Clamping mechanism and carrier

Abstract

The invention relates to a clamping mechanism and a transport vehicle, which are expected to reliably clamp an object. The clamp mechanism includes a base portion, a first clamp portion, and a second clamp portion. The first clamping part is provided with a first clamping surface; the first clamping portion is fixed to the base portion. The second clamping part is provided with a second clamping face. The second clamping surface is configured to clamp the object in the first direction between the second clamping surface and the first clamping surface. The second clamp portion is movable in parallel in the first direction and is mounted to the base portion so as to be rotatable.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a clamping mechanism and a transport vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A transport vehicle such as an electric tractor and an automated guided vehicle (AGV) is configured to tow and transport a transported vehicle such as a cart (Patent Document 1). The transport vehicle has a coupling mechanism so as to be coupled to various transported vehicles.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-108795 Summary of the invention

[0004] As the above-mentioned coupling mechanism, there can be cited a clamping mechanism configured to clamp the transported vehicle in order to easily perform coupling and disconnection with the transported vehicle. In this clamping mechanism, it is desired to reliably clamp the transported vehicle.

[0005] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a clamping mechanism capable of reliably clamping an object.

[0006] The clamping mechanism involved in the first embodiment includes a base, a first clamping portion, and a second clamping portion. The first clamping portion has a first clamping surface. The first clamping portion is fixed to the base. The second clamping portion has a second clamping surface. The second clamping surface is configured to clamp an object in a first direction between the first clamping surface and the second clamping portion. The second clamping portion can move parallel to the first direction and is mounted on the base in a rotatable manner.

[0007] When the second clamping portion is about to clamp the object only by parallel movement, there is a possibility that the second clamping portion moves in the first direction while in contact with the object. In this way, when the second clamping portion moves in the first direction while in contact with the object, there is a possibility that the second clamping portion cannot move in the first direction due to the friction engagement between the second clamping portion and the object, and cannot reliably clamp the object. In view of this, in the clamping mechanism involved in the above-mentioned first method, the second clamping portion does not clamp the object only by parallel movement, but can clamp the object by parallel movement and rotational movement. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the second clamping portion from moving in the first direction while in contact with the object. As a result, the clamping mechanism can reliably clamp the object.

[0008] The clamping mechanism involved in the second embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping mechanism involved in the first embodiment. One side of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first groove and a second groove. The first groove extends in a straight line along a first direction. The second groove extends in an arc shape. The other side of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first convex portion and a second convex portion. The first convex portion is engaged with the first groove. The second convex portion is engaged with the second groove.

[0009] The clamping mechanism involved in the third embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping mechanism involved in the first or second embodiment. The first clamping portion has a third clamping surface. The second clamping portion has a fourth clamping surface. The fourth clamping surface is configured to clamp an object in a second direction between the third clamping surface. The second direction is orthogonal to the first direction. The second clamping portion is mounted on the base portion in a manner that allows parallel movement along the second direction.

[0010] The clamping mechanism involved in the fourth embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping mechanism involved in the third embodiment. One side of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first groove and a second groove. The first groove extends in a straight line along the first direction and the second direction. The second groove extends in an arc shape. The other side of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first convex portion and a second convex portion. The first convex portion is engaged with the first groove. The second convex portion is engaged with the second groove.

[0011] A transport vehicle according to a fifth aspect includes a transport vehicle body and the clamping mechanism according to any one of the first to fourth aspects. The transport vehicle body includes a prime mover and a drive wheel. The clamping mechanism is mounted on the transport vehicle body.

[0012] According to the present invention, an object can be reliably clamped. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] Figure 1 It is a side view of the transport truck.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a side view of the transport vehicle with a portion of the frame removed.

[0015] Figure 3 It is an enlarged stereoscopic image of the transport truck.

[0016] Figure 4 This is an enlarged side view of the clamping mechanism in a state before clamping an object.

[0017] Figure 5 This is an enlarged side view of the clamping mechanism in a state where an object is clamped.

[0018] Description of Reference Numerals

[0019] 2: transport vehicle body; 23: driving wheel; 24: prime mover; 4: clamping mechanism; 40: base; 401: first protrusion; 402: second protrusion; 41: first clamping part; 411: first clamping surface; 412: third clamping surface; 42: second clamping part; 421: second clamping surface; 422: fourth clamping surface; 423: first groove; 424: second groove; 100: transport vehicle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Next, the clamping mechanism 4 and the transport vehicle 100 equipped with the clamping mechanism 4 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, the front direction is the direction in which the transport vehicle 100 pulls the transported vehicle 101, and the rear direction is the direction in which the transport vehicle 100 pushes the transported vehicle 101. Figure 1 The right side is the front, Figure 1 The left side is the rear.

[0021] <Transporter>

[0022] Figure 1 1 is a side view of the transport vehicle 100. It should be noted that Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows the transport vehicle 100 before being connected to the transported vehicle 101. Figure 1 As shown, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to be connected to the transported vehicle 101 to tow the transported vehicle 101. The transport vehicle 100 is driven by manpower and auxiliary force based on the prime mover 24. It should be noted that the transport vehicle 100 can travel even if it is only driven by manpower or only driven by the prime mover 24. It should be noted that in this embodiment, a cage car is shown as an example of the transported vehicle 101, but the transported vehicle 101 can also be a cart, a stretcher, a wheelchair, etc. in addition to the cage car.

[0023] The transport vehicle 100 includes a transport vehicle body 2 , a swing mechanism 3 , and a clamp mechanism 4 . A transported vehicle 101 towed by the transport vehicle 100 includes a plurality of wheels 102 .

[0024] <Main body of the transporter>

[0025] Figure 2 is Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a side view of a state where a portion of the frame 21 of the transport vehicle body 2 is removed. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the transport vehicle body 2 includes a frame 21 , an operating member 22 , a driving wheel 23 , a prime mover 24 , a driven wheel 25 , a battery 26 , and a force applying member 27 .

[0026] The operating member 22 is attached to the frame 21. The operating member 22 is configured to input the user's forward or backward human power. For example, a handle for the user to hold is attached to the front end of the operating member 22.

[0027] The driving wheel 23, the prime mover 24, the driven wheel 25, the battery 26, and the urging member 27 are mounted on the frame 21. The driving wheel 23 is driven by the prime mover 24. The prime mover 24 is, for example, an electric motor. The prime mover 24 is supplied with electric power from the battery 26.

[0028] The force applying member 27 is configured to apply force to the drive wheel 23 downward. The force applying member 27 is arranged between the swing mechanism 3 (specifically, the first swing portion 31) and the drive wheel 23. The force applying member 27 applies force to the swing mechanism 3 and the drive wheel 23 in a direction in which the swing mechanism 3 and the drive wheel 23 are separated from each other. The force applying member 27 is mounted on the swing mechanism 3 at the upper end and mounted on the frame 21 at the lower end. The force applying member 27 applies force to the drive wheel 23 downward via the frame 21. The force applying member 27 is, for example, a coil spring. The force applying member 27 is provided to be in a compressed state when the transported vehicle 101 is connected to the transport vehicle 100.

[0029] <Swing mechanism>

[0030] The swing mechanism 3 is mounted on the upper part of the transport vehicle body 2. The swing mechanism 3 is mounted to be swingable in the vertical direction and the horizontal direction relative to the transport vehicle body 2. The swing mechanism 3 includes a first swing portion 31 and a second swing portion 32.

[0031] The first swinging portion 31 is mounted so as to be able to swing in the vertical direction relative to the transport vehicle body 2. Specifically, the first swinging portion 31 can swing in the vertical direction along a vertical plane extending in the front-rear direction. The first swinging portion 31 is mounted on the frame 21 via a first swinging shaft 33. The first swinging shaft 33 extends in the left-right direction. In addition, the first swinging portion 31 is mounted on the frame 21 via a force applying member 27 or the like.

[0032] The second swing portion 32 is arranged rearwardly relative to the first swing portion 31. The second swing portion 32 is mounted to be able to swing in the horizontal direction relative to the first swing portion 31. Specifically, the second swing portion 32 is mounted to be able to swing in the left-right direction relative to the first swing portion 31. The second swing portion 32 is mounted to the first swing portion 31 via a second swing shaft 34. The second swing shaft 34 extends in the up-down direction.

[0033] Figure 3 1 is an enlarged perspective view of the transport vehicle 100. Figure 3 As shown, the swing mechanism 3 includes a locking mechanism 35 and an arm 36. The locking mechanism 35 is configured to lock the second swing portion 32 in a manner that allows the horizontal swinging of the second swing portion 32 to be released. The locking mechanism 35 includes a locking pin 351. The locking pin 351 passes through the first swing portion 31 and the second swing portion 32. The locking pin 351 extends in the vertical direction. The locking pin 351 can be formed of, for example, a bolt. The locking mechanism 35 releases the lock of the second swing portion 32 by removing the locking pin 351.

[0034] For example, when all the wheels 102 of the transported vehicle 101 are free wheels, the locking mechanism 35 is set to a locked state. As a result, the second swinging portion 32 cannot swing relative to the first swinging portion 31. On the other hand, when the wheels 102 of the transported vehicle 101 include both free wheels and fixed wheels, the locking mechanism 35 is released. As a result, the second swinging portion 32 can swing relative to the first swinging portion 31.

[0035] The arm 36 extends downward from the second swing portion 32. The arm 36 is fixed to the second swing portion 32. That is, the arm 36 swings integrally with the second swing portion 32. The arm 36 is fixed to the second swing portion 32 by bolts or the like. The arm 36 and the second swing portion 32 are configured as separate components, but may be configured integrally with the second swing portion 32 as one component.

[0036] <Clamping mechanism>

[0037] Figure 4 It is an enlarged side view showing the details of the clamp mechanism 4 . Figure 4 FIG. 4 shows the clamping mechanism 4 in a state before clamping an object. Figure 4 As shown, the clamp mechanism 4 is mounted on the transport vehicle body 2. Specifically, the clamp mechanism 4 is mounted on the transport vehicle body 2 via the swing mechanism 3.

[0038] The clamping mechanism 4 is mounted on the front end (lower end) of the arm 36. The clamping mechanism 4 can move in the up-down direction relative to the arm 36. For example, the clamping mechanism 4 is fixed to the arm 36 by a plurality of bolts or the like, and the clamping mechanism 4 can be moved in the up-down direction relative to the arm 36 by loosening the bolts.

[0039] The clamp mechanism 4 is configured to clamp the transported vehicle 101. The clamp mechanism 4 clamps the outer peripheral portion of the transported vehicle 101. The clamp mechanism 4 includes a base portion 40, a first clamp portion 41, and a second clamp portion 42.

[0040] The base portion 40 is attached to the arm 36. When the base portion 40 is attached to the arm 36, it does not move relative to the arm 36. The base portion 40 has a pair of first protrusions 401 and a pair of second protrusions 402. The pair of first protrusions 401 and the pair of second protrusions 402 protrude outward in the left-right direction. The first protrusions 401 and the second protrusions 402 are formed on the left and right side walls of the base portion 40, respectively.

[0041] The first clamping portion 41 is fixed to the base portion 40. The first clamping portion 41 has a first clamping surface 411 and a third clamping surface 412. The first clamping surface 411 faces rearward. The third clamping surface 412 faces upward. The third clamping surface 412 extends rearward from the lower end of the first clamping surface 411. The first clamping surface 411 and the third clamping surface 412 are combined to form an L shape when viewed from the side.

[0042] The second clamping portion 42 has a second clamping surface 421 and a fourth clamping surface 422 . Figure 5 It is an enlarged side view showing the details of the clamp mechanism 4 . Figure 5 The clamping mechanism 4 is shown in the state of clamping an object. Figure 5 As shown, the second clamping surface 421 is configured to face forward when the object is clamped.

[0043] The second clamping surface 421 is configured to clamp the object (a part of the transported vehicle 101 ) between the first clamping surface 411. The first clamping surface 411 and the second clamping surface 421 are configured to clamp the object in the front-rear direction (an example of the first direction).

[0044] The fourth clamping surface 422 is configured to face downward when the object is clamped. The fourth clamping surface 422 extends forward from the upper end of the second clamping surface 421. The second clamping surface 421 and the fourth clamping surface 422 are combined to form an L shape when viewed from the side. The fourth clamping surface 422 is configured to clamp the object between the third clamping surface 412. The third clamping surface 412 and the fourth clamping surface 422 are configured to clamp the object in the up-down direction (an example of the second direction). That is, the clamping mechanism 4 is configured to clamp the object in two directions, the front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction. The front-to-back direction and the up-to-down direction are orthogonal to each other.

[0045] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the second clamping part 42 is mounted on the base part 40 in a manner that it can move parallel to the front-back direction and the up-down direction. In addition, the second clamping part 42 is mounted on the base part 40 in a manner that it can rotate and move.

[0046] The second clamping part 42 has a pair of first grooves 423 and a pair of second grooves 424. The first groove 423 and the second groove 424 are formed on the left and right side walls of the second clamping part 42, respectively.

[0047] The first groove 423 is linear. The first groove 423 extends along the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction. That is, the first groove 423 extends obliquely in the middle of the front-to-back direction and the up-down direction. The first convex portion 401 is engaged in the first groove 423. Thus, the second clamping portion 42 can move parallel to the front-to-back direction while also moving parallel to the up-down direction.

[0048] The second groove 424 extends in an arc shape. The second groove 424 is curved in a manner that bulges downward. That is, the center of the arc of the second groove 424 is located above the second groove 424. The second protrusion 402 is engaged in the second groove 424. As a result, the second clamping portion 42 can be rotated and moved. It should be noted that in the second groove 424, the end on the side opposite to the clamping direction, that is, the end on the rear side ( Figure 4 The left end portion of the ) is in a straight line.

[0049] The clamping mechanism 4 has an operating portion 43. The operating portion 43 is configured to pull the second clamping portion 42 in the clamping direction or to push the second clamping portion 42 to the opposite side of the clamping direction. The operating portion 43 is mounted on the base portion 40 in a swingable manner. In addition, the operating portion 43 is mounted on the second clamping portion 42 in a rotatable manner. It should be noted that the rotation axis O of the operating portion 43 and the second clamping portion 42 and the center of the arc of the second groove 424 do not overlap in the direction in which the operating portion 43 pulls the second clamping portion 42. Specifically, the rotation axis O of the operating portion 43 and the second clamping portion 42 is arranged below the center of the arc of the second groove 424.

[0050] The user can operate the operation portion 43 by operating a lever or the like provided near the handle of the operation member 22. As a result, the clamp mechanism 4 can clamp the object or release the clamp.

[0051] For example, the second clamping portion 42 is urged rearward by an urging member such as a spring. Figure 4 The state shown is the initial state of the clamping mechanism 4. By operating the lever, the operating portion 43 pulls the second clamping portion 42 forward, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown, the clamp mechanism 4 clamps the object. On the other hand, by operating the release lever, the second clamp portion 42 is moved rearward by a biasing member such as a spring, and the clamp mechanism 4 returns to the initial state.

[0052] It should be noted that the second clamping portion 42 may also be urged forward by a spring or other urging member. Figure 5 The state shown is the initial state of the clamping mechanism 4. By operating the lever, the operating portion 43 pushes the second clamping portion 42 backwards, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, the clamp mechanism 4 releases the clamping of the object. On the other hand, by the operation of the release lever, the second clamping portion 42 is moved forward by a biasing member such as a spring, and the clamp mechanism 4 clamps the object.

[0053] like Figure 4 As shown, in the clamp mechanism 4 before clamping the object, the second clamp portion 42 is arranged above and in front of the first clamp portion 41 .

[0054] From this state, by pulling the second clamping part 42 in the clamping direction by the operating part 43, the second clamping part 42 rotates counterclockwise and moves parallelly forward and downward. As a result, the second clamping surface 421 and the fourth clamping surface 422 can avoid contact with the object just before clamping the object. Figure 5As shown, ultimately, the object is clamped in the front-rear direction by the first clamping surface 411 and the second clamping surface 421 , and the object is clamped in the up-down direction by the third clamping surface 412 and the fourth clamping surface 422 .

[0055] [Modifications]

[0056] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to these, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. It should be noted that the following modifications can basically be applied simultaneously.

[0057] (a) In the above embodiment, the first groove 423 and the second groove 424 are formed in the second clamping portion 42, and the first convex portion 401 and the second convex portion 402 are formed in the base portion 40. However, the configuration of the clamping mechanism 4 is not limited thereto. For example, the first groove 423 and the second groove 424 may be formed in the base portion 40, and the first convex portion 401 and the second convex portion 402 may be formed in the second clamping portion 42.

[0058] (b) In the above embodiment, the first clamping portion 41 has the first clamping surface 411 and the third clamping surface 412, but the configuration of the first clamping portion 41 is not limited thereto. For example, the first clamping portion 41 may have only the first clamping surface 411 without the third clamping surface 412. In this case, the second clamping portion 42 has only the second clamping surface 421 without the fourth clamping surface 422.

[0059] (c) In the above embodiment, the first clamping surface 411 and the second clamping surface 421 clamp the object in the front-back direction, but the first clamping surface 411 and the second clamping surface 421 may clamp the object in other directions. For example, the first clamping surface 411 and the second clamping surface 421 may clamp the object in the up-down direction or in the left-right direction.

[0060] (d) In the above embodiment, the first groove 423 extends in the front-to-back direction and in the up-to-down direction, but the first groove 423 may extend only in the front-to-back direction or only in the up-to-down direction. Specifically, when the clamping mechanism 4 clamps the object only in the front-to-back direction, the first groove 423 may extend only in the front-to-back direction. In addition, when the clamping mechanism 4 clamps the object only in the up-to-down direction, the first groove 423 may extend only in the up-to-down direction.

Claims

1. A clamping mechanism comprising: base; A first clamping portion having a first clamping surface and fixed to the base portion; and The second clamping portion has a second clamping surface configured to clamp an object in a first direction between the second clamping surface and the first clamping surface. The second clamping portion is movable in parallel along the first direction and is rotatably mounted on the base portion.

2. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: One of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first groove extending in a straight line along the first direction and a second groove extending in an arc shape. The other of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first convex portion engaged with the first groove and a second convex portion engaged with the second groove.

3. The clamping mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: The first clamping portion has a third clamping surface, The second clamping portion has a fourth clamping surface configured to clamp the object in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction between the fourth clamping surface and the third clamping surface. The second clamping portion is mounted on the base portion so as to be movable in parallel along the second direction.

4. The clamping mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: One of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first groove extending linearly along the first direction and the second direction, and a second groove extending in an arc shape. The other of the second clamping portion and the base portion has a first convex portion engaged with the first groove and a second convex portion engaged with the second groove.

5. A transport vehicle having: The transport vehicle body has a prime mover and drive wheels; and The clamping mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping mechanism is mounted on the transport vehicle body.

Images