Luggage transfer method and luggage transfer device

Abstract

To reduce or eliminate a gap between a side panel and a cargo when the cargo is transferred to a carriage having two side panels that are arranged so as to face each other.SOLUTION: A cargo transfer method for transferring a plurality of cargoes X to a cage truck 100 having two side panels which are arranged so as to face each other with a gap in a horizontal direction includes: a guide member installation step of mounting a guide member 200 having a guide surface composed of a smooth surface to the side panels so that the guide surface is arranged inside the two side panels; an alignment step of aligning the plurality of cargoes X so that the whole width of the plurality of cargoes X is equal to or less than a separation dimension of the two side panels; and a transfer step of collectively inserting the plurality of aligned cargoes X to the gap between the two side panels, and transferring the cargoes X to the cage truck 100.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] In logistics facilities and the like, luggage removed from trucks or automated warehouses may be transferred to a basket cart or the like disclosed in Patent Document 1 for transport. For example, the basket cart disclosed in Patent Document 1 has multiple frames (fixed side frames, movable side frames, and rear frames) erected on a bottom plate. In such a basket cart, the fixed side frames and the movable side frames are arranged opposite each other. The luggage to be transferred to the basket cart is placed on the bottom plate between the fixed side frames and the movable side frames. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-227096 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, in logistics facilities and the like, cargo is transferred onto a cart such as the basket cart disclosed in Patent Document 1 or a cart truck without a rear frame. Such a cart generally has two lattice-shaped side panels (the fixed side frames and the movable side frames in Patent Document 1) erected on a bottom plate. In recent years, attempts have been made to transfer cargo onto the cart using a cargo transfer device rather than by hand.

[0005] However, when trying to transfer luggage using a luggage transfer device, due to errors in the positioning of the luggage, the luggage may get caught on part of the lattice-like side panel during transfer, causing the device to stop. For this reason, when using a luggage transfer device to transfer luggage to a cart, it is necessary to leave a gap of several centimeters between the side panel and the luggage. Such a gap reduces the number of luggage that can be loaded onto the cart, lowering the transport efficiency of the cart.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to reduce or eliminate the gap between the side panels and luggage when transferring luggage onto a cart having two opposing side panels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention employs the following configuration as a means for solving the above problems.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention is a luggage transfer method for transferring a plurality of luggage onto a cart having two side panels arranged opposite each other with a horizontal gap therebetween, comprising a guide member installation step of attaching a guide member having a guide surface consisting of a smooth surface to the side panels so that the guide surface is positioned inside the two side panels, an alignment step of aligning the plurality of luggage so that the overall width of the plurality of luggage is equal to or less than the separation dimension between the two side panels, and a transfer step of inserting the aligned plurality of luggage collectively into the gap between the two side panels and transferring them onto the cart.

[0009] A second aspect of the present invention is based on the first aspect and adopts a configuration in which the guide member includes an inner wall portion having the guide surface, and a support portion that supports the inner wall portion and is connected to the side panel.

[0010] A third aspect of the present invention adopts a configuration in which, in the second aspect, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two side panels is defined as the front-to-rear direction, and of the two ends of the side panels arranged in the front-to-rear direction, the end into which the luggage is inserted is defined as the front end, and the guide member is connected to the support portion and has a front wall portion covering the front end of the side panel from the front.

[0011] A fourth aspect of the present invention, in any one of the first to third aspects, employs a configuration in which, in the alignment process, the multiple pieces of luggage transported on the conveyor are pressed against a stopper arranged downstream in the transport direction of the conveyor, thereby positioning the pieces of luggage in the transport direction.

[0012] A fifth aspect of the present invention is based on the fourth aspect and employs a configuration in which the conveying direction and the arrangement direction of the two side panels are parallel to each other.

[0013] A sixth aspect of the present invention is the fourth or fifth aspect, and adopts a configuration in which, in the alignment process, the luggage is positioned in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by pressing the luggage from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0014] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a luggage transfer device for transferring a plurality of pieces of luggage onto a cart having two side panels arranged opposite each other with a horizontal gap therebetween, the configuration comprising: a guide member having a guide surface consisting of a smooth surface, attached to the side panels so that the guide surface is positioned inside the two side panels, an alignment device for aligning the plurality of pieces of luggage so that the overall width of the plurality of pieces of luggage is equal to or less than the separation dimension between the two side panels, and a transfer device for inserting the aligned plurality of pieces of luggage collectively into the gap between the two side panels and transferring them to the cart.

[0015] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the seventh aspect, wherein the alignment device is configured to include a conveyor for transporting a plurality of the luggage items, and a stopper that abuts against the plurality of luggage items transported on the conveyor from the downstream side in the transport direction.

[0016] A ninth aspect of the present invention is the eighth aspect, wherein the conveying direction of the conveyor is parallel to the arrangement direction of the two side panels of the cart positioned at the position where the cargo is transferred from the transfer device.

[0017] A tenth aspect of the present invention, in the eighth or ninth aspect, adopts a configuration in which the alignment device includes a pressing mechanism that positions the luggage in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by pressing the luggage from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

[0018] An eleventh aspect of the present invention, in any one of the seventh to tenth aspects, employs a configuration further comprising a guide member attaching / detaching mechanism for attaching / detaching the guide member to / from the side panel. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to the present invention, in a state where a guide member is attached to the side panel, a plurality of luggage items are transferred together with their overall width adjusted. The guide member is provided with a guide surface consisting of a smooth surface arranged on the inside of two opposing side panels. Therefore, even when the luggage items are close to the side panels, they are guided by the guide surface and transferred without getting caught on the side panels. Therefore, according to the present invention, when luggage items are transferred to a cart having two opposing side panels, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the gap between the side panels and the luggage items. Therefore, according to the present invention, when luggage items are transferred to a cart by a luggage transfer device, it is possible to increase the number of luggage items that can be loaded on the cart and improve the transport efficiency of the cart. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a luggage transfer device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a luggage transfer device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 1 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a luggage transfer device in a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a basket cart, in which (a) is a front view and (b) is a plan view. [Diagram 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the luggage transfer device in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the luggage transfer device in the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the luggage transfer device in the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the luggage transfer device in the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the luggage transfer device in the first embodiment of the invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a luggage transfer device in a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a luggage transfer device in a third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a luggage transfer method and luggage transfer device according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0022] (First embodiment) FIG. 1 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment. The luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment transfers luggage X carried out from a truck or an automated warehouse to a basket cart 100 in a logistics facility. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment includes an alignment unit 2 (alignment device), a transfer unit 3 (transfer device), and a control device 4.

[0023] Prior to a detailed description of each component of the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, a description will be given of the basket cart 100 onto which luggage X is transferred from the luggage transfer device 1. Fig. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram of the basket cart 100, where (a) is a front view, (b) is a plan view, and (c) is a side view. The basket cart 100 is a cart on which multiple luggage X can be loaded, and is moved by a worker.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 4, the basket cart 100 includes a bottom plate 101, casters 102, two side panels 103, and a back panel 104.

[0025] The bottom plate 101 is a plate member having a rectangular shape in a plan view, and supports the side panel 103 and the back panel 104 from below. The upper surface of the bottom plate 101 is a support surface on which luggage X is placed. As shown in FIG. 4(b), in this embodiment, the bottom plate 101 has a rectangular shape in a plan view. In the following description, the direction along the long side of the rectangular bottom plate 101 is referred to as the width direction of the cart 100, and the direction along the short side of the bottom plate 101 is referred to as the front-rear direction of the cart 100.

[0026] A plurality of casters 102 are provided on the lower surface of the bottom plate 101, and support the bottom plate 101 in a rollable manner. For example, the casters 102 are attached to each of the corners of the bottom plate 101, and a total of four casters 102 are provided.

[0027] The two side panels 103 are panel bodies in which a lattice structure is formed inside a frame body, and are erected on the edges of the bottom plate 101. In this embodiment, the side panels 103 are erected on each of the edges on one short side and the other short side of the rectangular bottom plate 101. In other words, the two side panels 103 are arranged in a direction along the long side of the bottom plate 101 (i.e., in the width direction).

[0028] It is not necessary for the side panel 103 to have a lattice structure. For example, the side panel 103 may have parallel bars extending vertically inside the frame, or parallel frames extending horizontally inside the frame.

[0029] These side panels 103 are disposed facing each other with a gap in the width direction of the basket cart 100. That is, the two side panels 103 are disposed facing each other with a gap in the horizontal direction. Baggage X is placed between these side panels 103. In addition, in these facing side panels 103, the side facing the other side panel 103 is referred to as the inside, and the side opposite the other side panel 103 is referred to as the outside. In other words, in each side panel 103, the side facing the space sandwiched between the side panels 103 is the inside.

[0030] These side panels 103 are formed, for example, in the same shape, and have the same dimensions in the front-rear direction of the basket cart 100. The back panel 104 is erected on the edge of the long side of the rear of the bottom plate 101 so as to connect the rear ends of these side panels 103 to each other. Like the side panels 103, this back panel 104 is also a panel body in which a lattice structure is formed inside a frame body. Note that the side panels 103 and the back panel 104 are connected via, for example, connecting fittings or the like.

[0031] However, back panel 104 does not necessarily have to have a lattice structure. For example, back panel 104 may have a shape in which rods extending vertically are arranged in parallel inside a frame body, or a shape in which frames extending horizontally are arranged in parallel inside a frame body.

[0032] In this manner, in the basket cart 100, the side panels 103 are provided at both ends in the width direction of the basket cart 100, and the back panel 104 is provided at the rear side in the front-rear direction of the basket cart 100. That is, as shown in Fig. 4(b), three sides of the bottom plate 101 (two short sides and the rear long side) are closed by panel bodies, and the front long side of the bottom plate 101 is open. For this reason, the baggage X is loaded into and unloaded from the basket cart 100 from the front side of the bottom plate 101 in a plan view.

[0033] The basket cart 100 may be provided with a detachable safety bar (see FIG. 1) attached to the front end 103a of the side panel 103. For example, one end of the safety bar is tiltably connected to the front end 103a of one side panel 103, and the other end is capable of being engaged with the front end 103a of the other side panel 103. Such a safety bar prevents baggage X from falling off the front side of the basket cart 100 by engaging the other end with the front end 103a of the other side panel 103.

[0034] The luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment is a device that transfers a plurality of luggage X collectively to a basket cart 100 shown in Fig. 4. Note that transferring a plurality of luggage X collectively is not limited to transferring all of the luggage X loaded on the basket cart 100 at once. It also includes transferring a portion of all of the luggage X loaded on the basket cart 100 at the same time.

[0035] The baggage X can be stacked in a plurality of tiers on the basket cart 100. For example, the baggage transfer device 1 of the present embodiment transfers a plurality of baggage X placed on the same tier to the basket cart 100 all at once, or transfers a plurality of baggage X placed on the same tier to the basket cart 100 in a plurality of batches.

[0036] The luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment includes the alignment unit 2, the transfer unit 3, and the control device 4, as described above. The alignment unit 2 aligns the luggage X by filling the gaps between the luggage X, so that the transfer unit 3 can transfer the luggage X to the cart 100 all at once. The luggage X supplied to the alignment unit 2 are sequentially supplied, for example, by a conveyance device arranged upstream of the luggage transfer device 1 or by a worker. For this reason, gaps are formed between the luggage X supplied to the alignment unit 2. The alignment unit 2 aligns the luggage X so as to fill such gaps.

[0037] Such an alignment unit 2 includes an alignment conveyor 2a, an alignment stopper 2b (stopper), and a pressing mechanism 2c. The alignment conveyor 2a receives a plurality of units X supplied from the upstream side, and is used as a table on which the units X are aligned. The alignment conveyor 2a includes a plurality of drive rollers 2d for moving the units X in one direction. These drive rollers 2d are arranged at equal intervals in the conveying direction of the units X.

[0038] 1, the basket cart 100 is disposed adjacent to the alignment unit 2 such that the width direction of the basket cart 100 is parallel to the conveying direction of the baggage X in the alignment unit 2. The basket cart 100 is disposed such that the front side of the basket cart 100, through which the baggage X can be loaded and unloaded, faces the alignment unit 2.

[0039] That is, in this embodiment, the aligning conveyor 2a moves the luggage X in a direction along the width direction of the basket cart 100. The aligning stopper 2b regulates the movement of the luggage X moved by the aligning conveyor 2a in this manner. This aligning stopper 2b is disposed downstream of the location where the luggage X is aligned on the aligning conveyor 2a in this conveying direction. That is, the movement of the luggage X moved by the aligning conveyor 2a is regulated by the aligning stopper 2b coming into contact with the luggage X from the downstream side in the conveying direction.

[0040] Due to the movement restriction by the alignment stopper 2b and the conveying force by the alignment conveyor 2a, the multiple packages X on the alignment conveyor 2a are pushed toward the alignment stopper 2b. As a result, the multiple packages X come into contact with each other in the conveying direction, and gaps between the packages X in the conveying direction are filled.

[0041] The luggage X loaded on the basket cart 100 is generally of a standard shape. For example, the luggage X may be a beverage packed in a packaging material of a predetermined size, or daily necessities housed in a standard container. Therefore, the dimensions of each luggage X are known. Therefore, the overall dimensions of the luggage X aligned at once on the alignment conveyor 2a can be estimated in advance. In the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the luggage X is supplied to the alignment conveyor 2a so that the overall dimension in the conveying direction of the luggage X after alignment (the dimension in the conveying direction of the assembly of the luggage X aligned at once) is smaller than the separation dimension between the side panels 103 of the basket cart 100 and is as close as possible to the separation dimension.

[0042] In this way, by making the dimension of the aligned luggage X in the overall conveying direction as close as possible to the distance between the side panels 103 of the basket cart 100, it becomes possible to load more luggage X onto the basket cart 100. Therefore, the conveying efficiency of the basket cart 100 can be improved.

[0043] However, the overall dimension of the aligned luggage X in the conveying direction does not have to be as close as possible to the distance between the side panels 103 of the basket cart 100. For example, when the number of luggage X to be conveyed is small, a small number of luggage X may be aligned by the alignment unit 2.

[0044] As described above, the multiple luggage X are aligned on the alignment conveyor 2a by being pushed toward the alignment stopper 2b. Therefore, the collection of multiple luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a is aligned with the alignment stopper 2b always being the upstream end position. In other words, the collection of multiple luggage X is positioned in the conveying direction by the alignment stopper 2b. Therefore, by arranging the basket cart 100 at a specified position, when the transfer unit 3 transfers multiple luggage X collectively, it becomes possible to transfer the luggage X without checking the end position of the luggage X in the conveying direction using a camera, a sensor, or the like.

[0045] The pressing mechanism 2c presses the multiple luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the alignment conveyor 2a, thereby aligning the multiple luggage X in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Note that the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the alignment conveyor 2a is called the transfer direction because it is the movement direction of the luggage X when transferring the luggage X from the alignment unit 2 to the cart 100. Such a pressing mechanism 2c positions the collection of multiple luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a in the transfer direction.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 1, the pressing mechanism 2c includes a pressing bar 2c1, a pressing cylinder 2c2, and a pressing stopper 2c3. The pressing bar 2c1 is a rod member that is moved in the transfer direction by the pressing cylinder 2c2, and is horizontally disposed while linearly extending along the conveying direction. The pressing bar 2c1 comes into contact with the baggage X from the transfer direction.

[0047] The pressing cylinder 2c2 is a cylinder device that moves the pressing bar 2c1. For example, an air cylinder can be used as the pressing cylinder 2c2. The pressing cylinder 2c2 moves the pressing bar 2c1 under the control of the control device 4.

[0048] The pressing stopper 2c3 is disposed opposite the pressing bar 2c1 in the transfer direction, sandwiching the place where the luggage X on the aligning conveyor 2a is aligned. The pressing stopper 2c3 regulates the movement of the luggage X moved by the pressing bar 2c1 and the pressing cylinder 2c2. In other words, the movement of the luggage X moved by the pressing bar 2c1 and the pressing cylinder 2c2 is regulated by the pressing stopper 2c3 coming into contact with the pressing bar 2c1 and the pressing cylinder 2c2 from the opposite side.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the pressing bar 2c1 and the pressing cylinder 2c2 are provided on the side opposite to the side where the cart 100 is placed with respect to the place where the luggage X is aligned on the aligning conveyor 2a. In other words, the pressing stopper 2c3 is provided on the side where the cart 100 is placed with respect to the place where the luggage X is aligned on the aligning conveyor 2a.

[0050] The movement restriction by the pressure stopper 2c3 and the pressing force by the pressure bar 2c1 and the pressure cylinder 2c2 push the multiple luggage X on the sorting conveyor 2a toward the pressure stopper 2c3. As a result, the multiple luggage X come into contact with each other in the transfer direction, and gaps between the luggage X in the transfer direction are filled.

[0051] As described above, the luggage X loaded on the basket cart 100 is generally of a standard shape. The overall dimensions of the luggage X aligned at one time on the alignment conveyor 2a can be estimated in advance. For example, in the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the luggage X is supplied to the alignment conveyor 2a so that the overall dimension in the transfer direction of the aligned luggage X is smaller than half the dimension from the back panel 104 to the front end portion 103a of the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100 and is as close as possible to half of that dimension.

[0052] In this way, by making the dimension of the entire luggage X in the transfer direction after alignment smaller than the dimension from the back panel 104 to the front end portion 103a of the side panel 103 and slightly smaller than half of said dimension, it becomes possible to load more luggage X onto the basket cart 100. Therefore, the transport efficiency of the basket cart 100 can be improved.

[0053] However, the overall dimension of the aligned luggage X in the transfer direction does not have to be the above-mentioned dimension (a dimension smaller than half the dimension from the back panel 104 to the front end 103a of the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100 and as close as possible to half of that dimension). For example, when the number of luggage X to be transported is small, a small number of luggage X may be aligned by the alignment unit 2.

[0054] As described above, the plurality of luggage X are aligned on the alignment conveyor 2a by being pushed toward the pressing stopper 2c3. Therefore, the collection of the plurality of luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a is aligned with the position of the pressing stopper 2c3 always being the end position on the side of the basket cart 100. In other words, the collection of the plurality of luggage X is positioned in the transfer direction by the pressing stopper 2c3. Therefore, by arranging the basket cart 100 at a specified position, when the transfer unit 3 transports the plurality of luggage X collectively, it becomes possible to transfer the luggage X without checking the end position of the luggage X in the transfer direction using a camera, a sensor, or the like.

[0055] The transfer unit 3 transfers the multiple luggage X aligned by the alignment unit 2 all at once to the basket cart 100. As described above, the alignment unit 2 aligns the multiple luggage X so that the dimension in the conveying direction of the multiple luggage X is smaller than the separation dimension between the side panels 103 of the basket cart 100 and as close as possible to the separation dimension. For this reason, the transfer unit 3 transfers to the basket cart 100 the collection of multiple luggage X aligned so that the dimension in the conveying direction is smaller than the separation dimension between the side panels 103 of the basket cart 100 and as close as possible to the separation dimension.

[0056] The loading / unloading unit 3 includes a platform 3a, a traveling mechanism 3b, a lifting mechanism 3c, and an adsorption gripper 3d. The platform 3a is a strength member that directly or indirectly supports the traveling mechanism 3b, the lifting mechanism 3c, and the adsorption gripper 3d. The platform 3a is provided so as to straddle the alignment unit 2, and movably supports the traveling mechanism 3b, the lifting mechanism 3c, and the adsorption gripper 3d above the alignment unit 2.

[0057] The traveling mechanism 3b is a mechanism that enables the lifting mechanism 3c and the suction gripper 3d to travel in the transfer direction under the control of the control device 4. The traveling mechanism 3b includes a moving body 3b1, a traveling motor 3b2, a pulley 3b3, and a transmission belt 3b4.

[0058] The movable body 3b1 is movable in the transfer direction relative to the traveling mechanism 3b using the platform 3a as a rail. The lifting mechanism 3c and the suction gripper 3d are attached to the movable body 3b1. In other words, the lifting mechanism 3c and the suction gripper 3d are moved in the transfer direction together with the movable body 3b1 by the movable body 3b1 moving in the transfer direction.

[0059] The traveling motor 3b2 is a motor that generates power for moving the moving body 3b1. The traveling motor 3b2 is connected to a power source (not shown) and generates rotational power for moving the moving body 3b1 based on the electric power supplied from the power source. Such a traveling motor 3b2 is fixed to the base 3a as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. For example, a sprocket is provided on the output shaft of the traveling motor 3b2. The output shaft of the traveling motor 3b2 is connected to the transmission belt 3b4 via the sprocket.

[0060] The pulley 3b3 is a member that rotatably supports the transmission belt 3b4 connected to the traveling motor 3b2. The pulley 3b3 is fixed to the base 3a and disposed at a position displaced in the transfer direction relative to the traveling motor 3b2. The pulley 3b3 rotatably supports the transmission belt 3b4 together with a sprocket attached to the traveling motor 3b2.

[0061] The transmission belt 3b4 is an endless belt connected to the traveling motor 3b2. As described above, the transmission belt 3b4 is rotatably supported by a sprocket attached to the output shaft of the traveling motor 3b2 and the pulley 3b3. The transmission belt 3b4 is rotated by the power generated by the traveling motor 3b2 being transmitted thereto. By rotating the transmission belt 3b4 in this manner, the moving body 3b1 connected to the transmission belt 3b4 is moved in the transfer direction.

[0062] The lifting mechanism 3c is a mechanism for lifting and lowering the suction gripper 3d under the control of the control device 4. The suction gripper 3d is a part that is capable of suction-supporting the upper surface of the load X. The suction gripper 3d is equipped with, for example, a plurality of suction pads arranged in a horizontal array, and is capable of simultaneously vacuum-sucking a plurality of loads X. The suction gripper 3d is lifted and lowered by the lifting mechanism 3c, and attracts or releases the load X under the control of the control device 4.

[0063] The control device 4 is formed by a computer or the like equipped with a storage unit, an operation unit, a calculation unit, a display unit, and the like. The storage unit is made up of memories such as ROM (Read Only Memory) and RAM (Random Access Memory), and storages such as HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). This storage unit stores programs and data. The operation unit is an input device that accepts operation instructions from an operator, and more specifically, a pointing device such as a keyboard or a mouse. The calculation unit performs calculations based on programs, operation signals, and the like. This calculation unit is made up of hardware such as an interface circuit and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The display unit performs display based on image data generated by the calculation unit.

[0064] In this embodiment, the control device 4 controls the alignment unit 2 and the transfer unit 3. More specifically, the control device 4 controls the alignment conveyor 2a and the pressing cylinder 2c2 of the alignment unit 2. The control device 4 also controls the travel motor 3b2, the lifting mechanism 3c, and the suction gripper 3d of the transfer unit 3.

[0065] The luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment transfers luggage X with a guide member 200 attached to the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the guide member 200, where (a) is a view seen from above the front side, and (b) is a view seen from below the rear side.

[0066] The guide member 200 is attached to the side panel 103 to guide the baggage X so as not to come into contact with the side panel 103 when the baggage X is transferred onto the basket cart 100 .

[0067] 5, the guide member 200 has a top wall portion 201 (support portion), an inner wall portion 202, an outer wall portion 203, and a front wall portion 204. The top wall portion 201, the inner wall portion 202, the outer wall portion 203, and the front wall portion 204 are integrally connected. The guide member 200 is entirely formed of, for example, a resin material.

[0068] The top wall portion 201 is a portion that comes into contact with the upper end portion of the side panel 103 from above. This top wall portion 201 extends linearly like the upper end portion of the side panel 103, and is formed with a width dimension that is slightly larger than the thickness dimension of the side panel 103. This top wall portion 201 supports and suspends the inner wall portion 202, the outer wall portion 203, and the front wall portion 204 from above.

[0069] The inner wall portion 202 is a wall portion that is connected at its upper end to one end of the top wall portion 201 in the width direction and hangs down from the top wall portion 201. The inner wall portion 202 is disposed opposite the outer wall portion 203 with a gap therebetween. The surface of the inner wall portion 202 facing the opposite side to the outer wall portion 203 is the guide surface 202a. In other words, when the guide member 200 is attached to the side panels 103, the guide surface 202a is disposed inside the two side panels 103.

[0070] In this embodiment, the guide surface 202a is a flat surface (smooth surface). When the luggage X is transferred from the luggage transfer device 1 to the basket cart 100, the luggage X abuts against the guide surface 202a of the inner wall portion 202 and is guided between the two side panels 103 without coming into contact with the side panels 103.

[0071] The outer wall portion 203 has an upper end connected to the other end in the width direction of the top wall portion 201, and is a wall portion hanging down from the top wall portion 201. The outer wall portion 203 is spaced apart from the inner wall portion 202 by the width dimension of the top wall portion 201 and is disposed parallel to the inner wall portion 202.

[0072] In such a guide member 200, the top wall portion 201, the inner wall portion 202, and the outer wall portion 203 are connected in a U-shape when viewed from a direction along the extension direction of the top wall portion 201. Therefore, the guide member 200 can be attached to the side panel 103 so that the top wall portion 201 is abutted against the upper end of the side panel 103 from above, the inner wall portion 202 is disposed inside the side panel 103, and the outer wall portion 203 is disposed outside the side panel 103. By attaching the guide member 200 to the side panel 103 in this manner, the inner wall portion 202 and the outer wall portion 203 are disposed so as to sandwich the side panel 103, and the posture of the guide member 200 can be stabilized.

[0073] The front wall portion 204 has an upper end connected to the front end of the top wall portion 201, and is a wall portion hanging down from the top wall portion 201. One end of the front wall portion 204 in the width direction is connected to the front end of the inner wall portion 202, and the other end of the front wall portion 204 is connected to the front end of the outer wall portion 203. When the guide member 200 is attached to the side panel 103, this front wall portion 204 covers the front end portion 103a of the side panel 103 from the front.

[0074] Such a front wall portion 204 prevents the luggage X from contacting the front end portion 103a of the side panel 103 when the luggage X is transferred from the luggage transfer device 1 to the basket cart 100. Note that, for example, the front wall portion 204 is preferably connected to the inner wall portion 202 such that the connection angle with the inner wall portion 202 is an obtuse angle. In this way, since the connection angle between the front wall portion 204 and the inner wall portion 202 is an obtuse angle, even if the luggage X to be transferred to the basket cart 100 contacts the front wall portion 204, it is possible to guide the luggage X to the inside of the side panel 103.

[0075] Moreover, the front wall portion 204 may be connected to the inner wall portion 202 via a curved surface. By connecting the front wall portion 204 and the inner wall portion 202 via such a curved surface, the front wall portion 204 and the inner wall portion 202 are smoothly connected without forming a bent portion. Therefore, even if the baggage X to be transferred to the basket cart 100 comes into contact with the front wall portion 204, it is possible to guide the baggage X to the inside of the side panel 103.

[0076] Next, an operation (luggage transfer method) of the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment will be described. Note that the operation described below is mainly performed by the control device 4 unless otherwise specified.

[0077] First, the guide member 200 is attached to the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100. Then, as shown in FIG. 6, the basket cart 100 with the guide member 200 installed on the side panel 103 is disposed adjacent to the baggage transfer device 1. Here, the basket cart 100 is disposed adjacent to the alignment conveyor 2a in the transfer direction. The basket cart 100 is disposed so that its width direction (the arrangement direction of the side panels 103) is parallel to the conveying direction of the alignment conveyor 2a and its front side (the side opposite to the back panel 104) faces the alignment conveyor 2a. Furthermore, the basket cart 100 is disposed so that the positions of the alignment stopper 2b and one of the side panels 103 (the side panel 103 disposed on the rear side in the conveying direction of the alignment conveyor 2a) are aligned in the conveying direction.

[0078] In this embodiment, the guide member 200 is attached to the side panel 103 before the basket cart 100 is disposed adjacent to the luggage transfer device 1. However, the guide member 200 may be attached to the side panel 103 after the basket cart 100 is disposed adjacent to the luggage transfer device 1.

[0079] 7, a plurality of packages X are placed on the sorting conveyor 2a. Here, the packages X are placed in a predetermined position on the sorting conveyor 2a by, for example, a transport robot or an operator (not shown).

[0080] Next, the alignment conveyor 2a conveys the luggage X in the conveying direction. The conveyed luggage X is stopped by the alignment stopper 2b. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, the gaps between the luggage X in the conveying direction are filled. Furthermore, the assembly of the luggage X is positioned in the conveying direction by the alignment stopper 2b. The dimension in the conveying direction of the assembly of luggage X aligned in this way by the alignment conveyor 2a and the alignment stopper 2b is, for example, slightly smaller than the distance between the side panels 103.

[0081] Next, as shown in Fig. 9, the pressing mechanism 2c aligns the multiple luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a in the transfer direction. Here, the pressing cylinder 2c2 moves the pressing bar 2c1 so as to approach the pressing stopper 2c3, and the pressing bar 2c1 presses the luggage X toward the pressing bar 2c1. Therefore, as shown in Fig. 9, the gaps between the multiple luggage X in the transfer direction are filled.

[0082] 10, the transfer unit 3 transfers a plurality of packages X from the sorting conveyor 2a to the basket cart 100 all at once. Here, the travel mechanism 3b of the transfer unit 3 positions the suction gripper 3d above the plurality of packages X. The lifting mechanism 3c also brings the suction gripper 3d into contact with the upper surfaces of the packages X. Thereafter, the suction gripper 3d adsorbs the upper surfaces of the packages X. The lifting mechanism 3c also raises the suction gripper 3d that has adsorbed the upper surfaces of the packages X, thereby lifting the packages X.

[0083] Furthermore, the suction gripper 3d supporting the luggage X is disposed between the side panels 103 of the cart 100 by the traveling mechanism 3b. Thereafter, the suction gripper 3d is lowered by the lifting mechanism 3c, and the luggage X is transferred by causing the suction gripper 3d to release the luggage X.

[0084] The luggage transfer device 1 of the present embodiment as described above transfers a plurality of luggage X to a basket cart 100 having two side panels 103 arranged opposite to each other with a horizontal gap therebetween. A guide member 200 is attached to the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100.

[0085] Moreover, the guide member 200 is attached to the side panels 103 such that the guide surfaces 202a are disposed on the inner sides of the two side panels 103.

[0086] The luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment also includes an alignment unit 2 and a transfer unit 3. The alignment unit 2 aligns the luggage X so that the overall width of the luggage X is equal to or smaller than the distance between the two side panels 103. The transfer unit 3 inserts the aligned luggage X into the gap between the two side panels 103 all at once and transfers it to the basket cart 100.

[0087] According to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, with the guide member 200 attached to the side panel 103, a plurality of luggage X are transferred collectively with their overall width adjusted. The guide member 200 is provided with guide surfaces 202a consisting of smooth surfaces arranged on the inner sides of the two opposing side panels 103. Therefore, even when the luggage X is brought close to the side panel 103, it is guided by the guide surfaces 202a and transferred without getting caught on the side panel 103.

[0088] Therefore, according to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, when luggage X is transferred to a basket cart 100 having two side panels 103 arranged opposite each other, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the gap between the side panels 103 and the luggage X. Therefore, according to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, when luggage X is transferred to the basket cart 100 by the luggage transfer device 1, it is possible to increase the number of luggage X that can be loaded on the basket cart 100 and improve the transport efficiency of the basket cart 100.

[0089] In addition, in the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the alignment unit 2 includes an alignment conveyor 2a that transports a plurality of luggage X, and an alignment stopper 2b that comes into contact with the plurality of luggage X transported on the alignment conveyor 2a from the downstream side in the transport direction. According to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the luggage X can be easily aligned by pressing the luggage X against the alignment stopper 2b by the alignment conveyor 2a.

[0090] Furthermore, in the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the transport direction on the alignment conveyor 2a is parallel to the arrangement direction of the two side panels 103 of the basket cart 100 arranged at the position where the luggage X is transferred from the transfer unit 3. That is, in this embodiment, the width direction of the basket cart 100 is parallel to the transport direction of the alignment conveyor 2a. Therefore, it is possible to easily transfer the luggage X by moving the collection of luggage X aligned on the alignment conveyor 2a in the transfer direction without changing the posture.

[0091] In the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the alignment unit 2 includes a pressing mechanism 2c. The pressing mechanism 2c presses the luggage X from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, thereby positioning the luggage X in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. According to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, the pressing mechanism 2c presses the luggage X, making it possible to easily align the luggage X in the transfer direction.

[0092] The luggage transfer method of this embodiment is a method for transferring a plurality of luggage X to a basket cart 100 having two side panels 103 arranged facing each other with a horizontal gap therebetween. The luggage transfer method of this embodiment includes a guide member installation step. In this guide member installation step, a guide member 200 having a guide surface 202a made of a smooth surface is attached to the side panels 103 such that the guide surface 202a is located inside the two side panels 103.

[0093] The luggage transfer method of this embodiment also includes an alignment step. In this alignment step, the luggage X is aligned so that the overall width of the luggage X is equal to or smaller than the separation dimension of the two side panels 103. The luggage transfer method of this embodiment also includes a transfer step. In this transfer step, the aligned luggage X is inserted collectively into the gap between the two side panels 103 and transferred to the basket cart 100.

[0094] According to the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, a plurality of luggage X are transferred collectively with their overall widths adjusted, with the guide member 200 attached to the side panel 103. The guide member 200 is provided with guide surfaces 202a, which are smooth surfaces arranged on the inner sides of the two opposing side panels 103. Therefore, even when the luggage X is brought close to the side panel 103, it is guided by the guide surfaces 202a and transferred without getting caught on the side panel 103.

[0095] Therefore, according to the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, when luggage X is transferred to a basket cart 100 having two side panels 103 arranged opposite each other, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the gap between the side panels 103 and the luggage X. Therefore, according to the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, it is possible to increase the number of luggage X that can be loaded on the basket cart 100 and improve the transport efficiency of the basket cart 100.

[0096] Moreover, in the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, the guide member 200 includes an inner wall portion 202 having a guide surface 202a, and a top wall portion 201 that supports the inner wall portion 202 and is connected to the side panel 103. According to such luggage transfer method of this embodiment, since the inner wall portion 202 covers the inner portion of the side panel 103, it is possible to reliably prevent the luggage X from contacting the side panel 103. Even if the luggage X contacts the guide member 200, the luggage X is guided along the guide surface 202a, so that it is possible to transfer the luggage X smoothly.

[0097] In the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, the horizontal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two side panels 103 is defined as the front-rear direction, and of the two ends of the side panels 103 arranged in the front-rear direction, the end into which the luggage X is inserted is defined as the front end 103a. The guide member 200 is connected to the top wall 201 and includes a front wall 204 that covers the front end 103a of the side panel 103 from the front. This makes it possible to prevent the luggage X from coming into contact with the side panel 103 when the luggage X is transferred to the basket cart 100.

[0098] In the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, in the alignment step, the luggage X transported on the alignment conveyor 2a is pressed against an alignment stopper 2b disposed downstream in the conveying direction of the alignment conveyor 2a, thereby positioning the luggage X in the conveying direction. This makes it possible to easily align the luggage X.

[0099] In addition, in the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, the conveying direction is parallel to the arrangement direction of the two side panels 103. Therefore, the luggage X can be easily transferred by moving the set of luggage X aligned on the alignment conveyor 2a in the transfer direction without changing its posture.

[0100] In the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, in the alignment step, the luggage X is pressed from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to position the luggage X in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. Therefore, according to the luggage transfer method of this embodiment, it is possible to easily align the luggage X in the transfer direction.

[0101] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0102] 11 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of the luggage transfer device 1A of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the luggage transfer device 1A of this embodiment has a pressing mechanism 2c equipped with a second pressing bar 2c4 and a second pressing cylinder 2c5 instead of the pressing stopper 2c3 of the first embodiment.

[0103] The second pressing bar 2c4 is a rod member that is moved in the transfer direction by the second pressing cylinder 2c5, and is horizontally disposed while extending linearly along the conveying direction. The second pressing bar 2c4 comes into contact with the baggage X from the side opposite to the pressing bar 2c1 in the transfer direction.

[0104] The second pressing cylinder 2c5 is a cylinder device that moves the second pressing bar 2c4. For example, an air cylinder can be used as the second pressing cylinder 2c5. The second pressing cylinder 2c5 moves the second pressing bar 2c4 under the control of the control device 4.

[0105] In the luggage transfer device 1A of this embodiment, the pressing bar 2c1 and the second pressing bar 2c4 are arranged to sandwich the place where the luggage X is aligned on the alignment unit 2. Therefore, it is possible to align a plurality of luggage X by sandwiching them between the pressing bar 2c1 and the second pressing bar 2c4. Therefore, according to the luggage transfer device 1A of this embodiment, it is possible to adjust the alignment position of the luggage X in the transfer direction.

[0106] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of this embodiment, the description of the same parts as those in the first embodiment will be omitted or simplified.

[0107] 12 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a luggage transfer device 1B of this embodiment. As shown in this figure, the luggage transfer device 1B includes an attachment / detachment mechanism 5 (guide member attachment / detachment mechanism) in addition to the luggage transfer device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0108] The attachment / detachment mechanism 5 is a mechanism for attaching and detaching the guide member 200 to and from the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100. As such an attachment / detachment mechanism 5, for example, an industrial robot can be used.

[0109] The attachment / detachment mechanism 5 attaches the guide member 200 to the side panel 103 of the basket cart 100 disposed adjacent to the aligning conveyor 2a before the transfer of the baggage X. In addition, the attachment / detachment mechanism 5 detaches the guide member 200 from the basket cart 100 after the transfer of the baggage X to the basket cart 100 is completed.

[0110] According to the luggage transfer device 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to automate the installation and removal of the guide member 200. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the workload of workers involved in installing and removing the guide member 200.

[0111] Although the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the attached drawings, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. The shapes and combinations of the components shown in the above embodiment are merely examples, and various modifications can be made based on design requirements, etc., without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0112] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration has been described in which a handling robot or the like that places luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a is not provided. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which a device such as a handling robot that places luggage X on the alignment conveyor 2a is provided. [Explanation of symbols]

[0113] Reference Signs List 1: luggage transfer device, 1A: luggage transfer device, 1B: luggage transfer device, 2: alignment unit (alignment device), 2a: alignment conveyor, 2b: alignment stopper, 2c: pressing mechanism, 2c1: pressing bar, 2c2: pressing cylinder, 2c3: pressing stopper, 2c4: second pressing bar, 2c5: second pressing cylinder, 2d: driving roller, 3: transfer unit (transfer device), 3: transfer unit (transfer device), 3a: stand, 3b: running mechanism, 3b1: transfer Moving body, 3b2...traveling motor, 3b3...pulley, 3b4...transmission belt, 3c...lifting mechanism, 3d...suction gripper, 4...control device, 5...attachment mechanism (guide member attachment / detachment mechanism), 100...basket cart, 101...bottom plate, 102...caster, 103...side panel, 103a...front end, 104...back panel, 200...guide member, 201...top wall, 202...inner wall, 202a...guide surface, 203...outer wall, 204...front wall, X...baggage

Claims

1. A method for transferring a plurality of pieces of luggage onto a cart having two side panels arranged opposite each other with a horizontal gap therebetween, comprising the steps of: a guide member installation step of attaching a guide member having a guide surface formed of a smooth surface to the side panels such that the guide surface is disposed on the inner side of the two side panels; an aligning step of aligning the plurality of packages so that an overall width of the plurality of packages is equal to or smaller than a distance between the two side panels; a transfer process of inserting the aligned plurality of packages collectively into the gap between the two side panels and transferring them to the dolly; having In the guide member installation step, the guide member is attached to the side panel using a guide member attachment / detachment mechanism that attaches and detaches the guide member to and from the side panel. A method for transferring luggage.

2. The guide member is an inner wall portion having the guide surface; When the inner wall portion is supported and the inner wall portion is connected to the side panel, the supporting portion 2. The method for transferring luggage according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. A horizontal direction perpendicular to the arrangement direction of the two side panels is defined as a front-rear direction, Of the two ends of the side panels arranged in the front-rear direction, the end on the side where the luggage is inserted is defined as a front end, The guide member is connected to the support portion and includes a front wall portion that covers the front end portion of the side panel from the front.

3. The method for transferring luggage according to claim 2.

4. A luggage transfer method as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in the alignment process, the luggage being transported on the conveyor is pressed against a stopper arranged downstream in the transport direction of the conveyor, thereby positioning the luggage in the transport direction.

5. 5. The method for transferring luggage according to claim 4, wherein the conveying direction and the arrangement direction of the two side panels are parallel to each other.

6. 6. The method for transferring and loading luggage according to claim 4, wherein in the aligning step, the luggage is positioned in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction by pressing the luggage from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

7. A luggage transfer device that transfers a plurality of luggage to a cart having two side panels arranged opposite each other with a horizontal gap therebetween, a guide member having a guide surface formed of a smooth surface is attached to the side panels such that the guide surface is disposed on the inner side of the two side panels; an alignment device that aligns the plurality of pieces of luggage so that an overall width of the plurality of pieces of luggage is equal to or smaller than a distance between the two side panels; A transfer device that inserts the aligned plurality of luggage collectively into a gap between the two side panels and transfers them to the dolly; a guide member attachment / detachment mechanism for attaching and detaching the guide member to and from the side panel; A luggage transfer device comprising:

8. The alignment device includes: A conveyor for transporting a plurality of the packages; a stopper that is brought into contact with the plurality of packages transported on the conveyor from a downstream side in a transport direction; 8. The luggage transfer device according to claim 7, further comprising:

9. 9. The luggage transfer device according to claim 8, wherein the conveying direction of the conveyor is parallel to an arrangement direction of the two side panels of the cart arranged at a position where the luggage is transferred from the transfer device.

10. 10. The luggage transfer device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the alignment device includes a pressing mechanism that presses the luggage from a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction to position the luggage in the direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.

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