Transfer device

Abstract

With its simple configuration, it effectively prevents the movement of transported items from the loading route to the table. [Solution] The transport device 10 is provided between the loading path 16 and the table 202 and includes a stopper member 24 capable of preventing the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading path 16 to the table 202. When the object to be transported 12 is placed and held on the table 202, the stopper member 24 prevents the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading path 16 to the table 202. In conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the table 202 to the loading path 18, the release unit 26 moves the stopper member 24 to the release position.

Description

Technical Field

[0006] , , ,

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a transfer device for transferring an object to be transferred.

Background Art

[0002] Utility Model Registration No. 3144909 discloses a transfer device including a loading path, an unloading path, and a transfer body. In this transfer device, an object to be transferred placed on the loading path moves to the transfer body and reaches the first position, and then the transfer body tilts from the first position toward the unloading path according to the weight of the object to be transferred and reaches the second position, so that the object to be transferred moves from the transfer body to the unloading path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] When transferring an object to be transferred in the transfer device of Patent Document 1, it is necessary to transfer the objects to be transferred one by one. When placing a plurality of objects to be transferred on the transfer device and sequentially transferring them, a stopper is required to prevent the next object to be transferred from moving to the transfer body while the object to be transferred is in a state of having moved to the transfer body. However, when providing a stopper in the transfer device, there is a problem that the structure becomes complicated.

[0005] The present disclosure aims to solve the above-described problems.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] An aspect of the present disclosure is a transport device comprising: an input path into which an object to be transported is brought; an output path positioned lower in height than the input path; a table positioned between the input path and the output path in the transport path of the object to be transported, which holds the object to be transported from the input path and outputs the object to the output path; a stopper member provided between the input path and the table, which can prevent the movement of the object to be transported from the input path to the table; and a release unit that operates in conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported to release the restriction by the stopper member, wherein when the object to be transported is placed and held on the table, the stopper member positioned in the blocking position prevents the movement of the object to be transported from the input path to the table, and as the object to be transported moves from the table to the output path, the release unit moves the stopper member to the release position, thereby allowing the object to move to the table. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to this disclosure, by moving the stopper member in conjunction with the movement of the transported object, the movement of the transported object from the loading path to the table is effectively prevented by the stopper member with a simple configuration. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a transfer device according to an embodiment of this disclosure. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a plan view showing the first transfer section of the transfer device. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is an enlarged side view of the first transfer section of the transfer device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a diagram illustrating the first operation of the transfer device. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is an explanatory diagram showing the table's loading position. Figure 5B is an explanatory diagram showing the intermediate state of the table between its holding position and its unloading position. Figure 5C is an explanatory diagram showing the table's unloading position. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating the second operation of the transfer device. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a diagram illustrating the third operation of the transfer device. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a diagram illustrating the fourth operation of the transfer device. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is the first explanatory diagram of the holding mechanism. Figure 9B is the second explanatory diagram of the holding mechanism. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a plan view illustrating the transfer device shown in Figure 6. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0009] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer device 10 according to this embodiment is used to transfer an object to be transported 12. The object to be transported 12 is, for example, a bucket. The bucket is a box-shaped body that can accommodate articles (not shown) inside and has an open top.

[0010] The transfer device 10 comprises a frame 11, a first transfer unit 141, and a second transfer unit 142. The second transfer unit 142 is positioned below the first transfer unit 141.

[0011] Each of the first transfer section 141 and the second transfer section 142 includes an input passage 16, an output passage 18, a table mechanism 20, a biasing mechanism 22, a stopper member 24, and a release section 26, respectively. The first transfer section 141 and the second transfer section 142 are each capable of transferring different objects 12. The transfer device 10 has a two-layer structure comprising the first transfer section 141 and the second transfer section 142 arranged in the height direction. However, the transfer device 10 is not limited to a two-layer structure comprising the first transfer section 141 and the second transfer section 142. For example, it may be a single-layer structure comprising one transfer section, or a multi-layer structure comprising three or more transfer sections.

[0012] Hereinafter, the direction perpendicular to the height direction of the transport device 10 will be referred to as the front-to-back direction (arrows A1 and A2 directions), and the direction perpendicular to both the height direction and the front-to-back direction will be referred to as the width direction (arrow B direction in Figure 2).

[0013] Frame 11 includes a plurality of support columns 28 and a plurality of frame portions 30. The plurality of support columns 28 are respectively arranged on both side portions in the width direction orthogonal to the height direction and the front-rear direction in the transfer device 10 (see FIG. 2). The plurality of support columns 28 are respectively connected to a base frame 15 placed on a floor surface or the like. The plurality of support columns 28 respectively extend vertically upward from the base frame 15.

[0014] The plurality of support columns 28 include a front support column 281, a rear support column 282, and an intermediate support column 32. The front support column 281 is provided at the front portion of the transfer device l0. The front support column 281 includes a first front support column 28A and a second front support column 28B. The first front support column 28A and the second front support column 28B are arranged to be spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (arrow A1, A2 directions) of the transfer device 10. The second front support column 28B is arranged in front (arrow A1 direction) of the first front support column 28A.

[0015] The first front support column 28A supports the front portion of the first transfer portion 141. As shown in FIG. 2, a pair of the first front support columns 28A are provided to be spaced apart in the width direction (arrow B direction) orthogonal to the front-rear direction. Each of the pair of first front support columns 28A extends vertically.

[0016] The second front support column 28B supports the front portion of the second transfer portion l42. A pair of the second front support columns 28B are provided to be spaced apart in the width direction. Each of the pair of second front support columns 28B extends vertically. The pair of second front support columns 28B are connected to each other by a frame not shown. The second front support column 28B is formed shorter than the first front support column 28A.

[0017] The rear support column 282 is provided at the rear portion of the transfer device 10. The rear support column 282 is arranged behind the front support column 281. A pair of the rear support columns 282 are provided to be spaced apart in the width direction. Each of the pair of rear support columns 282 extends vertically. The pair of rear support columns 282 are connected to each other by a frame not shown. The rear support column 282 supports the rear portion of each of the first transfer portion 141 and the second transfer portion 142.

[0018] The intermediate support 32 is disposed between the front support 281 and the rear support 282 in the front-rear direction of the transfer device 10. The intermediate support 32 includes a first intermediate support portion 321 and a second intermediate support portion 322.

[0019] The first intermediate support portion 321 is disposed between the first front support 28A and the rear support 282. The first intermediate support portion 321 includes a first front rod 321F, a first rear rod 321R, and a first intermediate rod 321M. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of first front rods 321F are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (arrow B direction) of the transfer device 10. Each of the pair of first front rods 321F extends in the vertical direction (see FIG. 1).

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of first rear rods 321R are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (arrow B direction) of the transfer device 10. As shown in FIG. 3, each of the pair of first rear rods 321R is disposed behind each of the pair of first front rods 321F. The pair of first rear rods 321R and the pair of first front rods 321F are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (arrow A1, A2 directions) of the transfer device 10. Each of the pair of first rear rods 321R extends in the vertical direction.

[0021] The first intermediate rod 321M is disposed between the first front rod 321F and the first rear rod 321R. The first intermediate rod 321M is substantially parallel to each of the first front rod 321F and the first rear rod 321R. As shown in FIG. 2, the pair of first intermediate rods 321M are provided spaced apart in the width direction (arrow B direction). The pair of first intermediate rods 321M are disposed between the carry-in path 16 and the table mechanism 20 in the front-rear direction (see FIG. 1). A carry-in port 34 is provided between the pair of first intermediate rods 321M. The carry-in port 34 is an opening through which the object to be conveyed 12 can pass from the carry-in path 16 to the table mechanism 20.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, the second intermediate support section 322 is positioned between the second front support 28B and the rear support 282. The second intermediate support section 322 comprises a second front rod 322F, a second rear rod 322R, and a second intermediate rod 322M. Each of the pair of second front rods 322F is provided at the lower part of each of the first front support 28A. The pair of second rear rods 322R and the pair of second front rods 322F are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction of the transport device 10. Each of the pair of second rear rods 322R is provided at the lower part of each of the first front rods 321F in the first intermediate support section 321.

[0023] As shown in Figure 2, the frame section 30 comprises a first front frame 301F, a first rear frame 301R, a pair of intermediate frames 302, a pair of support frames 303, and a front end support frame 304. The first front frame 301F extends in the width direction and connects a pair of first front rods 321F to each other. The first rear frame 301R extends in the width direction and connects a pair of first rear rods 321R to each other. Each of the pair of intermediate frames 302 extends in the front-rear direction of the transport device 10. Each intermediate frame 302 connects each first front rod 321F and each first rear rod 321R that are aligned in the front-rear direction to each other.

[0024] As shown in Figure 3, the pair of support frames 303 each extend along the front-to-back direction of the transport device 10 (arrows A1 and A2 directions). The pair of support frames 303 are positioned lower than the intermediate frame 302 in the height direction of the transport device 10. Each of the pair of support frames 303 is spaced apart from the others in the width direction (see Figure 2).

[0025] The front support frame 304 is provided to support the front end portion 20F of the table 202 of the table mechanism 20. As shown in Figure 2, the front support frame 304 extends in the width direction and is connected to each of the pair of front support columns 281. As shown in Figure 3, the front support frame 304 is positioned behind the front support columns 281 (in the direction of arrow A2). The front support frame 304 is positioned lower than the support frame 303. The front support frame 304 is positioned below the front end portion 20F of the table 202, which will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the frame section 30 further includes a front frame 305. The front frame 305 extends in the width direction and connects a pair of support frames 303 to each other. The front frame 305 restricts the forward movement (in the direction of arrow A1) of the conveyed object 12 that has moved to the table mechanism 20 (see Figure 4).

[0027] As shown in Figure 3, the loading passage 16 of the first transport unit 141 is into which the object to be transported 12 is loaded. As shown in Figure 2, the loading passage 16 is equipped with a pair of loading rails 161. The pair of loading rails 161 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (arrow B direction) of the transport device 10. As shown in Figure 3, each of the pair of loading rails 161 is formed with its front end lower than its rear end. That is, the loading passage 16 is inclined downward toward the front of the transport device 10. Each of the pair of loading rails 161 is supported by a rear support column 282 and a first intermediate support column 321. The inclination angle of the loading passage 16 with respect to the front-rear direction of the transport device 10 is, for example, 10° to 30°.

[0028] Each of the pair of loading rails 161 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 16R. The plurality of rollers 16R are arranged in parallel along each loading rail 161. Each of the plurality of rollers 16R protrudes from the upper surface of each loading rail 161. Each roller 16R is rotatably mounted on each loading rail 161.

[0029] The unloading path 18 is through which the transported object 12 is unloaded. In the height direction of the transport device 10, the unloading path 18 is positioned lower than the loading path 16. For example, the unloading path 18 is positioned below the loading path 16. The unloading path 18 is equipped with a pair of unloading rails 181. The pair of unloading rails 181 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction of the transport device 10. Each of the pair of unloading rails 181 is formed with its rear end lower than its front end. That is, the unloading path 18 inclins downward toward the rear of the transport device 10. The inclination angle of the unloading path 18 with respect to the front-rear direction of the transport device 10 is, for example, 1° to 30°. Each of the pair of unloading rails 181 is supported by the rear support column 282 and the first intermediate support column 321 of the transport device 10. Note that the unloading path 18 is not limited to inclining downward toward the rear. For example, the unloading path 18 may be positioned substantially horizontally.

[0030] Each of the pair of discharge rails 181 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 18R. The plurality of rollers 18R are arranged in parallel along each discharge rail 181. Each of the plurality of rollers 18R protrudes from the upper surface of each discharge rail 181. Each roller 18R is rotatably mounted on each discharge rail 181.

[0031] As shown in Figure 1, the table mechanism 20 is positioned between the loading path 16 and the unloading path 18 in the transport path of the transported object 12. The table mechanism 20 holds the transported object 12 loaded from the loading path 16. The table mechanism 20 unloads the transported object 12 to the unloading path 18. The table mechanism 20 is positioned at the front of the transport device 10. The table mechanism 20 is positioned in front of both the loading path 16 and the unloading path 18 (in the direction of arrow A1). When a user works with the transport device 10, the user faces the front of the transport device 10.

[0032] As shown in Figure 3, the table mechanism 20 comprises a base member 201, a table 202, and a support portion 203.

[0033] The base member 201 is provided substantially parallel and substantially horizontal to the front-rear direction (arrows A1, A2 direction) of the transport device 10. Both ends of the base member 201 in the width direction are supported by the biasing mechanism 22 (see Figure 2). The base member 201 is supported via the biasing mechanism 22 so as to be movable in the height direction relative to the first intermediate support column 321. The base member 201 has a pair of base sides 211. Each base side 211 extends in the front-rear direction (arrows A1, A2 direction) of the transport device 10. The pair of base sides 211 are provided on both sides of the base member 201 in the width direction.

[0034] The table 202 is positioned above the base member 201. The table 202 has a rear end 20R and a front end 20F. The rear end 20R is located on the rear side of the transfer device 10. The rear end 20R faces the loading path 16 at the loading position of the table 202. The front end 20F is the end opposite to the rear end 20R.

[0035] As shown in Figure 2, the table 202 comprises a rectangular frame body 212 and a pair of support rails 213. Note that the frame body 212 is not limited to a rectangular shape. The pair of support rails 213 are spaced apart from each other in the width direction (direction of arrow B). The pair of support rails 213 connect the front end 20F and the rear end 20R of the table 202. Each support rail 213 is equipped with a plurality of rollers 213R, and the plurality of rollers 213R are arranged in parallel along each support rail 213. Each of the plurality of rollers 213R protrudes from the upper surface of each support rail 213 (see Figure 3). Each roller 213R is rotatably mounted on each support rail 213.

[0036] As shown in Figure 3, the support portion 203 supports the table 202 so that it can tilt relative to the base member 201. That is, the table 202 is provided so that it can tilt by the support portion 203 such that the relative height position of the rear end portion 20R and the front end portion 20F changes. The support portion 203 is provided between the base member 201 and the table 202. The support portion 203 is positioned behind the middle portion of the table 202 in the front-rear direction (arrows A1 and A2 directions) (see Figure 5A).

[0037] Table 202 is movable between an loading position (see Figure 5A), a holding position, and an unloading position (see Figure 5C). In the height direction of the transfer device 10, the loading position, holding position, and unloading position are all different locations. As shown in Figure 5A, the loading position is the position where the transported object 12 is received from the loading path 16 (see Figure 4). At the loading position, the rear end 20R of table 202 is higher than the front end 20F.

[0038] As shown in Figure 5B, the holding position is a position between the loading position and the unloading position. At the holding position, the table mechanism 20, held by the holding mechanism 44, holds the object to be transported 12 (see Figure 6). As shown in Figure 5C, the unloading position is the position where the object to be transported 12 is unloaded toward the unloading path 18 (see Figure 7). At the unloading position, the rear end 20R of the table 202 is lower than the front end 20F. That is, when the table 202 is tilted with the support part 203 as a fulcrum so that the rear end 20R is lower than the front end 20F, the rear end 20R reaches the unloading position.

[0039] As shown in Figure 2, the biasing mechanism 22 is arranged on both sides of the width direction of the transfer device 10. As shown in Figure 3, the biasing mechanism 22 comprises an interlocking section 22A and a biasing member 22B. The interlocking section 22A comprises a pair of first sliders 221, a pair of second sliders 222, and a pair of connecting members 223. Each first slider 221 is movably mounted on each first front rod 321F of the first intermediate support section 321. Each first slider 221 is movable in the height direction along each first front rod 321F.

[0040] Note that the first sliders 221 are not limited to being provided in pairs. For example, one first slider 221 may be provided on either of the pair of first front rods 321F. Each first slider 221 is connected to the base member 201 and the support portion 203 of the table mechanism 20. As the first slider 221 moves along the first front rod 321F, the table mechanism 20 can move in the height direction integrally with the first slider 221.

[0041] Each of the pair of second sliders 222 is movably mounted on each first rear rod 321R of the first intermediate support column 321. Each second slider 222 is movable in the height direction along each first rear rod 321R. Note that the second sliders 222 are not limited to being provided in pairs. For example, one second slider 222 may be provided on either one of the pair of first rear rods 321R.

[0042] Each connecting member 223 connects each first slider 221 and each second slider 222 to each other. The connecting members 223 are formed from a wire, for example. One end of each connecting member 223 is connected to the upper end of each first slider 221. The other end of each connecting member 223 is connected to the upper end of each second slider 222. The middle portion of each connecting member 223 is supported by a plurality of intermediate members 38 provided on the side of the intermediate frame 302. Each intermediate member 38 is, for example, a rotating body on which the connecting member 223 is stretched and which is rotatably supported on the intermediate frame 302. The plurality of intermediate members 38 are positioned above the first slider 221 and the second slider 222. The middle portion of the connecting member 223 is held along the front-rear direction by the plurality of intermediate members 38. The connecting member 223 is formed into a U-shape that opens downward by the plurality of intermediate members 38. Furthermore, the number of relay members 38 is not limited to multiple members. For example, there may be only one relay member 38.

[0043] When either the first slider 221 or the second slider 222 moves in the height direction, the other slider is pulled in conjunction with the first slider 221 and the second slider 222 via the connecting member 223. At this time, the connecting member 223 moves along the intermediate member 38 as the intermediate member 38 rotates. In other words, the first slider 221 and the second slider 222 move in conjunction via the connecting member 223. At this time, the direction of movement of the first slider 221 and the direction of movement of the second slider 222 are opposite to each other.

[0044] The biasing member 22B operates the release unit 26 by biasing it with the interlocking unit 22A. The biasing member 22B has a weight member 421 provided on the second slider 222. The weight members 421 are arranged on both sides in the width direction of the transfer device 10 (see Figure 2). The weight members 421 are provided in the front and rear directions of the second slider 222. The weight members 421 are provided so as to be movable in the height direction along the first rear rod 321R together with the second slider 222. The weight members 421 bias the second slider 222 downward by their own weight. The weight of the weight member 421 is lighter than the combined weight of the table mechanism 20 and the object to be transported 12. The weight of the weight member 421 is heavier than the weight of the table mechanism 20.

[0045] Furthermore, the transfer device 10 is not limited to a configuration that includes a biasing member 22B. For example, the release unit 26 may be biased by the user applying a biasing force to the first slider 221. The biasing member 22B is not limited to a configuration in which it is composed of a weight member 421. For example, the biasing member 22B may be configured to have a driving force applied by a drive source.

[0046] When the table 202 is in the loading position and no object 12 is loaded onto the table 202, no weight is applied to the table 202 (table mechanism 20). As a result, the biasing member 22B causes the second slider 222 to move to its lowest position, and the connecting member 223 causes the first slider 221 to move to its highest position.

[0047] When the object to be transported 12 is loaded into and held by the table mechanism 20 at the holding position (see Figure 4) and the unloading position (see Figure 7) of the table 202, the weight of the object to be transported 12 is applied to the table mechanism 20. As a result, the downward force of the first slider 221 due to the combined weight of the table mechanism 20 and the object to be transported 12 overcomes the downward force of the second slider 222 due to the weight of the biasing member 22B, causing the first slider 221 to move downward, and consequently, the biasing member 22B and the second slider 222 to move upward.

[0048] Furthermore, the biasing member 22B is not limited to being provided on both sides of the transfer device 10 in the width direction. For example, the biasing member 22B may be located on at least one of the sides of the transfer device 10 in the width direction. The biasing member 22B is not limited to being provided on the side of the transfer device 10 in the width direction. For example, the biasing member 22B may be provided on the front or rear of the transfer device 10.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1, the stopper member 24 is provided between the loading passage 16 and the table mechanism 20. The stopper member 24 is provided so as to prevent the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading passage 16 to the table mechanism 20. The stopper member 24 extends in the width direction and is provided so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the first intermediate rod 321M. The stopper member 24 is movable downward along the first intermediate rod 321M by its own weight.

[0050] The stopper member 24 is locked to a locking portion 40 provided on the first intermediate rod 321M, thereby restricting the downward movement of the stopper member 24 along the first intermediate rod 321M. When the table 202 is in the holding position (see Figure 4) or the unloading position (see Figure 7), the stopper member 24 moves downward and locks to the locking portion 40 of the first intermediate rod 321M, thereby placing the stopper member 24 in a blocking position.

[0051] In the blocking position, the lower end of the stopper member 24 is positioned below the upper part of the entrance 34 in the height direction. As shown in Figure 4, in the blocking position, a portion of the entrance 34 is covered by the stopper member 24. In the blocking position, the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading passage 16 to the table mechanism 20 (table 202) is blocked by the stopper member 24. The stopper member 24 is movable upward from the state in which it is locked to the locking part 40 (blocking position).

[0052] As shown in Figure 3, the release unit 26 operates in conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported 12 to release the restriction imposed by the stopper member 24. The release unit 26 is connected to the first slider 221 and extends in the height direction. The release unit 26 is positioned below the stopper member 24. As shown in Figures 3 and 8, when there is no object to be transported 12 on the table mechanism 20 (table 202), the first slider 221 and the release unit 26 move upward. As the release unit 26 moves upward, the stopper member 24 is pushed by the release unit 26 and moves upward. As the stopper member 24, which is locked to the locking part 40 by the release unit 26, moves upward, the stopper member 24 moves to a released position above the loading entrance 34. In other words, as the release unit 26 moves upward, the stopper member 24 moves to the released position.

[0053] Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, when the table 202 reaches the loading position, the stopper member 24 moves to the release position. In the release position, the stopper member 24 is released from preventing the object to be transported 12 from moving onto the table 202. In the release position, the stopper member 24 is positioned above the loading entrance 34 in the height direction. In the release position, the loading entrance 34 is not blocked by the stopper member 24 and the loading entrance 34 is open. In the release position, the object to be transported 12 is allowed to move from the loading passage 16 to the table mechanism 20. As shown in Figure 6, from the release position of the stopper member 24, the first slider 221 and the release part 26 move downward, causing the stopper member 24 to descend and move to the blocking position.

[0054] As shown in Figure 3, the transfer device 10 further includes a holding mechanism 44 and an operating unit 46.

[0055] The holding mechanism 44 is provided to hold the table mechanism 20 in a holding position (see Figure 4) and prevent the table mechanism 20 from moving downward. The holding mechanism 44 is provided on both sides in the width direction of the transfer device 10 (see Figure 2). The holding mechanism 44 is provided on each of the pair of support frames 303. As shown in Figure 2, each holding mechanism 44 comprises a support rod 441, a block member 442, a pair of holding members 443, and a spring member 444. Note that the transfer device 10 is not limited to a configuration that includes the holding mechanism 44. For example, the table mechanism 20 may be continuously moved downward from the loading position and the holding position to the unloading position without the holding mechanism 44.

[0056] The support rod 441 extends in the width direction (direction of arrow B) of the transfer device 10 and is fixed to the support frame 303. The outer end of the support rod 441 in the width direction has a support end 451. The support rod 441 protrudes inward in the width direction from the support frame 303.

[0057] The block member 442 is movably supported by the support rod 441. The block member 442 includes a supported portion 453. The supported portion 453 is located in the center of the block member 442 in its extending direction. The inner end of the support rod 441 in the width direction is inserted into the supported portion 453. By inserting the support rod 441 into the supported portion 453, the block member 442 is supported so as to be movable in the width direction relative to the support rod 441.

[0058] As shown in Figure 4, the pair of holding members 443 are provided so as to be able to hold the table mechanism 20. The pair of holding parts 482 are each held by the block member 442. The pair of holding members 443 are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction (arrows A1 and A2 direction) of the transfer device 10. As shown in Figure 2, each holding member 443 protrudes inward in the width direction from the block member 442. Note that the holding members 443 are not limited to being provided as a pair. For example, the block member 442 may be provided with one holding member 443, or it may be provided with three or more holding members 443.

[0059] As shown in Figure 9A, each retaining member 443 is rotatably supported relative to the block member 442. The retaining member 443 is supported by a rotation axis 481 held by the block member 442. The rotation axis 481 extends in the front-rear direction. The retaining member 443 is rotatable about the rotation axis 481 in a direction intersecting the front-rear direction.

[0060] Each holding member 443 comprises a holding portion 482 and a pressing portion 483. The holding portion 482 has a holding surface 484 that extends in the width direction. In the loading position (see Figure 3) and holding position (see Figure 4) of the table 202, the holding surface 484 is positioned substantially horizontally and below the base side portion 211 of the base member 201 in the table mechanism 20. The base side portion 211 of the base member 201 in the table mechanism 20 is held in contact with the holding surface 484. The table mechanism 20, including the base member 201, is held by the holding portion 482. In the loading position and holding position of the table 202, downward movement of the table mechanism 20 is prevented.

[0061] The pressing portion 483 is positioned wider outward and lower than the holding portion 482. The pressing portion 483 is approximately perpendicular to the holding surface 484. With the holding surface 484 of the holding portion 482 positioned approximately horizontally, the pressing portion 483 contacts the side surface of the block member 442. The contact of the pressing portion 483 with the block member 442 restricts the rotation of the holding member 443 while the holding surface 484 is approximately horizontal. The holding member 443 allows rotation in the direction in which the holding surface 484 is directed upward (see the dashed line shape in Figure 9A).

[0062] As shown in Figure 2, the spring member 444 is provided on the outer circumference of the support rod 441. The spring member 444 is provided between the support end 451 of the support rod 441 and the supported portion 453 of the block member 442. The elastic force of the spring member 444 biases the supported portion 453 of the block member 442 inward in the width direction. The biasing direction of the elastic force of the spring member 444 is inward in the width direction.

[0063] As shown in Figure 3, the operating section 46 is provided so as to be able to release the holding state of the table mechanism 20 by the holding mechanism 44. The operating section 46 is provided at the front of the transfer device 10. The operating section 46 comprises an operating lever 461 and a transmission member 462. The operating lever 461 is rotatably supported via a pivot shaft portion 306 provided at the front of the support frame 303. The operating lever 461 includes a gripping portion 463. The gripping portion 463 extends in the width direction and is provided so as to be grasped by the user (see Figure 2). The gripping portion 463 is positioned in front of the front support column 281. Both ends of the gripping portion 463 in the width direction extend towards the rear (see Figure 2). When the user is not operating the operating section 46, the operating lever 461 is positioned so that the gripping portion 463 is downward with the pivot shaft portion 306 as the fulcrum.

[0064] The ends of the gripping portion 463 are rotatably supported by a pair of pivot shafts 306 spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The operating lever 461 can be rotated upward using the pair of pivot shafts 306 as pivot points while the user is gripping the gripping portion 463 (see Figure 6).

[0065] As shown in Figure 2, the transmission member 462 connects the operating lever 461 and the block member 442 of the holding mechanism 44. The transmission member 462 is formed from a wire, for example. One end of the transmission member 462 is connected to the lower part of the gripping portion 463 of the operating lever 461. The other end of the transmission member 462 is connected to the supported portion 453 of the block member 442. The middle portion of the transmission member 462 is stretched across the outer circumferential surface of a rotating body 465 that is rotatably mounted on the support shaft portion 306.

[0066] As shown in Figure 6, by operating the gripping portion 463 of the operating lever 461 upward, one end of the transmission member 462 is pulled forward, as shown in Figure 10. A tensile force acts forward on one end of the transmission member 462. Due to the forward pulling of the transmission member 462, the direction of the pull of the transmission member 462 is changed outward in the width direction by the rotating body 465, and the tensile force is transmitted to the block member 442.

[0067] As tensile force is applied from the transmission member 462, the block member 442 moves outward in the width direction while compressing the spring member 444, and the pair of holding members 443 move outward in the width direction. By operating the operation unit 46, the holding state of the table mechanism 20 by the holding mechanism 44 is released, as shown in Figure 9B. When the holding state of the table mechanism 20 by the holding mechanism 44 is released, as shown in Figure 7, the weight of the transported object 12 causes the table 202 to tilt so that the rear end 20R of the table 202 is lower than the front end 20F of the table 202. The rear end 20R of the table 202 reaches the discharge position. Note that the transport device 10 is not limited to a configuration that includes an operation unit 46. For example, without providing an operation unit 46, it may be equipped with a release mechanism that can release the holding state after a predetermined time has elapsed while the table mechanism 20 is held by the holding mechanism 44.

[0068] When the user stops operating the control unit 46, the operating lever 461 rotates so that the gripping portion 463 moves downward, with the pivot shaft portion 306 as the fulcrum. This eliminates the tensile force applied to the block member 442 in the width direction outward due to the operation of the control unit 46.

[0069] The second transport unit 142 is positioned below the first transport unit 141. The front of the second transport unit 142 is positioned further forward than the front of the first transport unit 141. The loading passage 16 of the second transport unit 142 is longer in the front-to-back direction than the loading passage 16 of the first transport unit 141. The unloading passage 18 of the second transport unit 142 is longer in the front-to-back direction than the unloading passage 18 of the first transport unit 141. The configuration of the second transport unit 142 other than those described above is the same as that of the first transport unit 141, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0070] The transfer device 10 is used as follows. Since the operation of the first transfer unit 141 and the second transfer unit 142 of the transfer device 10 is the same, this section will describe the case where the object to be transported 12 is transported using the first transfer unit 141. Furthermore, a case where the object to be transported 12 contains items not shown will also be described.

[0071] Figure 3 shows the initial state of the transfer device 10 before the object to be transported 12 is set. In the initial state, the biasing member 22B moves the second slider 222 to its lowest position, and the first slider 221 to its highest position. As the first slider 221 moves upward, the table mechanism 20 moves upward, and the base member 201 is positioned in the loading position, spaced above the front end support frame 304 and the holding member 443 of the holding mechanism 44. As the table mechanism 20 and the first slider 221 move upward, the release part 26 moves upward, pushing the stopper member 24 upward. The stopper member 24 moves upward, spaced away from the locking part 40, and opens the loading entrance 34 to the release position. In other words, in the initial state of the transfer device 10, the biasing member 22B moves the release part 26 upward, setting the stopper member 24 to the release position.

[0072] In the initial state described above, the object to be transported 12 is set on the transport device 10. The user places the object to be transported 12 on the loading path 16 of the first transport unit 141. The object to be transported 12 moves forward along the loading rails 161 of the loading path 16. Specifically, the object to be transported 12 begins to move diagonally downward toward the table mechanism 20 by the multiple rollers 16R on each loading rail 161. At this time, the first slider 221 and the second slider 222 do not move until the object to be transported 12 has passed through the loading entrance 34 and is completely on the table mechanism 20. Therefore, the stopper member 24 is maintained in the released position by the release unit 26.

[0073] As shown in Figure 4, the object to be transported 12 moves from the loading path 16 through the loading entrance 34 to the loading position of the table mechanism 20 (table 202). On the table 202, the object to be transported 12 moves forward along the support rail 213 of the table 202 and is prevented from moving forward by coming into contact with the front frame 305. With the object to be transported 12 in the position on the table 202, the weight of the object to be transported 12 biases the table mechanism 20 downward.

[0074] At this time, since the weight of the object to be transported 12 is heavier than the weight of the biasing member 22B, the downward force of the first slider 221 due to the weight of the object to be transported 12 overcomes the downward force of the second slider 222 due to the weight of the biasing member 22B. As a result, the first slider 221 moves downward, and consequently, the second slider 222 is pulled upward by the connecting member 223.

[0075] As a result, the table mechanism 20 moves downward due to the object being transported 12, and the base side portion 211 of the base member 201 comes into contact with the holding surface 484 of the holding member 443 of the holding mechanism 44 (see Figure 9A). The front end portion 20F of the table 202 comes into contact with the front end support frame 304. The downward movement of the object being transported 12 is prevented, and the table 202 holding the object being transported 12 is held in the holding position. In this holding position, the front end portion 20F of the table 202 is kept lower than the rear end portion 20R.

[0076] In the holding position of the table 202, the tilt of the table 202 causes the transported object 12 to tilt downwards toward the front. With the user standing in front of the transport device 10, the user can remove items from the top of the transported object 12, which is tilted toward the front.

[0077] Next, after removing the desired items from the transported object 12 while the table 202 is in a holding position, the transported object 12 is transported to the discharge path 18. The user releases the holding state of the table mechanism 20 by operating the operating unit 46.

[0078] Specifically, the user grasps the operating lever 461 and rotates it upward around the pivot shaft 306, as shown in Figure 6. As the operating lever 461 rotates, one end of the transmission member 462 is pulled forward, as shown in Figure 10, and consequently, the other end of the transmission member 462 biases the block member 442 of the holding mechanism 44 outward in the width direction. Then, as the block member 422 moves outward in the width direction while compressing the spring member 444, the pair of holding members 443 separate outward in the width direction from below the base member 201. The pair of holding members 443 detach from below the base side portion 211. As a result, the holding state of the table mechanism 20 by the holding mechanism 44 is released in the holding position of the table 202.

[0079] After releasing the holding mechanism 44, when the user stops operating the operating unit 46, the operating lever 461 rotates around the pivot shaft 306 so that the gripping unit 463 is facing downwards and returns to its original position. When the user stops operating the operating unit 46, the tensile force applied by the holding mechanism 44 to the block member 442 in the width direction is stopped, and the spring force of the spring member 444 causes the block member 442 and the holding member 443 to move inward in the width direction. As a result, the holding mechanism 44 becomes capable of holding the table mechanism 20 again.

[0080] Then, when the holding mechanism 44 releases the holding state of the table mechanism 20, the weight of the object to be transported 12 causes the table mechanism 20 to move downward while the second slider 222 and weight member 421 of the biasing mechanism 22 move upward. At this time, since the front end 20F of the table 202 is in contact with the front end support frame 304, as shown in Figure 6, the table 202 tilts so that the rear end 20R of the table 202 moves downward with the support part 203 as the pivot point, without the front end 20F of the table 202 descending.

[0081] With the downward movement of the front end 20F of the table 202 restricted, the table 202 tilts around the support 203 so that the table 202 and the base member 201 become approximately horizontal. Then, as shown in Figure 7, the table 202 tilts further so that it reaches an inclined loading position where the rear end 20R of the table 202 is lower than the front end 20F. At the loading position, the rear end 20R of the table 202 faces the loading path 18.

[0082] At this time, as the support portion 203 and base member 201 of the table mechanism 20 move downward, the first slider 221 also moves downward. As the first slider 221 moves downward, the second slider 222 moves upward in conjunction with it via the connecting member 223.

[0083] When the table 202 reaches the unloading position, the transported object 12 moves along the inclined table 202 from the table 202 to the unloading path 18. Specifically, the transported object 12 moves towards the unloading path 18 along the support rail 213 of the table 202. The transported object 12 moves to the rear of the unloading path 18 by the roller 18R of the unloading rail 181 due to its own weight and is placed there. The unloading path 18 has a length that allows one or more transported objects 12 to be placed in the front-to-back direction of the transport device 10 (arrows A1, A2 direction).

[0084] In the holding and unloading positions of the table 202 described above, the first slider 221 moves downward in conjunction with the position of the table 202, causing the release unit 26 to move away from the stopper member 24. As a result, the stopper member 24 moves downward from the release position to a blocking position, preventing the loading of new items 12a from the loading path 16 to the table 202 (see Figures 4, 6, and 7).

[0085] As shown in Figure 7, as the object 12 moves from the table 202 at the discharge position to the discharge path 18, the weight of the object 12 on the table mechanism 20 is eliminated. In other words, the downward moving force on the table mechanism 20 is solely the weight of the table mechanism 20. Therefore, at the discharge position where the object 12 has moved to the discharge path 18, the weight of the biasing member 22B is heavier than the weight of the table mechanism 20. Consequently, the downward moving force of the second slider 222 due to the biasing force of the biasing member 22B overcomes the downward moving force of the first slider 221.

[0086] As a result, as shown in Figure 8, the second slider 222 moves downward, and in conjunction with this, the first slider 221 moves upward. As the first slider 221 moves upward, the table mechanism 20 moves upward together with the first slider 221. As the table mechanism 20 moves upward, the table 202 tilts with the support part 203 as a pivot point, and tilts so that the front end 20F is lower than the rear end 20R, becoming the loading position.

[0087] As shown in Figure 9A, when the table mechanism 20 moves upward, the base side portion 211 and the holding member 443 come into contact, causing the holding member 443 to rotate away from the table mechanism 20 with the rotation axis 481 as the pivot point. The rotation of the holding member 443 due to contact with the table mechanism 20 causes each holding member 443 to move outward in the width direction from the movement trajectory of the table mechanism 20. As the holding member 443 moves outward in the width direction from the table mechanism 20, the table mechanism 20 can move upward beyond the holding member 443.

[0088] After the table mechanism 20 moves above the holding member 443, the holding member 443 rotates in the opposite direction due to its own weight, and the pressing portion 483 comes into contact with the block member 442, returning the holding surface 484 to a substantially horizontal state (see Figure 9A). When the table mechanism 20 moves from below to above the holding mechanism 44, for example, the user may operate the operating portion 46 to move the holding member 443 outward in the width direction, thereby avoiding contact between the table mechanism 20 and the holding mechanism 44.

[0089] As shown in Figure 8, the upward movement of the first slider 221 causes the release unit 26 to move upward, pushing the stopper member 24, which is in the blocking position, upward and moving it to the release position. By releasing the stopper member 24, the movement of a new object to be transported 12a from the loading passage 16 to the table mechanism 20 (table 202) through the loading entrance 34 is permitted.

[0090] As a result, the entrance 34 is opened and the new object to be transported 12a placed on the loading path 16 is transported through the entrance 34 to the table 202 at the loading position. The loading path 16 has a length that allows one or more objects to be transported 12 to be pre-positioned in the front-rear direction of the transport device 10.

[0091] This embodiment provides the following effects.

[0092] As shown in Figure 1, the transport device 10 is provided between the loading path 16 and the table 202 and includes a stopper member 24 capable of preventing the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading path 16 to the table 202. With the object to be transported 12 positioned and held on the table 202, the stopper member 24 prevents the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading path 16 to the table 202. In conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported 12, a release unit 26 operates to release the restriction by the stopper member 24. By moving the stopper member 24 to the release position, the movement of the object to be transported 12 to the table 202 is permitted.

[0093] With this transfer device 10, by moving the stopper member 24 in conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported 12, the movement of the object to be transported 12 from the loading path 16 to the table 202 can be effectively prevented with a simple configuration.

[0094] As shown in Figures 4 and 7, the stopper member 24 is in a blocking position when the table 202 is held and when it is unloaded, and as shown in Figure 3, the stopper member 24 is in a released position when the table 202 is loaded.

[0095] With this configuration, the transport state of the transported object 12 can be effectively switched by moving the table 202 in the height direction.

[0096] As shown in Figure 1, the device includes a biasing mechanism 22 that operates the release unit 26 by biasing it. With this configuration, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism 22 can be used to effectively operate the release unit 26.

[0097] The biasing mechanism 22 has a weight member 421 connected to the release unit 26. With this configuration, the release unit 26 can be biased without using electricity or the like.

[0098] As shown in Figure 2, the weight members 421 are positioned on both sides of the transport device 10 in the width direction, which is perpendicular to the height direction and the front-rear direction. With this configuration, when the user faces the transported object 12 held on the table 202, the weight members 421 do not obstruct the user.

[0099] As shown in Figure 1, the stopper member 24 is provided so as to be movable in the height direction. With this configuration, the movement of the object to be conveyed 12 can be effectively prevented by the stopper member 24, which is movable in the height direction.

[0100] As shown in Figure 4, the stopper member 24 is movable downward by its own weight, and when the stopper member 24 moves downward from the release position, it becomes the blocking position. With this configuration, when the stopper member 24 is set to the blocking position, it is not necessary to bias the stopper member 24 with any other biasing structure.

[0101] As shown in Figure 1, the release mechanism 26 is provided to be movable in the height direction. With this configuration, the weight (biasing force) of the weight member 421 allows the release mechanism 26 to be effectively moved in the height direction.

[0102] As shown in Figure 8, as the transported object 12 moves from the table 202 to the transport path 18, the biasing force of the biasing member 22B causes the table 202 to move upward from the transport position to the transport position. The release unit 26 moves upward, moving the stopper member 24 to the release position, and the stopper member 24 moves downward from the release position to the blocking position. With this configuration, the blocking state by the stopper member 24 is effectively released as the table 202 moves from the transport position to the transport position.

[0103] As shown in Figure 1, the transfer device 10 includes a holding mechanism 44 that can hold the table 202 and prevent the table 202 (table mechanism 20) from moving downward. As shown in Figure 6, when the holding mechanism 44 releases the holding state of the table 202 in the holding position, as shown in Figure 7, the table 202 tilts so that the rear end 20R is lower than the front end 20F due to the weight of the conveyed object 12. With this configuration, by releasing the holding state of the table 202 by the holding mechanism 44, the weight of the conveyed object 12 can be used to effectively tilt the table 202.

[0104] When the table 202 reaches the discharge position, the transported object 12 moves along the inclined table 202 from the table 202 to the discharge path 18. With this configuration, by inclining the table 202, the transported object 12 held on the table 202 can be automatically discharged to the discharge path 18.

[0105] As shown in Figure 1, the system includes an operating unit 46 that can release the holding state of the table 202 by the holding mechanism 44. With this configuration, the user can operate the operating unit 46 to effectively unload the transported object 12 held on the table 202 into the unloading path 18 at a desired timing.

[0106] Furthermore, the table 202 is not limited to a configuration that allows it to tilt using the support portion 203. For example, the table 202 may be configured to be installed substantially horizontally without tilting.

[0107] Furthermore, the stopper member 24 is not limited to a configuration that allows movement in the height direction. For example, the stopper member 24 may be provided so as to be movable in the width direction and cover a part of the entrance 34 when in the blocking position. The stopper member 24 is not limited to a configuration that becomes the blocking position by moving downward from the release position. For example, the stopper member 24 may be configured to become the blocking position by moving upward from the release position.

[0108] The release unit 26 is not limited to a configuration that allows movement in the height direction. For example, if the stopper member 24 is configured to be movable in the width direction, the release unit 26 may be provided to be movable in the width direction.

[0109] In addition to the disclosures mentioned above, the following further notes are made:

[0110] (Note 1) The transport device (10) includes an input path (16) into which the object to be transported (12) is brought in, an output path (18) positioned lower in the height direction than the input path, a table (202) positioned between the input path and the output path in the transport path of the object to be transported, which holds the object to be transported brought in from the input path and transports the object to the output path, and a stopper member (24) provided between the input path and the table, which can prevent the object to be transported from moving from the input path to the table, and The system includes a release unit (26) that operates to release the restriction by the stopper member in conjunction with the movement of the object to be transported. When the object to be transported is placed and held on the table, the stopper member, located in a blocking position, prevents the object to be transported from the loading path to the table. As the object to be transported moves from the table to the unloading path, the release unit moves the stopper member to a release position, thereby allowing the object to move to the table.

[0111] With this configuration, by moving the stopper member in conjunction with the movement of the transported object, the movement of the transported object from the loading path to the table can be effectively prevented with a simple structure.

[0112] (Note 2) In the transport device described in Appendix 1, the table is movable to an input position for receiving the transported object brought in from the input path, an output position located below the input position for outputting the transported object toward the output path, and a holding position located between the input position and the output position for holding the transported object. The stopper member may be in the blocking position at the holding position and the output position, and in the release position at the input position.

[0113] With this configuration, the transport state of the transported object can be effectively switched by moving the table in the height direction.

[0114] (Note 3) In the transfer device described in Appendix 1 or 2, a biasing mechanism (22) may be provided that operates the release part by biasing the release part.

[0115] With this configuration, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism can be used to effectively operate the release mechanism.

[0116] (Note 4) In the transfer device described in Appendix 3, the biasing mechanism may have a weight member (421) connected to the release unit.

[0117] With this configuration, the release mechanism can be effectively energized without using electricity or other power sources.

[0118] (Note 5) In the transfer device described in Appendix 4, the table is positioned at the front, which is one side in the front-rear direction of the transfer device, and the weight member may be positioned at least one of the sides of the transfer device, which are both sides in the height direction and the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction.

[0119] With this configuration, the weight component does not obstruct the user when they are facing the object being transported held on the table.

[0120] (Note 6) In the transfer device described in Appendix 2, the stopper member may be provided so as to be movable in the height direction.

[0121] With this configuration, the movement of the object being transported can be effectively prevented by a stopper member that is movable in the height direction.

[0122] (Note 7) In the transfer device described in Appendix 6, the stopper member is movable downward by its own weight, and the stopper member may move downward from the release position to the blocking position.

[0123] With this configuration, when the stopper member is in the blocking position, it is not necessary to bias the stopper member with another biasing structure.

[0124] (Note 8) In the transfer device described in Appendix 4, the release unit may be provided so as to be movable in the height direction.

[0125] With this configuration, the weight (biasing force) of the weight member allows the release mechanism to be effectively moved in the vertical direction.

[0126] (Note 9) In the transport device described in Appendix 2, the stopper member is provided to be movable in the height direction and movable downward by its own weight, the table has a rear end (20R) facing the loading path at the loading position and a front end (20F) opposite to the rear end, and is provided to be tiltable so that the relative position of the rear end and the front end in the height direction changes, the rear end is at a higher position than the front end at the loading position and the rear end is at a lower position than the front end at the unloading position, and is provided with a biasing mechanism that operates the release part by biasing the release part, and as the transported object moves from the table to the unloading path, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism causes the table to move upward from the unloading position toward the loading position, and the release part moves upward to move the stopper member to the release position, and the stopper member may move downward from the release position to the blocking position.

[0127] With this configuration, the stopping mechanism is effectively released when the table moves from the loading position to the unloading position.

[0128] (Note 10) In the transport device described in Appendix 2, the table has a rear end facing the loading path at the loading position and a front end opposite to the rear end, and is tiltable so as to change the relative height position of the rear end and the front end, the rear end being higher than the front end at the loading position and the rear end being lower than the front end at the unloading position, the transport device includes a holding mechanism (44) capable of holding the table and preventing it from moving downward, and when the holding mechanism releases the holding state of the table at the holding position, the table may reach the unloading position by tilting such that the rear end is lower than the front end due to the weight of the transported object.

[0129] With this configuration, by releasing the table's hold from the holding mechanism, the weight of the transported object can be used to effectively tilt the table.

[0130] (Note 11) In the transport device described in Appendix 10, when the table reaches the discharge position, the transported object may move along the inclined table from the table to the discharge path.

[0131] With this configuration, tilting the table allows the transported objects held on the table to be automatically unloaded into the unloading path.

[0132] (Note 12) In the transfer device described in Appendix 10, an operating unit (46) may be provided that can release the holding state of the table by the holding mechanism.

[0133] With this configuration, the user can operate the control unit to effectively unload the transported items held on the table into the unloading path at the desired timing.

[0134] While this disclosure has been described in detail, it is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. These embodiments can be added, replaced, modified, partially deleted, etc., in any way that does not depart from the gist of this disclosure or from the spirit of this disclosure derived from the claims and their equivalents. These embodiments can also be implemented in combination. For example, the order of operations and processes in the embodiments described above are given as examples only and are not limited thereto. The same applies when numerical values ​​or mathematical formulas are used in the description of the embodiments described above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0135] 10…transfer device 12… Items to be transported 16…Loading route 18...Export path 24... Stopper component 26...Release section 202... Table

Claims

1. The loading route into which the transported goods are brought, A loading / unloading route is positioned lower in height than the loading / unloading route, A table is positioned between the loading path and the unloading path in the transport path of the transported object, and holds the transported object loaded from the loading path and unloads the transported object to the unloading path. A stopper member is provided between the loading path and the table, and is capable of preventing the movement of the object to be transported from the loading path to the table. A release unit that operates in conjunction with the movement of the object being transported to release the restriction imposed by the stopper member, Equipped with, With the object to be transported placed and held on the table, the stopper member located at the blocking position prevents the object to be transported from the loading path to the table. A transport device in which, as the transported object moves from the table to the discharge path, the release unit moves the stopper member to the release position, thereby allowing the transported object to move to the table.

2. In the transfer device according to claim 1, The table is movable to an input position for receiving the object to be transported from the input route, an output position located below the input position for transporting the object toward the output route, and a holding position located between the input position and the output position for holding the object to be transported. A transfer device in which the stopper member is in the blocking position at the holding position and the unloading position, and the stopper member is in the release position at the loading position.

3. In the transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, A transfer device comprising a biasing mechanism that operates the release part by biasing the release part.

4. In the transfer device according to claim 3, The biasing mechanism is a transfer device having a weight member connected to the release unit.

5. In the transfer device according to claim 4, The table is positioned at the front, which is one side in the front-to-back direction of the transfer device. The weight member is arranged on at least one of the sides of the transfer device, which are both sides in the width direction perpendicular to the height direction and the front-rear direction.

6. In the transfer device according to claim 2, The stopper member is a transfer device that is movably mounted in the height direction.

7. In the transfer device according to claim 6, The stopper member is movable downward by its own weight, A transfer device wherein the stopper member moves downward from the release position to the blocking position.

8. In the transfer device according to claim 4, The release unit is a transfer device that is movably mounted in the height direction.

9. In the transfer device according to claim 2, The stopper member is provided so as to be movable in the height direction and is movable downward by its own weight. The table has a rear end facing the loading path at the loading position and a front end opposite to the rear end, and is provided so as to be tiltable so as to change the relative position of the rear end and the front end in the height direction. At the aforementioned loading position, the rear end is at a higher position than the front end. At the aforementioned unloading position, the rear end is located at a lower position than the front end. The system includes a biasing mechanism that operates the release part by biasing the release part, A transfer device wherein, as the object to be transported moves from the table to the discharge path, the biasing force of the biasing mechanism causes the table to move upward from the discharge position to the loading position, the release part moves upward to move the stopper member to the release position, and the stopper member moves downward from the release position to the blocking position.

10. In the transfer device according to claim 2, The table has a rear end facing the loading path at the loading position and a front end opposite to the rear end, and is provided so as to be tiltable so as to change the relative position of the rear end and the front end in the height direction. At the aforementioned loading position, the rear end is at a higher position than the front end. At the aforementioned unloading position, the rear end is located at a lower position than the front end. The transfer device includes a holding mechanism capable of holding the table and preventing it from moving downward. A transfer device wherein, when the holding mechanism releases the holding state of the table at the holding position, the table tilts due to the weight of the object being transported so that its rear end is lower than its front end, and reaches the discharge position.

11. In the transfer device according to claim 10, A transport device wherein, when the table reaches the discharge position, the transported object moves along the inclined table from the table to the discharge path.

12. In the transfer device according to claim 10, A transfer device comprising an operating section capable of releasing the holding state of the table by the holding mechanism.

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