in the delivery direction. That is, the length of the rail member 103 is preferably determined so as not to interfere with the movement of the support body 102 in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction. Further, the height of the rail member 103 is set so as not to interfere with the pallet 110 placed on the support base 102c.

Further, inside the rail member 103, a conveyor section 103a is provided. The conveyor portion 103a drives the traveling body 104 so as to travel on the rail member 103 over the entire longitudinal direction. The conveyor unit 103a includes a plurality of pulleys that are rotatably supported between both side wall portions, and an endless belt that is hung on the plurality of pulleys. The endless belt is rotationally driven by a motor (not shown) via a drive shaft. The rotation direction and the rotation amount of the endless belt (or motor) are automatically controlled by the control unit. A position sensor 103b is arranged on the side wall of the rail member 103. In the present embodiment, the position sensor 103b functions as a limit switch that stops the traveling body 104 at the initial position of the center of the rail member 103 in the longitudinal direction and that restricts the traveling body 104 from protruding from the rail member 103. ..

The traveling body 104 is configured to linearly travel along the longitudinal direction of the rail member 103. As shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, the traveling body 104 has a block-shaped traveling body main body 104a, a traveling portion 104b formed below the traveling body main body 104a, and a position lower than the traveling portion 104b. It has a pressure contact portion 104c. The traveling unit 104c includes a plurality of wheels or bearings and can travel on the flange of the rail member 103. As shown in FIG. 19, the press contact portion 104c includes a blade extending in the traveling direction, a shaft to which the blade is connected to the tip, and a shaft which penetrates the traveling body main body 104a and can be idled in the penetrating direction, and the blade downward. A spring is externally attached to the shaft so as to bias the shaft. Further, the height of the traveling body 104 is determined so as not to interfere with the pallet 110 placed on the support base 102c in a state of being connected to the rail member 103.

Engagement pins 104e that can project upward from the upper surface of the traveling body 104a are provided near both ends of the traveling body 104 in the traveling direction. The engagement pin 104e is controlled by the control unit so as to perform the protruding and retracting operations. In this embodiment, the engagement pin 104e is driven by a solenoid. When the engagement pin 104 is retracted, the engagement pin 104e does not contact the pallet 110 located above it. On the other hand, when the engagement pin 104e projects in a predetermined length, the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the engagement hole 112 of the pallet 110 located above the engagement pin 104e, and the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the pallet 110 (the engagement hole 112). The inner peripheral surface of) is selectively engaged.

FIG. 22 shows a form in which the traveling body 104 moves on the rail member 103 and the engaging pin 104e projects upward in the delivery mechanism (assembly of the rail member 103 and the traveling body 104). The traveling body 104 moves along the rail member 103 in accordance with the rotational drive of the conveyor unit 103a. The traveling body 104 is movable until a part of the traveling body main body 104 a extends from both ends of the rail member 103. That is, as the traveling body 104 is driven, the engagement pin 104e is arranged at a predetermined position outside the end of the rail member 103. As will be described later, this position corresponds to the position directly below the engagement hole 112 of the pallet 110 arranged on the article mounting portion outside the transfer device 100. The moving distance of the traveling body 104 is determined based on the distance between the engagement holes 112 of the pallet 110.

Next, a transport assembly (an assembly of the transport rail 130 and the transport body 150) that constitutes the transport unit 15 of the processing system 10 of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the transport assembly. FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the transport assembly, and FIG. 25 is a partially enlarged view thereof. The operation of the transport assembly is controlled by the controller. That is, in the transport assembly, the transport body 150 is driven to travel between the first station 11 and the second station 13 along the transport rail 130 in any direction. Then, the carrier 150 is configured to carry the pallet 110 and the article W between the first station 11 and the second station 13 along the carrier rail 130. Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the transport assembly will be described. However, the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary, and other transport mechanisms may be employed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

The transport rail 130 is linearly installed between the first station 11 and the second station 13. The transport rail 130 is supported in the air by a structure or a structure of the stations 11 and 13 via brackets. The transport rail 130 includes a top wall portion 132 that extends in the longitudinal direction along the transport direction, a pair of side wall portions 133 that hang downward from both end edges of the top wall portion 132 in the width (widthwise) direction, and the pair of side wall portions 133. An opening portion 134 that opens downward between the side wall portions 133 is provided. Rail portions 131 protruding inward are formed at the open ends of the side wall portions 133, respectively. The interval between the pair of rail portions 131 extending in the longitudinal direction (transport direction) is larger than the width of the transport body 151 and corresponds to the position of the pair of wheels forming the traveling portion 153. On the other hand, the opening 134 has a width capable of accommodating the carrier body 151.

A conveyor unit 135 is provided on the opposite side (back side) of the opening 134 of the transport rail 130. The conveyor part 135 is provided alongside the rail part 131 and the opening part 134, and drives the carrier 150 so as to travel on the rail part 131. The conveyor unit 135 includes an endless belt extending over the opening 134 and a plurality of pulleys around which the endless belt is rotatably driven. A drive motor 136 is connected to a drive pulley of the plurality of pulleys, and power is supplied from the drive motor 136.

Further, tension pulleys 137 are arranged at both ends of the transport rail 130 outside the conveyor unit 135. An elongated band-shaped closing belt 138 is rotatably stretched around the tension pulley 137. The closing belt 138 is configured to close the opening 134 of the transport rail 130 and rotate when the transport body 150 is driven. The closing belt 138 has a larger outer peripheral length than the endless belt of the conveyor section 135 of the transfer rail 130 in a state of being connected to the transfer body 150 in an annular shape, and has a width larger than the opening section 134 of the transfer rail 130. have.

The carrier 150 is connected to a block-shaped carrier body 151, below the carrier body 151, and a carrier support portion 152 for mounting and supporting the pallet 110 and the article W, and the carrier body 151. A traveling part 153 for traveling on the rail part 131 of the rail 130, a pressure contact body 155 supported by the carrier body 151 and configured to be capable of pressure contact with the conveyor part 135 of the transport rail 130, and a conveyor part of the pressure contact body 155. And a release lever 156 for releasing the pressure contact with the 135.

The transport body 151 is a rectangular block body having a longer side in the longitudinal direction (transport direction) than the width direction of the transport rail 130 in plan view. As shown in FIG. 25, a plurality of (two in the present embodiment) through-holes 151 a penetrating the carrier body 151 in the height direction are formed in the carrier body 151. Each through hole 151a has a predetermined diameter larger than the diameter of the shaft portion 155a so that the shaft portion 155a of the press contact member 155 can move in the axial direction. Further, the transport support portion 152 is fixed so as to be suspended from the transport body 151, and is formed in a basket shape on which the pallet 110 and the article W can be placed. Further, the traveling portion 153 is composed of a plurality of pairs of wheels rotatably supported on the side portions of the carrier body 151. The wheels are provided on both sides of the front surface and the back surface of the carrier body 151.

The pressure contact body 155 is supported by the carrier body 151, and functions as a connecting portion that presses the outer surface of the endless belt of the conveyor unit 135 of the carrier rail 130 to connect the carrier body 151 to the conveyor unit 135. As shown in FIG. 25, the pressure contact body 155 includes two shaft portions 155a extending in the height direction of the carrier body 151 and a plate-shaped pressure contact plate (pressure contact portion) 155b fixed to the tip of each shaft portion 155a. And a connecting shaft 155c that connects the base ends of the central shaft portion 155a. Each shaft portion 155a is vertically movably inserted (i.e., loosely inserted) into each through hole 151a of the carrier body 151. A coil spring-like elastic body 154 is externally inserted to each shaft portion 155a. The upper end of the elastic body 154 is in contact with the peripheral edge (lower surface) of the through hole 151a of the carrier body 151, and the lower end of the elastic body 154 is in contact with the upper surface of the pressure contact plate 155b. The elastic body 154 is arranged in a compressed state between the carrier body 151 and the pressure contact body 155, and urges the carrier body 151 and the pressure contact body 155 in directions in which they are separated from each other. That is, the elastic contact force of the elastic body 154 urges the pressure contact body 154 against the conveyor unit 135.

The release lever 156 of the present embodiment functions to release the pressure contact of the pressure contact body 155 to the conveyor unit 135. That is, the release lever 156 displaces the press contact body 155 in the height direction of the carrier body 151. Specifically, as the release lever 156 rotates, the lever base end engages with the outer surface of the carrier body 151, and the press contact body 155 is pulled to the carrier body 151 side.

Further, belt couplings 157 for fixing the long closing belt 138 are provided at both ends of the carrier body 151 in the longitudinal direction. As shown in FIG. 25, each belt coupler 157 is an L-shaped metal fitting, and is fixed to both side surfaces of the carrier body 151 with bolts. Each belt coupling member 157 sandwiches and fixes each end portion of one closing belt 138 from both upper and lower surfaces. That is, one closing belt 138 is fixed to the carrier body 151 via the pair of belt couplings 157, so that the carrier 150 and the closing belt 160 cooperate to form an endless ring. ing. As a result, the conveyor 150 and the closing belt 138 simultaneously move along the rail 131 in accordance with the driving of the conveyor unit 135, and the opening 134 is maintained in the closed state when the conveyor 150 travels.

Next, the structure of the pallet 110 will be described. FIG. 26 is a schematic perspective view of the pallet 110. 27A and 27B are a plan view and a front view of the pallet 110. As shown in FIGS. 26 and 27, the pallet 110 has a rectangular frame portion 111 whose inside is open. The pallet 110 is configured to be supported by the stage 14, the support base 102c, and the transport support unit 152. The pallet 110 is movable between the first station 11 and the second station 13 while placing the article W thereon. The upper surface of the frame portion 111 of the pallet 110 is defined as a placement surface on which the article W is placed. In this embodiment, the long side of the pallet 110 is along the delivery direction.

The pallet 110 also has three beams extending in a direction orthogonal to the long sides of the frame portion 111. The three beams are arranged at equal intervals, and an engaging hole 112 is formed in the center of each beam. That is, the pallet 110 is provided with three engagement holes 112 at equal intervals along the delivery direction (that is, the extending direction of the rail member 103). The engagement hole 112 is an elongated hole extending in a direction orthogonal to the delivery direction, and is open with a width that allows the engagement pin 104e to be inserted therethrough. Since the engagement hole 112 is a long hole, positional deviation in the direction orthogonal to the delivery direction is allowed. That is, the engagement hole 112 functions to define the engaged portion for the engagement pin 104e (engagement portion) of the traveling body 104 on the inner peripheral surface thereof.

A plurality of bearings 113 are provided on the inner surface of the frame portion 111 of the pallet 110. The bearing 113 assists the sliding movement of the pallet 110 in the delivery direction. Further, a cutout 114 is formed on the lower surface of the frame of the pallet 110. When the pallet 110 is placed on the stage 14 or the support 102c, the positioning members 14a and 102e enter into the notches 114, so that the pallet 110 is held at a predetermined position on the stage 14 or the support 102c.

Next, with reference to FIG. 28, a process of pulling the pallet 110 from the article mounting portion S (outside the support body 102) to the support body 102 by the transfer mechanism in the transport unit 15 of the present embodiment will be described. Here, the transfer mechanism is a concept including a pallet 110, a support body 102, a rail member 103, a traveling body 104, and a control unit. The article placement section S is a placement surface of the transport support section 152 (adjacent to the support body 102) and the stage 14. Then, at the initial position (FIG. 28(a)), the three engagement holes 112 of the pallet 110 are arranged in order from the side closer to the support body 112 as the first engagement hole 112-1 and the second engagement hole 112-2. , And the third engagement hole 112-3.

As shown in FIG. 28A, the support body 102 is arranged at a predetermined delivery position adjacent to the article placement section S (the transport support section 152 or the stage 14) that supports the pallet 110. When the article placing portion S is the transport support portion 152, the transport body 150 is stopped at a position adjacent to each of the stations 11 and 13. The pallet 110 is placed at a predetermined position on the article placing section S. Preferably, in a state where the pallet 110 is placed at a predetermined position on the article placement portion S, the distance between the engagement pin 104e and the first engagement hole 112-1 and the engagement holes 112 between each other. The intervals are equal. Further, the surface of the supporting base 102c of the supporting body 102 and the mounting surface of the article mounting portion S need to be substantially the same height to the extent that the pallet 110 can slide between them. The support body 102 can be moved to a predetermined transfer position by using the chain block device 105 and the slider device 106.

Next, the traveling body 104 travels on the rail member 103 toward the article placing portion S with the engagement pin 104e retracted, and stops at a predetermined position. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 28A, when the traveling body 104 is stopped, the engagement pin 104e is located immediately below the first engagement hole 112-1 that is closest to the support body 102. Then, the engagement pin 104e is caused to project by the control unit, and the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the first engagement hole 112-1. The traveling body 104 travels toward the support body 102 in a state where the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the first engagement hole 112-1. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the first engagement hole 112-1, and the pallet 110 is pulled toward the support body 102 side. As shown in FIG. 28( b ), the traveling body 104 returns to the initial position of the rail member 103, whereby the first engagement hole 112-1 moves onto the support base 102 c and the second engagement hole 112. -2 moves to the position on the side of the support 102 on the article placement portion S (that is, the initial position of the first engagement hole 112-1 in FIG. 28A).

Then, the control unit causes the engagement pin 104 to move backward. Again, the traveling body 104 travels on the rail member 103 toward the article placing portion S with the engagement pin 104e retracted, and stops at a predetermined position. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 28B, the engagement pin 104e is located immediately below the second engagement hole 112-2 when the traveling body 104 is stopped. Then, the engagement pin 104e is caused to project by the control unit, and the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the second engagement hole 112-2. The traveling body 104 travels toward the support body 102 in a state where the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the second engagement hole 112-2. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the second engagement hole 112-2, and the pallet 110 is pulled toward the support body 102 side. By the traveling body 104 returning to the initial position of the rail member 103, the second engagement hole 112-2 moves on the support base 102c, and the third engagement hole 112-3 on the article placement portion S. The support 102 is moved to the position (that is, the previous process position of the second engagement hole 112-2 in FIG. 28B).

Then, the engagement pin 104 moves backward by the control unit. Again, the traveling body 104 travels on the rail member 103 toward the article placing portion S with the engagement pin 104e retracted, and stops at a predetermined position. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 28C, when the traveling body 104 is stopped, the engagement pin 104e is located immediately below the third engagement hole 112-3. Then, the engagement pin 104e is caused to project by the control unit, and the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the third engagement hole 112-3. The traveling body 104 travels toward the support body 102 in a state where the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the third engagement hole 112-3. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the third engagement hole 112-3, and the pallet 110 is pulled toward the support body 102 side. When the traveling body 104 returns to the initial position of the rail member 103, the third engagement hole 112-3 moves onto the support base 102c. As a result, the pallet 110 is completely transferred onto the support base 102c.

With reference to FIG. 29, in the transport unit 15 of the present embodiment, a process of sending the pallet 110 from the support body 102 to the article placement section S by the transfer mechanism will be described. Then, at the initial position (FIG. 29(a)), the three engagement holes 112 of the pallet 110 are arranged in order from the side closer to the article placing portion S in the order of the first engagement hole 112-1 and the second engagement hole 112. -2, referred to as the third engagement hole 112-3.

As shown in FIG. 29A, a support body 102 that supports the pallet 110 is arranged at a predetermined delivery position adjacent to the article placement section S (the transport support section 152 or the stage 14). When the article placing portion S is the transport support portion 152, the transport body 150 is stopped at a position adjacent to each of the stations 11 and 13. The pallet 110 is placed at a predetermined position on the support base 102c. Here, the engaging pin 104e on the side of the article placing portion S is located immediately below the first engaging hole 112-1 of the pallet 110. Further, the surface of the support base 102c of the support 102 and the mounting surface of the article mounting portion S need to be substantially at the same height to the extent that the pallet 110 can slide between them. The support body 102 can be moved to a predetermined transfer position by using the chain block device 105 and the slider device 106.

Next, the engagement pin 104e on the side of the article placement portion S is projected so that the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the first engagement hole 112-1. The traveling body 104 travels toward the article placement portion S in a state where the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the first engagement hole 112-1. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the first engagement hole 112-1, and the pallet 110 is pushed toward the article placement section S side. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 29A, at the position where the traveling body 104 is stopped, the first engagement hole 112-1 is located on the article placing portion S and the second engagement hole 112- 1 is located on the support table 102c on the side of the article placement portion S (that is, the initial position of the first engagement hole 112-1 in FIG. 29A). Then, the engagement pin 104e is retracted by the control unit, and the traveling body 104 is returned to the initial position of the rail member 103, as shown in FIG.

Next, the engaging pin 104e on the article placement section S side projects so that the engaging pin 104e is inserted into the second engaging hole 112-2. With the engagement pin 104e inserted in the second engagement hole 112-2, the traveling body 104 travels toward the article placement section S again. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the second engagement hole 112-2, and the pallet 110 is pushed toward the article placement section S side. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 29B, at the position where the traveling body 104 is stopped, the second engagement hole 112-2 is located on the article placing portion S and the third engagement hole 112- 3 is located at the position on the article mounting portion S side on the support base 102c (that is, the previous process position of the second engagement hole 112-2 in FIG. 29B). Then, the engagement pin 104e is retracted by the control unit, and the traveling body 104 returns to the initial position of the rail member 103 as shown in FIG. 29(c).

Then, the engagement pin 104e on the side of the article placement portion S performs a protruding operation, and the engagement pin 104e is inserted into the third engagement hole 112-3. With the engagement pin 104e inserted in the third engagement hole 112-3, the traveling body 104 travels toward the article placement section S again. As the traveling body 104 travels, the engagement pin 104e engages with the pallet 110 in the third engagement hole 112-3, and the pallet 110 is pushed toward the article placement section S side. As shown by the phantom line in FIG. 29C, when the traveling body 104 is stopped, the entire pallet 110 is located on the article placement section S. Then, the engagement pin 104e is retracted by the control unit, and the traveling body 104 is returned to the initial position of the rail member 103. As a result, the transfer of the pallet 110 to the article mounting section S is completed.

As described above, in the transfer device of the present embodiment, the pallet 110 is transferred from the article mounting portion S to the support base 102c in multiple times by the reciprocating motion of the traveling body 104 multiple times. That is, the transfer device can flexibly cope with a longer pallet by increasing the number of engaging holes in the transfer direction and increasing the number of reciprocating motions of the traveling body. Is. Further, in the transfer device of the present embodiment, engagement pins 104e are provided at both ends of the traveling body 104 in the delivery direction. As a result, the transfer mechanism of the present embodiment can freely transfer the pallet 110 to the article mounting portions S located in both the delivery direction. Further, in the present embodiment, the moving distance of the traveling body 104 is determined based on the interval between the engagement holes 112, but may be controlled by detecting the coincidence between the engagement pin 104e and the engagement hole 112 by the sensor. Good.

Based on the above description, the overall operation of the processing system 10 will be described. 30 and 31 exemplify the flow of the article W conveyed from the first station 11 to the second station 13 in the processing system 10. Here, the article W is conveyed from the upper stage 14 of the first station 11 to the lower stage and rear stage 14 of the second station 13. The numbers I to VIII in the figure indicate the locations where the article W moves in each step described below.

First, the article W that has been subjected to the first process by the worker is placed on the upper stage 14 of the article introduction section 11a of the first station 11 (I). The article W is transferred from the stage 14 to the support 102 (support 102c) in the first station 11 by the operation of the transfer device 100 (or the transport mechanism) (II). When the article W is placed on the stage 14 below the first station 11, the support 102 is moved downward by the vertical position adjusting mechanism, and then the article W is transferred from the stage 14 to the support base 102c. To be done. Next, the article W is transferred from the support body 102 to the transfer support portion 152 of the transfer body 150 located outside the first station 11 by the operation of the transfer device 100 (III). Next, the carrier 150 moves from the first station 11 to the second station 13 along the carrier rail 130 and stops. As a result, the article W is placed adjacent to the second station 13 (IV). Next, the article W is transferred from the transport support section 152 to the support 102 (support table 102c) inside the second station 13 by the operation of the transfer device 100 (V). Then, the support body 102 moves downward by the vertical position adjusting mechanism while holding the article W (VI). Further, the support body 102 is horizontally moved to the back side by the horizontal position adjusting mechanism while holding the article W, and is arranged at a position adjacent to the stage 14 of the transfer destination (VII). Steps VI and VII may be executed at the same time, or their order may be reversed. Finally, the article W is transferred from the support 102 to the stage 14 inside the second station 13 by the operation of the transfer device 100 (VIII). The series of steps of the above-described article W carrying process is automatically executed by the control unit. Then, the article W that has reached the article container 13a of the second station 13 can be subjected to the second processing by the worker.

Hereinafter, the operation and effect of the transport unit 15 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

According to the transport unit 15 (and the processing system 10) of the present embodiment, the pallet 110 is transferred between the support body 102 of the transfer device 100 installed inside the stations 11 and 13 and the transport body 150. By operating the transfer device 100, the articles W held on the pallet 110 can be automatically transferred between the stations 11 and 13 and the carrier 150. That is, the traveling body 104 travels on the rail member 103 with the engagement pin 104e of the traveling body 104 of the transfer device 100 selectively engaged with the pallet 110, and thus the traveling body 104 pushes the pallet 110 or It is possible to pull and transfer the article W between the carrier 150 and the support 102. Therefore, the transport unit 15 of the present embodiment enables the article W to be more efficiently transported between the plurality of stations 11 and 13.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various embodiments and modifications can be taken within the technical scope of the present invention.

(1) Although the processing system of the above embodiment is composed of two stations, the first station and the second station, one or more stations may be added. That is, the processing system of the present invention can be expanded to various configurations.

(2) In the transport unit of the above embodiment, the transport rail is linear, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the transport rail may be a combination of bent or curved rails, and may include a turntable for changing the direction of the transport body. Further, the transport rail may be at least capable of transferring the pallet between the transport body and the support body, and may not be parallel to the rail member of the transfer device. For example, in the processing system 10′ shown in FIG. 32, the transfer rail 150 extends in a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction, but the transfer device 100 is provided adjacent to the transfer rail 150 and is used for transferring the transfer body 150. Since the opening faces the support 102 side, the pallet can be transferred between the carrier 150 and the support.

(3) In the processing system of the above embodiment, the first and second stations are different, but the first and second stations may have the same form. Further, in each station, the number of stages may be arbitrarily increased or decreased in the height direction and the depth direction.

(4) In the transfer device (or transfer assembly) of the transfer unit according to the above-described embodiment, the traveling body (or the transportation body) is pressed against the conveyor unit and travels on the rail member (or the transportation rail). The embodiment is not limited to the mechanism. For example, the running body (or the carrying body) may be integrally fixed to the conveyor section with a bolt, an adhesive, or the like. Further, the conveyor unit is not limited to the form of the pulley and the conveyor belt, and it is possible to maintain the connection relationship with the traveling body (or the transportation body) and move the traveling body (or the transportation body) along the traveling path. The means does not matter. For example, a plurality of drive wheels may be adopted in the conveyor section, and the traveling body (or the transport body) may be sent out as the drive wheels rotate. Further, the traveling portion (rail portion) of the traveling portion and the rail member (or the transportation rail) may be a rack and pinion, and the traveling body (or the transportation body) may be traveling by meshing the teeth of the gears. In this way, when the rack and pinion is adopted, it is advantageous for the traveling body (or the transportation body) to travel when the transportation path is laid in the inclined or vertical direction.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and modified examples, and can be implemented in various modes within the technical scope of the present invention.

10 processing system 11 1st station 11a article introduction part 11b connection shaft 13 2nd station 13a article accommodation part 13b support shaft 13c horizontal rail 14 stage 14a positioning member 15 transfer unit 100 transfer device 101 frame 101a top wall 101b support plate 101c Traveling wheel 101d Horizontal drive plate 101e Guide rail 102 Support body 102a Bottom wall 102b Top wall 102c Support base 102d Guide piece 102e Positioning member 103 Rail member 103a Conveyor section 103b Position sensor 104 Traveling body 104a Traveling body 104b Traveling section 104c Pressing section 104e Engagement pin (engagement part)
105 Chain block device (vertical position adjustment mechanism)
106 Slider device (horizontal position adjustment mechanism)
110 Pallet 111 Frame part 112 Engagement hole (engaged part)
113 Bearing 114 Notch 130 Conveyor Rail 131 Rail Part 132 Top Wall 133 Side Wall 134 Opening 135 Conveyor 136 136 Drive Motor 137 Tension Pulley 138 Closure Belt 150 Conveyor 151 Conveyor Body 151a Through Hole 152 Conveyor Support 153 Traveling portion 154 Elastic body 155 Pressure contact portion 155a Shaft portion 155b Pressure contact plate 155c Connecting shaft 156 Release lever 157 Belt coupling tool S Article mounting portion W Article

Claims (12)

A transport unit for transporting articles between a plurality of stations,
A transport rail extending along the transport direction of the article so as to connect a plurality of stations,
A carrier that travels along the carrier rail and carries the article,
A pallet that is supported by the carrier in a state where the article is placed and is conveyed between the plurality of stations,
A transfer device provided inside the station, adjacent to the transport rail, and configured to be able to deliver the pallet to the transport body;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the transport unit,
The transfer device,
A support configured to support the pallet,
A rail member that is fixed to the support and extends in the transfer direction of the pallet;
A traveling body that travels on the rail member, having an engaging portion that selectively engages with an engaged portion of the pallet, and in a state of engagement between the engaging portion and the engaged portion. And a traveling body that pushes or pulls the pallet. The engaged portion is defined by an engaging hole formed in the pallet, and the engaging portion is an engaging pin that is insertable into the engaging hole and is capable of projecting and retracting, The transport unit according to claim 1, wherein the traveling body is movable to an engagement position where the engagement hole and the engagement pin coincide with each other. The transport unit according to claim 2 , wherein the pallet is provided with two or more engagement holes along the extending direction of the rail member. The transport unit according to claim 1, wherein the transfer device further comprises a frame body supported by the structure of the station and internally supporting the support body. The transport unit according to claim 4, wherein the transfer device further includes a vertical position adjusting mechanism for changing a relative height of the support in the frame. A guide piece protruding outward is provided on the support body, a guide groove extending in a height direction is provided on the frame body so as to fit the guide piece, and the guide piece is provided with the guide groove. The transport unit according to claim 5, wherein the movement of the support in the height direction is guided by sliding inside. 7. The transport unit according to claim 4, wherein the transfer device further includes a horizontal position adjusting mechanism that horizontally moves the frame body in a direction orthogonal to the delivery direction. The transfer device is configured to be capable of transferring the pallet to an article mounting portion adjacent to the transfer device on the opposite side of the transport rail inside the station. The transport unit according to any one of 1 to 7. The frame is provided with a support plate supported by the structure of the station via a support shaft, and the support shaft is movably inserted into a long hole formed in the support plate. The transport unit according to claim 4 . First station,
A second station spaced apart from the first station;
The transport unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which transports an article between the first station and the second station,
The transfer device of the transport unit includes a first transfer device and a second transfer device which are respectively arranged in the first station and the second station,
Inside the first station, a first article placement section adjacent to the first transfer apparatus is arranged on the opposite side of the transport rail, and the first transfer apparatus places the pallet on the first article placement section. It is configured to be handable to the department,
Inside the second station, a second article placing section adjacent to the second transfer apparatus is disposed on the opposite side of the transport rail, and the second transfer apparatus places the pallet on the second article placing section. A processing system characterized by being configured to be handed over to a department. The first article placement section is an article entry section for placing an article processed by a user, and the second article placement section is an article accommodation section for accommodating the article, and the article accommodation section. The processing system according to claim 10, wherein has a plurality of shelves in the height direction. A transfer mechanism for transferring articles between a first area and a second area adjacent to each other,
A pallet that moves between the first area and the second area while holding the article;
A support configured to support the pallet, the support defining the first region;
A rail member that is fixed to the support and extends in the transfer direction of the pallet;
A traveling body that travels along the rail member, which has an engagement pin that can be inserted into an engagement hole formed in the pallet and that is capable of projecting and retracting, and the engagement hole and the engagement member. A traveling body that can move to an engagement position where the dowel pin matches,
A frame that supports the support inside,
A vertical position adjusting mechanism for changing the relative height of the support in the frame;
A control unit for controlling the operation of the transfer mechanism,
A guide piece protruding outward is provided on the support body, a guide groove extending in a height direction is provided on the frame body so as to fit the guide piece, and the guide piece is provided with the guide groove. A transfer mechanism in which the movement of the support in the height direction is guided by sliding inside.

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