Transfer device

Abstract

To provide a transfer device capable of restraining an increase in an area occupied by a berth for loading a cargo, and capable of restraining reduction in efficiency of loading work.SOLUTION: The carry-out table includes a first conveyance path for conveying the article in a first direction. The entry part has a second conveying passage for conveying the cargo in the first direction, can advance and retreat in the first direction, and advances to enter the cargo bed to be loaded with the cargo. In a state in which a portion of the rear side of the entrance portion is retracted from the loading platform, the first transporting path and the second transporting path can have an overlapping positional relationship in the first direction, and the article transported on the first transporting path can be supplied to the second transporting path.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device. [Background technology]

[0002] Pallet loading devices that load pallets onto the bed of a vehicle are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a pallet loading device with multiple forks arranged in the width direction. This device inserts the multiple forks through pallet insertion openings, lifts the multiple pallets arranged in the width direction at once, and loads them onto the bed of the vehicle from the side. In this device, the forks include multiple fixed forks fixed to a main body support and multiple movable forks movably mounted on the main body support.

[0003] When loading cargo onto a loading platform from the side, space must be secured to the side of the platform for the loading equipment to move. When multiple trucks are lined up on a berth to be loaded, the method of loading cargo from the side of the platform makes it difficult to increase the number of trucks that can be parked on the berth at the same time. When a berth is full of trucks, the next truck to be loaded must wait outside the berth, which leads to increased man-hours.

[0004] On the other hand, when loading cargo from the rear of the loading platform, there is no need to secure space on the side of the platform for the loading device to move, which makes it possible to increase the number of trucks that can be parked at the berth at the same time.

[0005] A loading device using a roller conveyor is known as a device for efficiently loading multiple loads into a truck through an opening at the rear of the bed. In this loading device, the roller conveyor carrying multiple loads is transferred to the bed, and then the roller conveyor is returned from the bed, leaving the loads on the bed. In this way, multiple loads are efficiently loaded into the bed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-211748 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] If the roller conveyor is shortened to reduce the berth's footprint, the roller conveyor must be advanced and retracted multiple times to load all the cargo onto the loading platform. The roller conveyor must be retracted from the loading platform, the cargo to be loaded must be placed on the roller conveyor, and then the roller conveyor must be advanced into the loading platform again. This reduces the efficiency of the loading operation.

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that can suppress an increase in the area of ​​a berth occupied by cargo loading and can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of loading work. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, a first conveying path for conveying the load in a first direction; a second conveying path that conveys the load in the first direction, is capable of advancing and retreating in the first direction, and advances to enter a loading platform onto which the load is to be loaded; Equipped with The first conveying path is disposed outside the loading platform, and a transfer device is provided that can transfer the load conveyed on the first conveying path to the second conveying path. [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] Since it is possible to supply cargo from the first conveying path to the second conveying path with a rear portion of the second conveying path retracted from the loading platform, it is possible to supply cargo to the second conveying path more efficiently than when supplying cargo to the second conveying path with the entire second conveying path retracted from the loading platform. This prevents a decrease in efficiency of loading work even if the length of the second conveying path in the first direction is shortened. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0011] [Figure 1] 1A and 1B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 1) of a transfer device and a truck 500 according to a first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 2] 2A and 2B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 2) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 3) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 4) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 5] 5A and 5B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 5) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 6] 6A and 6B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 6) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 7A and 7B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 7) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 8] 8A and 8B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 8) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 9] 9A and 9B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (No. 9) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 10]10A and 10B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 10) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 11) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. [Figure 12] Figure 12A is a diagram (part 1) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 12B is a diagram (part 1) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 13] Figure 13A is a diagram (part 2) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 13B is a diagram (part 2) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 14] Figure 14A is a diagram (part 3) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 14B is a diagram (part 3) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 15] Figure 15A is a diagram (part 4) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 15B is a diagram (part 4) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 16] Figure 16A is a diagram (part 5) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 16B is a diagram (part 5) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 17] Figure 17A is a diagram (part 6) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 17B is a diagram (part 6) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 18]Figure 18A is a diagram (part 7) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 18B is a diagram (part 7) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 19] Figure 19A is a diagram (part 8) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 19B is a diagram (part 8) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 20] Figure 20A is a diagram (part 9) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 20B is a diagram (part 9) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 21] Figure 21A is a diagram (part 10) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 21B is a diagram (part 10) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 22] Figure 22A is a diagram (part 11) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 22B is a diagram (part 11) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 23] Figure 23A is a diagram (part 12) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 23B is a diagram (part 12) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 24] Figure 24A is a diagram (part 13) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 24B is a diagram (part 13) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 25] Figure 25A is a diagram (part 14) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 25B is a diagram (part 14) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. [Figure 26]FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view of the transfer mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. [Figure 27] 27A and 27B are schematic side views of the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47. FIG. [Figure 28] 28A and 28B are schematic side views of the parallel link mechanism 46 and the fork 41. FIG. [Figure 29] 29A and 29B are schematic side views (part 1) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. [Figure 30] 30A and 30B are schematic side views (part 2) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. [Figure 31] 31A and 31B are schematic side views (part 3) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. [Figure 32] 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 1) of a transfer device and a truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. [Figure 33] 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 2) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. [Figure 34] 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 3) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. [Figure 35] 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 4) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. [Figure 36] 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 5) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. [Figure 37]32A and 32B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 6) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] [First Example] A transfer device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 11B. Figures 1A, 2A,...11A are schematic plan views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, and Figures 1B, 2B,...11B are schematic side views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment. Note that these schematic plan views and schematic side views do not strictly distinguish between visible and hidden parts, but rather show the positional relationships of the components when viewed from above and from the side. The transfer device according to the first embodiment includes an unloading platform 10, a first transport path 10A, an entrance section 13, a second transport path 13A, a transfer mechanism 17, and an unloading transport path 12.

[0013] The output table 10 has an upper surface 10B and side walls 10C. The output table 10 is supported by a plurality of height adjustment devices 11 so that the upper surface 10B is approximately horizontal. The first conveying path 10A is installed on the upper surface 10B of the output table 10 and conveys the load in a first direction Da that is approximately horizontal. For example, a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers arranged in two rows in the first direction Da is used as the first conveying path 10A.

[0014] When loading cargo, the truck 500 is parked so that the rear loading / unloading entrance of the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 faces one end of the loading platform 10 in the first direction Da. The height adjustment device 11 adjusts the height of the loading platform 10 so that the height of the upper surface 10B of the loading platform 10 is equal to the height of the loading platform 501.

[0015] The entrance section 13 is placed on the upper surface 10B of the discharge table 10 and is movable in a first direction Da by wheels 13B. Movement toward the loading platform 501 is referred to as forward movement, and movement away from the loading platform 501 is referred to as backward movement. A second conveyance path 13A that conveys the load in the first direction Da is installed on the entrance section 13 and moves forward and backward in the first direction Da together with the entrance section 13. The second conveyance path 13A moves forward to enter the loading platform 501 onto which the load is to be loaded. The first conveyance path 10A is disposed outside the loading platform 501. In FIGS. 1A to 11B, the entrance section 13 is hatched with upward slanting lines to the right. As the second conveyance path 13A, for example, a roller conveyor including a plurality of rollers arranged in three rows in the first direction Da is used.

[0016] One roller row of the second transport path 13A is disposed between the two roller rows that make up the first transport path 10A, and the other two roller rows of the second transport path 13A are disposed outside the two roller rows of the first transport path 10A. The rollers in each of the three roller rows of the second transport path 13A are supported by roller support portions 13C that are long in the first direction Da. The three roller support portions 13C are connected by connecting portions 13D in a second direction Db that is perpendicular to the first direction Da. The front ends of the three roller support portions 13C and the front end of the connecting portion 13D are aligned in the first direction Da.

[0017] For example, guide rollers (not shown) are attached to the outer side surfaces of the two outer roller support portions 13C, and the guide rollers come into contact with the side walls 10C of the output platform 10, thereby guiding the entrance portion 13 in the first direction Da. The entrance portion 13 can enter the loading platform 501 by moving forward.

[0018] With at least a portion of the rear side of the second conveying path 13A retracted from the loading platform 501, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A can assume an overlapping positional relationship in the first direction Da. With the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlapping, an object conveyed on the first conveying path 10A can be transferred to the second conveying path 13A. When the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlap, in the overlapping region, both ends of the object in the second direction Db are placed on the second conveying path 13A, and the center portion is placed on the first conveying path 10A. This allows the object to be stably transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A.

[0019] The output conveying path 12 is disposed close to the rear end of the first conveying path 10A. The output conveying path 12 is, for example, a roller conveyor that conveys items that have been conveyed out of the warehouse in the second direction Db. The output conveying path 12 is equipped with a sorting unit 12B, which transfers predetermined items from among the items conveyed on the output conveying path 12 onto the first conveying path 10A of the output platform 10.

[0020] The transfer mechanism 17 is on standby to the side of the discharge table 10. The transfer mechanism 17 operates to transfer a load placed on the second conveying path 13A of the entrance section 13 that has entered the loading platform 501 from the entrance section 13 to the loading platform 501. The operation and function of the transfer mechanism 17 will be described later with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, 8A, 8B, 11A, and 11B.

[0021] The control device 15 controls the conveying operations of the first conveying path 10A, the second conveying path 13A, and the discharge conveying path 12, the advancement and retreat of the entrance portion 13 and the second conveying path 13A, and the transfer operation by the transfer mechanism 17.

[0022] Next, the procedure for loading a plurality of items onto loading platform 501 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 11B. 2A and 2B, with first conveying path 10A and second conveying path 13A overlapping in the first direction Da, multiple loads 19 conveyed on output conveying path 12 are transferred to first conveying path 10A, and multiple loads 19 conveyed forward on first conveying path 10A are transferred from first conveying path 11A to second conveying path 13A. At this time, each of the multiple loads 19 is placed on a pallet 18. In the schematic plan views shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A, . . . 11A, the loads 19 are indicated by relatively light hatching sloping downward to the right.

[0023] The multiple loads 19 and pallets 18 are supplied to each of the two roller rows that make up the first conveying path 10A. As a result, the multiple loads 19 and pallets 18 are arranged in two rows in the first direction Da on the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A. The multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 lined up in the first direction Da are assigned serial numbers starting from 1 from the front to the rear, so that the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 can be distinguished from one another.

[0024] 2A and 2B, the first and second pallets 18 and load 19 are placed on the second conveying path 13A, and the third, fourth, and fifth pallets 18 and load 19 are placed in the overlapping area between the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A. The sixth pallet 18 and load 19 is placed on the first conveying path 10A behind the rear end of the second conveying path 13A.

[0025] Next, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, with multiple loads 19 placed on second conveying path 13A, entrance section 13 and second conveying path 13A are advanced and enter platform 501. At this time, the advancement of entrance section 13 is stopped when the front end of entrance section 13 faces the front wall of platform 501 with a predetermined distance between them. The length of entrance section 13 and second conveying path 13A in the first direction Da (hereinafter, sometimes simply referred to as "length") is shorter than the length of platform 501. Therefore, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on second conveying path 13A of entrance section 13 occupy only a partial area in front of platform 501.

[0026] While the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A are in the loading platform 501, a plurality of pallets 18 and loads 19 are newly supplied from the unloading conveying path 12 to the first conveying path 10A of the unloading platform 10.

[0027] 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the entrance section 13 is retracted, thereby transferring the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. Specifically, the pressing section 17A of the transfer mechanism 17 is pressed against the rearward-facing surfaces of the rearmost pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A, and when the entrance section 13 is retracted, the pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the entrance section 13 are restrained so as not to move rearward.

[0028] In this state, when the entrance section 13 is moved backward together with the second conveying path 13A, the pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A slide from the front end of the entrance section 13 onto the floor of the loading platform 501, and are transferred from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. FIGS. 4A and 4B show the state in which the first pallet 18 and load 19 have been transferred onto the loading platform 501. When the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A are moved further backward, all of the pallets 18 and loads 19 that were placed on the second conveying path 13A are transferred onto the loading platform 501. In this way, with a single entry and exit operation of the second conveying path 13A, multiple pallets 18 can be transferred onto the loading platform 501, starting with the first pallet 18 and proceeding toward the rear pallets 18.

[0029] 5A and 5B, the entrance 13 and the second transport path 13A are retracted until the first transport path 10A and the second transport path 13A are in an overlapping positional relationship in the first direction Da. At this time, the front end of the entrance 13 may remain on the loading platform 501, and only a portion of the rear may retract from the loading platform 501, or the entrance 13 may retract completely from the loading platform 501.

[0030] Next, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, with at least a portion of second conveying path 13A outside loading platform 501, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on first conveying path 10A are conveyed to second conveying path 13A via the overlapping area between first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path. As a result, the pallets 18 and loads 19 are transferred from first conveying path 10A to second conveying path 13A. During this period, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from output conveying path 12 to the vacant area of ​​first conveying path 10A.

[0031] Next, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the entrance 13 is moved forward until the distance between the front end of the entrance 13 and the rearmost pallet 18 and load 19 already loaded on the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance.

[0032] 8A and 8B, similar to the procedure shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the second conveying path 13A is moved backward, thereby transferring the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. At this stage, there is still an empty space behind the loading platform 501 where the pallets 18 and loads 19 can be loaded. In addition, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlap in the first direction Da.

[0033] 9A and 9B, pallets 18 and loads 19 in the number that can be loaded into the free space on loading platform 501 are transported from first conveying path 10A to second conveying path 13A. Furthermore, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from output conveying path 12 to first conveying path 10A.

[0034] Next, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A are advanced, and a portion of the front of them enters the loading platform 501. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, similar to the procedure shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A are retracted, thereby transferring the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. By following the procedure up to this point, all of the pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded are loaded onto the loading platform 501.

[0035] Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A enter the loading platform 501 in multiple passes, and the pallets 18 and the loads 19 are loaded onto the loading platform 501, so it is possible to make the lengths of the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A shorter than the length of the loading platform 501. Furthermore, the length of the unloading platform 10 only needs to be longer than the length of the entrance section 13, and the length of the unloading platform 10 can also be shorter than the length of the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the area of ​​the berth occupied by the transfer device.

[0036] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, when the entrance 13 and the second conveying path 13A are entering the loading platform 501, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded next can be supplied to the first conveying path 10A. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the entrance 13 and the second conveying path 13A are retracted and their front ends remain within the loading platform 501, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 can be supplied from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A. This improves the efficiency of the loading operation compared to a method in which the entrance 13 and the second conveying path 13A are retracted to the position of the output conveying path 12 and the pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied one by one from the output conveying path 12 to the second conveying path 13A.

[0037] Next, a transfer device according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described. 4A and 4B, in the first embodiment, the transfer mechanism 17 prohibits the pallets 18 and loads 19 from moving backward, and the approach section 13 is moved backward, thereby transferring the pallets 18 and loads 19 from the approach section 13 to the loading platform 501. Alternatively, a space for placing the pallets 18 and loads 19 may be secured in front of the approach section 13, and the transfer mechanism 17 may push the rearmost pallets 18 and loads 19 forward, causing the front pallets 18 and loads 19 to drop from the approach section 13 onto the loading platform 501.

[0038] In the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the pallet 18 and the load 19 are transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A with the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlapping in the first direction Da. When transferring the pallet 18 and the load 19, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A do not necessarily need to overlap. For example, if the distance in the first direction Da between the rear end of the second conveying path 13A and the front end of the first conveying path 10A is sufficiently narrow compared to the dimensions of the pallet 18, the pallet 18 and the load 19 can be transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A.

[0039] Furthermore, when transferring the pallets 18 and the loads 19 from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A, it is not necessary to keep the second conveying path 13A stationary. For example, the pallets 18 and the loads 19 may be transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A while the second conveying path 12A is being moved backward. In this way, the time required to transfer the pallets 18 and the loads 19 from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A can be shortened.

[0040] In the first embodiment, as explained with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, etc., the entrance section 13 is advanced into the loading platform 501, the pallet 18 and the load 19 are held down from behind to prevent them from moving backward, and the entrance section 13 is pulled out from the loading platform 501, whereby the pallet 18 and the load 19 are transferred from the second conveying path 13A of the entrance section 13 to the loading platform 501, but other transfer methods may also be adopted.

[0041] For example, a groove extending in the front-rear direction may be formed in the floor surface of the loading platform 501, and the pallets 18 and the loads 19 may be loaded onto the loading platform 501 using this groove. In this method, a support member that is long in the front-rear direction and whose height dimension is variable is used as the entrance section 13. First, the height dimension of the support member is set higher than the depth of the groove, and multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 are placed on the support member. In this state, the support member is advanced into the loading platform 501 along the groove. After the support member has advanced, the height dimension of the support member is reduced, thereby lowering the pallets 18 and loads 19 onto the floor surface of the loading platform 501. Thereafter, the support member is pulled out of the loading platform along the groove, allowing the pallets 18 and loads 19 to be transferred from the support member to the loading platform. The height dimension of the support member can be adjusted using, for example, air pressure.

[0042] Next, another modification of the first embodiment will be described. In order to prevent the loads from coming into contact with each other or collapsing due to shaking during transportation, cushioning material may be inserted between loads 61 adjacent in the front-rear direction. In this modification, cushioning material is inserted between loads 19 adjacent in the front-rear direction before the entrance 13 starts moving forward toward the loading platform 501 (for example, FIGS. 2A and 2B). Next, a configuration for placing cushioning material between the loads 19 and maintaining their position will be described.

[0043] The buffer material is suspended from a hanging holder disposed on the top surface of the load 19, and is positioned along one side of the load 19 (for example, the side facing forward). The buffer material and the hanging holder have an inverted L shape when viewed from the side. The hanging holder is sufficiently heavier than the buffer material so that the position of the buffer material remains stable even when it is hung.

[0044] By placing buffer materials between the loads 19 before loading the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 onto the loading platform 501, it becomes unnecessary to place buffer materials after or during loading of the loads 19 onto the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the loading work.

[0045] [Second Example] Next, a transfer device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12A to 31B. Figures 12A, 13A, 14A, ... 25A are diagrams showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment, and Figures 12B, 13B, 14B, ... 25B are diagrams showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the transfer device according to the second embodiment includes an unloading platform 20, a first conveying path 21A, an entrance 30, a second conveying path 31A, a transfer mechanism 40, a frame 50, a traverse carriage 51, and traverse rails 52. In FIG. 12A, the entrance 30 is hatched upward to the right. Note that a pallet 60 and a load 61, which will be described later, are hatched relatively lightly downward to the right. Similar hatching is used in FIGS. 13A, 14A, . . . 25A. The conveying operations of the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A, the forward and backward movement of the entrance 30, and the operations of the transfer mechanism 40 and the traverse carriage 51 are controlled by a control device 70.

[0047] The truck 500 is parked so that the loading / unloading entrance at the rear of the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 faces the transfer device. The second conveying path 31A carrying multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 enters the loading platform 501, and the pallets 60 are transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501, thereby loading the pallets 60 and loads 61 onto the loading platform 501. The direction of entry and exit of the entry section 30 and the second conveying path 31A is referred to as the first direction Da, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction Da in the horizontal plane is referred to as the second direction Db. The direction in which the entry section 30 approaches the loading platform 501 is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rearward direction. Either a double-sided or single-sided pallet may be used as the pallet 60. Note that when a single-sided pallet is used, it must have a shape that can be stably supported by the rollers 21 of the unloading platform 20, which will be described later.

[0048] Three pairs of traverse rails 52 are arranged parallel to each other in a direction intersecting the first direction Da (for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction Da when the output platform 20 is in the reference position) on the floor of a work area where the load 61 is loaded onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500. A traverse carriage 51 is placed on each of the traverse rails 52. The traverse carriages 51 are movable on the traverse rails 52. A frame 50 is supported by the three traverse carriages 51. Each of the traverse carriages 51 has a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the frame 50.

[0049] The output table 20 is fixed on top of the frame 50. The shape of the output table 20 in a plan view is a rectangle that is long in the first direction Da. The output table 20 has an upper surface 20A along which the entrance section 30 and the transfer mechanism 40 move, and side walls 20B that restrict the position of the entrance section 30 in the second direction Db. A first conveying path 21A is installed on the upper surface 20A of the output table 20. The first conveying path 21A has a plurality of rollers 21 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da. The plurality of rollers 21 in each row are arranged from the rear end toward the front to a predetermined position.

[0050] The entrance section 30 has a plurality of wheels 32 and is movable in the first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the output table 20 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501. The second conveying path 31A is installed in the entrance section 30. The second conveying path 31A has three rows of rollers 31 aligned in the first direction Da. One row of rollers 31 is disposed between two rows of rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A in the second direction Db, and the other two rows of rollers 31 are disposed outside the rows of rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A. The entrance section 30 includes three roller support portions 30B that are elongated in the first direction Da and rotatably support each of the three rows of rollers 31, and a connecting portion 30A that connects the three roller support portions 30B at their intermediate positions.

[0051] An extension portion 34 extends rearward from each of the two ends of the rear end of the entrance portion 30. A guide roller 33 is attached to the outer side surface of the extension portion 34. The guide roller 33 contacts the side wall 20B of the carry-out table 20 to guide the entrance portion 30 in the first direction Da.

[0052] 12A and 12B show a state in which the position of the front end (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the tip) of the entry section 30 is approximately aligned with the position of the front end of the output table 20. At this time, in the first direction Da, a portion of the front side of the range in which the multiple rollers 21 of the output table 20 are arranged overlaps with a portion of the rear side of the range in which the multiple rollers 31 of the entry section 30 are arranged.

[0053] When the pallet 60 placed on the first conveying path 21A of the output table 20 is conveyed forward, it is handed over to the second conveying path 31A and further conveyed forward by the second conveying path 31A.

[0054] A transfer mechanism 40 is disposed between a front portion of the central roller support portion 30B of the entrance section 30 and a front portion of each of the roller support portions 30B at both ends. The transfer mechanism 40 is provided with a plurality of wheels 42 and is capable of moving in a first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the discharge platform 20. Guide rollers 45 provided on the sides of the transfer mechanism 40 come into contact with the side surfaces of the roller support portions 30B, thereby guiding the transfer mechanism 40 in the first direction Da. The transfer mechanism 40 is provided with a drive shaft 43 extending rearward. A power source 44 attached to the entrance section 30 applies a force in the first direction Da to the drive shaft 43, causing the transfer mechanism 40 to move in the first direction Da.

[0055] Each transfer mechanism 40 has two forks 41 extending forward, and the forks 41 can be inserted into fork insertion portions of the pallet 60 to raise and lower the pallet 60. If the pallet 60 is a double-sided pallet, the forks 41 are inserted through insertion openings in the pallet 60. With the forks 41 lowered, the transfer mechanism 40 can assume a position in which its uppermost end is lower than the upper surfaces of the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30. This allows the pallet 60 placed on the rollers 31 to pass above the transfer mechanism 40. The lifting and lowering mechanism for the forks 41 will be described later with reference to Figures 26 to 31.

[0056] Before the entrance section 30 and the second conveying path 31A start to move forward toward the loading platform 501, the center line of the loading platform 501 in the width direction is made to coincide with the center line of the output platform 20 in the second direction Db. Here, "coincidence" means that the center line of the loading platform 501 and the center line of the output platform 20 are located on the same straight line. The center lines can be made to coincide by moving the three traversing carriages 51 in the second direction Db.

[0057] For example, by moving the three traverse carriages 51 the same distance in the same direction, the output platform 20 can be translated in the second direction Db. By moving the front traverse carriage 51 and the rear traverse carriage 51 in opposite directions, the orientation of the output platform 20 in the rotational direction can be changed within the horizontal plane.

[0058] A plurality of pallets 60 carrying loads 61 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A. The plurality of pallets 60 are supplied for each row of rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A. The pallets 60 placed on the rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A are conveyed forward by rotating the rollers 21 and are then transferred to the second conveying path 31A. The pallets 60 are then conveyed to a predetermined position by the second conveying path 31A. As a result, the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A hold a plurality of pallets 60 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da.

[0059] When the pallet 60 is being transported on the first transport path 21A, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 21 of the first transport path 21A in the central portion in the second direction Db. After the pallet 60 is transferred to the second transport path 31A, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 31 of the second transport path 31A in the vicinity of both ends in the second direction Db. In the overlapping region of the range of the first transport path 21A and the range of the second transport path 31A in the first direction Da, the pallet 60 is supported by both the rollers 21 and 31.

[0060] When multiple pallets 60 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A and conveyed forward, a row of pallets 60 is formed, lined up closely together in the first direction Da from the rear end of the first conveying path 21A toward the front. The multiple pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da are numbered sequentially, starting with 1, from the front pallet 60 toward the rear pallet 60, to distinguish between the multiple pallets 60. In the state shown in Figures 12A and 12B, a space is secured in which multiple pallets 60 can be arranged from the first pallet 60 to the front end of the second conveying path 31A.

[0061] After placing a plurality of pallets 60 and loads 61 on the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the second conveying path 31A is operated to convey the first pallet 60 to the front end of the second conveying path 31A. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is maintained in a low position, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

[0062] 14A and 14B, the entrance section 30 and the second transport path 31A are advanced to enter the loading platform 501. At this time, the entrance section 30 is stopped when the distance between the tip of the entrance section 30 and the wall surface on the far side of the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance. The transfer mechanism 40 also moves forward together with the entrance section 30.

[0063] 15A and 15B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to insert the forks 41 into the insertion openings of the first pallet 60, and the pallet 60 is held by the forks 41. At this time, the space between the first pallet 60 and the second pallet 60 is used as a space for the forks 41 to pass through when inserting the forks 41 into the insertion openings of the pallets 60.

[0064] Next, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the entrance section 30 and the second transport path 31A are retracted a distance equivalent to the dimension of one pallet 60. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is moved forward relative to the entrance section 30, thereby maintaining the transfer mechanism 40 in a substantially stationary state relative to the loading platform 501. In this state, the forks 41 of the transfer mechanism 40 protrude forward beyond the tip of the entrance section 30, and the first pallet 60 is raised above the floor surface of the loading platform 501. A space free of obstacles is secured between the underside of the pallet 60 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501.

[0065] Next, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to lower the forks 41. This places the first pallet 60 on the floor of the loading platform 501. By following the steps from Figures 15A to 17B, the first pallet 60 is transferred from the second conveyor path 31A to the loading platform 501.

[0066] 18A and 18B, the entrance section 30 is moved backward a distance corresponding to the dimension of the pallet 60 in the first direction Da. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is moved rearward relative to the entrance section 30. As a result, the forks 41 of the transfer mechanism 40 are lowered rearward beyond the tip of the entrance section 30.

[0067] 19A and 19B, the second conveying path 31A is operated to convey the second pallet 60 (the frontmost pallet 60 currently placed on the entrance section 30) to the tip of the second conveying path 31A. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is in a low position, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

[0068] 20A and 20B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to transfer the second pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A onto the loading platform 501. At this time, the operation of the transfer mechanism 40 is controlled so that the distance between the first pallet 60 and the second pallet 60 is a predetermined distance.

[0069] By repeating the steps of retracting the entry section 30 and the second conveying path 31A (Figures 18A and 18B), transporting the frontmost pallet 60 placed on the second conveying path 31A to the tip of the second conveying path 31A (Figures 19A and 19B), and transferring the pallet 60 that has been transported to the tip of the second conveying path 31A from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501 (Figures 20A and 20B), multiple pallets 60 are transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501.

[0070] 21A and 21B show a state in which the first to sixth pallets 60 have been transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. In this state, the seventh pallet 60 and load 61 remain on the second conveying path 31A.

[0071] 22A and 22B, by operating the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A, some of the pallets 60 and loads 61 remaining on the first conveying path 21A are conveyed to the second conveying path 31A. For example, the eighth, ninth, and tenth pallets 60 are conveyed from the first conveying path 21A to the second conveying path 31A.

[0072] As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, the pallets 60 on the second conveying path 31A are transferred onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting with the frontmost pallet 60. Figures 24A and 24B show the loading platform 501 full with the first through tenth pallets 60 loaded onto it. Figures 24A and 24B show the loading platform 501 full with the leading edge of the entrance section 30 remaining within the loading platform 501. Thereafter, the entrance section 30 is retracted and removed from the loading platform 501.

[0073] Next, as shown in Figures 25A and 25B, a plurality of new pallets 60 and loads 61 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A, and the first conveying path 21A is operated to convey them forward, thereby achieving the same state as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

[0074] Next, the structure and operation of the transfer mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 31B. 26 is a schematic plan view of the transfer mechanism 40. A plurality of wheels 42 are attached to a support plate 48. The wheels 42 enable the transfer mechanism 40 to move in a first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the output platform 20 (FIGS. 12A, 12B, etc.) and the floor surface of the loading platform 501 (FIGS. 14A, 14B, etc.). A plurality of guide rollers 45 protruding laterally from the support plate 48 come into contact with the side surfaces of the roller support portions 30B of the entrance portion 30, thereby guiding the support plate 48 in the first direction Da.

[0075] Two forks 41 extend forward of a support plate 48. Each of the two forks 41 is attached to the support plate 48 via a parallel link mechanism 46. A fulcrum lifting mechanism 47 raises and lowers a fulcrum joint 47C. A plurality of sprockets 49C are connected to the fulcrum joint 47C via rods 49D, and the sprockets 49C rise and lower together with the fulcrum joint 47C.

[0076] 27A and 27B are schematic side views of the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47. A fixed-length link 47A and a variable-length link 47B are attached to a support plate 48. The fixed-length link 47A and the variable-length link 47B are connected by a fulcrum joint 47C. The variable-length link 47B includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, and its length can be changed. The fixed-length link 47A, the variable-length link 47B, and the support plate 48 form a three-bar linkage mechanism in which the length of one link is variable.

[0077] When variable length link 47B is extended, fulcrum joint 47C rises relative to support plate 48 as shown in FIG. 27A, and when variable length link 47B is contracted, fulcrum joint 47C descends relative to support plate 48 as shown in FIG. 27B.

[0078] Instead of the variable-length link 47B, a slider crank mechanism may be employed in which one of the joints at both ends of the link formed by the support plate 48 slides along the support plate 48.

[0079] 28A and 28B are schematic side views of the parallel link mechanism 46 and the fork 41. The parallel link mechanism 46 has the support plate 48 as one link and the base of the fork 41 as another link parallel to the support plate 48. A fulcrum joint 47C (FIGS. 27A and 27B) is disposed above the support plate 48. As described with reference to FIGS. 27A and 27C, the fulcrum joint 47C can be raised and lowered relative to the support plate 48. FIGS. 28A and 28B show the fulcrum joint 47C in a raised state.

[0080] A sprocket 49C is attached to the fulcrum joint 47C via a rod 49D (FIG. 26), and the sprocket 49C also moves up and down relative to the support plate 48 together with the fulcrum joint 47C. One end of a hydraulic cylinder 49A is rotatably attached to the support plate 48 at a location rearward of the parallel link mechanism 46. A chain 49B is connected to the other end of the hydraulic cylinder 49A and to the fork 41 via the sprocket 49C. The fork 41 is suspended by the chain 49B. When the hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended or retracted, the fork 41 moves up and down relative to the support plate 48 along the movement trajectory defined by the parallel link mechanism 46.

[0081] Fig. 28A shows a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended to lower the fork 41. Fig. 28B shows a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 49A is retracted to raise the fork 41.

[0082] 29A to 31B, a procedure in which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A onto the loading platform 501 will be described. Figures 29A to 31B are schematic side views of the entrance section 30, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 for explaining the procedure in which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A onto the loading platform 501.

[0083] As shown in Figure 29A, by operating the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47, the sprocket 49C is lowered to a position lower than the highest position (conveyance surface) of the roller surfaces of the rollers 31 of the second conveying path 31A, thereby placing the transfer mechanism 40 in a low position. In this state, the second conveying path 31A is operated to transfer the pallet 60 forward. At this time, the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40. This procedure corresponds to the procedure for transferring the pallet 60 to the tip of the second conveying path 31A shown in Figures 13B, 19B, etc.

[0084] Next, as shown in Figure 29B, after the pallet 60 has been transported to the tip of the second conveying path 31A, the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47 is operated to raise the fulcrum joint 47C and sprocket 49C to a position higher than the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A.

[0085] Next, as shown in FIG. 30A, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is contracted to raise the forks 41. At this time, the height of the forks 41 is adjusted to the height of the insertion opening of the pallet 60 located at the tip of the second conveyor path 31A. Next, as shown in FIG. 30B, the power source 44 (FIG. 12A) is operated to move the transfer mechanism 40 forward. As the transfer mechanism 40 moves forward, the forks 41 are inserted into the insertion opening (fork insertion portion) of the foremost pallet 60. Thereafter, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is further contracted to raise the forks 41 and receive the pallet 60 from the second conveyor path 31A. As a result, the pallet 60 rises above the conveyor surface of the second conveyor path 31A. This state corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 15B.

[0086] Next, as shown in FIG. 31A, the entrance section 30 and the second conveying path 31A are retracted. At this time, the power source 44 (FIG. 12A) is operated to move the transfer mechanism 40 forward relative to the entrance section 30. This maintains the transfer mechanism 40 in a stationary state with respect to the floor surface of the loading platform 501. In this state, the underside of the pallet 60 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501 directly face each other with a gap between them. For example, a state is achieved in which no obstacles exist between the entire underside of the pallet 60 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501.

[0087] Next, as shown in Figure 31B, hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended to lower fork 41. This places pallet 60 on the floor of platform 501. By performing the procedures from Figure 29A to Figure 31B, pallet 60 can be transferred from second conveyor path 31A to the floor of platform 501.

[0088] In this way, in the transfer device of the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the multiple pallets 60 placed on the second conveying path 31A onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting from the first pallet 60 at the front in the first direction Da to the pallet 60 at the rear.

[0089] Next, the excellent effects of the second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, a plurality of pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da are loaded into the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 at one time from the rear of the loading platform 501. This allows the pallets 60 to be loaded into the loading platform 501 more efficiently than if they were loaded one by one.

[0090] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 lifts the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A, then raises the underside of the pallet 60 above the floor of the loading platform 501, and then lowers the pallet 60 from this state. This provides the excellent effect of preventing the load 61 from becoming tilted and reducing the impact on the load 61 compared to a method in which the pallet 60 is slid forward from the tip of the entrance 30 and dropped onto the loading platform 501. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the spacing between the pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da within the loading platform 501.

[0091] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29A , the transfer mechanism 40 can be lowered by lowering the fulcrum joint 47C and the sprocket 49C. As shown in FIG. 14B , the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A must be higher than the height of the transfer mechanism 40 to allow the pallet 60 to pass above the transfer mechanism 40. If the transfer mechanism 40 cannot be lowered to a low position, the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A must also be increased in accordance with the height of the transfer mechanism 40. If the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A becomes high, the height of the load 61 is limited so that the load 61 does not contact the ceiling of the loading platform 501. In the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 can be lowered to a low position, making it possible to lower the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A. As a result, the height restriction on the load 61 is alleviated.

[0092] 22A and 22B, in the second embodiment, with a portion of the front side of the entrance section 30 inserted into the loading platform 501, the pallets 60 and the loads 61 can be transported from the first conveying path 21A to the second conveying path 31A, and the pallets 60 and the loads 61 can be replenished onto the second conveying path 31A. Since the pallets 60 and the loads 61 can be supplied without the entire second conveying path 31A being removed from the loading platform 501, the pallets 60 and the loads 61 can be loaded onto the loading platform 501 efficiently.

[0093] 25A and 25B, new pallets 60 and loads 61 are supplied to the first conveying path 21A. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, after some pallets 60 and loads 61 placed on the first conveying path 21A are conveyed forward and there is enough space to place new pallets 60 on the first conveying path 21A, new pallets 60 and loads 61 can be supplied to the output table 20 at any stage.

[0094] That is, even while a pallet 60 and a load 61 are being transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501, a new pallet 60 and a load 61 can be supplied to the first conveying path 21A. This makes it possible to improve loading efficiency.

[0095] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, by adjusting the position of the traversing carriage 51 (FIG. 12B) in the second direction Db, it is possible to adjust the position of the center line of the output platform 20 in the second direction Db and the position in the rotational direction within the horizontal plane. As a result, when the truck 500 is stopped, even if the position and orientation of the center line of the loading platform 501 deviate from the predetermined position and orientation, the center line of the output platform 20 can be aligned with the center line of the loading platform 501.

[0096] 12A to 25B, the length of the loading platform 501 in the first direction Da is approximately equal to the length of the entrance 30 in the first direction Da, but the transfer device according to the second embodiment can accommodate cases where the loading platform 501 is longer. In the example shown in FIGS. 12A to 25B, the number of pallets 60 that can be placed on the second conveying path 31A and aligned in the first direction Da is seven (FIGS. 14A and 14B). However, as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B, by loading new pallets 60 from the first conveying path 21A onto the second conveying path 31A while replenishing them, it is possible to load a number of pallets 60 that matches the length of the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to accommodate longer loading platforms 501 without widening the berth on which the transfer device is installed.

[0097] Conversely, the lengths of the entrance section 30 and the discharge platform 20 can be made shorter than those in the examples shown in Figures 12A to 25B, which makes it possible to install the transfer device in a narrower berth.

[0098] [Third Example] Next, a transfer device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 32A to 37B. Below, a description of the configuration common to the transfer device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1A to 11B will be omitted. Figures 32A, 33A, ... 37A are schematic plan views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, and Figures 32B, 33B, ... 37B are schematic side views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment.

[0099] In the first embodiment (FIGS. 1A, 1B, etc.), an entrance section 13 that is movable in a first direction Da is placed on the output platform 10. In contrast to this, in the third embodiment, an extendable entrance section 80 that is extendable is placed on the output platform 10. The extendable entrance section 80 is provided with a plurality of wheels 82, and the front end can be advanced into the loading platform 501 while the position of the rear end is fixed.

[0100] In the first embodiment, a first conveying path 10A is installed on the output table 10, but in the third embodiment, a conveying path such as a roller conveyor is not installed on the output table 10. Instead, the telescopic entrance section 80 is provided with two rows of extendable and contractible conveying paths 81. The telescopic conveying paths 81 are, for example, roller conveyors, and are extendable and contractible in a first direction Da. The telescopic conveying paths 81 can also convey a load placed on them in the first direction Da. When the telescopic entrance section 80 is retracted, the telescopic conveying path 81 reaches from the front end to the rear end of the output table 10.

[0101] 33A and 33B, when loading pallets 18 and loads 19, first, a plurality of pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the discharge conveying path 12 to the extendable conveying path 81. For example, the plurality of pallets 18 and loads 19 are loaded from the front end to the rear end of the extendable conveying path 81.

[0102] 34A and 34B, the telescopic entrance section 80 is extended until its front end is located just before the front wall of the loading platform 501. The telescopic conveying path 81 is also extended until its front end is located just before the front wall of the loading platform 501. At this time, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the telescopic conveying path 81 are spread out in the first direction Da as the telescopic conveying path 81 is extended.

[0103] 35A and 35B, the extendable conveying path 81 is operated to move the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 forward. Furthermore, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the extendable conveying path 81, and the newly supplied pallets 18 and loads 19 are also transported into the loading platform 501. When the number of pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded onto the loading platform 501 have been transported, the transport of the pallets 18 and loads 19 into the loading platform 501 is stopped.

[0104] Next, as shown in Figures 36A and 36B, the rearmost pallet 18 and load 19 in the loading platform 501 are held down by the holding unit 17A of the transfer mechanism 17 from the candidate position. In this state, the telescopic entry unit 80 is retracted. As a result, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 that were placed on the telescopic conveying path 81 are transferred onto the floor of the loading platform 501 in order, starting with the front. Figures 36A and 36B show the state where the first pallet 18 and load 19 have been transferred onto the loading platform 501.

[0105] While the telescopic entrance section 80 is being retracted, new pallets 18 and loads 19 may be supplied from the discharge conveying path 12 to the telescopic conveying path 81.

[0106] As shown in FIGS. 37A and 37B, when the front end of the telescopic entrance section 80 retracts from the loading platform 501, all of the pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded are transferred onto the loading platform 501.

[0107] Next, the excellent effects of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the area of ​​the berth occupied by the transfer device. Furthermore, with the front end of the telescopic approach section 80 inserted into the loading platform 501, new pallets 18 and loads 19 can be supplied from the outgoing conveying path 12 to the telescopic conveying path 81. This improves the efficiency of loading operations.

[0108] The above-described embodiments are merely examples, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations of multiple embodiments will not be mentioned sequentially for each embodiment. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible. [Explanation of symbols]

[0109] 10 Loading platform 10A First conveying path 10B Top surface 10C side wall 11 Height adjustment device 12. Unloading conveyor 12B Sorting Section 13 Entry section 13A Second conveying path 13B Wheel 13C Roller support 13D connection part 15 Control device 17 Transfer mechanism 17A Holding part 18 palettes 19 Load 20 Loading platform 20A top 20B side wall 21 Roller 30 Entry section 30A connection part 30B Roller support 31 Roller 32 wheels 33 Guide roller 34 Stretching section 40 Transfer mechanism 41 Fork 42 wheels 43 Drive shaft 44 Power source 45 Guide roller 46 Parallel link mechanism 47 Support lifting mechanism 47A Fixed Length Link 47B Variable Length Link 47C Fulcrum Joint 48 Support Plate 49A Hydraulic Cylinder 49B Chain 49C sprocket 49D Rod 50 frames 51 Traverse cart 52 Traverse rail 60 pallets 61 Load 70 Control device 80 Telescopic entry section 81 Roller 82 wheels 500 Trucks 501 Cargo bed

Claims

1. a first conveying path for conveying the load in a first direction; a second conveying path that conveys the load in the first direction, is capable of advancing and retreating in the first direction, and advances to enter a loading platform onto which the load is to be loaded; Equipped with The first conveying path is disposed outside the loading platform, and the transfer device is capable of transferring the load conveyed on the first conveying path to the second conveying path.

2. The transfer device of claim 1, wherein the second conveying path can be positioned in such a way that a portion of the first conveying path and a portion of the second conveying path overlap in the first direction when a portion of the second conveying path is withdrawn from the loading platform.

3. a control device that controls a conveying operation by the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and a forward and backward movement of the first conveying path, The transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device transfers the load from the first transport path to the second transport path while retracting the second transport path.

4. The system further includes a transfer mechanism that transfers the load placed on the first conveying path onto the loading platform, The control device With a plurality of loads placed on the second conveying path, the second conveying path is advanced to enter the loading platform; Next, the transfer mechanism is operated and the second conveying path is retracted, thereby transferring the load from the second conveying path to the loading platform; 4. The transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the load placed on the first transport path is then transferred to the second transport path in a state where at least a portion of the second transport path is outside the loading platform.

5. The transfer device according to claim 4 , wherein the transfer mechanism restrains the load placed on the second transport path so as not to move rearward when the second transport path is retracted.

6. The transfer device described in claim 4, wherein each of the loads is placed on a pallet, and the transfer mechanism has a lifting fork that inserts the fork into the pallet on which the load is placed, lifts it up, and lowers it onto the floor of the loading platform in front of the second conveying path.

Images