JPH012907A - a transfer device for transferring palletized loads to a first storage device and from a second storage device; - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an accumulation and storage system for palletized loads.

[Background of the invention and problems]

Manufacturing, warehousing, and large-scale wholesale businesses are constantly faced with the problem of transporting and storing their goods, whether for short periods before transportation or for long periods before use or sale. Additionally, many manufacturing industries, particularly the automotive industry, now require that components from other parts of the factory or from external suppliers be delivered to assembly areas with minimal storage time immediately prior to their use. It operates on the principle of 1-just-in-time. When such industries accumulate, store, or use their goods, however they operate, they must transport, store, and ensure that the goods are retrieved and used in the correct order. We are faced with the problem of ensuring that Currently, computerized product management is the norm, especially in six-just-in-time manufacturing situations, and it is now fundamental to ensure that the product placement system is suitable for computer management. Additionally, it is essential that the product storage and retrieval system be economical to purchase and operate.

[Summary of the invention]

The present invention provides a product accumulation and/or storage system that achieves the above-mentioned requirements. The present invention moves cargo on pallets in an organized moving route using FIFO (
It can be moved and/or stored in a 1dFIL (first in, first out) or 1dFIL (force in last out) operation, can be computer controlled, is economical to manufacture and operate, and can be used both horizontally and vertically. It utilizes a basic transport system that can be extended to create a highly effective high density accumulation, storage and recovery system.

In its broadest sense, the present invention comprises (a) an extendable decking device; and (b) supporting and supporting the decking device in cooperation with a supporting device.
(c) an extendable decking device having a device for guiding and producing relative reciprocating motion therebetween; (c) yA connected to the decking device for reciprocating the decking device between first and second positions (d) a drive device in each module 1j of the decking device capable of lifting pallets in the system from the decking device and moving the decking device from a second position to a first position; When moving from a position to a second position, the pallet in the system is
Pallet moving and storage for loads carried on pallets, with a pallet moving device that is more efficient than lowering it onto the ground and moving it with it! provide the system.

Typically, the pallet transfer and storage system utilizes a deck support or mounted framework, or pace. These supporting devices may be rollers or ball-type conveyors, but they may also include sail rails (E, B).
Preferably, an air film support member (trademark of Eddy Forest Groduc Co., Ltd.) is used. For example, the support device uses a pair of extruded aluminum rails, each rail having a recessed top surface and an internal boat that runs its entire length. A small diameter (0.66 m) angled nozzle drilled at an angle of 45 degrees to the raceway extends through the raceway to the internal air supply. The system's cooperating device uses an elongated, somewhat oval-shaped runner positioned between the decking device and the rail. During operation of the system, pressurized air at approximately 25 psi is introduced into the central air supply by a control valve, and air jets are ejected at high velocity from each nozzle to form a thin air film between the syringe runner and the rail surface. , whereby the runner can move along the rail very easily,
The runners are supported by rails and air film.

The decking device has a sturdy deck or transfer platform bolted to a central channel clamping member, but could also be an open grid or a series of laterally connected profiles. The deck must be capable of mounting runners (in a sail rail support system) cooperating with the rail with holes or other cooperating devices operating in conjunction with the deck support device. The deck must be υ narrower than the pallet supported by it, and its length should be υ narrower than the pallet supported by it, and its length should be greater than the entire length of the storage lane or conveyor lane to accommodate at least one load. Only the position is short.

The drive device has a mechanism for transmitting reciprocating motion to the decking device. Since the deck device is capable of supporting a substantial load, the drive transfers the initial acceleration to the fully loaded deck and brings the deck to a complete stop at the end of a precise travel distance. It must be possible to decelerate to a state in which Since the interface between the runner and the rail is almost frictionless due to the thin air film, there is virtually no need to use powerful drives in the sailrail support system. The drive preferably uses at least one long stroke hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder, which is mounted on the deck;
Have proper cushioning characteristics at the end of the stroke.

The drive may also include a reversible electric motor driving a rack and pinion set or sprocket and chain assembly, a deck, or a D
If you include a friction wheel or a linear motor, you get seven.

The pallet moving device is typically located outside the deck support and under the portion of the pallet that extends outwardly beyond the narrow deck edge. For example, when a pallet is placed on a deck, the pallet moving device retracts, causing the deck Φ to move, and as a result, the pallet and the cargo on it to move. At the end of its travel, the deck is stopped and the pallet moving device is activated to lift the pallet away from the deck so that the deck returns to its loaded position. When another item is placed on the deck, the pallet moving device lowers the pallet that had already been lifted onto the deck, causing the deck to move forward and the pallet above it to move forward at the same time. The pallet moving device can extend over the entire length of the lane, so that all pallets therein can be lifted and lowered together. In addition, the pallet moving device can be composed of a plurality of short parts as long as the length of the pallet, thereby making it possible to raise or lower all the pallets or only selected pallets as desired. .

The pallet moving device has an elongated, generally rectangular support member extending along each deck support and located below the projecting portion of the pallet. Each support member has a full length tube that is inflatable with air or fluid, such as a fire hose.

A vertically guided inverted U-shaped or H-shaped member is placed over the hose and the support member, so that when the air hose is pressurized, it acts on the vertically guided member, Bring it into contact with the pallet and lift the pallet off the deck. When the air is removed from the hose, the vertically guided member is lowered to the level of the deck, thus allowing the pallet to be transferred to the deck and moved therewith.

Other types of pallet moving devices may be used with the present invention, as will be explained below.

The system of the present invention can extend horizontally and/or vertically to move pallets in high density storage and retrieval systems.

Appropriate transfer mechanisms are provided at the ends of each lane to allow the pallet to be moved horizontally or on an upward or downward slope to a selected adjacent lane. Elevator to move cargo vertically to selected higher lanes
A device may also be provided. All these lanes work on the same principle of this basic invention.

〔Example〕

The invention will now be described in detail in conjunction with the following drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the basic pallet transfer and storage system 10 of the present invention. As shown, the system is assembled on a base 12, which may be a concrete floor of a warehouse, factory, or other building.
It was part of the framework of the storage rack system. Base 12 represents a suitable mounting support having a length and width appropriate to the loads supported by the system.

Attached to the base 12 are a pair of laterally spaced rails 14.14 of a SailRail™ pneumatic conveyor system. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the rail 14.14 has a hollowed top surface 16 and a plurality of longitudinally extending bows) 18.20.22.24
and has. A nozzle 26 (see FIG. 1) passes through the top surface 16 and communicates with the selected bow (20.22) so that pressurized air in the rail exits through the selected nozzle 26.

Pressurization of the boat is controlled by appropriate valves and logic circuits, thus making the use of power economical and minimizing noise.

Each rail carries a "runner" 28, which is another major component of the sail rail system. Each runner has a polyethylene outer (fill) cover and a pliable inner flexure that creates an air film when the nozzle 26 is pressurized and causes the runner 28 to rise slightly above the top surface 16. The sail rail system is supported by a thin, low-pressure air film that allows it to rest on the rail and move smoothly.The technology for this sail rail system is described in Canadian Special Specification No. 950.853, No. 1,002,565,
No. 1,066.645, No. 1,167.797, and so there is no need for further explanation here.

The runner supports deck 30 on it, and this deck 3
0 is made of plywood or other durable material and is attached to the central connector 31. This deck is narrower than the load it supports and its length is shorter than the rail 14 by at least one load travel distance and typically a second
It is slightly longer than the length of the pallet 32 shown in FIG.

One end of the pneumatic or hydraulic long stroke cylinder 34 with end cushioning characteristics is connected to the pace 12 and the other end is connected to the connector 31, thereby transmitting reciprocating motion to the deck, and when the rail 14 is pressurized, the runner tell to. The distance traveled by the deck 30 should be slightly longer than one baggage unit, although double this amount is also possible. It should also be kept in mind that runners 28 need not extend the entire length of deck 30. Instead,
The short runners of the complex can be placed at the length of the deck (they can also be placed at intervals in the direction of movement).

An IJ aft structure 36 is located along each outer edge of the deck and is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. The mechanism 36 includes a rectangular support member 38, a longitudinally guided inverted U-shaped or H-shaped lift member 40, and an inflatable tube member 42 disposed between the support member 38 and the lift member 40. has. Typically, the housing member 42 may be a 2.5 inch (6.4 crIL) fire hose. Additionally, the upper surface of the support member 38 includes a longitudinally extending depression 44 to facilitate positioning of the tube member during expansion. The upper portion of the longitudinal lift member is provided with an extension guide and is adapted to laterally position a pallet leg or other similar protrusion.
It has become.

As shown in Figure 1, a typical system lift mechanism 3
Preferably, 6 is formed in three separate parts. i.e., an input position 46, each having a length equal to the length of one baggage unit, an output position 50, and a long rail having a length of at least one baggage unit whose length is less than the length of the rail 14. It has an intermediate portion 48.

Here, we will explain the basic system operation, including a simple task of moving cargo, which is not related to the length of the system. In this case, start with an empty system.

At the start of this operation, the seat member 40 is in the raised position of FIG. 3 and the tube member 42 is fully inflated. Detsuki 3
0, a loaded pallet 32 is placed on the lift member 40 at the input position f46, so that the deck is pulled back to its initial position in FIG. The lift member 40 is then lowered so that the pallet is positioned over the member 40 and onto the deck 30. The rail 14 is then pressurized and the cylinder 34 is actuated to cause the deck and its cargo to flood the rail and displace one cargo unit. At the moving end of the deck, the intermediate lifting member 4
0 rises, raising the pallet 32 and its load away from the deck 30, so that the deck is free to retreat beneath it towards the input position. When another load is placed on the lift member 40 at the input position 46, the deck returns to its initial position, and then when the lift member 4o at the input position and the intermediate lift member 40 are lowered, a new load is placed on the lift member 40 at the input position 46. and the first load, so that both loads can be indexed along the system as the deck moves forward.

This process can be carried out many times, with one load unit placed at the output location 50 and the intermediate section 4
By loading the appropriate number of units into the input position 46 and perhaps one unit into the input position 46, the system becomes fully loaded.

As previously mentioned, appropriate control circuitry is provided to operate the system in the desired manner. For example, when the system detects that one baggage unit has been removed from the output position lU3O, it automatically advances all baggage units so that the output position (e.g. the worker's assembly position) ) Ensure that a baggage unit (eg supply parts) is present at all times. The control circuit is also capable of advancing the first load unit to the output position in a series of discrete advancement stages including lifting and returning movements, lowering, and forward movement of the lift member and deck. The intermediate section also includes, along its length, a number of separate lifting sections for the baggage unit, each of which can be actuated individually so that the deck can reciprocate under the baggage unit positioned in front of it. and then advancing a new unit without moving said baggage unit;
It becomes the flow at input location 46.

Control of the system is through pneumatic or electronic logic circuits, the various functions of which are initiated and terminated in response to various actuators such as switches or sensors placed within the system at specific decision points. I did it. Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 5, complete control is achieved by twelve switches or sensors S1-S12. Switch S1 senses when a baggage unit is placed at input position fff46, and switch S2 detects the presence of a baggage unit at output position 50. Switch S3 detects the presence of a luggage unit in the first position of intermediate section 48 and switches switch S3.
4 detects the presence of a luggage unit in the last position of the intermediate section. Switches 85 and 86 detect when the cylinder 34 is retracted and when it is extended, respectively, and switch S
7 and 88, S9 and 810, Sll and S12 are input positions, respectively.

It is detected when the lift portion 4θ at the intermediate portion and the output position is in a raised state and when it is in a lowered state. A pallet driving any of switches 81-S4 stimulates a logic circuit to raise or lower the appropriate lift member;
Alternatively, the cylinder 34 may be actuated to move the deck in a desired direction to effect the desired movement of one, more than one, or all pallets located in the system, thereby controlling the amount of cargo flowing into and out of the system. Keep count of numbers. The circuitry used will depend on the pallet flow required for the particular application and is within the capabilities of the reasonable technician, so it does not seem necessary to go into detail here.

Figures 6 and 7 show another embodiment in which the deck 30 itself is provided with a pallet lifting device. In this case, the pallet supports 52 extend the length of the system at the outer edge of the deck 30 and are higher than the deck surface. A pallet lift device 54 is provided at the top of the deck.
Similar to the previous example, it has a support member 56, a tube section 58, and an inverted U-shaped or H-shaped lift member 60. As shown in FIG. 6, when the tube member 58 is inflated, when the deck 30 is moved, the pallet 32 separates from the support 52 (FIG. 7) and rises from the support 52 (FIG. 7). will move along.

When the pipe member 58 is inflated, a gap is created between the lower side of the pallet 32 located on the support member 52 and the top of the lift member 60, and the deck 30 can reciprocate thereunder without being seen. The manner in which the pallets accumulate and their movement through the system is the same as in the fourth embodiment, but
At least similar 0 Although not specifically shown in the drawings, it is clear that the invention may be implemented with other shapes and components.

Various deck support means may be used in place of the preferred sail rail support system, such as, for example, rollers, pole conveyors, or air support pads. However, such measures are not effective, cheap or quiet. The deck drive may be of suitable construction or may be a near-motor, so-called "rodless," cylinder, reversible rack, pinion gearing, or reversible sprocket, chain mechanism.

A pulse pump is a suitable means of hydraulically moving the deck back and forth. The pallet transfer process can use an eccentric passive roller that moves the lift member 2 up and down, or a pair of cooperating wedge members that move the pallet up and down when it moves toward and away from the pallet.

The deck can be solid (e.g. plywood), or it can be an open lattice platform, or multiple widely spaced deck sections can be suitably joined to move in concert. You can also use something like this.

The basic system described herein can also be part of a larger warehouse facility with a turnaround at the output end to transport loads to specific processing locations as desired. Pallets can also be directed into adjacent horizontal lanes to create meandering flow paths, and lifting equipment can be used to move pallets into a variety of racking systems, allowing free vertical space to be utilized in warehouses and factories. It can also be raised and lowered to the same height. Any combination of vertical and horizontal variations can be used to orient the load in a desired pattern.

Clearly, the system of the invention provides a highly versatile baggage handling system that can easily be adapted to virtually any situation.

One particular type of warehouse is amenable to improvement with the system of the present invention, namely the nine-bulk warehouse.

In a typical bulk warehouse, even when fully utilized, only 50% of the effective floor space is available. The utilization of space can be greatly increased.The cargo on the pallets carried by the deck of this system reaches almost the ceiling of the warehouse, but the round trip is very smooth, and the lift distance is also very short. It's small and has just enough clearance to move the deck, so you don't have to worry about your belongings falling over.

FIG. 8 shows one way in which baggage units, or pallets, are transferred from one storage system to another. In this case, the main track 62 includes a support 52, a deck 30, a rail 16, and a runner 2B. The reciprocating deck 30 is equipped with a pallet lift device 54 as described above in connection with FIGS. 6 and 7.

An opening 64 in one of the support members 52 allows access to the main track 62 of the traverse track 66 .
6 is a support member 52', a deck 30', and a rail 16
', a runner 28', and a pallet lift device #54'. The deck 3o supports an auxiliary rail 16A between a pair of lifting devices 54 so that such rail is aligned with the rail 16' of the traversing track 66 when it is desired to transfer a pallet from one track to the other. . Although not shown, means for pressurizing the rail 16A when desired may also be provided.

The transfer operation occurs as follows when a pallet has to be transferred from track 66 to main track 62. Lifting device 54' is first activated to lift the pallet upwardly over support member 52' so that deck 30'
can advance the pallet toward the main track 62. When the pallet is adjacent to the opening 64, the deck 30
moves to align rail 16/trail 16A, and deck 30' advances through opening 64 onto rail 16A.

Once the pallet is in the raised position, a lift device 54' is lowered above the rail 52, lowering the pallet onto the support member 52, and the deck 30' is then retracted through the opening 64. That palette is now as desired,
Moreover, as mentioned above, it is possible to move along the main track.

Other variations of the invention are within the scope of the invention, and the invention is determined from the claims.

Here, embodiments of the present invention are listed below for reference.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: (a) a frame device for carrying a support device, the drive device also being connected to said frame device.

(b) The frame device has a plurality of vertically spaced levels and an elevator device is installed at each end of the frame device to move the palletized cargo into the frame device. The device according to (a) above, characterized in that the device is transported from one level in the frame device to another level in the frame device.

(c) said frame device defines a plurality of horizontally spaced columns, each column containing a plurality of vertically spaced levels; At the ends, devices are installed for transferring the palletized loads horizontally from one row to another and/or vertically from one level to another. The device according to (a) above, which is characterized by:

B) The drive device has a piston-cylinder device operated by fluid pressure, and a drive rod that protrudes from the other end of the cylinder and connects to the deck device or the frame device, and one end of the cylinder is connected to the Mu The device described in (a) above, characterized in that it is connected to a marking device or the decking device.

(e) The pallet moving device covers an extendable pipe support member that extends and extends on each side of the decking device, an inflatable pipe device located on each support member, and the pipe device and the support member. an elongate lift member open at the bottom and selectively inflating the tubing device to raise the lifting member into lifting contact with a hole located on the decking device; (above), which had been previously lifted by the pellet moving device.
and a pressurizing device for lowering the let and placing it on the decking device.

(f) having a load input location at one end, a load output device at the other end, and an intermediate portion extending between those locations, each location and portion being individually operable as such; The apparatus according to (e) above, characterized in that it has a pallet moving device.

(g) The intermediate portion has a plurality of longitudinally adjacent load positions, each position having its own individually operated pallet moving device;
f) The device described.

(f) each said position having a length equal to the length of the pallet positioned therein;
or the device described in (g).

C force The device according to (f) or (g) above, wherein the length of the decking device is equal to the sum of the lengths of the input position and the intermediate portion.

(b) further comprising a plurality of logic-controlled drive devices disposed near the drive device and the pallet lifting device to control the relative movement between the drive device and the pallet moving device; Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the load introduced into the system at the input position by the system is advanced at a predetermined rate through the system to the output position.

B) The deck support device and the cooperation device each include:
A pair of parallel rails extending the entire length of the system and a plurality of pliable runners positioned between the decking device and the rails, the rails and runners forming part of the SailRail™ air support system. A system according to the claims, characterized in that the system comprises:

(b) The pallet moving device includes an extendable pallet support member that extends along each edge of the decking device and projects upward therefrom, and an extendable pallet support member that extends toward the decking device near each pallet support member. an inflatable tube device on each tube support member; a downwardly open elongated lift member covering the tube device and the tube support member; inflating the lifting member to lift it into contact with a pallet located on the pallet support member, and selectively deflating the tubing device to lower the pallet lifted by the pallet moving device. and a pressurizing device for placing the pallet on the pallet support device.

(b) The pallet moving device includes an extendable pallet support member that extends along each edge of the decking device and projects upward therefrom, and an extendable pallet support member that extends along the decking device near each of the pallet support members. an extendable tube support member, an inflatable tube device located on each of the tube support members, an extendable lift member that opens downward and covers the tube device and the tube support member; selectively inflating the lifting member to lift it into lifting engagement with a pallet located on the pallet support member; and selectively deflating the tubing device to lift it by the pallet moving device. and a pressurizing device for lowering and positioning the previous pallet that has been placed on the pallet support device.

- an opening in one pallet support member of a second storage system, the second storage system being at right angles to the second system at the opening, and supported by the decking device of the second system; a pair of said rails that are aligned with the rails of said first system; and a device that pressurizes the rails that are supported by said decking device of said second device when they are lined up at said opening, and is mounted on a pallet. An apparatus for transferring loaded cargo from a first storage system defined by (b) above to a second storage system defined by (b) above.

(y) Apparatus for storing bulk loads in a warehouse, consisting of a plurality of storage systems as defined by the claims, arranged side by side and extending over virtually the entire length of said warehouse.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the basic structure of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 1 with the pallet load located on the deck. FIG. 3 is an end view of the structure of FIG. 1 with the pallet being lifted over the deck. FIG. 4 is a top view of the basic system showing typical locations of logic controlled switches or sensors. FIG. 5 is a side view showing a typical location of an additional logic controlled switch or sensor, and FIGS. 6 and 7 are similar views of FIGS. Second
FIG. 3 shows an end view of an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a structure for moving loads from one storage conveyor to another location. 12...Pace, 14...Rail, 26...φ
・Nozzle, 28...φ runner, 30...Deck, 32...Pallet, 36...Pallet lift 8! Structure. Patent Applicant: E.B.E.D. Forest Products and Limited

Claims (1)

Claims: (a) an extendable deck support device; and (b) an extendable deck device, wherein the extendable deck device cooperates with the support device to provide reciprocating movement therebetween; a deck device having a device for supporting and guiding the deck device; (c) a drive device coupled to the deck device for reciprocating the deck device between a first position and a second position; (d) , on each side of the deck device, a pallet is raised away from the deck device to move the deck device from the second position to the first position, and the deck device is moved from the first position to the first position. and a pallet transfer device for lowering the pallet onto the deck device and moving therewith when moving to a second position.