JP7153107B1 - Pallet exchange device and pallet exchange method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a pallet changing device and a pallet changing method that hardly cause damage/dirt to cargo even if the pallet is changed in a state where a slight collapse of cargo has occurred. A pallet changing device 100 is a pallet changing device for changing cargoes 4 from a first pallet 1 to a second pallet 2, has a first pallet recovery part 40, and provides a second pallet. The section 10 includes a second pallet delivery mechanism 11 capable of delivering a second pallet to a table providing section 20, the table providing section being able to cover at least a portion of the top surface of the second pallet. and a table delivery mechanism 21 capable of delivering the second pallet to the pallet exchange unit 30. The pallet exchange unit supplies the clamp mechanism 31 for gripping the cargo loaded on the first pallet and the table to the table providing unit. It includes a returning table return mechanism 32 and the upper surface of the table has buoyancy means. [Selection drawing] Fig. 2

Description

The present invention relates to a pallet changing device and a pallet changing method for transferring cargo from a first pallet to a second pallet.

In factories and the like, pallets are widely used for the work of transporting and stocking cargo. The loaded pallets are transported by forklifts, roller conveyors, etc., and loaded on trucks or stocked in warehouses.

Pallets are held by each trader, and when transporting products manufactured by the manufacturer, it is necessary to transfer the pallets in the factory of the manufacturer to the pallets of the wholesaler or retailer. In addition, pallets come in various materials and forms, such as wood and synthetic resin. For example, when stocking food, wooden pallets are sometimes transferred to synthetic resin pallets from a hygienic point of view. .

As a method for exchanging pallets, an upside-down method and a slide method are known.

The top-bottom inversion method is a method in which pallets are exchanged by sandwiching a load on a first pallet with a second pallet and inverting the top and bottom of the first and second pallets. In the upside-down method, the product inside the package may be damaged because the package is inverted.

The slide system includes a simple slide system and a clamp system.

The simple slide method is a method in which a load is transferred from a first pallet to a second pallet by pushing the load or pallet. According to the simple slide system, the configuration of the pallet exchange device can be simplified. However, since the frictional force generated between the cargo and the second pallet is large when the cargo is transferred to the second pallet, the cargo may collapse and the cargo may become soiled and/or damaged due to the friction. There were issues such as

Patent Literature 1 discloses such a simple slide type pallet changing device.

The clamping method is a method in which the cargo is transferred from the first pallet to the second pallet while being lifted by a clamping device. According to the clamp system, collapse of cargo can be suppressed. However, the need for a clamping device to float the cargo has been considered to be a problem in that the structure of the pallet changing device is complicated.

Patent Literature 2 discloses such a clamp-type pallet changer.

JP 2015-013721 A JP 2019-026398 A

With the conventional clamping method, it was said that collapse of cargo could be suppressed. However, as shown in FIG. 7(b), slight collapse of cargo may occur. If the pallet is to be exchanged in this state, friction occurs between the slid pallet and the lower surface of the cargo, and the same problem as in the above-described simple slide method occurs.

Therefore, the present invention provides a pallet changing apparatus and a pallet changing method that prevent damage and/or staining of cargo even if the pallet is changed in a state where the cargo has collapsed slightly.

The inventors have found that the above problems can be solved by the present invention including the following embodiments.

A pallet changer of one embodiment is a pallet changer for transferring cargo from a first pallet to a second pallet,
has a second pallet providing unit, a table providing unit, a pallet changing unit, and a first pallet collecting unit,
The second pallet providing section includes a second pallet delivery mechanism capable of delivering a second pallet to the table providing section,
The table providing unit includes a table capable of covering at least part of the upper surface of the second pallet and a table delivery mechanism capable of delivering the second pallet to the pallet exchange unit,
The pallet exchange unit includes a clamping mechanism capable of gripping a load loaded on a first pallet, and a table return mechanism capable of returning the table to the table providing unit, and the top surface of the table is It has buoyancy imparting means.

In such an embodiment, even if the cargo gripped by the clamping mechanism is slightly collapsed and the table comes into contact with the cargo, the buoyancy imparting means on the table prevents friction between the cargo and the table. It is preferable because it is less likely to cause damage and/or stains on the luggage.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange device, the buoyancy imparting means is an air supply mechanism. When the air is supplied to the upper surface of the table, the cargo in contact with the table can move very smoothly on the table. Therefore, even if the table is moved while the load and the table are in contact with each other, the load is less likely to be damaged and/or soiled, which is preferable.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange device, the clamping mechanism includes a sensor for detecting collapse of cargo. When the clamping mechanism is equipped with a sensor for detecting collapse of cargo, the buoyancy imparting means can be operated only when collapse of cargo occurs, and when a large collapse of cargo occurs, By not moving the table, it is possible to avoid damaging and/or staining the load, which is preferable. Furthermore, when it is detected that a slight collapse of cargo has occurred, the operation of the pallet exchange device can be reversed to prevent the collapse of cargo, and then the pallet can be exchanged again.

In one embodiment, the pallet exchange unit further includes a first pallet delivery mechanism capable of delivering a first pallet to the first pallet collection unit. In order to deliver the first pallet to the first pallet recovery section, the pallet exchange section may have a first pallet delivery mechanism as in this embodiment. Thereby, the first pallet can be recovered by the first pallet recovery unit at a desired timing.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange device, the table delivery mechanism can deliver the first pallet in the pallet replacement section to the first pallet recovery section by pushing out the table. In order to deliver the first pallet to the first pallet collection section, a table may be delivered to the pallet exchange section and the first pallet may be pushed out by the table, as in this embodiment. Thereby, the configuration of the pallet exchange device can be simplified.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange device, the pallet exchange unit has a lifting device capable of vertically lifting the first pallet and/or the second pallet. According to this embodiment, the first pallet and the second pallet can be brought close to directly under the clamp, and the cargo can be delivered, so that the cargo can be prevented from being damaged and/or soiled. preferable.

The pallet changer of one embodiment further comprises a first pallet supply section including a loaded pallet delivery mechanism capable of providing a first pallet loaded with cargo to the pallet changer section. The presence of the first pallet supply section as in this embodiment eliminates the need to bring the first pallet loaded with cargo directly to the pallet exchange section by using a forklift or the like, which is preferable.

A pallet changing method of one embodiment is a pallet changing method for transferring cargo from a first pallet to a second pallet using the pallet changing device as described above, and includes the following steps (a) to ( A method of pallet exchange, comprising at least g):
(a) in the pallet exchange unit, using the clamping mechanism, gripping the cargo on a first pallet on which the cargo is loaded;
(b) in the pallet exchange unit, delivering a first pallet on which no cargo is loaded to the first pallet recovery unit;
(c) in the table providing unit, using the table sending mechanism, sending the table under the cargo gripped by the clamping mechanism of the pallet changing unit while using the buoyancy imparting means;
(d) delivering a second pallet to the bottom of said table;
(e) moving the table from the pallet changer; (f) releasing the packages from the clamping mechanism; and (g) placing the packages on a second pallet.

In such an embodiment, even if the cargo gripped by the clamping mechanism is slightly collapsed and the table comes into contact with the cargo, the buoyancy imparting means on the table prevents friction between the cargo and the table. It is preferable because it is less likely to cause damage and/or stains on the luggage.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange method, the step (d) is performed in the table providing unit and is performed at least before the step (c), and the step (c) is performed together with the table. of pallets. This embodiment is one for delivering a second pallet under the table.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange method, the step (d) is performed in the pallet exchange section and is performed after at least step (c). This embodiment is another one for delivering a second pallet under the table.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange method, the step (d) is performed substantially simultaneously with the step (c). This embodiment is another one for delivering a second pallet under the table.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange method, the steps (f), (e) and (g) are performed in this order. This embodiment is one for placing the load on the second pallet, after step (f) the gripped load is temporarily placed on said table. Place the load on the table with the gripping state of the clamp mechanism in the open state, or after placing the load on the table from the clamp mechanism by the load's own weight, move the table from the pallet exchange section to another place. . When moving the table to another place in step (e), it is preferable to move the table while using the buoyancy imparting means of the table.

In one embodiment of the pallet exchange method, the steps (e), (f) and (g) are performed in this order. This embodiment is one for placing a load on a second pallet, where the gripped load is placed directly on the second pallet, after which the load is released from the clamping mechanism. do. In step (e) it is not necessary to use the buoyancy means of the table.

In the pallet exchange method of one embodiment, steps (e), (g) and (f) are performed in this order. This embodiment is one of the embodiments for placing the load on the second pallet, the table is moved to transfer the load onto the second pallet, and then the load is removed from the clamping mechanism. Open. When moving the table to another place in step (e), it is preferable to move the table while using the buoyancy imparting means of the table. In this embodiment, the gripping of the load by the clamping mechanism may be limited to supporting the load.

According to the pallet exchanging device and pallet exchanging method of the present invention, even if the pallet is exchanged in a state where the cargo collapses slightly, the cargo is less likely to be damaged and/or soiled.

FIG. 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the pallet changer of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pallet changer of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an enlarged view of an air supply mechanism, which is one aspect of the buoyancy imparting means of the table. FIG. 4A simply shows one step of the pallet exchange method. 4A(a) shows a plan view of the pallet exchange device, and FIG. 4A(b) shows a side view of the pallet exchange device of FIG. 4A(a). FIG. 4B simply shows one step of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 4C simply shows one step of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 4D schematically shows one step of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 4E shows simply one step of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 4F shows simply one step of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 5A shows the first half of one embodiment of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 5B shows the second half of one embodiment of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 6A shows the first half of another embodiment of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 6B shows the second half of another embodiment of the pallet exchange method. FIG. 7 shows how the load is collapsed while being gripped by the clamping mechanism.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

If there is no particular detailed reference to each device, mechanism, means, etc. in this specification, a person skilled in the art can use well-known mechanical devices, mechanisms, means, etc. for these. For example, a well-known mechanism such as a conveyor can be used for each delivery mechanism. Those skilled in the art will also understand the various mechanical components, such as motors, belts, controllers, etc., for these mechanisms and the like.

<<Pallet exchange device 100>>
FIG. 1 shows a top view of one embodiment of the pallet changer of the present invention. FIG. 2 shows a side view of the pallet changer of FIG. When the pallet changer 100 is used in a manufacturing plant, the first pallet 1 is the manufacturer's pallet and the second pallet 2 corresponds to the wholesaler's or retailer's pallet.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pallet exchanging device 100 of the present invention has a second pallet providing section 10, a table providing section 20, a pallet exchanging section 30, and a first pallet collecting section 40, and further has a second pallet collecting section 40. There may be one pallet supply section 50 and a second pallet collection section 60 .

<Second pallet providing unit 10>
The second pallet providing section 10 provides the second pallet 2 to the table providing section 20 by the second pallet delivery mechanism 11 .

The second pallets 2 are stacked in the second pallet providing section 10, and are provided to the second pallet delivery mechanism 11 when required by the second pallet lifting mechanism 12. It's becoming

<Table providing unit 20>
The table providing section 20 includes a table sending mechanism 21 capable of sending the table 3 and the second pallet 2 to the pallet changing section 30 .

The table 3 can cover at least a portion of at least the upper surface of the second pallet, so that when the second pallet 2 is provided to the pallet exchange section 30 , the second pallet 2 is placed on the load 4 . Direct contact can be prevented. When the table 3 is sent to the pallet exchange section 30, it does not necessarily have to be combined with the second pallet 2. Only the table 3 is sent to the pallet exchange section 30, and then the second pallet 2 is transferred to the table 3. You can send it to the bottom.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the table 3 has buoyancy applying means 3a by, for example, air supply. As a result, even if the table 3 rubs against the lower part of the cargo 4 in the pallet exchange section 30, the friction generated between the table 3 and the cargo 4 is reduced. Or it is difficult to generate dirt.

As illustrated in FIG. 3 , the table 3 can cover at least the top surface of the second pallet 2 and can also cover both side surfaces of the second pallet 2 .

The table delivery mechanism 21 may deliver only the table 3 to the pallet exchange section 30, or may deliver only the second pallet 2 to the pallet exchange section 30 when the table 3 exists in the pallet exchange section 30. .

<Pallet exchange unit 30>
The pallet exchange section 30 includes a clamping mechanism 31 capable of gripping the load 4 loaded on the first pallet 1 and a table return mechanism 32 capable of returning the table 3 to the table providing section 20 .

In FIG. 2 , the clamping mechanism 31 employs a mechanism that sandwiches and grips the load 4 , but the clamping mechanism 31 can grip the load 4 , thereby loading the load on the first pallet 1 . There is no particular limitation as long as the cargo 4 can be removed from the first pallet 1 . The clamping mechanism 31 may have an elevating device 34 for lifting the load, but may not have the elevating device 34 in order to simplify the structure.

The table return mechanism 32 can send the table 3 back to the table provider 20 . The table 3 is sent from the table providing section 20 by the table sending mechanism 21 and returned from the pallet exchanging section 30 to the table providing section 20 by the table returning mechanism 32 .

The pallet exchange section 30 may further include a sensor 33 for detecting collapse of cargo. For example, the sensor 33 is attached at the lower portion of the clamping mechanism 31 and can optically detect collapse of cargo, for example, at both lower portions of the sandwich structure of the clamping mechanism 31 . The buoyancy applying means 3a can be used when the table 3 is moved only when the sensor 33 detects collapse of cargo. When the sensor 33 detects collapse of cargo, the operation of the pallet exchange apparatus 100 can be reversed to prevent collapse of cargo, and then pallet exchange can be performed again. In this case, it is particularly preferred that the pallet changer 30 has a lifting device 34 so that the first pallet 1 can be reloaded when reversing.

The pallet exchange section 30 may further include a lifting device 34 capable of vertically lifting the first pallet 1 and/or the second pallet 2 . As a result, the first pallet loaded with the load 4 can be brought closer to the lower end of the clamp mechanism 31 so that the load 4 can be gripped by the clamp mechanism 31 . In addition, the second pallet 2 is brought closer to the lower end of the clamp mechanism 31, and in a state in which the cargo 4 and the second pallet 2 are brought as close as possible, the cargo 4 is released from the clamp mechanism 31, and the second pallet 2 is opened. The cargo 4 can be placed on the pallet 2 of the.

When the pallet exchange unit 30 does not have the lifting device 34, the first pallet 1 loaded with the cargo 4 is provided to the lower end of the clamp mechanism 31, and the cargo 4 is gripped by the clamp mechanism 31. . Then, the table 3 is provided so that the upper surface of the table 3 approaches the lower end of the clamp mechanism 31 , the table 3 is moved, and the load 4 is placed on the second pallet 2 .

The pallet exchange section 30 may further include a first pallet delivery mechanism 35 . The first pallet delivery mechanism 35 can deliver the first pallet 1 to the first pallet recovery unit 40, thereby allowing the first pallet recovery unit to recover the first pallet at desired timing. can be done.

<First pallet recovery unit 40>
In the pallet recovery part 40, the cargo 4 is recovered by the first pallet 1 removed by the clamp mechanism 31. - 特許庁

The first pallet recovery unit 40 may have a first pallet pull-out mechanism 41, whereby the first pallet 1 sent from the pallet exchange unit 30 is delivered to the first pallet recovery unit 40. You can move it.

In the first pallet recovery unit 40 , the first pallet lifting mechanism 42 stacks and stores the recovered first pallets 1 . When the first pallets 1 are piled up to a certain extent, the first pallets 1 can be carried out from the first pallet collecting section 40 using a forklift or the like.

<First pallet supply unit 50>
As shown in FIG. 1, the first pallet 1 loaded with the load 4 can be brought into the first pallet supply section 50 by, for example, a forklift. The first pallet supply section 50 can have a first loading pallet delivery mechanism (not shown) that can deliver the first pallet 1 loaded with packages 4 to the pallet exchange section 30 .

<Second pallet collection unit 60>
As shown in FIG. 1, the second pallet 2 loaded with the load 4 can be delivered to the second pallet recovery section 60 and carried out by, for example, a forklift. The second pallet recovery unit 60 is a second loading pallet pull-out mechanism capable of moving the second pallet 2 loaded with the cargo 4 from the pallet exchange unit 30 to the second pallet recovery unit 60. (not shown).

《Pallet exchange method》
The pallet exchanging method of the present invention is, for example, a pallet exchanging method using the above-described pallet exchanging device. Therefore, for the configuration related to the pallet exchanging method of the present invention, refer to each configuration described for the pallet exchanging device of the present invention. be able to. Moreover, the pallet exchanging apparatus of the present invention can further include a configuration, such as a control device, necessary for executing the pallet exchanging method of the present invention.

4A-4F schematically illustrate one example of the pallet exchange method of the present invention.

4A(a) shows a plan view of the pallet exchange device, and FIG. 4A(b) shows a side view of the pallet exchange device of FIG. 4A(a).

FIG. 4A shows the process of providing the first pallet 1 loaded with the cargo 4 to the pallet exchange section 30 . In this embodiment the second pallet 2 has already been delivered to the bottom of the table 3 .

FIG. 4B shows a state in which the clamping mechanism 31 is used to grip the load 4 on the first pallet 1 loaded with the load 4 . Here, rather than separating the cargo 4 from the first pallet 1 by the clamping mechanism 31, the clamping mechanism 31 weakly grips the cargo so as not to move the cargo 4 from the pallet exchange section 30. It is an embodiment that there is.

In this embodiment, the lower end of the clamping mechanism 31 and the upper surface of the first pallet 1 are substantially at the same height. no longer needed.

In FIG. 4C, the first pallet 1 on which no cargo is loaded is sent to the first pallet collection unit 40, and the table providing unit 20 uses the table sending mechanism to clamp the pallet exchange unit 30. It shows the process of sending out the table 3 under the gripped cargo 4 while using the buoyancy imparting means 3a.

In this embodiment, the table 3 pushes the first pallet 1 to the first pallet collection section 40 . The second pallet 2 under the table 3 is delivered to the pallet exchange section 30 together with the table 3 .

In this process, since the table 3 is moved while using the buoyancy imparting means 3a, a large amount of friction does not occur between the lower surface of the load 4 and the upper surface of the table 3. Inflicts less damage.

The top surface of the table 3 is substantially level with the lower end of the clamp mechanism 31 and the top surface of the first pallet 1 .

FIG. 4D shows the table 3 of FIG. 4C fully moved to the pallet changer 30. FIG. The first pallet 1 is delivered to the first pallet recovery section 40 by a delivery mechanism in the pallet exchange section 30 and/or the first pallet recovery section 40 .

FIG. 4E shows the process of moving the table from the pallet exchange section, specifically sending the table 3 back to the table providing section 20 while using the buoyancy imparting means 3a.

Since the table 3 is sent out using the buoyancy imparting means 3a, a large amount of friction does not occur, and the friction hardly stains and/or damages the load. A second pallet 2 is waiting under the table 3 . In this case, the second pallet 2 may have the same dimensions as the first pallet 1 and may be thinner than the first pallet 1 .

In FIG. 4E, the table 3 has moved and the load 4 is gripped by the clamping mechanism 31 at a point where the load 4 is not supported by the table 3, and the load 4 is placed on the second pallet 2. do not have. However, the load 4 may be placed on the second pallet 2 by its own weight at the same time when the table 3 moves and the load 4 is no longer supported by the table 3 .

FIG. 4F shows a process in which the load 4 is placed on the second pallet 2 by its own weight after the table 3 is delivered to the table providing section 20 . After this step, the clamping mechanism 31 is changed to the open state, and the method of transferring the load 4 from the first pallet 1 to the second pallet 2 is completed.

5A and 5B simply show one example of the pallet exchange method of the present invention.

FIG. 5A(1) shows a process in which the clamping mechanism 31 is used to grip the load 4 on the first pallet 1 loaded with the load 4 in the pallet exchange section 30 .

FIG. 5A(2) shows the process of delivering the first pallet 1 on which the cargo 4 is not loaded to the first pallet recovery section 40 in the pallet exchange section 30 . Here, unlike the pallet exchange method described in FIGS. 4A to 4F, the clamping mechanism 31 firmly grips the load 4, leaving the load 4 floating in the air.

FIG. 5A(3) shows the step of sending out the second pallet 2 to the lower part of the table 3 . In this embodiment, before sending the table 3 to the pallet exchange section 30, the second pallet 2 is sent to the lower part of the table 3. This process is the same as the process of sending the table 3 to the pallet exchange section 30. The second pallet 2 may be delivered under the table 3 while the table 3 is delivered to the pallet exchange section 30, or the table 3 may be delivered to the pallet exchange section 30. A second pallet 2 may be delivered to the bottom of the table 3 later.

FIG. 5B(4) shows that in the table providing unit 20, the table 3 is placed under the load 4 gripped by the clamping mechanism 31 of the pallet exchange unit 30 using the table delivery mechanism 21 while using the buoyancy imparting means 3a. It shows the process of sending out. A second pallet 2 is present under the table 3 although not shown.

FIG. 5B(5) shows a state in which the load 4 is temporarily placed on the table 3 after the load 4 is released from the clamp mechanism 31 .

FIG. 5B(6) shows a state in which the table 3 is moved from the pallet exchange section 30 and the load 4 is placed on the second pallet from the table 3. FIG. When moving the table 3, it is preferable to move it while using the buoyancy applying means 3a.

6A and 6B simply show one example of the pallet exchange method of the present invention. In the pallet changing device shown here, the pallet changing section 30 has a lifting device 34 .

FIG. 6A(1) shows a process in which the clamping mechanism 31 is used in the pallet exchange section 30 to grip the load 4 on the first pallet 1 on which the load 4 is loaded. Here, the lifting device 34 is used to lift the first pallet 1 loaded with the load 4 to the gripping position of the clamp mechanism 31 . In this embodiment the second pallet 2 has already been delivered to the bottom of the table 3 .

FIG. 6A(2) shows a state in which the first pallet 1 is lowered by the lifting device 34 in the pallet exchange section 30. FIG. Here, unlike the pallet exchange method described in FIGS. 4A to 4F, the clamping mechanism 31 firmly grips the load 4, leaving the load 4 floating in the air.

FIG. 6A(3) shows that in the table providing unit 20, the table 3 is placed under the cargo 4 gripped by the clamping mechanism 31 of the pallet exchange unit 30 using the table delivery mechanism 21 while using the buoyancy imparting means 3a. It shows the process of sending out. A second pallet 2 is present under the table 3 although not shown. In this embodiment, the table 3 is sent out and the first pallet 1 is sent out to the first pallet collection section 40 by the table 3 . In this process, the thickness of the table 3 and the height at which the load 4 floats are substantially the same. It is preferable to move while

FIG. 6B(4) shows a state in which the first pallet 1 has been moved to the first pallet collection section 40 and the table 3 has been completely moved below the cargo 4. FIG.

FIG. 6B(5) shows a state in which only the table 3 is moved to the table providing section 20 and the second pallet 2 is left in the pallet exchange section 30. FIG. When moving the table 3, it is preferable to move it while using the buoyancy applying means 3a.

FIG. 6B( 6 ) shows a state in which the second pallet 2 is lifted using the lifting device 34 in the pallet exchange section 30 and moved to directly below the clamping mechanism 31 . After that, the load 4 can be placed on the second pallet 2 by releasing the load 4 from the clamping mechanism 31 .

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a pallet changing device and a pallet changing method that prevent damage and/or stains on cargo even if the pallets are changed in a state where the cargo is slightly collapsed. high availability of

1 first pallet 2 second pallet 3 table 3a buoyancy imparting means 4 baggage 10 second pallet providing section 11 second pallet delivery mechanism 12 second pallet lifting mechanism 12
20 table providing unit 21 table sending mechanism 21
30 pallet exchange unit 31 clamping mechanism 32 table returning mechanism 33 sensor 34 lifting device 40 first pallet recovery unit 41 first pallet drawing mechanism 42 first pallet lifting mechanism 50 first pallet supply unit 60 second pallet recovery Part 100 pallet exchange device

Claims (14)

A pallet changing device for transferring a load from a first pallet to a second pallet,
has a second pallet providing unit, a table providing unit, a pallet changing unit, and a first pallet collecting unit,
The second pallet providing section includes a second pallet delivery mechanism capable of delivering a second pallet to the table providing section,
The table providing unit includes a table capable of covering at least part of the upper surface of the second pallet and a table delivery mechanism capable of delivering the second pallet to the pallet exchange unit,
The pallet exchange unit includes a clamping mechanism capable of gripping a load loaded on a first pallet, and a table return mechanism capable of returning the table to the table providing unit, and the top surface of the table is Having buoyancy imparting means,
Pallet changer. 2. The pallet changing device according to claim 1, wherein said buoyancy imparting means is an air supply mechanism. 3. The pallet changing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said clamping mechanism comprises a sensor for detecting collapse of cargo. 4. The pallet changing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said pallet changing section further includes a first pallet delivery mechanism capable of delivering a first pallet to said first pallet collecting section. The pallet according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the table sending mechanism can send the first pallet in the pallet exchange section to the first pallet collecting section by pushing out the table. exchange device. The pallet changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pallet changing section has a lifting device capable of vertically lifting the first pallet and/or the second pallet. 7. A first pallet supply unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a loading pallet delivery mechanism capable of providing said pallet changing unit with a first pallet loaded with cargo. pallet changer. A pallet changing method for transferring cargo from a first pallet to a second pallet using the pallet changing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, comprising the following steps (a) to (g): ), including at least:
(a) in the pallet exchange unit, using the clamping mechanism, gripping the cargo on a first pallet on which the cargo is loaded;
(b) in the pallet exchange unit, delivering a first pallet on which no cargo is loaded to the first pallet recovery unit;
(c) in the table providing unit, using the table sending mechanism, sending the table under the cargo gripped by the clamping mechanism of the pallet changing unit while using the buoyancy imparting means;
(d) delivering a second pallet to the bottom of said table;
(e) moving the table from the pallet changer; (f) releasing the packages from the clamping mechanism; and (g) placing the packages on a second pallet. 9. The claim 8, wherein step (d) is performed at the table provider and is performed at least before step (c), step (c) delivering the second pallet along with the table. pallet exchange method. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein step (d) is performed at the pallet changer and is performed at least after step (c). 9. The method of claim 8, wherein step (d) occurs substantially simultaneously with step (c). The pallet exchange method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said steps (f), (e) and (g) are performed in this order. The pallet exchange method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said steps (e), (f) and (g) are performed in this order. The pallet exchange method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein said steps (e), (g) and (f) are performed in this order.

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