Clamping device and trolley

Abstract

Provided is a clamping device and a cart capable of reliably clamping an object. The clamping device includes a base unit, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a toggle mechanism. The first clamping member has a pressure surface facing upward or downward. The first clamping member is fixedly installed to the base unit. The second clamping member has a pressing surface opposite the pressure surface. The second clamping member is movably installed to the base unit. The toggle mechanism is configured to move the second clamping member up and down.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to clamping devices and transport vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Electric tractors and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are used to tow and transport trolleys and other transported vehicles (Patent Document 1). The transport vehicle has a connecting device to enable it to connect with various transported vehicles.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-108795 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] As the aforementioned connecting device, a clamping device configured to clamp the transported vehicle can be provided for easy connection and disconnection. In this clamping device, it is desirable to reliably clamp the transported vehicle.

[0008] The technical problem of the present invention is to provide a clamping device that can reliably clamp an object.

[0009] Solutions for solving technical problems

[0010] The clamping device according to the first embodiment includes a base unit, a first clamping member, a second clamping member, and a toggle mechanism. The first clamping member has a pressure-receiving surface facing upwards or downwards. The first clamping member is mounted to the base unit in a fixed manner. The second clamping member has a pressing surface facing the pressure-receiving surface. The second clamping member is mounted to the base unit in a vertically movable manner. The toggle mechanism is configured to allow the second clamping member to move vertically.

[0011] According to this configuration, the second clamping member can be moved up and down by the toggle mechanism, allowing the object to be clamped by the pressure surface of the first clamping member and the pressing surface of the second clamping member. Therefore, the object can be clamped reliably. In addition, since the object is clamped in the vertical direction by the pressing surface and the pressure surface, it is possible to prevent one side of the clamping device in the width direction from twisting upwards.

[0012] The clamping device according to the second embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping device according to the first embodiment: The toggle mechanism has a first link, a second link, and a hinge. The first link is rotatably mounted to the base unit. The second link is rotatably mounted to the second clamping member. The hinge connects the first link and the second link.

[0013] The clamping device according to the third embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping device according to the second embodiment: The second link has a first end and a second end. The first end is rotatably mounted to the second clamping member. The second end is connected to the first link via a hinge. The first link has a first arm and a second arm. The first arm extends from a first axis of rotation of the first link and is connected to the second end of the second link via a hinge. The second arm extends from the first axis of rotation in a direction different from that of the first arm.

[0014] The clamping device according to the fourth embodiment, compared to the clamping device according to the third embodiment, further includes an operating component. The operating component is mounted on the front end of the second arm. The operating component is configured to rotate the first link.

[0015] The clamping device according to the fifth method, in addition to the clamping device according to the second or third method, also includes an operating component configured to rotate the first link.

[0016] The clamping device according to the sixth method is configured as follows in any of the clamping devices according to the second to fifth methods: The toggle mechanism can switch between an operating state and a non-operating state. In the operating state, the toggle mechanism presses the pressing surface against the receiving surface. In the non-operating state, the toggle mechanism releases the pressure of the pressing surface against the receiving surface. When the toggle mechanism is in the non-operating state, the hinge is positioned on a first side relative to an imaginary reference line. It should be noted that the imaginary reference line is the line connecting the first rotation axis of the first link and the second rotation axis of the second link. When the toggle mechanism is in the operating state, the hinge is positioned on or relative to the imaginary reference line on a second side.

[0017] The clamping device according to the seventh method further includes a locking mechanism than the clamping device according to the sixth method. The locking mechanism is configured to maintain the working state of the toggle mechanism.

[0018] The clamping device according to the eighth embodiment is configured as follows in the clamping device according to the seventh embodiment: The locking mechanism has a stop. The stop is configured to restrict the rotation of the first link in the direction of movement of the hinge member from the imaginary reference line to the second side.

[0019] The clamping device according to the ninth embodiment, in addition to the clamping device according to the eighth embodiment, also includes a locking release mechanism. The locking release mechanism is configured to rotate the first link in the direction in which the hinge moves toward a first side relative to an imaginary reference line.

[0020] The clamping device according to the tenth embodiment, in any of the clamping devices according to the second to ninth embodiments, further includes a guide member. The guide member has a guide groove extending in the vertical direction. The guide member is mounted to the base unit in a non-movable manner. The second link has a protrusion that moves along the guide groove in the vertical direction.

[0021] The clamping device according to the eleventh method, in any of the clamping devices according to the first to tenth methods, further includes a force-applying member. The force-applying member applies force to the second clamping member to move the pressing surface away from the pressure-receiving surface.

[0022] The clamping device according to the twelfth embodiment is configured as follows, in any of the clamping devices according to the first to eleventh embodiments: The base unit has a first retaining surface extending orthogonally to the pressure surface. The second clamping member has a second retaining surface spaced apart from the first retaining surface.

[0023] The clamping device according to the thirteenth embodiment is configured as follows, in any of the clamping devices according to the first to twelfth embodiments: The second clamping component has a slider, a clamping body, and a washer. The slider is mounted on the base unit in a manner that allows it to move up and down. The clamping body includes a pressing surface. The washer is disposed between the clamping body and the slider. The washer is detachably mounted to the clamping body and the slider.

[0024] The clamping device according to the fourteenth embodiment is configured as follows, in any of the clamping devices according to the first to thirteenth embodiments: The second clamping member has a slider and a clamping body. The slider is mounted on the base unit in a manner that allows it to move up and down. The clamping body includes a pressing surface and is mounted on the slider in a manner that allows its position to be adjusted in the vertical direction.

[0025] The fifteenth embodiment involves a transport vehicle comprising a transport vehicle body and a clamping device as described in any of the first to fourteenth embodiments. The transport vehicle body has a prime mover and drive wheels. The clamping device is mounted on the transport vehicle body.

[0026] Invention Effects

[0027] According to the present invention, the object can be reliably clamped. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a side view of the transport vehicle.

[0029] Figure 2 This is a side view of the transport vehicle after part of the frame has been removed.

[0030] Figure 3 This is a front view of the clamping device in its state before clamping the object.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a rear view of the clamping device before it clamps the object.

[0032] Figure 5 This is a side view of the clamping device in its state before clamping the object.

[0033] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the clamping device after the object has been clamped.

[0034] Figure 7 This is the front view of the clamping device after the object has been clamped.

[0035] Figure 8 This is a side view of the clamping device after the object has been clamped. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, the clamping device 4 and the transport vehicle 100 equipped with the device according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that in the following description, "forward" refers to the direction in which the transport vehicle 100 pulls the transported vehicle (not shown), and "rear" refers to the direction in which the transport vehicle 100 pushes the transported vehicle. That is, Figure 1 The right side is the front. Figure 1 The left side is the rear. Additionally, the width direction refers to the direction relative to... Figure 1 The direction orthogonal to the paper.

[0037] [Moving truck]

[0038] Figure 1 This is a side view of the pallet truck 100. It should be noted that... Figure 1 The image shows a transport vehicle 100 that is not connected to the transport vehicle and whose clamping device 4 is in the clamping state. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the transport vehicle 100 is configured to connect to and tow the transported vehicle. It should be noted that the transported vehicle is positioned rearward relative to the transport vehicle 100. Figure 1 (Left side).

[0039] The transport vehicle 100 is driven by human power and auxiliary force based on the prime mover 12. It should be noted that the transport vehicle 100 can move even using only human power or only the driving force based on the prime mover 12. Examples of vehicles that can be transported include cage carts, trolleys, stretchers, or wheelchairs. The transport vehicle 100 has a transport vehicle body 2 and a clamping device 4.

[0040] [Main body of the transport vehicle]

[0041] Figure 2 It is to remove Figure 1 A side view of a portion of the frame 21 of the main body 2 of the transport vehicle. (See image below.) Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 As shown, the main body 2 of the transport vehicle has a frame 21, a drive wheel 23, a prime mover 24, a driven wheel 25, a battery 26, a force-applying component 27, a handle column 28, and an arm 29.

[0042] The handle post 28 is mounted on the frame 21. The handle post 28 is configured to accept forward or backward force from the user. For example, a handle for the user to grip is installed at the front end of the handle post 28.

[0043] The drive wheel 23, prime mover 24, driven wheel 25, battery 26, force-applying component 27, handle column 28, and arm 29 are mounted on the frame 21. The drive wheel 23 is driven by the prime mover 24. The prime mover 24 is, for example, an electric motor. The prime mover 24 is powered by the battery 26.

[0044] The force-applying component 27 is configured to apply a downward force to the drive wheel 23. The force-applying component 27 is disposed between the arm 29 and the drive wheel 23. The force-applying component 27 applies a force to the arm 29 and the drive wheel 23 in a direction that moves them away from each other. The force-applying component 27 is mounted on the arm 29 at its upper end and rotated on the frame 21 at its lower end. The force-applying component 27 is configured to apply a downward force to the drive wheel 23 via the frame 21. The force-applying component 27 is, for example, a coil spring.

[0045] Arm 29 is mounted on frame 21. Arm 29 is movable in the vertical direction relative to frame 21. Arm 29 is mounted in a manner that allows it to swing horizontally relative to the main body 2 of the transport vehicle.

[0046] [Clamping device]

[0047] The clamping device 4 is mounted on the main body 2 of the transport vehicle. Specifically, the clamping device 4 is mounted on the arm 29. The clamping device 4 is mounted relative to the arm 29 in a manner that allows for vertical adjustment. For example, the clamping device 4 is fixed to the arm 29 by multiple bolts, quick-release levers, etc., and by loosening the bolts and levers, the clamping device 4 can be moved vertically relative to the arm 29.

[0048] Figure 3 This is a front view of the clamping device 4 as seen from the rear. Figure 4 This is a rear view of the clamping device 4 as seen from the front. Figure 5 This is a side view of clamping device 4. Figures 3-5 The clamping device 4 shows the state before clamping the object.

[0049] like Figures 3-5 As shown, the clamping device 4 is configured to clamp a part (object) of the transport vehicle. The clamping device 4 clamps the outer periphery of the transport vehicle. The clamping device 4 has a base unit 40, a first clamping member 41, a second clamping member 42, a toggle mechanism 43, an operating member 44, a locking mechanism 45, a locking release mechanism 46, a force-applying member 47, and a guide member 48.

[0050] <Base Unit>

[0051] The base unit 40 has a pair of longitudinal frames 401, a transverse frame 402, a pair of retaining members 403, and a support column 404. The base unit 40 is mounted relative to the arm 29 in a manner that allows for positional adjustment in the vertical direction.

[0052] A pair of longitudinal frames 401 are arranged spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The longitudinal frames 401 extend in the vertical direction. A transverse frame 402 extends in the width direction. The transverse frame 402 is connected to the pair of longitudinal frames 401. Specifically, the transverse frame 402 is also connected to the upper ends of the pair of longitudinal frames 401.

[0053] Each retaining member 403 is mounted on a corresponding pair of longitudinal frames 401. Each retaining member 403 has a first retaining surface 403a. The first retaining surface 403a faces rearward. The first retaining surface 403a extends orthogonally to the pressure surface 411 described later. That is, the first retaining surface 403a extends in both the vertical and horizontal directions as well as in the width direction.

[0054] The support column 404 extends vertically. The support column 404 connects the first clamping member 41 to the cross frame 402. The support column 404 is positioned between a pair of longitudinal frames 401 in the width direction. The support column 404 is cylindrical.

[0055] <First clamping component>

[0056] The first clamping member 41 is fixed to the base unit 40. That is, the first clamping member 41 is mounted to the base unit 40 in a non-movable manner. The first clamping member 41 moves integrally with the base unit 40.

[0057] The first clamping member 41 extends in the width direction between a pair of longitudinal frames 401. The first clamping member 41 connects the pair of longitudinal frames 401. The first clamping member 41 also connects the lower ends of the pair of longitudinal frames 401.

[0058] The first clamping member 41 has a pressure-receiving surface 411. The pressure-receiving surface 411 faces upward. The pressure-receiving surface 411 extends in the width direction and the front-back direction.

[0059] <Second clamping component>

[0060] The second clamping member 42 is mounted relative to the base unit 40 in a manner that allows it to move in the vertical direction. The second clamping member 42 has a slider 421, a pair of clamping bodies 422, a pair of washers 423, and a mounting plate 424.

[0061] The slider 421 is mounted on the base unit 40 in a manner that allows it to move up and down. Specifically, the slider 421 has a through hole 421a extending in the vertical direction. Furthermore, the support column 404 of the base unit 40 passes through this through hole 421a. The slider 421 extends in the width direction. Both ends of the slider 421 abut against a corresponding pair of longitudinal frames 401.

[0062] A pair of clamping bodies 422 are mounted on both ends of the slider 421. Specifically, the clamping bodies 422 are mounted on the slider 421 via washers 423. The clamping bodies 422 are fastened to the slider 421 by bolts 425.

[0063] The clamping body 422 is mounted on the slider 421 in a manner that allows for vertical adjustment. Specifically, the clamping body 422 has a slit 422c extending in the vertical direction. The bolt 425 is screwed onto the slider 421 via this slit 422c. Therefore, the clamping body 422 can be adjusted vertically within the range extended by the slit 422c.

[0064] The clamping body 422 has a pressing surface 422a. The pressing surface 422a faces downward. The pressing surface 422a is opposite to the pressure receiving surface 411. The transport vehicle 100 is connected to the transported vehicle by clamping the object W, which is part of the transport vehicle, by the pressing surface 422a and the pressure receiving surface 411.

[0065] The clamping body 422 has a second retaining surface 422b. The second retaining surface 422b faces forward. The second retaining surface 422b extends orthogonally to the pressing surface 422a. When the clamping device 4 is in the clamping state, the second retaining surface 422b is spaced apart from the first retaining surface 403a.

[0066] A shim 423 is disposed between the slider 421 and the clamping body 422. The clamping body 422 and the shim 423 are mounted to the slider 421 by bolts 425. Therefore, the shim 423 can be removed from the slider 421 and the clamping body 422. By replacing the shim 423 with a shim 423 of different thickness, the size of the gap between the first retaining surface 403a and the second retaining surface 422b can be changed. Therefore, when an object W is disposed between the first retaining surface 403a and the second retaining surface 422b, object W of various thicknesses can be disposed by changing the shim 423.

[0067] Mounting plate 424 is mounted on slider 421. Mounting plate 424 moves integrally with slider 421. Mounting plate 424 extends downward from slider 421. Mounting plate 424 is positioned in front of support column 404.

[0068] <Force-applying component>

[0069] The force-applying component 47 applies force to the second clamping component 42, causing the pressing surface 422a to move away from the pressure-receiving surface 411. Specifically, the force-applying component 47 applies upward force to the second clamping component 42.

[0070] The force-applying component 47 is disposed vertically between the first clamping component 41 and the second clamping component 42. Specifically, the force-applying component 47 is disposed between the first clamping component 41 and the slider 421. The force-applying component 47 is, for example, a coil spring. The force-applying component 47 is capable of extending and retracting in the vertical direction. The force-applying component 47 is supported by a support column 404. Specifically, the support column 404 extends vertically within the force-applying component 47.

[0071] <Guide Components>

[0072] The guide member 48 is mounted in a manner that prevents it from moving relative to the base unit 40. Specifically, the guide member 48 is mounted to the base unit 40 via the first clamping member 41. The guide member 48 extends upward from the first clamping member 41. The guide member 48 may also be mounted directly to the base unit 40.

[0073] The guide member 48 is positioned in front of the mounting plate 424. Additionally, the guide member 48 is positioned in front of the first clamping member 41. The guide member 48 is plate-shaped. The guide member 48 has a guide groove 481. The guide groove 481 extends in the vertical direction. The guide groove 481 opens upwards.

[0074] Elbow Mechanism

[0075] The toggle mechanism 43 is configured to move the second clamping member 42 up and down. The toggle mechanism 43 has a first link 431, a second link 432, and a hinge 433.

[0076] The first link 431 is rotatably mounted on the base unit 40. Specifically, the first link 431 is rotatably mounted on the cross frame 402. The first link 431 is capable of rotating about a first rotation axis P1. The first rotation axis P1 is located at the center of the cross frame 402.

[0077] The first link 431 has a first arm 431a and a second arm 431b. The first arm 431a and the second arm 431b are integrally formed from a single component.

[0078] The first arm 431a extends from the first rotating shaft P1 and is connected to the second end 432b of the second link 432 via the hinge 433.

[0079] The second arm 431b extends from the first rotation axis P1 in a direction different from that of the first arm 431a. Therefore, the first connecting rod 431 is L-shaped. The first arm 431a and the second arm 431b extend in a direction orthogonal to the first rotation axis P1. The angle formed by the first arm 431a and the second arm 431b is not particularly limited, but is for example about 75 to 105°, preferably around 90°. The second arm 431b is shorter than the first arm 431a.

[0080] The second link 432 is rotatably mounted on the second clamping member 42. Specifically, the second link 432 is rotatably mounted on the mounting plate 424. The second link 432 is rotatable about the second rotation axis P2. The second rotation axis P2 is positioned directly below the first rotation axis P1 in the vertical direction. The line connecting the first rotation axis P1 and the second rotation axis P2 is called the imaginary reference line L.

[0081] The second link 432 has a first end 432a and a second end 432b. The first end 432a is rotatably mounted to the second clamping member 42. The second end 432b is connected to the first link 431 via a hinge 433.

[0082] The second link 432 has a protrusion 432c. The protrusion 432c is disposed at the first end 432a of the second link 432. The protrusion 432c protrudes toward the guide member 48. The protrusion 432c extends along the second rotation axis P2. The protrusion 432c extends within the guide groove 481. The protrusion 432c is connected to the mounting plate 424. The protrusion 432c moves up and down within the guide groove 481.

[0083] Hinge 433 connects the first link 431 and the second link 432. Hinge 433 is movable in the vertical and width directions. When the clamping device 4 is in the clamped closed state, hinge 433 is positioned on the first side of the axial direction relative to the imaginary reference line L.

[0084] Figure 6 This is a rear view of the clamping device 4 when it clamps the object W. (Example:) Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the toggle mechanism 43 can switch between a working state and a non-working state. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The middle toggle mechanism 43 is in a non-working state. Figure 6 The middle toggle mechanism 43 is in the working state.

[0085] like Figure 4 As shown, when the toggle mechanism 43 is in a non-working state, the toggle mechanism 43 moves the second clamping member 42 upward, causing the pressing surface 422a to move away from the pressure surface 411. This releases the pressure of the pressing surface 422a on the pressure surface 411, thereby releasing the clamping of the object by the first clamping member 41 and the second clamping member 42.

[0086] When the toggle mechanism 43 is in a non-operating state, the hinge member 433 is positioned on a first side in the width direction relative to the imaginary reference line L. The rotation of the first link 431, such that the hinge member 433 moves to the first side, is defined as the first rotation direction of the first link 431. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6The rotation (counterclockwise) is unrestricted. Therefore, the first end 432a of the second link 432 can move to approach the first rotation axis P1, and the second clamping member 42 moves upward, thereby releasing the pressure of the pressing surface 422a on the pressure surface 411.

[0087] like Figure 6 As shown, when the toggle mechanism 43 is in the working state, the toggle mechanism 43 moves the second clamping member 42 downward, causing the pressing surface 422a to press against the pressure receiving surface 411. It should be noted that the pressing surface 422a presses against the pressure receiving surface 411 via the object W. Thus, the object W is clamped by the first clamping member 41 and the second clamping member 42.

[0088] When the toggle mechanism 43 is in the working state, the hinge 433 is positioned on the imaginary reference line L or positioned on a second side in the width direction relative to the imaginary reference line L. The rotation of the first link 431, such that the hinge 433 moves to the second side, is the second rotation direction of the first link 431. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 The clockwise rotation is restricted by the operating component 44 or the locking mechanism 45. Therefore, the first end 432a of the second link 432 cannot move close to the first rotating shaft P1, and the pressure surface 411 is pressed by the pressing surface 422a. As a result, the object W can be clamped by the first clamping component 41 and the second clamping component 42.

[0089] <Operating Components>

[0090] like Figure 2 , Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the operating component 44 is configured to rotate the first link 431. The operating component 44 rotates the first link 431 to bring the toggle mechanism 43 into the working state. That is, the operating component 44 rotates the first link 431 about the first rotation axis P1 in the second rotation direction (…). Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 Rotate clockwise.

[0091] An operating component 44 is mounted on the front end of the second arm 431b of the first link 431. The operating component 44 includes, for example, a cable 441 and a foot pedal 442. The cable 441 is mounted on the front end of the second arm 431b of the first link 431. The foot pedal 442 is configured to pull the cable 441. The foot pedal 442 is rotatably mounted to the frame 21 of the transport vehicle body 2. The cable 441 is mounted to the foot pedal 442.

[0092] By stepping on the front end of the foot pedal 442 ( Figure 2At the right end), the foot pedal 442 will rotate, and the cable 441 installed on the foot pedal 442 will be pulled. By pulling the cable 441, the first link 431 moves in the second rotation direction ( Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 Rotating clockwise. Thus, the hinge 433 is positioned on the imaginary reference line L or on the second side in the width direction relative to the imaginary reference line L, and the toggle mechanism 43 becomes operational. As a result, as... Figure 7 as well as Figure 8 As shown, the second clamping member 42 moves downward, and the pressing surface 422a presses the pressure receiving surface 411 via the object W. It should be noted that when the cross-section of the object W is L-shaped, the portion extending in the horizontal direction is clamped by the pressing surface 422a and the pressure receiving surface 411, and the portion extending in the vertical direction is disposed in the gap between the first holding surface 403a and the second holding surface 422b.

[0093] <Locking Institution>

[0094] like Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 As shown, the locking mechanism 45 is configured to maintain the working state of the toggle mechanism 43. The locking mechanism 45 is composed of a stop portion 451. The stop portion 451 is fixed to the second clamping member 42. Specifically, the stop portion 451 is fixed to the slider 421. The stop portion 451 protrudes forward from the slider 431.

[0095] The stop 451 abuts against a component protruding rearward from the first link 431 or the second link 432, such as a hinge 433, thereby restricting the rotation of the first link 431, such that the hinge 433 moves from the imaginary reference line L to the second side, i.e., the second rotation direction of the first link 431. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 The toggle mechanism 43 rotates clockwise. Thus, even if cable 441 is cut, the toggle mechanism 43 will remain operational.

[0096] <Lock-Removal Mechanism>

[0097] The locking release mechanism 46 is configured to rotate the first link 431, thereby moving the hinge 433, located on or on a second side of the imaginary reference line L in the width direction relative to the imaginary reference line L, toward a first side in the width direction. That is, the locking release mechanism 46 is configured to rotate the first link 431 in the first rotation direction ( Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 Rotate counterclockwise.

[0098] The locking release mechanism 46 has a rotating plate 461, a protrusion 462, and an operating part 463. The rotating plate 461 is mounted on the base unit 40 in a manner that allows it to rotate about the first rotating axis P1.

[0099] The protrusion 462 protrudes rearward from the rotary plate 461. The protrusion 462 is positioned on the second side in the width direction relative to the first connecting rod 431. If the rotary plate 461 in the first rotation direction ( Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 If the protrusion 462 rotates in the counterclockwise direction, it will abut against the first connecting rod 431.

[0100] The operating unit 463 is configured to rotate the plate 461 in the first rotation direction with the first rotation axis P1 as the center. Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 The rotating plate 461 rotates in the counterclockwise direction. The operating unit 463 is, for example, a cable. The user, for example, pulls the cable serving as the operating unit 463 by operating a lever mounted on the handle, causing the rotating plate 461 to rotate in the first rotation direction (counterclockwise). Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 The protrusion 462 abuts against the first link 431, causing the first link 431 to rotate in the first rotation direction (counterclockwise). As a result, the protrusion 462 abuts against the first link 431, causing the first link 431 to rotate in the first rotation direction (counterclockwise). Figure 4 as well as Figure 6 Rotating counterclockwise, the hinge 433 moves relative to the imaginary reference line L to the first side in the width direction, and the toggle mechanism 43 becomes non-working.

[0101] [Variation Example]

[0102] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to these descriptions, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. It should be noted that the following variations can be applied simultaneously.

[0103] (a) In the above embodiment, the first clamping member 41 is disposed below the second clamping member 42, but the configuration of the clamping device 4 is not limited to this. For example, the first clamping member 41 may also be disposed above the second clamping member 42. More specifically, the clamping device 4 may also be upside down.

[0104] (b) In the above embodiment, the first link 431 has a first arm 431a and a second arm 431b, but may not have a second arm 431b.

[0105] (c) In the above embodiment, the second clamping member 42 has a pair of clamping bodies 422, but the number of clamping bodies 422 is not limited thereto. For example, the second clamping member 42 may also have one clamping body 422 or more clamping bodies 422.

[0106] (d) In the above embodiment, the operating member 44 is composed of a cable 441 that pulls the first link 431, but the operating member 44 is not limited to the cable 441 as long as it can rotate the first link 431. For example, the operating member 44 may also be an actuator such as a motor that rotates the first link 431.

[0107] (e) The transport vehicle body 2 is not limited to the structure described in the above embodiments. For example, it may also be an AMR (autonomous mobile robot) or an AGV (automatic guide vehicle).

[0108] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0109] 2: Transport vehicle body; 23: Drive wheel; 24: Prime mover; 4: Clamping device; 40: Base unit; 403a: First holding surface; 41: First clamping component; 411: Pressing surface; 42: Second clamping component; 421: Slider; 422: Clamping body; 422a: Pressing surface; 422b: Second holding surface; 423: Gasket; 43: Toggle mechanism; 431: First connecting rod; 431a: First arm; 431b 432: Second arm; 432a: First end; 432b: Second end; 432c: Protrusion; 433: Hinge; 44: Operating component; 441: Cable; 45: Locking mechanism; 451: Stop; 46: Lock release mechanism; 47: Force application component; 48: Guide component; 481: Guide groove; 100: Transport vehicle; L: Imaginary baseline; P1: First rotating shaft; P2: Second rotating shaft.

Claims

1. A clamping device, characterized in that, have: Base unit; The first clamping component has a pressure-bearing surface facing upward or downward and is mounted to the base unit in a non-movable manner; The second clamping component has a pressing surface facing the pressure surface and is mounted on the base unit in a manner that allows it to move up and down. as well as The toggle mechanism is configured to move the second clamping member up and down.

2. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The toggle mechanism has: The first link is rotatably mounted to the base unit; The second link is rotatably mounted to the second clamping member; and A hinged joint connects the first link and the second link.

3. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second link has: The first end is rotatably mounted to the second clamping member; and The second end is connected to the first connecting rod via the hinge. The first link has: A first arm extends from the first rotation axis of the first link and is connected to the second end of the second link via the hinge; and The second arm extends from the first rotation axis in a different direction than the first arm.

4. The clamping device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The clamping device further includes an operating component mounted on the front end of the second arm and configured to rotate the first link.

5. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping device further includes an operating component configured to rotate the first connecting rod.

6. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The toggle mechanism can switch between a working state in which the pressing surface presses against the receiving surface and a non-working state in which the pressing surface releases the pressing surface from the receiving surface. When the toggle mechanism is in the non-working state, the hinge is positioned on the first side relative to the imaginary reference line connecting the first rotation axis of the first link and the second rotation axis of the second link. When the toggle mechanism is in the working state, the hinge is arranged on the imaginary reference line or equivalently arranged on the second side of the imaginary reference line.

7. The clamping device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The clamping device also includes a locking mechanism configured to maintain the working state of the toggle mechanism.

8. The clamping device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The locking mechanism includes a stop portion configured to restrict the rotation of the first link in the direction in which the hinge moves from the imaginary reference line to the second side.

9. The clamping device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The clamping device further includes a locking release mechanism configured to cause the first link to rotate in the direction in which the hinge moves relative to the imaginary reference line toward the first side.

10. The clamping device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The clamping device further includes a guide member having a guide groove extending in the vertical direction, and is mounted to the base unit in a non-movable manner. The second link has a protrusion that moves vertically along the guide groove.

11. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The clamping device further includes: a force-applying component that applies force to the second clamping component to move the pressing surface away from the pressure-receiving surface.

12. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base unit has a first retaining surface that extends orthogonally to the pressure surface. The second clamping member has a second retaining surface that is spaced apart from the first retaining surface.

13. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second clamping component has: A slider is mounted on the base unit in a manner that allows it to move up and down; The clamping body includes the pressing surface; and A shim is disposed between the clamping body and the slider, and is detachably mounted to the clamping body and the slider.

14. The clamping device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second clamping component has: A slider is mounted on the base unit in a manner that allows it to move up and down; as well as The clamping body, including the pressing surface, is mounted on the slider in a manner that allows for positional adjustment in the vertical direction.

15. A transport vehicle, characterized in that, have: The main body of the transport vehicle includes a prime mover and drive wheels; and The clamping device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 is installed on the main body of the transport vehicle.

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