Conveyor device with rolling elements

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying device, in particular for conveying packages, comprising a support structure, a coupling element or a handle and rolling bodies, and a conveying container for receiving objects, in particular packages. The rolling bodies have rotational symmetry and are designed such that their diameter decreases towards both ends along a symmetry axis. Due to the arrangement and design of the conveying container, the conveying device is self-stabilizing in active use.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The invention relates to the field of conveying devices, in particular for conveying parcels. Background Art

[0002] From the prior art, conveyor devices are known, in particular roller cases and backpacks with rollers or wheels, which consist of a case or bag part for receiving and transporting objects, a conveyor element arranged in the bottom and / or back area of ​​the case part, and a handle assembly. The conveyor devices allow only sliding or rolling maneuvers along essentially flat surfaces, but either have relatively large, inconvenient and heavy wheels. Summary of the invention

[0003] A disadvantage of the conveying devices known from the prior art with relatively small wheels or rollers is their limited adaptability in the field, in particular their limited tolerance with respect to obstacles on the ground.

[0004] Disadvantages of the conveyors known from the prior art with relatively large wheels or rollers are their weight and inconvenience and often also their width, especially when the wheels are mounted on the side of the conveyor or project outside the conveyor.

[0005] Furthermore, wheeled conveyors, due to their relatively small contact surface, sink slightly on soft ground (gravel, sand, wet ground, etc.).

[0006] The general object of the invention is to improve the prior art in the field of conveying devices, in particular to provide a conveying device suitable for field use which is self-stable in effective operation and which can have a plurality of rolling bodies but which itself functions with only one rolling body. In several embodiments, the diameter of the rolling body is designed to decrease along the axis of symmetry towards both ends, in particular to be designed in the shape of an ellipsoid.

[0007] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a conveying device, in particular for the conveying of packages, comprising a supporting structure, a coupling and a rolling body and a conveying container for accommodating objects, in particular packages. The conveying container can be detachably connected or fixedly connected to the supporting structure. The rolling body has an axis of symmetry and rotational symmetry, and the rolling body diameter can be less than or equal to its extended dimension along the axis of symmetry or the axis of rotation. The supporting structure connects the coupling and the rolling body, and more than half of the volume of the conveying container (and thus also the center of gravity of the conveying device, in particular in typical or uniform loading) is located on a plane facing the first side of the ground in effective use, the plane being defined by two points on the axis of symmetry of the rolling body and the center of the coupling. The conveying container is arranged between the coupling and the rolling body. The rolling body rolls over the ground during effective operation. The coupling is used to transmit external forces to the conveying device when it moves. For example, the user will do this through the coupling when dragging the conveying device.

[0008] In some embodiments, more than 70%, in particular more than 90% of the volume of the transport container is located on the first side of the plane facing the ground or floor. In a variant of the transport device, the entire transport container volume is located on the first side of the plane facing the ground or floor.

[0009] The positioning and arrangement of the transport container described here has the advantage that the center of gravity of the transport container lies below the plane in active use, i.e., as soon as the device is rotated about its longitudinal axis out of its equilibrium position, a swiveling, restoring force or torque is applied to the device, which returns it to the equilibrium position. This stabilizes the position of the transport device and minimizes the probability of tipping over, even if the transport device is equipped with only one rolling body. The provision of only one rolling body allows the transport device to have a lighter and narrower construction than with two, for example side-mounted, larger wheels according to the prior art.

[0010] In several embodiments, the rolling body diameter is less than or equal to the length or width of the rolling body at any position perpendicular to its axis of symmetry. The rolling body diameter may be 90%, in particular 60% or for example 40% of the rolling body width.

[0011] In several embodiments, the rolling body diameter can be designed to decrease along the axis of symmetry toward both ends, and in particular the rolling body can be designed basically in the form of a rotating ellipsoid or a double cone. One advantage of using such a rolling body is the general tolerance relative to the unevenness of the ground. The rolling body also rolls over such obstacles, and they can remain mounted on their axles in the two-wheeled conveyor device of the prior art, even when the wheels have the same large diameter as the rolling body of this article. In the case of soft ground (gravel, sand, wet surface, etc.), the bearing surface of the rolling body designed to be relatively wide also automatically increases due to a slight depression (unlike a narrower wheel). Further sinking is thus prevented. The rolling body in the form of a rotating ellipsoid is also advantageous because it only causes a small additional torque acting on the center of gravity of the conveying container when the conveying device rotates around its longitudinal axis. This occurs because the rolling body whose longitudinal axis can extend through its center can rotate with it to the same extent and a contact point also appears on the rolling body. This means that the additional torque is lower than if the rolling body is designed in the form of a cylinder or would be replaced by two wheels; i.e., the entire height of the obstacle in the area outside the cylinder or below the wheels would cause a correspondingly higher torque. In addition, this torque is also higher in an embodiment in which the rolling body is a ball or sphere, because in this case the radius of the ball or sphere has the same diameter in the longitudinal axis and in the transverse axis by definition, while the ellipsoid has a much larger diameter in the transverse axis of the conveying device, which in this way has a self-stabilizing effect compared to the ball or sphere.

[0012] The ellipsoid thus contributes to the stability of the conveying device, since the swinging back of the conveying device supports its initial position.

[0013] In some embodiments, the rolling body can be two-piece, having two symmetrical halves, wherein the plane of symmetry can be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rolling body and extend through the volume center of the rolling body.

[0014] In other embodiments, the rolling body can be segmented into more than two segments. This has the advantage that the axis of the rolling body can be arranged in such a way that it does not pass through the inflatable and deformable air chamber of the rolling body, thereby reducing the probability of air leakage or pressure drop. Another advantage is that there is a higher redundancy in the event that one of the segments loses a higher pressure inside, for which the functionality of the rolling body can be maintained by the remaining segments.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support structure of the conveying device can be designed on the side opposite the coupling element for accommodating the rolling element in such a way that it can be connected to the support structure rotatably about its axis of rotation. In this case, the frame end piece establishing the connection can be inserted into the rolling element similar to the wheel suspension.

[0016] In other embodiments, the bearing structure comprises a receiving area for a detachably arranged shaft extending through the rolling element for rotatably mounting the rolling element.

[0017] In other embodiments, the bearing structure comprises a receiving area for a fixedly arranged shaft extending through the rolling body for rotatably mounting the rolling body.

[0018] In this context, it is generally true that in all variants the torque applied by the conveyor device to the user is smaller the smaller (i) the distance between the centre of gravity of the conveyor device and the axis of the rolling elements is compared to the distance between the centre of gravity of the conveyor device and the user, and (ii) the greater the angle of inclination of the conveyor device relative to the ground when being towed, i.e. the more vertically the conveyor device is towed.

[0019] In several embodiments, the support structure of the conveying device may include a plurality of connected struts and be designed as a frame, chassis or skeleton structure.

[0020] In several embodiments, the supporting structure of the conveying device can be designed to be integral or monolithic with the conveying container or connected to be integral or monolithic with it. At this time, there is the following possibility that the conveying container takes on the structural function or load-bearing function for the conveying device.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support structure comprises a plurality of rods and / or reinforcement sections adjoining the transport container, in particular the transport container. The rods can consist of different materials, metal as well as plastic and composite materials are possible. The support structure is advantageously designed such that in different loading states, in particular in the fully loaded and empty state, no or only slight deformations, in particular sagging towards the ground, occur.

[0022] In several embodiments, the support structure can be flexibly configured in at least one local area, especially when the transport container is designed to be integrated with the support structure, so that the conveying device is more or less deformed depending on the loading of the transport container. Additionally or alternatively, the support structure can be elastically configured at least in a local area. Here, the support structure can be arched in several embodiments at least in a local area, wherein the arch points in the direction of gravity or opposite to the direction of gravity. Similar to a leaf spring, the arched support structure operates elastically to transport objects. As a result, there is a potential for sagging or deformation toward the ground, and depending on the specific arrangement of the rolling body, there is a reduced ground clearance, but this does not change the principle and working method of the conveying device. At this time, the support structure is designed in this way and / or the transport container is flexibly configured in at least one local area.

[0023] In several embodiments, the transport container can be connected to the support structure by means of a belt, a net, a awning, a bag or the like. The support structure can be designed to be flexible in at least one partial area and / or the net, awning, bag or the like can be formed integrally with the support structure, so that the conveying device deforms depending on the load of the transport container. This potentially results in a droop towards the ground and, depending on the specific arrangement of the rolling elements, a reduced ground clearance, but this does not change the principle and mode of operation of the conveying device. The support structure can be designed to be foldable or collapsible.

[0024] In some embodiments, the support structure can be designed in particular to be inclined between the coupling element and the conveying container and / or between the rolling element and the conveying container, wherein in this embodiment too, more than half of the volume of the conveying container (and therefore also the center of gravity of the conveying device, in particular in the case of typical or uniform loading) is located on a first side of a plane that faces the ground during active use.

[0025] In several embodiments, the rolling element is fixedly or detachably connected to the support structure. This allows advantageous placement and removal of the detachably connected rolling element, depending on the desired use of the conveying device. In addition, in the case of a permanent fixed connection to the support structure, the resistance of the connection to the support structure is increased.

[0026] In some embodiments, the rolling body comprises at least one inflatable section and at least one valve. This allows various advantageous states of the rolling body to be achieved, in particular a filled / inflated state and an empty state, depending on the application of the rolling body. If the rolling body is detachably mounted on the support structure, it can be separated from it and poured out after the use of the conveyor device, which allows a space-saving stacking of the rolling bodies. Inflatable rolling bodies are also advantageous because they can compensate for possible unevenness of the ground on which they roll by deforming the surface of the rolling body and promote smooth rolling of the rolling body and thus the conveyor device.

[0027] In addition, the inflatable variant of the rolling body allows a much lighter configuration than the wheel. Although the wheels of the prior art can also be equipped with an inflatable profile, the required wheel rim is generally heavier at this moment.

[0028] In some embodiments, the rolling element contains at least one flexible, crack-resistant material, in particular a plastic such as, for example, nylon, ripstop nylon, polyester, ripstop polyester, polyurethane, EVA, rubber, leather, etc. This material can be used for the rolling element covering, so that it can be designed to be stable in rolling and to bend to adapt to uneven terrain.

[0029] In some embodiments, the engagement member may be designed as a handle for a user to manually pull the conveying device.

[0030] In some embodiments, the support structure is designed to be foldable between the transport container and the rolling element, so that the rolling element can be folded in the direction of the bottom side or the top side of the transport container. In this case, the bottom side of the transport container faces the ground during active use. Correspondingly, the top side of the transport container faces away from the ground during active use.

[0031] In other embodiments, the support structure is designed to be telescopic between the transport container and the rolling body, so that the rolling body can be retracted toward the transport container. Thus, the extended size of the transport device can be reduced when the rolling body is retracted.

[0032] In several embodiments, the support structure is designed to be foldable and / or retractable between the transport container and the engaging member or the handle. Thus, the extended dimension of the transport device can be reduced in the folded and / or retracted state.

[0033] In some embodiments, the rolling element is elastically mounted relative to the transport container or the support structure part accommodating the rolling element relative to the rest of the support structure. This elastic connection increases the tolerance to different ground surfaces and their properties. In addition, it increases the comfort when the transport device is moved over extremely uneven ground, because the impacts are damped.

[0034] In some embodiments, the engagement member or handle is resiliently arranged relative to the delivery container. Such resiliency increases the comfort and range of applications of the delivery device.

[0035] In some embodiments, tension springs, leaf springs, gas springs and elastic mountings using plastic parts are conceivable to achieve an elastic connection between the transport container and the rolling body, or between the support structure part accommodating the rolling body and the rest of the support structure and / or between the coupling part or handle and the transport container.

[0036] In some embodiments, the bearing structure is designed between the transport container and the rolling element so that the rolling element can rock relative to the transport container about the longitudinal axis. This has the advantage that torques that could potentially be applied to the rolling element due to obstacles or unevenness in the ground are not transmitted to the entire conveying device. In other words, in this embodiment, the bearing structure allows the rolling element to rotate relative to the transport container about the longitudinal axis.

[0037] In some embodiments, the coupling element, for example a handle, is rotatably or rotationally damped so that it allows rolling and / or pitching and / or yaw movements about a longitudinal, transverse or vertical axis. For example, ball joint bearings or the like can be used here. The coupling element or the handle can be connected to the support structure via a bearing and thus allows the coupling element or the handle to be rotated relative to the conveying device in up to three degrees of freedom.

[0038] In some embodiments, the joint is designed to be rigid or non-rotatable.

[0039] Some embodiments of the conveyor device are designed in such a way that rolling of the conveyor device about the longitudinal axis is not possible or is possible only to a limited extent in order to fully or partially compensate or damp torques potentially applied to the rolling elements by obstacles or irregularities in the ground.

[0040] In some embodiments, the coupling is designed to be laterally movable relative to the supporting structure so that the center of gravity of the conveying device can be adjusted by its movement so that the conveying device does not have a lateral or tilted posture in the longitudinal direction, even when the center of gravity is not exactly located in the center of the conveying device, for example due to its uneven loading.

[0041] In some embodiments, the transport container is formed by at least one pouch and / or backpack or bag and / or net and / or box, etc. The transport container can be open on one side and / or closable, i.e. closed, so that the transported objects, in particular packages, cannot fall out. The transport container can be formed by connected material strips and by a hard shell, etc.

[0042] In other embodiments, the conveying device comprises at least one load belt, in particular two shoulder straps. The at least one load belt is fixedly or detachably connected to the conveying device at at least one location, in particular at two locations, and is designed as a material strip. The load belt allows the conveying device to be carried or lifted.

[0043] In some embodiments, the conveyor device may include at least two wheels, which are mounted on the conveyor device so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis.

[0044] In some embodiments, at least two, in particular also four, additional wheels and / or rollers can be rotatably mounted on the conveying container on the side facing the rolling bodies, which allow the conveying device to be towed, in particular in the position of the rolling bodies folded toward the conveying container. In this case, in the embodiment with two additional wheels and / or rollers, in the corresponding effective use, more than half of the volume of the conveying container is above the side facing away from the ground on a plane defined by two points on the axis of symmetry of the rolling bodies in the everted position and the center of the coupling or handle, which is also in the everted position. The wheels and / or rollers allow the conveying device to be towed in a position in which the center of gravity of the conveying container is located above the wheels in the case of a flat or smooth ground. This reduces the torque acting on the coupling or handle and increases the comfort when towing the conveying device. In this use, no rolling bodies are used.

[0045] In several embodiments, the conveying device comprises a traction belt, which comprises a connecting device by means of which the conveying device can be detachably connected to the traction belt, wherein the connecting device is rotatably or rotationally damped or rigidly or non-rotatably fixedly connected to the traction belt. The traction belt can be designed as a material loop for encircling the user's body and allowing the conveying device to be pulled in a back-friendly and energy-saving manner.

[0046] In several embodiments, the conveying device may include a traction belt which is detachably and rotatably or rotationally dampedly or rigidly connected to the engagement member.

[0047] In several embodiments, the conveying device can be equipped with a (manual) pump, a pump bladder or a pressure bellows for the inflation of the rolling body.

[0048] In some embodiments, the conveying device can be equipped with an electric drive for the rolling bodies.

[0049] In some embodiments, the transport device may include at least one load belt, in particular two shoulder belts.

[0050] According to another aspect, the conveying device according to the present invention may include a supporting structure, a coupling and a rolling body with rotational symmetry. The rolling body diameter may be less than or equal to the length or width of the rolling body perpendicular to its axis of symmetry. The supporting structure connects the coupling and the rolling body, and the supporting structure is formed between the coupling and the rolling body so that a load can be loaded thereon. Here, the load is located on a first side of a plane facing the ground in effective use. The plane is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry of the rolling body and the center of the coupling.

[0051] In some embodiments, the load can be designed in particular as a transport container. However, the above-described embodiments can also be used for transport devices containing other types of loads.

[0052] Another aspect relates to a method for conveying a load, in particular a parcel, using a conveying device, which may include the following steps:

[0053] a) Provide a conveying device, including:

[0054] I. Support structure;

[0055] II. Joints;

[0056] III. A rolling body having an axis of symmetry, wherein the rolling body has a rotationally symmetrical shape and the diameter of the rolling body is less than or equal to its extended dimension along the axis of symmetry;

[0057] IV. wherein the support structure connects the engagement member and the rolling element,

[0058] b) loading the conveying device by placing a load on the support structure, wherein the load in the placed state is located on a first side of a plane, in particular on a side facing the ground in the operating state, wherein the plane is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry and a center of the coupling element, and wherein the load is arranged between the coupling element and the rolling element,

[0059] c) advancing the conveyor device, wherein the rolling elements roll on the ground and the load is located on a first side of the plane.

[0060] In several embodiments, a transport device is provided comprising a transport container for accommodating objects, wherein the transport container is detachably or fixedly connected to the support structure between the engagement member and the rolling body, for example by a connecting mechanism, a belt, a net, a canopy, a bag, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0061] Some aspects of the present invention are described in detail according to the embodiments shown in the following figures and the accompanying description, wherein:

[0062] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a delivery device according to the present invention is shown;

[0063] Figure 2 A schematic side view of another delivery device according to the present invention is shown;

[0064] FIG. 3 a shows a conveying element assembly known from the prior art, which has an axle and wheels for conveying packages on a floor with obstacles;

[0065] FIG3 b shows a schematic side view of a rolling body of the conveying device according to the present invention on a ground with obstacles;

[0066] FIG3 c shows a schematic side view of a rolling body of the conveying device according to the present invention on a ground with obstacles;

[0067] Figure 4a A schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention is shown on a ground with obstacles;

[0068] Figure 4b Another schematic side view of the conveying device according to the present invention is shown on a ground with obstacles;

[0069] Figure 5 A schematic top view showing a cross section of a rolling body connected to a support structure;

[0070] Figure 6 A schematic top view showing a cross section of a two-part rolling element connected to a support structure;

[0071] Figure 7a A schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention is shown with a foldable support structure;

[0072] FIG. 7 b shows a schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention with an inwardly folded support structure;

[0073] FIG. 7 c shows a schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention with an inwardly folded support structure;

[0074] Figure 8 A schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention with a traction belt is shown;

[0075] Fig. 9 A schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention with wheels or rollers is shown;

[0076] Fig.10a A partial schematic side view of a delivery device according to the present invention is shown;

[0077] Fig.10b Shown is the joint Fig.10a A magnified part of

[0078] Fig.10c Shown is the joint Fig.10a A magnified part of

[0079] Fig.10d Shown is the joint Fig.10a A magnified part of

[0080] Fig.11 A schematic side view of a conveying device according to the present invention with a traction belt is shown;

[0081] Fig.12a A schematic side view of another conveying device according to the present invention having a flexible support structure is shown;

[0082] Figure 12bA schematic side view of another conveying device according to the present invention having a flexible support structure is shown;

[0083] Fig.12c A schematic side view of another conveying device according to the present invention having an elastic support structure is shown;

[0084] Fig.12d A schematic side view of another conveying device according to the present invention having an elastic support structure is shown;

[0085] Fig.12e A schematic side view showing another conveying device according to the present invention having an elastic support structure; and

[0086] Fig.13 A further conveying device according to the present invention is shown in a schematic side view and in a top view with a mesh as part of the support structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0087] Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 7a , Figure 8 , Fig. 9 , Fig.10a , Fig.11 , Figures 12a to 12e 13 show a conveying device 1 in a side view, which is dragged by a user over a ground surface U. The conveying device comprises a support structure 2, which connects a rolling body 4 to an engaging part, which is designed as a handle 3, for example. A conveying container 5 is arranged between the rolling body 4 and the handle 3 on the support structure 2. The rolling body 4 is in direct contact with the ground surface. The handle 3 connects the conveying device 1 to the user. The length of the support structure 2 is usually between 50 cm and 250 cm, in particular between 80 cm and 140 cm. The width of the support structure 2 is usually between 10 cm and 120 cm, in particular between 40 cm and 80 cm.

[0088] The volume of the transport container 5 is generally between 10 liters and 200 liters, in particular between 35 liters and 90 liters.

[0089] exist Figure 1In the figure, an embodiment of a conveying device with a supporting structure 2 can be seen, which is composed of rods. It gives the conveying device 1 the required bending stiffness in order to minimize the bending of the conveying device 1 towards the ground U between the coupling or handle 3 and the rolling body 4. It can also be seen that the user wears a traction belt 7 at hip height, which is in the form of a belt around his torso in the form of a loop. The coupling 3 is coupled to the traction belt 7 and thus connects the conveying device 1 to the traction belt 7. A load belt can also be seen on the conveying device 1, which is designed as two shoulder belts 8 here, for example. The shoulder belts 8 each have two contact points, which are fixedly or detachably connected to the conveying device 1 at the contact points. Advantageously, the contact points are respectively located on the side of the conveying container 5 facing the handle 3 and the side facing the rolling body 4, that is, on the opposite side of the conveying container 5. The conveying container 5 is located on the side of the plane E facing the ground U with more than half of its volume (and thus also the center of gravity of the conveying device under typical or identical loading). The plane E is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4 and the center of the coupling or handle 3.

[0090] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the support structure 2 is also shown, which comprises a plurality of rods and a section designed to be flexible in itself. The transport container 5 is located with more than half of its volume (and therefore also the center of gravity of the transport device in the case of typical or uniform loading) on ​​the side of the plane E facing the ground U. The plane E is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4 and the center of the coupling or handle 3. The rolling body 4 can rotate about the axis of symmetry S and is fixedly or detachably connected to the support structure 2.

[0091] FIG3a shows a prior art conveyor assembly for the purpose of illustrating the present invention, in which two wheels are provided at both ends of an axle. The assembly is shown in a side view rolling on a ground surface U with an obstacle H. The limitation of the assembly when passing the obstacle H is shown, because the axle is blocked by the obstacle H when the ground clearance is not sufficient to pass the obstacle H without contact.

[0092] In FIG. 3 b, FIG. 3 b, the rolling body 4 of the conveying device 1 according to the present invention can be seen in comparison when passing over an obstacle H on the ground U. In particular, FIG. 3 c shows an advantageous embodiment of the rolling body 4 in the form of a rotating ellipsoid. In this form, the rolling body 4 can be tilted by rotating about an axis extending through its volume center and perpendicular to its symmetry axis S, so that it can pass or roll over the obstacle H.

[0093] As a result of the rolling body 4 being designed to taper toward both ends, only a small additional torque is exerted on the center of gravity of the transport container 5 , ie, a smaller additional torque than in the case of a rolling body 4 designed as a cylinder.

[0094] exist Figure 4a3c also shows the tilting of the rolling body 4 past the obstacle H, here in a side view of the conveying device 1. One embodiment of the support structure 2 can also be seen, which allows the tilting movement of the rolling body 4 to overcome the obstacle H to be separated from the movement of the conveying container 5. When the rolling body 4 rotates about an axis passing through its volume center and perpendicular to its symmetry axis S, this rotation is not transmitted from the support structure 2 to the conveying container 5.

[0095] exist Figure 4b In the figure, it can be seen that the rolling bodies 4 pass the obstacle H in an embodiment of the support structure 2 which does not allow the tilting movement of the rolling bodies 4 for overcoming the obstacle H to be separated from the movement of the transport container 5 .

[0096] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A detail of the bearing structure 2 is shown in which the rolling bodies 4 are arranged. The axis of symmetry S extends through the center of the rolling body 4. Here, the diameter of the rolling body 4 is less than or equal to the length or width of the rolling body 4. The rolling body 4 also has rotational symmetry and is designed so that its diameter decreases toward both ends along the axis of symmetry S. The length of the rolling body 4 can be, for example, between 5 cm and 90 cm, in particular between 20 cm and 50 cm. The diameter of the rolling body 4 is, for example, at most between 3 cm and 40 cm, in particular between 5 cm and 20 cm.

[0097] exist Figure 5 4 shows that the rolling body 4 is designed in the form of a rotational ellipsoid, which comprises a shaft 6 for rotatably mounting the rolling body 4 about an axis of symmetry S for lateral reception of the bearing end piece 10 . Figure 6 An alternative embodiment of a rolling body 4 in the form of a double cone is shown. Here, the rolling body 4 is divided into two symmetrical halves similar to a cone. In this embodiment of the rolling body 4, the two halves of the rolling body are connected to the support structure end piece 10 on the inner side of each half and can rotate around the axis of symmetry.

[0098] Figure 7a 7c show different states of an embodiment of the conveying device 1, in which the support structure 2 is designed to be foldable between the conveying container 5 and the rolling bodies 4 towards the conveying container 5. Figure 7a 7b to 7c show the support structure 2 in an everted or extended state. Possible positions of the rolling bodies 4 lie between the shown extended position and the folded-in position, as can be seen in FIGS. 7b to 7c, i.e. the conveying device 1 can also be in a substantially tilted position (in particular between the coupling element and the conveying container and / or between the rolling bodies and the conveying container, e.g. Fig.11 In FIG. 7 b , the rolling body 4 is at least partially embedded in the recess provided for this purpose in the transport container 5 in the folded-in state. In FIG. 7 c , the rolling body 4 is in contact with the transport container 5 in the folded-in state of the support structure 2.

[0099] Figure 8 An embodiment of the conveying device 1 with a traction belt 7 is shown, wherein the conveying device 1 is connected to the traction belt 7 via a coupling element 3 at the height of the user's shoulders in a detachable or fixed manner.

[0100] Fig. 9 Another embodiment of a foldable support structure 2 is shown. Here, at least two additional wheels or rollers 9 are provided at the lower end of the transport container 5 in a plane E defined by two points on the axis of symmetry S of the rolling body 4 in the everted position and the center of the coupling 3. The wheels or rollers 9 allow the transport device to be alternately rolled, pulled or slid on the coupling or handle 3, i.e. the roller box. Here, the center of gravity of the transport device is located as centrally as possible above the axis of rotation of the wheels or rollers 9.

[0101] Fig.10a A user of a drag conveyor is shown, which is equipped with a belt-like traction belt 7. The coupling element 3 is connected to the traction belt 7.

[0102] Figures 10b to 10d The diagram shows the coupling element 3 in different deflection states. Fig.10a The three degrees of freedom achieved by the joint, for example by means of a ball joint located in the joint, allow a flexible orientation of the conveyor device 1 relative to the traction belt 7 and thus the user. This is advantageous because, for example, a height difference between the position of the user and the position of the conveyor device 1 can be compensated. In addition, the user can bend relative to the conveyor device 1 because the joint 3 ensures such a bend.

[0103] Fig.11 The conveyor device 1 is also shown in an inclined position (in particular between the coupling element 3 and the conveyor container 5 and between the roller bodies 4 and the conveyor container 5 ).

[0104] Fig.12a and 12b Further embodiments of a support structure 2 of continuous and flexible design are also shown.

[0105] Figure 12c to Figure 12e Also shown here is an embodiment of a conveying device 1 which has a support structure 2 which is elastic and, at least in some regions, is arched. Fig.12a and Figure 12b An arched support structure 2 is shown, which points to the ground U, and Figure 12c to Figure 12e An arched support structure 2 is shown, which is oriented opposite to the ground-pointing U. Fig.12e The support structure 2 shown is designed to be curved only in the region between the rolling elements 4 and the coupling-piece-side end of the transport container 5 .

[0106] Fig.13Another embodiment of the support structure 2 is also shown, in which at least one section is flexible and is formed integrally with the net, wherein the section of the support structure 5 has the required strength between the rolling body 4 and the transport container 5 or the net to prevent the conveying device 1 from sagging during active use with the transport container 5 directly contacting the ground U. The support structure 2 is designed to be foldable and / or foldable.

[0107] Reference numerals list

[0108] 1 Conveying device

[0109] 2 Support structure

[0110] 3 Joints or handles

[0111] 4 Rolling elements

[0112] 5 Transport container

[0113] 6 Axis of rolling element

[0114] 7. Leash

[0115] 8 Support belt

[0116] 9 Wheels or rollers

[0117] E-Plane

[0118] S Axis of symmetry of the rolling element

[0119] U Ground or floor

[0120] H Obstacles on the ground

Claims

1. A conveying device (1), comprising: - a supporting structure (2); - a joint (3); - a rolling body (4) having an axis of symmetry (S), wherein the rolling body (4) has a rotationally symmetrical shape and the diameter of the rolling body (4) is smaller than or equal to its extension along the axis of symmetry (S); - and a transport container (5) for receiving the objects, wherein the transport container is connected to the support structure (2) in a detachable manner or in a fixed manner; - wherein the support structure (2) connects the coupling element (3) and the rolling element (4), and more than half of the volume of the transport container (5) is located on a first side of a plane (E), wherein the plane (E) is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry (S) and a center of the coupling element (3), and wherein the transport container (5) is arranged between the coupling element (3) and the rolling element (4), and the rolling element (4) can be folded and / or telescopic in the direction of the bottom surface or the top surface of the transport container (5), - wherein the engagement element (3) is designed to be able to move laterally relative to the support structure.

2. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (2) comprises a rod and / or the support structure (2) adjoins the transport container (5).

3. The conveying device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support structure (2) is designed to be flexible in at least one partial region.

4. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (2) is formed by bending between the connection element (3) and the transport container (5) and / or between the rolling element (4) and the transport container (5).

5. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling element (4) is designed such that its diameter tapers toward its two ends along the symmetry axis.

6. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling element (4) is divided into two symmetrical halves.

7. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The support structure (2) is designed to accommodate the rolling body (4) on a side opposite to the engagement element (3), so that the rolling body (4) is connected to the support structure (2) so as to be rotatable about its rotation axis.

8. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling element (4) is detachably connected to the support structure (2).

9. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling body (4) comprises at least one valve and at least one section which can bulge.

10. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling element (4) comprises at least one flexible, crack-resistant material.

11. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The connecting element (3) is foldable and / or retractable in the direction toward the bottom surface or the top surface of the transport container (5).

12. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling body (4) and / or the engagement element (3) are each mounted in a resilient manner relative to the transport container (5).

13. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The rolling body (4) is movable relative to the transport container (5) about an axis transverse to the axis of symmetry (S).

14. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The joint (3) allows a rolling movement and / or a pitching movement and / or a yaw movement about a longitudinal axis and / or a transverse axis and / or a vertical axis.

15. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The conveying device comprises at least two wheels (9) which are mounted on the conveying device (1) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis.

16. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The conveying device (1) comprises a traction belt (7) which is detachably connected to the coupling element (3), wherein the detachable connection is rotatable or rigid.

17. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The conveying device (1) is used for conveying packages.

18. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The transport container (5) is used to accommodate the package.

19. The conveying device (1) according to claim 1, wherein: More than half of the volume of the transport container (5) is located on the side facing the ground (U) in the operating state.

20. The conveying device (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The rolling body (4) is designed such that its diameter tapers toward its two ends along the symmetry axis, in the form of a rotational ellipsoid or a double cone.

21. The conveying device (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The rolling element (4) comprises plastic.

22. The conveying device (1) according to claim 16, wherein: The detachable connection is rotatable and damped.

23. A method for conveying a conveying container (5) using a conveying device (1), the method comprising the following steps: d) providing a conveying device (1), the conveying device (1) comprising: I. Support structure (2); II. Joint (3); III. A rolling body (4) having an axis of symmetry (S), wherein the rolling body (4) has a rotationally symmetrical shape and the diameter of the rolling body (4) is less than or equal to its extended dimension along the axis of symmetry (S); IV. wherein the support structure (2) connects the engagement member (3) and the rolling element (4), V. and wherein the engagement member (3) is designed to be able to move laterally relative to the support structure, e) loading the conveying device (1) by placing the conveying container (5) on the supporting structure (2), wherein the conveying container (5) in the placed state is located on a first side of a plane (E), wherein the plane (E) is defined by two points on the axis of symmetry (S) and a center of the coupling element (3), and wherein the conveying container (5) is arranged between the coupling element (3) and the rolling element (4), and f) advancing the conveying device (1), wherein the rolling body (4) rolls on the ground (U) and the conveying container (5) is located on a first side of the plane (E), and the rolling body (4) can be folded and / or telescopic in the direction of the bottom surface or the top surface of the conveying container (5).

24. Method for conveying a conveying container (5) using a conveying device (1) according to claim 23, wherein: The conveying device (1) comprises a conveying container (5) for accommodating objects, wherein the conveying container is connected to the supporting structure (2) between the coupling element (3) and the rolling body (4) in a detachable manner or in a fixed manner.

25. The method for conveying a conveying container (5) using a conveying device (1) according to claim 23, wherein: The method uses a conveying device (1) to convey packages.

26. The method for conveying a conveying container (5) using a conveying device (1) according to claim 23, wherein: The transport container (5) is located in the set state on the side facing the ground (U) in the working state.

27. The method for conveying a conveying container (5) using a conveying device (1) according to claim 24, wherein: The transport container is connected to the support structure (2) in a detachable manner or in a fixed manner via a connecting mechanism between the engagement member (3) and the rolling body (4).

28. Method for transporting transport containers (5) using a transport device (1) according to claim 27, wherein the connecting means is a belt, a net, a awning or a bag.

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