JP7406238B2 - Loading/unloading device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a loading/unloading device used for loading/unloading loads to/from a lifting table that goes up and down between a plurality of floors in a lifting conveyance mechanism. This invention relates to a loading and unloading device for loading and unloading loaded pallets and empty pallets that are not loaded.

As a load conveying device, for example, one described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. As shown in FIG. 11, the load conveyance device described in Patent Document 1 includes an elevator transport mechanism 1 that moves an elevator table 10 up and down between a plurality of floors (the second floor in FIG. 11) to transport the load in the vertical direction. and a loading/unloading device 2 installed at the entrance/exit of each floor of the lifting/lowering conveyance mechanism 1. A loading/unloading device 2 transports loaded pallets (hereinafter referred to as "loading pallet P1") and unloaded pallets (hereinafter referred to as "empty pallet P2") onto the lifting table 10. First and second conveyors 11 and 12 (the second conveyor 12 is not shown) are provided in two stages, upper and lower, for conveying between.

The loading/unloading device 2 in this loading/unloading device includes left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for loading/unloading the loading pallet P1 to/from the first conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10, and a lifting table. It is provided with left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets to carry empty pallets P2 into and out of ten second conveyors 12. The left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets are connected to the front area facing the first and second transport conveyors 11, 12 of the lifting table 10. The conveyor is moved forward and backward by first and second conveyor moving mechanisms from both sides, respectively. In the following description, the front area of the lifting table 10 facing the first and second conveyors 11 and 12, that is, the upper and lower space areas where pallets are carried in and out, will be collectively referred to as the "work space S". do.

As shown in FIG. 12, the left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets are arranged to face each other across a work space S for carrying in and out pallets. They are provided on the left and right movable frames 121R and 121L, respectively. Each movable frame 121R, 121L is suspended by fixed frames 20R, 20L, and is configured to be swingable about its upper end portion as a fulcrum. Thereby, the left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets can move forward and backward with respect to the work space S.

When loading and unloading loaded pallets P1 and empty pallets P2 on the left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads, and the left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets, there are The loaded pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 are supported and raised and lowered by the disposed pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R. At this time, the left and right pairs of movable frames 121R and 121L are swung outward so that the lifting and lowering of the loaded pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 are not obstructed by the chain conveyors 3 and 4. The pair of chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets are retreated to an area outside both side edges of the work space S.

Patent No. 3896373

In the loading and unloading device described in Patent Document 1, as shown in FIG. 12, the upper ends of movable frames 121R and 121L are attached to rotating shafts etc. provided on the upper frames of fixed frames 20R and 20L. , this axis of rotation is used as the fulcrum of rocking. When the movable frames 121R, 121L swing around the upper parts of the fixed frames 20R, 20L, the fixed frames 20R, 20 swing accordingly, and the loaded pallets P1 and empty pallets P2 are moved against the chain conveyors 3, 4. Loading and unloading may be hindered. In order to suppress this rocking of the fixed frames 20R, 20L, the fixed frames 20R, 20L need to be constructed to be robust, which poses a problem of increasing the size of the device.

This invention was made with attention to the above-mentioned problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a cargo loading/unloading device that reduces the occurrence of swinging of a fixed frame due to swinging of a movable frame, and achieves miniaturization of the device. purpose.

The loading/unloading device according to the present invention loads/unloads the pallet at the entrance/exit of a predetermined floor with respect to a lifting table of a lifting/lowering conveyor mechanism that moves up and down between a plurality of floors and is provided with a conveyor for conveying the pallet. A cargo loading/unloading device for loading/unloading the pallet to/from the lifting table, comprising: a pair of left and right movable frames facing each other across a work space for loading/unloading the pallet to/from the lifting table; and a pair of movable frames provided at opposing positions of the movable frame. A pair of left and right chain conveyors for carrying the pallets in and out of the transport conveyor of the elevating table; and a pallet stacker for loading and unloading the pallets on the chain conveyor by supporting the pallets and moving them up and down. The pair of left and right movable frames are swingable in and out using their respective lower ends as fulcrums, thereby allowing the chain conveyor to move forward and backward with respect to the work space.

Another loading and unloading device according to the present invention includes first and second loading and unloading devices for moving up and down between a plurality of floors and transporting loaded loading pallets and empty unloaded pallets. A loading/unloading device for loading/unloading the loading pallet and empty pallets at an entrance/exit of a predetermined floor with respect to a lifting table of a lifting/lowering conveyance mechanism in which a conveyor is provided in two upper and lower stages, the loading/unloading device A left and right pair of load conveyance chain conveyors for loading and unloading pallets; a left and right pair of empty pallet conveying chain conveyors for loading and unloading the empty pallets; A chain conveyor for transporting loads and a pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets are provided above and below, and are opposed to each other across a work space in which loaded pallets and empty pallets are carried in and out of the lifting table. a pallet loading/unloading mechanism that supports a pair of left and right movable frames and lifts and lowers the loaded pallet or empty pallet to load and unload the pallet onto a chain conveyor for transporting loads or empty pallets; The pair of left and right movable frames are respectively swingable about their lower ends, so that the left and right chain conveyors for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets are connected to the work space. It is possible to move forward and backward.

The loading/unloading device having the above-described configuration executes loading/unloading of loading pallets and loading/unloading of empty pallets to/from the lifting table. To carry the loading pallet out of the loading/unloading device and onto the lifting table, first swing the left and right pairs of movable frames outward using the lower ends as fulcrums. After the chain conveyor for transporting loads and the chain conveyor for transporting empty pallets are retreated from the work space, the loading pallet is lifted to a position above the chain conveyor for transporting loads by the loading/unloading mechanism. When lifting the loading pallet, each chain conveyor is retracted to an area outside both edges of the working space, so that lifting of the loading pallet is not hindered by each chain conveyor.
Next, the pair of left and right movable frames are swung inward using their lower ends as fulcrums to advance the chain conveyor for transporting loads and the chain conveyor for transporting empty pallets to both edges of the work space. The loading pallet is lowered slightly and placed on the chain conveyor for transporting the load. Since the lower end is used as a fulcrum to swing the movable frame in and out, the occurrence of swinging is small and there is no problem in loading and unloading pallets onto and from the chain conveyor.

Next, the left and right chain conveyors for transporting loads and the first transport conveyor of the lifting table are driven in the same direction (load loading direction), and the left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets and the second transport conveyor of the lifting table are driven in the same direction (load carrying direction). The transport conveyor is driven in the same direction (load unloading direction). As a result, the loaded pallet on the chain conveyor for transporting goods is carried out and carried onto the first conveyor of the lifting table, and at the same time, the empty pallet on the second conveyor of the lifting table is carried out and the empty pallet is carried out. It is carried onto a chain conveyor for transport.

When carrying out a loading pallet from the lifting table and carrying it into the loading/unloading device, the first conveyor of the lifting table and the left and right chain conveyors for carrying loads are driven in the same direction (load carrying direction), In addition, the left and right chain conveyors for conveying empty pallets and the second conveyor for the lifting table are driven in the same direction (loading direction). As a result, the loaded pallet on the first conveyor of the lifting table is carried out and carried onto the chain conveyor for carrying loads, and at the same time, the empty pallet on the chain conveyor for carrying empty pallets is carried out and placed on the lifting table. It is carried onto the second transport conveyor.

Next, the loading/unloading mechanism supports and lifts the loading pallets on the left and right pair of chain conveyors for transporting loads, and swings the left and right pair of movable frames outward using the lower ends as fulcrums. After the left and right pair of chain conveyors for transporting loads and the left and right pair of chain conveyors for empty pallet conveyance are retreated from the work space, they are lowered to above the left and right pair of chain conveyors for empty pallet conveyance. . When the loaded pallet is lowered, the pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets are retracted to the area outside both edges of the work space, so each chain conveyor prevents the lowering of the loaded pallet. There isn't. Next, the pair of left and right movable frames are swung inward using their lower ends as fulcrums to advance the pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets to the work space, and then the loaded pallet is slightly moved. It is then lowered onto a pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets. Then, the cargo is unloaded from the loading pallet using a forklift or the like.

In the above example, loading onto empty pallets and unloading from loading pallets is performed with the empty pallets and loading pallets positioned on the chain conveyor for transporting empty pallets. Alternatively, the loading pallet may be placed on the floor.

That is, when carrying out the loading pallet from the loading/unloading device and carrying the loading pallet onto the lifting table, the empty pallet is carried out and carried onto the chain conveyor for conveying the empty pallet. This empty pallet is lowered onto the floor from a chain conveyor for conveying empty pallets. In other words, the loading/unloading mechanism supports and lifts the empty pallet on the chain conveyor for transporting empty pallets, and swings the pair of left and right movable frames outward to separate the chain conveyor for transporting loads and the chain conveyor for transporting empty pallets. After retreating the chain conveyor from the work space, empty pallets are lowered onto the floor.

When a loading pallet is carried out from the lifting table and carried into the loading/unloading device, the loading pallet is carried onto the left and right pair of chain conveyors for loading and unloading, and is supported and lifted by the loading/unloading mechanism. . After the left and right pair of movable frames are swung outward to move the left and right pair of chain conveyors for transporting loads and the left and right pair of empty pallet conveyor chain conveyors back from the work space, the loading begins. The pallet is lowered to the floor.

In the above-described configuration of the present invention, the preferred form of the "pallet" is one that has vertical side walls on both sides of a horizontal loading surface, and has flanges facing outward at the upper end of each side wall. It does not necessarily have to have such a shape; for example, it may have a flat shape as a whole.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pair of left and right movable frames are oscillated by a reciprocating mechanism. The reciprocating mechanism includes a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation, and a crank connected to the motor to convert the rotation of the motor into reciprocating linear motion, and connected to the upper end of the movable frame.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the pallet loading/unloading mechanism includes a plurality of support claws that are removable from the front and rear ends of both side edges of the pallet, a lifting guide for each support claw, and It includes a chain that moves up and down along a lifting guide.

According to this invention, the occurrence of rocking due to the rocking of the movable frame is reduced, and there is no risk of hindering pallet loading and unloading operations. Furthermore, there is no need to make the fixed frame sturdy in order to suppress the occurrence of vibration, and the cargo loading/unloading device can be downsized.

It is a side view of one loading/unloading mechanism of the loading/unloading device which is one example of this invention seen from the working space side. It is a side view of one cargo loading/unloading mechanism seen from the side opposite to the work space. It is a front view of the pallet support mechanism of one loading/unloading mechanism. It is a perspective view for explaining the reciprocating mechanism of one cargo loading/unloading mechanism. FIG. 3 is a front view showing a swinging state of one movable frame. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the operation of unloading cargo to the lifting table. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the operation of unloading cargo to the lifting table. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the operation of unloading cargo to the lifting table. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the loading operation from the lifting table. FIG. 6 is a front view showing the loading operation from the lifting table. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a conventional loading/unloading device. It is a front view of a conventional loading/unloading device.

As shown in FIG. 11, the loading/unloading device 2 according to the present invention is installed at entrances G1 and G2 of each floor of the lifting conveyance mechanism 1. It is possible to simultaneously carry in and out P1 and empty pallet P2. Although FIG. 11 shows a two-story elevator transport mechanism 1, the loading/unloading device 2 of the present invention can be installed at each entrance of the elevator transport mechanism 1 of three or more floors. The loading/unloading device 2 according to the present invention is similar in appearance to the conventional example shown in FIG. 11, so the same reference numerals are given to the same components as in the conventional example.

The elevating table 10 is moved up and down by a drive device (not shown), and the elevating and lowering operation is controlled so as to stop at the entrances and exits G1 and G2 of each floor. The elevating table 10 has a first conveyor 11 for conveying a loading pallet P1 between the loading/unloading device 2 on each floor and a second conveyor 12 for conveying an empty pallet P2. It is set up on two levels. Note that the second conveyor 12 is not shown in FIG. 11. Each of the first and second transport conveyors 11 and 12 is composed of a roller conveyor, a chain conveyor, or the like, and is independently driven by a drive device (not shown) to rotate in either forward or reverse directions.

The pallet used for transporting loads has side walls 16, 16 on both sides of a horizontal loading surface 15, and an outward flange 17 at the upper end of each side wall 16, which is bent. When the loading pallet P1 or the empty pallet P2 is raised or lowered, both ends of the left and right flanges 17 are supported by the support claws 71 of the left and right pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R in the loading/unloading device 2.

The loading/unloading device 2 is comprised of a pair of left and right loading/unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R. In addition, in FIG. 11, the cargo loading/unloading mechanism located on the left side facing the entrances/exits G1 and G2 is represented by 2L, and the loading/unloading mechanism located on the right side is represented by 2R. Hereinafter, "L" will be attached to the configuration related to the left loading/unloading mechanism 2L, and "R" will be attached to the configuration related to the right loading/unloading mechanism 2R, as necessary.

Each loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R has a fixed frame 20L, 20R and a movable frame 21L, 21R (shown in FIG. 1). The fixed frames 20L and 20R are arranged opposite to each other with a work space S for loading and unloading goods in front of the entrances G1 and G2 being sandwiched therebetween from both sides. The lower ends of the movable frames 21L and 21R are swingably attached to rotation shafts 28, which will be described later, of the fixed frames 20L and 20R, respectively.

1 and 2 show the configuration of the fixed frame 20R and movable frame 21R in one loading/unloading mechanism 2R, but the configurations of the fixed frame 20L and movable frame 21L in the other loading/unloading mechanism 2L are also similar to this. Since they are the same, illustration and description will be omitted here. The configuration of one movable frame 21R will be described below.

The movable frame 21R has a chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads for mutually transporting the loading pallet P1 between the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 and the lifting table on the surface on the side of the work space S. Empty pallet conveyance chain conveyors 4 for mutually conveying empty pallets P2 between the ten second conveyors 12 are provided in upper and lower two stages. The chain conveyors 3 and 4 for transporting loads and empty pallets are paired with the chain conveyors 3 and 4 for transporting loads and empty pallets provided on the other movable frame 21L. The outward flanges 17 at both ends of the loaded pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 are supported by the left and right pairs of chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets, respectively.

The chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads is at the same height as the first transport conveyor 11 when the lifting table 10 is stopped, and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets is at the same height position as the first transport conveyor 11 when the lifting table 10 is stopped. They are located at the same height as the second conveyor 12, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5, the fixed frame 20R includes a rectangular lower frame 24 supported on the floor, and a rectangular upper part positioned at a predetermined height above the lower frame 24. It includes a frame 25 and an intermediate frame 29 located between the lower frame 24 and the upper frame 25 and narrower than the lower frame 24 and the upper frame 25, and the lower frame 24, the upper frame 25, and the intermediate frame 29 are each vertical frames. are connected by.

As shown in FIG. 4, the movable frame 21R includes a movable plate 22 made of a plate-like member and swing plates 26, 26. On the side of the work space S of the movable plate 22, horizontally elongated chain conveyor boxes 23, 23 are attached in two upper and lower stages, and the chain 30 of the chain conveyor 3 for transporting goods is housed in the upper chain conveyor box 23. A chain 40 of a chain conveyor 4 for conveying empty pallets is housed in a lower chain conveyor box 23. Approximately trapezoidal swing plates 26, 26 are provided on both edges of the movable plate 22 in the front-rear direction, and the lower ends of the swing plates 26, 26 are fixed to a rotating shaft 28. The rotating shaft 28 is rotatably supported by bearings 27, 27 provided on the lower frame 24 of the fixed frame 20R. Thereby, the movable frame 21R can swing in and out using the lower end as a fulcrum, and the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets can move forward and backward with respect to the work space. Note that the configuration of the movable frame 21R is not limited to this, and may be any configuration as long as it can swing around the lower end portion as a fulcrum.

A reciprocating mechanism 8 shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 is linked to the upper end of the movable frame 21R. As shown by the dashed line in FIG. 5, the reciprocating mechanism 8 moves the chain conveyor 3 for transporting the load and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting the empty pallet into the working space when lifting or lowering the loaded pallet P1 or the empty pallet P2. When moving the chain conveyors 3 and 4 backward to both sides from S, and supporting a loaded pallet P1 or an empty pallet P2 by a pallet support mechanism 70R, which will be described later, each chain conveyor 3, 4 is moved to the working space as shown by the solid line in FIG. This is for moving forward to S. The illustrated reciprocating mechanism 8 includes a motor 80 installed in the intermediate frame 29 of the fixed frame 20R and capable of forward and reverse rotation, and a crank 81 that converts the rotation of the motor 80 into reciprocating linear motion and transmits it to the movable frame 21R. It is comprised of a pair of position sensors 82, 82 provided on the intermediate frame 29 and determining the swing angle of the movable frame 21R.

Each of the position sensors 82, 82 is installed side by side in the left-right direction, and is composed of, for example, a diffuse reflection type photoelectric sensor.
The crank 81 includes a first crank plate 81a and a second crank plate 81b, the middle part of the first crank plate 81a is fixed to the output shaft 80a of the motor 80, and one end part of the first crank plate 81a is connected to the second crank plate 81b. The second crank plate 81b is rotatably connected to the other end thereof, and one end of the second crank plate 81b is rotatably connected to the upper plate 22a provided at the upper edge of the movable plate 22 of the movable frame 21R. The crank 81 is attached to the motor 80 in such a way that the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a blocks the respective optical paths of the position sensors 82, 82 of the movable frame 21R and reflects the light. The position sensors 82, 82 are turned on and off by reflection of light from the other end. One position sensor 82 is turned on by receiving light reflected from the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a when the movable frame 21R is in a vertical position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 5), and the other position sensor 82 is turned on. Reference numeral 82 turns on by receiving light reflected from the other end 81c of the first crank plate 81a when the movable frame 21R is tilted outward by a predetermined angle (the posture shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. 5). . When these position sensors 82, 82 are turned on, the motor 80 stops rotating, the movable frame 21R stops swinging, and is in its normal position. Note that the reciprocating mechanism 8 described above operates in synchronization with the reciprocating mechanism 8 on the other movable frame 21L side.

In this embodiment, the posture of the movable flake 21R is detected by blocking the optical path of the position sensors 82, 82 at the other end of the first crank plate 81a and reflecting the light to turn the position sensors 82, 82 on and off. However, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment, and any form may be used as long as it is possible to detect the vertical posture of the movable frame 21R or the posture tilted outward by a predetermined angle. . For example, the attitude of the movable flake 21R may be detected by using a servo motor as the motor 80 and detecting the rotation angle of the servo motor based on a pulse signal from the servo motor.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads includes a first conveyor chain 30 and a wheel group 31 consisting of a plurality of (five in this embodiment) sprocket wheels 32 to 36. It is made up of. The first conveyor chain 30 is stretched endlessly between the sprocket wheels 32 to 36 so that the upper side 30a, which supports and conveys the load, runs horizontally in forward and reverse directions.

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

The sprocket wheel 34 located at the center is connected to and driven by the motor 5 which can rotate in forward and reverse directions. As the sprocket wheel 34 rotates in the forward and reverse directions, the upper side portion 30a of the first conveyor chain 30 travels in the forward and reverse directions. A highly efficient general-purpose AC motor is used as the motor 5, and has a gear box (not shown) containing a reduction mechanism in which a plurality of gears are combined. The motor 5 is attached to the surface of the movable plate 22 of the movable frame 21R on the opposite side to the work space S, and a sprocket wheel 34 located at the center is attached to an output shaft protruding from the gear box.

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

The movable frame 21R is provided with a power transmission mechanism 6 that transmits the driving force of the motor 5 supplied to the first conveyor chain 30 to the second conveyor chain 40. The power transmission mechanism 6 of this embodiment includes a first power transmission sprocket wheel 62 located on the same axis 61 as the sprocket wheel 35, and one sprocket wheel 62 on the same axis 63 as the sprocket wheel 41 that meshes with the second conveyor chain 40. a second sprocket wheel 64 for power transmission located at , and a chain 65 for power transmission stretched between the first sprocket wheel 62 for power transmission and the second sprocket wheel 64 for power transmission and a sprocket wheel 66 that meshes with the chain 65 to apply tension.

The above-mentioned power transmission mechanism 6 transmits driving force to the second conveyor chain 40 so that the second conveyor chain 40 runs in the opposite direction to the first conveyor chain 30. 30 is meshed with a sprocket wheel 35 to rotate the sprocket wheel 35 in the opposite direction to the sprocket wheel 34. The rotational motion is transmitted by the power transmission chain 65 to the sprocket wheel 41 with which the second conveyor chain 40 meshes, and the second conveyor chain 40 synchronizes with the first conveyor chain 30. Drive in the opposite direction.

Note that the power transmission mechanism 6 can be used in this embodiment as long as the power is transmitted to the second conveyor chain 40 so that the second conveyor chain 40 runs in the opposite direction to the first conveyor chain 30. It is not limited to things.
Further, in the above embodiment, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads is driven by the motor 5 and the driving force is transmitted to the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets, but the invention is not limited to this. The chain conveyor 4 may be driven by a motor and its driving force may be transmitted to the chain conveyor 3 for transporting goods.

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, each loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R is used for loading and unloading a loading pallet P1 onto and from a pair of left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for conveying loads, and for loading and unloading a loading pallet P1 onto and from a pair of left and right chain conveyors 3, 3 for conveying loads. Each of them is provided with a loading/unloading mechanism 7 for loading and unloading empty pallets P2 onto chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying pallets. Each loading/unloading mechanism 7 includes pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R for supporting the loaded pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 at the front and rear portions of the left and right flanges 17, respectively. Each of the pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R moves up and down synchronously at positions on both sides of the work space S.

To explain the configuration of one pallet support mechanism 70R, as shown in FIG. support claws 71, 71, lifting guides 72, 72 for each support claw 71 provided on the fixed frame 20R, and chains 73, 73 for moving each support claw 71 up and down along each elevation guide 72. There is. Each chain 73 is bridged so as to run vertically between sprocket wheels 74, 74 provided on the lower frame 24 and upper frame 25 of the fixed frame 20R.

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

The sprocket wheel 74 provided on the upper frame 25 of the fixed frame 20R is supported by a rotating shaft 93, and the rotating shaft 93 is rotated in either forward or reverse direction by a transmission mechanism 94 composed of a motor 9, a sprocket wheel, a chain, etc. As a result, each of the supporting claws 71 moves up and down simultaneously along the up/down guide 72, and engages and disengages from the flanges 17 of the loaded pallet P1 and the empty pallet P2 during the up/down process.

Next, the operation of the loading/unloading device 2 having the above-described configuration will be explained.
On a predetermined floor, the loading/unloading device 2 carries out loading/unloading of the loading pallet P1 and loading/unloading of the empty pallet P2 to/from the lifting table 10 at the same time.
Now, see FIGS. 6 to 8 for the case where the loading/unloading device 2 on any floor carries out the loading pallet P1 onto the lifting table 10 and at the same time carries in an empty pallet P2 from above the lifting table 10. The operation of the loading/unloading device 2 will now be described in detail.

Loading is performed on the empty pallet P2 located on the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets, and as shown in FIG. 6(A), the loading pallet P1 is transferred to the chain conveyor 4 for conveying empty pallets. , 4. From this state, in order to carry out the loading pallet P1 from the loading/unloading device 2 and carry it onto the lifting table 10 of the lifting/lowering conveyance mechanism 1, first, the loading/unloading mechanism 7 is driven, and the loading pallet P1 is moved to each pallet. It is supported by the support claws 71 of the support mechanisms 70L, 70R, and lifted to a position slightly above the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets, as shown in FIG. 6(B). Then, the motor 80 of the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to retract the crank 81, and the movable frames 21L and 21R of the loading and unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R are swung outward about the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. . As a result, the chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets are retreated from the work space S. Next, the loading/unloading mechanism 7 is driven to lift the load to a position above the chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting the load, as shown in FIG. 7(A). When lifting the loading pallet P2, the chain conveyors 3 and 4 are retracted to an area outside both edges of the work space S, so the lifting of the loading pallet P1 is prevented by the chain conveyors 3 and 4. There isn't.

Next, as shown in FIG. 7(B), the motor 80 of the reciprocating mechanism 8 is rotated in the opposite direction to extend the crank 81, and each movable frame 21L, 21R is moved around the rotation shaft 28 at the lower end. By swinging inward using the loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R as a fulcrum, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets of each loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R are moved forward, and moved into the work space S in a vertical posture. Let me come. Thereafter, the support claws 71 of each pallet support mechanism 70L, 70R are lowered to lower the loading pallet P1 onto the chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads, and the engagement between the support claws 71 and the loading pallet P1 is disengaged.

Next, when the motors 5 mounted on the movable frames 21L and 21R are driven all at once, the chain conveyors 3 for transporting the loads of the respective loading/unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R are driven, and the first conveyor chain 30 unloads the loads. Drive in the direction. The driving force of each motor 5 is transmitted via the power transmission mechanism 6 to the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets, and the second conveyor chain 40 of the chain conveyor 4 for conveying empty pallets runs in the pallet carrying direction. . Simultaneously with driving the motor 5, the first conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 is driven in the loading direction, and the second conveyor 12 is driven in the pallet unloading direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. The empty pallet P1 on the second transport conveyor 12 is carried out and carried onto chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets.

Next, in the loading/unloading device 2 on any floor, the case where the loading pallet P1 is carried out from the lifting table 10 of the lifting conveyance mechanism 1 and at the same time an empty pallet P2 is carried onto the lifting table 10 is shown in FIG. , will be explained with reference to FIG.

First, the first transport conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 and the chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads are driven in the same direction, and the chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets and the second transporting conveyor of the lifting table 10 are driven in the same direction. The conveyor 12 is driven in the opposite direction. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9(A), the loading pallet P1 on the first conveyor 11 of the lifting table 10 is carried out and carried onto the chain conveyors 3, 3 for conveying loads, and is supported. At the same time, the empty pallet P2 supported on the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets is carried out and carried onto the second conveyor 12 of the lifting table 10.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the left and right pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are driven to support the loading pallet P1 supported on the chain conveyors 3 and 3 for conveying goods by the support claws 71. After lifting it up, the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to swing the movable frames 21L, 21R of each loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R outward about the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. As a result, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets retreat to areas on both sides of the work space S. Then, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the pallet support mechanisms 70L and 70R are lowered to lower the loaded pallet P1 to a position above the chain conveyors 4 and 4 for conveying empty pallets. Next, as shown in FIG. 10(B), the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to swing each movable frame 21L, 21R inward about the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. As a result, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting the load and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting the empty pallet of each of the loading/unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R are moved forward to face the work space S in a vertical posture. Thereafter, the support claws 71 of each pallet support mechanism 70L, 70R are lowered to lower the loaded pallet P1 onto the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets.

In the above embodiment, loading or unloading is performed with the empty pallet P2 or the loading pallet P1 positioned on the chain conveyor 4 for conveying empty pallets, but the empty pallet P2 or the loading pallet Loading or unloading may be performed by placing P1 on the floor below the chain conveyor 4 for conveying empty pallets.

In this case, when the loading pallet P1 is carried out from the loading/unloading device 2 and carried onto the lifting table 10 of the lifting/lowering conveyance mechanism 1, the empty pallet P1 is carried out onto the chain conveyor 4, 4 for empty pallet conveyance. Then, this empty pallet P1 is lowered onto the floor surface. That is, after supporting and lifting the empty pallet P2 supported on the left and right chain conveyors 4, 4 by the support claws 71 of each pallet support mechanism 70L, 70R, the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to unload each load. The movable frames 21L, 21R of the input mechanisms 2L, 2R are swung outward about the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. As a result, the left and right chain conveyors 3 for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors 4 for transporting empty pallets retreat to both sides of the work space S. Thereafter, each pallet support mechanism 70L, 70R is lowered to lower the empty pallet P2 onto the floor.

In addition, when carrying out the loaded pallet P1 from the lifting table 10 of the lifting conveyance mechanism 1 on any floor, since the empty pallet P1 has been lowered onto the floor, the empty pallet P1 is first transferred to the placed on the chain conveyors 4, 4. That is, the reciprocating mechanism 8 is driven to swing the movable frames 21L, 21R of each loading/unloading mechanism 2L, 2R outward about the rotating shaft 28 at the lower end as a fulcrum. As a result, the chain conveyors 3, 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets retreat from the work space S, and then the loading/unloading mechanism 7 is driven to move the empty pallets P2 on the floor to the left and right. It is supported by the support claws 71 of the pallet support mechanisms 70L, 70R and lifted to a position above the chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets. When lifting the empty pallet P2, the chain conveyors 3 and 4 are retracted to areas on both sides of the work space S, so that the lifting of the empty pallet P2 is not hindered by the chain conveyors 3 and 4.

Next, by driving the reciprocating mechanism 8 and swinging the left and right movable frames 21L and 21R inward, the chain conveyor 3 for transporting loads and the chain conveyor 4 for transporting empty pallets are advanced, and the work space is Have S stand in a perpendicular position. Thereafter, the support claws 71 of the left and right pallet support mechanisms 70L, 70R are lowered to lower the empty pallet P2 onto the chain conveyors 4, 4 for transporting empty pallets, and the engagement between the support claws 71 and the loading pallet P1 is disengaged. .

In the above embodiment, the loading and unloading mechanisms 2L and 2R include two sets of chain conveyors: chain conveyors 3, 3 for conveying loads and chain conveyors 4, 4 for conveying empty pallets. The configuration is not limited, and for example, one set of left and right chain conveyors may be provided, or three or more sets may be provided.

1 Elevating and lowering conveyance mechanism 10 Elevating table 11 First conveyor 12 Second conveyor 2 Loading/unloading device 2L, 2R Loading/unloading mechanism 21L, 21R Movable frame 22 Movable plate 26, 26 Swing plate 28 Rotating shaft 3 Load Chain conveyor for conveyance 30 First conveyor chain 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 Sprocket wheel 4 Chain conveyor for empty pallet conveyance 40 Second conveyor chain 41, 42 Sprocket wheel 5 Motor 6 Power transmission mechanism 62, 64 Sprocket wheel for power transmission 65 Chain 7 Loading/unloading mechanism 8 Reciprocating mechanism 80 Motor 81 Crank 82, 82 Position sensor P1 Loading pallet P2 Empty pallet S Work space

Claims (4)

A loading/unloading device for loading/unloading a pallet at an entrance/exit of a predetermined floor with respect to a lifting table of a lifting/lowering conveyance mechanism provided with a conveyor for lifting/lowering between a plurality of floors and conveying the pallet. hand,
a pair of left and right movable frames facing each other across a work space for carrying the pallet into and out of the lifting table;
a pair of left and right chain conveyors provided at opposing positions of the movable frame for transporting the pallet into and out of the transport conveyor of the lifting table;
a pallet loading/unloading mechanism that supports the pallet and moves it up and down to load and unload the pallet onto the chain conveyor ;
a reciprocating mechanism connected to the upper end portions of each of the left and right pairs of movable frames and swinging each movable frame by reciprocating motion ;
The pair of left and right movable frames are supported so as to be able to swing inward and outward using their respective lower ends as fulcrums, thereby allowing the chain conveyor to move forward and backward with respect to the work space. An elevator with two upper and lower levels of first and second conveyors for lifting and lowering between multiple floors and transporting loaded pallets and empty pallets. A loading/unloading device for loading/unloading the loading pallet and the empty pallet at an entrance/exit of a predetermined floor with respect to a lifting table of a transport mechanism,
a pair of left and right load conveyance chain conveyors for loading and unloading the loading pallet;
a pair of left and right empty pallet conveyor chain conveyors for carrying in and out the empty pallets;
A pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting loads and a pair of left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets are provided above and below, and carry the loaded pallets and the empty pallets into and out of the lifting table. A pair of left and right movable frames facing each other across the work space,
a pallet loading/unloading mechanism that supports the loaded pallet or the empty pallet and moves it up and down to load and unload the pallet onto a chain conveyor for transporting loads or empty pallets;
a reciprocating mechanism connected to the upper end portions of each of the left and right pairs of movable frames and swinging each movable frame by reciprocating motion ;
The pair of left and right movable frames are supported so as to be able to swing in and out using their respective lower ends as fulcrums, so that the left and right chain conveyors for transporting loads and the left and right chain conveyors for transporting empty pallets can be used for the above-mentioned work. A loading/unloading device that can move forward and backward in space. The reciprocating mechanism includes a motor capable of forward and reverse rotation, and a crank connected to an upper end of the movable frame to convert rotation of the motor into reciprocating linear motion and transmitting the reciprocating linear motion to the movable frame. The loading/unloading device according to 1 or 2. The pallet loading/unloading mechanism includes a plurality of support claws that are removable from the front and rear ends of both side edges of the pallet, a lifting guide for each of the support claws, and a lifting/lowering guide for moving each of the support claws along the lifting/lowering guide. The loading/unloading device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a chain that is moved up and down.

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