Transfer devices and article storage devices

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of providing a transfer device for transferring an article without using a raising / lowering means.　This transfer device comprises: a rotation body row 35 in which a plurality of rotation bodies 42 are linearly arranged; a moving means which moves the rotation body row 35; and an inclined path 25, wherein the rotation body row 35 is provided in the inclined path 25, the rotation body row 35 is linearly moved along the inclined path 25 by the moving means, the rotation body row 35 rises as the rotation body row 35 is moved in the direction to ascend the inclined path 25, and some or all of the rotation bodies 42 constituting the rotation body row 35 are in contact with the inclined path and rotated during the movement.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transfer device for moving an article placed at a predetermined position. The transfer device of the present invention is suitable as a member constituting an article storage device. The present invention also relates to an article storage device.

Background Art

[0002] A transfer device for transferring an article is known. The transfer device (hereinafter, the transfer device of the prior art) disclosed in Patent Document 1 is installed at a branch portion of the transfer device and transfers an article from the main transfer path of the transfer device to a branch path. The transfer device of the prior art is composed of a main transfer device that transfers an article in a certain direction, a sub-transfer device that transfers an article in a direction perpendicular to the main transfer path, and a lifting means.

[0003] In the transfer device of the prior art, one of the main transfer device and the sub-transfer device is a roller conveyor, and the other is a belt conveyor in which narrow belts are wound in parallel. And the belt of the belt conveyor is arranged between the rollers of the roller conveyor. When transferring an article from the main transfer path to the branch path by the transfer device of the prior art, the main transfer device and the sub-transfer device are lifted by the lifting means, the transfer surface of the sub-transfer device is lifted above the other, and the article is placed on the transfer surface and the article is moved to the branch path side by the sub-transfer device.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Conventional transfer devices are popular and widely used as components that make up the branching section of conveying systems. However, conventional transfer devices require a lifting mechanism and have the drawback of having a large number of parts. Furthermore, conventional conveying devices are unsuitable for applications such as transferring goods between adjacent conveying lines in a layout where the conveying lines are arranged in parallel. In other words, in a device with the layout described above, transferring transported goods requires the installation of transfer devices on both the receiving and receiving sides, resulting in a large-scale system.

[0006] This invention addresses the aforementioned problems of the prior art and aims to provide a transfer device that transfers articles without using a lifting mechanism. Furthermore, the present invention aims to develop an article storage device that allows for easy loading and unloading of articles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] An embodiment for solving the above-mentioned problems is a transfer device comprising a row of rotating bodies arranged in a line, a moving means for moving the row of rotating bodies, and an inclined path, wherein the row of rotating bodies is installed on the inclined path, the row of rotating bodies moves linearly along the inclined path by the moving means, and the row of rotating bodies rises when the row of rotating bodies is moved in the direction of ascending the inclined path.

[0008] The transfer device in this embodiment has an inclined path, and a row of rotating bodies moves linearly along the inclined path. By moving linearly along the inclined path, the row of rotating bodies moves upward and can pick up articles.

[0009] It is desirable that during the aforementioned movement, some or all of the rotating bodies among the plurality of rotating bodies rotate in contact with the ramp.

[0010] As described above, the transfer device of this embodiment has an inclined path, and a row of rotating bodies moves linearly along the inclined path. By moving linearly along the inclined path, the row of rotating bodies moves upward, scooping up the articles and placing them on top of the row of rotating bodies. In this embodiment, since the entire array of rotating bodies is moving linearly, the articles on the array of rotating bodies move linearly along with the movement of the array of rotating bodies. In addition, in this embodiment, the articles also move due to the rotation of the rotating bodies. In other words, in the transfer device of this embodiment, the row of rotating bodies rises when the row of rotating bodies is moved in the direction of ascending the ramp, and at the same time, some or all of the rotating bodies constituting the row of rotating bodies come into contact with the ramp and rotate during the movement. Therefore, the articles are also moved by the rotation of the rotating bodies. Consequently, with the transfer device of this embodiment, the articles are moved by a greater amount than the amount of movement of the row of rotating bodies by the moving means.

[0011] In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that part or all of the ramp itself is composed of an endless member, the endless member rotates by power, and further power from the endless member rotates part or all of the rotating body.

[0012] According to this embodiment, the rotating body can rotate more, and the article can be moved over a greater distance.

[0013] In the above-described embodiment, it is desirable that an endless member is arranged on or near the ramp, the endless member rotates due to power, and further power is received from the endless member to rotate a part of the rotating body or all of the rotating body.

[0014] According to this embodiment, the rotating body can rotate more, and the article can be moved over a greater distance.

[0015] Another embodiment for solving a similar problem is a transfer device having a row of rotating bodies arranged in a line, and a moving means for moving the row of rotating bodies, wherein the row of rotating bodies moves linearly in the inclined direction by the moving means, and having an endless member, wherein the endless member rotates by power, and further power from the endless member causes some or all of the rotating bodies to rotate.

[0016] In this embodiment of the transfer device, the rotating array moves linearly in the inclined direction by the moving means. As a result, the rotating array moves upward, allowing it to pick up an item. Since the rotational array moves linearly overall, the articles on the rotational array move linearly along with the movement of the rotational array. In addition, in this embodiment, the articles also move due to the rotation of the rotational array. In other words, in the transfer device of this embodiment, the row of rotating bodies rises when the row of rotating bodies is moved in the direction of ascending the ramp, and during this movement, some or all of the rotating bodies constituting the row of rotating bodies rotate by power from an endless member. Therefore, the articles are also moved by the rotation of the rotating bodies. Consequently, with the transfer device of this embodiment, the articles are moved by a greater amount than the amount of movement of the row of rotating bodies by the moving means.

[0017] In each of the embodiments described above, it is desirable that the system has a pinion and a drive pulley that are rotated by a single motor, a rack is integrally provided on the row of rotating bodies, the pinion engages with the rack, the rotation of the pinion by the motor causes the rack and the row of rotating bodies to move in an inclined direction, the endless member is suspended by a plurality of pulleys including the drive pulley, the endless member rotates as the motor rotates, and part or all of the rotating body contacts the endless member so that part or all of the rotating body rotates.

[0018] It is desirable that the endless member rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the rotating body row.

[0019] In each of the above-described aspects, it has a frame, and the moving means has a rack provided integrally with the rotating body row and a pinion rotated by a motor. The motor and the inclined path are fixedly integrated with the frame, the rack is arranged parallel to the inclined path, the pinion engages with the rack, and it is desirable that the rack and the rotating body row move along the inclined path by rotating the pinion with the motor.

[0020] It is desirable that at least any one of the rotating bodies has a degree of freedom in the vertical direction.

[0021] According to this aspect, it is easy to bring the rotating body into contact with the inclined path.

[0022] In the above-described aspect, a first forward movement for moving the rotating body row upward, a return movement for moving the rotating body row downward, and a second forward movement for moving the rotating body row upward again are sequentially executed. The article is scooped up by the first forward movement, and the article is moved at least by the movement of the rotating body row. It is desirable that the article is pushed by the movement of the rotating body row during the second forward movement.

[0023] In the above-described aspect, it has a contact piece that linearly moves together with the rotating body row. A first forward movement for moving the rotating body row in the direction of ascending the inclined path, a return movement for moving the rotating body row in the direction of descending the inclined path, and a second forward movement for moving the rotating body row in the direction of ascending the inclined path again are sequentially executed. The article is scooped up by the first forward movement, and the article is moved at least by the movement of the rotating body row. It is desirable that the contact piece abuts against the article during the second forward movement, and the article is pushed by the movement of the rotating body row.

[0024] In the transfer device of this aspect, the first forward movement, the return movement, and the second forward movement are sequentially executed. In the transfer device of this aspect, the article is scooped up by the first forward movement, and the article is moved by the movement of the rotating body row. Furthermore, it is desirable to move the items by both the movement of the row of rotating bodies and the rotation of the rotating bodies that constitute the row of rotating bodies. In the transfer device of this embodiment, the article is moved a large distance by the first forward movement. Following this, a second forward movement is performed in the transfer device of this embodiment. In the second forward movement, a member that moves together with the rotating body row, such as a contact piece, comes into contact with the article, and the article is pushed by the movement of the rotating body row. Therefore, the amount of movement of goods can be increased.

[0025] In the above-described embodiment, the contact piece is retractable from the rotating body row, is biased by a biasing means to protrude from the rotating body row, and preferably retracts against the biasing means when pressed from a certain direction.

[0026] According to this embodiment, the contact piece retracts during the return movement and does not get in the way.

[0027] It is desirable that the contact piece is provided with a roller, and that this roller also constitutes part of the rotating body row.

[0028] According to this embodiment, the opportunities for contact between the article and the rotating array can be increased.

[0029] In the aforementioned row of rotating bodies, it is desirable that the diameter of the leading rotating body is smaller than the diameter of the rear rotating body.

[0030] In the transfer device of this embodiment, the rotating body train travels along an inclined path. On the other hand, in the transfer device of this embodiment, According to this, since the diameter of the leading rotating body is smaller than the diameter of the rear rotating body, the diameter of the rotating body on the higher side of the ramp is smaller, and the diameter of the rotating body on the lower side of the ramp is larger. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the heights of the upper surfaces of the rows of rotating bodies are aligned.

[0031] In each of the above embodiments, it is desirable that the rotating array moves linearly while the conveying surface maintains a horizontal orientation.

[0032] The invention relating to an article storage device comprises the above-described transfer device, a storage shelf section, and a delivery path, wherein the storage shelf section has a plurality of roller members arranged parallel to each other at a certain interval, the transfer device is located below the roller members, the row of rotating bodies is located in the gaps between the roller members, articles are placed in the storage shelf section, and the articles are scooped up by moving the row of rotating bodies in the direction of ascending the inclined path, and at least the articles are moved towards the delivery path by the movement of the row of rotating bodies.

[0033] The article storage device of this embodiment can smoothly discharge articles from the storage racks to the delivery route. [Effects of the Invention]

[0034] The transfer device of the present invention has the advantage of having fewer parts because it does not have a lifting mechanism. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0035] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view of an article storage device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view of one level of the storage area of ​​the goods storage device shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] (a) and (b) are explanatory diagrams showing the process of bringing goods into the storage area in Figure 2. [Figure 4] Figures (a), (b), (c), and (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the process of removing items from the storage area in Figure 2. [Figure 5] (a) is a plan view of the storage area in Figure 2, and (b) is a side view thereof. [Figure 6] (a) is a plan view of a transfer device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a side view thereof. [Figure 7] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the storage area within the storage area. [Figure 8] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the transfer device. [Figure 9]Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the transfer device. [Figure 10] (a) to (c) are explanatory diagrams that conceptually illustrate the operation of the transfer device in Figure 6. [Figure 11] (a) through (j) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of transferring items from the storage area to the loading area using the transfer device shown in Figure 6. [Figure 12] Figure 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the layout of the loading and unloading area of ​​the goods storage device, and the direction of transport for each transport path, indicated by arrows. [Figure 13] This is an exploded perspective view of the storage area of ​​the storage area in another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of the transfer device. [Figure 15] Figure 13 is an exploded perspective view of a part of the transfer device. [Figure 16] Figure 13 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the rotation direction of the endless member, the rotation direction of the rollers, and the movement direction of the item in the transfer device. [Figure 17] (a) through (g) are explanatory diagrams illustrating the operation of transferring items from the storage area to the unloading area using the transfer device shown in Figure 13. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below. The article storage device 1 of this embodiment is composed of a large loading / unloading area 2 and a storage area 3, as shown in Figure 1. The loading / unloading area 2 has an inbound section 5, an outbound section 6, and a series of transport paths 12 (Figure 12), and is an area that performs the function of loading and unloading goods into and out of the storage area 3.

[0037] The loading / unloading area 2 has a three-story structure, and as shown in Figure 12, a transport path 12 consisting of roller conveyor devices is laid on each floor. In this embodiment, the first floor has an inbound section 5 and an outbound section 6. The conveyor line on the first floor is a one-way path that rotates counterclockwise, as shown in Figure 12. The conveyor line on the second floor is a one-way path that rotates clockwise, as shown in Figure 12. The conveyor line on the third floor is a one-way path that rotates clockwise, as shown in Figure 12.

[0038] Storage area 3 is an area for storing goods. In this embodiment, the storage area 3 has a three-tiered structure as shown in Figure 1. Furthermore, each level has a structure in which three rows of conveyor devices are arranged in parallel, as shown in Figure 2. Of the three conveyor systems, the two outermost rows constitute the storage area, while the central conveyor system constitutes the discharge area. Hereinafter, the conveyor system constituting the storage area will be referred to as the storage conveyor (storage rack section) 10, and the conveyor system constituting the discharge area will be referred to as the discharge conveyor (distribution route) 11.

[0039] Both the storage conveyor 10 and the discharge conveyor 11 are divided into multiple zones. In other words, the storage conveyor 10 and the discharge conveyor 11 are made up of short conveyor devices 16, called zone conveyors, connected in a straight line. Each zone conveyor is a roller conveyor (also called a roller conveyor), in which multiple rollers (roller members) 15 are arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals. Each zone conveyor (short conveyor device 16) that makes up a zone has its own independent drive source and control device, and can be driven and stopped individually.

[0040] In the article storage device 1 of this embodiment, transfer devices 20 are laid out below the storage conveyor 10 that constitutes the storage rack section. The transfer device 20 is a device that transfers items on the storage conveyor 10 to the discharge conveyor (delivery route) 11.

[0041] The end of storage area 3 is connected to the transport path 12 of loading / unloading area 2, as shown in Figure 2. The transport path 12 is also a series of conveyor devices called zone conveyors. Directional change devices 13a, 13b, and 13c are located in the zone of the transport path 12 that connects to the storage area 3. Direction changing devices 13a, 13b, and 13c can all arbitrarily change the direction of transport of goods. In other words, the direction changing devices 13a, 13b, and 13c can move the article in a straight line, and can also change the direction of the article's movement perpendicularly to either the left or the right.

[0042] The following describes the process of bringing item M into storage area 3, referring to Figure 3. Note that the series of actions for bringing in item M are automatically executed by commands from a control device (not shown). When transporting goods M into storage area 3, the goods M are transported using the transport path 12, as shown in Figure 3(a). Then, the direction of transport is changed towards the storage conveyor 10a by the direction changing device 13a connected to the storage conveyor 10a, and the goods M are sent to the storage conveyor 10a. The goods M move further in by the storage conveyor 10a. This operation is repeated until the goods M are placed in each zone of the storage conveyor 10a.

[0043] When placing items on the storage conveyor 10b, as shown in Figure 3(b), the items M travel straight along the direction changing device 13a to the direction changing device 13c connected to the storage conveyor 10b. The direction changing device 13c then changes the transport direction to the storage conveyor 10b, sending the items M to the storage conveyor 10b. The items M move further in on the storage conveyor 10b. This operation is repeated until the items M are placed in each zone of the storage conveyor 10b.

[0044] Next, referring to Figure 4, the operation for removing item M from storage area 3 will be explained. Note that the series of operations for removing item M are automatically executed by commands from a control device (not shown). In the article storage device 1 of this embodiment, articles M can be unloaded from any zone of the storage conveyors 10a and 10b. For example, as shown in Figure 4(a), items M are placed in each zone, and when an item Ma stored in the middle of the storage conveyor 10b is to be transported, the transfer device 20 located in the zone where the item Ma is placed is driven, and as shown in Figure 4(b), the item Ma is transferred from the storage conveyor 10b to the discharge conveyor 11, which is the delivery route. Then, the discharge conveyor (delivery path) 11 is driven, and as shown in Figure 4(c), the conveyor is placed on the transport path 12 via the direction changing device 13b and transported out to the left side of the diagram. Meanwhile, as shown in Figure 4(d), the storage conveyor 10b is driven to move the zone upstream of the empty zone, and the items M that were placed in the upstream zone are moved into the empty zone.

[0045] The storage conveyor 10 in storage area 3 transports goods in one direction from the direction change devices 13a and 13c towards the back. On the other hand, the discharge conveyor 11 in storage area 3 transports goods in one direction from the back towards the direction change device 13b. In this embodiment, the article storage device 1 has one-way article transport paths in both the loading / unloading area 2 and the storage area 3, allowing for continuous loading and unloading of articles.

[0046] Next, the transfer device 20 will be described. Note that, using the orientation of the transfer device 20 when attached to the storage conveyor 10 as a reference, the side facing the discharge conveyor 11 will be referred to as the front side, and the opposite side as the rear side. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the transfer device 20 consists of a frame 21, two sets of transport units 22a and 22b, and a drive unit 23. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the transport unit 22 is composed of an inclined path 25 and a traveling body 26.

[0047] The ramp 25 is a long, narrow road with a groove-like cross-sectional shape. The ramp 25 has a floor member 30. A part of the floor member 30 has an opening 31. The upper surface of the ramp 25 is open. However, an engaging piece 32 is provided in a part of the open section. The engaging piece 32 protrudes from the upper end of the side wall 33 of the ramp 25 in a direction parallel to the floor member 30. As shown in Figure 6, the ramp 25 is attached to the frame 21 such that the floor member 30 is tilted at an angle A with its front end facing upwards.

[0048] As shown in Figure 9, the traveling body 26 is composed of a row of rotating bodies 35 and a rack 36. The rotating body array 35 consists of multiple rollers (rotating bodies) 42 attached to a support frame 37. In this embodiment, seven rollers 42 are provided. The number of rollers 42 is not limited. The support frame 37 is elongated and frame-shaped, and has side wall members 38a and 38b and a rear end wall 41. As described above, the support frame 37 is a frame-shaped member, with its top and bottom surfaces open. The side wall members 38a and 38b are elongated right-angled trapezoids. That is, as shown in Figure 8, the length F of the leading side (top side) is shorter than the length R of the rear end side (bottom side). The angle between the right-angled side 45 and the inclined side 46 is the same as, or approximately the same as, the inclination angle A of the ramp 25 described above. That is, the angle B (Figure 9) formed by the two sides of the side wall members 38a and 38b is substantially the same as the inclination angle A of the ramp 25 described above.

[0049] The rear end wall 41 of the support frame 37 is longer in the height direction than the rear end (lower edge) of the side wall members 38a and 38b, and protrudes upward as shown in Figure 9. The protruding portion of the rear end wall 41 functions as a pressing piece 50.

[0050] The rollers 42 are mounted in a single row and rotatably on the support frame 37. Here, the multiple rollers 42 attached to the support frame 37 are of different sizes, with the diameter of the rollers attached to the front being smaller than the diameter of the rollers on the rear side. In this embodiment, the diameter of the roller 42 decreases towards the front end. As described above, since the top and bottom surfaces of the support frame 37 are open, the lower part of each roller 42 is exposed below the lower side edge. Similarly, the upper part of each roller 42 is exposed above the upper side edge.

[0051] In this embodiment, the roller 42 has degrees of freedom not only in the rotational direction but also in the vertical direction. That is, the roller 42 is rotatably supported on the support frame 37 with some play in the vertical direction.

[0052] A contact piece 51 is provided at the front of the traveling body 26. The contact piece 51 is attached to the support frame 37 via a pin 48 and swings relative to the support frame 37. The direction of the swing axis is the same as the rotation axis of the roller 42. A roller 43 is also provided on the contact piece 51. In this embodiment, the roller 43 of the contact piece 51 also functionally constitutes part of the rotating body row 35. The roller 43 of the contact piece 51 is rotatable but does not have freedom of movement in the vertical direction. The contact piece 51 is biased by the biasing member 47 (Figure 9) to assume an upright position as shown in Figure 10(c). That is, the contact piece 51 is biased by the biasing member 47 to protrude above the support frame 37. In this embodiment, the biasing member 47 is a spring. The contact piece 51 maintains a constant upright position by a stopper (not shown). The contact piece 51 can resist a force directed from the front to the back (arrow C). However, when subjected to a force directed from the back to the front (arrow D), it assumes a nearly horizontal lying position and sinks below the support frame 37.

[0053] The rack 36 is attached along the lower side edge of one side wall member 38a of the support frame 37. The teeth of rack 36 are mounted facing downwards.

[0054] The running body 26 is positioned in a groove-shaped area of ​​the ramp 25. The total length of the running body 26 is shorter than the total length of the ramp 25. The rack 36 is in contact with the floor member 30 of the ramp 25. The rack 36 is positioned parallel to the ramp 25. Of the rollers 42 and 43 of the traveling body 26, all rollers 42 (rollers 42 of the rotating body row 35), except for the roller 43 of the contact piece 51, are in contact with the floor member 30 of the ramp 25. As described above, the rollers 42 of the rotating body row 35 are supported by the support frame 37 with some vertical play, so the rollers 42 are stable when in contact with the ramp 25. In contrast, the roller 43 of the contact piece 51 does not have any degree of freedom in the vertical direction, so it remains stable when supported by the contact piece 51.

[0055] A portion of the rack 36 faces the opening 31 of the floor member 30. As described above, the angle B formed by the two sides of the side wall members 38a and 38b of the traveling body 26 is substantially the same as the inclination angle A of the ramp 25, and the diameters of the rollers 42 and 43 become smaller towards the front. Therefore, when the traveling body 26 is positioned on the ramp 25, the straight line (conveying surface 80) connecting the upper ends of each roller 42 and 43 is horizontal.

[0056] The drive unit 23 consists of a geared motor 55, a gearbox 56, and a pinion gear 57. The gearbox 56 has a bevel gear train (not shown) built inside, which converts the orientation of the rotation axis to the vertical. The output shaft 70 of the geared motor 55 is connected to the input shaft of the gearbox 56. The gearbox 56 has two output shafts 70, and a pinion gear 57 is connected to each of these output shafts 70.

[0057] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 6, the transport units 22a and 22b are arranged parallel to each other with a gap between them. The drive unit 23 is installed between them. The geared motor 55 of the drive unit 23 is integrally mounted to the frame 21. The pinion gear 57 of the drive unit 23 reaches the lower part of the transport units 22a and 22b, and a portion of it enters the opening 31 of the floor member 30 and engages with the internal rack 36. Therefore, when the geared motor 55 rotates, the pinion gear 57 rotates, and the rack 36 moves in a straight line parallel to the ramp 25 within the ramp 25. Since the rack 36 is attached to the support frame 37, when the geared motor 55 rotates, the traveling body 26 moves within the ramp 25, and the rotating body train 35 moves linearly along the ramp 25 in the direction of the incline. Here, since all of the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body train 35 are in contact with the floor member 30 of the ramp 25, each roller 42 rotates by receiving force from the floor member 30 of the ramp 25. For example, as shown in Figure 10(a), when the moving body 26 moves forward, each roller 42 rotates in a direction that pushes the item forward, as indicated by the arrows. The roller 43 of the contact piece 51 is not in contact with the floor member 30 and therefore does not rotate.

[0058] Furthermore, when the traveling body 26 is at its rearmost position, the contact piece 51 is pushed by the engaging piece 32 of the ramp 25 and is in a reclined position, as shown in Figure 10(a). As the traveling body 26 moves forward, the contact piece 51 separates from the engaging piece 32 and assumes an upright position, protruding above the support frame 37 as shown in Figure 10(c). When the traveling body 26 returns to its rear end, the contact piece 51 is pushed by the engaging piece 32 and returns to its reclined position, retracting below the support frame 37.

[0059] The transfer devices 20 correspond to each zone of the storage conveyor (storage rack section) 10, and one is installed at the bottom of each zone. The positional relationship between the transfer device 20 and the storage conveyor 10 that constitutes the storage rack section is as shown in Figure 5, with the transport units 22a and 22b and the drive unit 23 of the transfer device 20 positioned between the rollers 15 of the storage conveyor 10. Furthermore, focusing on the height relationship between the two, when the rotating body row 35 of the transfer device 20 is in its lowest position, that is, when the rotating body row 35 is at its furthest rear, as shown in Figure 10(a), the upper ends of each roller 42, 43 of the rotating body row 35 (hereinafter referred to as the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35) are lower than the upper ends of the rollers 15 of the storage conveyor 10 (hereinafter referred to as the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10). In contrast, as the traveling body 26 moves forward, the rotating body row 35 gradually rises as shown in Figure 10(b), and the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 rises above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10. When the rotating body row 35 moves in a linear direction, the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 always maintains a horizontal position.

[0060] Next, we will explain the operation when transferring the item M using the transfer device 20. In the transfer device 20 of this embodiment, the following operations are performed sequentially: a first forward operation in which the traveling body 26 is moved forward from the standby position and the rotating body array 35 is moved in the direction of ascending the ramp 25; an intermediate return operation in which the traveling body 26 is moved backward and the rotating body array 35 is moved in the direction of descending the ramp 25; a second forward operation in which the rotating body array 35 is moved again in the direction of ascending the ramp 25; and a final return operation in which the rotating body array 35 is moved again in the direction of descending the ramp 25 to return to the standby position. The first forward movement is an operation to move the rotating body row 35 in the upward direction, the return movement is an operation to move the rotating body row 35 in the downward direction, and the second forward movement is an operation to move the rotating body row 35 again in the upward direction. In this embodiment, the series of operations described above are performed automatically by commands from an upper control device (not shown).

[0061] Before the transfer device 20 is driven, the traveling body 26 is in a standby position, as shown in Figure 11(a). That is, the traveling body 26 is waiting at the rear end. At this time, the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 is below the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10. The pressing piece 50 at the rear of the traveling body 26 is above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10. The contact piece 51 at the front of the traveling body 26 is pushed by the engaging piece 32 of the ramp 25 and is in a reclining position, retracted below the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10.

[0062] In this state, when the traveling body 26 is moved forward, as shown in Figure 11(b), the pressing piece 50 at the rear of the traveling body 26 pushes the item M, and the item M moves towards the discharge conveyor 11. As the traveling body 26 is moved further forward, it climbs the ramp 25 and moves upward in the height direction, so that the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 moves above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10, as shown in Figure 11(c). As a result, the article M is scooped up from below by the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 and the article M rests on the conveying surface of the rotating body row 35. The contact piece 51 at the front of the traveling body 26 leaves the engaging piece 32 of the ramp 25, but because the article M is above it, it is pushed by the article M and maintains its lying position.

[0063] As the traveling body 26 is moved further forward, as shown in Figures 11(d) and 11(e), the item M moves forward due to both the movement of the traveling body 26 itself and the rotation of the rotating body row 35. In other words, since the item M is placed on the traveling body 26, when the traveling body 26 moves forward, the item M moves forward by the same amount as the traveling body 26 moves forward. Furthermore, the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35 are in contact with the floor member 30 of the ramp 25, and when the traveling body 26 moves, each roller 42 is forced to rotate by the force from the floor member 30 of the ramp 25. When the traveling body 26 moves forward, each roller 42 rotates in a direction that sends the item forward, so the item M is also moved towards the discharge conveyor 11 by the biasing force of each roller 42. Theoretically, the amount of movement of item M is twice the amount of movement of the vehicle 26. Therefore, when the moving body 26 moves to the very front, the item M has generally moved towards the discharge conveyor 11 side.

[0064] At this time, the orientation of item M is as shown in Figure 11(e), with the front end sloping downwards towards the discharge conveyor 11, resulting in an inclined position. In other words, the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35 are above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10 and higher than the conveying surface of the adjacent discharge conveyor 11. Since more than half of item M has moved towards the discharge conveyor 11, the weight balance causes it to change to an inclined position with the front side facing downwards. As a result, the rear side of item M separates from the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35, as shown in Figure 11(e).

[0065] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11(f), an intermediate return operation is performed in which the traveling body 26 is moved in the rearward direction and the rotating body row 35 is moved in the direction of descending the ramp 25. The amount of movement of the vehicle 26 in the return direction is about half of the total movement. When the traveling body 26 is moved backward, the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35 rotate in a direction that pulls the item M back toward the storage conveyor 10, but the item M has changed to an inclined position and is separated from the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35. Therefore, the roller 42 does not pull the item M back towards the storage conveyor 10. The leading roller 43 is in contact with the item M, but since the roller 43 rotates freely, it does not pull the item M towards the storage conveyor 10.

[0066] By moving the traveling body 26 backward during the intermediate return movement, the contact piece 51 of the traveling body 26 moves away from the item M. As a result, the item M that was on the contact piece 51 at the front of the traveling body 26 moves away, and the obstacle on the contact piece 51 is removed. Therefore, the contact piece 51 is pushed by the biasing member 47 into an upright position and protrudes above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10.

[0067] In this state, as shown in Figure 11(g), the traveling body 26 is moved forward, and the rotating body train 35 is moved again in the direction of climbing the ramp 25 to perform a second forward movement. When the traveling body 26 is moved forward, as shown in Figure 11(h), the contact piece 51 at the front of the traveling body 26 pushes the item M, and the item M moves towards the discharge conveyor 11. As a result, item M moves completely to the discharge conveyor 11 side. Subsequently, the vehicle 26 is moved backward as shown in Figure 11(i), returning to the standby position as shown in Figure 11(j).

[0068] In the embodiment described above, the moving means 81 for moving the rotating body train 35 is configured by a rack 36, a pinion gear 57, a geared motor 55 that drives the pinion gear 57, and a gearbox 56. The present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the means of movement may be configured using, for example, a cylinder.

[0069] In the embodiment described above, all the rollers (rotating bodies) 42 of the rotating body row 35 are in contact with the ramp 25 and rotate forcibly, but there may be some rollers that do not contact the ramp 25 and rotate freely.

[0070] In the embodiment described above, the rollers (rotating bodies) 42 constituting the rotating body row 35 are forced to rotate in contact with the ramp 25, thereby moving the article M. This configuration allows the article M to be moved not only by the movement of the rotating body row 35 itself, but also by the biasing force of the forcibly rotating rollers (rotating bodies) 42, enabling a more reliable transfer of the article M. According to this embodiment, the amount of movement of article M is theoretically twice the amount of movement of the traveling body 26.

[0071] However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the roller (rotating body) 42 may be rotated more to increase the amount of movement of the article M by the roller (rotating body) 42. The following describes the transfer device 60, which has a function to increase the rotation speed of the roller (rotating body) 42. In the embodiments described below, components that are the same as those in the previous embodiments or that perform the same function are given the same numbers in the drawings, thus omitting redundant explanations.

[0072] The transfer device 60 of the second embodiment is composed of a frame 21, two sets of transport units 22a and 22b, and a drive unit 23, similar to the transfer device 20 of the first embodiment described above. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 15, the transport unit 22 is composed of an inclined path 25, a drive mechanism 61, and a traveling body 26. In the transfer device 60 of this embodiment, a belt conveyor-like drive mechanism 61 is provided on the ramp 25. As shown in Figure 15, the drive mechanism 61 is composed of an endless member 62 molded in an annular shape from rubber or resin, and a plurality of pulleys 63a, 63b, 65a, 65b, and 66. Of these, pulley 66 is a drive pulley and is attached to the output shaft 70 of the geared motor 55, as shown in Figure 15. In this embodiment, each traveling body 26 is provided with two racks 36, and accordingly, two pinion gears 57 that engage with the racks 36 are provided for each of the transport units 22a and 22b. In this embodiment, a drive pulley 66 is mounted between two pinion gears 57.

[0073] The floor member 30 of the ramp 25 is provided with two openings 31 corresponding to the two pinion gears 57. Furthermore, the floor member 30 is provided with two openings 67 to allow the endless member 62 to pass through. The floor member 30 is composed of multiple members and can be removed (not shown) because it is necessary to incorporate the endless member 62 into the ramp 25.

[0074] Multiple pulleys 63a, 63b, 65a, 65b, and 66 are all installed at the bottom of the floor member 30. Pulleys 63a and 63b are rotatably mounted on ribs 82 provided on the frame 21. Pulleys 65a and 65b are rotatably mounted on ribs 83 provided at the bottom of the ramp 25. The endless member 62 is suspended from the aforementioned pulleys 63a, 63b, 65a, 65b, and 66. As shown in Figure 13, a portion of the endless member 62 passes through the opening 67 in the floor member 30 and is exposed on the surface side of the floor member 30. In this embodiment, the endless member 62 substantially constitutes the floor member of the ramp 25.

[0075] The arrangement of pulleys 63a, 63b, 65a, 65b, and 66 is as shown in Figure 16. As shown in Figure 13, pulleys 63a and 63b are rotatably mounted in the lower part of the floor member 30, near the opening 67. As shown in Figure 16, pulleys 65a and 65b are positioned near the drive pulley 66. The function of pulleys 65a and 65b is to press the surface side of the endless member 62 against the drive pulley 66.

[0076] The suspension path of the endless member 62 is as shown in Figure 16, with its back side suspended by pulleys 63a and 63b near the opening 67, and the suspension path being sharply bent at pulleys 65a and 65b so that the front side of the endless member 62 engages with the upper side of the drive pulley 66. In this embodiment, the direction of movement of the rack 36 when the geared motor 55 is rotated and the direction of rotation of the endless member 62 on the floor member 30 are in opposite directions.

[0077] Referring to Figure 16, when the geared motor 55 rotates clockwise as indicated by the arrow, the pinion gear 57 attached to the geared motor 55 and the drive pulley 66 both rotate clockwise. Since rack 36 is engaged with the upper part of pinion gear 57, rack 36 moves toward the right in the diagram as indicated by the arrow. In contrast, the drive pulley 66 is engaged with the lower side (return side) of the endless member 62, so the upper side (forward side) of the endless member 62, which is the portion on the floor member 30, travels toward the left in the drawing as indicated by the arrow. Since the rack 36 is attached to the support frame 37, when the geared motor 55 rotates, the traveling body 26 moves within the ramp 25, and the rotating body train 35 moves in a straight line along the ramp 25.

[0078] On the other hand, the endless member 62 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the rotating body row 35. Here, since all the rollers 42 that make up the rotating body row 35 are in contact with the endless member 62 which is the floor member 30 of the ramp 25, each roller 42 rotates by receiving force from the endless member 62. In this embodiment, since the endless member 62 itself rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the rotating body row 35, each roller 42 is subjected to rotational force not only based on the linear movement of the rotating body row 35, but also on the rotation of the endless member 62. Therefore, with the transfer device 60 of this embodiment, each roller 42 rotates at an increased speed compared to the transfer device 20 of the previous embodiment. According to the transfer device 60 of this embodiment, the amount of movement of the item M during the first forward movement is larger than that of the transfer device 20 of the previous embodiment.

[0079] In the first embodiment, the 20 had a contact piece 51 at the front of the traveling body 26, but the transfer device 60 of this embodiment does not have a contact piece. The transfer device 60 may also be provided with a contact piece 51.

[0080] In the transfer device 60 of this embodiment, the following operations are sequentially performed: a first forward operation in which the traveling body 26 is moved forward from the standby position and the rotating body row 35 is moved in the direction of ascending the ramp 25; an intermediate return operation in which the traveling body 26 is moved backward and the rotating body row 35 is moved in the direction of descending the ramp 25; a second forward operation in which the rotating body row 35 is moved again in the direction of ascending the ramp 25; and a final return operation in which the rotating body row 35 is moved again in the direction of descending the ramp 25 to return to the standby position.

[0081] Before the transfer device 20 is driven, as shown in Figure 17(a), the traveling body 26 is in a standby position and is waiting at the rear end. At this time, the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 is below the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10.

[0082] In this state, when the traveling body 26 is moved forward, as shown in Figure 17(b), the pressing piece 50 at the rear of the traveling body 26 pushes the item M, and the item M moves towards the discharge conveyor 11. As the traveling body 26 is moved further forward, it climbs the ramp 25 and moves upward in the height direction, causing the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35 to move above the conveying surface of the storage conveyor 10, as shown in Figure 17(c). As a result, the items M are scooped up from below by the conveying surface of the rotating body row 35 and placed on the conveying surface 80 of the rotating body row 35.

[0083] Item M moves forward by both the movement of the traveling body 26 itself and the rotation of the rotating body row 35, as in the previous embodiment. In other words, since the item M is placed on the traveling body 26, when the traveling body 26 moves forward, the item M moves forward by the same amount as the traveling body 26 moves forward. Furthermore, since the rollers 42 that make up the rotating array 35 are in contact with the endless member 62, each roller 42 is forced to rotate by the force received from the endless member 62. Here, the endless member 62 rotates in the opposite direction to the direction of movement of the rotating body row 35, so each roller 42 rotates at an increased speed compared to the transfer device 20 of the previous embodiment. Therefore, as shown in Figure 17(d), the item M moves significantly more than in the previous embodiment, and when the traveling body 26 moves to the very front, the item M has generally moved towards the discharge conveyor 11 side.

[0084] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 17(e), an intermediate return operation is performed in which the traveling body 26 is moved backward and the rotating body row 35 is moved in the direction of descending the ramp 25.

[0085] Subsequently, as shown in Figure 17(f), the vehicle 26 is moved forward, and the rotating train 35 is moved again in the direction of ascending the ramp 25 to perform a second forward movement. When the vehicle 26 is moved forward, as shown in Figure 17(g), the front of the vehicle 26 pushes the item M, and the item M moves towards the discharge conveyor 11. As a result, item M moves completely to the discharge conveyor 11 side. After that, the vehicle 26 is moved backward, returning it to its standby position.

[0086] In the transfer device 60 described above, the endless member 62 is provided on the floor member 30 of the ramp 25, but the endless member 62 may also be provided near the floor member 30, such as the side wall 53 of the ramp 25. Alternatively, the floor member 30 of the ramp 25 may be eliminated, and the endless member 62 may constitute part or all of the ramp itself.

[0087] In the embodiments described above, the lower part of the roller (rotating body) 42 itself directly contacts the floor member 30 or the endless member 62 of the ramp 25 and rotates; however, a member integrated with the roller (rotating body) 42 may also contact the floor member 30 or the endless member 62. For example, a pulley or friction wheel may be provided on the roller (rotating body) 42, and these may come into contact with the floor member 30 or the endless member 62 to rotate the roller (rotating body) 42.

[0088] In the embodiment described above, the rollers (rotating bodies) 42 constituting the rotating body row 35 are forcibly rotated to move the article M. This configuration allows the article M to be moved not only by the movement of the rotating body row 35 itself, but also by the biasing force of the forcibly rotating rollers (rotating bodies) 42, enabling a more reliable transfer of the article M. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the rollers (rotating bodies) 42 constituting the rotating body row 35 may rotate completely freely.

[0089] For example, the first forward movement, in which the traveling body 26 is moved forward from its standby position and the rotating body row 35 is moved upward on the ramp 25, is made faster, and the pressing piece 50 of the traveling body 26 presses the item M more strongly. As a result, the item M is biased and moves on the freely rotating roller (rotating body) 42. That is, by strongly biasing the item M on the freely rotating roller (rotating body) 42, the item M is made to roll and move, moving the item M more than the amount of movement of the rotating body row 35 itself. Subsequently, similar to the embodiment described above, the intermediate return operation, the second forward operation, and the final return operation are performed in sequence to move the item M towards the discharge conveyor 11.

[0090] As described above, in this embodiment, the sizes of the multiple rollers 42 attached to the support frame 37 are made different, with the diameter of the rollers 42 decreasing towards the front. Therefore, when the traveling body 26 is moved and raised, the conveying surface of the rotating body row 35 becomes horizontal. Although this configuration is recommended, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the rotating body row 35 may be raised and lowered with the conveying surface inclined.

[0091] In the embodiments described above, the transfer device 20 was combined with a roller conveyor to form an area for storing articles, but an area for storing articles may also be provided by combining a simple shelf with the transfer device 20. In other words, a slit may be provided in the shelf board, and the transport units 22a and 22b may be placed below the slit. A transfer device 20 may be installed at the branching point of the conveyor line. Alternatively, a short roller conveyor, such as a zone conveyor, may be combined with the transfer device 20 of this embodiment to form a transfer unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0092] 1 Article storage device 2. Access Area 3. Storage Area 5 Stocking department 6. Dispatch Section 10a 10b Storage conveyor (storage rack section) 11. Discharge conveyor (delivery route) 13a 13b 13c Direction change device 15. Roller (Roller component) 20, 60 Transfer equipment 22a 22b Conveyor Unit 23 Drive Unit 25 ramp 26. Running body 30 Floor components 32 Engaging piece 35 rows of revolution 36 racks 42 Koro 43 Koro 47. Biasing member 50 pressing pieces 51 Contact piece 62 Endless member 80 Conveyor surface 81 Means of Transportation

Claims

1. The system comprises a row of rotating bodies arranged in a line, a means for moving the row of rotating bodies, and an inclined path along the direction of inclination. The aforementioned row of rotating bodies is installed on the ramp, The rotating body array moves linearly along the ramp by the aforementioned moving means, By moving the row of rotating bodies in the direction of ascending the ramp, the row of rotating bodies rises, and further, A transfer device characterized in that, during the aforementioned movement, some or all of the rotating bodies among the plurality of rotating bodies rotate in contact with the ramp.

2. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that part or all of the ramp itself is composed of an endless member, the endless member rotates by power, and part or all of the rotating body rotates by power received from the endless member.

3. The transfer device according to claim 1, characterized in that an endless member is arranged on or near the ramp, the endless member rotates by power, and further power is received from the endless member to rotate a part of the rotating body or all of the rotating body.

4. The system comprises a row of rotating bodies arranged in a line, and a means for moving the row of rotating bodies. The rotating body array moves linearly in the inclined direction by the aforementioned moving means, A transfer device having an endless member, wherein the endless member rotates due to power, and further power from the endless member causes a portion or all of the rotating body to rotate.

5. It has a pinion and drive pulley that are rotated by a single motor, A rack is integrally provided on the aforementioned rotating column. The pinion engages with the rack, and the pinion is rotated by the motor, causing the rack and the row of rotating bodies to move in the tilting direction. The transfer device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the endless member is suspended from a plurality of pulleys including the drive pulley, the endless member rotates as the motor rotates, and part or all of the rotating body comes into contact with the endless member, causing part or all of the rotating body to rotate.

6. The transfer device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the endless member rotates in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the row of rotating bodies.

7. It has a frame, The moving means comprises a rack integrally provided with the rotating body row and a pinion that is rotated by a motor. The motor and the ramp are integrally fixed to the frame. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the rack is arranged parallel to the ramp, the pinion engages with the rack, and the rack and the row of rotating bodies move along the ramp by rotating the pinion with the motor.

8. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that at least one of the rotating bodies has degrees of freedom in the vertical direction.

9. A first forward movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies upward, a return movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies downward, and a second forward movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies upward again, in sequence. The article is scooped up by the first forward movement, and the article is moved by at least the movement of the rotating column, The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the article is pushed by the movement of the rotating column during the second forward movement.

10. It has a contact piece that moves linearly together with the row of rotating bodies, A first forward movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies upward, a return movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies downward, and a second forward movement is performed to move the row of rotating bodies upward again, in sequence. The article is scooped up by the first forward movement, and the article is moved by at least the movement of the rotating column, The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the contact piece is brought into contact with the article during the second forward movement, and the article is pushed and moved by the movement of the rotating column.

11. The transfer device according to claim 10, characterized in that the contact piece is retractable from the rotating body row, the contact piece is biased by a biasing means in a direction that causes it to protrude from the rotating body row, and the contact piece retracts against the biasing means when pressed from a certain direction.

12. The transfer device according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that a roller is provided on the contact piece, and the roller also constitutes a part of the rotating body row.

13. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the diameter of the leading rotating body is smaller than the diameter of the rear rotating body.

14. The transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the rotating array moves linearly while the conveying surface maintains a horizontal position.

15. A transfer device according to any one of claims 1 to 14, a storage shelf section, and a distribution path, The storage rack section has multiple roller members arranged parallel to each other at regular intervals. The transfer device is located below the roller member, The row of rotating bodies is positioned in the gaps between the roller members, An article storage device characterized in that articles are placed in the storage rack section, and the articles are scooped up by moving the row of rotating bodies upward in the inclined direction, and at least the articles are moved toward the delivery path by the movement of the row of rotating bodies.

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