JP2026010450A - Transfer equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

A transfer device is provided that can suppress an increase in the area of a berth occupied by cargo for loading, and can suppress a decrease in the efficiency of loading work.
[Solution] The discharge platform has a first conveying path that conveys the load in a first direction. The entry section has a second conveying path that conveys the load in the first direction and is capable of advancing and retreating in the first direction, advancing to enter a loading platform onto which the load is to be loaded. With a rear portion of the entry section retracted from the loading platform, the first conveying path and the second conveying path can be positioned so as to overlap with each other in the first direction, allowing the load conveyed on the first conveying path to be supplied to the second conveying path.
[Selected Figure] Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a transfer device.

Pallet loading devices that load pallets onto the bed of a vehicle are known. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a pallet loading device with multiple forks arranged in the width direction. This device inserts multiple forks through pallet insertion openings, lifts multiple pallets arranged in the width direction at once, and loads them onto the vehicle bed from the side. In this device, the forks include multiple fixed forks fixed to the main body support part and multiple movable forks movably mounted on the main body support part.

When loading cargo onto a loading platform from the side, space must be secured to the side of the platform for the loading equipment to move. When multiple trucks are lined up on a berth to be loaded, loading cargo from the side of the platform makes it difficult to increase the number of vehicles that can be parked on the berth at the same time. When a berth is full of trucks, the next truck to be loaded must wait outside the berth, resulting in increased labor costs.

In contrast, when loading cargo from the rear of the loading platform, there is no need to secure space to the side of the platform for the loading device to move. This makes it possible to increase the number of trucks that can be parked at the berth at the same time.

A loading device that uses a roller conveyor is known as a device that efficiently loads multiple loads into the rear opening of a truck bed. In this loading device, the roller conveyor carrying multiple loads is transferred to the bed, and then the roller conveyor alone is returned from the bed, leaving the loads on the bed. This allows multiple loads to be efficiently loaded into the bed.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-211748

If the roller conveyor is shortened to reduce the berth's footprint, the roller conveyor must be advanced and retracted multiple times to load all the cargo onto the loading platform. The roller conveyor must be withdrawn from the loading platform, the cargo to be loaded must be placed on the roller conveyor, and then the roller conveyor must be advanced into the loading platform again. This reduces the efficiency of the loading operation.

The object of the present invention is to provide a transfer device that can prevent an increase in the area of the berth occupied by cargo loading and prevent a decrease in the efficiency of loading operations.

According to one aspect of the present invention,
a first conveying path for conveying the load in a first direction;
a second conveying path that conveys the load in the first direction, is capable of advancing and retreating in the first direction, and advances to enter a loading platform onto which the load is to be loaded;
The first conveying path is disposed outside the loading platform, and a transfer device is provided that can transfer the load conveyed on the first conveying path to the second conveying path.

Since cargo can be supplied from the first conveying path to the second conveying path with a rear portion of the second conveying path retracted from the loading platform, cargo can be supplied to the second conveying path more efficiently than when cargo is supplied to the second conveying path with the entire second conveying path retracted from the loading platform. This prevents a decrease in loading efficiency even if the length of the second conveying path in the first direction is shortened.

1A and 1B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 1) of a transfer device and a truck 500 according to a first embodiment, respectively. 2A and 2B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 2) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 3A and 3B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 3) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 4A and 4B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 4) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 5A and 5B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 5) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment. 6A and 6B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 6) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment. 7A and 7B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 7) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 8A and 8B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 8) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 9A and 9B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 9) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 10A and 10B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 10) of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. 11A and 11B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 11) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the first embodiment, respectively. Figure 12A is a diagram (part 1) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 12B is a diagram (part 1) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 13A is a diagram (part 2) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 13B is a diagram (part 2) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 14A is a diagram (part 3) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 14B is a diagram (part 3) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 15A is a diagram (part 4) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 15B is a diagram (part 4) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 16A is a diagram (part 5) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 16B is a diagram (part 5) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 17A is a diagram (part 6) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 17B is a diagram (part 6) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 18A is a diagram (part 7) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 18B is a diagram (part 7) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 19A is a diagram (part 8) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 19B is a diagram (part 8) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 20A is a diagram (part 9) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 20B is a diagram (part 9) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 21A is a diagram (part 10) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 21B is a diagram (part 10) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 22A is a diagram (part 11) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 22B is a diagram (part 11) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 23A is a diagram (part 12) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 23B is a diagram (part 12) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 24A is a diagram (part 13) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 24B is a diagram (part 13) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. Figure 25A is a diagram (part 14) showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment, and Figure 25B is a diagram (part 14) showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the truck according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side. FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view of the transfer mechanism 40. As shown in FIG. 27A and 27B are schematic side views of the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47. FIG. 28A and 28B are schematic side views of the parallel link mechanism 46 and the fork 41. FIG. 29A and 29B are schematic side views (part 1) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. Figures 30A and 30B are schematic side views (part 2) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. Figures 31A and 31B are schematic side views (part 3) of the second conveying path 31A, the transfer mechanism 40, the pallet 60, and the load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 1) of a transfer device and a truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 2) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. 32A and 32B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 3) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment. 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 4) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. 32A and 32B are a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 5) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment, respectively. 32A and 32B are respectively a schematic plan view and a schematic side view (part 6) of the transfer device and the truck 500 according to the third embodiment.

[First Example]
A transfer device according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1A to 11B. Figures 1A, 2A, ... 11A are schematic plan views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment, and Figures 1B, 2B, ... 11B are schematic side views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the first embodiment. Note that these schematic plan views and schematic side views do not strictly distinguish between visible and hidden parts, but rather show the positional relationships of the components when viewed from above and from the side. The transfer device according to the first embodiment includes an output platform 10, a first transport path 10A, an entrance section 13, a second transport path 13A, a transfer mechanism 17, and an output transport path 12.

The output platform 10 has an upper surface 10B and side walls 10C. The output platform 10 is supported by multiple height adjustment devices 11 so that the upper surface 10B is approximately horizontal. The first transport path 10A is installed on the upper surface 10B of the output platform 10 and transports loads in a first direction Da that is approximately horizontal. The first transport path 10A may be, for example, a roller conveyor including multiple rollers arranged in two rows in the first direction Da.

When loading cargo, the truck 500 is parked so that the rear loading/unloading entrance of the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 faces one end of the loading platform 10 in the first direction Da. The height adjustment device 11 adjusts the height of the loading platform 10 so that the height of the upper surface 10B of the loading platform 10 is equal to the height of the loading platform 501.

The entrance section 13 is placed on the upper surface 10B of the discharge platform 10 and is movable in a first direction Da using wheels 13B. Movement toward the loading platform 501 is referred to as "forward," and movement away from the loading platform 501 is referred to as "reverse." A second conveyance path 13A that conveys loads in the first direction Da is installed on the entrance section 13 and moves forward and backward in the first direction Da together with the entrance section 13. The second conveyance path 13A moves forward to enter the loading platform 501 onto which the load is to be loaded. The first conveyance path 10A is located outside the loading platform 501. In Figures 1A to 11B, the entrance section 13 is hatched with upward sloping lines to the right. The second conveyance path 13A may be, for example, a roller conveyor including multiple rollers arranged in three rows in the first direction Da.

One roller row of the second transport path 13A is positioned between the two roller rows that make up the first transport path 10A, and the other two roller rows of the second transport path 13A are positioned outside the two roller rows of the first transport path 10A. The rollers in each of the three roller rows of the second transport path 13A are supported by roller support portions 13C that are long in the first direction Da. The three roller support portions 13C are connected in a second direction Db that is perpendicular to the first direction Da by connecting portions 13D. The front ends of the three roller support portions 13C and the front end of the connecting portion 13D are aligned in the first direction Da.

For example, guide rollers (not shown) are attached to the outer side surfaces of the two outer roller support portions 13C. When the guide rollers come into contact with the side walls 10C of the output platform 10, the entrance portion 13 is guided in the first direction Da. The entrance portion 13 can enter the loading platform 501 by moving forward.

With at least a portion of the rear side of the second conveying path 13A removed from the loading platform 501, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A can assume an overlapping positional relationship in the first direction Da. With the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlapping, a load transported along the first conveying path 10A can be transferred to the second conveying path 13A. When the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlap, in the overlapping region, both ends of the load in the second direction Db rest on the second conveying path 13A, and the center portion rests on the first conveying path 10A. This allows the load to be stably transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A.

The output conveying path 12 is located close to the rear end of the first conveying path 10A. The output conveying path 12 is, for example, a roller conveyor that conveys items being removed from the warehouse in the second direction Db. The output conveying path 12 is equipped with a sorting section 12B, which transfers selected items from the items being transported along the output conveying path 12 onto the first conveying path 10A of the output platform 10.

The transfer mechanism 17 is on standby to the side of the discharge platform 10. The transfer mechanism 17 operates to transfer a load placed on the second conveying path 13A of the entrance section 13 that has entered the loading platform 501 from the entrance section 13 to the loading platform 501. The operation and function of the transfer mechanism 17 will be described later with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, 8A, 8B, 11A, and 11B.

The control device 15 controls the conveying operations of the first conveying path 10A, the second conveying path 13A, and the discharge conveying path 12, the forward and backward movement of the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A, and the transfer operation by the transfer mechanism 17.

Next, the procedure for loading a plurality of items onto the loading platform 501 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2A to 11B.
2A and 2B, with the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlapping in the first direction Da, multiple loads 19 conveyed along the output conveying path 12 are transferred to the first conveying path 10A, and multiple loads 19 conveyed forward along the first conveying path 10A are transferred from the first conveying path 11A to the second conveying path 13A. At this time, each of the multiple loads 19 is placed on a pallet 18. In the schematic plan views shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A, ..., and 11A, the loads 19 are indicated by relatively light hatching sloping downward to the right.

The multiple loads 19 and pallets 18 are supplied to each of the two roller rows that make up the first conveying path 10A. As a result, the multiple loads 19 and pallets 18 are arranged in two rows in the first direction Da on the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A. The multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 lined up in the first direction Da are assigned consecutive numbers starting from 1 from front to rear to distinguish between the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19.

In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the first and second pallets 18 and loads 19 are placed on the second conveying path 13A, and the third, fourth, and fifth pallets 18 and loads 19 are placed in the overlapping area between the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A. The sixth pallet 18 and load 19 is placed on the first conveying path 10A behind the rear end of the second conveying path 13A.

Next, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, with multiple loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A, the entrance 13 and second conveying path 13A are advanced and enter the loading platform 501. At this time, the advancement of the entrance 13 is stopped when the front end of the entrance 13 faces the front wall of the loading platform 501 at a predetermined distance. The length of the entrance 13 and second conveying path 13A in the first direction Da (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the length) is shorter than the length of the loading platform 501. Therefore, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A of the entrance 13 occupy only a portion of the area in front of the loading platform 501.

While the entrance section 13 and second conveying path 13A are in the loading platform 501, multiple new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the first conveying path 10A of the output platform 10.

Next, as shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the entrance section 13 is retracted, thereby transferring the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. Specifically, the pressing section 17A of the transfer mechanism 17 is pressed against the rearward-facing surfaces of the rearmost pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A, thereby restraining the pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the entrance section 13 so that they do not move rearward when the entrance section 13 is retracted.

When the entrance section 13 is moved backward together with the second conveying path 13A in this state, the pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the second conveying path 13A slide from the front end of the entrance section 13 onto the floor of the loading platform 501, and are transferred from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. Figures 4A and 4B show the state in which the first pallet 18 and load 19 have been transferred onto the loading platform 501. When the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A are moved backward further, all of the pallets 18 and loads 19 that were on the second conveying path 13A are transferred onto the loading platform 501. In this way, with a single entry and exit operation of the second conveying path 13A, multiple pallets 18 can be transferred onto the loading platform 501, from the first pallet 18 to the rearmost pallets 18.

Next, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the entrance 13 and second transport path 13A are retracted until the first transport path 10A and the second transport path 13A are positioned so that they overlap in the first direction Da. At this time, the front end of the entrance 13 may remain on the loading platform 501, with only a portion of the rear part retracting from the loading platform 501, or it may be completely retracted from the loading platform 501.

Next, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, with at least a portion of the second conveying path 13A protruding from the loading platform 501, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the first conveying path 10A are conveyed to the second conveying path 13A via the overlapping area between the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path. As a result, the pallets 18 and loads 19 are transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A. During this period, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the vacant area of the first conveying path 10A.

Next, as shown in Figures 7A and 7B, the entrance 13 is advanced until the distance between the front end of the entrance 13 and the rearmost pallet 18 and load 19 already loaded on the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance.

Next, as shown in Figures 8A and 8B, similar to the procedure shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the second conveying path 13A is retracted, thereby transferring multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. At this stage, there is still space behind the loading platform 501 for loading the pallets 18 and loads 19. Furthermore, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlap in the first direction Da.

As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the number of pallets 18 and loads 19 that can be loaded into the free space on the loading platform 501 are transported from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A. Furthermore, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the first conveying path 10A.

Next, as shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the entrance section 13 and second conveying path 13A are advanced, and a portion of the front of them enters the loading platform 501. As shown in Figures 11A and 11B, similar to the procedure shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the transfer mechanism 17 is operated and the entrance section 13 and second conveying path 13A are retracted, thereby transferring multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 from the second conveying path 13A to the loading platform 501. With this procedure, all of the pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded are loaded onto the loading platform 501.

Next, the excellent effects of the first embodiment will be described.
In the first embodiment, the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A enter the loading platform 501 in multiple trips, and the pallets 18 and the loads 19 are loaded onto the loading platform 501, so it is possible to make the lengths of the entrance section 13 and the second conveying path 13A shorter than the length of the loading platform 501. Furthermore, the length of the discharge platform 10 only needs to be longer than the length of the entrance section 13, and the length of the discharge platform 10 can also be shorter than the length of the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to prevent an increase in the area of the berth occupied by the transfer device.

Furthermore, in the first embodiment, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B, when the entrance 13 and second conveying path 13A are entering the loading platform 501, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded next can be supplied to the first conveying path 10A. As shown in Figures 6A and 6B, when the entrance 13 and second conveying path 13A are retracted and their front ends remain within the loading platform 501, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 can be replenished from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A. This improves the efficiency of loading operations compared to a method in which the entrance 13 and second conveying path 13A are retracted to the position of the output conveying path 12 and pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied one by one from the output conveying path 12 to the second conveying path 13A.

Next, a transfer device according to a modification of the first embodiment will be described.
4A and 4B, in the first embodiment, the transfer mechanism 17 prohibits the pallets 18 and loads 19 from moving backward, and the entrance 13 is moved backward, thereby transferring the pallets 18 and loads 19 from the entrance 13 to the loading platform 501. Alternatively, a space for placing the pallets 18 and loads 19 may be secured in front of the entrance 13, and the transfer mechanism 17 may push the rearmost pallets 18 and loads 19 forward, causing the front pallets 18 and loads 19 to drop from the entrance 13 onto the loading platform 501.

In the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figures 6A and 6B, the pallet 18 and load 19 are transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A with the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A overlapping in the first direction Da. When transferring the pallet 18 and load 19, the first conveying path 10A and the second conveying path 13A do not necessarily need to overlap. For example, if the distance in the first direction Da between the rear end of the second conveying path 13A and the front end of the first conveying path 10A is sufficiently narrow compared to the dimensions of the pallet 18, the pallet 18 and load 19 can be transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A.

Furthermore, when transferring the pallet 18 and load 19 from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A, it is not necessary to keep the second conveying path 13A stationary. For example, the pallet 18 and load 19 may be transferred from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A while the second conveying path 12A is being retracted. This reduces the time required to transfer the pallet 18 and load 19 from the first conveying path 10A to the second conveying path 13A.

In the first embodiment, as described with reference to Figures 4A, 4B, etc., the entrance section 13 is advanced into the loading platform 501, the pallet 18 and load 19 are pressed from behind to prevent them from moving backward, and the entrance section 13 is pulled out from the loading platform 501, whereby the pallet 18 and load 19 are transferred from the second conveying path 13A of the entrance section 13 to the loading platform 501; however, other transfer methods may also be employed.

For example, a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction may be formed in the floor surface of the loading platform 501, and the groove may be used to load the pallets 18 and loads 19 onto the loading platform 501. In this method, a support member that is long in the front-to-rear direction and whose height dimension is variable is used as the entrance 13. First, the height dimension of the support member is set higher than the depth of the groove, and multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 are placed on the support member. In this state, the support member is advanced into the loading platform 501 along the groove. After the support member has advanced, the height dimension of the support member is reduced, thereby lowering the pallets 18 and loads 19 onto the floor surface of the loading platform 501. The support member can then be pulled out of the loading platform along the groove, allowing the pallets 18 and loads 19 to be transferred from the support member to the loading platform. The height dimension of the support member can be adjusted using, for example, air pressure.

Next, another modification of the first embodiment will be described.
In order to prevent the loads from coming into contact with each other or collapsing due to shaking during transportation, cushioning material may be inserted between adjacent loads 61 in the fore-and-aft direction. In this modification, cushioning material is inserted between adjacent loads 19 in the fore-and-aft direction before the entrance 13 starts moving forward toward the loading platform 501 (for example, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B). Next, a configuration for placing cushioning material between the loads 19 and maintaining their position will be described.

The buffer material is suspended from a hanging holder located on the top surface of the load 19, and is positioned along one side of the load 19 (for example, the side facing forward). The buffer material and the hanging holder have an inverted L-shape when viewed from the side. The hanging holder is sufficiently heavier than the buffer material so that the position of the buffer material remains stable even when it is hung.

By placing cushioning material between the loads 19 before loading multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 onto the loading platform 501, there is no need to place cushioning material after or during loading of the loads 19 onto the loading platform 501. This improves the efficiency of the loading operation.

[Second Example]
Next, a transfer device according to a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 12A to 31B. Figures 12A, 13A, 14A, ..., and 25A are diagrams showing the planar positional relationship between the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment, and Figures 12B, 13B, 14B, ..., and 25B are diagrams showing the positional relationship when the transfer device and the track according to the second embodiment are viewed from the side.

As shown in Figures 12A and 12B, the transfer device according to the second embodiment includes an output platform 20, a first transport path 21A, an entrance 30, a second transport path 31A, a transfer mechanism 40, a frame 50, a traverse carriage 51, and a traverse rail 52. In Figure 12A, the entrance 30 is hatched upward to the right. Note that a pallet 60 and a load 61, which will be described later, are hatched relatively lightly downward to the right. Similar hatching is used in Figures 13A, 14A, ..., and 25A. The transport operation by the first transport path 21A and the second transport path 31A, the forward and backward movement of the entrance 30, and the operation of the transfer mechanism 40 and the traverse carriage 51 are controlled by a control device 70.

The truck 500 is parked so that the loading/unloading entrance at the rear of the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 faces the transfer device. The second conveying path 31A carrying multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 enters the loading platform 501, and the pallets 60 are transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501, thereby loading the pallets 60 and loads 61 onto the loading platform 501. The direction of entry and exit of the entry section 30 and the second conveying path 31A is referred to as the first direction Da, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction Da in the horizontal plane is referred to as the second direction Db. The direction in which the entry section 30 approaches the loading platform 501 is referred to as the forward direction, and the opposite direction is referred to as the rearward direction. Either double-sided or single-sided pallets may be used as the pallets 60. When using a single-sided pallet, it is necessary to use a shape that allows for stable support by the rollers 21 of the output platform 20, which will be described later.

Three pairs of traverse rails 52 are arranged parallel to each other on the floor of the work area where the load 61 is loaded onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500, in a direction intersecting the first direction Da (for example, a direction perpendicular to the first direction Da when the output platform 20 is in the reference position). A traverse carriage 51 is placed on each of the traverse rails 52. The traverse carriages 51 are movable on the traverse rails 52. A frame 50 is supported by the three traverse carriages 51. Each of the traverse carriages 51 has a height adjustment mechanism that adjusts the height of the frame 50.

The output table 20 is fixed on top of the frame 50. In a plan view, the output table 20 has a rectangular shape that is long in the first direction Da. The output table 20 has an upper surface 20A along which the entry section 30 and transfer mechanism 40 move, and side walls 20B that restrict the position of the entry section 30 in the second direction Db. A first transport path 21A is installed on the upper surface 20A of the output table 20. The first transport path 21A has a plurality of rollers 21 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da. The rollers 21 in each row are arranged from the rear end toward the front to a predetermined position.

The entrance section 30 has multiple wheels 32 and is movable in the first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the output platform 20 and the floor surface of the loading platform 501. The second transport path 31A is installed in the entrance section 30. The second transport path 31A has three rows of rollers 31 aligned in the first direction Da. One row of rollers 31 is positioned between two rows of rollers 21 of the first transport path 21A in the second direction Db, and the other two rows of rollers 31 are positioned outside the rows of rollers 21 of the first transport path 21A. The entrance section 30 includes three roller support portions 30B elongated in the first direction Da that rotatably support each of the three rows of rollers 31, and a connecting portion 30A that connects the three roller support portions 30B at their intermediate positions.

Extending sections 34 extend rearward from both ends of the rear end of the entrance section 30. Guide rollers 33 are attached to the outer side surfaces of the extension sections 34. The guide rollers 33 contact the side walls 20B of the output platform 20 to guide the entrance section 30 in the first direction Da.

Figures 12A and 12B show a state in which the position of the front end (hereinafter sometimes referred to as the tip) of the entry section 30 and the position of the front end of the output table 20 are approximately aligned. At this time, in the first direction Da, a portion of the front side of the range in which the multiple rollers 21 of the output table 20 are arranged overlaps with a portion of the rear side of the range in which the multiple rollers 31 of the entry section 30 are arranged.

When the pallet 60 placed on the first conveying path 21A of the output tray 20 is conveyed forward, it is handed over to the second conveying path 31A and then conveyed forward by the second conveying path 31A.

A transfer mechanism 40 is disposed between a portion of the front of the central roller support member 30B of the entrance section 30 and a portion of the front of each of the roller support members 30B at both ends. The transfer mechanism 40 is equipped with multiple wheels 42 and can move in a first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the output platform 20. Guide rollers 45 provided on the sides of the transfer mechanism 40 come into contact with the side surfaces of the roller support members 30B, thereby guiding the transfer mechanism 40 in the first direction Da. The transfer mechanism 40 is equipped with a drive shaft 43 extending rearward. A power source 44 attached to the entrance section 30 applies a force in the first direction Da to the drive shaft 43, causing the transfer mechanism 40 to move in the first direction Da.

Each transfer mechanism 40 has two forks 41 extending forward. The forks 41 can be inserted into the fork insertion sections of the pallet 60 to raise and lower the pallet 60. If the pallet 60 is a double-sided pallet, the forks 41 are inserted through the insertion openings of the pallet 60. With the forks 41 lowered, the transfer mechanism 40 can assume a position in which its uppermost end is lower than the top surfaces of the rollers 31 of the entrance section 30. This allows the pallet 60 placed on the rollers 31 to pass above the transfer mechanism 40. The lifting mechanism for the forks 41 will be described later with reference to Figures 26 to 31.

Before the entrance section 30 and second transport path 31A begin moving forward toward the loading platform 501, the center line of the loading platform 501 in the width direction is aligned with the center line of the output platform 20 in the second direction Db. Here, "aligned" means that the center line of the loading platform 501 and the center line of the output platform 20 are located on the same straight line. The center lines can be aligned by moving the three traversing carriages 51 in the second direction Db.

For example, by moving the three traverse carriages 51 the same distance in the same direction, the output platform 20 can be translated in the second direction Db. By moving the front traverse carriage 51 and the rear traverse carriage 51 in opposite directions, the orientation of the output platform 20 in the rotational direction can be changed within the horizontal plane.

Multiple pallets 60 carrying loads 61 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A. The multiple pallets 60 are supplied to each row of rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A. The pallets 60 placed on the rollers 21 of the first conveying path 21A are conveyed forward by rotating the rollers 21 and handed over to the second conveying path 31A. The pallets 60 are then conveyed to a predetermined position by the second conveying path 31A. As a result, the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A hold multiple pallets 60 arranged in two rows in the first direction Da.

When the pallet 60 is being transported on the first transport path 21A, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 21 of the first transport path 21A in the central portion in the second direction Db. After the pallet 60 is transferred to the second transport path 31A, the pallet 60 is supported by the rollers 31 of the second transport path 31A near both ends in the second direction Db. In the overlapping region of the range of the first transport path 21A and the range of the second transport path 31A in the first direction Da, the pallet 60 is supported by both rollers 21 and 31.

When multiple pallets 60 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A and conveyed forward, a row of pallets 60 is formed, lined up closely together in the first direction Da from the rear end of the first conveying path 21A toward the front. The multiple pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da are numbered sequentially, starting with 1, from the front pallet 60 toward the rear pallet 60, to distinguish between them. In the state shown in Figures 12A and 12B, space is secured to accommodate multiple pallets 60 from the first pallet 60 to the front end of the second conveying path 31A.

After placing multiple pallets 60 and loads 61 on the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A, as shown in Figures 13A and 13B, the second conveying path 31A is operated to convey the first pallet 60 to the front end of the second conveying path 31A. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is maintained in a low position, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

Next, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, the entrance section 30 and second transport path 31A are advanced and enter the loading platform 501. At this time, the entrance section 30 is stopped when the distance between the tip of the entrance section 30 and the rear wall surface of the loading platform 501 reaches a predetermined distance. The transfer mechanism 40 also moves forward together with the entrance section 30.

Next, as shown in Figures 15A and 15B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to insert the forks 41 into the insertion openings of the first pallet 60, and the forks 41 hold the pallet 60. At this time, the space between the first pallet 60 and the second pallet 60 is used as a space for the forks 41 to pass through when inserting them into the insertion openings of the pallet 60.

Next, as shown in Figures 16A and 16B, the entrance section 30 and second transport path 31A are retracted a distance equivalent to the dimensions of one pallet 60. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is moved forward relative to the entrance section 30, thereby maintaining the transfer mechanism 40 in a substantially stationary state relative to the loading platform 501. In this state, the forks 41 of the transfer mechanism 40 protrude forward beyond the tip of the entrance section 30, and the first pallet 60 is raised above the floor of the loading platform 501. A space free of obstacles is secured between the underside of the pallet 60 and the floor of the loading platform 501.

Next, as shown in Figures 17A and 17B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to lower the forks 41. This places the first pallet 60 on the floor of the loading platform 501. By following the steps in Figures 15A to 17B, the first pallet 60 is transferred from the second transport path 31A to the loading platform 501.

Next, as shown in Figures 18A and 18B, the entrance section 30 is moved back a distance equivalent to the dimension of the pallet 60 in the first direction Da. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is moved rearward relative to the entrance section 30. As a result, the forks 41 of the transfer mechanism 40 are lowered rearward beyond the tip of the entrance section 30.

Next, as shown in Figures 19A and 19B, the second transport path 31A is operated to transport the second pallet 60 (the frontmost pallet 60 currently loaded on the entrance section 30) to the end of the second transport path 31A. At this time, the transfer mechanism 40 is in a low position, and the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40.

Next, as shown in Figures 20A and 20B, the transfer mechanism 40 is operated to transfer the second pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. At this time, the operation of the transfer mechanism 40 is controlled so that the distance between the first pallet 60 and the second pallet 60 is a predetermined distance.

By repeating the steps of retracting the entrance 30 and second conveying path 31A (Figs. 18A and 18B), transporting the frontmost pallet 60 placed on the second conveying path 31A to the end of the second conveying path 31A (Figs. 19A and 19B), and transferring the pallet 60 that has been transported to the end of the second conveying path 31A from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501 (Figs. 20A and 20B), multiple pallets 60 are transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501.

Figures 21A and 21B show the state in which the first through sixth pallets 60 have been transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501. In this state, the seventh pallet 60 and load 61 remain on the second conveying path 31A.

As shown in Figures 22A and 22B, by operating the first conveying path 21A and the second conveying path 31A, some of the pallets 60 and loads 61 remaining on the first conveying path 21A are conveyed to the second conveying path 31A. For example, the eighth, ninth, and tenth pallets 60 are conveyed from the first conveying path 21A to the second conveying path 31A.

As shown in Figures 23A and 23B, the pallets 60 on the second conveying path 31A are transferred onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting with the frontmost pallet 60. Figures 24A and 24B show the loading platform 501 full with the first through tenth pallets 60 loaded onto it. Figures 24A and 24B show the state in which the tip of the entrance section 30 remains inside the loading platform 501. The entrance section 30 is then retracted and removed from the loading platform 501.

Next, as shown in Figures 25A and 25B, multiple new pallets 60 and loads 61 are supplied to the rear end of the first conveying path 21A, and the first conveying path 21A is operated to convey them forward. This results in the same state as shown in Figures 12A and 12B.

Next, the structure and operation of the transfer mechanism 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 26 to 31B.
26 is a schematic plan view of the transfer mechanism 40. A plurality of wheels 42 are attached to a support plate 48. The wheels 42 enable the transfer mechanism 40 to move in a first direction Da on the upper surface 20A of the output platform 20 ( FIGS. 12A and 12B , etc.) and the floor surface of the loading platform 501 ( FIGS. 14A and 14B , etc.). A plurality of guide rollers 45 protruding laterally from the support plate 48 come into contact with the side surfaces of the roller support portions 30B of the entrance portion 30, thereby guiding the support plate 48 in the first direction Da.

Two forks 41 extend forward of the support plate 48. Each of the two forks 41 is attached to the support plate 48 via a parallel link mechanism 46. A fulcrum lifting mechanism 47 raises and lowers the fulcrum joint 47C. Multiple sprockets 49C are connected to the fulcrum joint 47C via rods 49D, and the sprockets 49C rise and lower together with the fulcrum joint 47C.

Figures 27A and 27B are schematic side views of the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47. A fixed-length link 47A and a variable-length link 47B are attached to a support plate 48. The fixed-length link 47A and the variable-length link 47B are connected by a fulcrum joint 47C. The variable-length link 47B includes, for example, a hydraulic cylinder, and its length can be changed. The fixed-length link 47A, the variable-length link 47B, and the support plate 48 form a three-bar link mechanism with a single variable link length.

When the variable length link 47B is extended, the fulcrum joint 47C rises relative to the support plate 48, as shown in Figure 27A. When the variable length link 47B is retracted, the fulcrum joint 47C descends relative to the support plate 48, as shown in Figure 27B.

Instead of the variable-length link 47B, a slider crank mechanism may be used in which one of the joints at both ends of the link formed by the support plate 48 slides along the support plate 48.

Figures 28A and 28B are schematic side views of the parallel link mechanism 46 and the fork 41. The parallel link mechanism 46 uses the support plate 48 as one link, and the base of the fork 41 as another link parallel to the support plate 48. A fulcrum joint 47C (Figures 27A and 27B) is located above the support plate 48. As described with reference to Figures 27A and 27C, the fulcrum joint 47C can be raised and lowered relative to the support plate 48. Figures 28A and 28B show the fulcrum joint 47C in a raised state.

A sprocket 49C is attached to the fulcrum joint 47C via a rod 49D (Figure 26), and the sprocket 49C, together with the fulcrum joint 47C, rises and falls relative to the support plate 48. One end of a hydraulic cylinder 49A is rotatably attached to the support plate 48 at a location rearward of the parallel link mechanism 46. A chain 49B is connected to the other end of the hydraulic cylinder 49A and to the fork 41 via the sprocket 49C. The fork 41 is suspended by the chain 49B. When the hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended or retracted, the fork 41 rises and falls relative to the support plate 48 along the movement trajectory defined by the parallel link mechanism 46.

Figure 28A shows the state in which the fork 41 has been lowered by extending the hydraulic cylinder 49A. Figure 28B shows the state in which the fork 41 has been raised by retracting the hydraulic cylinder 49A.

Next, with reference to Figures 29A to 31B, the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501 will be described. Figures 29A to 31B are schematic side views of the entrance section 30, transfer mechanism 40, pallet 60, and load 61 to explain the procedure by which the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501.

As shown in Figure 29A, by operating the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47, the sprocket 49C is lowered to a position lower than the highest position (conveyance surface) of the roller surfaces of the rollers 31 of the second conveying path 31A, and the transfer mechanism 40 is placed in a low position. In this state, the second conveying path 31A is operated to transport the pallet 60 forward. At this time, the pallet 60 passes above the transfer mechanism 40. This procedure corresponds to the procedure for transporting the pallet 60 to the end of the second conveying path 31A shown in Figures 13B, 19B, etc.

Next, as shown in Figure 29B, after the pallet 60 has been transported to the end of the second transport path 31A, the fulcrum lifting mechanism 47 is operated to raise the fulcrum joint 47C and sprocket 49C to a position higher than the transport surface of the second transport path 31A.

Next, as shown in Figure 30A, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is retracted to raise the forks 41. At this time, the height of the forks 41 is adjusted to match the height of the insertion opening of the pallet 60 located at the end of the second conveying path 31A. Next, as shown in Figure 30B, the power source 44 (Figure 12A) is operated to advance the transfer mechanism 40. As the transfer mechanism 40 advances, the forks 41 are inserted into the insertion opening (fork insertion portion) of the frontmost pallet 60. Thereafter, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is further retracted to raise the forks 41 and receive the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A. As a result, the pallet 60 rises above the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A. This state corresponds to the state shown in Figure 15B.

Next, as shown in Figure 31A, the entrance section 30 and second transport path 31A are retracted. At this time, the power source 44 (Figure 12A) is operated to move the transfer mechanism 40 forward relative to the entrance section 30. This maintains the transfer mechanism 40 in a stationary state with respect to the floor of the loading platform 501. In this state, the underside of the pallet 60 and the floor of the loading platform 501 directly face each other with a gap between them. For example, a state is achieved in which no obstacles exist between the entire underside of the pallet 60 and the floor of the loading platform 501.

Next, as shown in Figure 31B, the hydraulic cylinder 49A is extended to lower the forks 41. This places the pallet 60 on the floor of the loading platform 501. By performing the steps from Figure 29A to Figure 31B, the pallet 60 can be transferred from the second transport path 31A to the floor of the loading platform 501.

In this way, in the transfer device according to the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 transfers the multiple pallets 60 placed on the second conveying path 31A onto the loading platform 501 in order, starting from the first pallet 60 on the front side in the first direction Da to the pallet 60 on the rear side.

Next, the excellent effects of the second embodiment will be described.
In the second embodiment, a plurality of pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da are simultaneously loaded onto the loading platform 501 of the truck 500 from the rear of the loading platform 501. This allows the pallets 60 to be loaded onto the loading platform 501 more efficiently than if they were loaded one by one.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 lifts the pallet 60 from the second conveying path 31A, then raises the underside of the pallet 60 above the floor of the loading platform 501, and then lowers the pallet 60 from this state. This provides the excellent effect of preventing the load 61 from becoming tilted and minimizing the impact on the load 61, compared to a method in which the pallet 60 is slid forward from the leading edge of the entry section 30 and dropped onto the loading platform 501. Furthermore, it is easy to adjust the spacing between pallets 60 lined up in the first direction Da within the loading platform 501.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 29A, the transfer mechanism 40 can be changed to a low position by lowering the fulcrum joint 47C and sprocket 49C. As shown in FIG. 14B, in order to allow the pallet 60 to pass above the transfer mechanism 40, the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A must be higher than the height of the transfer mechanism 40. If the transfer mechanism 40 cannot be changed to a low position, the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A must also be raised according to the height of the transfer mechanism 40. If the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A becomes high, the height of the load 61 is limited so that the load 61 does not contact the ceiling of the loading platform 501. In the second embodiment, the transfer mechanism 40 can be changed to a low position, making it possible to lower the height of the conveying surface of the second conveying path 31A. As a result, the height limit on the load 61 is relaxed.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, as shown in Figures 22A and 22B, with a portion of the front side of the entrance section 30 inserted into the loading platform 501, pallets 60 and loads 61 can be transported from the first conveying path 21A to the second conveying path 31A, and the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be replenished onto the second conveying path 31A. Because the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be supplied without the entire second conveying path 31A having to exit the loading platform 501, the pallets 60 and loads 61 can be efficiently loaded onto the loading platform 501.

In addition, in the second embodiment, new pallets 60 and loads 61 are supplied to the first conveying path 21A at the stage shown in Figures 25A and 25B. In another configuration, as shown in Figures 14A and 14B, after several pallets 60 and loads 61 placed on the first conveying path 21A are conveyed forward and there is enough space on the first conveying path 21A to place new pallets 60, new pallets 60 and loads 61 can be supplied to the output table 20 at any stage.

In other words, even while a pallet 60 and load 61 are being transferred from the second conveying path 31A to the loading platform 501, a new pallet 60 and load 61 can be supplied to the first conveying path 21A. This makes it possible to improve loading efficiency.

Furthermore, in the second embodiment, by adjusting the position of the traversing carriage 51 (Figure 12B) in the second direction Db, it is possible to adjust the position of the center line of the output platform 20 in the second direction Db and its rotational position in the horizontal plane. As a result, when stopping the truck 500, even if the position and orientation of the center line of the loading platform 501 deviate from the specified position and orientation, the center line of the output platform 20 can be aligned with the center line of the loading platform 501.

In the example shown in Figures 12A to 25B, the length of the loading platform 501 in the first direction Da is approximately equal to the length of the entrance 30 in the first direction Da, but the transfer device of the second embodiment can accommodate longer loading platforms 501. In the example shown in Figures 12A to 25B, the number of pallets 60 that can be lined up in the first direction Da on the second conveying path 31A is seven (Figures 14A and 14B). However, as shown in Figures 22A and 22B, by loading new pallets 60 from the first conveying path 21A onto the second conveying path 31A, it is possible to load a number of pallets 60 that matches the length of the loading platform 501. This makes it possible to accommodate longer loading platforms 501 without widening the berth on which the transfer device is installed.

Conversely, it is also possible to make the length of the entrance section 30 and the discharge platform 20 shorter than in the examples shown in Figures 12A to 25B. This makes it possible to install the transfer device in a narrower berth.

[Third Example]
Next, a transfer device according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 32A to 37B. Hereinafter, a description of the configuration common to the transfer device according to the first embodiment described with reference to Figures 1A to 11B will be omitted. Figures 32A, 33A, ... 37A are schematic plan views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment, and Figures 32B, 33B, ... 37B are schematic side views of the transfer device and truck 500 according to the third embodiment.

In the first embodiment (Figures 1A, 1B, etc.), an entrance section 13 that can move in the first direction Da is placed on the output platform 10. In contrast, in the third embodiment, an extendable entrance section 80 that can be extended and retracted is placed on the output platform 10. The extendable entrance section 80 is provided with multiple wheels 82, and the front end can be advanced into the loading platform 501 while the position of the rear end is fixed.

In the first embodiment, the output table 10 is provided with a first conveying path 10A, but in the third embodiment, the output table 10 is not provided with a conveying path such as a roller conveyor. Instead, the telescopic entrance section 80 is provided with two rows of extendable and contractible conveying paths 81. The telescopic conveying paths 81 are, for example, roller conveyors, and are extendable and contractible in the first direction Da. The telescopic conveying paths 81 can also transport loaded loads in the first direction Da. When the telescopic entrance section 80 is retracted, the telescopic conveying path 81 reaches from the front end to the rear end of the output table 10.

As shown in Figures 33A and 33B, when loading pallets 18 and loads 19, first, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the extendable conveying path 81. For example, multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 are loaded from the front end to the rear end of the extendable conveying path 81.

Next, as shown in Figures 34A and 34B, the telescopic entrance section 80 is extended until its front end is just before the front wall of the loading platform 501. The telescopic conveying path 81 is also extended until its front end is just before the front wall of the loading platform 501. At this time, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 placed on the telescopic conveying path 81 are spread out in the first direction Da in accordance with the extension of the telescopic conveying path 81.

Next, as shown in Figures 35A and 35B, the telescopic conveying path 81 is operated to move multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 forward. Furthermore, new pallets 18 and loads 19 are supplied from the output conveying path 12 to the telescopic conveying path 81, and the newly supplied pallets 18 and loads 19 are also transported into the loading platform 501. Once the number of pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded onto the loading platform 501 have been transported, the transport of the pallets 18 and loads 19 into the loading platform 501 is stopped.

Next, as shown in Figures 36A and 36B, the rearmost pallet 18 and load 19 in the loading platform 501 are held down by the holding unit 17A of the transfer mechanism 17. In this state, the telescopic entry unit 80 is retracted. As a result, the multiple pallets 18 and loads 19 that were placed on the telescopic conveying path 81 are transferred onto the floor of the loading platform 501 in order, starting with the front. Figures 36A and 36B show the state after the first pallet 18 and load 19 have been transferred onto the loading platform 501.

While the telescopic entrance section 80 is being retracted, new pallets 18 and loads 19 can be supplied from the discharge conveying path 12 to the telescopic conveying path 81.

As shown in Figures 37A and 37B, when the front end of the telescopic access section 80 retracts from the loading platform 501, all pallets 18 and loads 19 to be loaded are transferred onto the loading platform 501.

Next, the excellent effects of the third embodiment will be described.
In the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the area of the berth occupied by the transfer device. Furthermore, with the front end of the telescopic approach section 80 inserted into the loading platform 501, new pallets 18 and loads 19 can be supplied from the outgoing conveying path 12 to the telescopic conveying path 81. This improves the efficiency of loading operations.

The above-described embodiments are merely illustrative, and it goes without saying that partial substitution or combination of the configurations shown in different embodiments is possible. Similar effects resulting from similar configurations in multiple embodiments will not be mentioned one by one. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, combinations, etc. are possible.

10 Outgoing table 10A First conveying path 10B Upper surface 10C Side wall 11 Height adjustment device 12 Outgoing conveying path 12B Sorting section 13 Entry section 13A Second conveying path 13B Wheels 13C Roller support section 13D Connection section 15 Control device 17 Transfer mechanism 17A Pressing section 18 Pallet 19 Load 20 Outgoing table 20A Upper surface 20B Side wall 21 Roller 30 Entry section 30A Connection section 30B Roller support section 31 Roller 32 Wheels 33 Guide roller 34 Extension section 40 Transfer mechanism 41 Fork 42 Wheel 43 Drive shaft 44 Power source 45 Guide roller 46 Parallel link mechanism 47 Fulcrum lifting mechanism 47A Fixed length link 47B Variable length link 47C Fulcrum joint 48 Support plate 49A Hydraulic cylinder 49B Chain 49C Sprocket 49D Rod 50 Frame 51 Traverse carriage 52 Traverse rail 60 Pallet 61 Load 70 Control device 80 Telescopic approach section 81 Roller 82 Wheel 500 Track 501 Loading platform

Claims (6)

a first conveying path for conveying the load in a first direction;
a second conveying path that conveys the load in the first direction, is capable of advancing and retreating in the first direction, and advances to enter a loading platform onto which the load is to be loaded;
The first conveying path is disposed outside the loading platform, and the transfer device is capable of transferring the load conveyed on the first conveying path to the second conveying path. The transfer device described in claim 1, wherein the second transport path can be positioned such that a portion of the first transport path and a portion of the second transport path overlap in the first direction when a portion of the second transport path is retracted from the loading platform. a control device that controls a conveying operation by the first conveying path and the second conveying path, and a forward and backward movement of the first conveying path,
The transfer device according to claim 1 , wherein the control device transfers the load from the first transport path to the second transport path while retracting the second transport path. The system further includes a transfer mechanism that transfers the load placed on the first conveying path onto the loading platform,
The control device
With a plurality of loads placed on the second conveying path, the second conveying path is advanced to enter the loading platform;
Next, the transfer mechanism is operated and the second conveying path is retracted, thereby transferring the load from the second conveying path to the loading platform;
4. The transfer device according to claim 3, wherein the load placed on the first transport path is then transferred to the second transport path in a state where at least a portion of the second transport path is outside the loading platform. The transfer device described in claim 4, wherein the transfer mechanism restrains the load placed on the second transport path so that it does not move backward when the second transport path is retracted. The transfer device described in claim 4, wherein each of the loads is placed on a pallet, and the transfer mechanism has a lifting fork that inserts the fork into the pallet on which the load is placed, lifts it up, and lowers it onto the floor of the loading platform in front of the second conveying path.