Pallet transfer apparatus

Abstract

In a pallet transfer apparatus, a base is reciprocably supported in a frame so that a hydraulic cylinder provided in the frame can drive the base. A pair of large-diameter sprockets and a pair of small-diameter sprockets are disposed on the upper and lower sides, respectively, of the frame, with a first and second endless roller chains fitted over the pairs of sprockets. The first endless roller chain includes a securing member which fixes the chain to the frame. The second endless roller chain has engaging member projected upward therefrom. In addition, a slider having a block in the intermediate part thereof is slidably mounted on a rail above the base. The engaging member engages the block. Moreover, the slider is provided with a catch for disconnectably engaging a hook of pallet P. When the base is driven by the hydraulic cylinder, the front small-diameter sprocket and the front large-diameter sprocket are integrally rotated since the first endless roller chain is fixed to the frame. As the large-diameter sprocket is rotated, the second endless roller chain is rotated, the engaging member is reciprocably moved twice the stroke of the hydraulic cylinder between the outermost points of the circumferences of the large-diameter sprockets, thus transferring pallet P by means of the slider.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.