Transfer device

Abstract

To provide a transfer device capable of reducing an impact applied to a load in unloading the load to a loading space.SOLUTION: A transfer device 100 in one embodiment transfers a plurality of loads 1 integrally between a transfer passage part 2 and a loading space 82 of an outside transportation device 8 and comprises a plurality of skaters 3 movable on the transfer passage part 2 and the loading space 82 and a connection part 4 for connecting the plurality of skaters 3. The skater 3 comprises a placing part on which the load 1 can be placed and a lifting mechanism for lifting the placing part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There are known transfer devices that transfer loads placed on multiple pallets onto a truck bed. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a transfer device with a roller-type telescopic conveyor. This transfer device includes a moving means that enables the roller-type telescopic conveyor to move up and down, a driving means that drives the conveyor in the front-rear direction of the truck bed, and a rotatable load transfer means that is provided at the forward end of the conveyor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-227948 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The inventors have come to the following new realization regarding transfer devices. When a pallet carrying a load is loaded onto a loading platform, it is desirable that the load receive minimal impact. However, with the truck loader described in Patent Document 1, when lowering a pallet onto the loading platform, the leading edge of the pallet is brought into contact with the loading platform surface, and then the pallet is slid down a slope formed by guide rollers. At this time, the pallet is transferred from the loader to the truck loading platform by its trailing edge sliding off the tips of the guide rollers and onto the truck loading platform surface. For this reason, the load placed on the pallet receives impact when the leading edge contacts the loading platform surface and when the trailing edge slides down onto the loading platform surface.

[0005] For these reasons, the truck loader described in Patent Document 1 has room for improvement in terms of reducing the impact that a load receives when it is unloaded onto the loading platform.

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and one of its objects is to provide a transfer device that can reduce the impact that a load receives when the load is lowered onto a loading platform. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, a transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention is a transfer device for transferring a plurality of loads integrally between a transfer passage section and a loading platform of an external transport device, and includes a plurality of skaters movable on the transfer passage section and the loading platform, and a connecting section connecting the plurality of skaters. The skater has a loading section on which the loads can be placed, and a lifting mechanism for raising and lowering the loading section.

[0008] Any combination of the above components, or mutual substitution of the components or expressions of the present invention between methods, devices, systems, etc., are also valid aspects of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a transfer device that can reduce the impact that a load receives when the load is lowered onto a loading platform. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view illustrating an example of a transfer device according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a side view showing a skater of the transfer device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1. FIG. 4 is another side view showing the skater of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 4] 1. FIG. 4 is another side view showing the skater of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a skater on the transfer passage section of FIG. [Figure 6] 1. FIG. 4 is another front view showing the skater on the transfer passage section of FIG. [Figure 7] A front view showing a skater on the loading platform of an external transport device. [Figure 8]Another front view showing the skater on the platform of the external transport device. [Figure 9] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the loading operation of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 10] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the loading operation of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 11] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the unloading operation of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 12] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the unloading operation of the transfer device of FIG. [Figure 13] 1. FIG. 4 is a side view illustrating the unloading operation of the transfer device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention will be described below based on preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments and modifications, identical or equivalent components and members are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted where appropriate. The dimensions of the members in the drawings are enlarged or reduced as appropriate to facilitate understanding. Some members that are not important for explaining the embodiments will be omitted from the drawings.

[0012] Furthermore, terms including ordinal numbers such as first and second are used to describe various components, but these terms are used only to distinguish one component from another and do not limit the components.

[0013] [Embodiment] The configuration of a transfer device 100 according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing the transfer device 100. Figs. 2, 3, and 4 are side views showing a skater 3. Figs. 5 and 6 are front views showing the transfer passage section 2 and the skater 3, with partial cross-sections of the transfer passage section 2 and the skater 3. Figs. 7 and 8 are front views showing a loading platform 82, with partial cross-sections of the loading platform 82 and the skater 3.

[0014] The following explanation is based on the XYZ Cartesian coordinate system. For convenience, the X-axis direction corresponds to the horizontal front-to-rear direction, the Y-axis direction corresponds to the horizontal left-to-right direction, and the Z-axis direction corresponds to the vertical up-to-down direction. The Y-axis and Z-axis directions are each perpendicular to the X-axis direction. In addition, in the X-axis direction, the side on which the loading platform 82 is located with reference to the transfer passage section 2 is referred to as the "front" or "forward," and the opposite is referred to as the "rear" or "rearward." Moving forward is referred to as "forward," and moving backward is referred to as "backward." In other words, the rear when moving backward is the direction of travel. In addition, in the left-to-right direction, the side away from the center of the skater 3 is referred to as the "outside," and the side closer to the center is referred to as the "inside."

[0015] In this specification, the following terms are used for load 1. A cardboard box or other box containing contents is called a "case." A case may contain multiple items. A collection of cases handled during loading and unloading is called a "load." Furthermore, when a collection of cases is placed on a pallet, the pallet is also called the "load." In this embodiment, a collection of cases placed on a pallet 11 is handled as a unit as load 1.

[0016] The transfer device 100 will now be described. The transfer device 100 can perform a loading operation of loading goods 1 to be shipped to a destination from a transfer passage section 2 onto a loading platform 82 of an external conveyance device 8 such as a truck, and an unloading operation of unloading the received goods 1 from the loading platform 82 onto the transfer passage section 2. In particular, the transfer device 100 can be suitably applied to an application in which a plurality of goods 1 loaded on a plurality of skaters 3 connected to each other are transferred as a unit between the transfer passage section 2 and the loading platform 82.

[0017] The transfer device 100 includes a transfer passage section 2, a plurality of skaters 3, a connecting section 4, a drive mechanism 5, and a control device 6.

[0018] The transfer passage section 2 will now be described. The transfer passage section 2 is a support platform for transporting the load 1 between the loading platform 82 of the external transport device 8 and the transfer passage section 2. The transfer passage section 2 includes a movable platform section 22 and a plurality of support columns 24. The movable platform section 22 is a horizontally long structure extending in the front-to-rear direction. The plurality of support columns 24 support the movable platform section 22, which supports a plurality of skaters 3 from below. The support columns 24 are arranged at a predetermined interval between the underside of the movable platform section 22 and the floor surface 90.

[0019] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, a guide section 26 that guides the wheels 33 of the skater 3 is provided on the upper surface of the moving platform section 22. The guide section 26 extends in the front-to-rear direction and has an L-shaped vertical cross section perpendicular to the extension direction. The laterally extending section 262 of the guide section 26 functions as a track for the wheels 33 of the skater 3, and the vertically extending section 263 of the guide section 26 extends upward from the outer end of the laterally extending section 262 and restricts the wheels 33 from protruding in the left-right direction.

[0020] The loading platform 82 will now be described. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, a loading platform guide portion 83 that guides the wheels 33 of the skater 3 and a loading portion 84 are provided on the top surface of the loading platform 82. The loading platform guide portion 83 extends in the front-to-rear direction and has an L-shaped vertical cross section perpendicular to the extension direction. A horizontally extending portion 831 of the loading platform guide portion 83 functions as a track for the wheels 33 of the skater 3, and a vertically extending portion 832 of the loading platform guide portion 83 extends upward from the outer end of the horizontally extending portion 831 and restricts the wheels 33 from protruding in the left-right direction.

[0021] The load placement section 84 extends in the front-to-rear direction and has an L-shaped vertical cross section perpendicular to the extension direction. Lateral extension sections 841 of the load placement section 84 hold the unloaded load 1. As an example, the laterally extending sections 841 are disposed above the wheels 33 on the left and right outer sides of the loading platform guide section 83. The vertical extension sections 842 of the load placement section 84 are legs that extend downward from the laterally extending sections 841 and support the laterally extending sections 841 on the loading platform 82.

[0022] The skater 3 will now be described. The skater 3 has a body 31, a mounting section 32, multiple wheels 33, and a lifting mechanism 35. The skater 3 raises and lowers the load 1 on the mounting section 32 using the lifting mechanism 35. In FIG. 2, the mounting section 32 in the raised state is shown by a dashed line, and the mounting section 32 in the lowered state is shown by a solid line. The body 31 has a generally rectangular box shape with flat top and bottom in a plan view. The mounting section 32 is a platform on which the load 1 to be loaded is placed. The mounting section 32 is supported on the body 31 so that it can be raised and lowered. Multiple wheels 33 (for example, three) are attached to each side of the body 31 so as to protrude from both the left and right sides.

[0023] A plurality of skaters 3 are connected to each other by a connecting portion 4, forming a train of skaters.

[0024] The lifting mechanism 35 raises and lowers the mounting section 32 relative to the vehicle body 31 based on the control of the control device 6. For example, in a train of skaters, a single lifting mechanism may be used to raise and lower the mounting sections 32 of multiple skaters 3. However, in this configuration, the mechanism for transmitting the lifting force from the lifting mechanism to each mounting section 32 becomes complex, the front and rear skaters 3 cannot bend, and the posture of one skater 3 constrains the postures of the front and rear skaters 3. In this case, when the train of skaters moves over a road surface with steps or slope changes in the transfer passage section 2 or the loading platform 82, the front and rear skaters 3 cannot bend, causing some of the wheels 33 to lift up and become dislodged, which may cause the wheels to come off the track. Therefore, in this embodiment, the lifting mechanisms 35 of the multiple skaters 3 are configured to be able to raise and lower the mounting sections 32 independently. In this configuration, the space between the front and rear skaters 3 can be bent, so the row of skaters can follow changes in the road surface of the transfer passage section 2 or the loading platform 82.

[0025] The lifting mechanism 35 is not limited in configuration, and various lifting means based on known principles can be employed. The examples shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6 include two gas containers 351 and 352 arranged separately on the left and right. The gas containers 351 and 352 are sometimes collectively referred to simply as gas containers. The gas containers 351 and 352 expand when a predetermined gas such as air (hereinafter simply referred to as "gas") is supplied (see Figures 3 and 5), and contract when the gas is released (see Figures 4 and 6). The predetermined gas can be supplied to the gas containers 351 and 352 by an air pump (not shown) or the like.

[0026] The gas containers 351, 352 are disposed between the vehicle body 31 and the mounting portion 32. The gas containers 351, 352 can be formed from a material having flexibility, stretchability, etc., and can have various forms such as a bag, a balloon, a hose, a mat, etc. In this example, the gas containers 351, 352 are hoses formed from a flexible material. Below, an example in which the gas containers 351, 352 are hoses 353, 354 will be described.

[0027] For example, it is conceivable to use a single hose that runs from the front to the back of the row of skaters. In this case, the portion of the hose between the front and rear skaters 3 also expands as a unit, preventing the space between the front and rear skaters 3 from bending, and preventing the row of skaters from following changes in the road surface. Therefore, in this embodiment, each lifting mechanism 35 has hoses 353 and 354. The hoses 353 of each lifting mechanism 35 are connected by piping 358. The hoses 354 of each lifting mechanism 35 are also connected by piping 358. When gas is supplied to the hoses 353 and 354 and the piping 358, the piping 358 remains narrower than the hoses 353 and 354, and the vertical width of the piping 358 is smaller than the vertical width of the hoses 353 and 354.

[0028] 5, 6, 7, and 8, a first hose 353 on the left side of the figure and a second hose 354 on the right side of the figure are provided to each of the multiple skaters 3. The respective first hoses 353 are connected by piping 358. Therefore, by supplying gas to the first hose 353 of the rearmost skater 3, the respective first hoses 353 expand simultaneously, and by discharging gas from the rearmost first hose 353, the respective first hoses 353 contract simultaneously. The second hoses 354 are configured in the same way, and expand and contract simultaneously.

[0029] The connectors 4 connect the multiple skaters 3 together. Therefore, when a forward force is applied to one skater 3 in the row, the entire row of skaters moves forward as a unit, and when a backward force is applied to one skater 3 in the row, the entire row of skaters moves backward as a unit. From the viewpoint of making it easier for the row of skaters to move on a road surface with unevenness or inclination, it is desirable that the connectors 4 flexibly connect the front and rear skaters 3. Therefore, in the embodiment, the connectors 4 connect the multiple skaters 3 in a manner that allows the spacing between them to be changed. For example, the connectors 4 may be flexible enough to allow the spacing between the skaters 3 to change when the row of skaters moves forward from a stopped state. The change in spacing at this time can be set to preferably 1% or more, more preferably 5% or more. This change in spacing can be set to 50% or less.

[0030] The connecting portion 4 of the embodiment is made of a material having flexibility, stretchability, etc., and is formed into a cylindrical shape capable of accommodating the piping 358.

[0031] The drive mechanism 5 applies forward and backward forces to the row of skaters. The drive mechanism 5 is not limited in configuration, and various drive means based on known principles can be used. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 5 includes a first drive device 51 arranged near the front end of the transfer passage section 2 and a second drive device 52 arranged near the rear end of the transfer passage section 2.

[0032] 1, 5, and 6, the first driving device 51 includes a circular gear 56 (e.g., a pinion) attached to the transfer passage section 2, and a rack gear 54 provided on the underside of the skater 3. The circular gear 56 meshes with the rack gear 54 and is driven to rotate by a motor (not shown), thereby applying a propulsive force and a braking force to the skater 3 via the rack gear 54.

[0033] 1, the second driving device 52 includes a wire 522 connected to the rear end of the train of skaters, and a winder for winding the wire 522. The second driving device 52 can apply a backward force to the train of skaters through the wire 522 by driving the winder with a motor (not shown). The backward force can move the train of skaters backward and can also apply a braking force to the train of skaters moving forward.

[0034] When a forward propulsive force is applied to the rear end of the row of skaters, the following accelerating skater 3 may collide with the front skater 3 of the row that is not yet accelerating, causing the row of skaters to turn and derail. In particular, when the front skater 3 is loaded with a heavy load 1 and the front skater 3 is empty, the speed difference between the two becomes large, increasing the possibility of a rear-end collision. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 5 includes a first drive device 51 that is disposed near the front end of the transfer passage section 2 and can apply a propulsive force to the front skater 3 of the row of skaters. Because the front skater 3 accelerates first, the possibility of a rear-end collision by the following skater 3 is reduced.

[0035] To shorten the work time, it is conceivable to increase the forward speed of the train of skaters. In this case, if the mass of the load 1 carried by the train of skaters is large, the train may not be able to stop at the designated stopping position and may overrun. If a large braking force is applied to the front skater 3 of the train of skaters to prevent overrunning, the front skater 3 may stop first, causing the following skater 3 to collide with the front skater 3 and go off the track. Therefore, in this embodiment, the drive mechanism 5 includes a second drive device 52 that can apply a force in the backward direction to the rear end of the train of skaters. Because the following skater 3 decelerates first, the possibility of colliding with the front skater 3 is reduced.

[0036] The control device 6 is configured to include an MPU (Micro Processing Unit) and the like, and controls the operation of the first drive device 51, the second drive device 52, and the lifting mechanism 35 so as to move the goods 1 to be shipped from the transfer passage section 2 to the loading platform 82 of the external conveying device 8 in accordance with the loading and unloading schedule instructed by the upper system. The control device 6 also controls the operation of the first drive device 51, the second drive device 52, and the lifting mechanism 35 so as to move the goods 1 received by the external conveying device 8 from the loading platform 82 to the transfer passage section 2.

[0037] (Loading operation) The loading operation of the transfer device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 1, 9, and 10. Figures 1, 9, and 10 are side views illustrating the loading operation of the transfer device 100. The loading operation is an operation of transferring a group of loads 1 to be loaded, which are placed on the transfer passage section 2, onto the loading platform 82 of the external conveying device 8. The loading operation starts with a load 1 placed on each skater 3 of the skater row placed at a predetermined position on the transfer passage section 2 (see Figure 1). At this time, multiple loads 1 may be placed on one skater 3, but it should be noted that one load 1 should not be placed across two or more skaters 3 in front and behind.

[0038] (1) When the loading operation is started, the transfer device 100 supplies gas to the hoses 353 and 354 of the lifting mechanism 35 to raise the placement unit 32 before starting the movement. (2) Once the placement section 32 has been raised, the transfer device 100 advances the train of skaters using the first drive device 51. The advanced train of skaters enters the loading platform 82 from the front end of the transfer passage section 2 (see FIG. 9) and moves through the loading platform 82 to a predetermined loading position. When advancing the train of skaters, the transfer device 100 may apply a rearward force to the train of skaters using the second drive device 52. In this case, unnecessary movement of the skaters 3 (sideways shaking, vertical movement, etc.) can be suppressed.

[0039] (3) When the skater train has moved to the loading position, the transfer device 100 stops the first drive device 51, releases the gas from the hoses 353 and 354 of the lifting mechanism 35, lowers the placement unit 32, and lowers the load 1 onto the load storage unit 84. At this time, the transfer device 100 lowers the placement unit 32 until the load 1 is separated from the placement unit 32 (see also Figures 7 and 8).

[0040] (4) Once the placement section 32 has descended, the transfer device 100 causes the second drive device 52 to move the empty skater train backward to a predetermined position in the transfer passage section 2 (see FIG. 10). When moving the skater train backward, the transfer device 100 may apply a backward force or a braking force to the skater train using the first drive device 51. (5) When the skater train moves to the predetermined position and stops, the loading operation is completed. The above-mentioned operation is an example, and various modifications are possible.

[0041] (Unloading operation) The unloading operation of the transfer device 100 will be described with reference to Figures 11, 12, and 13. Figures 11, 12, and 13 are side views illustrating the unloading operation of the transfer device 100. The unloading operation is an operation of transferring the load 1 to be unloaded, which is placed in the load placement section 84 of the loading platform 82, to the transfer passage section 2. The unloading operation starts with an empty skater row placed in the transfer passage section 2.

[0042] (1) When the unloading operation is started, the transfer device 100 releases the gas from the hoses 353 and 354 of the lifting mechanism 35 to lower the placement unit 32 before starting the movement. (2) Once the placement section 32 has descended, the transfer device 100 advances the train of skaters using the first drive device 51. The advancing train of skaters enters the loading platform 82 from the front end of the transfer passage section 2 (see FIG. 12) and moves through the loading platform 82 to a predetermined pickup position. Because the placement section 32 is positioned below the underside of the load 1, the train of skaters can move under the load 1 (see also FIGS. 7 and 8). When the train of skaters advances, the transfer device 100 may apply a backward force to the train of skaters using the second drive device 52. In this case, unnecessary movement of the skaters 3 (such as lateral shaking or vertical movement) can be suppressed.

[0043] (3) When the skater train moves to the pickup position, the transfer device 100 stops the first drive device 51, supplies gas to the hoses 353, 354 of the lifting mechanism 35 to raise the loading section 32, lifts the load 1 from the loading section 84, and supports it on the loading section 32. (4) Once the load 1 is supported, the transfer device 100 causes the second drive device 52 to move the train of skaters carrying the load 1 backward toward a predetermined position in the transfer passage section 2 (see FIG. 12).

[0044] (5) When the train of skaters has moved backward to a predetermined position, the transfer device 100 stops the second drive device 52 (see FIG. 13). After this, the gas may be released from the hoses 353, 354 of the lifting mechanism 35 to lower the placement unit 32. When moving the train of skaters backward, the transfer device 100 may apply a rearward force (to the right in the figure) to the train of skaters using the first drive device 51, or may apply a braking force. (6) When the skater train moves to the predetermined position and stops, the unloading operation is completed. The above-mentioned operation is an example, and various modifications are possible.

[0045] Another example of the transfer passage section 2 will be described. In the above description, an example was shown in which the moving surface 222 of the moving platform section 22 is horizontal in the front-to-rear direction, but part or all of the moving surface 222 may be inclined relative to the front-to-rear direction. In this case, gravity acting on the load 1 and the train of skaters can be used as a propulsive force or a braking force in the front-to-rear direction. This propulsive force and braking force can also be used to supplement the propulsive force and braking force of the drive mechanism 5. The inclination of the moving surface 222 may be constant or variable. For example, a configuration in which the inclination of the moving surface 222 can be varied can be achieved by providing an elevating means for raising and lowering one end of the moving platform section 22 relative to the other end.

[0046] The features of the transfer device 100 configured as above will be described. The transfer device 100 of the embodiment is a transfer device for integrally transferring multiple loads 1 between the transfer passage section 2 and the loading platform 82 of the external transport device 8, and includes multiple skaters 3 that can move on the transfer passage section 2 and the loading platform 82, and a connecting section 4 that connects the multiple skaters 3. The skater 3 has a loading section 32 on which the load 1 can be placed, and an elevating mechanism 35 for raising and lowering the loading section 32.

[0047] According to this configuration, the load 1 can be lowered onto the loading platform 82 by lowering the loading platform 32 using the lifting mechanism 35, thereby reducing the impact that the load 1 receives when the load 1 is lowered onto the loading platform 82.

[0048] As an example, each of the lifting mechanisms 35 of the plurality of skaters 3 is configured to be able to independently lift and lower the placement section 32. In this case, the space between the front and rear skaters 3 can be easily bent, so the row of skaters can follow changes in the road surface of the transfer passage section 2 or the loading platform 82.

[0049] As an example, the lifting mechanism 35 includes gas containers 351 and 352 that expand when gas is supplied and contract when the gas is released. In this case, the lifting mechanism 35 can be configured to be lightweight.

[0050] As an example, a plurality of gas containers 351, 352 are arranged spaced apart from each other on the left and right. In this case, the left and right gas containers are inflated, improving the balance of the lifting forces on the left and right.

[0051] As an example, the gas containers 351, 352 of each skater 3 are connected by a pipe 358, and when gas is supplied to the gas containers 351, 352 and the pipe 358, the vertical width of the pipe 358 is smaller than the vertical width of the gas containers 351, 352. In this case, the pipe 358 expands little, so that the space between the front and rear skaters 3 can be easily bent.

[0052] As an example, the gas containers 351 and 352 are hoses, and the piping 358 is a pipe. In this case, the lifting mechanism 35 can be constructed inexpensively.

[0053] As an example, the connecting portion 4 connects a plurality of skaters 3 so that the intervals between them can be changed. In this case, the front and rear skaters 3 can be flexibly connected, so that they can easily pass over portions of the road surface that are changed.

[0054] As an example, the transfer device 100 includes a drive mechanism 5 for moving the plurality of skaters 3, and the drive mechanism 5 includes a first drive device 51 that is disposed near the front end of the transfer passage section 2 and can impart a propulsive force to the plurality of skaters 3. In this case, the front skater 3 is accelerated first, reducing the possibility of a rear-end collision with the following skater 3.

[0055] As an example, the driving mechanism 5 includes a second driving device 52 that can apply a rearward force from behind to the plurality of skaters 3. In this case, the trailing skater 3 decelerates first, reducing the possibility of the skater 3 in front colliding with the skater 3 in front.

[0056] As an example, a part or all of the moving surface 222 along which the plurality of skaters 3 of the transfer passage section 2 move is inclined up and down with respect to the moving direction of the plurality of skaters 3. In this case, gravity acting on the load 1 and the skaters 3 can be used to move the skaters 3.

[0057] The above describes in detail examples of embodiments of the present invention. The above-described embodiments merely illustrate specific examples of implementing the present invention. The contents of the embodiments do not limit the technical scope of the present invention, and many design changes, such as changes, additions, and deletions of components, are possible within the scope of the inventive concept defined in the claims. In the above-described embodiments, content that allows such design changes is described using notations such as "in the embodiment" or "in the embodiment," but this does not mean that design changes are not permitted in content that does not have such notations.

[0058] (Variation) The following describes the modified examples. In the drawings and descriptions of the modified examples, the same or equivalent components and members as those in the embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals. Explanations that overlap with the embodiment will be omitted as appropriate, and the description will focus on the configurations that differ from the embodiment.

[0059] In the above description, an example was shown in which the lifting mechanism 35 includes the gas containers 351 and 352, but this is not limiting. For example, the lifting mechanism can be configured by combining a link mechanism with a hydraulic cylinder that changes the attitude of the link mechanism.

[0060] In the above description, an example was shown in which the skater 3 has wheels 33, but this is not limited to this. For example, the transfer passage and the loading platform may be provided with roller conveyors, and the skater may move while sliding on the conveyors.

[0061] In the above description, an example in which two drive devices 51 and 52 are provided is shown, but the number of drive devices is not limited to this. The number of drive devices may be one or three or more.

[0062] In the above description, an example was shown in which the first drive device 51 is configured with the circular gear 56 and the rack gear 54, but this is not limiting. For example, the first drive device may have a rotor instead of a circular gear, and the rotor may move the skater. For example, the drive device may be supported by a structure separate from the transfer path section, or may be configured to move along the transfer path section.

[0063] In the above description, the second driving device 52 is an example of a device configured to pull a wire, but is not limited to this. For example, it may be configured to apply a propulsive force via a rigid body from behind the row of skaters.

[0064] In the above description, an example in which the skater 3 does not have a motor is shown, but this is not limiting. For example, some or all of the skaters may have motors for rotating their wheels. As an example, the leading skater and the trailing skater may have motors for rotating their wheels.

[0065] In the above description, an example was shown in which the connecting portion 4 and the piping 358 are separate pieces, but this is not limiting. For example, the piping may be used as the connecting portion.

[0066] In the above description, an example was shown in which the wheels 33 protrude from both the left and right sides of the vehicle body 31, but this is not limiting. For example, the wheels may be arranged below the lifting mechanism (e.g., the gas container). As an example, a rack gear and pinion may be arranged below the gas container, separate from the circular gear 56 and the rack gear 54, and the vehicle may be configured to be movable by this rack gear and pinion. In this case, wheels may or may not be provided.

[0067] Each of these modifications provides the same functions and effects as the embodiment.

[0068] Any combination of the above-described embodiments and modifications is also useful as an embodiment of the present invention. A new embodiment resulting from the combination has the combined effects of the combined embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0069] 1 load, 2 transfer passage section, 3 skater, 4 connecting section, 5 drive mechanism, 8 external conveying device, 32 loading section, 35 lifting mechanism, 51, 52 drive device, 82 loading platform, 100 transfer device, 222 moving surface, 351 gas container, 358 piping.

Claims

[Claim 1] A transfer device for transferring a plurality of loads integrally between a transfer passage section and a loading platform of an external conveying device, a plurality of skaters movable on the transfer passage and the loading platform; a connecting portion that connects the plurality of skaters; a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of skaters; Equipped with The skater has a loading section on which a load can be placed and a lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering the loading section, The drive mechanism includes a first drive device arranged near the front end of the transfer passage section and capable of applying a propulsive force to the plurality of skaters, and a second drive device capable of applying a rearward force to the plurality of skaters from behind.

Images