Patent GB-863284-A (GB)
Title: An apparatus for simultaneously unloading and loading pallets
Inventor: LYON DONALD G
IPC: B65G57/30
Filed: 1958-07-24
Abstract: 863,284. Pallet loading and unloading apparatus. BARRY WEHMILLER MACHINERY CO. July 24, 1958, No. 23910/58. Class 94(1). [Also in Group XXX] An apparatus for simul, taneously unloading and loading a pallet 148, Fig. 1, with rows of stacked articles 60, for example to replace stacked rows of crates containing bottles to be filled with crates containing filled bottles, comprises a loading device 18 and an unloading device 14 between which the pallet 148 is placed, and means for shifting the pallet 148 and the loading device 18 relatively to each other to transfer a row of stacked articles 60 from the loading device 18 to the pallet 148, this loading action displacing a row of stacked articles already on the pallet 148 to the unloading device 14. Loading device. The articles to be loaded pass down a conveyer 58, Fig. 2, comprising a number of opposed roller stubs, 50, 56, Fig. 1, past control means allowing a required number of articles to be assembled in a line over a vertically reciprocating stacking mechanism 38, Fig. 1. As the mechanism 38 rises it lifts the assembled row of articles 60 past two spaced plates, 64, 66 that temporarily move apart to allow the articles to pass therethrough and then, as the mechanism 38 descends, move to a position below the row of articles 60 to support it. This action is repeated until the plates, 64, 66 are supporting the requisite number of articles in stacked formation within # stack guide 24. The support 142 for the pallet 148 then slides to the right along rails 122 to move the pallet 148 under the stack of articles in the guide 24, Fig. 5, the plates, 64, 66 and the roller stubs, 50, 56 being displaced as shown for this purpose. The support 142 then moves to the left to return the pallet 148 to its original position and remove the stacked articles from the guide 24. During this motion, the stack that has been displaced from the left-hand side of the pallet is forced into the unloading device 14. The action is repeated until the pallet has been completely reloaded with rows of stacked crates, its previous load having been forced into the unloading device 14. At this stage a pallet shifting mechanism 182, Fig. 4 (not shown), causes a pair of conveyer chains to rise and move the freshly loaded pallet 148 to a conveyer 180, Fig. 2, leading to a storage or truck loading point. In a modified construction the pallet 148 remains stationary whilst it is being reloaded and unloaded, each stacked row built up by the stacking mechanism 18 being pushed on to the pallet 148 on completion. Unloading mechanism. As each row of articles to be unloaded is forced off the pallet 148 it is caught from below by a plate 248 that lifts the articles up guide members 298, Figs. 1 and 8 to a position where revolving lifting arms 272 and lifting dogs 290 engage opposite ends of each article and move it on to a conveyer 300 that transfers the articles to a conveyer 304 where they may then slide to the starting end of, for example, a conveyer system of a bottling plant (not shown). Loading pallets into apparatus. A pallet 148 containing, for example, cases of empty soft drink bottles, may be loaded on to the table 142 by a fork lift truck. Whilst the fork lift truck performs this operation it stands on a plate 310, Fig. 2, mounted in the floor, to hold open a normally closed switch 314. The opening of the switch 314 stops the operation of the apparatus whilst the pallet is placed on the table 142. Operation. The apparatus may be automatically operated through a system of electrical contacts associated with electric motors driving through electric clutches, all oscillatory motions being effected by crank arms or solenoid controlled fluid motors. Alternatively the apparatus may be operated wholly by fluid motors controlled through electrically actuated control valves.