Conveying apparatus and fixing apparatus

摘要

A conveying apparatus conveys storage cases, each containing at least one item of article to be conveyed, along a conveying path and includes main conveying mechanisms and sub-conveying mechanisms. The respective main conveying mechanism has a pair of guide rails which define a main conveying path for storage cases. Stations are located on the main conveying path and carriers are guided along the guide rails on the main conveying path. The carrier includes a storage section for storing the storage cases. The carrier is moved by a linear motor along the main conveying path and stopped at at least one station so that the storage case is conveyed to a destination. The sub-conveying mechanism includes a pair of case guides on sub-conveying path which extends from the station. The storage case is conveyed by a conveying belt along the case guides on the sub-conveying path. A supply section and receipt section are provided on the sub-conveying path, the supply section supplying the storage case to the conveying belt and the receipt section receiving the storage case from the conveying belt. A transfer mechanism is provided at the station to transfer the storage case between the carrier on the main conveying mechanism and the conveying belt for the sub-conveying mechanism.