Baggage transfer device

Abstract

To provide a luggage transfer device capable of suitably transferring luggage for loading the luggage onto a platform at a transfer destination in a manner that does not easily cause the luggage to collapse. [Solution] When a first movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged on a first pallet placement platform 27 in a first arrangement pattern, the luggage N is transported so that the luggage N is arranged on a second pallet placement platform 28 in the first arrangement pattern. Also, when a second movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged on the first pallet placement platform 27 in the first arrangement pattern, the luggage N is transported so that the luggage N is arranged on a luggage placement platform 46 in the first arrangement pattern. Also, when a third movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged on the luggage placement platform 46 in the first arrangement pattern, the luggage N is transported so that the luggage N is arranged on the second pallet placement platform 28 in the first arrangement pattern.

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In facilities such as production factories and logistics warehouses, when luggage is taken out of the facility, the luggage is transferred from a storage platform to a transport platform. In facilities such as logistics warehouses and retail stores, when luggage is brought into the facility, the luggage is transferred from a transport platform to a storage platform. As a luggage transfer device used for such luggage transfer, a luggage transfer device that moves luggage stacked on a source platform to a destination platform one layer at a time is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Incidentally, when the luggage is transferred so that the luggage is stacked in multiple layers on the platform at the transfer destination, the luggage may easily collapse during transportation or storage depending on the way the luggage is loaded. For example, if the luggage is loaded in a manner in which the upper and lower luggage are stacked in the same direction (so-called "straight stacking"), the luggage may easily collapse. In contrast, if the luggage is stacked so that the orientation of the luggage changes between the upper and lower parts, the luggage may not easily collapse. In the luggage transfer device described above, if the number of layers of luggage on the platform is not changed at the transfer source and the transfer destination, the luggage will also be stacked at the transfer destination in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse, provided that the luggage is stacked at the transfer source in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 1994-115704 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the number of tiers suitable for storing luggage in facilities such as factories and warehouses may differ from the number of tiers suitable for transporting luggage by trucks, etc. In the luggage transfer device described above, when the number of tiers of luggage changes before and after transfer, even if the luggage is loaded on the source platform in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse, there is a risk that the luggage may have a portion on the destination platform where the orientation of the upper and lower luggage is the same, that is, a portion where the luggage is likely to collapse. Thus, there is still room for improvement in the luggage transfer device that transfers luggage from the source platform to the destination platform.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the circumstances exemplified above, and aims to provide a luggage transfer device that can efficiently move luggage in order to load it onto a destination platform in a manner that is less likely to cause the luggage to fall over. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the present invention provides a first loading platform from which luggage is moved, a second loading platform to which the luggage is transferred; A baggage transport means for transporting baggage; A predetermined control means; A luggage transfer device comprising: The baggage transfer device includes a third platform on which baggage can be placed, The predetermined control means is a first transfer control means for executing a first transfer control such that the luggage transfer means transfers luggage from the first platform to the second platform based on the occurrence of a first trigger; a second transfer control means for executing a second transfer control such that the luggage transfer means transfers luggage from the first platform to the third platform based on the occurrence of a second trigger; a third transfer control means for executing a third transfer control such that the luggage transfer means transfers luggage from the third platform to the second platform based on the occurrence of a third trigger; Equipped with When the first transport control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first platform, the luggage is transported from the first platform to the second platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second platform, When the second conveyance control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged on the first placement platform in the predetermined pattern, the luggage is conveyed from the first placement platform to the third placement platform so that the luggage is arranged on the third placement platform in the predetermined pattern, When the third conveying control is executed while luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the third loading platform, luggage is conveyed from the third loading platform to the second loading platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second loading platform. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to suitably move cargo in order to load it onto a transfer platform in a manner that is less likely to cause the cargo to collapse. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a plan view of a luggage transfer system according to a first embodiment, as viewed from above. [Diagram 2] (a) is an oblique view of a first pallet supplied to the luggage transfer device and luggage loaded on the first pallet, (b) is an oblique view of a second pallet removed from the luggage transfer device and luggage loaded on the second pallet, (c) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first luggage arrangement pattern, and (d) is an explanatory diagram for explaining a second luggage arrangement pattern. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a front view of the luggage transfer device as seen from the discharge conveyor side. [Figure 4] FIG. [Diagram 5] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams for explaining the suction position of the suction head with respect to the luggage. [Figure 6]2 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the luggage transfer device. FIG. [Figure 7] 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the movement control performed based on the operation of the direct start button, and FIG. 13D to 13F are explanatory diagrams for explaining the movement control performed based on the operation of the bring-in start button. [Figure 8] 13A to 13C are explanatory diagrams for explaining the movement control performed based on the operation of the start take-out button, and FIG. 13D to 13F are explanatory diagrams for explaining the movement control performed based on the operation of the start bring-in button. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a transshipment control process in a CPU. [Figure 10] 13 is a flowchart showing a first movement control process in a CPU. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a second movement control process in the CPU. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a third movement control process in the CPU. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] <First embodiment> A first embodiment of the luggage transfer device will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a plan view of a luggage transfer system 10 as seen from above. When luggage N stored in a facility such as a factory or warehouse is to be shipped, the luggage N is transferred from a first pallet 11 for storage (a platform from which the luggage is transferred) to a second pallet 12 for transportation (a platform to which the luggage is transferred). The luggage transfer system 10 is used to transfer the luggage N. The luggage N is a packaging container such as a cardboard box in which products such as food and medicine are stored.

[0011] As shown in FIG. 1, the luggage transfer system 10 includes a first input conveyor 13 for transporting a first pallet 11 loaded with luggage N to be shipped, a second input conveyor 14 for transporting an empty second pallet 12 that is not loaded with luggage N, a luggage transfer device 15 that transfers the luggage N loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied from the first input conveyor 13 to the empty second pallet 12 supplied from the second input conveyor 14, a first output conveyor 16 for transporting the first pallet 11 that has been emptied after the luggage N has been transferred, and a second output conveyor 17 for transporting the second pallet 12 that has been transferred after the luggage N has been transferred and now contains luggage N.

[0012] The first carry-in conveyor 13 includes a pair of first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b. The first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b are supported at a distance above the floor surface of the facility by first carry-in legs 13c provided at multiple locations in the extension direction of the first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b (left and right direction in FIG. 1). A plurality of first carry-in rollers 13d are rotatably fixed between the pair of first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b. The first carry-in rollers 13d are arranged at a predetermined interval in the extension direction of the first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b. The transport direction of the first pallet 11 on the first carry-in conveyor 13 is the direction toward the baggage transfer device 15 in the extension direction of the first carry-in conveyor frames 13a and 13b (rightward in FIG. 1).

[0013] The second carry-in conveyor 14 is arranged in parallel with the first carry-in conveyor 13. The second carry-in conveyor 14 is arranged on one side (upper side in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the extending direction of the first carry-in conveyor frames 13a, 13b from the first carry-in conveyor 13. The second carry-in conveyor 14 is provided with a pair of second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b. The second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b are supported at a distance above the floor surface of the facility by second carry-in legs 14c provided at multiple locations in the extending direction of the second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b (left-right direction in FIG. 1). A plurality of second carry-in rollers 14d are rotatably fixed between the pair of second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b. The second carry-in rollers 14d are disposed at a predetermined interval in the extension direction of the second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b. The transport direction of the second pallet 12 on the second carry-in conveyor 14 is the direction toward the baggage transfer device 15 within the extension direction of the second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b (to the right in FIG. 1).

[0014] The first discharge conveyor 16 is provided on the opposite side of the first carry-in conveyor 13 across the load transfer device 15, and the second discharge conveyor 17 is provided on the opposite side of the second carry-in conveyor 14 across the load transfer device 15. The first discharge conveyor 16 includes a pair of first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b. The first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b are supported above and spaced apart from the floor surface of the facility by first discharge leg parts 16c provided at multiple locations in the extension direction of the first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b (left and right direction in FIG. 1). A plurality of first discharge rollers 16d are rotatably fixed between the pair of first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b. The first discharge rollers 16d are arranged at a predetermined interval in the extension direction of the first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b. The transport direction of the first pallet 11 on the first output conveyor 16 is the direction toward the opposite side to the baggage transfer device 15 within the extension direction of the first output conveyor frames 16a, 16b (to the right in FIG. 1).

[0015] The second discharge conveyor 17 is arranged in parallel with the first discharge conveyor 16. The second discharge conveyor 17 is arranged on one side (upper side in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the extending direction of the first discharge conveyor frames 16a, 16b, relative to the first discharge conveyor 16. The second discharge conveyor 17 includes a pair of second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b. The second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b are supported at a distance above the floor surface of the facility by second discharge legs 17c provided at multiple locations in the extending direction of the second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b (left-right direction in FIG. 1). A plurality of second discharge rollers 17d are rotatably fixed between the pair of second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b. The second discharge rollers 17d are disposed at a predetermined interval in the extension direction of the second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b. The transport direction of the second pallet 12 on the second discharge conveyor 17 is the direction toward the opposite side of the luggage transfer device 15 in the extension direction of the second discharge conveyor frames 17a, 17b (to the right in FIG. 1).

[0016] The upper ends of the first carry-in roller 13d, the second carry-in roller 14d, the first unloading roller 16d, and the second unloading roller 17d are located at a height of 600 mm from the floor of the facility. In the first carry-in conveyor 13 and the first unloading conveyor 16, the first pallet 11 moves in the above-mentioned conveying direction (rightward in FIG. 1) when pushed by an operator. In the second carry-in conveyor 14 and the second unloading conveyor 17, the second pallet 12 moves in the above-mentioned conveying direction (rightward in FIG. 1) when pushed by an operator. Note that the carry-in conveyors 13, 14 and the unloading conveyors 16, 17 may be configured to use electric roller conveyors or belt conveyors.

[0017] FIG. 2(a) is a perspective view of a first pallet 11 supplied to the luggage transfer device 15 and luggage N loaded on the first pallet 11, and FIG. 2(b) is a perspective view of a second pallet 12 carried out from the luggage transfer device 15 and luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12. As shown in FIG. 2(a) and FIG. 2(b), the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 are rectangular parallelepiped shaped. The pallets 11 and 12 are made of resin. The height of the pallets 11 and 12 is 150 mm. The upper surfaces 11a and 12a and the lower surfaces 11b and 12b of the pallets 11 and 12 are squares with each side measuring 1100 mm. The pallets 11 and 12 each have a pair of parallel first side surfaces 11c and 12c and a pair of parallel third side surfaces 11e and 12e and a pair of parallel fourth side surfaces 11f and 12f that are perpendicular to the first side surfaces 11c and 12c and the second side surfaces 11d and 12d. The distance between the first side surfaces 11c and 12c and the second side surfaces 11d and 12d, and the distance between the third side surfaces 11e and 12e and the fourth side surfaces 11f and 12f are 1100 mm. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, the distance between the first side surfaces 11c and 12c and the second side surfaces 11d and 12d, and the distance between the third side surfaces 11e and 12e and the fourth side surfaces 11f and 12f are also referred to as the "width dimension of the pallets 11 and 12".

[0018] As shown in FIG. 2(a), on the first pallet 11 supplied to the luggage transfer device 15, luggage N of the same size and shape are stacked in five layers in the order of the first layer closest to the first pallet 11, the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, and the fifth layer. In a factory that mass-produces the same product or a factory where the sizes and shapes of packaging containers that contain multiple types of products are standardized, a situation occurs in which a large number of luggage N of the same size and shape are stored. The luggage N is a packaging container in a rectangular parallelepiped shape. The height dimension of the luggage N is 196 mm. In addition, the longitudinal dimension (vertical dimension) of the luggage N is 540 mm, and the transverse dimension (horizontal dimension) of the luggage N is 168 mm. There are 12 luggage N on each of the first to fifth layers.

[0019] In this embodiment, there are a first arrangement pattern and a second arrangement pattern as arrangement patterns of luggage N. FIG. 2(c) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first arrangement pattern of luggage N, and FIG. 2(d) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the second arrangement pattern of luggage N. As shown in FIG. 2(c), in the first arrangement pattern, three horizontal luggage N are arranged vertically (vertical direction in FIG. 2(c)) in the upper left and lower right parts of the layer, and three vertical luggage N are arranged horizontally (horizontal direction in FIG. 2(c)) in the upper right and lower left parts of the layer. Also, as shown in FIG. 2(d), in the second arrangement pattern, three vertical luggage N are arranged horizontally (horizontal direction in FIG. 2(d)) in the upper left and lower right parts of the layer, and three horizontal luggage N are arranged vertically (vertical direction in FIG. 2(d)) in the upper right and lower left parts of the layer.

[0020] The relationship between the first arrangement pattern and the second arrangement pattern is such that when a layer of luggage N arranged in the second arrangement pattern is stacked on top of a layer of luggage N arranged in the first arrangement pattern, or when a layer of luggage N arranged in the first arrangement pattern is stacked on top of a layer of luggage N arranged in the second arrangement pattern, there is no location where luggage N is stacked in the same orientation above and below, i.e., no location where luggage collapse is likely to occur. The first arrangement pattern is an arrangement pattern in which the orientation of luggage N in a layer is two types (vertical and horizontal), and the second arrangement pattern is an arrangement pattern in which the orientation of luggage N in a layer is two types (vertical and horizontal). Furthermore, the first arrangement pattern is an arrangement pattern in which the orientation of luggage N is different between the upper left and the lower left or upper right in the layer, and the orientation of luggage N is different between the lower right and the upper right or lower left in the layer. In addition, the second arrangement pattern is an arrangement pattern in which the orientation of luggage N is different between the upper left and the lower left or upper right within the layer, and also in which the orientation of luggage N is different between the lower right and the upper right or lower left within the layer.

[0021] The first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is stacked in the first stacking pattern or the second stacking pattern is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15. The first stacking pattern is a stacking pattern in which the luggage N is arranged in the odd-numbered layers (the first layer, the third layer, and the fifth layer) to form a first arrangement pattern, and the luggage N is arranged in the even-numbered layers (the second layer and the fourth layer) to form a second arrangement pattern, as shown in FIG. 2(a). Although not shown, the second stacking pattern is a stacking pattern in which the luggage N is arranged in the odd-numbered layers to form a second arrangement pattern, and the luggage N is arranged in the even-numbered layers to form the first arrangement pattern. In this way, both the first stacking pattern and the second stacking pattern are stacking patterns in which the first arrangement pattern and the second arrangement pattern are alternately repeated. Moreover, the first stacking pattern and the second stacking pattern are stacking patterns that do not include a portion where the luggage N on the top and bottom are stacked in the same direction, that is, a portion where the luggage is likely to collapse. In facilities such as factories and warehouses, cargo N is stored in the first stacking configuration or the second stacking configuration prior to shipment, thereby preventing cargo from falling apart within the facilities.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2(b), on the second pallet 12 carried out from the luggage transfer device 15, luggage N is stacked in seven layers in the order of the first layer closest to the second pallet 12, followed by the first layer, the second layer, the third layer, the fourth layer, the fifth layer, the sixth layer, and the seventh layer. In addition, there are 12 luggage N on each of the first to seventh layers. If the number of layers of luggage N on the first pallet 11 during storage is increased, there is a risk that the movement of the first pallet 11 in the facility will be hindered, and the luggage N below will be deformed by the weight of the luggage N stacked on top. On the other hand, if the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 during transportation is small, the upper part of the luggage compartment of the truck will be largely empty, and the transportation efficiency will decrease. In addition, if the second pallets 12 on which luggage N is stacked are stacked on top of each other in the luggage compartment of the truck, there is a problem that the second pallet 12 will leave a mark on the upper surface of the luggage N placed under the second pallet 12. In contrast, the luggage transfer device 15 transfers luggage N until luggage N is stacked in seven layers on the second pallet 12. In this way, by using the luggage transfer device 15 to enable a change in the number of layers of luggage N suitable for storage (five layers) to the number of layers of luggage N suitable for transportation (seven layers), it is possible to improve the transport efficiency of luggage N without causing problems in storing luggage N within the facility.

[0023] The empty first pallet 11 transported from the luggage transfer device 15 is collected downstream of the first output conveyor 16 and used again within the facility. The second pallet 12 transported from the luggage transfer device 15 with luggage N loaded thereon is transported by the second output conveyor 17, then loaded into the luggage compartment of a truck and transported to a destination such as a warehouse or a store. In this way, the existence of the second pallet 12 used for shipping in addition to the first pallet 11 used within a facility such as a factory or warehouse prevents the first pallet 11 used within the facility from being used outside the facility and becoming dirty. In facilities such as food factories and pharmaceutical factories where a certain level of cleanliness is required, preventing the first pallet 11 from becoming dirty prevents the process of washing and drying the first pallet 11 from occurring.

[0024] <Baggage transfer device> Next, the configuration of the luggage transfer device 15 will be described. Fig. 3 is a front view of the luggage transfer device 15 as seen from the unloading conveyors 16, 17, and Fig. 4 is a side view of the luggage transfer device 15. As shown in Fig. 1, the luggage transfer device 15 has a metal frame 21. The frame 21 has a pair of first and second loading columns 22a and 22b, and a pair of first and second unloading columns 22c and 22d. These columns 22a to 22d extend upward from the floor surface of the facility. The second loading column 22b is disposed away from the first loading column 22a on one side (upper side in Fig. 1) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the loading conveyors 13, 14. The unloading-side first support 22c is disposed at a predetermined distance from the loading-side first support 22a in the conveying direction (to the right in FIG. 1) of the loading conveyors 13, 14, and the unloading-side second support 22d is disposed at a predetermined distance from the loading-side second support 22b in the conveying direction. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the frame 21 includes a loading-side lower frame 23a connecting the lower portions of the loading-side first support 22a and the loading-side second support 22b, a loading-side lower frame 23b connecting the lower portions of the unloading-side first support 22c and the unloading-side second support 22d, a first lower frame 23c connecting the lower portions of the loading-side first support 22a and the unloading-side first support 22c, and a second lower frame 23d connecting the lower portions of the loading-side second support 22b and the unloading-side second support 22d. Furthermore, the frame 21 includes an upper frame 24a for connecting the upper portions of the first support column 22a and the second support column 22b, an upper frame 24b for connecting the upper portions of the first support column 22c and the second support column 22d, a first upper frame 24c for connecting the upper portions of the first support column 22a and the first support column 22c, and a second upper frame 24d for connecting the upper portions of the second support column 22b and the second support column 22d. In this manner, a rectangular parallelepiped space is partitioned by the support columns 22a to 22d, the lower frames 23a to 23d, and the upper frames 24a to 24d of the frame 21.

[0025] The upper surfaces of the lower frames 23a to 23d are at the same height as the upper ends of the carry-in rollers 13d, 14d and the carry-out rollers 16d, 17d (FIG. 1). The carry-in side lower frame 23a supports the pallets 11, 12 as they are carried into the space defined by the frame body 21, and the carry-out side lower frame 23b supports the pallets 11, 12 as they are carried out of the space defined by the frame body 21. This reduces the workload of carrying in and carrying out the pallets 11, 12 compared to a configuration with a step.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the ends of the first carry-in conveyor frames 13a, 13b and the second carry-in conveyor frames 14a, 14b on the conveying direction side (right side in FIG. 1) are fixed to the carry-in side lower frame 23a (FIG. 4) of the frame body 21 with screws. This prevents the first carry-in conveyor 13 and the second carry-in conveyor 14 from shifting in position relative to the baggage transfer device 15. In addition, the ends of the first carry-out conveyor frames 16a, 16b and the second carry-out conveyor frames 17a, 17b on the opposite side to the conveying direction (left side in FIG. 1) are fixed to the carry-out side lower frame 23b (FIG. 4) of the frame body 21 with screws. This prevents the first carry-out conveyor 16 and the second carry-out conveyor 17 from shifting in position relative to the baggage transfer device 15. In addition, the first loading side support pillar 22a, the second loading side support pillar 22b, the first unloading side support pillar 22c, the second unloading side support pillar 22d, the first loading leg 13c, the second loading leg 14c, the first unloading leg 16c and the second unloading leg 17c may be screwed to the floor of the facility, thereby preventing the loading conveyors 13, 14 and the unloading conveyors 16, 17 from shifting out of position relative to the baggage transfer device 15.

[0027] 1, the distance between the first loading-side support column 22a and the first unloading-side support column 22c, and the distance between the second loading-side support column 22b and the second unloading-side support column 22d are greater than the width of the pallets 11, 12 (1100 mm) and smaller than twice the width of the pallets 11, 12 (2200 mm). The distance between the first loading-side support column 22a and the second loading-side support column 22b, and the distance between the first unloading-side support column 22c and the second unloading-side support column 22d are greater than twice the width of the pallets 11, 12 (2200 mm) and smaller than three times the width of the pallets 11, 12 (3300 mm).

[0028] As shown in FIG. 3, the luggage transfer device 15 includes a first lifter 25 and a second lifter 26 provided inside a space partitioned by a frame 21. The first lifter 25 is a hydraulic table lifter capable of raising and lowering the first pallet 11, and the second lifter 26 is a hydraulic table lifter capable of raising and lowering the second pallet 12. The first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are arranged in parallel. The second lifter 26 is disposed closer to the second lower frame 23d (the right side in FIG. 3) than the first lifter 25. As shown in FIG. 1, the first lifter 25 is located on the opposite side of the first carry-in conveyor 13 across the carry-in side lower frame 23a, and is located on the opposite side of the first carry-out conveyor 16 across the carry-out side lower frame 23b. The second lifter 26 is located on the opposite side of the second carry-in conveyor 14 across the carry-in side lower frame 23a, and is also located on the opposite side of the second carry-out conveyor 17 across the carry-out side lower frame 23b.

[0029] As shown in Fig. 3, the first lifter 25 is provided with a first pallet placement table 27 on which the first pallet 11 supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 (Fig. 1) is set, and the second lifter 26 is provided with a second pallet placement table 28 on which the second pallet 12 supplied from the second carry-in conveyor 14 (Fig. 1) is set. The pallet placement tables 27, 28 are made of metal. The pallet placement tables 27, 28 may also be made of resin.

[0030] The plate thickness of the pallet placement tables 27, 28 is 90 mm. The first pallet placement table 27 includes a first pallet placement surface 27a on which the first pallet 11 is set, and a pair of first and second side guides 27b and 27c that protrude upward from the upper surface of the first pallet placement table 27. The first side guide 27b is provided closer to the second lifter 26 than the first pallet placement surface 27a, and the second side guide 27c is provided on the opposite side of the first pallet placement surface 27a to the second lifter 26. The first pallet placement surface 27a is the upper surface of the first pallet placement table 27, and is partitioned by the first and second side guides 27b and 27c into a square that is slightly larger than the first pallet 11. The first pallet placement surface 27a is an upward horizontal surface that is parallel to the floor surface of the facility.

[0031] The first pallet 11 supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 (FIG. 1) is set on the first pallet placement surface 27a by an operator. The provision of the first side guide 27b and the second side guide 27c makes it easy to set the first pallet 11 in the center of the first pallet placement surface 27a. In addition, movement of the first pallet 11 set on the first pallet placement surface 27a towards the second lifter 26 and movement away from the second lifter 26 are restricted.

[0032] The second pallet mounting table 28 includes a second pallet mounting surface 28a on which the second pallet 12 is set, and a pair of third and fourth side guides 28b and 28c that protrude upward from the second pallet mounting surface 28a. The third side guide 28b is provided closer to the first lifter 25 than the second pallet mounting surface 28a, and the fourth side guide 28c is provided on the opposite side of the second pallet mounting surface 28a from the first lifter 25. The second pallet mounting surface 28a is the upper surface of the second pallet mounting table 28, and is partitioned by the third and fourth side guides 28b and 28c into a square that is slightly larger than the second pallet 12. The second pallet mounting surface 28a is an upward-facing horizontal surface that is parallel to the floor of the facility.

[0033] The second pallet 12 supplied from the second carry-in conveyor 14 (FIG. 1) is set on the second pallet mounting surface 28a by an operator. The provision of the third side guide 28b and the fourth side guide 28c makes it easy to set the second pallet 12 in the center of the second pallet mounting surface 28a. In addition, movement of the second pallet 12 set on the second pallet mounting surface 28a towards the first lifter 25 and movement in the opposite direction from the first lifter 25 are restricted.

[0034] The configuration for raising and lowering second pallet platform 28 in second lifter 26 is similar to the configuration for raising and lowering first pallet platform 27 in first lifter 25. Below, the configuration for raising and lowering first pallet platform 27 will be described using first lifter 25 as an example.

[0035] The first lifter 25 includes a base 31 fixed to the floor of the facility, and an arm section 32 provided between the base 31 and the first pallet placement table 27. The arm section 32 includes a pair of lower arm sections 33 intersecting in an X-shape, and a pair of upper arm sections 34 intersecting in an X-shape. The lower arm section 33 and the upper arm section 34 are disposed on the loading conveyors 13, 14 side and the unloading conveyors 16, 17 side, respectively. The lower arm section 33 includes a lower outer arm 33b and a lower inner arm 33c rotatably connected by a lower center pin 33a, and the upper arm section 34 includes an upper outer arm 34b and an upper inner arm 34c rotatably connected by an upper center pin 34a. The lower end of the lower outer arm 33b is rotatably connected to the base 31 via a fixed pin (not shown). The lower end of the lower inner arm 33c is rotatably and slidably connected to the base 31 via a sliding roller (not shown). The upper inner arm 34c is connected to the upper end of the lower outer arm 33b via a first pin 35, and the upper outer arm 34b is connected to the upper end of the lower inner arm 33c via a second pin 36. The upper end of the upper inner arm 34c is rotatably connected to the first pallet placement table 27 via a fixed pin (not shown), and the upper end of the upper outer arm 34b is rotatably and slidably connected to the first pallet placement table 27 via a sliding roller (not shown). A first hydraulic cylinder 37 is stretched between the lower inner arm 33c and the upper outer arm 34b. When the first hydraulic cylinder 37 is driven, the first pallet placement table 27 rises and falls while maintaining the first pallet placement surface 27a parallel to the floor surface of the facility.

[0036] In this way, the first pallet mounting table 27 is raised and lowered while maintaining the first pallet mounting surface 27a as a horizontal plane parallel to the floor of the facility by driving the first hydraulic cylinder 37. Similarly to the first pallet mounting table 27, the second pallet mounting table 28 is raised and lowered while maintaining the second pallet mounting surface 28a as a horizontal plane parallel to the floor of the facility by driving the second hydraulic cylinder 38 provided on the second lifter 26.

[0037] The first lifter 25 is a two-stage table lifter in which the arm portion 32 has a lower arm portion 33 and an upper arm portion 34. This allows the dimensions of the base 31 to be reduced compared to a configuration in which the first lifter 25 is a one-stage table lifter. Similarly to the first lifter 25, the second lifter 26 is a two-stage table lifter. This allows the dimensions of the base to be reduced compared to a configuration in which the second lifter 26 is a one-stage table lifter. This allows the dimensions of the frame 21 on which the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are installed to be reduced, and also allows the dimensions of the luggage transfer device 15 to be reduced.

[0038] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a first hydraulic unit 41 (FIG. 4) connected to the first hydraulic cylinder 37 and a second hydraulic unit 42 (FIG. 4) connected to the second hydraulic cylinder 38. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first hydraulic unit 41 is installed on a lower installation platform 43 provided outside the frame body 21, and the second hydraulic unit 42 is installed on the first hydraulic unit 41. The lower installation platform 43 extends horizontally from the first loading side support column 22a (FIG. 1) and the first unloading side support column 22c to the opposite side to the second loading side support column 22b (FIG. 1) and the second unloading side support column 22d. The upper surface of the lower installation platform 43 is a horizontal plane. The lower installation platform 43 is provided on the opposite side to the second lifter 26 across the first lifter 25. The lower installation platform 43 is also located outside the frame body 21. The ends of the lower installation table 43 on the side of the first carry-in support column 22a (FIG. 1) and the first carry-out support column 22c are fixed to the first carry-in support column 22a and the first carry-out support column 22c with screws. As a result, the lower installation table 43 is cantilever-supported by the first carry-in support column 22a and the first carry-out support column 22c.

[0039] The first hydraulic unit 41 raises the first pallet platform 27 by extending the first hydraulic cylinder 37, and lowers the first pallet platform 27 by contracting the first hydraulic cylinder 37. Meanwhile, the second hydraulic unit 42 raises the second pallet platform 28 by extending the second hydraulic cylinder 38, and lowers the second pallet platform 28 by contracting the second hydraulic cylinder 38.

[0040] The first initial position, which is the initial position of the first pallet placement table 27, is a height position where the first pallet placement surface 27a is at the same height as the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d (FIG. 1), the upper surface of the carry-in side lower frame 23a (FIG. 4), the upper surface of the carry-out side lower frame 23b, and the upper end of the first carry-out roller 16d (FIG. 1). When the first pallet placement table 27 is at the first initial position, the worker can set the first pallet 11 loaded with the cargo N supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 on the first pallet placement table 27. After the cargo N is transferred, the worker can move the empty first pallet 11 to the first carry-out conveyor 16 and set the next first pallet 11 on the first pallet placement table 27 when the first pallet placement table 27 is at the first initial position.

[0041] The second initial position, which is the initial position of the second pallet placement table 28, is a height position where the second pallet placement surface 28a is at the same height as the upper end of the second carry-in roller 14d (FIG. 1), the upper surface of the carry-in side lower frame 23a (FIG. 4), the upper surface of the carry-out side lower frame 23b, and the upper end of the second carry-out roller 17d (FIG. 1). When the second pallet placement table 28 is at the second initial position, the worker can set the empty second pallet 12 supplied from the second carry-in conveyor 14 on the second pallet placement table 28. After the transfer of the cargo N, the worker can move the second pallet 12 loaded with the cargo N to the second carry-out conveyor 17 and set the next second pallet 12 on the second pallet placement table 28 when the second pallet placement table 28 is at the second initial position.

[0042] When the first pallet platform 27 is in the first initial position, the distance from the first pallet platform 27 to the first carry-in rollers 13d (FIG. 1) and the distance from the first pallet platform 27 to the first carry-out rollers 16d (FIG. 1) are less than half the width dimension (1100 mm) of the pallets 11 and 12. This reduces the workload of loading the first pallet 11 onto the first pallet platform 27 and unloading the first pallet 11 from the first pallet platform 27. When the second pallet platform 28 is in the second initial position, the distance from the second pallet platform 28 to the second carry-in rollers 14d (FIG. 1) and the distance from the second pallet platform 28 to the second carry-out rollers 17d (FIG. 1) are less than half the width dimension (1100 mm) of the pallets 11 and 12. This reduces the workload involved in carrying the second pallet 12 onto the second pallet placement table 28 and carrying the second pallet 12 out of the second pallet placement table 28.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 3, the lower surfaces of the pallet placement tables 27 and 28 are horizontal. A first distance measuring sensor 44 capable of measuring the distance from the floor of the facility to the first pallet placement table 27 is provided on the lower surface of the first pallet placement table 27 at a position facing the floor of the facility. The first distance measuring sensor 44 is an ultrasonic sensor that measures the distance based on the time from transmission to reception of ultrasonic waves. The first distance measuring sensor 44 measures the distance from the lower surface of the first pallet placement table 27 to the floor of the facility. This makes it possible to grasp the distance of the first pallet placement table 27 from the floor. When the first pallet placement table 27 is in the first initial position, the first pallet placement surface 27a is at a height of 600 mm from the floor. As already described, the thickness dimension of the first pallet placement table 27 is 90 mm. Therefore, when the first pallet platform 27 is in the first initial position, the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet platform 27 detected by the first distance measurement sensor 44 is 510 mm. When a lowering operation is being performed to return the first pallet platform 27 to the first initial position, it can be determined that the first pallet platform 27 has returned to the first initial position based on the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet platform 27 detected by the first distance measurement sensor 44 becoming 510 mm or less.

[0044] A second distance measuring sensor 45 capable of measuring the distance from the floor of the facility to the second pallet platform 28 is provided on the lower surface of the second pallet platform 28 at a position facing the floor of the facility. The second distance measuring sensor 45 is an ultrasonic sensor, similar to the first distance measuring sensor 44 described above. The second distance measuring sensor 45 measures the distance from the lower surface of the second pallet platform 28 to the floor of the facility. This makes it possible to grasp the distance of the second pallet platform 28 from the floor. When the second pallet platform 28 is in the second initial position, the second pallet platform surface 28a is at a height of 600 mm from the floor. As already described, the thickness dimension of the second pallet platform 28 is 90 mm. Therefore, when the second pallet platform 28 is in the second initial position, the distance of the second pallet platform 28 from the floor as grasped by the second distance measuring sensor 45 is 510 mm. When a lowering operation is being performed to return the second pallet loading platform 28 to the second initial position, it can be determined that the second pallet loading platform 28 has returned to the second initial position based on the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet loading platform 28 detected by the second distance measuring sensor 45 being 510 mm or less.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 3, above the lower installation platform 43, which has already been described, a luggage placement platform 46 is provided, which extends horizontally from the first loading-side support 22a (FIG. 1) and the first unloading-side support 22c to the opposite side to the second loading-side support 22b (FIG. 1) and the second unloading-side support 22d. The luggage placement platform 46 is located outside the frame 21. The luggage placement platform 46 is located on the opposite side to the second pallet placement platform 28 across the first pallet placement platform 27. The ends of the luggage placement platform 46 on the side of the first loading-side support 22a (FIG. 1) and the first unloading-side support 22c are fixed to the first loading-side support 22a and the first unloading-side support 22c with screws. As a result, the luggage placement platform 46 is cantilevered by the first loading-side support 22a and the first unloading-side support 22c. The luggage placement platform 46 is made of metal. The luggage placement platform 46 may be made of resin.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1, the luggage placement platform 46 extends from the end of the first column 22a on the side of the carry-in conveyors 13 and 14 to the end of the first column 22c on the side of the carry-out conveyors 16 and 17. Therefore, the dimension of the luggage placement platform 46 from the end of the first column 22a on the side of the carry-in conveyors 22c on the side of the carry-out conveyors 16 and 17 (width in the left-right direction in FIG. 1) is larger than the width of the pallets 11 and 12 (1100 mm). In addition, the protruding dimension of the luggage placement platform 46 from the first column 22a on the carry-in side and the first column 22c on the carry-out side (width in the up-down direction in FIG. 1) is set to be slightly larger than the width of the pallets 11 and 12 (1100 mm). As a result, the luggage placement platform 46 can be used to place one layer of luggage N on the first pallet 11. Therefore, it is possible to temporarily place one layer of luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 before moving the luggage N on the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12, and to adjust the order in which the luggage N taken out from the first pallet 11 is loaded onto the second pallet 12. The upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46 is located at a height of 2004 mm above the floor of the facility.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, the luggage placement platform 46 is provided with a temporarily placed luggage detection sensor 47 capable of detecting the presence of luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46. The temporarily placed luggage detection sensor 47 is a photoelectric sensor. The temporarily placed luggage detection sensor 47 includes a light projector 47a and a light receiver 47b spaced apart in the pallet conveying direction (left and right direction in FIG. 4). When luggage N is not present between the light projector 47a and the light receiver 47b, the light emitted from the light projector 47a is received by the light receiver 47b. On the other hand, when luggage N is present between the light projector 47a and the light receiver 47b, the light emitted from the light projector 47a is blocked by the luggage N and is not received by the light receiver 47b. The temporarily placed luggage detection sensor 47 provided on the luggage placement platform 46 makes it possible to detect luggage N placed on the luggage placement platform 46. Also, it is possible to configure the system so that, on the condition that no luggage N is present on the luggage platform 46, an operation for temporarily placing luggage N on the luggage platform 46 is executed.

[0048] As shown in Fig. 1, the second pallet platform 28, the first pallet platform 27, and the luggage platform 46 are arranged in a straight line. The arrangement direction of the second pallet platform 28, the first pallet platform 27, and the luggage platform 46 is a direction (the up-down direction in Fig. 1) perpendicular to the conveying direction of the load conveyors 13, 14 and the unloading conveyors 16, 17, and is a direction from the load-in second support column 22b and the unloading second support column 22d toward the load-in first support column 22a and the unloading first support column 22c.

[0049] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a transfer device 51 that moves luggage N from the first pallet placement platform 27 to the second pallet placement platform 28, moves luggage N from the first pallet placement platform 27 to the luggage placement platform 46, and moves luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet placement platform 28. The transfer device 51 is installed above the frame 21. As shown in FIG. 4, the transfer device 51 includes a suction holding mechanism 52 that suctions and holds luggage N, a lifting mechanism 53 that allows the suction holding mechanism 52 to be raised and lowered, a support 54 that supports the suction holding mechanism 52 via the lifting mechanism 53, and a traveling mechanism 55 that causes the support 54 to travel in the arrangement direction of the placement platforms 27, 28, and 46 (the left-right direction in FIG. 3). When the support 54 travels in the arrangement direction, the support 54, the lifting mechanism 53, and the suction holding mechanism 52 travel in the arrangement direction.

[0050] First, the running mechanism 55 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the support 54 has a rectangular parallelepiped shape and exists from the vicinity of the carry-in upper frame 24a to the vicinity of the carry-out upper frame 24b. As shown in FIG. 1, the running mechanism 55 includes a pair of first and second driven wheels 56a and 56b rotatably provided on the outside of the support 54, and a pair of third and fourth driven wheels 56c and 56d. The first and third driven wheels 56a and 56c are located closer to the carry-in conveyors 13 and 14 than the support 54, and the second and fourth driven wheels 56b and 56d are located closer to the carry-out conveyors 16 and 17 than the support 54. Among the upper frames 24a-24d of the frame body 21, a carry-in side rail frame 57 is provided on the carry-in side upper frame 24a (FIG. 4) which extends in the arrangement direction of the loading platforms 27, 28, 46, and a carry-out side rail frame 58 is provided on the carry-out side upper frame 24b (FIG. 4). The first driven wheel 56a and the third driven wheel 56c are placed on the carry-in side rail frame 57, and the second driven wheel 56b and the fourth driven wheel 56d are placed on the carry-out side rail frame 58. The carry-in side rail frame 57 extends in a direction from the carry-in side second support column 22b toward the carry-in side first support column 22a, and extends beyond the carry-in side first support column 22a to the baggage loading platform 46 side. The unloading-side rail frame 58 extends in a direction from the unloading-side second support pillar 22d toward the unloading-side first support pillar 22c, and extends beyond the unloading-side first support pillar 22c to the luggage platform 46 side.

[0051] As shown in FIG. 1, the carry-in side rail frame 57 is provided with a carry-in side regulating wall 57a protruding from the top surface of the carry-in side rail frame 57 on the carry-in conveyor 13, 14 side of the first driven wheel 56a and the third driven wheel 56c. This restricts the movement of the first driven wheel 56a and the third driven wheel 56c toward the carry-in conveyor 13, 14 side, and restricts the movement of the support body 54 toward the carry-in conveyor 13, 14 side. In addition, the carry-out side rail frame 58 is provided with a carry-out side regulating wall 58a protruding from the top surface of the carry-out side rail frame 58 on the carry-out conveyor 16, 17 side of the second driven wheel 56b and the fourth driven wheel 56d. This restricts the movement of the second driven wheel 56b and the fourth driven wheel 56d toward the carry-out conveyor 16, 17 side, and restricts the movement of the support body 54 toward the carry-in conveyor 13, 14 side. The loading side regulating wall 57a and the unloading side regulating wall 58a extend from the second upper frame 24d side (upper side in Figure 1) of the second pallet loading platform 28 to the opposite side of the second upper frame 24d (lower side in Figure 1) of the center of the luggage loading platform 46.

[0052] The traveling mechanism 55 includes a drive motor 61 provided on the support 54, and a pair of first and second pinions 63 and 64 that rotate with power transmitted from the drive motor 61 via a power transmission mechanism 62. The first pinion 63 is provided on the carry-in conveyors 13 and 14 side of the support 54, and the second pinion 64 is provided on the carry-out conveyors 16 and 17 side of the support 54. The baggage transfer device 15 also includes a pair of carry-in guide rails 67 and carry-out guide rails 68 on which racks 65 and 66 (FIG. 1) that mesh with the teeth of the pinions 63 and 64 are formed. The carry-in guide rail 67 is provided on the carry-in rail frame 57, and the carry-out guide rail 68 is provided on the carry-out rail frame 58. Furthermore, the loading-side guide rail 67 is provided on the loading conveyors 13, 14 side of the loading-side regulating wall 57a, and the unloading-side guide rail 68 is provided on the unloading conveyors 16, 17 side of the unloading-side regulating wall 58a. The loading-side guide rail 67 and the unloading-side guide rail 68 extend from the second upper frame 24d side (upper side in FIG. 1) of the center of the second pallet placement table 28 to the opposite side from the second upper frame 24d of the center of the baggage placement table 46 (lower side in FIG. 1).

[0053] When the drive motor 61 is in the first drive state and the pinions 63, 64 rotate forward, the support 54, the lifting mechanism 53 and the suction holding mechanism 52 move in a direction from the luggage platform 46 toward the second pallet platform 28 (upward in FIG. 1). When the drive motor 61 is in the second drive state and the pinions 63, 64 rotate backward, the support 54, the lifting mechanism 53 and the suction holding mechanism 52 move in a direction from the second pallet platform 28 toward the luggage platform 46 (downward in FIG. 1). The support 54 has the following stopping positions: a transfer source stopping position set above the first pallet platform 27, a transfer destination stopping position set above the second pallet platform 28, and a temporary placement stopping position set above the luggage platform 46. The distance from the source stop position to the destination stop position, and the distance from the source stop position to the temporary placement stop position are greater than the width dimension (1100 mm) of the pallets 11, 12 and less than twice the width dimension (2200 mm) of the pallets 11, 12. The support body 54 can travel back and forth between the temporary placement stop position and the destination stop position.

[0054] As described above, the first pallet platform 27, the second pallet platform 28, and the luggage platform 46 are arranged in a straight line. This allows the guide rails 67, 68 to be a straight path. Furthermore, by making the guide rails 67, 68 a straight path, it is possible to eliminate the need for control to decelerate the support 54 in order to change the moving direction of the support 54, and it is possible to reduce the time required for the support 54 to move. Furthermore, by making the movement of the support 54 a straight line, it is possible to simplify the configuration for moving the support 54.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 4, the unloading rail frame 58 has a U-shaped cross section, and the unloading rail frame 58 is open toward the loading rail frame 57. As shown in Fig. 3, the unloading rail frame 58 is provided with a source position detection sensor 71 capable of detecting the support 54 present at the source stop position, a destination position detection sensor 72 capable of detecting the support 54 present at the destination stop position, and a temporary placement position detection sensor 73 capable of detecting the support 54 present at the temporary placement stop position. The position detection sensors 71 to 73 are reflective photoelectric sensors. Each of the position detection sensors 71 to 73 includes a light-emitting unit (not shown) that emits light toward the loading rail frame 57, and a light-receiving unit (not shown) that receives the light reflected back after the emission. As shown in FIG. 4, a detection protrusion 74 is formed at the center of the support 54 in the arrangement direction of the placement tables 27, 28, 46 (left and right direction in FIG. 3) so as to protrude downward from the support 54. A reflector 75 is fixed to the detection protrusion 74 on the side of the frame 58 for the carry-out rail. The light receiving section of the source position detection sensor 71 is in a state of receiving reflected light reflected by the reflector 75 when the support 54 is at the source stop position. The light receiving section of the destination position detection sensor 72 is in a state of receiving reflected light reflected by the reflector 75 when the support 54 is at the destination stop position, and the light receiving section of the temporary placement position detection sensor 73 is in a state of receiving reflected light reflected by the reflector 75 when the support 54 is at the temporary placement stop position. This makes it possible to know whether the support 54 is at the source stop position, the destination stop position, or the temporary placement stop position. It is also possible to execute control to stop the support 54, the lifting mechanism 53 and the suction holding mechanism 52 at the transfer source stopping position, the transfer destination stopping position or the temporary placement stopping position.

[0056] Next, the lifting mechanism 53 will be described. As shown in FIG. 4, the lifting mechanism 53 includes a first air cylinder 76 and a second air cylinder 77 that are arranged in series in the vertical direction. The first air cylinder 76 includes a hollow cylindrical first cylinder body 76a and a first rod portion 76b that can move up and down. The first cylinder body 76a is fixed to the upper part of the support 54 and extends upward from the support 54. The upper end side of the first rod portion 76b is accommodated in the first cylinder body 76a, and the lower end side of the first rod portion 76b protrudes downward from the first cylinder body 76a. The second air cylinder 77 includes a hollow cylindrical second cylinder body 77a and a second rod portion 77b that can move up and down. The second cylinder body 77a is fixed to the lower end of the first rod portion 76b and extends downward from the lower end of the first rod portion 76b. The first rod portion 76b is inserted into a vertical through-hole (not shown) provided in the support 54, and the second cylinder body portion 77a extends below the support 54 through the through-hole. The upper end side of the second rod portion 77b is housed in the second cylinder body portion 77a, and the lower end side of the second rod portion 77b protrudes downward from the second cylinder body portion 77a. The suction holding mechanism 52 is fixed to the lower end of the second rod portion 77b.

[0057] Each of the first cylinder body 76a and the second cylinder body 77a is connected to a lifting compressor 78 via an electromagnetic valve (not shown). The lifting compressor 78 generates compressed air to be supplied to the first air cylinder 76 and the second air cylinder 77. The lifting compressor 78 is installed on the lower installation stand 43, which has already been described, closer to the carry-in conveyors 13, 14 (FIG. 1) than the first hydraulic unit 41. When compressed air is not introduced into the first cylinder body 76a, the first air cylinder 76 is in a non-driven state in which the first rod portion 76b is raised, and when compressed air is introduced into the first cylinder body 76a, the first air cylinder 76 is in a driven state in which the first rod portion 76b is lowered. The second air cylinder 77 and the suction holding mechanism 52 can be lowered by switching the first air cylinder 76 from a non-driven state to a driven state to lower the first rod portion 76b. Moreover, by switching the first air cylinder 76 from a driven state to a non-driven state to raise the first rod portion 76b, the second air cylinder 77 and the suction hold mechanism 52 can be raised.

[0058] The second air cylinder 77 is in a non-driven state in which the second rod portion 77b is raised when compressed air is not introduced into the second cylinder body portion 77a, and is in a driven state in which the second rod portion 77b is lowered when compressed air is introduced into the second cylinder body portion 77a. The suction-holding mechanism 52 can be lowered by switching the second air cylinder 77 from a non-driven state to a driven state to lower the second rod portion 77b. The suction-holding mechanism 52 can be raised by switching the second air cylinder 77 from a driven state to a non-driven state to raise the second rod portion 77b.

[0059] The lifting mechanism 53 raises and lowers the suction / detachment mechanism 52 between the suction / detachment height position and a second conveyance height position higher than the suction / detachment height position. A first conveyance height position is set between the suction / detachment height position and the second conveyance height position. Although details will be described later, the suction / detachment height position is a height position at which the suction / detachment mechanism 52 starts suctioning and holding the luggage N, and is also a height position at which the suction / holding mechanism 52 stops suctioning and holding the luggage N and places the luggage N thereon. The first conveyance height position is a height position at which the luggage N is moved from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12 and from the first pallet 11 to the luggage placement platform 46 while being suctioned and held. The second conveyance height position is a height position at which the luggage N is moved from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12 while being suctioned and held. The suction / holding mechanism 52 has a suction head 81 extending downward. The first conveying height position is a height position where the lower end of the suction head 81 is located 2300 mm above the floor surface of the facility. The suction / detachment height position is 100 mm lower than the first conveying height position, and the second conveying height position is 150 mm higher than the first conveying height position. By setting the first air cylinder 76 and the second air cylinder 77 in a non-driven state, the suction / holding mechanism 52 is located at the second conveying height position. By setting the first air cylinder 76 in a non-driven state and the second air cylinder 77 in a driven state, the suction / holding mechanism 52 is located at the first conveying height position. Furthermore, by setting the first air cylinder 76 and the second air cylinder 77 in a driven state, the suction / holding mechanism 52 is located at the suction / detachment height position.

[0060] The suction holding mechanism 52 includes the suction support 79 and 36 suction heads 81. The 36 suction heads 81 are fixed to the suction support 79. The upper part of the suction support 79 is fixed to the lower end of the second rod portion 77b of the second air cylinder 77. This results in the suction holding mechanism 52 being fixed to the second rod portion 77b. The suction heads 81 extend downward from the lower surface of the suction support 79. The suction heads 81 are sucked onto the surface of the luggage N by being in a reduced pressure state. The lower installation table 43 already described includes the suction compressor 82, the air tank 83, and the ejector 84 used to create the reduced pressure state of the suction heads 81. In the lower installation table 43, the suction compressor 82 is installed closer to the carry-in conveyors 13, 14 (FIG. 1) than the lifting compressor 78. In addition, in the lower installation table 43, the air tank 83 is installed on the lifting compressor 78, and the ejector 84 is installed on the adsorption compressor 82.

[0061] The adsorption compressor 82 compresses air taken in from the outside, increases the pressure, and discharges the compressed air from a first discharge port (not shown). An air tank 83 connected to the first discharge port has a second discharge port (not shown) that discharges air pushed out from the air tank 83, and the second discharge port is connected to an inlet (not shown) of an ejector 84. The ejector 84 has a diffuser (not shown) that accelerates and flows the compressed air supplied from the inlet (not shown), and a vacuum port (not shown) to which the adsorption head 81 is connected via a connection pipe 85. When compressed air is supplied to the inlet of the ejector 84, a flow is generated in which the air in the vacuum port is sucked into the diffuser, and the vacuum port is in a reduced pressure state.

[0062] In this way, when the suction head 81 is in contact with the upper surface of the luggage N, the pressure in the vacuum port can be reduced to below the suction reference pressure by starting the discharge of compressed air from the suction compressor 82, so that the suction head 81 can suction and hold the luggage N. Also, when the luggage N is suctioned and held by the suction head 81, the pressure in the vacuum port can be set to exceed the suction reference pressure by stopping the discharge of compressed air from the suction compressor 82, so that the suctioned and held luggage N can be released. The air tank 83 is provided between the suction compressor 82 and the ejector 84, so that the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the inlet of the ejector 84 can be stabilized. This prevents the suction force of the suction head 81 from temporarily decreasing. This prevents the luggage N from failing to be lifted and prevents the luggage N from being dropped.

[0063] 5(a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the suction positions of the suction heads 81 for the luggage N arranged in the first arrangement pattern, and FIG. 5(b) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the suction positions of the suction heads 81 for the luggage N arranged in the second arrangement pattern. As shown in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b), the suction heads 81 are arranged in six columns and six rows. The suction heads 81 are arranged so that three suction heads 81 are suctioned for one luggage N in both cases where the orientation of three luggage N present in the upper left, lower left, upper right or lower right of the pallet 11, 12 is vertical (vertical in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b)) and horizontal (horizontal in FIG. 5(a) and FIG. 5(b)).

[0064] When 12 pieces of luggage N are arranged in a first arrangement pattern on the first pallet 11, the second pallet 12, or the luggage placement platform 46, three suction heads 81 are attached to each piece of luggage N as shown in FIG. 5(a). When 12 pieces of luggage N are arranged in a second arrangement pattern on the first pallet 11, the second pallet 12, or the luggage placement platform 46, three suction heads 81 are attached to each piece of luggage N as shown in FIG. 5(b). In this way, even if the arrangement pattern of the luggage N changes, a configuration in which multiple suction heads 81 are attached to each piece of luggage N reduces the possibility that the suction power of the suction heads 81 will be insufficient for the weight of the luggage N. Also, by arranging a total of 36 suction heads 81 in six columns and six rows, the possibility that the suction power of the suction heads 81 will be insufficient for the weight of the luggage N is reduced even if the shape and number of the luggage N loaded on the first pallet 11 change.

[0065] 3, when the support 54 is at the source stop position, the 36 suction heads 81 are present on any of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11, and when the support 54 is at the destination stop position, the 36 suction heads 81 are present on any of the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12. When the support 54 is at the temporary placement stop position, the 36 suction heads 81 are present on any of the luggage N placed on the luggage platform 46. This makes it possible to suck and hold one layer of luggage N present on the first pallet 11 or the luggage platform 46 by lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction / detachment height position when the support 54 is at the source stop position, the destination stop position, or the temporary placement stop position, and to place one layer of luggage N on the second pallet 12 or the luggage platform 46.

[0066] The 36 suction heads 81 approach the luggage N from above and suction-hold one layer of luggage N, and while the suction-holding mechanism 52 suction-holds the luggage N, the support 54 travels to transport one layer of luggage N. This makes it possible to prevent the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N in the layer from changing before and after the movement in the movement of the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12, the movement of the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the luggage placement table 46, and the movement of the luggage N from the luggage placement table 46 to the second pallet 12. In addition, when the luggage N is arranged in a predetermined pattern (first arrangement pattern or second arrangement pattern) on the first pallet 11, the luggage N can be moved onto the destination platform (on the second pallet 12 or on the luggage placement table 46) so that the luggage N is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the destination platform. Furthermore, when the luggage N is arranged in a predetermined pattern (first arrangement pattern or second arrangement pattern) on the luggage placement platform 46, the luggage N can be moved to the destination platform (second pallet 12) so that the luggage N is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the destination platform. Therefore, in both cases where the luggage N on the first pallet 11 is temporarily placed on the luggage placement platform 46 and the temporarily placed luggage N is moved onto the second pallet, and where the luggage N on the first pallet 11 is moved onto the second pallet 12 without passing through the luggage placement platform 46, the luggage N can be loaded onto the second pallet 12 using the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the first pallet 11 in a manner that is less likely to cause collapse of the luggage.

[0067] In a configuration in which one layer of luggage N is clamped from the side and transported, if one layer of luggage N is arranged on the first pallet 11, the second pallet 12, or the luggage placement platform 46 in such a manner that there are gaps between the luggage N, the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N within the layer will change at the stage of clamping one layer of luggage N. In contrast, this configuration conveys one layer of luggage N by suction and holding it from above. This makes it possible to prevent the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N within the layer from changing before and after movement, even if one layer of luggage N is arranged on the first pallet 11, the second pallet 12, or the luggage placement platform 46 in such a manner that there are gaps between the luggage N.

[0068] As shown in FIG. 4, an adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is provided below the adsorption support 79 in the adsorption holding mechanism 52, which makes it possible to determine that the adsorption head 81 is at a height position where it contacts the upper surface of the luggage N. The adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is an ultrasonic sensor that measures distance based on the time from transmission to reception of ultrasonic waves. The adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is provided at a position facing the upper surface of the luggage N in both cases where the arrangement pattern of the luggage N is the first arrangement pattern and where the arrangement pattern of the luggage N is the second arrangement pattern. The adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is provided at a height position where the distance to the upper surface of the luggage N detected by the adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is 180 mm when the adsorption head 81 is in contact with the upper surface of the luggage N. This makes it possible to determine that the adsorption head 81 is in contact with the luggage N based on the distance to the upper surface of the luggage N detected by the adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 becoming 180 mm or less.

[0069] As shown in Fig. 4, on the lower installation table 43, on the opposite side of the lifting compressor 78 with the hydraulic units 41, 42 between them, a transfer control device 94 that controls the transfer device 51, the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 is installed. As shown in Fig. 3, on the front side of the transfer control device 94, there are provided a first setting button 95 that is operated by an operator when the operator sets the first pallet 11 on the first pallet placement table 27, and a second setting button 96 that is operated by the operator when the operator sets the second pallet 12 on the second pallet placement table 28.

[0070] After the power supply of the transfer control device 94 is turned on, the first pallet placement table 27 of the first lifter 25 is in the first initial position, and the second pallet placement table 28 of the second lifter 26 is in the second initial position. In addition, the support 54, the lifting mechanism 53, and the suction holding mechanism 52 are stopped at the transfer origin stop position (above the first pallet placement table 27), and the suction holding mechanism 52 is in the first conveying height position. As already described, the first pallet 11 loaded with the cargo N supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 is set on the first pallet placement table 27 by the operator with the first pallet placement table 27 in the first initial position. After that, when the first setting button 95 is operated, the transfer control device 94 controls the first lifter 25 so that a first post-setting lifting operation is performed to lift the first pallet placement table 27 by 470 mm from the first initial position.

[0071] By performing the first setting-after-rising operation, the upper surface of the uppermost (fifth) piece of luggage N on the first pallet 11 is in a position 100 mm lower than the suction head 81 of the suction holding mechanism 52 that is in the first conveying height position. In this way, by performing the first setting-after-rising operation, the distance between the uppermost piece of luggage N on the first pallet 11 and the suction head 81 of the suction holding mechanism 52 that is in the first conveying height position is 100 mm, which is smaller than one piece of luggage N (196 mm). Also, by performing the first setting-after-rising operation, the upper surface of the uppermost piece of luggage N on the first pallet 11 is in a position one piece of luggage N (196 mm) higher than the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46, and the uppermost piece of luggage placement surface on the first pallet 11 (specifically, the upper surface of the piece of luggage N in the second piece of luggage N from the top on the first pallet 11) is in a position at the same height as the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46. The "topmost cargo loading surface on the first pallet 11" refers to the top surface of the second-highest cargo layer N when there are two or more cargo layers N on the first pallet 11, and to the top surface of the first pallet 11 when there is only one cargo layer N on the first pallet 11.

[0072] When one layer of luggage N is taken out from the first pallet 11 and the suction holding mechanism 52 that suction-holds the one layer of luggage N moves to the transfer destination stop position or the temporary placement stop position, the transfer control device 94 controls the first lifter 25 to perform a one-stage lifting operation to lift the first pallet placement platform 27 by one stage. This returns the topmost luggage placement surface on the first pallet 11 to the same height as the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46.

[0073] As already explained, the empty second pallet 12 supplied from the second carry-in conveyor 14 is set on the second pallet platform 28 by the operator with the second pallet platform 28 in the second initial position. When the second setting button 96 is operated thereafter, the transshipment control device 94 controls the second lifter 26 to perform a second post-setting lifting operation to raise the second pallet platform 28 by 1404 mm. By performing the second post-setting lifting operation, the upper surface of the second pallet 12 is at the same height as the upper surface of the luggage platform 46. In addition, when the first uppermost luggage placement surface on the first pallet 11 is at the same height as the upper surface of the luggage platform 46, the first uppermost luggage placement surface on the first pallet 11, the upper surface of the second pallet 12, and the upper surface of the luggage platform 46 are at the same height.

[0074] After one layer of luggage N is placed on the second pallet 12 by the suction holding mechanism 52, the transshipment control device 94 controls the second lifter 26 to perform a one-stage lowering operation to lower the second pallet placement platform 28 by one stage (specifically, 196 mm). This returns the top surface of the uppermost luggage N on the second pallet 12 to the same height position as the top surface of the luggage placement platform 46.

[0075] In this configuration, the luggage N is transferred when the upper surfaces of the placement tables 27, 28, 46 are at a height position closer to the suction holding mechanism 52 than the upper ends of the carry-in rollers 13d, 14d. This reduces the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 and the time required for lifting and lowering the suction holding mechanism 52, as compared to a configuration in which the luggage N is transferred when the upper surfaces of the placement tables 27, 28, 46 are at the same height position as the upper ends of the carry-in rollers 13d, 14d (a height position 600 mm above the floor surface). In addition, the falling distance of the luggage N when it falls from the suction holding mechanism 52 is reduced, reducing the possibility of an impact being applied to the luggage N that may damage the contents.

[0076] The movement of the luggage N from the transfer source stopping position (above the first pallet platform 27) to the transfer destination stopping position (above the second pallet platform 28) is started in a state where the top surface of the luggage N of the top tier on the first pallet 11 after one layer of luggage N has been taken out or the top surface of the empty first pallet 11 and the top surface of the luggage N of the top tier on the second pallet 12 or the top surface of the empty second pallet 12 are at the same height position (height position 2004 mm above the floor surface) as the top surface of the luggage platform 46. In addition, the movement of the luggage N from the transfer source stopping position to the temporary placement stopping position (above the luggage platform 46) is started in a state where the top surface of the luggage N of the top tier on the first pallet 11 after one layer of luggage N has been taken out or the top surface of the empty first pallet 11 and the top surface of the luggage platform 46 are at the same height position. Furthermore, the movement of the luggage N from the temporary placement stopping position to the transfer destination stopping position is started in a state where the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46 and the upper surface of the luggage N of the topmost level on the second pallet 12 or the upper surface of the empty second pallet 12 are at the same height. In this way, the movement of the luggage N from the source platform to the destination platform is started in a state where the upper surface of the luggage N of the topmost level on the source platform after the luggage N has been taken out or the upper surface of the empty source platform and the upper surface of the luggage N of the topmost level on the destination platform or the upper surface of the empty destination platform are at a height position 2004 mm above the floor surface of the facility. This shortens the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52, and the time required for the lifting and lowering of the suction holding mechanism 52 is reduced. In addition, the falling distance in the case where the luggage N falls from the suction holding mechanism 52 is shortened, and the possibility of an impact that may damage the contents being applied to the luggage N is reduced.

[0077] In controlling the movement of the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12, the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are controlled so that the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 suctions the luggage N on the first pallet 11 and the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 releases the suction holding of the luggage N and places the luggage N on the empty second pallet 12 or on the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12 are substantially the same height position (attachment / detachment height position). This simplifies the configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 compared to a configuration in which the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when starting to suction hold the luggage N differs from the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when releasing the suction holding of the luggage N. Also, the processing configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 can be simplified. Furthermore, compared to a configuration lacking the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26, it is possible to reduce the lifting and lowering distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 and also to reduce the time required for the suction holding mechanism 52 to be raised and lowered.

[0078] As shown in Fig. 3, the luggage transfer device 15 is equipped with a destination luggage detection sensor 92 capable of detecting luggage N placed on the top surface of an empty second pallet 12 or luggage N placed on the top surface of the topmost luggage N on the second pallet 12. A support arm 93 supporting the destination luggage detection sensor 92 is fixed by screws to the unloading side second support column 22d of the frame body 21. The support arm 93 extends from the unloading side second support column 22d toward the loading side second support column 22b (Fig. 1). The destination luggage detection sensor 92 is fixed to the end of the support arm 93 on the opposite side to the unloading side second support column 22d. The destination luggage detection sensor 92 is an ultrasonic sensor that measures distance based on the time from transmission to reception of ultrasonic waves. In a situation where the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 descends and comes into contact with an empty second pallet 12 or the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12, the upper surface of the empty second pallet 12 or the upper surface of the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12 is at the same height as the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46. The destination luggage detection sensor 92 is installed at a position 5 mm higher than the height position of the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46. When the distance from the bottom end of the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 to the upper surface of the empty second pallet 12 or the upper surface of the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12 becomes 5 mm or less, the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 is in a state of being detected by the destination luggage detection sensor 92. The transfer control device 94 can recognize that it is time to release the suction-holding state of the luggage N based on the fact that the luggage N is detected by the transfer destination luggage detection sensor 92 when the luggage N, which is suction-held by the suction-holding mechanism 52, is descending toward an empty second pallet 12 or the topmost luggage N on the second pallet 12.

[0079] As already explained, the luggage placement platform 46 is provided with the temporary luggage detection sensor 47. When the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 is descending toward the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46, if the distance from the lower end of the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 to the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46 becomes 5 mm or less, the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 is detected by the temporary luggage detection sensor 47. When the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 is descending toward the upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46, the transshipment control device 94 can grasp that it is time to release the suction holding state of the luggage N based on the fact that the luggage N is detected by the temporary luggage detection sensor 47.

[0080] When the first pallet 11 becomes empty, the transfer control device 94 controls the first lifter 25 so that the first pallet placement table 27 is lowered to the first initial position. As already explained, after the first pallet 11 with five layers of luggage N loaded on the first pallet placement table 27 is set in a state in which the first pallet placement table 27 is present at the first initial position, a first post-setting lifting operation is executed to lift the first pallet placement table 27 by 470 mm. Also, as already explained, every time one layer of luggage N is taken out from the first pallet 11, a one-step lifting operation is executed to lift the first pallet placement table 27 by one step (196 mm). Therefore, after the one-step lifting operation is executed based on the fact that the last layer of luggage N is taken out from the first pallet 11, the first pallet placement table 27 is present at a height position 1450 mm above the first initial position. Furthermore, as already explained, when the first pallet platform 27 is in the first initial position, the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet platform 27 detected by the first distance measurement sensor 44 is 510 mm. The transshipment control device 94 can determine that the first pallet 11 has become emptied based on the fact that the height position from the floor surface of the first pallet platform 27 detected by the first distance measurement sensor 44 is 1960 mm or more.

[0081] When the number of layers of the cargo N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit (specifically, seven layers), the transshipment control device 94 controls the second lifter 26 so that the second pallet placement platform 28 descends to the second initial position. As already described, after an empty second pallet 12 is set on the second pallet placement platform 28 while the second pallet placement platform 28 is in the second initial position, a second post-setting ascending operation is executed to raise the second pallet placement platform 28 by 1404 mm. Also, as already described, every time one layer of cargo N is loaded on the second pallet 12, a one-layer descending operation is executed to lower the second pallet placement platform 28 by one layer (196 mm). Therefore, after the one-layer descending operation is executed based on the loading of the seventh layer of cargo N on the second pallet 12, the second pallet placement platform 28 is in a state of being at a height position 32 mm above the second initial position. Furthermore, as already explained, when the second pallet platform 28 is in the second initial position, the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet platform 28 detected by the second distance measurement sensor 45 is 510 mm. The transshipment control device 94 can determine that the upper limit number of packages N is loaded on the second pallet 12 based on the fact that the height position from the floor surface of the second pallet platform 28 detected by the second distance measurement sensor 45 is 542 mm or less.

[0082] As shown in FIG. 3, a speaker 101, a direct start button 102, a carry-in start button 103, a take-out start button 104, and a stop button 105 are provided on the front of the transshipment control device 94. The speaker 101 outputs an abnormal suction notification sound to notify the operator that an abnormal suction has occurred. The direct start button 102 is operated to start a first movement control for moving one layer of luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12. The carry-in start button 103 is operated to start the first movement control after executing a second movement control for moving one layer of luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46. The take-out start button 104 is operated to start the first movement control after executing a third movement control for moving one layer of luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 onto the second pallet 12. The stop button 105 is operated to stop the operation of the transfer device 51.

[0083] 6 is a block diagram showing the electrical configuration of the luggage transfer device 15. The operating power of the transfer control device 94, the operating power of the first lifter 25, the operating power of the second lifter 26, and the operating power of the transfer device 51 are supplied from a power supply unit (not shown) built into the transfer control device 94. The transfer control device 94 is equipped with a transfer control board 111. The transfer control board 111 is equipped with a CPU 112, a ROM 113 that stores various control programs and fixed value data executed by the CPU 112, and a RAM 114 that is a memory for temporarily storing various data and the like when the control programs stored in the ROM 113 are executed. It is not essential that the CPU 112, the ROM 113, and the RAM 114 are integrated into a single chip, and each may be integrated into a separate chip.

[0084] The transshipment control board 111 is provided with an input port and an output port (not shown). As shown in Fig. 6, the first distance measurement sensor 44, the second distance measurement sensor 45, the temporary storage baggage detection sensor 47, the source position detection sensor 71, the destination position detection sensor 72, the temporary storage position detection sensor 73, the suction side distance measurement sensor 91, the destination baggage detection sensor 92, the first setting button 95, the second setting button 96, the direct start button 102, the carry-in start button 103, the carry-out start button 104, and the stop button 105 are connected to the input side of the transshipment control device 94. In addition, the first hydraulic unit 41, the second hydraulic unit 42, the drive motor 61, the first air cylinder 76, the second air cylinder 77, the lifting compressor 78, the suction compressor 82, and the speaker 101 are connected to the output side of the transshipment control device 94. In addition, there is a remote control having a first setting button 95, a second setting button 96, a direct start button 102, a bring-in start button 103, a take-out start button 104, and a stop button 105, and the transshipment control device 94 may be configured to have a receiving unit that receives button operation information transmitted from the remote control.

[0085] Next, before describing the operation of the luggage transfer device 15 corresponding to the operation of the direct start button 102, the bring-in start button 103, the take-out start button 104, or the stop button 105, a description will be given of the movement control executed by the luggage transfer device 15. The movement controls executed by the luggage transfer device 15 include a first movement control executed to move the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12, a second movement control executed to move the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the luggage placement platform 46, and a third movement control executed to move the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12.

[0086] In the first movement control, an operation is performed to lower the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction and desorption height position at the transfer origin stop position (above the first pallet placement platform 27), and then an operation is performed to reduce the pressure of the suction head 81 so that the suction head 81 suctions the luggage N. Thereafter, an operation is performed to raise the suction holding mechanism 52 to the first conveying height position while suctioning and holding the luggage N, and after the lifting, an operation is performed to make the support 54 travel to the transfer destination stop position (above the second pallet placement platform 28). Thereafter, an operation is performed to lower the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction and desorption height position at the transfer destination stop position, and then an operation is performed to release the suction holding state so that the luggage N is placed thereon. Thereafter, an operation is performed to lift the suction holding mechanism 52 to the first conveying height position, and after the lifting, an operation is performed to make the support 54 travel to the transfer origin stop position.

[0087] In the second movement control, an operation is performed to lower the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction / detachment height position at the transfer origin stop position, and then an operation is performed to place the suction head 81 in a decompressed state and cause the suction head 81 to suction the baggage N. Thereafter, an operation is performed to raise the suction holding mechanism 52 to the first conveyance height position while suctioning and holding the baggage N, and after the lifting, an operation is performed to make the support 54 travel to the temporary placement stop position (above the baggage placement platform 46). Thereafter, an operation is performed to lower the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction / detachment height position at the temporary placement stop position, and then an operation is performed to release the suction holding state and make the baggage N placed thereon. Thereafter, an operation is performed to lift the suction holding mechanism 52 to the first conveyance height position, and after the lifting, an operation is performed to make the support 54 travel to the transfer origin stop position.

[0088] In the third movement control, an operation of running the support 54 to the temporary placement stop position is performed. Then, an operation of lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction and desorption height position at the temporary placement stop position is performed, and then an operation of putting the suction head 81 in a decompressed state and causing the suction head 81 to suction the baggage N is performed. Then, an operation of raising the suction holding mechanism 52 to a second conveying height position higher than the first conveying height position while suctioning and holding the baggage N is performed, and an operation of running the support 54 to the transfer destination stop position after the lifting is performed. Then, an operation of lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction and desorption height position at the transfer destination stop position is performed, and then an operation of releasing the suction holding state and causing the baggage N to be placed is performed. Then, an operation of lifting the suction holding mechanism 52 to the first conveying height position is performed, and then an operation of running the support 54 to the transfer origin stop position after the lifting is performed. In this way, after the first movement control, the second movement control, or the third movement control is performed, the suction holding mechanism 52 is in a state of being present at the first conveying height, and the support 54 is in a state of being returned to the transfer origin stop position. This makes it possible to execute the next movement control.

[0089] The transfer of the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12 is performed at the second transfer height position. As already explained, the second transfer height position is a position 150 mm higher than the first transfer height position. This allows the luggage N adsorbed and held by the adsorption holding mechanism 52 to be transferred in such a manner that the lower end of the luggage N adsorbed and held by the adsorption holding mechanism 52 passes 54 mm above the upper end of the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11. It is considered that the frequency of execution of the first movement control is higher than the frequency of execution of the third movement control. In addition, the lower the height of the adsorption holding mechanism 52, the more the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls from the adsorption holding mechanism 52 can be suppressed. In addition, the shorter the lifting distance of the adsorption holding mechanism 52, the more the time required for the adsorption holding mechanism 52 to lift and lower can be reduced. By setting the first conveying height position used in the first movement control to a position lower than the second conveying height position used in the third movement control, the possibility of the luggage N being damaged if it falls is reduced, and the time required to transfer the luggage N is shortened.

[0090] In the third movement control, the transport of the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12 is performed in such a manner that the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 passes above the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11. This makes it possible to configure the first pallet placement platform 27 to be present on the path from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet placement platform 28. This makes it possible to prevent the transport path of the luggage N from becoming complicated.

[0091] 7(a) to 7(c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining movement control performed based on the operation of the direct start button 102. A first movement control is performed based on the operation of the direct start button 102. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(a), the topmost layer of luggage N on the first pallet 11 is moved onto the empty second pallet 12 or onto the topmost luggage N on the second pallet 12. As shown in FIG. 7(b) and FIG. 7(c), the first movement control is repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit number of layers (specifically, seven layers).

[0092] 7(d) to 7(f) are explanatory diagrams for explaining movement control performed based on operation of the bring-in start button 103. The bring-in start button 103 is operated for the purpose of preventing the occurrence of a location where upper and lower luggage N are stacked in the same direction on the second pallet 12 when the arrangement pattern of the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the uppermost luggage N on the second pallet 12 and execution of the first movement control results in the occurrence of such a location. The worker operates the bring-in start button 103 when the arrangement pattern of the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the uppermost luggage N on the second pallet 12 and no luggage N is present on the luggage placement platform 46.

[0093] First, the second movement control is performed based on the operation of the carry-in start button 103. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(d), one layer of luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 is moved onto the luggage placement platform 46. After the second control is performed, the first movement control is performed as shown in FIG. 7(e). The first movement control is repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of levels of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit level (specifically, seven levels) as shown in FIG. 7(f). When the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12, the worker can operate the carry-in start button 103 on the condition that there is no luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46, thereby preventing the same arrangement pattern from being repeated on the second pallet 12.

[0094] 8(a) to 8(c) are explanatory diagrams for explaining movement control performed based on operation of the take-out start button 104. The take-out start button 104 is operated when the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement table 46 differs from the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 is empty, or when the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement table 46 differs from the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top levels of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12.

[0095] Based on the operation of the take-out start button 104, the third movement control is executed first. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(a), one layer of luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 is moved onto the empty second pallet 12 or onto the luggage N on the top layer of the second pallet 12. After the third movement control is executed, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the first movement control is executed. As shown in FIG. 8(c), the first movement control is repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit layer (specifically, seven layers). When luggage N is present on the luggage placement platform 46 and the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 is different from the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top layer of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 is empty, the worker can operate the take-out start button 104 to make the luggage placement platform 46 empty while avoiding the same arrangement pattern from being repeated on the second pallet 12. In addition, when there is luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 and the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 differs from the arrangement pattern of the top luggage N on the first pallet 11 and the arrangement pattern of the top luggage N on the second pallet 12, the worker can operate the start removal button 104 to empty the luggage placement platform 46 while avoiding the same arrangement pattern from being repeated on the second pallet 12.

[0096] On the second pallet 12 carried out from the luggage transfer device 15, the luggage N is stacked in the first stacking manner or the second stacking manner already described. When the luggage N is stacked on the second pallet 12 in the first stacking manner, as shown in FIG. 2(b), the luggage N is arranged in the odd-numbered layers (the first layer, the third layer, the fifth layer, and the seventh layer) so as to have a first arrangement pattern, and the luggage N is arranged in the even-numbered layers (the second layer, the fourth layer, and the sixth layer) so as to have a second arrangement pattern. Although not shown, when the luggage N is stacked on the second pallet 12 in the second stacking manner, the luggage N is arranged in the odd-numbered layers so as to have a second arrangement pattern, and the luggage N is arranged in the even-numbered layers so as to have a first arrangement pattern. In this way, by stacking the luggage N in a manner in which the arrangement patterns of two consecutive layers are not the same pattern, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a collapse of the luggage, by preventing the occurrence of a place where the luggage N on the top and bottom are stacked in the same direction.

[0097] When the stop button 105 is operated while the suction holding mechanism 52 is suction-holding the luggage N and the support 54 is moving, the movement of the support 54 is stopped. If the position of the luggage N on the second pallet 12 becomes misaligned due to contact or the like, the worker can operate the stop button 105 to stop the movement of the support 54 and correct the misalignment of the luggage N before another luggage N is piled on top of it and it becomes unstable. The state in which the movement of the support 54 is stopped is released by operating the stop button 105 in this state.

[0098] When the first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the first stacking manner and the first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the second stacking manner are alternately supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 to the luggage transfer device 15, the luggage N can be loaded on the second pallet 12 in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse by using only the first movement control among the first to third movement controls. On the other hand, when the first pallets 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the same stacking manner are continuously supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13 to the luggage transfer device 15, it becomes necessary to use the second movement control and the third movement control in addition to the first movement control. The transfer of the luggage N performed when the first pallets 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the same stacking manner are continuously supplied to the luggage transfer device 15 will be described using the case where the first pallets 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the first stacking manner are continuously supplied.

[0099] First, in a state where no luggage N is loaded on the second pallet 12 and the luggage placement platform 46, the first first pallet 11 is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15. As shown in FIG. 7(a), the luggage N is arranged in a first arrangement pattern in the odd-numbered layers (first, third, and fifth layers) of the first pallet 11, and the luggage N is arranged in a second arrangement pattern in the even-numbered layers (second and fourth layers). When the direct start button 102 is operated, the first movement control is executed. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7(a), one layer of luggage N loaded on the top layer (fifth layer) of the first pallet 11 is moved onto the second pallet 12. Thereafter, the first movement control is repeated. Then, when the first movement control is executed to move the last layer of luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12 as shown in FIG. 7(c), the first pallet 11 becomes empty, and the repeated execution state of the first movement control ends.

[0100] Next, the second first pallet 11 is supplied. As with the first first pallet 11, the odd-numbered layers of luggage N are arranged in a first arrangement pattern, and the even-numbered layers of luggage N are arranged in a second arrangement pattern. When the arrangement pattern of the top layer of the first pallet 11 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the top layer of the second pallet 12, the worker operates the bring-in start button 103. When the bring-in start button 103 is operated, as shown in FIG. 7(d), a second movement control is performed to move one layer of luggage N stacked on the top layer (fifth layer) of the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 7(e), a first movement control is performed to move one layer of luggage N stacked on the top layer (fourth layer) of the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12. This allows the arrangement pattern of the sixth layer (second arrangement pattern) of the second pallet 12 to be a pattern different from the arrangement pattern of the fifth layer (first arrangement pattern).

[0101] Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 7(f), when the first movement control is executed, the repeated execution state of the first movement control ends based on the fact that the number of layers of the second pallet 12 has reached the upper limit (seven layers). Seven layers of luggage N are stacked on the second pallet 12, with the odd-numbered layers being in the first arrangement pattern and the even-numbered layers being in the second arrangement pattern. In this way, by stacking the luggage N on the second pallet 12 in such a manner that the same arrangement pattern is not consecutive, the possibility of the luggage collapsing can be reduced.

[0102] Thereafter, the second pallet 12 on which the luggage N has been loaded up to the upper limit (seventh tier) is unloaded from the luggage transfer device 15, and the empty second pallet 12 is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15. In a state in which the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 is different from the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top tier of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 is empty, the worker operates the take-out start button 104. When the take-out start button 104 is operated, as shown in FIG. 8(a), a third movement control is performed to move one layer of luggage N placed on the luggage placement platform 46 onto the second pallet 12. This results in a state in which no luggage N exists on the luggage placement platform 46, that is, a state in which one layer of luggage N can be temporarily placed on the luggage placement platform 46. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 8(b), a first movement control is performed to move one layer of luggage N loaded on the top tier (second tier) of the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12. As a result, the arrangement pattern of the second tier (second arrangement pattern) on the second pallet 12 becomes a pattern different from the arrangement pattern of the first tier (first arrangement pattern). Thereafter, as shown in Fig. 8(c), a first movement control is performed to move the last layer of packages N remaining on the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12. As a result, the first pallet 11 becomes empty, and the repeated execution state of the first movement control ends.

[0103] Next, the third first pallet 11 is supplied. As in the first first pallet 11 and the second second pallet 12, the odd-numbered units N are arranged in the first arrangement pattern, and the even-numbered units N are arranged in the second arrangement pattern. As described above, when there are no units N on the unit placement platform 46 and the arrangement pattern of the top unit on the first pallet 11 is the same as the arrangement pattern of the top unit on the second pallet 12, the worker operates the bring-in start button 103. Figures 8(d) to 8(f) are explanatory diagrams for explaining the movement control that is performed based on the operation of the bring-in start button 103. When the bring-in start button 103 is operated, as shown in Figure 8(d), a second movement control is performed to move one layer of units N stacked on the top unit (fifth unit) on the first pallet 11 onto the unit placement platform 46. 8(e), a first movement control is performed to move one layer of luggage N stacked on the top layer (fourth layer) on the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12. This makes it possible to make the arrangement pattern of the fourth layer (second arrangement pattern) on the second pallet 12 different from the arrangement pattern of the third layer (first arrangement pattern).

[0104] Thereafter, when the first movement control is repeatedly executed, as shown in FIG. 8(f), the first pallet 11 becomes empty and the number of layers of the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit (seven layers), and the repeated execution state of the first movement control ends. Seven layers of luggage N are stacked on the second pallet 12, with the odd layers being the first arrangement pattern and the even layers being the second arrangement pattern. In this way, even if the first pallet 11, whose top layer (fifth layer) is the first arrangement pattern, is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15 three times in succession, luggage N can be stacked on the second pallet 12 in a manner such that the same arrangement pattern is not consecutive. Also, although not shown, even if the first pallet 11, whose top layer (fifth layer) is the second arrangement pattern, is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15 three times in succession, luggage N can be stacked on the second pallet 12 in a manner such that the same arrangement pattern is not consecutive.

[0105] If the second movement control and the third movement control cannot be executed, when the first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the same stacking manner is continuously supplied to the luggage transfer device 15, in order to load the luggage N on the second pallet 12 in a manner in which the same arrangement pattern is not continuous, the luggage N on the top layer of the first pallet 11 must be manually removed, and the time required for transferring the luggage N is extended. In addition, when the contents of the luggage N are heavy goods such as liquids, a large burden is imposed on the worker. In contrast, the second movement control and the third movement control can be executed in addition to the first movement control, and these movement controls are executed in a manner that does not change the arrangement pattern of the luggage N. As a result, even when the first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is loaded in the same stacking manner is continuously supplied to the luggage transfer device 15, the second pallet 12 on which the luggage N is loaded in a manner that is unlikely to cause a load collapse can be carried out from the luggage transfer device 15.

[0106] Next, before describing the reshipment control process (FIG. 9) executed by the CPU 112, the configuration of the RAM 114 used in the reshipment control process will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 114 is provided with a movement control counter 114a, an operation stop flag 114b, a first preparation completion flag 114c, and a second preparation completion flag 114d. The movement control counter 114a is set to any one of values ​​"0" to "3". A state in which the movement control counter 114a has a value of "0" corresponds to a state in which the first to third movement controls are not being executed. In addition, a state in which the movement control counter 114a has a value of "1" corresponds to a state in which the first movement control is being executed, a state in which the movement control counter 114a has a value of "2" corresponds to a state in which the second movement control is being executed, and a state in which the movement control counter 114a has a value of "3" corresponds to a state in which the third movement control is being executed. Moreover, the operation stop flag 114b is a flag that enables the CPU 112 to grasp that an operation stop state has been entered in which the movement of the support 54 has been stopped based on the operation of the stop button 105 being performed.

[0107] As already described, after the first pallet 11 is set on the first pallet placement table 27, a first post-setting rising operation is performed to raise the first pallet placement table 27 by 470 mm from the first initial position based on the operation of the first setting button 95. The first preparation completion flag 114c is a flag that allows the CPU 112 to know that the first post-setting rising operation is completed after the first pallet 11 on which the cargo N is loaded is set on the first pallet placement table 27. Also, as already described, after the second pallet 12 is set on the second pallet placement table 28, a second post-setting rising operation is performed to raise the second pallet placement table 28 by 1404 mm based on the operation of the second setting button 96. The second preparation completion flag 114d is a flag that allows the CPU 112 to know that the second post-setting rising operation is completed after the empty second pallet 12 is set on the second pallet placement table 28.

[0108] Next, the transshipment control process executed by the CPU 112 will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 9. The transshipment control process is executed periodically, for example, at a cycle of 4 milliseconds.

[0109] If the value of the movement control counter 114a is "0" (step S101: YES), it is determined whether or not the operation stop flag 114b is set to "1" (step S102). When the transfer control process (FIG. 9) is executed for the first time after the supply of operating power to the CPU 112 is started, the transfer control process (FIG. 9) is started with the values ​​of the movement control counter 114a and the operation stop flag 114b being "0". Furthermore, after the first to third movement controls are ended based on the first pallet 11 being emptied or the second pallet 12 being loaded with the upper limit number (7 layers) of cargoes N, when the transfer control process (FIG. 9) is executed without the operation of the stop button 105, the transfer control process (FIG. 9) is started with the values ​​of the movement control counter 114a and the operation stop flag 114b being "0".

[0110] When the operation stop flag 114b is not set to "1", that is, when the operation is not stopped (step S102: NO), it is determined whether the first lifter 25 or the second lifter 26 is in a state of being lifted or lowered (step S103). When the lifters 25, 26 are not in a state of being lifted or lowered (step S103: NO), it is determined whether the operation of the direct start button 102 is detected (step S106) on the condition that the first preparation completion flag 114c and the second preparation completion flag 114d are set to "1" (step S104 and step S105: YES). When the operation of the direct start button 102 is detected (step S106: YES), the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" (step S107). This brings the state into a state in which the first movement control process (step S115) described later is executed, that is, the first movement control is executed.

[0111] If a negative determination is made in step S106, it is determined whether or not operation of the bring-in start button 103 has been detected (step S108), and if operation of the bring-in start button 103 has been detected (step S108: YES), the movement control counter 114a is set to "2" (step S110) on the condition that the temporary baggage detection sensor 47 has not detected the baggage N, i.e., that the baggage N is not present on the baggage placement platform 46 (step S109: YES). This brings about a state in which a second movement control process (step S117) described later is executed, i.e., a state in which the second movement control is executed.

[0112] If the luggage N is already present on the luggage stand 46 (step S109: NO), the process proceeds to step S114 without setting the movement control counter 114a to "2". This makes it possible to prevent the second movement control from being started even if the carry-on start button 103 is operated in a situation where the luggage N is placed on the luggage stand 46. If the second movement control is started based on the operation of the carry-on start button 103 in a situation where the luggage N is already present on the luggage stand 46, the luggage N being transported toward the luggage stand 46 while being attracted and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 may come into contact with the luggage N already placed on the luggage stand 46, which may cause damage to the luggage N and may cause the luggage N to fall from the luggage stand 46. In contrast, by configuring the system so that the second movement control is not executed even if the bring-in start button 103 is operated when luggage N is present on the luggage placement platform 46, it is possible to prevent damage or falling of luggage N due to an operator erroneously operating the bring-in start button 103.

[0113] If a negative determination is made in step S108, it is determined whether or not operation of the take-out start button 104 has been detected (step S111), and if operation of the take-out start button 104 has been detected (step S111: YES), the movement control counter 114a is set to "3" (step S113) on the condition that the temporarily placed baggage detection sensor 47 detects the baggage N, i.e., that the baggage N is present on the baggage placement platform 46 (step S112: YES). This brings the state into a state in which a third movement control process (step S119) described later is executed, i.e., a third movement control is executed.

[0114] If no luggage N is present on the luggage placement platform 46 (step S112: NO), the process proceeds to step S114 without setting the movement control counter 114a to "3". This makes it possible to prevent the third movement control from being executed in a situation where no luggage N is placed on the luggage placement platform 46. This reduces the possibility that luggage N will be loaded onto the second pallet 12 in an order different from that intended by the worker.

[0115] If a negative determination is made in step S101, if the process of step S107 is executed, if a negative determination is made in step S109, if the process of step S110 is executed, if a negative determination is made in step S111, if a negative determination is made in step S112, or if the process of step S113 is executed, a first movement control process is executed (step S115) on the condition that the value of the movement control counter 114a is "1" (step S114: YES). Although details will be described later, in the first movement control process, a process is executed to repeat the first movement control until a condition is met that the first pallet 11 is empty or that the number of layers of the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit number of layers.

[0116] If the value of the movement control counter 114a is "2" (step S114: NO, step S116: YES), a second movement control process is executed (step S117). As will be described in detail later, in the second movement control process, after executing a process for executing the second movement control, the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" so as to be in a state in which the above-mentioned first movement control process (step S115) is executed.

[0117] If the value of the movement control counter 114a is "3" (step S116: NO, step S118: YES), a third movement control process is executed (step S119). As will be described in detail later, in the third movement control process, after executing a process for executing the third movement control, the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" so as to enter a state in which the above-mentioned first movement control process (step S115) is executed.

[0118] If a positive determination is made in step S102, if a positive determination is made in step S103, if a negative determination is made in step S104, if a negative determination is made in step S105, if the process of step S115 is performed, if the process of step S117 is performed, if a negative determination is made in step S118, or if the process of step S119 is performed, the process proceeds to step S120. If "1" is set in the operation stop flag 114b (step S102: YES), that is, if the operation is stopped based on the operation of the stop button 105, the processes of steps S103 to S119 are not executed. This makes it possible to set the support 54 to a state in which it is not moved in the operation stopped state. Also, if the lifters 25, 26 are in a state in which the lifting and lowering operations are being performed (step S103: YES), the processes of steps S104 to S119 are not executed. This prevents the first movement control, the second movement control, or the third movement control from being started when the lifting and lowering operations of the lifters 25, 26 have not been completed. Also, when the first preparation completion flag 114c is not set to "1" (step S104: NO), the processes of steps S105 to S119 are not executed. This prevents the first movement control, the second movement control, or the third movement control from being started when the first pallet placement table 27 is in the first initial position. Also, when the second preparation completion flag 114d is not set to "1" (step S105: NO), the processes of steps S106 to S119 are not executed. This prevents the first movement control, the second movement control, or the third movement control from being started when the second pallet placement table 28 is in the second initial position. Moreover, when the value of the movement control counter 114a is "0" (step S118: NO), the third movement control process (step S119) is not executed, and the process proceeds to step S120. In this way, when the value of the movement control counter 114a is "0", the first movement control, the second movement control, and the third movement control are not executed.

[0119] In step S120, a first lifter control process is executed. In the first lifter control process, when the first pallet platform 27 is in the first initial position, on the condition that the operation of the first setting button 95 is detected, a process is executed to start a first post-setting lifting operation for lifting the first pallet platform 27 470 mm from the first initial position. As already explained, by performing the first post-setting lifting operation, the topmost luggage placement surface on the first pallet 11 (specifically, the top surface of the luggage N in the second tier from the top on the first pallet 11) is placed at the same height as the top surface of the luggage platform 46.

[0120] In the first lifter control process (step S120), when the first post-setting lifting operation is being performed, if the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet placement platform 27, as determined based on the information received from the first distance measuring sensor 44, is 980 mm or more, i.e., the lifting distance from the first initial position is 470 mm or more, a process for terminating the first post-setting lifting operation is executed and the first preparation completion flag 114c is set to "1". This enables the CPU 112 to determine that the first post-setting lifting operation has been completed.

[0121] In the first lifter control process (step S120), when a one-stage lifting operation for lifting the first pallet platform 27 by one stage (196 mm) is being performed, a process for terminating the one-stage lifting operation is executed on the condition that the lift distance of the first pallet platform 27 has reached 196 mm. The one-stage lifting operation is started in step S210 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) described later on the condition that the support body 54 has moved to the transfer destination stop position after one layer of luggage N has been taken out from the first pallet 11. The one-stage lifting operation is also started in step S310 of the second movement control process (FIG. 11) described later on the condition that the support body 54 has moved to the temporary placement stop position after one layer of luggage N has been taken out from the first pallet 11. When starting the one-step upward movement in step S210 or step S310, the CPU 112 determines the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet placement platform 27 at the start of the one-step upward movement based on information received from the first distance measurement sensor 44. Then, the CPU 112 sets a distance longer than the determined distance by the height dimension (196 mm) of the cargo N as the end reference length information of the current one-step upward movement in a first end reference length area 114e (FIG. 6) provided in the RAM 114. The first end reference length area 114e is an area in which information for determining the end timing of the one-step upward movement being executed (end reference length information set at the start of the one-step upward movement) is set. In the first lifter control process (step S120), the current distance from the floor surface of the first pallet loading platform 27 is determined based on information received from the first distance measuring sensor 44, and if the determined distance is greater than or equal to the end reference length information set in the first end reference length area 114e at the start of this one-stage lifting operation, the one-stage lifting operation is terminated and the first end reference length area 114e is cleared to "0".

[0122] In the first lifter control process (step S120), when a first return operation for returning the first pallet platform 27 to the first initial position is being executed, a process for terminating the first return operation is executed on the condition that the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet platform 27 grasped based on the information received from the first distance measuring sensor 44 is 510 mm or less, i.e., the first pallet platform 27 has descended to the first initial position. The first return operation is executed in step S222 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) and step S322 of the second movement control process (FIG. 11) described later, based on the fact that the first pallet 11 has become empty.

[0123] After executing the first lifter control process (step S120), the second lifter control process is executed (step S121). In the second lifter control process, when the second pallet platform 28 is in the second initial position, a process is executed to start a second post-setting lifting operation for lifting the second pallet platform 28 by 1404 mm, on condition that the operation of the second setting button 96 is detected. As already explained, by performing the second post-setting lifting operation, the upper surface of the second pallet 12 is placed at the same height as the upper surface of the luggage platform 46.

[0124] In the second lifter control process (step S121), when the second post-setting lifting operation is being performed, if the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet placement platform 28, as determined based on the information received from the second distance measuring sensor 45, is 1914 mm or more, i.e., the lifted distance from the second initial position is 1404 mm or more, a process for terminating the second post-setting lifting operation is executed and the second preparation completion flag 114d is set to "1". This enables the CPU 112 to determine that the second post-setting lifting operation has been completed.

[0125] In the second lifter control process (step S121), when a one-step lowering operation is being performed to lower the second pallet platform 28 by one step (196 mm), a process is executed to end the one-step lowering operation on the condition that the lowering distance of the second pallet platform 28 has reached 196 mm. The one-step lowering operation is started in step S215 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) and step S418 of the third movement control process (FIG. 12) described below when one layer of luggage N is brought onto the second pallet 12. When starting the one-step lowering operation in step S215 or step S418, the CPU 112 grasps the distance of the second pallet platform 28 from the floor surface at the start of the one-step lowering operation based on information received from the second distance measurement sensor 45. Then, a distance shorter than the determined distance by the height dimension (196 mm) of the cargo N is set in a second end reference length area 114f (FIG. 6) provided in the RAM 114 as end reference length information for the current one-stage descent operation. The second end reference length area 114f is an area in which information for determining the end timing of the currently executed one-stage descent operation (end reference length information set at the start of the one-stage descent operation) is set. In the second lifter control process (step S121), the current distance from the floor surface of the second pallet placement platform 28 is determined based on information received from the second distance measuring sensor 45, and if the determined distance is equal to or less than the end reference length information set in the second end reference length area 114f at the start of the current one-stage descent operation, the one-stage descent operation is terminated and the second end reference length area 114f is cleared to "0".

[0126] In the second lifter control process (step S121), when the second return operation for returning the second pallet platform 28 to the second initial position is being executed, a process for terminating the second return operation is executed on the condition that the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet platform 28 grasped based on the information received from the second distance measuring sensor 45 becomes 510 mm or less, i.e., the second pallet platform 28 has descended to the second initial position. The second return operation is executed in step S225 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) and step S426 of the third movement control process (FIG. 12) described later, based on the fact that the number of layers of the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 has reached the upper limit number (seven layers).

[0127] After the second lifter control process (step S121) is executed, the suction process is executed (step S122). In the suction process, when the pressure in the vacuum port of the ejector 84 to which the suction head 81 is connected exceeds the suction reference pressure while the baggage N is being suctioned and held, the suction abnormality notification process is executed. When the suction compressor 82 is discharging compressed air to make the pressure in the vacuum port equal to or lower than the suction reference pressure, if an obstacle or the like comes into contact with the suction-held baggage N and a gap is generated between the suction head 81 and the baggage N, the pressure in the vacuum port increases, and a state in which the pressure in the vacuum port exceeds the suction reference pressure may occur. By configuring the suction abnormality notification process to be executed when a state in which the pressure in the vacuum port exceeds the suction reference pressure occurs while the suction compressor 82 is discharging compressed air, the suction abnormality notification process can be executed when the suction-held baggage N is in a state where it is likely to fall, or when the suction-held baggage N falls. In the suction abnormality notification process, an suction abnormality notification sound is output from the speaker 101. This makes it possible to notify the worker that the package N has fallen into a state where it is likely to fall during suction and transport, or that the package N has fallen. This reduces the possibility that the package N will be shipped without the worker noticing that damage has occurred to the package N.

[0128] Thereafter, the stop operation response process is executed (step S123). In the stop operation response process, if the value of the operation stop flag 114b is "0", the operation stop flag 114b is set to "1" on the condition that the stop button 105 has been operated, and the movement of the support 54 is stopped. This results in an operation stop state in which the movement of the support 54 is stopped. Therefore, if the arrangement of the luggage N on the second pallet 12 is shifted due to contact or the like, the shift in the arrangement of the luggage N can be corrected before the luggage N is stacked on top of it and becomes unstable. Also, in the stop operation response process (step S123), if the operation stop flag 114b is set to "1", the operation stop flag 114b is cleared to "0" on the condition that the stop button 105 has been operated. This results in a negative determination being made in step S102, and the process of steps S103 to S122 is executed. In other words, the operation stop state is released.

[0129] Even if the process of setting the operation stop flag 114b to "1" is executed, the process of ending the suction and holding of the luggage N by the suction and holding mechanism 52 is not executed. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the luggage N from being dropped during transportation due to the operation of the stop button 105 while the suction and holding mechanism 52 is suction and holding the luggage N. The operator can operate the stop button 105 at the timing when it becomes necessary to stop the movement of the support body 54, whether the suction and holding mechanism 52 is suction and holding the luggage N or not.

[0130] Even if the operation stop flag 114b is set to "1", the first lifter control process (step S120) is executed. Therefore, when the process of setting the operation stop flag 114b to "1" is executed in a situation where the first lifter 25 is not performing the first set-up lifting operation, the one-stage lifting operation, or the return operation to the first initial position, the height position of the first pallet placement table 27 is maintained. Also, when the process of setting the operation stop flag 114b to "1" is executed in a situation where the first lifter 25 is performing the first set-up lifting operation, the one-stage lifting operation, or the return operation to the first initial position, the operation of the first lifter 25 continues until the first set-up lifting operation, the one-stage lifting operation, or the return operation to the first initial position is completed.

[0131] Even if the operation stop flag 114b is set to "1", the second lifter control process (step S121) is executed. Therefore, when the process of setting the operation stop flag 114b to "1" is executed in a situation where the second lifter 26 is not performing the second post-set upward movement, the one-stage downward movement, or the return movement to the second initial position, the height position of the second pallet placement table 28 is maintained. Also, when the process of setting the operation stop flag 114b to "1" is executed in a situation where the second lifter 26 is performing the second post-set upward movement, the one-stage downward movement, or the return movement to the second initial position, the operation of the second lifter 26 continues until the second post-set upward movement, the one-stage downward movement, or the return movement to the second initial position is completed.

[0132] Next, prior to describing the first movement control process in step S115 (FIG. 10), the second movement control process in step S117 (FIG. 11), and the third movement control process in step S119 (FIG. 12), the configuration of the RAM 114 used in these processes will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the RAM 114 is provided with an adsorption transport counter 114g. The adsorption transport counter 114g is referenced in the first movement control process (FIG. 10), the second movement control process (FIG. 11), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12).

[0133] In a situation where the first movement control process (FIG. 10) is being executed, the suction transport counter 114g is set to any one of "0" to "4." In a situation where the first movement control is started, the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0." In addition, in a situation where the first movement control is being executed, the state where the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" corresponds to a stage where an operation is performed to suction hold and lift up the luggage N on the first pallet 11 at the transfer source stop position (above the first pallet placement table 27). Furthermore, a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "2" corresponds to a stage in which the support 54 moves from the source stop position toward the destination stop position (second pallet placement table 28), a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "3" corresponds to a stage in which a second loading operation is being performed in which the package N is placed on the second pallet 12 and the suction holding mechanism 52 is returned to the first transport height position, and a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "4" corresponds to a stage in which movement is being performed to return the support 54 to the source stop position. The value of the suction transport counter 114g in a situation in which the second movement control process (FIG. 11) or the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is being executed will be described later.

[0134] Next, the first movement control process executed in step S115 of the transshipment control process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0135] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "0" (step S201: YES), the suction transport counter 114g is set to "1" (step S202). If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" or more (step S201: NO), it is determined whether the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" (step S203). If the process of step S202 has been performed or if a positive determination has been made in step S203, a first transport preparation process is executed (step S204).

[0136] In the first conveyance preparation process (step S204), when the baggage N is not being sucked and held and the suction head 81 is not in contact with the baggage N, an operation is performed to lower the suction holding mechanism 52 to the suction / detachment height position. The CPU 112 determines that the baggage N is not being sucked and held based on the fact that the pressure in the vacuum port of the ejector 84 exceeds the suction reference pressure. The CPU 112 also determines that the suction head 81 is not in contact with the baggage N based on the fact that the distance to the baggage N determined based on the information received from the suction-side distance measuring sensor 91 is longer than 180 mm. As already described, the suction holding mechanism 52 is lowered to the suction / detachment height position by driving the first air cylinder 76 and the second air cylinder 77. In the first conveyance preparation process (step S204), when the baggage N is not being adsorbed and held and the distance to the baggage N determined based on the information received from the adsorption-side distance measuring sensor 91 is 180 mm or less, that is, when the adsorption head 81 is in contact with the baggage N, the adsorption head 81 is depressurized and adsorption and holding of the baggage N is started. In the first conveyance preparation process (step S204), when the baggage N is being adsorbed and held, an operation is performed to raise the adsorption and holding mechanism 52 until the adsorption and holding mechanism 52 is at the first conveyance height position. As already described, the adsorption and holding mechanism 52 is at the first conveyance height position by putting the first air cylinder 76 in the non-driven state and putting the second air cylinder 77 in the driven state.

[0137] After the first conveyance preparation process (step S204) is executed, it is determined whether the first conveyance can be started (step S205). In step S205, if the suction holding mechanism 52 that suctions and holds the luggage N is in a state of being present at the first conveyance height position, a positive determination is made. The CPU 112 determines that the suction holding mechanism 52 is in a state of being present at the first conveyance height position when a time longer than the time required for the suction holding mechanism 52 to rise from the suction / detachment height position to the first conveyance height position (specifically, 2 seconds) has elapsed after starting to raise the suction holding mechanism 52. If the first conveyance can be started (step S205: YES), the suction conveyance counter 114g is set to "2" (step S206), and the first movement control process (FIG. 10) is terminated. By setting the suction conveyance counter 114g to "2", it is possible to set the state in which the process of step S208 is executed in the next first movement control process (FIG. 10), that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the transfer destination stop position is started.

[0138] When the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "2" (step S203: NO, step S207: YES), a first outward movement process is executed (step S208). In the first outward movement process, in a state where the suction holding mechanism 52 is present at the first transport height position, an operation of moving the support 54 toward the transfer destination stop position is executed. After the first outward movement process (step S208) is executed, in a state where the support 54 has arrived at the transfer destination stop position (step S209: YES), a one-stage lifting operation start process is executed (step S210). The one-stage lifting operation start process is also executed in step S310 of the second movement control process (FIG. 11) described later. In the one-stage lifting operation start process, a one-stage lifting operation is started in the first lifter 25. As a result, in the first movement control, the first pallet placement platform 27 can be configured to rise one step (196 mm) at the timing when the support 54 arrives at the transfer destination stop position every time one layer of luggage N is taken out from the first pallet 11. If the one-step lifting operation is performed when the support 54 is moving toward the transfer destination stop position, there is a risk that the luggage N on the first pallet 11 may come into contact with the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52. In response to this, the one-step lifting operation is configured to start at the timing when the support 54 reaches the transfer destination stop position. This prevents the luggage N on the first pallet 11 from coming into contact with the luggage N adsorbed and held by the suction holding mechanism 52. In addition, in the one-step lifting operation start process (step S210), the distance from the floor surface of the first pallet placement platform 27 at the start of the one-step lifting operation is determined based on information received from the first distance measuring sensor 44. Then, distance information that is longer than the determined distance by the height dimension (196 mm) of the baggage N is set in the first end reference length area 114e as the end reference length information of the current one-stage upward movement. This enables the CPU 112 to determine the end timing of the current one-stage upward movement.

[0139] Thereafter, the suction transport counter 114g is set to "3" (step S211), and the first movement control process (FIG. 10) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "3", the state in which the process of step S213 is executed in the next first movement control process (FIG. 10), that is, the state in which the second load-placing operation is started, can be achieved.

[0140] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "3" (step S207: NO, step S212: YES), the second load-laying process is executed (step S213). In the second load-laying process, when the pressure in the vacuum port of the ejector 84 is equal to or lower than the suction reference pressure, that is, when the luggage N is suction-held and not detected by the destination luggage detection sensor 92, the suction-holding mechanism 52 is lowered to the suction / detachment height position. In the second load-laying process (step S213), when the luggage N is suction-held and detected by the destination luggage detection sensor 92, that is, when the distance from the bottom end of the suction-held luggage N to the top surface of the empty second pallet 12 or the top surface of the luggage N at the top of the second pallet 12 is 5 mm or less, the suction head 81 is released from the reduced pressure state to end the suction-holding of the luggage N. In addition, in the second loading process (step S213), if the luggage N is not being adsorbed and held, an operation is performed to raise the adsorption holding mechanism 52 until the adsorption holding mechanism 52 is located at the first conveying height position.

[0141] After the second load-placing process (step S213) is executed, it is determined whether the second load-placing operation is completed (step S214). In step S214, if the load N is not being adsorbed and held, and a time longer than the time required for the adsorption / removal mechanism 52 to rise from the adsorption / removal height position to the first transport height position (specifically, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the adsorption / retention mechanism 52 started to rise, a positive determination is made.

[0142] If the second load-placing operation is completed (step S214: YES), a one-step lowering operation start process is executed (step S215). The one-step lowering operation start process is also executed in step S418 of the third movement control process (FIG. 12) described later. In the one-step lowering operation start process, a one-step lowering operation is started to lower the second pallet placement platform 28 by one step (196 mm). This allows the second pallet placement platform 28 to be lowered by one step every time one layer of luggage N is loaded onto the second pallet 12 in the first movement control. Since the one-step lowering operation is started without waiting for the support 54 to move to the transfer source stop position after one layer of luggage N is loaded onto the second pallet 12, the end timing of the one-step lowering operation is advanced compared to a configuration in which the one-step lowering operation is started based on the support 54 moving to the transfer source stop position. Furthermore, in the one-stage lowering operation start process (step S215), the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet placement platform 28 at the start of the one-stage lowering operation is determined based on information received from the second distance measurement sensor 45. Then, distance information that is shorter than the determined distance by the height dimension (196 mm) of the package N is set in the second end reference length area 114f as the end reference length information of the current one-stage lowering operation. This enables the CPU 112 to determine the end timing of the current one-stage lowering operation.

[0143] Thereafter, the suction transport counter 114g is set to "4" (step S216), and the first movement control process (FIG. 10) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "4", the state in which the process of step S217 is executed in the next first movement control process (FIG. 10) can be established, that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the transfer source stop position is started.

[0144] When a negative determination is made in step S212, that is, when the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "4", a first return movement process is executed (step S217). In the first return movement process, in a state where the suction holding mechanism 52 is present at the first transport height position, an operation of moving the support 54 toward the transfer origin stop position is executed. After the first return movement process (step S217) is executed, in a state where the support 54 has arrived at the transfer origin stop position (step S218: YES), it is determined whether or not the lifting operation of the first lifter 25 or the second lifter 26 is being executed (step S219). Then, in a state where the lifting operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being executed (step S219: NO), the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0" (step S220).

[0145] Then, it is determined whether the first pallet 11 is empty, i.e., no luggage N is present on the first pallet 11 (step S221). As already described, the CPU 112 determines that the first pallet 11 is empty based on the fact that the height position of the first pallet placement table 27 from the floor surface, as detected by the first distance measurement sensor 44, is 1960 mm or more. If the first pallet 11 is empty (step S221: YES), a first return operation is started to return the first pallet placement table 27 to the first initial position (step S222). Then, the movement control counter 114a and the first preparation completion flag 114c are cleared to "0" (step S223). By clearing the value of the movement control counter 114a to "0", the first to third movement controls are not being executed. Furthermore, by clearing the first preparation completion flag 114c to "0", a negative judgment is made in step S104 of the already described reloading control process (FIG. 9), that is, the first to third movement controls are not started even if the start button is operated.

[0146] If a negative determination is made in step S221, or if the process of step S223 is performed, it is determined whether or not the upper limit number (seven levels) of cargo N is stacked on the second pallet 12 (step S224). As already described, the CPU 112 determines that the upper limit number of cargo N is stacked on the second pallet 12 based on the fact that the height position of the second pallet placement table 28 from the floor surface detected by the second distance measurement sensor 45 is 542 mm or less.

[0147] When the upper limit number of packages N is loaded on the second pallet 12 (step S224: YES), a second return operation is started to return the second pallet placement table 28 to the second initial position (step S225). After that, the movement control counter 114a and the second preparation completion flag 114d are cleared to "0" (step S226). By clearing the value of the movement control counter 114a to "0", the first to third movement controls are not being executed. Furthermore, by clearing the second preparation completion flag 114d to "0", a negative determination is made in step S105 of the already described transshipment control process (FIG. 9), that is, the first to third movement controls are not started even if the start button is operated.

[0148] When negative determinations are made in steps S221 and S224, the first movement control process (FIG. 10) is terminated. As a result, when the first movement control is executed and there is a baggage N on the first pallet 11 and the number of layers of the baggage N stacked on the second pallet 12 has not reached the upper limit, the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" and the suction transport counter 114g is set to "0", that is, the first movement control is started again. In this way, when the first movement control is started, the first movement control is repeated until there is no baggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of the baggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit (specifically, 7 layers). This reduces the workload of the worker compared to a configuration in which the worker must operate a button every time the first movement control is completed.

[0149] Next, prior to describing the second movement control process (FIG. 11) executed by the CPU 112, the value of the suction transport counter 114g in a situation where the second movement control process is executed will be described. In a situation where the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is executed, the suction transport counter 114g is set to any one of "0" to "4". In a situation where the second movement control is started, the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0". In a situation where the second movement control process is executed, the state where the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" corresponds to a stage where an operation is performed to suction hold and lift up the cargo N on the first pallet 11 at the transfer source stop position (above the first pallet placement table 27). In addition, a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "2" corresponds to the stage in which the support 54 moves from the original stop position toward the temporary placement stop position (above the luggage placement platform 46), a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "3" corresponds to a state in which the third loading operation is being performed in which luggage N is placed on the luggage placement platform 46 and the suction holding mechanism 52 is returned to the first transport height position, and a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "4" corresponds to a state in which movement is being performed to return the support 54 to the original stop position.

[0150] Next, the second movement control process executed in step S117 of the transshipment control process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0151] In steps S301 to S306, the same processing as steps S201 to S206 of the first movement control processing (FIG. 10) already described is executed. Specifically, if the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "0" (step S301: YES), the suction transport counter 114g is set to "1" (step S302) and the process proceeds to step S304. If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" (step S301: NO, step S303: YES), the process proceeds to step S304. In step S304, the first transport preparation processing is executed. The contents of the first transport preparation processing are as already described in step S204 of the second movement control processing (FIG. 11). In the first transport preparation processing (step S304), a process is executed to set the suction holding mechanism 52 that suctions and holds the load N to a first transport start possible state in which the suction holding mechanism 52 is at the first transport height position.

[0152] Thereafter, if the first transport start state is reached (step S305: YES), the suction transport counter 114g is set to "2" (step S306), and the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "2", the state in which the process of step S308 is executed in the next second movement control process (FIG. 11) can be achieved, that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the temporary placement stop position is started.

[0153] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "2" (step S303: NO, step S307: YES), a second outward movement process is executed (step S308). In the second outward movement process, in a state in which the suction holding mechanism 52 is present at the first transport height position, an operation is performed to move the support 54 toward the temporary placement stop position. After the second outward movement process (step S308) is executed, if the support 54 has reached the temporary placement stop position (step S309: YES), a one-stage lift operation start process is executed (step S310) similar to step S210 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) already described.

[0154] In the one-step lifting operation start process (step S310), the first lifter 25 starts the one-step lifting operation. This allows the first pallet placement table 27 to be lifted one step at the timing when the support 54 arrives at the temporary placement stop position every time one layer of luggage N is taken out from the first pallet 11 in the second movement control. If the one-step lifting operation is performed in a situation where the support 54 is moving toward the temporary placement stop position, there is a risk that the luggage N on the first pallet 11 may come into contact with the luggage N sucked and held by the suction holding mechanism 52. In response to this, the one-step lifting operation is started at the timing when the support 54 reaches the temporary placement stop position. This prevents the luggage N on the first pallet 11 from coming into contact with the luggage N sucked and held by the suction holding mechanism 52. In addition, in the one-step lifting operation start process (step S310), the end reference length information of the current one-step lifting operation is set in the first end reference length area 114e of the RAM 114. This allows the CPU 112 to grasp the end timing of the current one-stage upward movement.

[0155] Thereafter, the suction transport counter 114g is set to "3" (step S311), and the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "3", the state in which the process of step S313 is executed in the next second movement control process (FIG. 11), that is, the state in which the third load-placing operation is started, can be achieved.

[0156] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "3" (step S307: NO, step S312: YES), a third load-laying process is executed (step S313). In the third load-laying process, when the pressure in the vacuum port of the ejector 84 is equal to or lower than the suction reference pressure, that is, when the baggage N is suction-held and the baggage N is not detected by the temporary baggage detection sensor 47, an operation of lowering the suction-holding mechanism 52 to the suction / detachment height position is performed. In addition, in the third load-laying process (step S313), when the baggage N is suction-held and the baggage N is detected by the temporary baggage detection sensor 47, that is, when the distance from the lower end of the suction-held baggage N to the upper surface of the baggage platform 46 becomes 5 mm or less, the reduced pressure state of the suction head 81 is released to terminate the suction-holding of the baggage N. In addition, in the third loading process (step S313), if the luggage N is not being adsorbed and held, an operation is performed to raise the adsorption holding mechanism 52 until the adsorption holding mechanism 52 returns to the first conveying height position.

[0157] After the third load-placing process (step S313) is executed, it is determined whether the third load-placing operation has been completed (step S314). In step S314, if the load N is not adsorbed and held, and if a time longer than the time required for the adsorption / detachment height position to rise to the first conveyance height position (specifically, 2 seconds) has elapsed since the adsorption / holding mechanism 52 started to rise is determined to be positive. If the third load-placing operation has been completed (step S314: YES), the adsorption / conveyance counter 114g is set to "4" (step S315), and the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is terminated. By setting the adsorption / conveyance counter 114g to "4", the state in which the process of step S316 is executed in the next second movement control process (FIG. 11), that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the transfer source stop position is started can be achieved.

[0158] If a negative determination is made in step S312, that is, if the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "4", a second return movement process is executed (step S316). In the second return movement process, an operation is performed to move the support 54 toward the transfer origin stop position while the suction holding mechanism 52 is at the first transport height position. After the second return movement process (step S316) is executed, if the support 54 has reached the transfer origin stop position (step S317: YES), it is determined whether or not the first lifter 25 or the second lifter 26 is being lifted (step S318). Then, if the lifters 25, 26 are not being lifted (step S318: NO), the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0" (step S319).

[0159] Thereafter, as in step S221 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) already described, it is determined whether the first pallet 11 is empty (step S320). If the height position of the first pallet placement table 27 from the floor surface as determined by the first distance measuring sensor 44 is less than 1960 mm, that is, if the baggage N is present on the first pallet 11 (step S320: NO), the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" (step S321) and the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is terminated. By setting the movement control counter 114a to "1", a positive determination is made in step S114 of the transfer control process (FIG. 9) already described, and the first movement control process (step S115) is executed. Therefore, after the second movement control is executed, the first movement control can be started without requiring any operation by the operator. As already explained, when the first movement control is started, the first movement control is repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit tier number (specifically, seven tiers). As a result, based on the operation of the bring-in start button 103, after the second movement control is executed once, the first movement control can be repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit tier number (specifically, seven tiers). This reduces the workload of the worker.

[0160] When the height position of the first pallet placement table 27 from the floor surface detected by the first distance measuring sensor 44 is 1960 mm or more, that is, when the first pallet 11 is empty with no baggage N present (step S320: YES), a first return operation is started to return the first pallet placement table 27 to the first initial position (step S322). After that, the movement control counter 114a and the first preparation completion flag 114c are cleared to "0" (step S323), and the second movement control process (FIG. 11) is terminated. When the value of the movement control counter 114a is cleared to "0", the first to third movement controls are not being executed. Also, when the first preparation completion flag 114c is cleared to "0", a negative determination is made in step S104 of the already described transshipment control process (FIG. 9), that is, the first to third movement controls are not started even if the start button is operated.

[0161] Next, prior to describing the third movement control process (FIG. 12) executed by the CPU 112, the value of the suction transport counter 114g in a situation where the third movement control process is executed will be described. In a situation where the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is executed, the suction transport counter 114g is set to any one of "0" to "5". In a situation where the third movement control is started, the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0". In addition, in a situation where the third movement control process is executed, the state where the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" corresponds to the stage where the support 54 moves from the transfer source stop position (above the first pallet platform 27) toward the temporary placement stop position (above the baggage platform 46). In addition, a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "2" corresponds to the stage in which the operation of suction-holding and lifting the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 is being performed, a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "3" corresponds to the stage in which the support 54 moves from the temporary placement stopping position toward the transfer destination stopping position (above the second pallet placement platform 28), a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "4" corresponds to the stage in which the second loading operation is being performed in which the luggage N is placed on the second pallet 12 and the suction holding mechanism 52 is returned to the first conveying height position, and a state in which the suction transport counter 114g has a value of "5" corresponds to the stage in which the support 54 is being moved to return to the transfer origin stopping position.

[0162] Next, the third movement control process executed in step S119 of the transshipment control process (FIG. 9) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0163] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "0" (step S401: YES), the suction transport counter 114g is set to "1" (step S402) and the process proceeds to step S404. If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "1" (step S401: NO, step S403: YES), the process proceeds to step S404. In step S404, a second outward movement process is executed. In the second outward movement process, an operation is performed to move the support 54 toward the temporary placement stop position while the suction holding mechanism 52 is at the first transport height position.

[0164] After the second outward movement process (step S404) is executed, if the support 54 has reached the temporary placement stop position (step S405: YES), the suction transport counter 114g is set to "2" (step S406), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "2", the state in which the process of step S408 is executed in the next third movement control process (FIG. 12) can be established, that is, the operation for lifting the baggage N on the baggage platform 46 can be started.

[0165] If the value of the suction conveyance counter 114g is "2" (step S403: NO, step S407: YES), a second conveyance preparation process is executed (step S408). In the second conveyance preparation process, when the pressure in the vacuum port of the ejector 84 exceeds the suction reference pressure, i.e., when the baggage N is not being suction-held and the distance to the upper surface of the baggage N grasped based on the information received from the suction-side distance measuring sensor 91 is longer than 180 mm, an operation of lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 is performed. In addition, in the second conveyance preparation process (step S408), when the baggage N is not being suction-held and the distance to the upper surface of the baggage N grasped based on the information received from the suction-side distance measuring sensor 91 is 180 mm or less, i.e., when the suction head 81 is in contact with the upper surface of the baggage N, the suction head 81 is reduced in pressure and suction holding of the baggage N is started. Furthermore, in the second conveyance preparation process (step S408), when the luggage N is in a state of being adsorbed and held, an operation is performed to raise the adsorption holding mechanism 52 until the adsorption holding mechanism 52 is in a state of being present at the second conveyance height position. As already described, the state in which the adsorption holding mechanism 52 is present at the second conveyance height position corresponds to the state in which the first air cylinder 76 and the second air cylinder 77 are in a non-driven state.

[0166] After the second conveyance preparation process (step S408) is executed, it is determined whether or not the second conveyance can be started (step S409). In step S409, a positive determination is made when the suction holding mechanism 52 that suctions and holds the luggage N is in a state of being present at the second conveyance height position. The CPU 112 determines that the suction holding mechanism 52 is in a state of being present at the second conveyance height position when a time longer than the time required for the suction holding mechanism 52 to rise from the suction / detachment height position to the second conveyance height position (specifically, 3 seconds) has elapsed after starting to raise the suction holding mechanism 52. If the second conveyance can be started (step S409: YES), the suction conveyance counter 114g is set to "3" (step S410), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. By setting the suction conveyance counter 114g to "3", it is possible to set the state in which the process of step S412 is executed in the next processing round, that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the transfer destination stop position is started.

[0167] In this way, the movement of the luggage N from the temporary placement stopping position to the transfer destination stopping position is performed with the suction holding mechanism 52 existing at the second conveying height position which is higher than the first conveying height position. This prevents the luggage N suction-held by the suction holding mechanism 52 from coming into contact with the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11. In addition, it is possible to arrange the first pallet placing platform 27 on the path from the luggage placing platform 46 to the second pallet placing platform 28.

[0168] If the value of the suction conveying counter 114g is "3" (step S407: NO, step S411: YES), the third outward movement process is executed (step S412). In the third outward movement process, in a state where the suction holding mechanism 52 is present at the second conveying height position, an operation of moving the support 54 toward the transfer destination stop position is performed. After executing the third outward movement process (step S412), if the support 54 has reached the transfer destination stop position (step S413: YES), the suction conveying counter 114g is set to "4" (step S414), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. By setting the suction conveying counter 114g to "4", it is possible to bring about a state where the process of step S416 is executed in the next third movement control process (FIG. 12), that is, a state where the second loading operation is started.

[0169] If the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "4" (step S411: NO, step S415: YES), the second load-laying process is executed (step S416). The contents of the second load-laying process are as already explained in step S213 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10). Thereafter, if the suction and holding mechanism 52 has released the load N and has returned to the first transport height position, that is, if the second load-laying operation is completed (step S417: YES), the one-step lowering operation start process is executed (step S418) as in step S215 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) already explained. In the one-step lowering operation start process, a one-step lowering operation is started to lower the second pallet placement platform 28 by one step (196 mm). This allows the second pallet placement platform 28 to be lowered by one step each time one layer of luggage N is loaded onto the second pallet 12 in the third movement control. After one layer of luggage N is loaded onto the second pallet 12, the one-step lowering operation is started without waiting for the support 54 to move to the transfer source stop position. This makes it possible to hasten the end timing of the one-step lowering operation compared to a configuration in which the one-step lowering operation is started based on the support 54 moving to the transfer source stop position. Also, in the one-step lowering operation start process (step S418), the end reference length information of the current one-step lowering operation is set in the second end reference length area 114f of the RAM 114. This allows the CPU 112 to grasp the end timing of the current one-step lowering operation.

[0170] Thereafter, the suction transport counter 114g is set to "5" (step S419), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. By setting the suction transport counter 114g to "5", the state in which the process of step S420 is executed in the next third movement control process (FIG. 12) can be established, that is, the state in which the movement of the support 54 to the transfer source stop position is started.

[0171] When a negative determination is made in step S415, that is, when the value of the suction transport counter 114g is "5", the first return movement process is executed (step S420) in the same manner as step S217 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) already described. In the first return movement process, in a state in which the suction holding mechanism 52 is present at the first transport height position, an operation is performed to move the support 54 toward the transfer origin stop position. After the first return movement process (step S420) is executed, when the support 54 has reached the transfer origin stop position (step S421: YES), it is determined whether or not the first lifter 25 or the second lifter 26 is being lifted (step S422). Then, when the lifters 25, 26 are not being lifted (step S422: NO), the value of the suction transport counter 114g is cleared to "0" (step S423).

[0172] Thereafter, similarly to step S224 of the first movement control process (FIG. 10) already described, it is determined whether or not the upper limit number (seven layers) of luggage N is stacked on the second pallet 12 (step S424). If the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet placement table 28 detected by the second distance measuring sensor 45 is longer than 542 mm, that is, if the number of layers of luggage N stacked on the second pallet 12 has not reached the upper limit number (step S424: NO), the movement control counter 114a is set to "1" (step S425), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. By setting the movement control counter 114a to "1", a positive determination is made in step S114 of the transfer control process (FIG. 9) already described, and the first movement control process (step S115) is executed. Therefore, after the third movement control is executed, the first movement control can be started without requiring any operation by the operator. As already explained, when the first movement control is started, the first movement control is repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit (specifically, seven layers). As a result, based on the operation of the take-out start button 104, after the third movement control is executed once, the first movement control can be repeated until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit (specifically, seven layers). This reduces the workload of the worker.

[0173] When the distance from the floor surface of the second pallet placement platform 28 detected by the second distance measuring sensor 45 is 542 mm or less, that is, when the upper limit number of packages N are loaded on the second pallet 12 (step S424: YES), a second return operation is started to return the second pallet placement platform 28 to the second initial position (step S426). After that, the movement control counter 114a and the second preparation completion flag 114d are cleared to "0" (step S427), and the third movement control process (FIG. 12) is terminated. When the value of the movement control counter 114a is cleared to "0", the first to third movement controls are not being executed. Also, when the second preparation completion flag 114d is cleared to "0", a negative determination is made in step S105 of the already described reloading control process (FIG. 9), that is, the first to third movement controls are not started even if the start button is operated.

[0174] According to the embodiment described above in detail, the following excellent effects are obtained.

[0175] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a first pallet placement table 27 and a second pallet placement table 28. The first pallet 11 set on the first pallet placement table 27 is a table from which the luggage N is moved. The second pallet 12 set on the second pallet placement table 28 is a table to which the luggage N is moved. The luggage transfer device 15 also includes a transfer device 51 that transports the luggage N, and a CPU 112. By configuring the luggage transfer device 15 to perform the task of transferring the luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12, the workload of the worker is reduced compared to when the task is performed by a worker. In addition, the time required to perform the task can be shortened.

[0176] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a luggage placement platform 46 on which luggage N can be placed, in addition to the first pallet placement platform 27 and the second pallet placement platform 28. This allows luggage N on the first pallet 11 to be temporarily placed on the luggage placement platform 46 before being transferred onto the second pallet 12.

[0177] It is possible to execute a first movement control for moving the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12, a second movement control for moving the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage stand 46, and a third movement control for moving the luggage N from the luggage stand 46 onto the second pallet 12. This makes it possible to move the luggage N loaded on the first pallet 11 to the luggage stand 46, move another luggage N to the second pallet 12, and then move the luggage N on the luggage stand 46 to the second pallet 12. In this way, by making it possible to temporarily place the luggage N on the first pallet 11 on the luggage stand 46 before transferring it to the second pallet 12, it is possible to adjust the order in which the luggage N is transferred to the second pallet 12.

[0178] When the first movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged in a predetermined pattern (first arrangement pattern or second arrangement pattern) on the first pallet placement platform 27, the luggage N is moved so that the luggage N is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second pallet placement platform 28. When the second movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first pallet placement platform 27, the luggage N is moved so that the luggage N is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the luggage placement platform 46. Furthermore, when the third movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the luggage placement platform 46, the luggage N is moved so that the luggage N is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second pallet placement platform 28. As a result, even when the luggage N arranged on the first pallet 11 in a predetermined pattern is transferred to the luggage placement platform 46 and then the luggage N is transferred from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12, the luggage N can be arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second pallet 12. Therefore, in a configuration in which the order of the luggage N transferred to the second pallet 12 can be adjusted using the luggage placement platform 46, even when the luggage placement platform 46 is used, it is possible to prevent the arrangement pattern of the luggage N from changing.

[0179] When the first movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N exists on the second pallet placement table 28, the luggage N transported from the first pallet placement table 27 by the first movement control is loaded on the luggage N that existed on the second pallet placement table 28. This allows the luggage N to be loaded on the second pallet 12 in the arrangement pattern (first arrangement pattern or second arrangement pattern) of the luggage N arranged on the first pallet 11. In addition, the first to third movement controls can be executed, and the order of the luggage N transported to the second pallet placement table 28 can be adjusted by temporarily placing the luggage N on the luggage placement table 46. In this configuration, by performing the first movement control to enable the luggage N to be loaded on the second pallet placement table 28, it is possible to load the luggage N on the second pallet 12 while adjusting the order of the luggage N transported to the second pallet 12. This reduces the possibility that the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 will have a portion that is prone to load collapse.

[0180] When the third movement control is executed in a state where the luggage N exists on the second pallet placement platform 28, the luggage N transported from the luggage placement platform 46 by the third movement control is loaded on the luggage N that existed on the second pallet placement platform 28. This allows the luggage N to be loaded on the second pallet 12 in the arrangement pattern (first arrangement pattern or second arrangement pattern) of the luggage N that was arranged on the luggage placement platform 46. In addition, the first to third movement controls can be executed, and the order of the luggage N transported to the second pallet placement platform 28 can be adjusted by temporarily placing the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46. In this configuration, by performing the third movement control to enable the luggage N to be loaded on the second pallet placement platform 28, it is possible to load the luggage N on the second pallet 12 while adjusting the order of the luggage N transported to the second pallet 12. This reduces the possibility that the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 will have a portion that is prone to load collapse.

[0181] The number of tiers (7 tiers) of the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 is set to be different from the number of tiers (5 tiers) of the luggage N set on the first pallet 11. This allows the number of tiers of the luggage N to be changed before and after the luggage N is transferred from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12. This makes it possible to change the number of tiers of the luggage N from one suitable for storage within a facility to one suitable for transportation by truck or the like. It also makes it possible to change the number of tiers of the luggage N from one suitable for transportation by truck or the like to one suitable for storage within a facility.

[0182] The movement of the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the second pallet 12, the movement of the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46, and the movement of the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 onto the second pallet 12 are performed in a manner that does not change the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N within the layer. This makes it possible to load the luggage N onto the second pallet 12 in a manner that is less likely to cause the luggage to collapse, by utilizing the arrangement of the luggage N in the layer of luggage N set on the first pallet 11.

[0183] The transfer device 51 is provided with a suction holding mechanism 52 that suctions and holds the luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the luggage stand 46 from above. This prevents the orientation or arrangement of the luggage N from changing before and after the movement, even when the luggage N is arranged on the first pallet 11 or the luggage stand 46 with gaps between the luggage N. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the luggage stand 46 is scooped up and held from below, the possibility that the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N in the layer change before and after the movement can be reduced. In addition, compared to a configuration in which the luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the luggage stand 46 is suctioned and held from the side, the possibility that the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N in the layer change before and after the movement can be reduced.

[0184] The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 that can adjust the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. The transfer device 51 can also move the support 54 in a direction from the luggage placement platform 46 toward the second pallet placement platform 28. In the third movement control, the transport of the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12 is performed in such a manner that the luggage N sucked and held by the suction holding mechanism 52 passes above the luggage N on the topmost level of the first pallet 11. This makes it possible to prevent the luggage N transported from the luggage placement platform 46 toward the second pallet 12 from contacting the luggage N on the first pallet 11 even when the first pallet 11 is present on the path from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12. Therefore, in a configuration in which the luggage placement table 46 is present in addition to the first pallet placement table 27 and the second pallet placement table 28, and luggage N on the first pallet 11 can be temporarily placed on the luggage placement table 46 before being transferred onto the second pallet 12, it is possible to prevent the transport path for the luggage N from becoming complicated, and to arrange the second pallet placement table 28, the first pallet placement table 27, and the luggage placement table 46 in a straight line. It is also possible to prevent the processing configuration for transporting the luggage N from becoming complicated.

[0185] The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 that can adjust the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. The transfer device 51 can move the support 54 in a direction from the first pallet placement table 27 toward the second pallet placement table 28. The transfer device 51 can move the support 54 in a direction from the luggage placement table 46 toward the second pallet placement table 28. In the first movement control, the suction holding mechanism 52 that is present at the first conveying height position while suction-holding the luggage N moves in a direction from the first pallet placement table 27 toward the second pallet placement table 28, and in the third movement control, the suction holding mechanism 52 that is present at a second conveying height position higher than the first conveying height position while suction-holding the luggage N moves in a direction from the luggage placement table 46 toward the second pallet placement table 28. As a result, the lifting distance of the adsorption holding mechanism 52 required in the first movement control can be set shorter than the lifting distance of the adsorption holding mechanism 52 required in the third movement control, and the time required for lifting the adsorption holding mechanism 52 in the first movement control can be set shorter than the time required for lifting the adsorption holding mechanism 52 in the third movement control. Therefore, when the first movement control is performed more frequently than the third movement control, the operation time of the luggage transfer device 15 can be shortened. In addition, compared to when the luggage N falls from the adsorption holding mechanism 52 during the third movement control, the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls from the adsorption holding mechanism 52 during the first movement control can be reduced. As a result, when the first movement control is performed more frequently than the third movement control, the possibility of damage such as breakage of the luggage N occurring due to the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls from the adsorption holding mechanism 52 during transportation can be reduced.

[0186] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a first lifter 25 capable of adjusting the height position of the first pallet placement table 27, and a second lifter 26 capable of adjusting the height position of the second pallet placement table 28. The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 capable of adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. In the first movement control, the CPU 112 controls the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 so that the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 suctions the luggage N on the first pallet placement table 27 and the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 releases the suction and holding of the luggage N and places the luggage N on the second pallet 12 are substantially the same height position (suction and detachment height position). This simplifies the configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52, compared to a configuration in which the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 is sucking the load N on the first pallet placement table 27 is different from the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 releases the suction and holding of the load N and places the load N on the second pallet 12. It also simplifies the processing configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 and the time required for lifting and lowering the suction holding mechanism 52, compared to a configuration in which the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are not provided.

[0187] The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 that can adjust the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. The transfer device 51 can move the suction holding mechanism 52 in a direction from the first pallet placement table 27 toward the second pallet placement table 28, and can move the suction holding mechanism 52 in a direction from the luggage placement table 46 toward the second pallet placement table 28. In the first movement control, the suction holding mechanism 52 that is present at the first conveying height position while suction-holding the luggage N moves in a direction from the first pallet placement table 27 toward the second pallet placement table 28, and in the third movement control, the suction holding mechanism 52 that is present at a second conveying height position higher than the first conveying height position while suction-holding the luggage N moves in a direction from the luggage placement table 46 toward the second pallet placement table 28. This allows the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 required in the first movement control to be shorter than the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 required in the third movement control. Therefore, the time required for raising and lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 in the first movement control can be made shorter than the time required for raising and lowering the suction holding mechanism 52 in the third movement control. When the first movement control is performed more frequently than the third movement control, the operation time of the luggage transfer device 15 can be shortened. In addition, compared to when the luggage N falls from the suction holding mechanism 52 during the third movement control, the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls from the suction holding mechanism 52 during the first movement control can be reduced. As a result, when the first movement control is performed more frequently than the third movement control, the possibility of damage such as breakage of the luggage N occurring due to the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls from the suction holding mechanism 52 during transportation can be reduced.

[0188] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a first lifter 25 capable of adjusting the height position of the first pallet placement table 27, and a second lifter 26 capable of adjusting the height position of the second pallet placement table 28. The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 capable of adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. In the first movement control, the CPU 112 executes the processes of steps S120 and S121 so that the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 in a state where the suction holding mechanism 52 suctions the luggage N on the first pallet 11 and the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 in a state where the suction holding mechanism 52 releases the suction and holding of the luggage N and places the luggage N on the second pallet 12 are substantially the same height position (suction and detachment height position). This simplifies the configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52, compared to a configuration in which the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 is sucking up the load N on the first pallet 11 is different from the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 when the suction holding mechanism 52 releases the suction and holds the load N and places the load N on the second pallet 12. It also simplifies the processing configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce the lifting distance of the suction holding mechanism 52 and the time required for lifting and lowering the suction holding mechanism 52, compared to a configuration in which the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are not provided.

[0189] The luggage transfer device 15 includes a first lifter 25 that can adjust the height position of the first pallet placement platform 27. The transfer device 51 includes a lifting mechanism 53 that can adjust the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52. The transfer device 51 can move the suction holding mechanism 52 in a direction from the first pallet placement platform 27 toward the luggage placement platform 46. The first pallet 11 on which the luggage N is loaded is set on the first pallet placement platform 27 when the upper surface of the first pallet placement platform 27 is at the same height position as the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d. The CPU 112 executes control of the first lifter 25 so that the upper surface of the first pallet placement platform 27 is at a higher position than the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d when the second movement control is executed. The upper surface of the luggage placement platform 46 is set at a higher position than the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d. This makes it possible to reduce the distance by which the suction-holding mechanism 52 descends to contact the luggage N on the first pallet 11, the distance by which the suction-holding mechanism 52 ascends to lift the luggage N, the distance by which the suction-holding mechanism 52 descends to place the luggage N on the luggage-holding mechanism 46, and the distance by which the suction-holding mechanism 52 ascends after placing the luggage N, compared to a configuration not including the first lifter 25 or a configuration in which the upper surface of the luggage-placing platform 46 is located at a position lower than the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d. Thus, it is possible to reduce the time required for the suction-holding mechanism 52 to ascend and descend in the second movement control. Also, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of the impact applied to the luggage N when the luggage N falls.

[0190] The transfer device 51 includes an adsorption holding mechanism 52 capable of holding one layer of luggage N present on the first pallet placement platform 27 or one layer of luggage N present on the luggage placement platform 46. In addition, the CPU 112 executes a process (step S208) in the first movement control to move the adsorption holding mechanism 52, which is holding one layer of luggage N that was present on the first pallet placement platform 27, in a direction from the first pallet placement platform 27 toward the second pallet placement platform 28. This allows one layer of luggage N present on the first pallet 11 to be transported onto the second pallet 12 at once. In addition, the CPU 112 executes a process (step S308) in the second movement control to move the adsorption holding mechanism 52, which is holding one layer of luggage N that was present on the first pallet placement platform 27, in a direction from the first pallet placement platform 27 toward the luggage placement platform 46. This allows one layer of luggage N present on the first pallet 11 to be transported to the luggage placement platform 46 at once. Furthermore, in the third movement control, the CPU 112 executes a process (step S412) of moving the suction holding mechanism 52 holding one layer of luggage N that was on the luggage platform 46 in a direction from the luggage platform 46 toward the second pallet platform 28. This allows one layer of luggage N present on the luggage platform 46 to be transported onto the second pallet 12 at once. Therefore, compared to a configuration in which one layer of luggage N is transported in multiple trips, it is possible to simplify the processing configuration for preventing the arrangement pattern of the luggage N from changing. Also, it is possible to shorten the time required to move the luggage N.

[0191] The first pallet platform 27, the second pallet platform 28, and the luggage platform 46 are arranged in a straight line, and the guide rails 67, 68 are linear paths. As a result, in a configuration in which the luggage platform 46 exists in addition to the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28, and luggage N on the first pallet 11 can be temporarily placed on the luggage platform 46 before being transferred onto the second pallet 12, it is possible to eliminate the need for control to decelerate the support 54 in order to change the moving direction of the support 54, and it is possible to reduce the time required for the support 54 to move. In addition, by making the movement of the support 54 a linear movement, it is possible to simplify the configuration for moving the support 54.

[0192] The second pallet platform 28 is provided in parallel with the first pallet platform 27, and the luggage platform 46 is provided on the opposite side of the first pallet platform 27 to the second pallet platform 28. This makes it possible to reduce the moving distance of the transfer device 51 when moving luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12, compared to a configuration in which the luggage platform 46 is present between the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28. Therefore, in a configuration in which the luggage platform 46 is present in addition to the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28, and luggage N on the first pallet 11 can be temporarily placed on the luggage platform 46 before being transferred onto the second pallet 12, it is possible to reduce the time required for the operation of moving luggage N from the first pallet 11 to the second pallet 12. Furthermore, when the first movement control is executed most frequently among the first movement control, the second movement control, and the third movement control, the operation time of the luggage transfer device 15 can be shortened by shortening the time required for the operation of moving the luggage N from the first pallet placement platform 27 to the second pallet placement platform 28. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the second pallet placement platform 28 exists between the first pallet placement platform 27 and the luggage placement platform 46, the movement distance of the transfer device 51 when moving the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46 can be reduced. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the operation of moving the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46 in a configuration in which the luggage placement platform 46 exists in addition to the first pallet placement platform 27 and the second pallet placement platform 28 and the luggage placement platform 46 can be temporarily placed on the luggage placement platform 46 before transferring the luggage N from the first pallet 11 onto the luggage placement platform 46.

[0193] <Other embodiments> The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the following modifications may be made. The following configurations of the other embodiments may be applied individually or in combination to the configuration of the first embodiment.

[0194] (1) In the first embodiment, the luggage transfer device 15 is configured to load luggage N on a destination platform (the second pallet 12 on the second pallet placement platform 28), but the present invention is not limited to this, and one layer of luggage N may be placed on the destination platform. Specifically, the second output conveyor 17 is set as the destination platform. The luggage transfer device 15 transfers one layer of luggage N on the first pallet 11 to the second output conveyor 17 without changing the arrangement pattern of the luggage N. On the second output conveyor 17, each time one layer of luggage N is placed, the one layer of luggage N is output downstream. This allows the luggage N loaded in multiple stages on the first pallet 11 to be output one layer at a time downstream of the second output conveyor 17. Furthermore, by temporarily placing one layer's worth of luggage N on the first pallet 11 on the luggage placement table 46, the order of the arrangement pattern of the luggage N to be discharged downstream of the second discharge conveyor 17 can be adjusted.

[0195] (2) In the first embodiment, the luggage transfer device 15 is configured such that luggage N is loaded on the source platform (the first pallet 11 on the first pallet placement platform 27), but the present invention is not limited to this, and one layer of luggage N may be placed on the source platform. Specifically, the first carry-in conveyor 13 is set as the source platform. The luggage transfer device 15 is supplied with luggage N arranged in the first arrangement pattern or the second arrangement pattern, one layer at a time. The luggage transfer device 15 loads one layer of luggage N on the first carry-in conveyor 13 onto the second pallet 12 set on the second pallet placement platform 28 without changing the arrangement pattern of the luggage N. This allows the luggage N supplied from the first carry-in conveyor 13, one layer at a time, to be stacked on the second pallet 12 for shipment or storage. Furthermore, by temporarily placing one layer's worth of luggage N on the first carry-in conveyor 13 on the luggage placement table 46, the order of the arrangement pattern of the luggage N loaded on the second pallet 12 can be adjusted.

[0196] (3) The baggage transfer device 15 may be configured such that one layer of baggage N is placed on a source platform and a destination platform. Specifically, the first carry-in conveyor 13 is set as the source platform, and the second carry-out conveyor 17 is set as the destination platform. The baggage transfer device 15 is supplied with baggage N arranged in the first arrangement pattern or the second arrangement pattern, one layer at a time, by the first carry-in conveyor 13. The baggage transfer device 15 transfers one layer of baggage N on the first carry-in conveyor 13 to the second carry-out conveyor 17 without changing the arrangement pattern of the baggage N. The second carry-out conveyor 17 carries out one layer of baggage N downstream every time one layer of baggage N is placed. This allows the baggage N supplied by the first carry-in conveyor 13 to be carried out downstream of the second carry-out conveyor 17, one layer at a time. Furthermore, by temporarily placing one layer of luggage N on the first carry-in conveyor 13 on the luggage placement table 46, the order of the arrangement pattern of the luggage N to be carried out downstream of the second carry-out conveyor 17 can be adjusted.

[0197] (4) The first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading stand 27 may have one level of luggage N placed on it, and the upper limit number of levels of luggage N on the second pallet 12 may be set to multiple levels. Also, the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading stand 27 may have multiple levels of luggage N placed on it, and the upper limit number of levels of luggage N on the second pallet 12 may be set to one level.

[0198] (5) The luggage transfer device 15 may be configured such that the upper limit number of layers of luggage N on the destination platform (second pallet 12) is set to a number less than the number of layers of luggage N on the source platform (first pallet 11). Specifically, the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet placement platform 27 has seven layers of luggage N and the second pallet 12 has five layers of luggage N, the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet placement platform 27 has six layers of luggage N and the second pallet 12 has three layers of luggage N, or the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet placement platform 27 has seven layers of luggage N and the second pallet 12 has one layer of luggage N.

[0199] (6) The luggage transfer device 15 may be configured such that the upper limit number of layers of luggage N on the destination platform (second pallet 12) is set to a number greater than the number of layers of luggage N on the source platform (first pallet 11). Specifically, the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until three layers of luggage N are loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading platform 27 and six layers of luggage N are loaded on the second pallet 12, or the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until one layer of luggage N is loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading platform 27 and seven layers of luggage N are loaded on the second pallet 12.

[0200] (7) The luggage transfer device 15 may be configured such that the upper limit number of layers of luggage N on the destination platform (second pallet 12) is set to the same number of layers as the number of layers of luggage N on the source platform (first pallet 11). Specifically, the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured to transfer luggage N until five layers of luggage N are loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading platform 27 and five layers of luggage N are loaded on the second pallet 12, or the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured such that one layer of luggage N is loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied to the first pallet loading platform 27 and one layer of luggage N is loaded on the second pallet 12.

[0201] (8) A camera capable of capturing an image of the state of the first pallet 11 set on the first pallet placement table 27, a camera capable of capturing an image of the state of the second pallet 12 set on the second pallet placement table 28, and a camera capable of capturing an image of the state of the luggage placement table 46 may be provided, and the CPU 112 may execute a process of determining whether or not the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 matches the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the top level of the second pallet 12. The CPU 112 starts the first movement control when the arrangement patterns of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 are different. Furthermore, when the arrangement patterns of the luggage N on the top level of the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 match, the CPU 112 starts the second movement control on the condition that the luggage placement table 46 is empty. Furthermore, the CPU 112 starts the third movement control when the arrangement patterns of the uppermost luggage N on the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 match and the arrangement pattern of the luggage N on the luggage placement platform 46 differs from the arrangement pattern of the uppermost luggage N on the second pallet 12. This allows the CPU 112 to execute any of the first to third movement controls without the worker directly operating the start button 102, the bring-in start button 103 or the take-out start button 104. This reduces the operational burden on the worker.

[0202] (9) In the first embodiment, the first movement control is started based on the direct operation of the start button 102 after the first set-after-rising operation or the second set-after-rising operation is ended and the operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. Any of the first to third movement controls may be started based on the first set-after-rising operation or the second set-after-rising operation being ended and the operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being performed. Specifically, when the first set-after-rising operation or the second set-after-rising operation is ended and the operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being performed in a state in which the operation of the bring-in start button 103 and the operation of the take-out start button 104 are not detected, the first movement control is started based on the end of the first set-after-rising operation or the second set-after-rising operation. In addition, when the operation of the bring-in start button 103 is detected and the lifting operation after the first set or the lifting operation after the second set is completed and the operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being executed, the second movement control is started based on the completion of the lifting operation after the first set or the lifting operation after the second set. Furthermore, when the operation of the take-out start button 104 is detected and the lifting operation after the first set or the lifting operation after the second set is completed and the operation of the lifters 25, 26 is not being executed, the third movement control is started based on the completion of the lifting operation after the first set or the lifting operation after the second set.

[0203] (10) A camera capable of capturing images of the first pallet loading platform 27, the second pallet loading platform 28, and the luggage loading platform 46 may be provided above the luggage transfer device 15, and the presence or absence of luggage N on the luggage loading platform 46 and the presence or absence of luggage N on the first pallet 11 may be determined based on the image captured by the camera.

[0204] (11) A camera may be provided that moves together with the support body 54, the lifting mechanism 53, and the suction holding mechanism 52, and the presence or absence of luggage N on the first pallet 11 may be determined based on the image captured by the camera.

[0205] (12) An ultrasonic sensor may be used instead of a photoelectric sensor as the temporarily placed baggage detection sensor 47. Also, an ultrasonic sensor may be used instead of a photoelectric sensor as the position detection sensors 71 to 73.

[0206] (13) The baggage transfer device 15 may be provided with a contact detection sensor that can detect that the suction head 81 is in contact with the upper surface of the baggage N. Specifically, the contact detection sensor is fixed near the free end (lower end) of the suction head 81. When the suction holding mechanism 52 is being lowered toward the baggage N, the CPU 112 can detect that the suction head 81 is in contact with the upper surface of the baggage N based on the state of the contact detection signal received from the contact detection sensor.

[0207] (14) The CPU 112 may be configured to know that the first pallet 11 is empty when the number of times the one-stage upward movement has been performed reaches 5. The CPU 112 may be configured to know that the upper limit number of stages of luggage N is loaded on the second pallet 12 when the number of times the one-stage downward movement has been performed reaches 7.

[0208] (15) The CPU 112 may be configured to determine the height position of the first pallet placement stage 27 based on the lifting / lowering speed (rising speed or lowering speed) and lifting / lowering time of the first pallet placement stage 27. The CPU 112 may be configured to determine the height position of the second pallet placement stage 28 based on the lifting / lowering speed (rising speed or lowering speed) and lifting / lowering time of the second pallet placement stage 28. Still further, the CPU 112 may be configured to determine the height position of the suction holding mechanism 52 based on the lifting / lowering speed (rising speed or lowering speed) and lifting / lowering time of the suction holding mechanism 52.

[0209] (16) In the first embodiment described above, the luggage N is stacked on the pallets 11, 12 in two different arrangement patterns so that the arrangement patterns of successive layers are not the same. However, this is not limited to this, and the luggage N may be stacked on the pallets 11, 12 in three or more different arrangement patterns so that the arrangement patterns of successive layers are not the same.

[0210] (17) Instead of the first arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, an arrangement pattern in which all luggage N in a layer are arranged to face a first direction (vertical orientation in Figure 2(c) or Figure 2(d)) may be used, and instead of the second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, an arrangement pattern in which all luggage N in a layer are arranged to face a second direction (horizontal orientation in Figure 2(c) or Figure 2(d)) perpendicular to the first direction may be used.

[0211] (18) Instead of the first arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, an arrangement pattern may be used in which the luggage N in the left half of the layer is oriented in a first direction (vertical orientation in Figure 2(c) or 2(d)) and the luggage N in the right half of the layer is oriented in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction (horizontal orientation in Figure 2(c) or 2(d)). Also, instead of the second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, an arrangement pattern may be used in which the luggage N in the left half of the layer is oriented in the second direction (horizontal orientation in Figure 2(c) or 2(d)) and the luggage N in the right half of the layer is oriented in the first direction (vertical orientation in Figure 2(c) or 2(d)).

[0212] (19) The distance between the first loading-side support column 22a and the first unloading-side support column 22c, and the distance between the second loading-side support column 22b and the second unloading-side support column 22d may be set to be equal to or greater than twice the width of the pallets 11, 12 (2200 mm) and less than three times the width of the pallets 11, 12 (3300 mm). The distance between the first loading-side support column 22a and the second loading-side support column 22b, and the distance between the first unloading-side support column 22c and the second unloading-side support column 22d may be equal to or greater than three times the width of the pallets 11, 12 (3300 mm) and less than four times the width of the pallets 11, 12 (4400 mm).

[0213] (20) The distance from the source stop position to the temporary placement stop position may be more than twice (2200 mm) the width dimension of the pallets 11, 12. For example, the distance from the source stop position to the temporary placement stop position may be more than twice (2200 mm) the width dimension of the pallets 11, 12, but less than three times (3300 mm) the width dimension of the pallets 11, 12.

[0214] (21) The luggage transfer device 15 may be configured so that it is not equipped with the first lifter 25 and the height position of the first pallet loading platform 27 is not adjusted, the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured so that it is not equipped with the second lifter 26 and the height position of the second pallet loading platform 28 is not adjusted, or the luggage transfer device 15 may be configured so that it is not equipped with the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 and the height positions of the first pallet loading platform 27 and the second pallet loading platform 28 are not adjusted.

[0215] (22) In the above first embodiment, the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 are configured as two-stage table lifters having the arm portion 32 with the lower arm portion 33 and the upper arm portion 34, but this is not limited to this, and the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 may be configured as one-stage table lifters, or the first lifter 25 and the second lifter 26 may be configured as three-stage table lifters.

[0216] (23) In the first embodiment, the upper surface of the luggage platform 46 is located at a height position 2004 mm above the floor surface of the facility, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the upper surface of the luggage platform 46 may be located higher than the height position 2004 mm above the floor surface, or may be located lower than the height position 2004 mm above the floor surface. For example, the upper surface of the luggage platform 46 may be located at the same height position as the upper ends of the carry-in rollers 13d, 14d and the carry-out rollers 16d, 17d (height position 600 mm above the floor surface).

[0217] (24) In the above first embodiment, the height of the luggage platform 46 is not adjusted, but this is not limited to the above. Similar to the height adjustment of the first pallet platform 27 by the first lifter 25 and the height adjustment of the second pallet platform 28 by the second lifter 26, the height of the luggage platform 46 may be adjusted by a lifter.

[0218] (25) A rotating mechanism for rotating the luggage placement platform 46 around a vertically extending rotation axis may be provided. In the case where an arrangement pattern in which all the luggage N in a layer are oriented in a first direction (vertical orientation in Figs. 2(c) and 2(d)) is used instead of the first arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, and an arrangement pattern in which all the luggage N in a layer are oriented in a second direction (horizontal orientation in Figs. 2(c) and 2(d)) perpendicular to the first direction is used instead of the second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment, the arrangement pattern of the luggage N temporarily placed on the luggage placement platform 46 can be changed by rotating the luggage placement platform 46 by 90 degrees. This can reduce the possibility of causing a location in the second pallet 12 where the luggage N are stacked in the same orientation on the top and bottom.

[0219] (26) In the first embodiment, the luggage rack 46 capable of supporting one layer of luggage N is provided, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the luggage rack 46 capable of supporting two or more layers of luggage N may be provided. In addition, in this configuration, a lifting device may be provided for lowering the height of the luggage rack 46 by one layer (196 mm) each time luggage N is loaded onto the luggage rack 46. This allows the height of the top surface of the luggage N on the top layer of the luggage rack 46 when multiple layers of luggage N are placed on the luggage rack 46 to be at the same height as the height of the top surface of the luggage N on the top layer (first layer) of the luggage rack 46 when one layer of luggage N is placed on the luggage rack 46.

[0220] (27) In the first embodiment, one luggage platform 46 is provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and two or more luggage platforms 46 may be provided. Specifically, the luggage platforms 46 include a first luggage platform and a second luggage platform. The first luggage platform is disposed on the opposite side of the first pallet platform 27 from the second pallet platform 28. The second luggage platform is disposed on the opposite side of the first luggage platform from the first pallet platform 27. The second pallet platform 28, the first pallet platform 27, the first luggage platform, and the second luggage platform are disposed on a straight line. The carry-in side regulating wall 57a and the carry-out side regulating wall 58a extend in a direction (up and down direction in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the pallet conveying direction (right direction in FIG. 1). The loading guide rail 67 and the unloading guide rail 68 also extend in a direction (up and down in FIG. 1) perpendicular to the pallet transport direction (rightward in FIG. 1). The support 54 can travel back and forth between near the center of the second pallet platform 28 and near the center of the second luggage platform. In this way, even in a configuration where two or more luggage platforms 46 are provided, the movement path of the support 54 can be a straight path.

[0221] (28) In the first embodiment described above, the luggage platform 46, the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28 are arranged in a straight line, but this is not limited to this. The platforms 27, 28, 46 may be arranged so that the direction from the first pallet platform 27 to the second pallet platform 28 is perpendicular to the direction from the first pallet platform 27 to the luggage platform 46.

[0222] (29) The luggage placement platform 46, the first pallet placement platform 27, and the second pallet placement platform 28 may be arranged on the same circumference. Specifically, the luggage placement platform 46 is arranged on the opposite side of the first pallet placement platform 27 from the second pallet placement platform 28. In addition, the transport path (the carry-in guide rail 67 and the carry-out guide rail 68) of the luggage N in the transfer device 51 is provided in a partial section (arc-shaped) on the circumference. Furthermore, the travel distance for moving the luggage N from the first pallet 11 on the first pallet placement platform 27 to the second pallet 12 on the second pallet placement platform 28 is shorter than the travel distance for moving the luggage N from the luggage placement platform 46 to the second pallet 12 on the second pallet placement platform 28. As a result, when the first movement control is executed most frequently among the first to third movement controls, the time required to transfer luggage N can be shortened compared to a configuration in which a luggage placement platform 46 is provided between the first pallet placement platform 27 and the second pallet placement platform 28.

[0223] (30) In the first embodiment described above, the luggage platform 46 is arranged on the opposite side of the first pallet platform 27 from the second pallet platform 28, but this is not limited to the above, and the luggage platform 46 may be arranged between the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28. Even in this configuration, the first pallet platform 27, the luggage platform 46 and the second pallet platform 28 can be arranged in a straight line, and the movement path of the support 54 can be a straight path.

[0224] (31) In the above first embodiment, the luggage carrying platform 46 is configured to be provided on the outside of the frame body 21, but this is not limited to this, and the luggage carrying platform 46 may be configured to be provided within a space partitioned by the frame body 21.

[0225] (32) The first hydraulic unit 41 and the second hydraulic unit 42 may be arranged between the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28, or the first hydraulic unit 41 and the second hydraulic unit 42 may be arranged between the luggage platform 46 and the first pallet platform 27. In this way, even in a configuration in which an article such as a device is placed between the first pallet platform 27 and the second pallet platform 28, or between the luggage platform 46 and the first pallet platform 27, the second pallet platform 28, the first pallet platform 27, and the luggage platform 46 are arranged in a straight line, so that the movement path of the support 54 can be a straight path.

[0226] (33) In the first embodiment, the suction head 81 is configured to suction and hold the luggage N by suctioning it onto the upper surface of the suction head 81, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the luggage N may be scooped up from below and held, or one layer of luggage N may be clamped from the side. Also, for luggage N having a ferromagnetic material on its upper surface, a magnet may be brought close to the luggage N from above and attached to the ferromagnetic material to hold the luggage N.

[0227] (34) In the first embodiment, the suction holding mechanism 52 is configured to be capable of suction-holding one layer of luggage N at a time, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the suction holding mechanism 52 may be configured to suction-hold less than one layer of luggage N at a time. For example, the suction holding mechanism 52 may be configured to have a total of 18 suction heads 81 arranged in six vertical rows and three horizontal rows, and the suction holding mechanism 52 may be configured to suction-hold half of one layer of luggage N at a time. The transfer device 51 transfers one layer of luggage N from the source platform to the destination platform in two separate operations. Also, for example, the suction holding mechanism 52 may be configured to have one suction head 81, and to move the luggage N one by one from the source platform to the destination platform. Even in these configurations, the luggage N can be moved from the source platform to the destination platform without changing the arrangement pattern of the luggage N by moving the luggage N from the source platform to the destination platform in a manner that does not change the orientation of the luggage N and the arrangement of the luggage N in the layer. In addition, the cargo N can be loaded onto the second pallet 12 in a manner that is less likely to cause the cargo to collapse.

[0228] (35) In the first embodiment, the transfer device 51 travels on the support 54 using a combination of the racks 65, 66 and the pinions 63, 64, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The transfer device 51 may travel on the support 54 using a combination of a traveling ball screw shaft and a traveling nut member. The traveling ball screw shaft is fixed above and spaced apart from the second pallet platform 28, the first pallet platform 27, and the baggage platform 46. The traveling ball screw shaft extends in the arrangement direction of the platforms 27, 28, 46 (left and right direction in FIG. 3). One end of the traveling ball screw shaft is connected to a traveling servo motor, and the other end of the traveling ball screw shaft is connected to a bearing. A traveling nut member corresponding to the ball screw shaft is fixed to the support 54. A screw thread is formed on the outer circumferential surface of the traveling ball screw shaft. In addition, a screw thread is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the traveling nut member in correspondence with the screw thread of the traveling ball screw shaft. The traveling ball screw shaft is inserted into the traveling nut member in such a manner that the screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the traveling ball screw shaft is meshed with the screw thread formed on the inner peripheral surface of the traveling nut member. When the traveling servo motor rotates the traveling ball screw shaft forward, the traveling nut member fitted to the traveling ball screw shaft moves to the second pallet mount 28 side (right side in FIG. 3). This allows the support body 54 to which the traveling nut member is fixed to move to the second pallet mount 28 side. In addition, when the traveling servo motor rotates the traveling ball screw shaft backward, the traveling nut member fitted to the traveling ball screw shaft moves to the baggage mount 46 side (left side in FIG. 3). This allows the support body 54 to which the traveling nut member is fixed to move to the baggage mount 46 side.

[0229] (36) In the first embodiment, the first movement control after the first pallet 11 is set on the first pallet mounting table 27 is executed when the first pallet mounting table 27 is located above the first initial position, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured so that the first movement control is executed when the first pallet mounting table 27 is located at the first initial position. Also, in the first embodiment, the movement control for loading the seventh layer on the second pallet 12 is executed when the second pallet mounting table 28 is located above the second initial position, but the present invention is not limited to this and may be configured so that the movement control for loading the seventh layer is executed when the second pallet mounting table 28 is located at the second initial position.

[0230] (37) The CPU 112 may be configured to execute a fourth movement control for moving the uppermost layer of luggage N on the second pallet 12 set on the second pallet platform 28 onto the luggage platform 46. In this way, when layers of the same arrangement pattern are continuously stacked on the second pallet 12, the uppermost layer of luggage N on the second pallet 12 can be moved onto the luggage platform 46 to resolve this state.

[0231] (38) Instead of or in addition to the direct start button 102 in the first embodiment, a button operated to execute the first movement control once may be provided. Also, instead of or in addition to the bring-in start button 103 in the first embodiment, a button operated to execute the second movement control once may be provided. Also, instead of or in addition to the take-out start button 104 in the first embodiment, a button operated to execute the third movement control once may be provided.

[0232] (39) The second movement control may be executed once based on the operation of the start bring-in button 103, the third movement control may be executed once based on the operation of the start take-out button 104, and the first movement control may be repeated once based on the operation of the direct start button 102 until there is no luggage N on the first pallet 11 or the number of layers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 reaches the upper limit number of layers (specifically, seven layers).

[0233] (40) In the above first embodiment, the shape of the cargo N loaded on the first pallet 11 supplied to the cargo transfer device 15 is a rectangular parallelepiped, but this is not limited to this, and the cargo N loaded on the first pallet 11 may be an elliptical cylindrical cargo with elliptical top and bottom surfaces.

[0234] (41) As a platform on which the cargo N is loaded, a dolly or a tray may be used instead of the pallets 11 and 12.

[0235] (42) Although the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 are configured to have the same size and shape, this is not limited to this, and the first pallet 11 and the second pallet 12 may be configured to have different sizes or shapes.

[0236] (43) The first pallet 11 may be a pallet for transportation and the second pallet 12 may be a pallet for storage. This allows the cargo N to be transferred from the transportation pallet to the storage pallet using the cargo transfer device 15 in facilities such as warehouses and stores.

[0237] (44) In the first embodiment, the first pallet 11 carrying a plurality of luggage N of the same shape and size is supplied to the luggage transfer device 15, but this is not limited thereto, and the first pallet 11 carrying a plurality of luggage N differing in at least one of shape and size may be supplied to the luggage transfer device 15. Specifically, the luggage N may have at least one of a different shape and size for each layer, or luggage N differing in at least one of a different shape and size may be mixed in the same layer.

[0238] <Inventions extracted from the above embodiments> The following describes the features of the inventions extracted from the above-described embodiments, while indicating, as necessary, their effects, etc. In the following, for ease of understanding, the corresponding configurations in the above-described embodiments are appropriately indicated in parentheses, but the present invention is not limited to the specific configurations indicated in parentheses.

[0239] <Features Group A> Feature A1. A first placement platform (first pallet placement platform 27, first pallet 11) from which the luggage (luggage N) is moved, a second platform (second pallet platform 28, second pallet 12) to which the cargo is to be moved; A luggage transport means (transfer device 51) for transporting luggage; A predetermined control means (CPU 112); A luggage transfer device (luggage transfer device 15) comprising: The baggage transfer device includes a third platform (baggage platform 46) on which baggage can be placed, The predetermined control means is a first transport control means (a function for executing the processing of steps S114 and S115 in the CPU 112) for executing a first transport control (first movement control) for transporting luggage from the first platform to the second platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a first trigger (operation of the direct start button 102, terminating the second movement control with luggage N remaining on the first pallet 11 and the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 being less than the upper limit number of tiers, or terminating the third movement control with luggage N remaining on the first pallet 11 and the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 being less than the upper limit number of tiers); A second transport control means (a function for executing the processes of steps S116 and S117 in CPU 112) for executing a second transport control (second movement control) for transporting the luggage from the first platform to the third platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a second trigger (operation of the carry-in start button 103); a third transport control means (a function of executing the processes of steps S118 and S119 in the CPU 112) for executing a third transport control (third movement control) for transporting the luggage from the third platform to the second platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a third trigger (operation of the take-out start button 104); Equipped with When the first transport control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged on the first platform in a predetermined pattern (the first arrangement pattern and the second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment), the luggage is transported from the first platform to the second platform so that the luggage is arranged on the second platform in the predetermined pattern, When the second conveyance control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged on the first placement platform in the predetermined pattern, the luggage is conveyed from the first placement platform to the third placement platform so that the luggage is arranged on the third placement platform in the predetermined pattern, A luggage transfer device characterized in that, when the third transport control is executed while luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the third loading platform, luggage is transported from the third loading platform to the second loading platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second loading platform.

[0240] According to feature A1, it is possible to move luggage from the first platform to the second platform, from the first platform to the third platform, and from the third platform to the second platform. This allows luggage loaded on the first platform to be moved to the third platform, another luggage to be moved to the second platform, and then the luggage on the third platform to be moved to the second platform. In this way, by making it possible to temporarily place luggage on the first platform on the third platform before moving it to the second platform, it is possible to adjust the order in which luggage is moved to the second platform.

[0241] When the first conveyance control is executed in a state where the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first placement table, the luggage can be arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second placement table. When the second conveyance control is executed in a state where the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first placement table, the luggage can be arranged in the predetermined pattern on the third placement table. Furthermore, when the third conveyance control is executed in a state where the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the third placement table, the luggage can be arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second placement table. As a result, even when the luggage arranged in the predetermined pattern on the first placement table is transferred to the third placement table and then transferred from the third placement table to the second placement table, the luggage can be arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second placement table. Therefore, in a configuration in which the order of luggage transferred to the second placement table can be adjusted using the third placement table, the luggage arrangement pattern can be prevented from changing even when the third placement table is used.

[0242] Feature A2: A luggage transfer device as described in Feature A1, characterized in that when the first conveying control is executed while luggage is present on the second platform, luggage conveyed from the first platform by the first conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second platform.

[0243] According to feature A2, the configuration of feature A1 is provided, and when the first conveying control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first loading platform, the luggage is conveyed from the first loading platform to the second loading platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second loading platform, so that the luggage can be loaded onto the second loading platform in the arrangement pattern of the luggage arranged on the first loading platform.

[0244] Since the configuration includes the above feature A1 and is configured to execute the first to third conveyance controls, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount by temporarily placing the luggage on the first mount on the third mount before transferring it to the second mount. In this configuration, by performing the first conveyance control to enable luggage to be loaded onto the second mount, it is possible to load luggage onto the second mount while adjusting the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount. This reduces the possibility that the luggage loaded on the second mount will have a location that is prone to collapse.

[0245] Feature A3. A luggage transfer device as described in Feature A1 or A2, characterized in that when the third conveying control is executed while luggage is present on the second loading platform, luggage conveyed from the third loading platform by the third conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second loading platform.

[0246] According to feature A3, when the configuration of feature A1 is provided and the third conveying control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the third loading platform, the luggage is conveyed from the third loading platform to the second loading platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second loading platform, so that the luggage can be loaded onto the second loading platform in the arrangement pattern of the luggage that was arranged on the third loading platform.

[0247] Since the configuration includes the above feature A1 and is configured to be able to execute the first to third conveyance controls, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount by temporarily placing the luggage on the first mount on the third mount before transferring it to the second mount. In this configuration, by performing the third conveyance control to enable luggage to be loaded onto the second mount, it is possible to load luggage onto the second mount while adjusting the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of the luggage loaded on the second mount having a location that is prone to collapse.

[0248] Feature A4. When the first conveyance control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second placement platform, the object conveyed from the first placement platform by the first conveyance control is stacked on the object that exists on the second placement platform; When the third conveyance control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second placement table, the object that has been conveyed from the third placement table by the third conveyance control is stacked on top of the object that exists on the second placement table, A layer of luggage in which a plurality of luggage are arranged (a layer of luggage N arranged in a first arrangement pattern or a second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment) is set on the first placement table, The luggage transfer device described in feature A1 is characterized in that the number of layers of luggage loaded on the second loading platform is set to a different number (7 layers in the first embodiment) than the number of layers of luggage set on the first loading platform (5 layers in the first embodiment).

[0249] According to feature A4, the number of layers of luggage loaded on the second platform is set to be different from the number of layers of luggage set on the first platform, so that the number of layers of luggage can be changed before and after transfer of luggage from the first platform to the second platform. This makes it possible to change the number of layers of luggage suitable for storage within a facility to the number of layers of luggage suitable for transportation by truck or the like. Also, it makes it possible to change the number of layers of luggage suitable for transportation by truck or the like to the number of layers of luggage suitable for storage within a facility.

[0250] Since the configuration has the above-mentioned feature A1 and is equipped with a first conveying control means, a second conveying control means and a third conveying control means, the possibility of creating areas on the second loading platform where cargo is likely to collapse in a situation where the number of cargo tiers changes before and after transfer is reduced compared to a configuration that does not have the second conveying control means and the third conveying control means.

[0251] With the configuration of feature A1 above, when the first conveyance control is executed in a state where the luggage is arranged on the first platform in a predetermined pattern, the luggage is conveyed from the first platform to the second platform so that the luggage is arranged on the second platform in the predetermined pattern, so that the luggage can be stacked on the second platform in the arrangement pattern of the luggage arranged on the first platform. Also, with the configuration of feature A1 above, when the third conveyance control is executed in a state where the luggage is arranged on the third platform in a predetermined pattern, the luggage is conveyed from the third platform to the second platform so that the luggage is arranged on the second platform in the predetermined pattern, so that the luggage can be stacked on the second platform in the arrangement pattern of the luggage arranged on the third platform.

[0252] Since the configuration includes the above feature A1 and is configured to be able to execute the first to third conveyance controls, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount by temporarily placing the luggage on the first mount on the third mount before transferring it to the second mount. In this configuration, by making it possible to load luggage onto the second mount by executing the first conveyance control or the third conveyance control, it is possible to load luggage onto the second mount while adjusting the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of the luggage loaded on the second mount having a spot that is prone to collapse.

[0253] Feature A5. A luggage transfer device described in any one of features A1 to A4, characterized in that the luggage transporting means is equipped with an suction holding means (suction holding mechanism 52, suction head 81) capable of suctioning and holding luggage on the first loading platform or luggage on the third loading platform from above.

[0254] According to feature A5, even when the luggage is arranged on the first or third platform with gaps between the luggage, the orientation or arrangement of the luggage is prevented from changing before and after the movement. Also, compared to a configuration in which luggage on the first or third platform is scooped up and held from below, the possibility of the orientation or arrangement of the luggage changing before and after the movement can be reduced. Also, compared to a configuration in which luggage on the first or third platform is held by suction from the side, the possibility of the orientation or arrangement of the luggage changing before and after the movement can be reduced.

[0255] Feature A6. The luggage conveying means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage to the second stage (transfer device 51, a function for executing the process of step S412 in CPU 112); Equipped with The luggage transfer device described in feature A5, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the transportation of luggage from the third loading platform to the second loading platform is performed in a manner in which the luggage adsorbed and held by the adsorption holding means passes above the uppermost luggage on the first loading platform.

[0256] According to feature A6, even if the first platform is present on the path from the third platform to the second platform, it is possible to prevent the luggage being transported from the third platform to the second platform from coming into contact with the luggage on the first platform. This makes it possible to prevent the luggage transport path from becoming complicated and the processing configuration for transporting the luggage from becoming complicated in a configuration that includes the configuration of feature A1 above, in which the third platform exists in addition to the first and second platforms, and in which the luggage on the first platform can be temporarily placed on the third platform before being moved to the second platform.

[0257] Feature A7. The luggage conveying means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a transfer device (51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage toward the second stage; a means (transfer device 51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage toward the second stage; Equipped with In the first conveyance control, the suction holding means, which is present at a first height position (the first conveyance height position in the first embodiment) while suction-holding a load, is configured to move in a direction from the first placement table toward the second placement table, The luggage transfer device described in feature A5 or A6 is characterized in that, in the third conveying control, the suction holding means, which is located at a second height position (second conveying height position) higher than the first height position while suction-holding luggage, moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

[0258] According to the feature A7, the lifting distance of the adsorption holding means required in the first conveyance control can be set shorter than the lifting distance of the adsorption holding means required in the third conveyance control. As a result, the time required for lifting the adsorption holding means in the first conveyance control can be set shorter than the time required for lifting the adsorption holding means in the third conveyance control. Therefore, when the first conveyance control is performed more frequently than the third conveyance control, the operation time of the luggage transfer device can be shortened. In addition, compared to when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during the first conveyance control, the impact applied to the luggage can be reduced compared to when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during the third conveyance control. As a result, when the first conveyance control is performed more frequently than the third conveyance control, the possibility of damage such as damage to the luggage caused by the impact applied to the luggage when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during conveyance can be reduced.

[0259] Feature A8. A predetermined lifting means (first lifter 25) that can adjust the height position of the first mounting table; A specific lifting means (second lifter 26) that can adjust the height position of the second mounting table; Equipped with The luggage conveying means includes a height adjusting means (a lifting mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, and a second air cylinder 77) that adjusts the height position of the suction holding means, The luggage transfer device described in any one of features A5 to A7, characterized in that the predetermined control means is provided with a means for executing control of the predetermined lifting / lowering means and the specific lifting / lowering means (a function for executing the processing of steps S120 and S121 in CPU 112) so that, in the first conveying control, the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means adsorbs luggage on the first loading platform and the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means releases the suction and holds the luggage and places it on the second loading platform are approximately the same height position (the suction and detachment height position in the first embodiment).

[0260] According to feature A8, the configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means is sucking up the load on the first platform is different from the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means releases the suction holding of the load and places the load on the second platform. Also, the processing configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means can be simplified. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the predetermined lifting / lowering means and the specific lifting / lowering means are not provided, it is possible to reduce the lifting distance of the suction holding means and to reduce the time required for lifting / lowering the suction holding means.

[0261] Feature A9. The first mounting table is provided with a predetermined lifting means (first lifter 25) that can adjust the height position of the first mounting table. The luggage transport means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage to the third stage (transfer device 51, a function for executing the process of step S308 in CPU 112); Equipped with The first loading platform is configured such that an article is placed on the first loading platform when the upper surface of the first loading platform is at a predetermined height (the same height as the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d), the predetermined control means includes a means for executing control of the predetermined lifting means so that the upper surface of the first mounting table is at a position higher than the predetermined height position when the second transport control is being executed (a function for executing the process of step S120 in CPU 112); A luggage transfer device described in any one of features A5 to A8, characterized in that the upper surface of the third loading platform is set at a position higher than the specified height position (in the first embodiment, a height position 2004 mm above the floor of the facility).

[0262] According to feature A9, compared to a configuration that does not include a predetermined lifting means or a configuration in which the upper surface of the third platform is located at a position lower than a predetermined height position, it is possible to reduce the distance that the suction holding means descends to contact the load on the first platform, the distance that the suction holding means ascends to lift the load, the distance that the suction holding means descends to place the load on the third platform, and the distance that the suction holding means ascends after the load is placed. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the suction holding means to ascend and descend in the second conveyance control. In addition, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of the impact applied to the load when it falls.

[0263] Feature A10. The luggage transport means is equipped with luggage holding means (suction holding mechanism 52, suction head 81) capable of holding one layer of luggage present on the first platform or one layer of luggage present on the third platform, In the first transport control, the load holding means, which is holding one layer of loads that were on the first platform, is configured to move in a direction from the first platform toward the second platform, In the second transport control, the luggage holding means, which is holding one layer of luggage that was on the first platform, moves in a direction from the first platform to the third platform, A luggage transfer device described in any one of features A1 to A9, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the luggage holding means holding one layer of luggage that was on the third loading platform moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

[0264] According to feature A10, one layer of luggage present on the first platform can be transported onto the second platform at once. Also, one layer of luggage present on the first platform can be transported onto the third platform at once. Furthermore, one layer of luggage present on the third platform can be transported onto the second platform at once. This simplifies the processing configuration for preventing the luggage arrangement pattern from changing, compared to a configuration in which one layer of luggage is transported in multiple trips. Also, the time required to move the luggage can be shortened.

[0265] Feature A11. A configuration in which the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage are arranged in a straight line; The luggage transfer device according to any one of features A1 to A10, wherein the transport path (the carry-in guide rail 67 and the carry-out guide rail 68) of the luggage transport means is a straight path.

[0266] According to Feature A11, in a configuration having the configuration of Feature A1, in addition to the first and second tables, a third table is present, and luggage on the first table can be temporarily placed on the third table before being transferred to the second table, it is possible to eliminate the need for control to decelerate the luggage transport means in order to change the direction of movement of the luggage transport means. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for the luggage transport means to move. In addition, by making the luggage transport means move linearly, it is possible to simplify the configuration for moving the luggage transport means.

[0267] Feature A12. The second mounting table is arranged in parallel with the first mounting table; The baggage transfer device according to any one of features A1 to A11, wherein the third platform is disposed on an opposite side of the first platform from the second platform.

[0268] According to feature A12, compared to a configuration in which a third platform is present between the first and second platforms, it is possible to reduce the travel distance of the luggage transfer device when moving luggage from the first platform to the second platform. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the operation of moving luggage from the first platform to the second platform. In addition, when the execution frequency of the first transport control is the highest among the execution frequency of the first transport control, the execution frequency of the second transport control, and the execution frequency of the third transport control, it is possible to shorten the operation time of the luggage transfer device by shortening the time required for the operation of moving luggage from the first platform to the second platform.

[0269] Compared to a configuration in which the second platform is between the first and third platforms, it is possible to reduce the travel distance of the luggage transfer device when moving luggage from the first platform to the third platform, thereby shortening the time required to move luggage from the first platform to the third platform.

[0270] Note that any one or more of the features A1 to A12 and the features B1 to B11 may be applied to the features A1 to A12, thereby making it possible to achieve a synergistic effect by combining the features.

[0271] According to the invention relating to the above-mentioned feature group A, it is possible to solve the following problems.

[0272] In facilities such as production factories and logistics warehouses, when luggage is taken out of the facility, the luggage is transferred from a storage platform to a transport platform. In facilities such as logistics warehouses and retail stores, when luggage is brought into the facility, the luggage is transferred from a transport platform to a storage platform. As a luggage transfer device used for such luggage transfer, a luggage transfer device that moves luggage stacked on a source platform to a destination platform one layer at a time is known.

[0273] Incidentally, when the luggage is transferred so that the luggage is stacked in multiple layers on the platform at the transfer destination, the luggage may easily collapse during transportation or storage depending on the way the luggage is loaded. For example, if the luggage is loaded in a manner in which the upper and lower luggage are stacked in the same direction (so-called "straight stacking"), the luggage may easily collapse. In contrast, if the luggage is stacked so that the orientation of the luggage changes between the upper and lower parts, the luggage may not easily collapse. In the luggage transfer device described above, if the number of layers of luggage on the platform is not changed at the transfer source and the transfer destination, the luggage will also be stacked at the transfer destination in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse, provided that the luggage is stacked at the transfer source in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse.

[0274] However, the number of tiers suitable for storing luggage in facilities such as factories and warehouses may differ from the number of tiers suitable for transporting luggage by trucks, etc. In the luggage transfer device described above, when the number of tiers of luggage changes before and after transfer, even if the luggage is loaded on the source platform in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse, there is a risk that the luggage may have a portion on the destination platform where the orientation of the upper and lower luggage is the same, that is, a portion where the luggage is likely to collapse. Thus, there is still room for improvement in the luggage transfer device that transfers luggage from the source platform to the destination platform.

[0275] <Characteristics Group B> Feature B1. A first placement platform (first pallet placement platform 27, first pallet 11) from which the luggage (luggage N) is moved, a second platform (second pallet platform 28, second pallet 12) to which the luggage is to be moved; A luggage transport means (transfer device 51) for transporting luggage; A predetermined control means (CPU 112); A luggage transfer device (luggage transfer device 15) comprising: The baggage transfer device includes a third platform (baggage platform 46) on which baggage can be placed, The predetermined control means is a first transport control means (a function for executing the processing of steps S114 and S115 in the CPU 112) for executing a first transport control (first movement control) for transporting luggage from the first platform to the second platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a first trigger (operation of the direct start button 102, terminating the second movement control with luggage N remaining on the first pallet 11 and the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 being less than the upper limit number of tiers, or terminating the third movement control with luggage N remaining on the first pallet 11 and the number of tiers of luggage N on the second pallet 12 being less than the upper limit number of tiers); A second transport control means (a function for executing the processes of steps S116 and S117 in CPU 112) for executing a second transport control (second movement control) for transporting the luggage from the first platform to the third platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a second trigger (operation of the carry-in start button 103); a third transport control means (a function of executing the processes of steps S118 and S119 in the CPU 112) for executing a third transport control (third movement control) for transporting the luggage from the third platform to the second platform by the luggage transport means based on the occurrence of a third trigger (operation of the take-out start button 104); Equipped with The second stage is arranged next to the first stage, The baggage transfer device is characterized in that the third platform is disposed on an opposite side of the first platform from the second platform.

[0276] According to feature B1, it is possible to move luggage from the first platform to the second platform, from the first platform to the third platform, and from the third platform to the second platform. This allows luggage loaded on the first platform to be moved to the third platform, another luggage to be moved to the second platform, and then the luggage on the third platform to be moved to the second platform. In this way, by making it possible to temporarily place luggage on the first platform on the third platform before transferring it to the second platform, it is possible to adjust the order in which luggage is transferred to the second platform.

[0277] Compared to a configuration in which a third platform is present between the first and second platforms, the distance traveled by the luggage transfer device when luggage is transferred from the first platform to the second platform can be reduced. This allows the time required for the operation of transferring luggage from the first platform to the second platform to be shortened in a configuration in which a third platform is present in addition to the first and second platforms and luggage on the first platform can be temporarily placed on the third platform before being transferred to the second platform. In addition, when the first transport control is executed most frequently among the first transport control, the second transport control, and the third transport control, the time required for the operation of transferring luggage from the first platform to the second platform can be shortened, thereby shortening the operating time of the luggage transfer device.

[0278] Compared with a configuration in which the second platform is between the first and third platforms, it is possible to reduce the distance traveled by the luggage transfer device when moving luggage from the first platform to the third platform. This makes it possible to shorten the time required to move luggage from the first platform to the third platform in a configuration in which the third platform exists in addition to the first and second platforms and luggage on the first platform can be temporarily placed on the third platform before being transferred to the second platform.

[0279] Feature B2. The first stage, the second stage, and the third stage are arranged in a straight line, The luggage transfer device according to feature B1, wherein the transport path (the carry-in side guide rail 67 and the carry-out side guide rail 68) of the luggage transport means is a straight path.

[0280] According to Feature B2, in a configuration having the configuration of Feature B1, in addition to the first and second tables, a third table is present, and luggage on the first table can be temporarily placed on the third table before being transferred to the second table, it is possible to eliminate the need for control to decelerate the luggage transport means in order to change the direction of movement of the luggage transport means. This makes it possible to reduce the time required for the luggage transport means to move. In addition, by making the movement of the luggage transport means a linear movement, it is possible to simplify the configuration for moving the luggage transport means.

[0281] Feature B3. A luggage transfer device as described in Feature B1 or B2, characterized in that when the first conveying control is executed while luggage is present on the second platform, luggage conveyed from the first platform by the first conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second platform.

[0282] According to feature B3, since the configuration of feature B1 is included and the first to third transport controls can be executed, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be transported to the second platform by temporarily placing the luggage on the first platform on the third platform before transferring it to the second platform. In this configuration, by performing the first transport control to enable luggage to be loaded onto the second platform, it is possible to load luggage onto the second platform while adjusting the order of the luggage to be transported to the second platform. This reduces the possibility that the luggage loaded on the second platform will have a portion that is prone to collapse.

[0283] Feature B4. A luggage transfer device described in any one of features B1 to B3, characterized in that when the third conveying control is executed while luggage is present on the second loading platform, luggage conveyed from the third loading platform by the third conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second loading platform.

[0284] According to feature B4, since the configuration of feature B1 is included and the first to third transport controls can be executed, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be transported to the second platform by temporarily placing the luggage on the first platform on the third platform before transferring it to the second platform. In this configuration, by performing the third transport control to enable luggage to be loaded onto the second platform, it is possible to load luggage onto the second platform while adjusting the order of the luggage to be transported to the second platform. This reduces the possibility that the luggage loaded on the second platform will have a portion that is prone to collapse.

[0285] Feature B5. When the first conveyance control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second placement platform, the object conveyed from the first placement platform by the first conveyance control is stacked on the object that exists on the second placement platform; When the third conveyance control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second placement table, the object that has been conveyed from the third placement table by the third conveyance control is stacked on top of the object that exists on the second placement table, A layer of luggage in which a plurality of luggage are arranged (a layer of luggage N arranged in a first arrangement pattern or a second arrangement pattern in the first embodiment) is set on the first placement table, The luggage transfer device described in feature B1 or B2 is characterized in that the number of layers of luggage loaded on the second loading platform is set to a number (7 layers in the first embodiment) different from the number of layers of luggage set on the first loading platform (5 layers in the first embodiment).

[0286] According to feature B5, the number of layers of luggage loaded on the second platform is set to be different from the number of layers of luggage set on the first platform, so that the number of layers of luggage can be changed before and after transfer of luggage from the first platform to the second platform. This makes it possible to change the number of layers of luggage suitable for storage within a facility to the number of layers of luggage suitable for transportation by truck or the like. Also, it makes it possible to change the number of layers of luggage suitable for transportation by truck or the like to the number of layers of luggage suitable for storage within a facility.

[0287] Since the configuration has the above-mentioned feature B1 and is equipped with a first conveying control means, a second conveying control means and a third conveying control means, the possibility of creating areas on the second loading platform where cargo is prone to collapse in a situation where the number of cargo tiers changes before and after transfer is reduced compared to a configuration that does not have the second conveying control means and the third conveying control means.

[0288] Since the configuration includes the above feature B1 and is configured to be able to execute the first to third conveyance controls, it is possible to adjust the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount by temporarily placing the luggage on the first mount on the third mount before transferring it to the second mount. In this configuration, by making it possible to load luggage onto the second mount by executing the first conveyance control or the third conveyance control, it is possible to load luggage onto the second mount while adjusting the order of the luggage to be conveyed to the second mount. This makes it possible to reduce the possibility of the luggage loaded on the second mount having a location that is prone to collapse.

[0289] Feature B6. A luggage transfer device described in any one of Features B1 to B5, characterized in that the luggage transporting means is equipped with an suction holding means (suction holding mechanism 52, suction head 81) capable of suctioning and holding luggage on the first loading platform or luggage on the third loading platform from above.

[0290] According to feature B6, even when the luggage is arranged on the first or third platform with gaps between the luggage, the orientation or arrangement of the luggage is prevented from changing before and after the movement. Also, compared to a configuration in which the luggage on the first or third platform is scooped up and held from below, the possibility of the orientation or arrangement of the luggage changing before and after the movement can be reduced. Also, compared to a configuration in which the luggage on the first or third platform is held by suction from the side, the possibility of the orientation or arrangement of the luggage changing before and after the movement can be reduced.

[0291] Feature B7. The luggage conveying means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means (transfer device 51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage toward the second stage; Equipped with The luggage transfer device described in feature B6, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the transportation of luggage from the third loading platform to the second loading platform is performed in a manner in which the luggage adsorbed and held by the adsorption holding means passes above the uppermost luggage on the first loading platform.

[0292] According to feature B7, even if the first platform is present on the path from the third platform to the second platform, it is possible to prevent the luggage being transported from the third platform to the second platform from coming into contact with the luggage on the first platform. This makes it possible to prevent the luggage transport path from becoming complicated and the processing configuration for transporting the luggage from becoming complicated in a configuration that includes the configuration of feature B1 above, in which the third platform exists in addition to the first and second platforms, and in which the luggage on the first platform can be temporarily placed on the third platform before being moved to the second platform.

[0293] Feature B8. The luggage conveying means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a transfer device (51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage toward the second stage; a means (transfer device 51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage toward the second stage; Equipped with In the first conveyance control, the suction holding means, which is present at a first height position (the first conveyance height position in the first embodiment) while suction-holding a load, is configured to move in a direction from the first placement table toward the second placement table, The luggage transfer device described in feature B6 or B7 is characterized in that, in the third conveying control, the suction holding means, which is located at a second height position (second conveying height position) higher than the first height position while suction-holding luggage, moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

[0294] According to feature B8, the lifting distance of the adsorption holding means required in the first conveyance control can be set shorter than the lifting distance of the adsorption holding means required in the third conveyance control. As a result, the time required for lifting the adsorption holding means in the first conveyance control can be set shorter than the time required for lifting the adsorption holding means in the third conveyance control. Therefore, when the first conveyance control is performed more frequently than the third conveyance control, the operation time of the luggage transfer device can be shortened. In addition, compared to when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during the third conveyance control, the impact applied to the luggage when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during the first conveyance control can be reduced. As a result, when the first conveyance control is performed more frequently than the third conveyance control, the possibility of damage such as damage to the luggage caused by the impact applied to the luggage when the luggage falls from the adsorption holding means during conveyance can be reduced.

[0295] Feature B9: A predetermined lifting means (first lifter 25) that can adjust the height position of the first mounting table; A specific lifting means (a second lifter 26) that can adjust the height position of the second mounting table; Equipped with The luggage conveying means includes a height adjusting means (a lifting mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, and a second air cylinder 77) that adjusts the height position of the suction holding means, The luggage transfer device described in any one of features B6 to B8, characterized in that the predetermined control means is provided with a means for executing control of the predetermined lifting / lowering means and the specific lifting / lowering means (a function for executing the processing of steps S120 and S121 in CPU 112) so that, in the first conveying control, the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means adsorbs luggage on the first loading platform and the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means releases the suction and holds the luggage and places it on the second loading platform are approximately the same height position (the suction and detachment height position in the first embodiment).

[0296] According to feature B9, the configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means can be simplified compared to a configuration in which the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means is sucking up the load on the first platform is different from the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means releases the suction holding of the load and places the load on the second platform. Also, the processing configuration for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means can be simplified. Furthermore, compared to a configuration in which the predetermined lifting / lowering means and the specific lifting / lowering means are not provided, it is possible to reduce the lifting distance of the suction holding means and to reduce the time required for lifting / lowering the suction holding means.

[0297] Feature B10. The first mounting table is provided with a predetermined lifting means (first lifter 25) that can adjust the height position of the first mounting table. The luggage transport means is a height adjustment means (elevation mechanism 53, a first air cylinder 76, a second air cylinder 77) for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means (transfer device 51) for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage toward the third stage; Equipped with The first loading platform is configured such that an article is placed on the first loading platform when the upper surface of the first loading platform is at a predetermined height (the same height as the upper end of the first carry-in roller 13d), the predetermined control means includes a means for executing control of the predetermined lifting means so that the upper surface of the first mounting table is at a position higher than the predetermined height position when the second transport control is being executed (a function for executing the process of step S120 in CPU 112); A luggage transfer device described in any one of features B6 to B9, characterized in that the upper surface of the third loading platform is set at a position higher than the specified height position (in the first embodiment, a height position 2004 mm above the floor of the facility).

[0298] According to feature B10, compared to a configuration that does not include a predetermined lifting means or a configuration in which the upper surface of the third platform is located at a position lower than a predetermined height position, it is possible to reduce the distance that the suction holding means descends to contact the load on the first platform, the distance that the suction holding means ascends to lift the load, the distance that the suction holding means descends to place the load on the third platform, and the distance that the suction holding means ascends after the load is placed. This makes it possible to shorten the time required for the suction holding means to ascend and descend in the second conveyance control. Also, it is possible to reduce the magnitude of the impact applied to the load when it falls.

[0299] Feature B11. The luggage transport means is equipped with luggage holding means (suction holding mechanism 52, suction head 81) capable of holding one layer of luggage present on the first platform or one layer of luggage present on the third platform; In the first transport control, the load holding means, which is holding one layer of loads that were on the first platform, is configured to move in a direction from the first platform toward the second platform, In the second transport control, the luggage holding means, which is holding one layer of luggage that was on the first platform, moves in a direction from the first platform to the third platform, A luggage transfer device described in any one of features B1 to B10, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the luggage holding means holding one layer of luggage that was on the third loading platform moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

[0300] According to feature B11, one layer of luggage present on the first platform can be transported onto the second platform at once. Also, one layer of luggage present on the first platform can be transported onto the third platform at once. Furthermore, one layer of luggage present on the third platform can be transported onto the second platform at once. This simplifies the processing configuration for preventing the luggage arrangement pattern from changing, compared to a configuration in which one layer of luggage is transported in multiple trips. Also, the time required to move the luggage can be shortened.

[0301] Note that one or more of the features A1 to A12 and the features B1 to B11 may be applied to the features B1 to B11, thereby making it possible to achieve a synergistic effect by combining the features.

[0302] According to the invention relating to the above-mentioned feature group B, it is possible to solve the following problems.

[0303] In facilities such as production factories and logistics warehouses, when luggage is taken out of the facility, the luggage is transferred from a storage platform to a transport platform. In facilities such as logistics warehouses and retail stores, when luggage is brought into the facility, the luggage is transferred from a transport platform to a storage platform. As a luggage transfer device used for such luggage transfer, a luggage transfer device that moves luggage stacked on a source platform to a destination platform one layer at a time is known.

[0304] Incidentally, when the luggage is transferred so that the luggage is stacked in multiple layers on the platform at the transfer destination, the luggage may easily collapse during transportation or storage depending on the way the luggage is loaded. For example, if the luggage is loaded in a manner in which the upper and lower luggage are stacked in the same direction (so-called "straight stacking"), the luggage may easily collapse. In contrast, if the luggage is stacked so that the orientation of the luggage changes between the upper and lower parts, the luggage may not easily collapse. In the luggage transfer device described above, if the number of layers of luggage on the platform is not changed at the transfer source and the transfer destination, the luggage will also be stacked at the transfer destination in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse, provided that the luggage is stacked at the transfer source in a manner that is unlikely to cause the luggage to collapse.

[0305] However, the number of tiers suitable for storing luggage in facilities such as factories and warehouses may differ from the number of tiers suitable for transporting luggage by trucks, etc. In the luggage transfer device described above, when the number of tiers of luggage changes before and after transfer, even if the luggage is loaded on the source platform in a manner that is unlikely to cause luggage collapse, there is a risk that the orientation of the upper and lower luggage is the same on the destination platform, that is, a location where luggage collapse is likely to occur. In addition, a configuration is also possible in which a platform is provided on which luggage taken out from the source platform can be temporarily placed before being loaded on the destination platform, but if the number of sources and destinations of luggage increases, a problem occurs in that the time required to move the luggage is significantly extended. As such, there is still room for improvement in the luggage transfer device that transfers luggage from the source platform to the destination platform. [Explanation of symbols]

[0306] 11...first pallet, 12...second pallet, 13d...first loading roller, 15...luggage transfer device, 25...first lifter, 26...second lifter, 27...first pallet loading platform, 28...second pallet loading platform, 46...luggage loading platform, 51...transfer device, 52...suction holding mechanism, 53...lifting mechanism, 67...loading side guide rail, 68...unloading side guide rail, 76...first air cylinder, 77...second air cylinder, 81...suction head, 102...direct start button, 103...loading start button, 104...unloading start button, 112...CPU, N...luggage.

Claims

1. A first loading platform from which the luggage is moved; a second platform to which the luggage is to be moved; A baggage transport means for transporting baggage; A predetermined control means; A luggage transfer device comprising: The luggage transfer device includes a third platform on which luggage can be placed, The predetermined control means is a first transfer control means for executing a first transfer control so that the luggage transfer means transfers luggage from the first platform to the second platform based on the occurrence of a first trigger; a second transfer control means for executing a second transfer control so that the luggage transfer means transfers luggage from the first platform to the third platform based on the occurrence of a second trigger; a third transfer control means for executing a third transfer control to transfer the luggage from the third platform to the second platform by the luggage transfer means based on the occurrence of a third trigger; Equipped with When the first transport control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged in a predetermined pattern on the first platform, the luggage is transported from the first platform to the second platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second platform, When the second transport control is executed in a state in which the luggage is arranged on the first platform in the predetermined pattern, the luggage is transported from the first platform to the third platform so that the luggage is arranged on the third platform in the predetermined pattern, A luggage transfer device characterized in that, when the third transport control is executed when luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the third loading platform, luggage is transported from the third loading platform to the second loading platform so that the luggage is arranged in the predetermined pattern on the second loading platform.

2. The luggage transfer device described in claim 1, characterized in that when the first conveying control is executed when luggage is present on the second loading platform, luggage transported from the first loading platform by the first conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second loading platform.

3. The luggage transfer device described in claim 2, characterized in that when the third conveying control is executed when luggage is present on the second loading platform, luggage transported from the third loading platform by the third conveying control is loaded on top of the luggage that was present on the second loading platform.

4. When the first transport control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second platform, the object transported from the first platform by the first transport control is stacked on top of the object that exists on the second platform, When the third conveyance control is executed in a state in which an object exists on the second placement platform, the object that has been conveyed from the third placement platform by the third conveyance control is stacked on top of the object that exists on the second placement platform, A layer of luggage in which a plurality of luggage are arranged is set on the first placement table, 2. The baggage transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the number of layers of baggage loaded on the second loading platform is set to be different from the number of layers of baggage set on the first loading platform.

5. The luggage transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the luggage transporting means is equipped with an adsorption holding means capable of adsorbing and holding luggage on the first loading platform or the third loading platform from above.

6. The luggage transport means is a height adjustment means for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage toward the second stage; Equipped with The luggage transfer device described in claim 5, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the transportation of luggage from the third loading platform to the second loading platform is performed in a manner in which the luggage adsorbed and held by the suction holding means passes above the uppermost luggage on the first loading platform.

7. The luggage transport means is a height adjustment means for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage toward the second stage; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the third stage toward the second stage; Equipped with In the first transport control, the suction holding means, which is at a first height position while suction-holding an object, is moved in a direction from the first platform toward the second platform, The luggage transfer device described in claim 5, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the suction holding means, which is located at a second height position higher than the first height position while suction-holding luggage, moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

8. A predetermined lifting means for adjusting the height position of the first mounting table; A specific lifting means for adjusting the height position of the second mounting table; Equipped with the luggage conveying means is provided with a height adjustment means for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means, The luggage transfer device as described in claim 5, characterized in that the predetermined control means is provided with a means for executing control of the predetermined lifting means and the specific lifting means so that, in the first conveying control, the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means adsorbs luggage on the first loading platform and the height position of the suction holding means when the suction holding means releases the suction and holding of the luggage and places it on the second loading platform are approximately the same height position.

9. a predetermined lifting means for adjusting the height position of the first mounting table; The luggage transport means is a height adjustment means for adjusting the height position of the suction holding means; a means for moving the suction holding means in a direction from the first stage toward the third stage; Equipped with The first loading platform is configured such that an upper surface of the first loading platform is at a predetermined height, and a baggage is placed on the first loading platform. the predetermined control means includes means for executing control of the predetermined lifting means so that an upper surface of the first mounting table is at a position higher than the predetermined height position when the second transport control is being executed, 6. The baggage transfer device according to claim 5, wherein an upper surface of the third platform is set at a position higher than the predetermined height position.

10. the luggage transport means includes luggage holding means capable of holding one layer of luggage present on the first platform or one layer of luggage present on the third platform, In the first transport control, the luggage holding means, which is holding one layer of luggage that was on the first platform, is configured to move in a direction from the first platform toward the second platform, In the second transport control, the load holding means, which is holding one layer of loads that were on the first platform, is configured to move in a direction from the first platform toward the third platform, A luggage transfer device as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in the third conveying control, the luggage holding means holding one layer of luggage that was on the third loading platform moves in a direction from the third loading platform toward the second loading platform.

11. The first stage, the second stage, and the third stage are arranged in a straight line, 5. A luggage transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transport path of said luggage transport means is a straight path.

12. The second stage is arranged in parallel with the first stage, 5. The baggage transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the third platform is disposed on an opposite side of the first platform from the second platform.

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