Transfer device

Abstract

To provide a transfer device capable of efficiently carrying a pallet on which a load is placed into a load-carrying platform from the rear of the load-carrying platform.SOLUTION: The entry portion enters the loading platform of the truck in a state where the plurality of pallets are placed side by side in the first direction. In a state in which at least a part of the front side of the entry portion in the first direction has entered the loading platform, the transfer mechanism transfers the plurality of pallets placed on the entry portion to the loading platform in order from the pallet on the front side to the pallet on the rear side in the first direction. The transfer mechanism transfers the pallet to the loading platform by lowering the pallet from a state in which the pallet is lifted with respect to the loading platform.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. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-211748 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] 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.

[0005] 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.

[0006] From the viewpoint of reducing man-hours, there is a demand for a transfer device that can transfer a large number of loads at once from the rear of the loading platform, rather than from the side of the truck. The object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that can efficiently transport loaded pallets onto the loading platform from the rear of the loading platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, an entrance section that enters a truck bed with a plurality of pallets lined up in a first direction; a transfer mechanism that transfers the plurality of pallets placed on the entrance section onto the loading platform in order from the pallets on the front side in the first direction to the pallets on the rear side in a state where at least a front part of the entrance section in the first direction has entered the loading platform; Equipped with The transfer mechanism is a transfer device that lowers the pallet from a state in which the pallet is floating relative to the loading platform and transfers the pallet onto the loading platform. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] Since the multiple pallets placed in the entrance section are transferred onto the loading platform in order from the front pallet to the rear pallet in the first direction, the pallets can be transported onto the loading platform more efficiently than a method in which an automated guided forklift holds the pallets and enters the loading platform and loads the pallets onto the loading platform one by one. Also, in a method in which a movable roller conveyor carrying multiple pallets enters the loading platform and then pulls out only the roller conveyor from the loading platform, the pallets slide off the roller conveyor onto the loading platform, causing a large impact on the load. In the transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention, the pallets are lowered from a floating state relative to the loading platform and transferred onto the loading platform, thereby reducing the impact on the load placed on the pallet compared to a method in which the pallets are dropped onto the floor of the loading platform. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]Figures 1A and 1B are schematic side views (part 1) showing the positional relationship between a truck 500 and a transfer device when using the transfer device of the first embodiment to load cargo 15 placed on each of multiple pallets 14 onto a loading platform 501 of the truck 500. [Figure 2] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic side views (part 2) showing the positional relationship between the truck 500 and the transfer device when using the transfer device of the first embodiment to load cargo 15 placed on each of multiple pallets 14 onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500. [Figure 3] Figures 3A and 3B are schematic side views (part 3) showing the positional relationship between the truck 500 and the transfer device when using the transfer device of the first embodiment to load cargo 15 placed on each of multiple pallets 14 onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic side view (part 4) showing the positional relationship between the truck 500 and the transfer device when using the transfer device of the first embodiment to load cargo 15 placed on each of multiple pallets 14 onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a diagram (part 1) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 5B 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 6] Figure 6A is a diagram (part 2) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 6B 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 7] Figure 7A is a diagram (part 3) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 7B 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 8] Figure 8A is a diagram (part 4) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 8B 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 9] Figure 9A is a diagram (part 5) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 9B 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 10] Figure 10A is a diagram (part 6) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 10B 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 11] Figure 11A is a diagram (part 7) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 11B 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 12] Figure 12A is a diagram (part 8) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 12B 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 13] Figure 13A is a diagram (part 9) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 13B 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 14] Figure 14A is a diagram (part 10) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 14B 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 15] Figure 15A is a diagram (part 11) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 15B 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 16] Figure 16A is a diagram (part 12) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 16B 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 17]Figure 17A is a diagram (part 13) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 17B 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 18] Figure 18A is a diagram (part 14) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 18B 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 19] FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of the transfer mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. [Figure 20] 20A and 20B are schematic side views of the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47. FIG. [Figure 21] 21A and 21B are schematic side views of the parallel link mechanism 46 and the fork 41. FIG. [Figure 22] 22A and 22B are schematic side views (part 1) of entrance section 30, transfer mechanism 40, pallet 60, and load 61 for illustrating the procedure by which transfer mechanism 40 transfers a pallet from entrance section 30 to loading platform 501. [Figure 23] 23A and 23B are schematic side views (part 2) of entrance section 30, transfer mechanism 40, pallet 60, and load 61 for illustrating the procedure by which transfer mechanism 40 transfers a pallet from entrance section 30 to loading platform 501. [Figure 24] 24A and 24B are schematic side views (part 3) of entrance section 30, transfer mechanism 40, pallet 60, and load 61 for illustrating the procedure by which transfer mechanism 40 transfers a pallet from entrance section 30 to loading platform 501. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a schematic side view of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the planar positional relationship in a state where a plurality of forks 110 are holding a plurality of pallets 130. As shown in FIG. [Figure 27] 27A and 27B are schematic side views of fork 110, support 111, pallet 130, and load 131. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a schematic side view (part 1) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a schematic side view (part 2) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a schematic side view (part 3) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a schematic side view (part 4) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a schematic side view (part 5) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a schematic side view (part 6) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic side view (part 7) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is a schematic side view (part 8) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is a schematic side view (part 9) of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] [First Example] The transfer device according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 4. Figures 1A to 4 are schematic side views showing the positional relationship between a truck 500 and the transfer device 19 when loads 15 placed on each of a plurality of pallets 14 are loaded onto a loading platform 501 of the truck 500 using the transfer device 19 according to the first embodiment. In this specification, the term "schematic side view" means a diagram in which elements that are hidden by some of the components are displayed, thereby making the positional relationship of the elements clear.

[0011] A plurality of items stored in a warehouse are transported to the transfer device 19 on the loading / unloading platform 16, and then loaded from the transfer device 19 onto the loading platform 501 of a truck 500. When loading the items, as shown in FIG. 1A , the truck 500 moves backward, and the loading / unloading entrance at the rear of the loading platform 501 stops in a position just before the loading / unloading platform 16. The loading / unloading platform 16 is supported by a plurality of height adjustment devices 17, and the height of the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 16 is adjusted to match the height of the floor surface of the loading platform 501. An access section 10 is placed on the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 16. The access section 10 is movable by a plurality of wheels 11 in the direction of entering the loading platform 501 and in the direction of exiting the loading platform 501. The direction of entry and exit of the access section 10 is referred to as a first direction Da. In addition, the direction in which the entrance section 10 enters the loading platform 501 is referred to as the front, and the direction in which it leaves the loading platform 501 is referred to as the rear.

[0012] The entrance section 10 is, for example, a roller conveyor, and a plurality of pallets 14 are placed on its upper surface, lined up in a first direction Da. The plurality of pallets 14 are lined up, for example, in two rows. By rotating the plurality of rollers of the entrance section 10 using a known drive system (for example, a chain drive), each of the plurality of pallets 14 can be transported in the first direction Da. Loads 15 are placed on each of the plurality of pallets 14.

[0013] The multiple pallets 14 are distinguished from one another by assigning consecutive numbers starting from 1 to the multiple pallets 14 from the front pallet 14 to the rear pallet 14. The first pallet 14 is located at the front end of the entrance section 10. The second pallet 14 is located a predetermined distance from the first pallet 14. The second and subsequent multiple pallets 14 are located close to one another.

[0014] A transfer mechanism 12 is disposed near the front end (the end on the loading platform 501 side) of the entrance section 10. The operations of the entrance section 10 and the transfer mechanism 12 are controlled by a control device 18.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 1B, the access section 10 is advanced until at least its front end enters the loading platform 501. This movement is achieved by driving the wheels 11. When the access section 10 enters the loading platform 501, the floor surface of the loading platform 501 receives the load of the pallets 14 and load 15 via the access section 10. Therefore, multiple pallets 14 lined up in the first direction Da can be simultaneously advanced into the loading platform 501.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2A , the transfer mechanism 12 is operated to transfer the first pallet 14 and load 15 from the entrance 10 to the loading platform 501. For example, the transfer mechanism 12 lifts the first pallet 14 from the entrance 10 and then raises the pallet 14 above the floor of the loading platform 501 (i.e., the entire underside of the pallet 14 faces the floor with a gap between them, with no obstacles between them). The transfer mechanism 12 then lowers the pallet 14 from this state and places it on the floor of the loading platform 501. In the state shown in FIG. 1A , a predetermined gap is provided between the first pallet 14 and the second pallet 14 to ensure sufficient operating space for the transfer mechanism 12. This transfer operation transitions from a state in which the weight of the pallet 14 and load 15 is received by the floor of the loading platform 501 via the entrance 10 to a state in which the pallet 14 is placed on the floor and the weight of the pallet 14 and load 15 is directly received by the floor of the loading platform 501.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 2B, by rotating the rollers of the entrance section 10, the second pallet 14 (the pallet 14 currently located at the front end of the entrance section 10) is transported in the first direction Da to the front end of the entrance section 10.

[0018] 3A, the entrance 10 is retracted to ensure space for placing a pallet 14 between the first pallet 14 that has already been transferred onto the loading platform 501 and the front end of the entrance 10. The transfer mechanism 12 is then operated to transfer the second pallet 14 from the entrance 10 onto the loading platform 501.

[0019] As shown in Figure 3B, by rotating the rollers of the entrance 10, the third pallet 14 (the pallet 14 currently located at the front end of the entrance 10) is transported in the first direction Da to the front end of the entrance 10. The third pallet 14 is transferred from the entrance 10 to the loading platform 501 using the same procedure as that shown in Figure 3A for transferring the second pallet 14 from the entrance 10 to the loading platform 501. By repeating this procedure, all of the pallets 14 can be transferred from the entrance 10 to the loading platform 501.

[0020] 4 shows a state in which all pallets 14 have been transferred from the entrance 10 to the loading platform 501. At this time, the leading edge of the entrance 10 is located behind the loading / unloading entrance of the loading platform 501.

[0021] In this way, in the transfer device 19 (Figure 1A) of the first embodiment, the transfer mechanism 12 transfers the multiple pallets 14 placed on the entrance section 10 onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting from the first pallet 14 at the front and moving towards the pallet 14 at the rear.

[0022] Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, a plurality of pallets 14 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 14 to be loaded into the loading platform 501 more efficiently than if they were loaded one by one.

[0023] Furthermore, in the first embodiment, the transfer mechanism 12 lifts the pallet 14 from the entrance 10, then raises the underside of the pallet 14 above the floor of the loading platform 501, and then lowers the pallet 14 from this state. For example, compared to a method of transferring pallets onto a loading platform by entering a roller conveyor carrying multiple pallets into the loading platform and sliding the pallets onto the floor of the loading platform while pulling out only the roller conveyor from the loading platform, this provides the excellent effect of preventing the loads 15 from becoming tilted and reducing the impact on the loads 15. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the spacing between pallets 14 lined up in the first direction Da within the loading platform 501.

[0024] [Second Example] Next, a transfer device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 5A to 24B. Figures 5A, 6A, 7A, ... 18A are diagrams showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment, and Figures 5B, 6B, 7B, ... 18B are diagrams showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side.

[0025] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the transfer device according to the second embodiment includes an unloading platform 20, an entrance section 30, a transfer mechanism 40, a frame 50, a traversing carriage 51, and traversing rails 52. In Figure 5A, the entrance section 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 Figures 6A, 7A, ..., and 18A. The operations of the unloading platform 20, the entrance section 30, the transfer mechanism 40, and the traversing carriage 51 are controlled by a control device 70.

[0026] 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 entrance section 30 carrying multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 enters the loading platform 501, and the pallets 60 are transferred from the entrance section 30 to the loading platform 501, thereby loading the pallets 60 and loads 61 onto the loading platform 501. The direction in which the entrance section 30 enters the loading platform 501 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 entrance section 30 enters 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 is necessary to use a shape that can be stably supported by the rollers 21 of the output platform 20, which will be described later.

[0027] Three pairs of lateral rails 52 are arranged parallel to the second direction Db on the floor of a work area where the load 61 is loaded onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500. A lateral carriage 51 is placed on each of the lateral rails 52. The lateral carriage 51 is capable of moving in the second direction Db on the lateral rails 52. A frame 50 is supported by the three lateral carriages 51. Each of the lateral carriages 51 has a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the frame 50. By operating the lateral carriage 51, the height and position of the frame 50 are adjusted, and the transfer device and the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 are aligned.

[0028] The output table 20 is fixed on 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 a floor 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. The output table 20 further 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.

[0029] The entrance section 30 has a plurality of wheels 32 and is movable in a first direction Da on the floor surface 20A of the output table 20 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501. The entrance section 30 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 output table 20 in the second direction Db, and the other two rows of rollers 31 are disposed outside the rows of rollers 21 of the output table 20. As will be described later, the plurality of rollers 21 and rollers 31 function as a transport path for transporting pallets and loads in the first direction Da.

[0030] The entry section 30 includes three roller support sections 30B that are long in the first direction Da and rotatably support each of the multiple rollers 31 arranged in three rows, and a connecting section 30A that connects the three roller support sections 30B at their intermediate positions.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 5A and 5B 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 plurality of rollers 21 of the output table 20 are arranged overlaps with a portion of the rear side of the range in which the plurality of rollers 31 of the entry section 30 are arranged.

[0033] When the pallet 60 placed on the rollers 21 of the delivery table 20 is transported forward, it is handed over to the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30, and is further placed on the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 and transported forward.

[0034] A transfer mechanism 40 is disposed between a portion in front of the central roller support portion 30B of the entrance section 30 and a portion in front of each of the roller support portions 30B at both ends. As will be described later, the transfer mechanism 40 has the function of lifting the pallet and load placed on the entrance section 30 and transferring them onto the loading platform 501 when the entrance section 30 has entered the loading platform 501.

[0035] The transfer mechanism 40 is equipped with a plurality of wheels 42 and is capable of moving in a first direction Da on the floor surface 20A of the output platform 20. Guide rollers 45 provided on the sides of the transfer mechanism 40 come into contact with the sides of the roller support parts 30B, thereby guiding the transfer mechanism 40 in the first direction Da. The transfer mechanism 40 is equipped with a drive shaft 43 extending rearward. A power source 44 attached to the entrance part 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.

[0036] 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 mechanism for the forks 41 will be described later with reference to Figures 19 to 24.

[0037] Before the approach section 30 starts moving 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 vehicles 51 in the second direction Db.

[0038] 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.

[0039] A plurality of pallets 60 carrying loads 61 are supplied from the rear end of the output table 20 onto a plurality of rollers 21 of the output table 20. The plurality of pallets 60 are supplied in rows of the rollers 21 of the output table 20. The pallets 60 placed on the rollers 21 of the output table 20 are transported forward by rotating the rollers 21 and handed over to the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30. The pallets 60 are then transported to a predetermined position by the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30. As a result, the output table 20 and the entrance section 30 hold a plurality of pallets 60 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da.

[0040] When the pallet 60 is being transported by the output table 20, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 21 of the output table 20 in the central portion in the second direction Db. After the pallet 60 is handed over to the entrance section 30, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 near both ends in the second direction Db. In the overlapping region of the range in which the rollers 21 of the output table 20 are distributed and the range in which the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 are distributed in the first direction Da, the pallet 60 is supported by both the rollers 21 and 31.

[0041] When multiple pallets 60 are supplied to the output platform 20 from its rear end and transported forward, a row of pallets 60 is formed, lined up closely together in the first direction Da from the rear end of the output platform 20 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 them. In the state shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a space is secured in which multiple pallets 60 can be placed from the first pallet 60 to the front end of the entrance 30.

[0042] After loading multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 onto the discharge platform 20 and the entrance section 30, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 are rotated to transport the first pallet 60 to the front end of the entrance section 30. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is maintained in a low position, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

[0043] 7A and 7B, the entrance part 30 is moved forward to enter the loading platform 501. At this time, the entrance part 30 is stopped when the distance between the tip of the entrance part 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 part 30.

[0044] 8A and 8B, 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.

[0045] Next, as shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the entrance section 30 is 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.

[0046] Next, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, 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 8A to 10B, the first pallet 60 is transferred from the entrance 30 to the loading platform 501.

[0047] 11A and 11B, the entrance section 30 is moved backward by 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.

[0048] 12A and 12B, the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 are rotated to transport the second pallet 60 (the frontmost pallet 60 currently loaded on the entrance section 30) to the end of the entrance section 30. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is positioned below the conveyance plane of the conveyance path formed by the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

[0049] 13A and 13B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to transfer the second pallet 60 from the entrance 30 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.

[0050] By repeating the steps of retracting the entrance section 30 (Figures 11A and 11B), transporting the frontmost pallet 60 loaded on the entrance section 30 to the tip of the entrance section 30 (Figures 12A and 12B), and transferring the pallet 60 that has been transported to the tip of the entrance section 30 from the entrance section 30 to the loading platform 501 (Figures 13A and 13B), multiple pallets 60 are transferred from the entrance section 30 to the loading platform 501.

[0051] 14A and 14B show the state where the first through sixth pallets 60 have been transferred from the entrance 30 to the loading platform 501. In this state, the seventh pallet 60 and load 61 remain in the entrance 30.

[0052] 15A and 15B, by rotating the rollers 21 of the output platform 20 and the rollers 31 of the entrance 30, some of the pallets 60 and loads 61 remaining on the output platform 20 are transported to the entrance 30. For example, the eighth, ninth, and tenth pallets 60 are transported from the output platform 20 to the entrance 30.

[0053] At this time, the pallet 60 passes through an overlapping area between the area where the rollers 21 of the discharge platform 20 are arranged and the area where the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 are arranged. In the overlapping area, both ends of the load in the second direction Db rest on the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30, and the center portion rests on the rollers 21 of the discharge platform 20. This allows the load to be stably transferred from the discharge platform 20 to the entrance section 30.

[0054] As shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the pallets 60 on the entrance section 30 are transferred onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting with the frontmost pallet 60. Figures 17A and 17B show the loading platform 501 full with the first through tenth pallets 60 loaded onto it. Figures 17A and 17B show the loading platform 501 full with the leading edge of the entrance section 30 remaining inside the loading platform 501. The entrance section 30 is then retracted and removed from the loading platform 501.

[0055] 18A and 18B, a plurality of pallets 60 and loads 61 are newly supplied to the output table 20 from the rear end of the output table 20. This results in the same state as that shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

[0056] Next, the structure and operation of the transfer mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 24B. 19 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 floor surface 20A of the output platform 20 (FIGS. 5A, 5B, etc.) and the floor surface of the loading platform 501 (FIGS. 7A, 7B, 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 20A and 20B 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.

[0059] When variable length link 47B is extended, fulcrum joint 47C rises relative to support plate 48 as shown in FIG. 20A, and when variable length link 47B is contracted, fulcrum joint 47C descends relative to support plate 48 as shown in FIG. 20B.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 21A and 21B 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. 20A and 20B) is disposed above the support plate 48. As described with reference to FIGS. 20A and 20C, the fulcrum joint 47C can be raised and lowered relative to the support plate 48. FIGS. 21A and 21B show a state in which the fulcrum joint 47C is raised.

[0062] A sprocket 49C is attached to the fulcrum joint 47C via a rod 49D (FIG. 19), 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.

[0063] Fig. 21A shows a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended to lower the fork 41. Fig. 21B shows a state in which the hydraulic cylinder 49A is retracted to raise the fork 41.

[0064] 22A to 24B, a procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the entrance 30 onto the loading platform 501 will be described. Figures 22A to 24B are schematic side views of the entrance 30, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the entrance 30 onto the loading platform 501.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 22A, by operating fulcrum lifting mechanism 47, sprocket 49C is lowered to a position lower than the highest position of the roller surfaces of rollers 31 of entrance section 30, thereby placing transfer mechanism 40 in a low position. In this state, rollers 31 of entrance section 30 are rotated to transport pallet 60 forward. At this time, pallet 60 passes above transfer mechanism 40. This procedure corresponds to the procedure for transporting pallet 60 to the tip of entrance section 30 shown in FIGS. 6B, 12B, etc.

[0066] Next, as shown in FIG. 22B, after the pallet 60 is transported to the tip of the entry section 30, the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47 is operated to raise the fulcrum joint 47C and the sprocket 49C to a position higher than the upper surface of the roller 31 of the entry section 30.

[0067] Next, as shown in FIG. 23A, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is retracted to raise the forks 41. At this time, the height of the forks 41 is adjusted to match the height of the insertion opening of the pallet 60 located at the tip of the entrance section 30. Next, as shown in FIG. 23B, the power source 44 (FIG. 5A) 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 section) of the pallet 60. Thereafter, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is further retracted to raise the forks 41 and receive the pallet 60 from the entrance section 30. As a result, the pallet 60 rises from the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30. This state corresponds to the state shown in FIG. 8B.

[0068] Next, as shown in FIG. 24A, the entrance section 30 is retracted. At this time, the power source 44 (FIG. 5A) is operated to move the transfer mechanism 40 forward relative to the entrance section 30. This causes the transfer mechanism 40 to remain stationary 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.

[0069] Next, as shown in Figure 24B, hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended to lower fork 41. This places pallet 60 on the floor of platform 501. By performing the steps from Figure 22A to Figure 24B, pallet 60 can be transferred from entrance 30 to the floor of platform 501.

[0070] In this way, in the transfer device of the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the multiple pallets 60 placed on the entry section 30 onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting from the first pallet 60 on the front side in the first direction Da to the pallet 60 on the rear side.

[0071] 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.

[0072] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 lifts the pallet 60 from the entrance 30, 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. Therefore, 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, there are excellent effects in that the load 61 does not become tilted and the impact on the load 61 is reduced. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the spacing between the pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da within the loading platform 501.

[0073] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 22A , the transfer mechanism 40 can be changed to a low posture by lowering the fulcrum joint 47C and the sprocket 49C. As shown in FIG. 7B , in order to allow the pallet 60 to pass above the transfer mechanism 40, the height of the upper ends of the roller surfaces of the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 must be higher than the height of the transfer mechanism 40. If the transfer mechanism 40 cannot be changed to a low posture, the height of the entrance section 30 must also be increased in accordance with the height of the transfer mechanism 40. If the height of the entrance section 30 is increased, 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 changed to a low posture, which makes it possible to lower the height of the entrance section 30. As a result, the height restriction on the load 61 is alleviated.

[0074] 15A and 15B, in the second embodiment, with a portion of the front side of the entrance 30 inserted into the loading platform 501, the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be transported from the discharge platform 20 to the entrance 30, and the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be replenished into the entrance 30. Since the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be supplied without the entire entrance 30 being removed from the loading platform 501, the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be loaded onto the loading platform 501 efficiently.

[0075] 18A and 18B, new pallets 60 and loads 61 are supplied to the output table 20. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, after some pallets 60 and loads 61 placed on the output table 20 are transported forward and there is enough space on the output table 20 to place new pallets 60, new pallets 60 and loads 61 can be supplied to the output table 20 at any stage.

[0076] That is, even while the pallet 60 and the load 61 are being transferred from the entrance 30 to the loading platform 501, a new pallet 60 and load 61 can be supplied to the output platform 20. This makes it possible to improve loading efficiency.

[0077] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, by adjusting the position of the traversing carriage 51 (FIG. 5B) 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 are deviated 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.

[0078] Next, a modification of the second 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 the loads 61 adjacent in the front-rear direction. In this modification, cushioning material is inserted between the loads 61 adjacent in the front-rear direction before the entrance 30 starts moving forward toward the loading platform 501. Next, a configuration for placing cushioning material between the loads 61 and maintaining its position will be described.

[0079] The buffer material is hung from a hook located on the top surface of the load 61, and is arranged along one side of the load 61 (for example, the side facing forward). The buffer material and the hook have an inverted L shape when viewed from the side. The hook is sufficiently heavier than the buffer material so that the position of the buffer material remains stable even when it is hung.

[0080] By placing buffer materials between the loads 61 before loading the multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 onto the loading platform 501, it becomes unnecessary to place buffer materials after or during loading of the loads 61 onto the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to improve the efficiency of the loading work.

[0081] Next, another modification of the second embodiment will be described. 20A to 24B, the transfer device according to the second embodiment uses a transfer mechanism 40 in which forks 41 are suspended by chains 49B and the tension from chains 49B is adjusted to raise and lower forks 41. In the transfer mechanism used in this modification, the forks are supported by guide rails extending in the vertical direction so that they can be raised and lowered, and the forks are raised and lowered by hydraulic cylinders, electric motors, etc.

[0082] In this modification, the height dimension of the transfer mechanism cannot be made equal to or smaller than the height dimension of the guide rail. For example, even when the forks are lowered, the height dimension of the guide rail does not decrease. Therefore, the height dimension becomes larger than that of transfer mechanism 40 described with reference to FIGS. 20A to 24B.

[0083] When using the transfer mechanism according to this modification, the conveying surface of the conveying path formed by the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30 shown in FIG. 5B must be higher than the upper end of the guide rail of the transfer mechanism. Even if the conveying surface is raised, the transfer mechanism according to this modification can be used in cases where the top surface of the load does not come into contact with the top surface of the loading platform. Furthermore, the transfer mechanism according to this modification can be used in cases where the top surface of the loading platform can be opened, or where the loading platform has no top and is open.

[0084] [Third Example] Next, a transfer device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 is a schematic side view of the transfer device 100 and truck 500 according to the third embodiment. With the height of the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 120 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 aligned, multiple pallets 130 and loads 131 are loaded into the loading platform 501 through an opening at the rear of the loading platform 501. The height of the loading / unloading platform 120 is adjusted by a height adjustment device 121.

[0085] The transfer device 100 includes a drive unit 101, wheels 105, a plurality of forks 110, and a position detector 104. The drive unit 101 includes a fork lifting mechanism 102 that raises and lowers the forks 110, and a control unit 103. The forks 110 extend from the drive unit 101 toward the loading platform 501. The position detector 104 detects the positions of the rear opening, front wall, left and right side walls, ceiling, and floor of the loading platform 501. For example, a LiDAR can be used as the position detector 104. The detection results by the position detector 104 are input to the control unit 103. The control unit 103 controls the operation of the transfer device 100 based on commands from a higher-level system and the detection results by the position detector 104.

[0086] Support parts 111 are attached to the middle positions in the longitudinal direction of each of the forks 110. Note that the support parts 111 may also be attached to the tips of the forks 110. The structure and operation of the support parts 111 will be described later with reference to Figures 27A and 27B.

[0087] The direction in which the drive unit 101 moves due to the wheels 105 is referred to as a first direction Da (left and right direction in FIG. 25). The direction in which the multiple forks 110 extend from the drive unit 101 is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rearward direction.

[0088] Before the loads 131 are loaded, the multiple pallets 130 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da are held by the multiple forks 110. The multiple pallets 130 each have a load 131 placed on them.

[0089] Figure 26 is a diagram showing the planar positional relationship in a state in which multiple forks 110 hold multiple pallets 130. In Figure 26, the forks 110 are hatched in an upward sloping pattern to the right, and the parts of the forks 110 that are hidden by the pallets 130 are indicated by dashed lines.

[0090] A plurality of pallets 130 are arranged in two rows in the first direction Da. Figure 26 shows an example in which three pallets 130 are included in one row. Each pallet 130 includes upper and lower deck boards and a plurality of blocks 130A, with fork insertion portions 130B defined between the blocks 130A. In Figure 26, the blocks 130A are indicated by relatively light hatching sloping downward to the right. Figure 26 shows an example of a four-way pallet, but a two-way pallet may also be used. Two forks 110 penetrate the fork insertion portions 130B of the plurality of pallets 130 in one row. Two pallets 130 adjacent to each other in the first direction Da are held at a predetermined distance apart.

[0091] When a four-way access pallet is used, when unloading the pallet 130 and the load 131 from the loading platform 501, a general-purpose forklift can be operated to access the pallet 130 from the side of the loading platform 501. For example, if the destination of the load 131 is a small or medium-sized retail store, it would be convenient if the load 131 could be unloaded from the side of the loading platform 501.

[0092] 27A and 27B are schematic side views of the fork 110, support portion 111, pallet 130, load 131, and loading / unloading platform 120. FIG. 27A shows a state in which multiple pallets 130 are held by the fork 110 and are lifted off the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 120, and FIG. 27B shows a state in which the pallets 130 are placed on the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 120. When the transfer device 100 enters the loading platform 501, the top surface of the loading / unloading platform 120 in FIGS. 27A and 27B can be considered to be the floor surface of the loading platform 501 (FIG. 25). The multiple pallets 130 lined up in the first direction Da are assigned serial numbers starting from 1, starting from the pallet 130 at the tip of the fork 110 toward the pallet 130 at the rear, to distinguish between the multiple pallets 130.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 27A , when the fork 110 holds a pallet 130, the support portion 111 passes between two adjacent pallets 130 in the first direction Da and protrudes downward to contact the upper surface of the loading / unloading platform 120. At this time, the support portion 111 receives the load of the pallets 130 and the load 131. When the fork 110 holds multiple pallets 130 and loads 131 in the longitudinal direction, an excessive torque may be applied to the base of the fork 110 in a direction that causes the tip of the fork 110 to descend, relative to the rigidity of the fork 110. The support portion 111 serves to reduce this torque. A wheel is attached to the tip of the support portion 111 to facilitate movement of the fork 110 in the first direction Da. When the drive unit 101 moves in the first direction Da, the wheel at the tip of the support portion 111 rotates, causing the support portion 111 to move in the first direction Da.

[0094] As shown in FIG. 27B, when the forks 110 are lowered, the tips of the support portions 111 are raised. For example, by swinging the support portions 111 around a fulcrum provided on the forks 110, a state in which the tips of the support portions 111 protrude downward from the underside of the pallet 130 (hereinafter referred to as a supported state) and a state in which the tips of the support portions 111 are raised (hereinafter referred to as a retracted state) are realized. In this way, the support portions 111 can change the height of the forks 110 from the upper surface of the loading / unloading platform 120 or the floor surface of the loading platform 501. A sufficient gap is secured between two pallets 130 lined up in the first direction Da to allow the support portions 111 to swing. A parallel link mechanism, for example, can be used as a mechanism for swinging the support portions 111.

[0095] When the support parts 111 are in the retracted state (FIG. 27B), the height dimension of the forks 110 and the support parts 111 is smaller than the height dimension of the fork insertion parts 130B (FIG. 26) of the pallet 130. This makes it easy to insert and remove the forks 110 from the pallet 130.

[0096] Next, a procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501 will be described with reference to Figures 28 to 36. Figures 28 to 36 are schematic side views of the transfer device 100 and the truck 500 for explaining the procedure for loading the pallet 130 and the load 131 onto the loading platform 501.

[0097] First, as shown in Figure 28, the support parts 111 are placed in a supporting state, and the forks 110 are raised to hold multiple pallets 130. In this state, the transfer device 100 moves forward and gets onto the loading platform 501. At this time, the position detector 104 detects the positions of the side walls and front walls of the loading platform 501, and the control unit 103 controls the travel so that the pallets 130 and loads 131 do not come into contact with the side walls or front walls of the loading platform 501. When the distance between the tips of the forks 110 and the front wall of the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance, the transfer device 100 stops moving forward. At this time, the multiple pallets 130 are raised above the floor of the loading platform 501 (the entire underside of the pallets 130 and the floor of the loading platform 501 face each other with a gap between them, and there is no obstacle between them).

[0098] 29, the forks 110 are lowered and the support parts 111 are retracted, whereby the plurality of pallets 130 are placed on the floor of the loading platform 501.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 30, the transfer device 100 moves backward until the forks 110 are completely withdrawn from the first pallet 130 and the second pallet 130 can be held by the tips of the forks 110.

[0100] As shown in Figure 31, the forks 110 are raised and the support parts 111 are placed in a supporting state, thereby lifting the second and third pallets 130 off the floor surface of the loading platform 501. The first pallet 130 is transferred from the transfer device 100 to the loading platform 501 by the procedure shown in Figures 29 to 31.

[0101] 32, the transfer device 100 moves forward while holding the second and third pallets 130. When the distance between the second pallet 130 and the first pallet 130 already placed on the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance, the transfer device 100 stops moving forward.

[0102] 33, the forks 110 are lowered and the support parts 111 are retracted, thereby placing the second and third pallets 130 on the floor of the loading platform 501. Through the steps up to this point, the distance between the first pallet 130 and the second pallet 130 in the first direction Da is set to a predetermined distance, and the first and second pallets 130 are transferred from the transfer device 100 to the loading platform 501.

[0103] As shown in FIG. 34, the transfer device 100 moves backward until the forks 110 are completely withdrawn from the second pallet 130 and the third pallet 130 can be held by the tips of the forks 110.

[0104] As shown in Figure 35, the forks 110 are raised and the support parts 111 are placed in a supporting state, thereby lifting the third pallet 130 off the floor surface of the loading platform 501. Thereafter, as shown in Figure 36, the transfer device 100 is moved forward, the forks 110 are lowered, and the forks 110 are pulled out from the third pallet 130.

[0105] By following the procedure up to this point, the first to third pallets 130 can be transferred from the transfer device 100 to the loading platform 501. By withdrawing the transfer device 100 from the loading platform 501 and having the transfer device 100 hold new pallets 130, and repeating the same procedure, the fourth and subsequent pallets 130 can be loaded onto the loading platform 501.

[0106] In the third embodiment, the forks 110, the support units 111, the drive unit 101, and the wheels 105 function as an entrance unit that enters the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 while carrying a plurality of pallets 130 lined up in the first direction Da. The function of the transfer mechanism that transfers the plurality of pallets 130 loaded on the entrance unit onto the loading platform 501 in order from the pallets 130 on the front side in the first direction to the pallets 130 on the rear side is realized by the cooperation of the travel functions of the forks 110, the support units 111, the fork lifting mechanism 102, and the drive unit 101.

[0107] Next, the excellent effects of the third embodiment will be described. In the third embodiment, a plurality of pallets 130 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 130 to be loaded into the loading platform 501 more efficiently than if they were loaded one by one.

[0108] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the transfer mechanism realized by the cooperation of the travel functions of the forks 110, the support unit 111, the fork lifting mechanism 102, and the drive unit 101 lifts the pallet 130 so that the underside of the pallet 130 is raised above the floor of the loading platform 501, and then lowers the pallet 130 from this state. This provides the excellent effect of preventing the load 131 from tilting and minimizing the impact on the load 131. Furthermore, in the procedure shown in Figures 31 and 32, the forks 110 are moved forward while holding the pallet 130 at their tips before placing the pallet 130 on the floor of the loading platform 501, making it easy to adjust the spacing between the pallets 130 lined up in the first direction Da within the loading platform 501.

[0109] 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]

[0110] 10 Entry section 11 wheels 12 Transfer mechanism 14 palettes 15 Load 16 Loading platform 17 Height adjustment device 18 Control Device 19 Transfer equipment 20 Loading platform 20A Floor 20B side wall 21 Roller 30 Entrance section 30A Roller support 30B Connecting part 31 Roller 32 wheels 33 Guide roller 34 Stretching section 40 Transfer mechanism 41 Fork 42 wheels 43 Drive shaft 44 Power source (motor) 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 40C sprocket 49D Rod 50 frames 51 Traverse cart 52 Traverse rail 60 pallets 61 Load 70 Control device 100 Transfer equipment 101 Drive unit 102 Fork lifting mechanism 103 Control Unit 104 Position detector 110 Fork 111 Support part 120 Loading and unloading platform 121 Height adjustment device 130 pallets Block 130A 130B Fork insertion part 131 Load 150 control device 500 Trucks 501 Cargo bed Da 1st direction Db 2nd direction

Claims

1. an entrance section that enters a bed of a truck in the first direction with a plurality of pallets lined up in the first direction; a transfer mechanism that transfers the plurality of pallets placed on the entrance section onto the loading platform in order from the pallets on the front side in the first direction to the pallets on the rear side in a state where at least a front part of the entrance section in the first direction has entered the loading platform; Equipped with The transfer mechanism is a transfer device that lowers the pallet from a state in which the pallet is floating relative to the loading platform and transfers the pallet onto the loading platform.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the load of the pallet is received by the floor surface of the loading platform when the entrance section is in the loading platform.

3. A transfer device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in the procedure of transferring the pallet onto the loading platform, the load of the pallet is transferred from a state in which the load is received by the floor surface of the loading platform through the entry section to a state in which the pallet is placed on the floor surface and the load of the pallet is received directly by the floor surface of the loading platform.

4. The transfer device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the transfer mechanism receives the forwardmost pallet of the plurality of pallets from the entry section and transfers it onto the loading platform when at least a portion of the front of the entry section has entered the loading platform.

5. 3. The transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer mechanism includes forks, and the forks are inserted into fork insertion portions of the pallet to hold the pallet, thereby floating the pallet relative to the loading platform.

6. The transfer device according to claim 2 , wherein the entrance section has a function of transporting the plurality of pallets placed on the entrance section in the first direction relative to the entrance section.

7. The transfer device according to claim 6, wherein when the plurality of pallets loaded on the entry section are transported to the front end of the entry section, the transfer mechanism is positioned below the transport surface along which the entry section transports the pallets.

8. The transfer device described in claim 1 or 2, wherein the entry section includes a fork, and the fork is inserted into the fork insertion section of the plurality of pallets lined up in the first direction outside the loading platform, thereby lifting the plurality of pallets and entering the loading platform.

9. 9. The transfer device according to claim 8, wherein the entrance section includes a support section that supports the forks on a floor surface of the loading platform, and the support section is capable of changing the height of the forks from the floor surface of the loading platform.

10. The transfer device according to claim 9 , wherein the support portion supports the fork at an intermediate position between the base and the tip of the fork or at the tip of the fork.

Images