JP2021098531A - Pallet for cargo conveyance and cargo conveyance device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pallet for cargo conveyance which is free from the risk of slipping of a cargo on a cargo support surface during conveyance, and to provide a cargo conveyance device which conveys a cargo using the pallet.SOLUTION: A pallet for cargo conveyance includes: a bottom plate part 101 having a cargo support surface 100 on an upper surface; end plate parts 104 and 105 which are provided at each end edge of the front and back of the bottom plate part 101 and in which at least one can be raised/laid down; and an operation mechanism 110 for allowing the end plate parts 104 and 105 which can be raised/laid down to perform the operation of being raised/laid down. The operation mechanism 110 includes: a pair of right and left operation plates 112 in which one end part is continuously provided at a side end part of the end plate parts 104 and 105 and a lower part is pivotably supported on the bottom plate part 101 so as to rotate; and a spring for biasing the operation plate 112 in the direction where the end plate parts 104 and 105 are raised. When the end plate parts 104 and 105 are in a raised state, the other end part of each operation plate 112 comes into a state of protruding outward of the end edge of the bottom plate part 101.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a load transport pallet for supporting and transporting a load, and a load transport device for transporting the load using the pallet.

Conventionally, as a load transport device, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. As shown in FIG. 16, the load transport device described in Patent Document 1 includes a lift transfer mechanism 1 that moves a lift table 10 up and down between a plurality of floors (for example, the second floor) to transport the load in the vertical direction. It is composed of a load-loading / unloading device 2 installed at entrances G1 and G2 on each floor of the lifting / lowering transport mechanism 1. On the lifting table 10, a loaded pallet (hereinafter referred to as "loading pallet P1") and an unloaded pallet (hereinafter referred to as "empty pallet P2") are loaded and unloaded from the loading / unloading device 2. The first and second conveyors 11 and 12 (the second conveyor 12 is not shown) are provided in two upper and lower stages for transporting to and from.

The loading / unloading device 2 includes left and right chain conveyors 3 and 3 for loading / unloading the loading pallet P1 with respect to the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10, and a second lifting table 10. Left and right chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets are provided for loading and unloading the empty pallets P2 to and from the transport conveyor 12. The left and right chain conveyors 3 and 3 for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets are the spaces in front of the elevating table 10 facing the first and second conveyors 11 and 12 (hereinafter,). It is configured to move forward and backward from both sides with respect to the "work space S").

Japanese Patent No. 3896373

In the above-mentioned load transport device, when the load pallet P1 is transported between the chain conveyor 3 of the load loading / unloading device 2 and the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10, the load is palleted especially at the time of starting and stopping. There is a risk that it will slide on the load support surface of P1 and fall from the front and rear edges, causing problems in the load transfer work.

The present invention has been made by paying attention to the above-mentioned problems, and a pallet for carrying a load in which the load on the load supporting surface is not likely to slip during transportation, and a load carrying device for carrying the load using the pallet. And aims to provide.

The pallet for transporting a load according to the present invention is for supporting and transporting a load, and is provided at each end of a bottom plate portion having a load support surface on the upper surface and front and rear ends of the bottom plate portion, and at least one of them is undulating. It has a possible end plate portion and an operating mechanism for undulating the undulating end plate portion. The actuating mechanism consists of an actuating plate whose one end is connected to the end plate and whose lower part is rotatably supported on the bottom plate, and the actuating plate is urged and rotated so that the end plate stands upright. When the end plate portion includes the spring and the end plate portion is in the upright state, the other end portion of the operating plate is in a state of protruding outward from the end edge of the bottom plate portion.

When the pallet for carrying a load according to the present invention is used for a load carrying device, a pressing plate is installed at a position where the load is carried in and out. As a result, when the pallet reaches the load loading / unloading position, the protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back, and as a result, the end plate is flattened as the operating plate rotates. Can be carried in and out. During the transportation of the pallet, the pressure on the operating plate by the pressing plate is released, the spring force of the spring acts on the operating plate, and the operating plate is rotated so that the end plate portion stands up. Even if the load slides, the upright end plate prevents the load from falling.

In a preferred embodiment, the bottom plate portion has side plate portions integrally formed at both side end portions, and each side plate portion has an outward flange supported by a chain conveyor at the upper end.

Each operating plate may adopt various forms, but preferably, it has a fan shape, and one end thereof is continuously provided on the upper surface of the end plate portion.

In a preferred embodiment, the end plate portion further comprises a regulatory piece projecting downward from the opening formed in the bottom plate portion. The tip of the regulation piece is provided with a hook-shaped portion that is locked to the opening edge of the opening when the end plate portion is erected.

According to this embodiment, the hook-shaped portion of the regulation piece is locked to the opening edge of the opening, so that the end plate portion is maintained in an upright posture at a predetermined angle.

The load transport device according to the present invention has a pallet for supporting and transporting the load, a conveyor for supporting and transporting the pallet, and a pressing plate provided at a position for loading and unloading the load with respect to the pallet. The pallet has a bottom plate portion having a load supporting surface on the upper surface, an end plate portion provided at each of the front and rear ends of the bottom plate portion and at least one of which can be undulated, and an operating mechanism for undulating the undulating end plate portion. And have. The actuating mechanism rotates by urging the actuating plate, one end of which is connected to the end plate and the lower part of which is rotatably supported on the bottom plate, and the actuating plate so that the end plate stands upright. When the end plate portion is in the upright state including the spring for causing the operation plate, the other end portion of the operating plate is in a state of protruding outward from the end edge of the bottom plate portion. When the pallet is located at the load loading / unloading position, the protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back.

According to this load transfer device, while the loaded pallet is being conveyed by the conveyor, the spring force of the spring acts on the operating plate to erect the end plate, so even if the load is loaded on the load support surface. Even if the pallet slides, the upright end plate prevents the load from falling. When the loaded pallet reaches the load loading / unloading position, the protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back. As a result, the end plate lays flat as the operating plate rotates. It is possible to carry in and out the load.

Other load-carrying devices according to the present invention support a pallet for supporting and transporting a load, left and right chain conveyors for supporting and transporting a loaded pallet, and an unloaded pallet. It has a loading / unloading device in which left and right chain conveyors for carrying the pallets are provided in two upper and lower stages, and a pressing plate provided at a loading / unloading position of the load with respect to the pallet. The pallet has a bottom plate portion having a load supporting surface on the upper surface, an end plate portion provided at each of the front and rear ends of the bottom plate portion and at least one of which can be undulated, and an operating mechanism for undulating the undulating end plate portion. And have. The actuating mechanism consists of an actuating plate whose one end is connected to the end plate and whose lower part is rotatably supported on the bottom plate, and the actuating plate is urged and rotated so that the end plate stands upright. When the end plate portion includes the spring and the end plate portion is in the upright state, the other end portion of the operating plate is in a state of protruding outward from the end edge of the bottom plate portion. When the pallet is located at the load loading / unloading position, the protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back.

According to this load transfer device, while the pallet loaded with the load is being conveyed by the chain conveyor at the upper stage of the load transfer device, the spring force of the spring acts on the operating plate to erect the end plate portion. Even if the load slides on the load support surface, the upright end plate prevents the load from falling. When the loaded pallet reaches the load loading / unloading position, the protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back. As a result, the end plate lays flat as the operating plate rotates. It is possible to carry in and out the load.

In a preferred embodiment, the loading / unloading device is provided with a first transport conveyor for loading / unloading loaded pallets and a second transport conveyor for loading / unloading unloaded pallets at the top and bottom. The pallets are carried in and out of the elevator table.

According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the load from slipping down from the load supporting surface of the pallet during transportation, and there is no possibility of causing trouble in the load transport operation.

It is a perspective view which shows one Embodiment of the pallet for cargo transport. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the load transport device to which the pallet for load transport is applied. It is a front view of one Embodiment of a loading / unloading device. It is a perspective view which shows a part of the pallet for cargo transportation enlarged. It is a front view which shows the structure and operation of the operation mechanism. It is a side view of one of the loading / unloading mechanisms as viewed from the work space side. It is a side view of one loading / unloading mechanism seen from the side opposite to the work space. It is a front view which looked at the pallet support mechanism of one loading / unloading mechanism from the front side. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the reciprocating mechanism. It is a front view which shows the structure and operation of one movable frame. It is a front view which shows the unloading operation to a lifting table. It is a front view which shows the unloading operation to a lifting table. It is a front view which shows the unloading operation to a lifting table. It is a front view which shows the loading operation from a lifting table. It is a front view which shows the loading operation from a lifting table. It is a perspective view of the loading / unloading device.

(1) Configuration of a pallet for loading and unloading FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a pallet for loading and unloading according to the present invention. This pallet P is for supporting and transporting a load such as a carton, and has a bottom plate portion 101 having a rectangular flat surface shape having a flat load support surface 100 on the upper surface. The illustrated pallet P has side plate portions 102, 103 integrally formed at both side ends of the bottom plate portion 101, and end plate portions 104, 105 provided at the front and rear end portions of the bottom plate portion 101. However, the present invention can also be applied to pallets that do not have side plate portions 102 and 103. Each side plate portion 102, 103 forms a right angle with respect to the bottom plate portion 101, and is provided with an outward flange 106 supported by a chain conveyor at the upper end.
In the following description, the pallet P has one side for loading and unloading the load Q as the "front side" and the other side as the "rear side", and the front end edge of the bottom plate portion 101 is the "front end edge", and vice versa. The side edge is called the "rear edge".

Each of the end plate portions 104 and 105 has a strip-like shape and has a length corresponding to the width of the bottom plate portion 101. The end plate portions 104 and 105 can be undulated, and the end plate portions 104 and 105 are undulated at the positions of both side ends of the front and rear ends of the bottom plate portion 101 in cooperation with the pressing plate 130 described later. Acting mechanisms 110 and 120 are provided. The configurations of the operating mechanisms 110 and 120 will be described later.
Further, in this embodiment, both end plate portions 104 and 105 are configured to be undulating in order to allow loading and unloading of the load from both the front side and the rear side of the pallet P. If the insertion is performed from only one of the front side and the rear side, either one of the end plate portions 104 and 105 can be undulated and the other can be fixed in an upright state.

(2) Application Example of Load Transport Pallet FIG. 2 shows a plurality of examples of a load transport device to which the load transport pallet P is applied.
FIG. 2A shows a typical load transport device, in which the load Q is loaded on the pallet P and transported along the horizontal transport paths R1 and R3 and the vertical transport path R2.
The pallet P is provided with undulating end plate portions 104 and 105 at the front and rear end portions, and the front and rear end plate portions 104 and 105 are held in an upright state so that the load Q does not slide down during transportation. .. At the load loading position, the front end plate portion 104 is prostrated and the load Q is loaded onto the pallet P. At the load unloading position, the front end plate portion 104 is prostrated and the load Q is unloaded from the pallet P. The load Q is carried in and out of the pallet P by, for example, a forklift.
In this embodiment, the load Q is carried in and out of the pallet P on the front side, and only the front end plate portion 104 is undulated. Therefore, the rear end plate portion 105 must be undulating. There is no. In the figure, reference numeral 130 denotes a pressing plate provided at the loading position and the unloading position of the load Q.

FIG. 2B shows another example of the load transport device, in which the load Q is loaded on the pallet P and transported along the horizontal transport path R1. The pallet P is held in an upright state with the front and rear end plate portions 104 and 105 so that the load Q does not slide down during transportation. At the load loading position, the front end plate portion 104 is prostrated and the load Q is loaded onto the pallet P. At the load unloading position, the rear end plate 105 is prostrated and the load Q is unloaded from the pallet P. Pressing plates 130 are installed at the loading and unloading positions of the load Q.
In this embodiment, since the load Q is carried in on the front side and the load Q is carried out on the rear side, the front and rear end plate portions 104 and 105 can be undulated.

FIG. 2C shows another example of the load transport device, in which the load Q is loaded on the pallet P and transported along the vertical transport path R3. The pallet P is held in an upright state with the front and rear end plate portions 104 and 105 so that the load Q does not slide down during transportation. At the load loading position, the front end plate portion 104 is prostrated and the load Q is loaded onto the pallet P. At the load unloading position, the rear end plate 105 is prostrated and the load Q is unloaded from the pallet P. Pressing plates 130 are installed at the loading and unloading positions of the load Q.
In this embodiment, since the load Q is carried in on the front side and the load Q is carried out on the rear side, the front and rear end plate portions 104 and 105 can be undulated.

(3) Configuration and Operation of Pressing Plate and Acting Mechanism FIGS. 3 to 10 show specific examples of the loading / unloading device 2 in the loading / unloading device shown in FIG.
The load transport device transports the load by moving the lifting table 10 up and down between a plurality of floors, and the load loading / unloading device 2 is installed at the entrances G1 and G2 of each floor. The loading / unloading device 2 can simultaneously carry out loading / unloading of the loading pallet P1 and loading / unloading of the empty pallet P2 with respect to the elevating table 10, and includes left and right paired loading / unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R. ing.

The pallet P for transporting the load has the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and includes a bottom plate portion 101, left and right side plate portions 102, 103, undulating front and rear end plate portions 104, 105, and an operating mechanism 110. 120 is included as a configuration. In this embodiment, the load is carried in and out of the pallet P supported by the chain conveyor 3 for transporting empty pallets, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the load loading / unloading position is performed. That is, the pressing plates 130 are placed on the left and right fixed frames 20L and 20R at the same height position as the chain conveyor 3 for transporting empty pallets and in accordance with the positions facing the left and right operating mechanisms 110 on the front side of the pallet P. Each is installed.

Each pressing plate 130 is configured by bending a metal plate at a right angle, and projects to a position facing the mounting plate portion 131 screwed to the inner surface of the fixing frames 20L and 20R and the operating mechanism 110 of the pallet P. It is provided with a pressing plate portion 132 to be used. The pressing plate portion 132 has a long rectangular shape in the vertical direction.
The rear actuating mechanism 120 also has the same configuration as the front actuating mechanism 110, and the description thereof will be omitted here.
Further, FIGS. 4 and 5 show the right operating mechanism 110 among the left and right operating mechanisms 110 on the front side, but the left operating mechanism 110 has the same configuration as the right operating mechanism 110, and here. , The operating mechanism 110 on the right side will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5.

The actuating mechanism 110 is a box-shaped case 111 screw-fixed to the inner surfaces of the side plate portions 102 and 103 of the pallet P, in which the actuating plate 112 and the spring 113, which are the components thereof, are incorporated. The case 111 is open at the top and bottom, and a rectangular notch 114 is formed at the lower part of the inner plate portion 111a, and a rectangular slit 115 is formed at the lower part of the end plate portion 111b.

The bottom plate portion 101 of the pallet P is configured by connecting a metal hollow tube 107 to the end edge portion. The hollow tube 107 has a rectangular cross section perpendicular to the length direction, and the outer edge of the end plate portion 104 is undulatingly supported on the upper surface of the hollow tube 107. Both ends of the end plate portion 104 penetrate the notch 114 and enter the case 111.

The operating plate 112 has a fan shape and has a fulcrum portion 112a forming a right angle. The fulcrum portion 112a is rotatably supported on the upper surface of the hollow tube 107 by the pivot 116. The inner end portion 112b of the operating plate 112 is continuously provided on the upper surface of the side end portion of the end plate portion 104. The outer end portion 112c of the operating plate 112 penetrates the slit 115 of the case 111 and can freely appear and disappear with respect to the case 111. When the end plate portion 104 is in the upright state, as shown in FIG. 5A, the outer end portion 112c of the operating plate portion 112 is in a state of protruding from the front end edge of the bottom plate portion 101.

A coil spring is used as the spring 113, and the spring 113 is stretched between the mounting plate 112d integrally formed with the inner end 112b of the operating plate 112 and the mounting portion 111d provided on the outer plate portion 111c of the case 111. Has been done. The operating plate 112 is urged by the spring 113 in the direction in which the end plate portion 104 stands up. As the spring 113, a leaf spring can be used instead of the coil spring.

Openings 107a are formed on the upper surfaces of both ends of the hollow tube 107. The end plate portion 104 is provided with a regulation piece 117 projecting downward from the opening 107a on the lower surfaces of both end portions. As shown in FIG. 5A, the tip of the regulation piece 117 is provided with a hook-shaped portion 117a that is hooked and locked to the opening edge of the opening 107a when the end plate portion 104 is erected. In this embodiment, the end plate portion 104 is erected at an angle of about 60 degrees, but the erection angle of the end plate portion 104 can be freely set by changing the length of the regulation piece 117.

An arcuate guide groove 112e is formed on the plate surface of the operating plate 112. A guide pin 118 that slidably engages with the guide groove 112e is provided on the inner surface of the outer plate portion 111c of the case 111. When the operating plate 112 rotates with the fulcrum portion 112a as the fulcrum, the guide pin 118 slides on the arc-shaped guide groove 112e. When the end plate portion 104 is in a prostrated state, the guide pin 118 reaches the end of the guide groove 112e as shown in FIG. 5 (B).

(4) Operation of the operating mechanism In the pallet P having the above configuration, the spring force of the spring 130 always acts on the operating plate 112 of the operating mechanism 110. When the pallet P is away from the loading / unloading position of the load, the operating plate 112 receives the spring force of the spring 130 and rotates to erect the end plate portion 104. In this state, the outer end portion 112c of the operating plate 112 is in a state of protruding from the end edge of the bottom plate portion 101.

When the pallet P comes to the loading or unloading position of the load, the outer end 112c of the operating plate 112 hits the pressing plate 130 and is pushed back, and as a result, the operating plate 112 rotates to cause the end plate 104 to prostrate. When the end plate portion 104 is prostrated, the end plate portion 104 does not protrude from the load support surface 100 of the pallet P, and the load can be carried in or out of the load support surface 100.

When the pallet P moves away from the pressing plate 130 after loading or unloading the load, the pressing of the pressing plate 130 against the operating plate 112 is released, so that the operating plate 112 rotates under the action of the spring force of the spring 130. The end plate portion 104 is moved to stand up. When the end plate portion 104 stands up, the end plate portion 104 protrudes from the load support surface 100 of the pallet P. Therefore, even if the load slides on the load support surface 100, the load falls from the upright end plate portion 104. Is prevented.

(5) Specific Example of unloading device The loading / unloading device 2 is composed of left and right loading / unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R as shown in FIG. 16, but the loading / unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R are the same. In the following, the loading / unloading mechanism 2R on the right side will be described, and the illustration and description of the loading / unloading mechanism 2L on the left side will be omitted.

The loading / unloading mechanism 2R has a fixed frame 20R and a movable frame 21R. The fixed frame 20R faces the fixed frame 20L on the left side, and the work space S in front of the entrances G1 and G2 is sandwiched by the fixed frames 20L and 20R from both sides. The movable frame 21R is attached to a rotating shaft 28 (shown in FIGS. 9 and 10) whose lower end is described later so that it can swing in and out.

The movable frame 21R has a load transport chain conveyor 3 for mutually transporting the loading pallets P1 with the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 and a lifting table on the surface on the work space S side. A chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets to and from the second transport conveyor 12 of 10 for transporting empty pallets P2 to each other is provided in two upper and lower stages. The chain conveyors 3 and 4 for load transport and empty pallet transport are paired with the chain conveyors 3 and 4 for load transport and empty pallet transport provided on the other movable frame 21L. Supports the outward flanges 106 at both ends of the loading pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2, respectively.

The load transport chain conveyor 3 is located at the same height as the first transport conveyor 11 when the elevating table 10 is stopped. The chain conveyor 4 for empty pallet transfer is located at the same height as the second transfer conveyor 12 when the elevating table 10 is stopped.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 10, the fixed frame 20R has a rectangular lower frame 24 supported on the floor surface and a rectangular lower frame 24 located at a predetermined height above the lower frame 24. The upper frame 25 includes an intermediate frame 29 located between the lower frame 24 and the upper frame 25 and narrower than the lower frame 24 and the upper frame 25. The lower frame 24, the upper frame 25, and the intermediate frame 29 are connected by a vertical frame.

As shown in FIG. 9, the movable frame 21R is integrally provided with a movable plate 22R and a pair of front and rear swing plates 26, 26. On the work space S side of the movable plate 22R, horizontally long chain conveyor boxes 23, 23 are mounted in two upper and lower stages. The chain 30 of the chain conveyor 3 for transporting cargo is housed in the upper chain conveyor box 23. The chain 40 of the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets is housed in the lower chain conveyor box 23.

One end of the lower end of the rocking plates 26, 26 is fixed to the rotating shaft 28. Both ends of the rotating shaft 28 are rotatably supported by bearings 27, 27 provided on the lower frame 24 of the fixed frame 20R. The movable frame 21R can swing in and out with the rotating shaft 28 as a fulcrum, and along with this swing, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets move forward and backward with respect to the work space S. To do. The configuration of the movable frame 21R is not limited to the one described above, and may be any configuration as long as it can swing with the lower end as a fulcrum.

The reciprocating mechanism 8 shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 is connected to the upper end of the movable frame 21R. As shown by the one-point chain line in FIG. 10, the reciprocating mechanism 8 operates the chain conveyor 3 for load transfer and the chain conveyor 4 for empty pallet transfer when the loading pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 are moved up and down. When the loading pallets P1 and the empty pallets P2 are loaded and unloaded on the chain conveyors 3 and 4 by the pallet supporting mechanism 70R of the loading and unloading mechanism 7 described later, the solid line is shown in FIG. As shown by, each chain conveyor 3 and 4 is advanced to the work space S.

The reciprocating mechanism 8 shown is a motor 80 that can rotate forward and reverse, which is installed in the intermediate frame 29 of the fixed frame 20R, and a crank 81 that converts the rotation of the motor 80 into a reciprocating linear motion and transmits it to the movable frame 21R. It is composed of a pair of position sensors 82 and 82 provided on the intermediate frame 29 and determining the swing angle range of the movable frame 21R. The position sensors 82 and 82 are mounted side by side, and are configured by using, for example, a diffuse reflection type photoelectric sensor.

The crank 81 includes a first crank plate 81a and a second crank plate 81b. The intermediate portion of the first crank plate 81a is fixed to the output shaft 80a of the motor 80. One end of the first crank plate 81a is rotatably connected to one end of the second crank plate 81b. The other end of the second crank plate 81b is rotatably supported by an upper plate 22a provided on the upper edge of the movable plate 22R of the movable frame 21R.

The crank 81 is attached to the motor 80 so that light is reflected when the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a blocks the optical paths of the position sensors 82 and 82, and the other end of the first crank plate 81a. The position sensors 82 and 82 are turned on and off by the reflection of light in the unit 81c. One of the position sensors 82 receives the light reflected by the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a and turns on when the movable frame 21R is in the vertical posture (the posture shown by the solid line in FIG. 10). The other position sensor 82 transmits the light reflected by the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a when the movable frame 21R is tilted outward by a predetermined angle (the posture shown by the alternate long and short dash line in FIG. 10). Receives light and turns it on. When the position sensors 82 and 82 are turned on, the rotation of the motor 80 is stopped, and the movable frame 21R stops swinging and is localized. The reciprocating mechanism 8 operates in synchronization with the reciprocating mechanism 8 on the side of the other movable frame 21L.

In this embodiment, when the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a blocks the optical path of the position sensors 82, 82, the movable flakes 21R are tilted by reflecting the light and turning on the position sensors 82, 82. Is detected to be at a predetermined angle, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and it is possible to detect a vertical posture of the movable frame 21R or a posture tilted outward by a predetermined angle of the movable frame 21R. If possible, it may be in any form. For example, a servomotor may be used as the motor 80, and the inclination of the movable frame 21R may be detected by detecting the rotation angle of the servomotor from a pulse signal from the servomotor.

As shown in FIGS. 6, 7, and 9, the chain conveyor 3 for carrying a load includes a first conveyor chain 30 and a wheel group including a plurality of (five in this embodiment) sprocket wheels 32 to 36. It is composed of 31 and. The first conveyor chain 30 is endlessly stretched between the sprocket wheels 32 to 36 so that the upper side portion 30a that supports and conveys the load travels horizontally in each of the forward and reverse directions.

The sprocket wheels 32 and 33 located at both ends of the wheel group 31 mesh with the first conveyor chain 30 at the same height position. The first sprocket wheel 34 located at the center of the intermediate portion is located at a position lower than the sprocket wheels 32 and 33 at both ends and meshes with the lower side portion 30b that returns the first conveyor chain 30. Two second sprocket wheels 35 and 36 that divert the lower side portions 30b of the first conveyor chain 30 toward the sprocket wheel 34 are located near both sides of the sprocket wheel 34 at the center position.

The sprocket wheel 34 at the center position is connected to and driven by a motor 5 capable of forward and reverse rotation. The rotation of the sprocket wheel 34 in the forward and reverse directions causes the upper side portion 30a of the first conveyor chain 30 to travel in the forward and reverse directions. A high-efficiency general-purpose AC motor is used for the motor 5, and has a gearbox (not shown) having a built-in reduction mechanism in which a plurality of gears are combined. The motor 5 is attached to the surface of the movable frame 21R opposite to the work space S of the movable plate 22, and the sprocket wheel 34 at the center position is attached to the output shaft protruding from the gear box.

The chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets is composed of a second conveyor chain 40 and a plurality of (two in this embodiment) sprocket wheels 41 and 42. The second conveyor chain 40 is endlessly stretched between the sprocket wheels 41 and 42 so that the upper side portion 40a that supports and conveys the empty pallet P2 runs horizontally in each of the forward and reverse directions. The sprocket wheels 41 and 42 mesh with the second conveyor chain 40 at the same height position.

The movable frame 21R is provided with a power transmission mechanism 6 that transmits the driving force of the motor 5 supplied to the first conveyor chain 30 to the second conveyor chain 40. The power transmission mechanism 6 of this embodiment is on the sprocket wheel 62 for the first power transmission located coaxially with the sprocket wheel 35 and on the sprocket wheel 41 coaxial with one of the sprocket wheels 41 meshing with the second conveyor chain 40. A second power transmission sprocket wheel 64 located and a power transmission chain 65 stretched between the first power transmission sprocket wheel 62 and the second power transmission sprocket wheel 64. , A sprocket wheel 66 that meshes with the chain 65 to give tension.

The power transmission mechanism 6 transmits a driving force to the second conveyor chain 40 so that the second conveyor chain 40 travels in the direction opposite to that of the first conveyor chain 30. The sprocket wheel 35 is engaged with the 30 to rotate the sprocket wheel 35 in the opposite direction to the sprocket wheel 34. The rotational movement is transmitted by the power transmission chain 65 to the sprocket wheel 41 with which the second conveyor chain 40 meshes, and the second conveyor chain 40 is synchronized with the first conveyor chain 30 with the first conveyor chain 30. Travel in the opposite direction.

The power transmission mechanism 6 has the embodiment of this embodiment as long as the power is transmitted to the second conveyor chain 40 so that the second conveyor chain 40 travels in the opposite direction to the first conveyor chain 30. Not limited to things.
Further, in the above embodiment, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads is driven by the motor 5 and the driving force is transmitted to the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets is not limited to this. The chain conveyor 4 may be driven by a motor to transmit the driving force to the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads.

The loading / unloading mechanisms 2R and 2L each include a loading / unloading mechanism 7 shown in FIGS. 6 to 8. Each loading / unloading mechanism 7 performs loading / unloading of the loading pallet P1 with respect to the chain conveyor 3 for loading and unloading and loading / unloading of the empty pallet P2 with respect to the chain conveyor 4 for empty pallet transport. It is provided with pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R for supporting the empty pallet P2 at the front and rear portions of the left and right flanges 106, respectively (see FIG. 16). The pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R move up and down synchronously at both side positions sandwiching the work space S.

FIG. 8 shows the configuration of one pallet support mechanism 70R. The pallet support mechanism 70R includes a pair of support claws 71 and 71 that can be engaged with and disengaged from the flange 106 of the loading pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 at the front end and the rear end, and each support claw 71 provided on the fixed frame 20R. The elevating guides 72 and 72 and the chains 73 and 73 for elevating and lowering the support claws 71 along the elevating guides 72 are included. Each chain 73 is bridged between the sprocket wheels 74 and 74 provided on the lower frame 24 and the upper frame 25 of the fixed frame 20R so as to travel in the vertical direction.

The support claw 71 is attached to the lower end of the slide plate 75. The slide plate 75 is attached to the chain 73 via a shock absorbing spring 73a or the like, and the support claw 71 moves up and down as the chain 73 travels by the sprocket wheels 74 and 74. The slide plate 75 includes a plurality of guide rollers 76 that roll along the elevating guide 72, and, although not shown, an operation piece that operates a limit switch arranged at the elevating stop position of each support claw 71. It is provided.

The sprocket wheel 74 provided on the upper frame 25 is supported by the rotating shaft 93. The rotating shaft 93 is driven in either the forward or reverse direction by the motor 9 and the conduction mechanism 94 composed of a sprocket wheel, a chain, or the like. Due to the forward and reverse rotation of the rotating shaft 93, the support claws 71 move up and down all at once along the elevating guide 72, and engage and disengage with the flange 106 of the loading pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 during the elevating and lowering.

(6) Explanation of Operation of Load-Loading / Loading Device The operation of the loading / unloading device 2 having the above configuration will be described below with reference to FIGS. 11 to 15.
The loading / unloading device 2 of this embodiment executes loading / unloading of the loading pallet P1 and loading / unloading of the empty pallet P2 with respect to the elevating table 10 at the same timing.
First, in the loading / unloading device 2 on any floor, refer to FIGS. 11 to 13 for the case where the loading pallet P1 is carried out onto the elevating table 10 and at the same time the empty pallet P2 is carried in from the elevating table 10. Then, the operation of the loading / unloading device 2 will be described in detail.

Now, an empty pallet P2 carried out from the elevating table 10 is localized on the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets, and when the load is carried onto the pallet P2, FIG. 11 (A) is shown. As shown in the above, the loading pallet P1 is located on the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets. When the load is carried into the empty pallet P2, the operating plate 112 of the operating mechanism 110 is pushed back by the pressing plate portion 132 of the pressing plate 130 (see FIG. 5B), and the end plate portion 104 of the pallet is moved. It is in a prostrated state. As a result, the end plate portion 104 does not interfere with the loading of loads by a forklift or the like.

Next, in order to carry out the loading pallet P1 from the loading / unloading device 2 and carry it onto the lifting table 10 of the lifting / lowering conveyor mechanism 1, first, the loading / unloading mechanism 7 is driven and the loading / unloading pallet P1 is supported by each pallet. It is supported by the support claws 71 of the mechanisms 70L and 70R, and as shown in FIG. 11B, it is lifted to a position slightly above the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets. As the loading pallet P1 rises, the operating plate 112 is released from being pressed by the pressing plate 130, the operating plate 112 is rotated by the spring 113, and the end plate portion 104 operates integrally with the operating plate 112 and stands upright. It becomes.

Then, when the motor 80 of the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to contract the crank 81, the movable frames 21L and 21R of the loading and unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R swing outward with the rotation shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. To do. As a result, the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets recede from the work space S.
In this state, the loading / unloading mechanism 7 is driven, and as shown in FIG. 12 (A), the loading pallet P1 is lifted to a position above the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for loading and unloading. Since the chain conveyors 3 and 4 are retracted to the outer region of the work space S when the loading pallet P1 is lifted, the chain conveyors 3 and 4 do not hinder the lifting of the loading pallet P1.

Next, as shown in FIG. 12B, the motor 80 of the reciprocating mechanism 8 is rotated in the direction opposite to the above to extend the crank 81, and the movable frames 21L and 21R are rotated on the lower end rotating shaft 28. Swing inward as a fulcrum. As a result, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting the cargo and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting the empty pallets of the cargo loading / unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R move forward, and the movable frames 21R and 21L face the work space S in a vertical posture. After that, the support claws 71 of the pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are lowered to lower the loading pallet P1 onto the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for loading, and the support claws 71 and the loading pallet P1 are disengaged.

Next, when the motors 5 mounted on the movable frames 21L and 21R are driven all at once, the chain conveyor 3 for loading and unloading each of the loading and unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R is driven, and the first conveyor chain 30 is loaded and unloaded. Drive in the direction. The driving force of each motor 5 is transmitted to the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for empty pallet transfer via the power transmission mechanism 6, and the second conveyor chain 40 of the chain conveyor 4 for empty pallet transfer travels in the pallet loading direction. .. At the same time as driving the motor 5, the first conveyor 11 of the elevating table 10 is driven in the loading direction, and the second conveyor 12 is driven in the pallet unloading direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 13, the loading pallet P1 on the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for loading is carried out onto the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10, and at the same time, the second loading pallet P1 of the lifting table 10 is carried out. The empty pallets P2 on the transport conveyor 12 are carried onto the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets.

Next, in the loading / unloading device 2 on any floor, the loading pallet P1 is unloaded from the elevating table 10 of the elevating / conveying mechanism 1, and at the same time, the empty pallet P2 is carried onto the elevating table 10. FIG. And FIG. 15 will be described.

First, the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 and the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for loading are driven in the same direction, while the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for empty pallet transport and the second lifting table 10 are driven. The conveyor 12 is driven in the opposite direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 14A, the loading pallet P1 is carried out from the first transport conveyor 11 of the elevating table 10 onto the load transport chain conveyors 3 and 3, and at the same time, the empty pallet is conveyed. The empty pallet P2 is carried out onto the second conveyor 12 of the elevating table 10 from above the chain conveyors 4 and 4.

Next, as shown in FIG. 14B, the left and right pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are driven to support the loading pallet P1 supported on the load transport chain conveyors 3 and 3 by the support claws 71. And lift. After that, the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven, and the movable frames 21L and 21R of the loading and unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R are swung outward with the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum, and the chain conveyor 3 for loading and unloading is empty. The chain conveyor 4 for pallet transfer is retracted to the areas on both sides of the work space S. Then, as shown in FIG. 15A, the pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are lowered to lower the loading pallet P1 to the upper position of the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets.

Next, as shown in FIG. 15B, the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven, and the movable frames 21L and 21R are swung inward with the rotation shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum, and each loading / unloading mechanism is used. The chain conveyor 3 for transporting 2L and 2R loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets are advanced to face the work space S. After that, the support claws 71 of the pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are lowered to lower the loading pallet P1 onto the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for transporting empty pallets.
When the pallet P1 comes to the loading / unloading position of the load, the protruding outer end portion 112c of the operating plate 112 abuts against the pressing plate 130 and is pushed, and as a result, the operating plate 112 rotates and the end plate portion 104 integrally prostrate. To do. As a result, the end plate portion 104 does not become an obstacle, and the load can be carried out from the pallet P1.

In the above embodiment, the load is carried in and out in a state where the empty pallet P2 or the loading pallet P1 is located on the chain conveyor 4 for transporting the empty pallet, but the empty pallet P2 or the loading pallet P1 May be loaded and unloaded with respect to the pallet when the pallet is placed on the floor below the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets. In this case, it is necessary to shift the installation position of the pressing plate 130 downward according to the position of the pallet.

10 Lifting table 11 1st conveyor 12 2nd conveyor 2 Load loading / unloading device 2L, 2R Load loading / unloading mechanism 3 Chain conveyor for load transport 4 Chain conveyor for empty pallet transport 100 Load support surface 101 Bottom plate 102 , 103 Side plate 104, 105 End plate 106 Flange 110 Acting mechanism 112 Acting plate 113 Spring 117 Control piece 117a Hook-shaped 130 Press plate P pallet P1 Loading pallet P2 Empty pallet S Work space

Claims (7)

A pallet for carrying a load for supporting and transporting the load, a bottom plate portion having a load support surface on the upper surface and an end plate portion provided at each of the front and rear ends of the bottom plate portion and at least one of which can be undulated. And an operating mechanism for undulating the undulating end plate portion.
The actuating mechanism urges the actuating plate, one end of which is connected to the end plate and the lower portion of which is rotatably supported on the bottom plate, and the actuating plate so that the end plate stands upright. A pallet for carrying a load, which includes a spring for rotating the end plate portion, and when the end plate portion is in an upright state, the other end portion of the operating plate portion protrudes outward from the end edge of the bottom plate portion. The pallet for carrying a load according to claim 1, wherein the bottom plate portion has side plate portions integrally formed at both end portions, and each side plate portion has an outward flange supported by a chain conveyor at the upper end. The pallet for transporting a load according to claim 1, wherein each operating plate has a fan shape and one end thereof is continuously provided on the upper surface of the end plate portion. The end plate portion further includes a restricting piece that projects downward from the opening formed in the bottom plate portion, and the tip of the restricting piece is locked to the opening edge of the opening when the end plate portion stands up. The pallet for transporting a load according to claim 1, wherein the hook-shaped portion is provided. It has a pallet for supporting and transporting a load, a conveyor for supporting and transporting the pallet, and a pressing plate provided at a position for loading and unloading the load with respect to the pallet.
The pallet has a bottom plate portion having a load supporting surface on the upper surface, an end plate portion provided at each of the front and rear end portions of the bottom plate portion, and at least one of which can be undulated, and the undulating end plate portion for undulating operation. The actuating mechanism has an actuating plate having one end connected to the end plate portion and a lower portion rotatably supported on the bottom plate portion, and the end plate portion standing upright. When the end plate portion is in an upright state, the other end of each actuating plate projects outward from the edge of the bottom plate portion, including a spring that urges and rotates the actuating plate. It is a state,
A load transport device in which when the pallet is located at a load loading / unloading position, a protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back. A pallet for supporting and transporting a load, a left and right chain conveyor for supporting and transporting a loaded pallet, and a left and right chain conveyor for supporting and transporting an unloaded pallet. It has a loading / unloading device provided in two upper and lower stages, and a pressing plate provided at a loading / unloading position with respect to the pallet.
The pallet has a bottom plate portion having a load supporting surface on the upper surface, an end plate portion provided at each of the front and rear end portions of the bottom plate portion, and at least one of which can be undulated, and the undulating end plate portion for undulating operation. The actuating mechanism has an actuating plate having one end connected to the end plate portion and a lower portion rotatably supported on the bottom plate portion, and the end plate portion standing upright. When the end plate portion is in an upright state, the other end of each actuating plate projects outward from the edge of the bottom plate portion, including a spring that urges and rotates the actuating plate. It is a state,
A load transport device in which when the pallet is located at a load loading / unloading position, a protruding end of the operating plate hits the pressing plate and is pushed back. The loading / unloading device is provided between an elevating table provided with a first transport conveyor for loading / unloading loaded pallets and a second transport conveyor for loading / unloading unloaded pallets. The load-carrying device according to claim 6, wherein the pallets are carried in and out.

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