Vertical Conveyance Device for Pallet Transfer Cycle Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional object loading and unloading conveyance devices have long cycle times due to the need for manual operation and unnecessary waiting times for pallets to be returned to the hanging conveyance line, limiting working efficiency in assembly lines like automobile production.
Innovation Solution
An object loading and unloading conveyance device with a horizontal conveyance system and an elevating conveyance device featuring multiple pallet mounting bases and an endless cyclic elevating path, allowing for simultaneous transfer of occupied and empty pallets between the hanging conveyance line and the floor-side unloading position, reducing the time required for pallet return and improving efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pallet mounting base reciprocates on one side of elevating guide rails, then the structure is simple, but the cycle time becomes very long due to waiting for pallet return
Solution Approach 1:
The single pallet mounting base is segmented into multiple pallet mounting bases (first, second, third) arranged at even intervals along the elevating guide rails. This allows multiple pallets to be positioned at different stages of the vertical cycle simultaneously, eliminating the waiting time that occurs when a single base must complete its entire reciprocating journey before the next pallet can be processed.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple pallet mounting bases enable continuous useful action by ensuring that while one base is moving upward with a pallet, another base is moving downward to receive a pallet, and a third base is positioned at the transfer point. This continuous circulation of pallets through the vertical conveyance device eliminates idle waiting time and maintains uninterrupted operation.
2Device complexity
If manual extraction and return of pallets is used, then the device structure is simple, but working efficiency cannot be improved due to operator limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling automatic pallet return through the vertical conveyance mechanism. The pallet mounting bases automatically transport empty pallets from the object loading/unloading position back to the hanger stop position without requiring manual intervention. The hanger automatically receives the returned pallet, completing the cycle autonomously and significantly improving working efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical conveyance device with multiple pallet mounting bases acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges the gap between the object loading/unloading position and the hanger stop position. This intermediary system automatically handles the pallet return function that would otherwise require manual operation, enabling efficient pallet circulation while maintaining structural feasibility.
3Device complexity
If pallets wait in the hanging conveyance line for return, then no additional equipment is needed, but the cycle time becomes very long
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension to the pallet return process by using elevating guide rails and vertically moving pallet mounting bases. Instead of pallets waiting horizontally in the hanging conveyance line, the system transports pallets vertically between the object loading/unloading position and the hanger stop position. This dimensional change creates a dedicated return path that eliminates waiting time in the horizontal conveyance line.
Solution Approach 2:
The pallet mounting bases are pre-positioned at even intervals along the elevating guide rails, with at least one base always positioned at the hanger stop position ready to receive a pallet. This preliminary positioning ensures that pallets can be immediately transferred back to the hanger without waiting, as the receiving position is always prepared and available.
Data Source
AI summary
A conveyance device suitable for an automobile assembling plant has an object loading and unloading conveyance device between a hanging conveyance line, in which a pallet supporting a door is conveyed while being supported by a hanging hanger, and an object loading and unloading position on the floor side. The conveyance device also has a pallet transferring position set above the object loading and unloading position, a horizontal conveyance device, which conveys a pallet between the pallet transferring position and a hanger stop position, and an elevating conveyance device which conveys the pallet vertically between the object loading and unloading position and the pallet transferring position. The elevating conveyance device rotates a plurality of pallet mounting bases in an endless cyclic elevating path while holding these in erect postures, and the pallet mounting bases are arranged at even intervals equal to the distance between the upper and lower positions.