Pallet conveyance device and pallet conveyance system

Abstract

To provide a pallet conveyance device which enables selection of non-defectives and defectives, and pallet cleaning.SOLUTION: A pallet conveyance device for conveying a pallet includes: an input line to which a pallet is input; a cleaning line which cleans the pallet and from which the cleaned pallet is taken out as a non-defective; a selection line from which the pallet is taken out as a defective; and an operation line for conveying the pallet to either of the cleaning line and the selection line by operation of the user.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pallet transport device and a pallet transport system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In the field of logistics, devices and systems for transporting and transferring pallets on which cargo is placed are known (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5629534 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 5666697 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] A pallet transport device capable of separating non-defective and defective products and cleaning pallets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] A first aspect of the present invention provides a pallet conveying device for conveying a pallet. The pallet conveying device may include an input line. A pallet may be input in the input line. The pallet conveying device may include a cleaning line. The pallet may be cleaned in the cleaning line. The cleaned pallet may be removed as a non-defective product in the cleaning line. The pallet conveying device may include a sorting line. The pallet may be removed as a defective product in the sorting line. The pallet conveying device may include an operation line. The operation line may convey the pallet to either the cleaning line or the sorting line by operation of a user.

[0005] The input line may include a first free roller section. The pallet may be input at the first free roller section. The input line may include a first power roller section. The first power roller section may be connected to a power source. The first power roller section may transport the pallet in the transport direction. The input line section may include a de-staggering section. The de-staggering section may transport the pallets one by one to the operation line. The pallet may be transported in the input line in the order of the first free roller section, the first power roller section, and the de-staggering section.

[0006] The first free roller portion may be provided with an incline.

[0007] The cleaning line may include an inverting unit. The inverting unit may invert the pallet based on a user's operation. The cleaning line may include a second power roller unit. The second power roller unit may be connected to a power source. The second power roller unit may transport the pallet from the inverting unit. The cleaning line may include a cleaning unit. The cleaning unit may clean the pallet. The cleaning line may include a third power roller unit. The third power roller unit may be connected to a power source. The third power roller unit may transport the pallet from the cleaning unit. The cleaning line may include a loading unit. The loading unit may load the pallet. The cleaning line may include a second free roller unit. The second free roller unit may transport the pallet from the loading unit. The cleaning line may include a fourth power roller unit. The fourth power roller unit may be connected to a power source. The fourth power roller unit may transport the pallet from the second free roller unit. The cleaning line may include a third free roller unit. The pallet may be removed at the third free roller unit. The pallet may be transported in the cleaning line in the following order: the reversing unit, the second power roller unit, the cleaning unit, the third power roller unit, the loading unit, the second free roller unit, the fourth power roller unit, and the third free roller unit.

[0008] The second free roller portion may be provided with an incline.

[0009] The inclination of the second free roller part may be less than the inclination of the first free roller part.

[0010] The third free roller part may be provided with an inclination, the inclination of the third free roller part being smaller than the inclination of the second free roller part.

[0011] The length of the second free roller portion in the transport direction may be 1.5 times or more the length of the pallet in the transport direction and may be two times or less the length of the pallet in the transport direction.

[0012] The first power roller unit may be provided with a photoelectric sensor. The first power roller unit may start a conveying operation when the photoelectric sensor detects a pallet. The first power roller unit may stop a conveying operation when the photoelectric sensor does not detect a pallet.

[0013] The operation line may include an operation unit. The operation unit may be operable by a user. The operation line may include a sorting unit. The sorting unit may transport the pallet to either the washing line or the sorting line by operation of the operation unit by the user. The sorting line may include a fourth free roller unit. The pallet may be removed at the fourth free roller unit. The transport direction of the fourth free roller unit may have an inclination and angle with respect to the transport direction of the operation unit.

[0014] A second aspect of the present invention provides a pallet conveying system for conveying pallets. The pallet conveying system may include an input means. The pallets may be input in the input means. The pallet conveying system may include a cleaning means. The pallets may be cleaned in the cleaning means. The cleaned pallets may be removed as non-defective products in the cleaning means. The pallet conveying system may include a sorting means. The sorting means may remove the pallets as defective products. The pallet conveying system may include an operation means. The operation means may convey the pallets to either the cleaning means or the means line by operation of a user. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1]1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing pallet transportation performed by the pallet transport device 1000. [Diagram 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the putting step S1010 in detail. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the putting step S1010 in detail. [Diagram 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the putting step S1010 in detail. [Figure 6] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the cleaning step S1030 in detail. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the cleaning step S1030 in detail. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] The present invention will be described below through embodiments of the invention, but the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims. In addition, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0017] In this specification, technical matters will be explained appropriately using the orthogonal coordinate axes of the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis. The Z-axis indicates the height direction relative to the floor surface on which the pallet transport device (or pallet transport system) is installed. In other words, the Z-axis is expressed as the height direction of the pallet transport device. The X-axis and Y-axis are axes perpendicular to the Z-axis. The directions of the arrows on each coordinate axis are expressed as the X-axis positive side, the Y-axis positive side, and the Z-axis positive side, and the directions opposite to the directions of the arrows on each coordinate axis are expressed as the X-axis negative side, the Y-axis negative side, and the Z-axis negative side.

[0018] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pallet conveying device 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The pallet conveying device 1000 is a device that conveys pallets. The pallet conveying device 1000 may be expressed as a pallet conveying system. Here, a pallet may be a loading platform on which cargo is placed in logistics. Pallets are used in logistics to improve the efficiency of loading and unloading operations. In addition, pallets are generally standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). As an example, the pallet conveying device 1000 conveys a 14-type pallet (one side has a length of 1400 mm) or an 11-type pallet (one side has a length of 1100 mm). The pallet conveying device 1000 may convey pallets of other sizes.

[0019] The pallet conveying device 1000 includes an input line 100, a cleaning line 200, a sorting line 300, and an operation line 400. The input line 100 is a line into which pallets are input. The cleaning line 200 is a line into which pallets are cleaned. The cleaning line 200 may be a line into which cleaned pallets are removed as non-defective products. The sorting line 300 is a line into which pallets are removed as defective products (NG products). The operation line 400 is a line into which pallets are conveyed to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300 by a user's operation. The pallet conveying device 1000 may include lines other than the input line 100, the cleaning line 200, the sorting line 300, and the operation line 400. Since the pallet conveying device 1000 includes the input line 100, the cleaning line 200, the sorting line 300, and the operation line 400, it is possible to perform non-defective / defective product sorting and pallet cleaning with a single device. The input line 100, the washing line 200, the sorting line 300, and the operation line 400 may be expressed as an input means, a washing means, a sorting means, and an operation means, respectively.

[0020] The feeding line 100 includes a free roller unit 10, a free roller unit 20, a power roller unit 30, and a de-stacking unit 40. The feeding line 100 may include other components. The pallets are transported in the feeding line 100 in the order of the free roller unit 10, the free roller unit 20, the power roller unit 30, and the de-stacking unit 40.

[0021] The free roller section 10 is provided with a free roller. The free roller is a free roller that rotates in the conveying direction to convey the pallet in the conveying direction. In FIG. 1, the conveying direction of the free roller section 10 is the positive side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the free roller section 10 conveys the pallet to the free roller section 20. As will be described later, the free roller section 10 may be provided with an inclination. A pallet may be inserted into the free roller section 10. The pallet to be inserted may be a pallet in which multiple pallets are stacked (hereinafter referred to as a tiered pallet). The pallet to be inserted may be only one pallet. The free roller section 10 is an example of a "first free roller section" in the claims.

[0022] The free roller section 20 is provided with a free roller. In FIG. 1, the conveying direction of the free roller section 20 is the positive side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the free roller section 20 conveys a pallet to the power roller section 30. As will be described later, the power roller section 30 may be provided with an inclination. The free roller section 20 is an example of a "first free roller section" in the claims. The free roller section 10 may be integrated with the free roller section 20. Also, a pallet (tiered pallet) may be inserted from the free roller section 20 without passing through the free roller section 10.

[0023] The power roller unit 30 is provided with a power roller. The power roller is connected to a power source. The power roller is a roller that rotates in the conveying direction by the power to convey a pallet (tiered pallet) in the conveying direction. In FIG. 1, the conveying direction of the power roller unit 30 is the positive side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller unit 30 conveys the pallet (tiered pallet) to the tier unstacking unit 40. The power roller unit 30 is an example of a "first power roller unit" in the claims.

[0024] The power roller unit 30 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 32, a mirror 34, a photoelectric sensor 36, and a mirror 38. A photoelectric sensor is a sensor that converts an optical signal into an electrical signal. The photoelectric sensor 32 emits light to the mirror 34 and detects the reflected light. When a pallet passes between the photoelectric sensor 32 and the mirror 34, the reflected light cannot be detected, so the photoelectric sensor 32 can detect whether or not a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 32 and the mirror 34. The photoelectric sensor 36 emits light to the mirror 38, so the photoelectric sensor 36 can detect whether or not a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 32 and the mirror 38.

[0025] The de-tiering unit 40 may de-tier a multi-tier pallet and transport the pallets one by one to the operation line 400. De-tiering a multi-tier pallet may mean dismantling the multi-tier pallet and transporting the pallets one by one. In Fig. 1, the transport direction of the de-tiering unit 40 is the positive side in the X-axis direction.

[0026] The de-tiering unit 40 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 42, a photoelectric sensor 44, a photoelectric sensor 46, a mirror 48, a photoelectric sensor 52, a mirror 54, a photoelectric sensor 56, and a mirror 58. The photoelectric sensors 42 and 44 can detect whether a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 42 and the photoelectric sensor 44. The photoelectric sensor 46 emits light to the mirror 48, so the photoelectric sensor 46 can detect whether a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 46 and the mirror 48. The photoelectric sensor 52 emits light to the mirror 54, so the photoelectric sensor 52 can detect whether a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 52 and the mirror 54. The photoelectric sensor 56 emits light to the mirror 58, so the photoelectric sensor 56 can detect whether a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 52 and the mirror 54. The photoelectric sensor 56 emits light to the mirror 58, so the photoelectric sensor 56 can detect whether a pallet (tiered pallet) has passed between the photoelectric sensor 56 and the mirror 58. The functions of each photoelectric sensor will be described later. The de-stacking section 40 may be provided with a chain conveyor. The chain conveyor may be provided with a chain. The chain conveyor is connected to a power source, like the powered roller, and is transported in the transport direction by the power. The chain conveyor transports pallets directly by the chain. On the other hand, the powered roller is also provided with a chain conveyor, and the powered roller transports pallets via rollers.

[0027] The cleaning line 200 includes an inverter unit 110, a power roller unit 120, a cleaning unit 130, a power roller unit 140, a loading unit 150, a free roller unit 160, a power roller unit 170, and a free roller unit 180. The cleaning line 200 may include other components. In the cleaning line 200, the pallets are transported in the order of the inverter unit 110, the power roller unit 120, the cleaning unit 130, the power roller unit 140, the loading unit 150, the free roller unit 160, the power roller unit 170, and the free roller unit 180.

[0028] The reversing unit 110 is provided with a mechanism for reversing the pallet. In this example, the reversing unit 110 is provided with an arm bar 112 for reversing the pallet. The arm bar 112 can be lifted to reversal the pallet. The arm bar 112 may be provided with a shock absorber for absorbing impact. The reversing unit 110 is also provided with a proximity switch 114 and a limit switch 116. The proximity switch 114 and the limit switch 116 are used in the reversing process performed by the reversing unit 110. After reversing the pallet, the reversing unit 110 transports the pallet in the transport direction of the reversing unit 110. In FIG. 1, the transport direction of the reversing unit 110 is the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The reversing unit 110 may be provided with a chain conveyor for transporting the pallet.

[0029] The power roller unit 120 is provided with a power roller. The power roller unit 120 is also provided with a chain conveyor. In FIG. 1, the transport direction of the power roller unit 120 is the positive side in the Y-axis direction and the negative side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller of the power roller unit 120 transports the pallet to the negative side in the X-axis direction (cleaning unit 130). In this example, the chain conveyor of the power roller unit 120 transports the pallet to the positive side in the Y-axis direction. The power roller unit 120 is an example of a "second power roller unit" in the claims.

[0030] The power roller unit 120 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 122, a mirror 124, a photoelectric sensor 126, and a mirror 128. The photoelectric sensor 122 emits light to the mirror 124, so that the photoelectric sensor 122 can detect whether or not a pallet has arrived between the photoelectric sensor 122 and the mirror 124. The photoelectric sensor 126 emits light to the mirror 128, so that the photoelectric sensor 126 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between the photoelectric sensor 126 and the mirror 128. The power roller unit 120 may be provided with a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism may lower a pallet transported in the Y-axis direction by the chain conveyor. The power roller of the power roller unit 120 may transport the pallet lowered by the lowering mechanism.

[0031] The cleaning unit 130 is provided with a mechanism for cleaning the pallet. The cleaning unit 130 may include a brush. The cleaning unit 130 may include an air blower. In this example, the cleaning unit 130 is described as including a brush and an air blower. The cleaning unit 130 is also provided with a proximity switch 132, a limit switch 134, and a limit switch 136. The proximity switch 132, the limit switch 134, and the limit switch 136 are used in the cleaning process performed by the cleaning unit 130. After cleaning the pallet, the cleaning unit 130 transports the pallet in the transport direction of the cleaning unit 130. In FIG. 1, the transport direction of the cleaning unit 130 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. The cleaning unit 130 may be provided with a chain conveyor.

[0032] The power roller unit 140 is provided with a power roller. In Fig. 1, the conveying direction of the power roller unit 140 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller unit 140 conveys a pallet to the loading unit 150. The power roller unit 140 is an example of a "third power roller unit" in the claims.

[0033] Power roller unit 140 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 142, a mirror 144, a photoelectric sensor 146, and a mirror 148. Photoelectric sensor 142 emits light to mirror 144, so that photoelectric sensor 142 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between photoelectric sensor 142 and mirror 144. Photoelectric sensor 146 emits light to mirror 148, so that photoelectric sensor 146 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between photoelectric sensor 146 and mirror 148.

[0034] The loading section 150 may load pallets and transport them as multi-tiered pallets. As an example, the loading section 150 transports multi-tiered pallets with 30 tiers. The loading section 150 may be provided with a support for loading the multi-tiered pallets. In this example, the loading section 150 transports the pallets to the free roller section 160. In FIG. 1, the transport direction of the loading section 150 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. The loading section 150 is also provided with a switch 152. The switch 152 is used in the loading process performed by the loading section 150. The loading section 150 may be provided with a chain conveyor.

[0035] The free roller unit 160 is provided with a free roller. In FIG. 1, the conveying direction of the free roller unit 160 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the free roller unit 160 conveys the step pallet to the power roller unit 170. As will be described later, the free roller unit 160 may be provided with an inclination. The free roller unit 160 is an example of a "second free roller unit" in the claims. The free roller unit 160 is also provided with a limit switch 162 used in the conveying operation of the loading unit 150.

[0036] The power roller unit 170 is provided with a power roller. In Fig. 1, the conveying direction of the power roller unit 170 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller unit 170 conveys a pallet to the free roller unit 180. The power roller unit 170 is an example of a "fourth power roller unit" in the claims.

[0037] Power roller unit 170 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 172, a mirror 174, a photoelectric sensor 176, and a mirror 178. Photoelectric sensor 172 emits light to mirror 174, so that photoelectric sensor 172 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between photoelectric sensor 172 and mirror 174. Photoelectric sensor 176 emits light to mirror 178, so that photoelectric sensor 176 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between photoelectric sensor 176 and mirror 178.

[0038] The free roller section 180 is provided with a free roller. In the free roller section 180, the step pallet is removed as a non-defective product. As will be described later, the free roller section 180 may be provided with an inclination. The free roller section 180 is an example of a "third free roller section" in the claims. The free roller section 180 is also provided with a limit switch 182 used for the conveying operation of the power roller section 170.

[0039] The sorting line 300 includes a free roller unit 210, a power roller unit 220, a loading unit 230, and a free roller unit 240. The sorting line 300 may include other components. In the sorting line 300, the pallets are transported in the order of the free roller unit 210, the power roller unit 220, the loading unit 230, and the free roller unit 240.

[0040] A free roller is provided in the free roller unit 210. In Fig. 1, the conveying direction of the free roller unit 210 is the negative side in the Y-axis direction. In this example, the free roller unit 210 conveys a pallet to the power roller unit 220.

[0041] The power roller unit 220 is provided with a power roller. The power roller unit 220 is also provided with a chain conveyor. In FIG. 1, the conveying direction of the power roller unit 120 is the negative Y-axis direction and the negative X-axis direction. In this example, the power roller of the power roller unit 120 conveys the pallet to the negative X-axis direction (loading unit 230). In this example, the chain conveyor of the power roller unit 120 conveys the pallet to the negative Y-axis direction.

[0042] The power roller unit 220 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 222, a mirror 224, a photoelectric sensor 226, and a mirror 228. The photoelectric sensor 222 emits light to the mirror 224, so that the photoelectric sensor 222 can detect whether or not a pallet has arrived between the photoelectric sensor 222 and the mirror 224. The photoelectric sensor 226 emits light to the mirror 228, so that the photoelectric sensor 226 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed between the photoelectric sensor 226 and the mirror 228. The power roller unit 220 may be provided with a lowering mechanism. The lowering mechanism may lower the pallet transported in the Y-axis direction by the chain conveyor. The power roller of the power roller unit 220 may transport the pallet lowered by the lowering mechanism.

[0043] The loading section 230 may load pallets and transport them as a multi-tiered pallet. As an example, the loading section 230 transports a 15-tiered pallet. In this example, the loading section 230 transports the pallet to the free roller section 240. In FIG. 1, the transport direction of the loading section 230 is the negative side in the X-axis direction. The loading section 230 is also provided with a limit switch 232. The limit switch 232 is used in the loading process performed by the loading section 230. The loading section 230 may be provided with a chain conveyor.

[0044] The free roller section 240 is provided with free rollers. The multi-layer pallet is removed as a defective product at the free roller section 240. The free roller section 240 is also provided with a limit switch 242 and a limit switch 244 used for the transport operation of the loading section 230.

[0045] The operation line 400 includes an operation unit 310 and a sorting unit 320. The operation line 400 may include other components. The pallets are transported in the operation line 400 to the operation unit 310 and then to the sorting unit 320 in that order.

[0046] The operation unit 310 may be operable by a user. In the operation unit 310, the user can determine whether the pallet is a non-defective product or a defective product. The operation unit 310 may be provided with an inspection table. The inspection table may rotate to rotate the pallet placed on the inspection table. In the operation unit 310, the user can specify whether the pallet is to be transported to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300 in the sorting unit 320. For example, the operation unit 310 is provided with a button corresponding to the cleaning line 200 and a button corresponding to the sorting line 300, and when the user presses a button, the sorting unit 320 transports the pallet to the line corresponding to the button. In addition, for the determination, the operation unit 310 may be provided with a pallet reversing mechanism. In this example, the operation unit 310 is provided with an arm bar 62. By lifting the arm bar 62, the pallet can be reversed and the back side of the pallet can be confirmed. The arm bar 62 may be provided with a shock absorber that absorbs impact. Furthermore, the operation unit 310 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 312 , a photoelectric sensor 314 , a photoelectric sensor 316 , and a photoelectric sensor 318 .

[0047] The sorting unit 320 transports the pallet to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300 in response to a user's operation on the operation unit 310. The sorting unit 320 may be provided with a power roller for transporting the pallet in the X-axis direction. The sorting unit 320 may be provided with a chain conveyor for transporting the pallet in the Y-axis direction. The sorting unit 320 may be provided with a lifting mechanism. The sorting unit 320 lifts the pallet by lifting the lifting mechanism, and transports the pallet to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300. When transporting the pallet to the cleaning line 200, the transport direction of the chain conveyor of the sorting unit 320 is the positive side in the Y-axis direction. When transporting the pallet to the sorting line 300, the transport direction of the chain conveyor of the sorting unit 320 is the negative side in the Y-axis direction.

[0048] The sorting unit 320 is provided with a photoelectric sensor 322 and a mirror 324. The photoelectric sensor 322 emits light to the mirror 324, so that the photoelectric sensor 322 can detect whether or not a pallet has arrived between the photoelectric sensor 322 and the mirror 324.

[0049] 2 is a diagram showing a flowchart of pallet transportation performed by the pallet transport device 1000. In the flowchart of pallet transportation performed by the pallet transport device 1000, a loading step S1010, an operation step S1020, a cleaning step S1030 and a sorting step S1040 are performed. Each step will be described in detail below.

[0050] 3, 4, and 5 are diagrams showing the loading step S1010 in detail. In FIG. 3, 4, and 5, the free roller section 10, the free roller section 20, the power roller section 30, and the step-down section 40 are shown as viewed from the Y-axis direction. The loading step S1010 is performed in the loading line 100. In FIG. 3(A), a pallet is loaded into the free roller section 10. When the pallet is loaded into the free roller section 10, the pallet type (size) may be specified. The pallet conveying device 1000 may be capable of changing specifications according to the specified pallet type (size). For example, the sensor to be used may be changed according to the specified pallet type (size). When the pallet is loaded into the free roller section 10, the pallet is conveyed in the conveying direction (positive side in the X-axis direction in FIG. 3) due to the inclination of the free roller section 10 and the weight of the pallet.

[0051] The free roller unit 10 is provided with an inclination. The inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10 is, for example, 1.356 degrees. The inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10 may be 1 degree or more. The inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10 may be 2 degrees or less. The inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10 may be 0.5 degrees or more. The inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10 may be 3 degrees or less. By providing an inclination to the free roller unit 10, it is possible to transport the pallet without installing a power roller. The length L1 in the X-axis direction of the free roller unit 10 shown in FIG. 3(A) is, for example, 1500 mm. The length L1 in the X-axis direction of the free roller unit 10 shown in FIG. 3(A) may be greater than the length of the pallet in the X-axis direction (1400 mm in the case of a 14-type pallet).

[0052] In Fig. 3(B), the pallet is transported to the free roller unit 20. After the pallet is transported to the free roller unit 20, the pallet is transported in the transport direction (X-axis direction in Fig. 3(B)) due to the inclination of the free roller unit 20 and the weight of the pallet.

[0053] The free roller section 20 is provided with an inclination. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 is, for example, 1.356 degrees. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 may be 1 degree or more. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 may be 2 degrees or less. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 may be 0.5 degrees or more. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 may be 3 degrees or less. The inclination angle of the free roller section 20 may be the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller section 10. In this example, the inclination angle of the free roller section 20 is the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller section 10. The inclination of the free roller section 20 may be different from the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller section 10. By providing an inclination to the free roller section 20, it is possible to transport a pallet without installing a power roller. The length L2 in the X-axis direction of the free roller section 20 shown in FIG. 3(A) is, for example, 1880 mm. The length L2 in the X-axis direction of the free roller portion 20 shown in FIG. 3(A) may be greater than the length in the X-axis direction of the pallet (1400 mm in the case of a 14-type pallet).

[0054] As shown in FIG. 1 (or the arrow portion in FIG. 3(B)), a photoelectric sensor 32 is provided near the negative end of the power roller unit 30 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when the conveyance to the power roller unit 30 is started, the photoelectric sensor 32 can detect whether or not the pallet has passed. When the photoelectric sensor 32 detects the passage of the pallet, the power roller provided in the power roller unit 30 starts rotating. In other words, when the photoelectric sensor 32 detects the pallet, the conveying operation starts, and when the photoelectric sensor 32 does not detect the pallet, the conveying operation stops. The rotation speed of the power roller of the power roller unit 30 is, for example, 150 mm / s. Since the photoelectric sensor 32 is provided in the power roller unit 30, the power roller unit 30 can be operated when the pallet arrives, thereby reducing power consumption. The length L3 in the X-axis direction of the power roller unit 30 shown in FIG. 3(A) is, for example, 1580 mm. The length L3 in the X-axis direction of the power roller unit 30 shown in FIG. 3(A) may be greater than the length in the X-axis direction of the pallet (1400 mm in the case of a 14-type pallet).

[0055] In Fig. 4(A), a pallet is transported from the power roller unit 30 to the de-stacking unit 40. A photoelectric sensor 46 in the de-stacking unit 40 detects whether or not a pallet is present in the de-stacking unit 40. When the photoelectric sensor 46 detects that a pallet is not present in the de-stacking unit 40, the power roller unit 30 may transport the pallet to the de-stacking unit 40.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 1, a photoelectric sensor 36 is provided near the end of the power roller unit 30 on the positive side in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 36 can detect whether a pallet is being transported. When the photoelectric sensor 36 no longer detects the pallet, the power roller provided in the power roller unit 30 stops rotating. In this example, when neither the photoelectric sensor 32 nor the photoelectric sensor 36 detects the pallet, the power roller provided in the power roller unit 30 stops rotating. In other words, when the photoelectric sensor 32 detects the pallet, the transport operation is started, and when neither the photoelectric sensor 32 nor the photoelectric sensor 36 detects the pallet, the transport operation is stopped. Since the photoelectric sensor 32 and the photoelectric sensor 36 are provided in the power roller unit 30, the power roller unit 30 is operated when the pallet arrives, and power consumption can be reduced.

[0057] In FIG. 4B, when a pallet is transported to the destacking unit 40, the destacking unit 40 draws in the pallet. The rotation speed of the chain conveyor of the destacking unit 40 when drawing in is, for example, 150 mm / s. The destacking unit 40 may draw in the pallet using the chain conveyor. The photoelectric sensors 42 and 44 may detect an abnormality in the pallet. When the photoelectric sensor 42 or 44 detects an abnormality in the packaging shape of the pallet, the destacking unit 40 may stop the chain conveyor. The photoelectric sensor 46 and the mirror 48 may be provided diagonally on the destacking unit 40. The photoelectric sensor 46 detects whether or not a pallet is present at the destacking unit 40. The photoelectric sensor 52 and the photoelectric sensor 56 detect the arrival of the pallet and stop the chain conveyor. Depending on the pallet type (size) specified when the pallet was inserted, the de-stacking unit 40 uses either photoelectric sensor 52 or photoelectric sensor 56. Photoelectric sensor 52 is used when transporting type 11 pallets. Photoelectric sensor 56 is used when transporting type 14 pallets. If there are no abnormalities in either sensor, the de-stacking unit 40 transports the pallet to the operation line 400. The rotation speed of the chain conveyor of the de-stacking unit 40 when transporting the pallet to the operation line 400 is, for example, 300 mm / s.

[0058] In Fig. 5(A), a tiered pallet other than the tiered pallet placed in the de-tiering section 40 is transported. In Fig. 5(B), yet another tiered pallet is transported. In Fig. 5(A) and Fig. 5(B), photoelectric sensors 32 and 36 detect a pallet, but photoelectric sensor 46 detects that there is a pallet in the de-tiering section 40, so the power rollers of power roller section 30 do not rotate. As described above, multiple tiered pallets are transported to the de-tiering section 40 in order.

[0059] In the feeding line 100, pallets are transported in the order of the free roller unit 10, the free roller unit 20, the power roller unit 30, and the de-stage unit 40, so it is possible to transport pallets even if multiple free roller units are provided. Therefore, in the pallet transport device 1000, multiple free roller units can be provided instead of the power roller unit, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0060] The operation step S1020 is performed in the operation line 400. When a pallet is transported to the operation unit 310, the operation unit 310 draws in the pallet. The rotation speed of the chain conveyor of the operation unit 310 when drawing in is, for example, 300 mm / s. The operation unit 310 also uses a stopper to stop the pallet according to the pallet type (size) specified when the pallet was inserted. The photoelectric sensor 312, the photoelectric sensor 314, the photoelectric sensor 316, and the photoelectric sensor 318 are used to determine the stop angle of the arm bar 62.

[0061] In operation step S1020, the user determines whether the pallet is a non-defective product or a defective product by operating the operation unit 310. Based on the user's determination, the operation unit 310 designates whether the pallet is to be transported to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300. For example, the user presses down a button on the operation unit 310 corresponding to the cleaning line 200 and a button on the operation unit 310 corresponding to the sorting line 300, respectively, causing the operation unit 310 to designate whether the pallet is to be transported to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300. The user may also designate whether the pallet is to be transported to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300 without making a determination. For example, the operation unit 310 may designate whether all pallets are to be transported to the cleaning line 200. For example, the operation unit 310 may designate whether all pallets are to be transported to the sorting line 300.

[0062] The sorting unit 320 transports the pallet based on the instruction from the operation unit 310. A photoelectric sensor 322 detects the arrival of the pallet and stops the power roller. After detecting the arrival of the pallet, the lifting mechanism of the sorting unit 320 lifts the pallet. After lifting the pallet, the chain conveyor transports the pallet to either the washing line 200 or the sorting line 300. The rotation speed of the power roller and the chain conveyor is, for example, 300 mm / s.

[0063] If the pallet is determined to be a non-defective product in the operation step S1020, it is transported to the cleaning line 200. The cleaning step S1030 is performed in the cleaning line 200. The inversion unit 110 may invert the pallet when a user performs an inversion operation (instruction) in the operation step S1020. The inversion unit 110 may also invert all pallets being transported. When inverting a pallet, the inversion unit 110 stops the chain conveyor when the limit switch 116 comes into contact with the pallet. After stopping the pallet, the inversion unit 110 performs inversion according to the contact of the proximity switch 114. After inversion, the inversion unit 110 transports the pallet to the power roller unit 120. The rotation speed of the chain conveyor transporting the pallet to the power roller unit 120 is, for example, 300 mm / s.

[0064] Next, the pallet is transported from the power roller unit 120 to the cleaning unit 130. When the photoelectric sensor 122 of the power roller unit 120 detects the arrival of the pallet, the chain conveyor transporting the pallet is stopped and the pallet is lowered by a lowering mechanism. The pallet is then transported in the X-axis direction by the power rollers. The photoelectric sensor 126 detects whether the pallet is present in the cleaning unit 130. When the photoelectric sensor 126 detects that the pallet is not in the cleaning unit 130, the pallet is transported from the power roller unit 120 to the cleaning unit 130.

[0065] The cleaning unit 130 cleans the pallets. An entrance brush (not shown) may be provided on the entrance side of the cleaning unit 130 (the side where the pallets are transported from the power roller unit 120 to the cleaning unit 130). A rotating brush may be provided near the center of the cleaning unit 130. When the pallets are transported from the power roller unit 120 to the cleaning unit 130, the entrance brush removes dirt that cannot be removed by the rotating brush. In addition, a dust-proof rubber may be provided inside the cleaning unit 130 to prevent the inside from becoming dirty.

[0066] The proximity switch 132 detects whether the chain conveyor of the cleaning section 130 stops at the correct position. The proximity switch 132 can normalize the pallet position in the cleaning section 130. When the limit switch 134 is pressed, the entrance side air blower (the side where the pallet is transported from the power roller section 120 to the cleaning section 130) starts spraying air. While the limit switch 134 is pressed (while the pallet is passing), the entrance side air blower continues to spray air. When the limit switch 136 is pressed, the exit side air blower (the side where the pallet is transported from the cleaning section 130 to the power roller section 140) starts spraying air. While the limit switch 136 is pressed (while the pallet is passing), the exit side air blower continues to spray air. The cleaning section 130 cleans the pallet and transports the cleaned pallet to the power roller section 140.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 1, a photoelectric sensor 142 is provided near the end of the power roller unit 140 on the positive side in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when conveyance to the power roller unit 140 is started, the photoelectric sensor 142 can detect whether or not a pallet has passed. When the photoelectric sensor 142 detects the passage of the pallet, the power roller provided in the power roller unit 140 starts to rotate. The rotation speed of the power roller of the power roller unit 140 is, for example, 300 mm / s. The photoelectric sensor 142 may send a signal to the photoelectric sensor 126 of the power roller unit 120 while the pallet is passing. By sending a signal to the photoelectric sensor 126 of the power roller unit 120, the photoelectric sensor 126 of the power roller unit 120 can detect whether a pallet remains in the cleaning unit 130.

[0068] Next, the pallet is transported from the power roller unit 140 to the loading unit 150. As shown in FIG. 1, a photoelectric sensor 146 is provided near the negative end of the power roller unit 140 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 146 can detect whether or not a pallet is being transported. When the photoelectric sensor 146 detects the pallet, the chain conveyor of the loading unit 150 is activated and the pallet is pulled in. When the photoelectric sensor 146 no longer detects the pallet, the power rollers provided in the power roller unit 140 stop rotating.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 6(A), the loading section 150 may load pallets and transport them as multi-tiered pallets. A switch 152 detects whether a predetermined number of pallets have been loaded, and when the predetermined number of pallets have been loaded, the loading section 150 transports the multi-tiered pallet on which the predetermined number of pallets have been loaded. The predetermined number of tiers is, for example, 30 tiers.

[0070] Next, the multi-tiered pallet is transported from the loading section 150 to the free roller section 160. The limit switch 162 of the free roller section 160 is provided near the center of the free roller section 160 in the X-axis direction. While the limit switch 162 of the free roller section 160 is pressed, the transport of the multi-tiered pallet from the loading section 150 to the free roller section 160 may be stopped.

[0071] 6 and 7 are diagrams showing the cleaning process 1030 in detail. The length L4 of the free roller unit 160 in the X-axis direction shown in FIG. 6(A) is 2630 mm as an example. The length of one side in the X-axis direction of a 14-type pallet is generally 1400 mm. Therefore, the length L4 of the free roller unit 160 in the X-axis direction is 1.5 times or more the length of the pallet in the X-axis direction and is not more than twice the length of the pallet in the X-axis direction. By making the length L4 of the free roller unit 160 in the X-axis direction shorter than 2800 mm, which is the length of two pallets, when a multi-tiered pallet (hereinafter referred to as a first multi-tiered pallet) is loaded on the free roller unit 160, when another multi-tiered pallet (hereinafter referred to as a second multi-tiered pallet) is transported from the loading unit 150 (FIG. 6(B)), the first multi-tiered pallet is pushed out to the power roller unit 170 as shown by the arrow (FIG. 7(A)). Therefore, by adjusting the length of the free roller unit 160, it is possible to stock a multi-layer pallet on the free roller unit 160. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 7(B), it is possible to stock a multi-layer pallet on each of the loading unit 150, the free roller unit 160, the power roller unit 170, and the free roller unit 180.

[0072] The free roller unit 160 is provided with an inclination. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 is, for example, 1.080 degrees. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be 1 degree or more. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be 2 degrees or less. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be 0.5 degrees or more. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be 3 degrees or less. By providing an inclination to the free roller unit 160, it is possible to transport a pallet without installing a power roller.

[0073] The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10. Since the free roller unit 160 transports pallets with a higher number of stages than the pallets fed into the feeding line 100, by making the inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 smaller than the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10, it is possible to reduce the possibility of the stage pallets collapsing in the free roller unit 160. The inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 may be the same as the inclination angle θ1 of the free roller unit 10.

[0074] The pallet is transported from the power roller unit 170 to the free roller unit 180. As shown in FIG. 1, a photoelectric sensor 172 is provided near the end of the power roller unit 170 on the positive side in the X-axis direction. Therefore, when transport to the power roller unit 170 is started, the photoelectric sensor 172 can detect whether the pallet has passed. When the photoelectric sensor 172 detects the passage of the pallet, the power roller provided in the power roller unit 170 starts to rotate. The rotation speed of the power roller of the power roller unit 170 is, for example, 150 mm / s. The length L5 in the X-axis direction of the power roller unit 170 shown in FIG. 6(A) is, for example, 1580 mm. The length L5 in the X-axis direction of the power roller unit 170 shown in FIG. 6(A) may be greater than the length of the pallet in the X-axis direction (1400 mm in the case of a 14-type pallet).

[0075] 1, a photoelectric sensor 176 is provided near the negative end of the power roller unit 170 in the X-axis direction. Therefore, the photoelectric sensor 176 can detect whether or not a pallet is being transported. When the photoelectric sensor 176 no longer detects the pallet, the power rollers provided in the power roller unit 170 stop rotating.

[0076] The step pallet is removed at the free roller unit 180. A limit switch 182 is provided at the free roller unit 180. When the limit switch 182 is pressed, transport from the power roller unit 170 is stopped. The length L6 in the X-axis direction of the free roller unit 180 shown in Fig. 6(A) is, for example, 1510 mm. The length L6 in the X-axis direction of the free roller unit 180 shown in Fig. 6(A) may be greater than the length of the pallet in the X-axis direction (1400 mm in the case of a 14-type pallet).

[0077] The free roller portion 180 is provided with an inclination. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller portion 180 is, for example, 0.759 degrees. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller portion 180 may be 0.5 degrees or more. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller portion 180 may be 1 degree or less. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller portion 160 may be 0.75 degrees or more. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller portion 180 may be 2 degrees or less.

[0078] The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller unit 180 may be smaller than the inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160. By making the inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160 smaller than the inclination angle θ3 of the free roller unit 180, it is possible to minimize the movement in the free roller unit 180 and to stock step pallets in the free roller unit 180. The inclination angle θ3 of the free roller unit 180 may be the same as the inclination angle θ2 of the free roller unit 160.

[0079] In the cleaning line 200, pallets are transported in the order of loading section 150, free roller section 160, power roller section 170, and free roller section 180, so it is possible to transport pallets even if multiple free roller sections are provided. Therefore, in the pallet transport device 1000, multiple free roller sections can be provided instead of power roller sections, making it possible to reduce power consumption.

[0080] If the pallet is determined to be defective in the operation step S1020, the pallet is transported to the sorting line 300. The sorting step S1040 is performed in the sorting line 300. The sorting unit 320 transports the pallet to the power roller unit 220 via the free roller unit 210.

[0081] Next, the pallet is transported from the power roller unit 220 to the loading unit 230. When the photoelectric sensor 222 of the power roller unit 220 detects the arrival of the pallet, the chain conveyor that transports the pallet is stopped, and the pallet is lowered by a lowering mechanism. The pallet is then transported in the X-axis direction by the power rollers. The photoelectric sensor 226 detects the presence or absence of the pallet in the loading unit 230. When the photoelectric sensor 226 detects that the pallet is not in the loading unit 230, the pallet is transported from the power roller unit 220 to the loading unit 230. The rotation speed of the power rollers of the power roller unit 220 is, for example, 300 mm / s. After the pallet is transported to the loading unit 230, the pallet is pulled in by the chain conveyor of the loading unit 230.

[0082] The loading section 230 may load pallets and transport them as multi-tiered pallets. The limit switch 232 detects whether a predetermined number of pallets have been loaded, and when the predetermined number of pallets have been loaded, the loading section 230 transports the multi-tiered pallet on which the predetermined number of pallets have been loaded. The predetermined number of tiers is, for example, 15 tiers.

[0083] The multi-layer pallet is removed at the free roller unit 240. A limit switch 242 is provided at the free roller unit 240. When the limit switch 242 is pressed, the transport from the loading unit 230 is stopped. Furthermore, a limit switch 244 is provided at the free roller unit 240. When the limit switch 244 is pressed, the multi-layer pallet placed on the limit switch 244 can be detected.

[0084] The free roller unit 240 is provided with an incline. The incline of the free roller unit 240 may be the same as the incline of the free roller unit 180. Furthermore, the free roller unit 240 may be capable of stocking two stage pallets. As described above, in the sorting line 300, two stage pallets can be stocked in the free roller unit 240, and one stage pallet can be stocked in the loading unit 230.

[0085] As described above, the pallet transport device 1000 is capable of separating non-defective and defective products and cleaning pallets in one device. In addition, since it is equipped with multiple free roller units, it is possible to reduce power consumption. Furthermore, since a photoelectric sensor is provided in the power roller unit, the power roller unit is operated when a pallet arrives, thereby reducing power consumption.

[0086] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a pallet transport apparatus 2000 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The pallet transport apparatus 2000 includes a feeding line 100, a cleaning line 200, a sorting line 300, and an operation line 400. In the pallet transport apparatus 2000, the same reference numerals as those in the pallet transport apparatus 1000 will not be described.

[0087] The input line 100 of the pallet conveying device 2000 comprises a free roller unit 410, a power roller unit 420 and a step-down unit 430. The free roller unit 410 is provided with free rollers and transports a pallet (step pallet) to the power roller unit 420. The power roller unit 420 is provided with power rollers and transports the pallet (step pallet) to the step-down unit 430. The step-down unit 430 separates the step pallet and transports the pallets one by one to the operation line 400.

[0088] The cleaning line 200 of the pallet conveying device 2000 includes a free roller unit 510, a power roller unit 520, a cleaning unit 530, a loading unit 540, a free roller unit 550, a power roller unit 560, and a free roller unit 570. The free roller unit 510 is provided with free rollers and transports pallets to the power roller unit 520. The power roller unit 520 is provided with power rollers and transports pallets to the cleaning unit 530. The cleaning unit 530 may clean the pallets and transport the cleaned pallets to the loading unit 540. The loading unit 540 may load the pallets and transport them to the free roller unit 550 as a tiered pallet. The free roller unit 550 may be the same as the free roller unit 160 of the pallet conveying device 1000. The power roller unit 560 may be the same as the power roller unit 170 of the pallet conveying device 1000. The free roller unit 570 may be the same as the free roller unit 180 of the pallet transport device 1000 .

[0089] The sorting line 300 of the pallet conveying device 2000 comprises a free roller unit 610, a power roller unit 620, a loading unit 630 and a free roller unit 640. The free roller unit 610 is provided with free rollers and transports pallets to the power roller unit 620. The power roller unit 620 is provided with power rollers and transports pallets to the loading unit 630. The loading unit 630 may load pallets and transport them to the free roller unit 640 as a tiered pallet. The free roller unit 640 stores tiered pallets, and the tiered pallets are removed at the free roller unit 640.

[0090] The operation line 400 of the pallet transport device 2000 includes an operation unit 710 and a sorting unit 720. A user determines whether a pallet is a good or defective product by operating the operation unit 710. The sorting unit 720 transports the pallet to either the cleaning line 200 or the sorting line 300 based on the designation made by the operation unit 710.

[0091] In the pallet conveying device 2000, the conveying direction of the free roller unit 640 (fourth free roller unit in the claims) is inclined and angled with respect to the conveying direction (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the operation unit 710. In other words, the conveying direction of the free roller unit 640 is angled with respect to the conveying direction (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the operation unit 710 by more than 0 degrees and less than 180 degrees. Since the conveying direction of the free roller unit 640 is angled with respect to the conveying direction of the operation unit 710, the design freedom of the pallet conveying device 2000 can be increased. Also, in the pallet conveying device 2000, the conveying direction of the power roller unit 620 may be angled with respect to the conveying direction (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the operation unit 710. In the pallet conveying device 2000, the conveying direction of the loading unit 630 may be angled with respect to the conveying direction (negative side in the X-axis direction) of the operation unit 710.

[0092] If the operation unit 310 of the pallet transport device 1000 is provided with a pallet inversion mechanism, the arm bar 62 may be provided with casters. By providing the arm bar 62 with casters, damage to the pallet can be prevented and the pallet can be smoothly inverted. The operation unit 310 may be provided with a button for instructing the washing line 200 to transport all pallets and a button for specifying the transport of all pallets to the sorting line 300. If the operation unit 310 of the pallet transport device 1000 is provided with a pallet inversion mechanism, a proximity switch for pausing may be provided. The proximity switch may be fan-shaped for easy removal. Furthermore, if the operation unit 310 of the pallet transport device 1000 is provided with a pallet inversion mechanism, a chain conveyor provided in the operation unit 310 may be raised to prevent the pallet from slipping on the rollers provided in the operation unit 310 when the pallet is inverted.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. It is clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and improvements can be made to the above embodiments. In addition, not all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0094] It should be noted that the order of execution of each process, such as operations, procedures, steps, and stages, in the devices, systems, programs, and methods shown in the claims, specifications, and drawings is not specifically stated as "before," "prior to," etc., and may be realized in any order unless the output of a previous process is used in a later process. Even if the operational flow in the claims, specifications, and drawings is explained using "first," "next," etc. for convenience, it does not mean that it is essential to perform the process in this order. [Explanation of symbols]

[0095] 10...swivel roller portion, 20...swivel roller portion, 30...power roller portion, 32...photoelectric sensor, 34...mirror, 36...photoelectric sensor, 38...mirror, 40...disassembly portion, 42...photoelectric sensor, 44...photoelectric sensor, 46...photoelectric sensor, 48...mirror, 52...photoelectric sensor, 54...mirror, 56...photoelectric sensor, 58...mirror, 62...arm bar, 100...feed line, 110...reversal portion, 112...arm bar, 114...proximity switch, 116...limit switch, 120...power roller portion, 122... Photoelectric sensor, 124··mirror, 126··photoelectric sensor, 128··mirror, 130··cleaning section, 132··proximity switch, 134··limit switch, 136··limit switch, 140··power roller section, 142··photoelectric sensor, 144··mirror, 146··photoelectric sensor, 148··mirror, 150··loading section, 152··limit switch, 160··swivel roller section, 162··limit switch, 170··power roller section, 172··photoelectric sensor, 174··mirror, 176··photoelectric sensor, 178··mirror, 180... free roller section, 182... limit switch, 200... cleaning line, 210... free roller section, 220... power roller, 222... photoelectric sensor, 224... mirror, 226... photoelectric sensor, 228... mirror, 230... loading section, 232... limit switch, 240... free roller section, 242... limit switch, 244... limit switch, 300... sorting line, 310... operation section, 312... photoelectric sensor, 314... photoelectric sensor, 316... photoelectric sensor, 318... photoelectric sensor, 320... sorting section, 3 22...photoelectric sensor, 324...mirror, 400...operation line, 410...swivel roller section, 420...power roller section, 430...disassembly section, 510...swivel roller section, 520...power roller section, 530...cleaning section, 540...loading section, 550...swivel roller section, 560...power roller section, 570...swivel roller section, 610...swivel roller section, 620...power roller section, 630...loading section, 640...swivel roller section, 710...operation section, 720...sorting section, 1000...pallet transport device, 2000...pallet transport device

Claims

1. A pallet conveying device for conveying a pallet, an input line into which the pallets are input; a washing line in which the pallets are washed and the washed pallets are taken out as non-defective products; a sorting line in which the pallets are removed as defective; an operation line for transporting the pallet to either the cleaning line or the sorting line in response to a user's operation; Equipped with Pallet transport device.

2. The input line is a first free roller portion into which the pallet is inserted; a first power roller unit connected to a power source and configured to transport the pallet in a transport direction; a de-stack unit that transports the pallets one by one to the operation line; Including, The pallet is conveyed in the feeding line through the first free roller section, the first power roller section, and the de-stacking section in this order.

2. A pallet transport device according to claim 1.

3. The first free roller portion is provided with an inclination.

3. A pallet transport device according to claim 2.

4. The cleaning line comprises: an inverting unit that inverts the palette based on a user operation; a second power roller unit connected to a power source and configured to transport the pallet from the reversing unit; A cleaning unit that cleans the pallet; a third power roller unit connected to a power source and configured to transport the pallet from the cleaning unit; A loading section for loading the pallet; A second free roller unit that transports the pallet from the loading unit; a fourth power roller unit connected to a power source and configured to transport the pallet from the second free roller unit; a third free roller portion from which the pallet is removed; Including, The pallet is transported in the cleaning line in the order of the reversing section, the second power roller section, the cleaning section, the third power roller section, the loading section, the second free roller section, the fourth power roller section, and the third free roller section.

4. A pallet transport device according to claim 3.

5. The second free roller portion is provided with an inclination.

5. A pallet transport device according to claim 4.

6. The inclination of the second free roller portion is smaller than the inclination of the first free roller portion.

6. A pallet transport device according to claim 5.

7. The third free roller portion is provided with an inclination, The inclination of the third free roller portion is smaller than the inclination of the second free roller portion.

6. A pallet transport device according to claim 5.

8. The length of the second free roller portion in the transport direction is 1.5 times or more and 2 times or less than the length of the pallet in the transport direction.

5. A pallet transport device according to claim 4.

9. The first power roller unit is provided with a photoelectric sensor, The first power roller unit includes: When the photoelectric sensor detects the pallet, a conveying operation is started. When the photoelectric sensor does not detect the pallet, the conveying operation is stopped.

3. A pallet transport device according to claim 2.

10. The operating line is An operation unit operable by a user; a sorting unit that transports the pallet to either the cleaning line or the sorting line in response to a user's operation on the operation unit; Including, the sorting line includes a fourth free roller portion from which the pallet is removed, The conveying direction of the fourth free roller portion is inclined and has an angle with respect to the conveying direction of the operation portion.

2. A pallet transport device according to claim 1.

11. A pallet conveying system for conveying pallets, comprising: An input means for inputting the pallet; a cleaning means for cleaning the pallet and removing the cleaned pallet; a sorting means by which the pallets are removed; an operating means for transporting the pallet to either the cleaning means or the sorting means in response to a user's operation; Equipped with Pallet transport system.

Images