Transport device for overcoming a step-like obstacle

Abstract

A transport device (2) for overcoming a step-like obstacle (1) has a carrier structure (3) and can be driven in a driving position. The height difference of the step-like obstacle (1) is to be overcome using a lever action. A support element (10) of the transport device (2) can be placed on an upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) using a tilting movement of the carrier structure (3) in the direction of the step-like obstacle (1) and the carrier structure (3) can be tilted by means of the support element (10) placed in this way. The transport device (2) has a connecting element (11) and a guide element (12) connected to the carrier structure (3). The connecting element (11) is guided by the guide element (12) and the support element (10) is connected in an articulated manner to the connecting element (11). The connecting element (11) can be pivoted on the support element (10) from a first into a second position and can be brought from a first into a second position on the guide element (12), while the carrier structure (3) is supported against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) by means of the support element (10).

Description

[0001] Transport device for overcoming a step-like obstacle

[0002] The invention relates to a transport device for overcoming a step-like obstacle, wherein the transport device has a support element and a supporting structure of the transport device can be supported on the step-like obstacle via the support element.

[0003] Sack trucks, among other things, are known for transporting objects. One such sack truck is described in DE 1 602 017 U, for example. This sack truck has a support frame formed by stiles. Handles for pushing, pulling and steering the sack truck are attached to an upper end of the stiles. A support element of the sack truck (often called a shovel on sack trucks) is attached to a lower end of the stiles, on which an object to be transported can be placed. In the area of ​​the lower end of the stiles, two of the sack truck's wheels are also pivotally mounted on the support frame. To move the sack truck, the stiles are tilted around the axis of the wheels so that the support frame is fully supported by the wheels. By pushing or pulling on the handles, the support frame, with any object placed on the support element, can then be moved on the wheels.The disadvantage of these types of hand trucks, however, is that steps make it difficult for the wheels to roll. On standard steps, the wheels can barely roll, and pulling the aforementioned hand truck up them requires considerable effort.

[0004] Various designs for sack trucks and similar transport devices are known from the prior art, designed to facilitate the negotiation of steps. Sack trucks are known that feature so-called wheel spiders instead of wheels. Sack trucks are also known that have so-called skids. However, when using a sack truck with wheel spiders or skids, it is still necessary to pull the sack truck at least partially up steps. This still requires considerable effort, especially when transporting objects weighing more than 50 kg.

[0005] DE 88 05 642 U1 proposes a stair-accessible hand transport trolley. The hand transport trolley has a main frame (supporting structure) for carrying an object to be transported. A handle of the hand transport trolley is attached to an upper end of the main frame for pushing or pulling and steering the hand transport trolley. A support frame (shovel) on which the object to be transported can be placed is attached to a lower end of the main frame. Two main wheels of the hand transport trolley are also pivotally mounted on the main frame at the lower end of the main frame. The hand transport trolley can be driven like a sack barrow. In addition, foldable auxiliary wheels are provided on a lower part of the main frame; when folded out, these auxiliary wheels protrude backwards (towards the main wheels).To overcome a step (of a stair), the hand transport trolley is moved up to the step to be overcome until the main wheels rest on the vertical flank of the step. In this position of the hand transport trolley, the folded out auxiliary wheels point towards the step. By tilting the main frame towards the step, the folded out auxiliary wheels are placed on the horizontal flank of the step. The main frame now forms a lever with its pivot point in line with the axis of the folded out auxiliary wheels. Starting from this position of the hand transport trolley, tilting the main frame further towards the step raises the main wheels. To overcome the step, the main wheels are raised until the main wheels (lower rolling surfaces of the main wheels) are raised at least to the level of the horizontal flank of the step.By moving the hand-held trolley horizontally along the horizontal flank of the step over the extended auxiliary wheels, the main wheels can then be shifted to the horizontal flank of the step. The extended auxiliary wheels are thus used as a lever device, raising the main wheels to the level of the horizontal flank of the step by tilting the main frame. Additional pulling is not necessary.

[0006] However, the hand transport trolley has the disadvantage that it cannot be used on short steps. This is because if a short step is followed by the next (higher) step, the geometric conditions that apply at that time mean that the main wheels and the folded-out auxiliary wheels cannot be positioned simultaneously on the horizontal flank of the short step, meaning that the main wheels cannot be moved to the horizontal flank of the short step. If the hand transport trolley were designed so that the folded-out auxiliary wheels were placed on the horizontal flank of the next step in order to raise the main wheels to the level of the horizontal flank of the short step, the main wheels could still be moved to the horizontal flank of the short step, but the hand transport trolley would then have the disadvantage that the main frame would have to be tilted very steeply to overcome the top step of a staircase.This is because the top step of a staircase is not followed by the next step. A very sharp tilt of the main frame to overcome the top step of a staircase would render the hand transport trolley unusable in practice. The object of the invention is to create a transport device for overcoming a step-like obstacle, in which the height difference of the step-like obstacle is overcome by means of a lever effect, whereby the transport device should also be usable on short steps.

[0007] This object is achieved by a transport device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the transport device can be found in subclaims 2 to 30.

[0008] The transport device according to the invention is suitable for a wide range of applications. For example, it can be used for residential moves, safe transport, gas cylinder transport, or the transport of heavy printers in office buildings.

[0009] Further advantageous features of the transport device emerge from the embodiments which are explained below with reference to the enclosed figures.

[0010] They show:

[0011] Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 show a side view of an embodiment of the transport device according to the invention when overcoming a step;

[0012] Fig. 15 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 on a plane with the support element folded away and the handle element in a lower, rear position;

[0013] Fig. 16 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 15 on a staircase with the handle element in a front position;

[0014] Fig. 17 is a side view of a further embodiment of the transport device according to the invention with a relatively low load to be transported, additional load-bearing element and step element;

[0015] Fig. 18 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 17 with a relatively high load to be transported, the additional load-bearing element folded away, and the step element folded away; Fig. 19 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 17 in a rest position with further details and the handle element in a further, forward position;

[0016] Fig. 20 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 19 with the support element folded away, the additional load-bearing element folded away, the step element folded away and the handle element in its lower, rear position;

[0017] Fig. 21 is a side view of a further embodiment of the transport device according to the invention in its rest position with a pulling mechanism for folding away the support element;

[0018] Fig. 22 is a spatial representation of the supporting structure and further components of the transport device according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 21 as well as of the guide element of the transport device according to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21;

[0019] Fig. 23 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 in its lower change position with associated relevant lengths and angles;

[0020] Fig. 24 is a side view of the transport device according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 in its excavation position with associated relevant lengths and angles;

[0021] Fig. 25 shows in a side view the minimum travel path of the connecting element on the guide element for transferring the transport device from its excavation position according to Fig. 6 to its upper change position according to Fig. 8; and

[0022] Fig. 26 shows a side view of two embodiments of hubs, each of which has several wheels attached (wheel stars).

[0023] Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 show, in a side view, the process for overcoming a step-like obstacle 1 with an embodiment of the transport device 2 according to the invention. The step-like obstacle 1 here is a step, but should be understood below as a generic term for various steps and landings. The step-like obstacle 1 can therefore also be a curb, for example. The transport device 2 has a supporting structure 3 for carrying a load 4 to be transported (cf. Fig. 17 and Fig. 18). In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the supporting structure 3 has two longitudinal beams 3a, 3b (cf. Fig. 22), which are connected to one another via two (not visible here) transverse beams 3c, 3d (cf. Fig. 22), whereby only one (first) longitudinal beam 3a is visible in each case, since the other (second) longitudinal beam 3b is concealed by the (first) longitudinal beam 3a.However, the transport device 2 is not limited to a support structure 3 designed in this way. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 can, for example, be formed by only one or more than two longitudinal beams 3a, 3b and / or have no transverse beams 3c, 3d and / or have further components. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, a load-bearing element 5 of the transport device 2 for receiving (and carrying) the load 4 to be transported is attached to a lower end and on one side of the support structure 3.

[0024] Load-carrying element 5 can be designed differently depending on the type of loads to be transported. In the example shown here, the

[0025] Transport device 2 is designed as a flat sheet metal element (see Fig. 22) which is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b. At an upper end of the

[0026] In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, a handle element 6 of the transport device 2 for guiding the transport device 2 is attached to the support structure 3. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the handle element 6 is formed by two angled handles, whereby only one (first) handle is visible at a time, since the other (second) handle is covered by the (first) handle. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the handles are designed as angled rods, each of which is inserted into the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to a handle element 6 designed in this way. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the handle element 6 can, for example, be formed by just one handle.In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the handle element 6 is height-adjustable relative to the support structure 3 and / or adjustable between a rear position on the support structure 3 and a front position on the support structure 3 and can be locked in its different positions on the support structure 3.

[0027] At the lower end of the support structure 3, a climbing element 7 of the transport device 2 is also attached, which can advantageously be arranged on a side of the support structure 3 facing away from the load-bearing element 5. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the climbing element 7 is formed by two rolling elements designed as wheels, which are rotatable about a rotation axis 8 of the transport device 2 and arranged at a distance from one another, and on which the transport device 2 can be moved in a driving position on a surface 9 in front of the step-like obstacle 1. Here, only one (first) wheel is visible at a time, since the other (second) wheel is covered by the (first) wheel. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to a climbing element 7 designed in this way. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the rolling elements can, for example, be hubs to which several wheels are each attached (wheel spiders, see Fig. 26).Fig. 1 shows the transport device 2 in its travel position. In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the transport device 2 has a backstop that can be activated and deactivated and, when activated, allows the transport device 2 to travel in only one direction. The backstop can, for example, be integrated into the climbing element 7, which is designed as rolling elements, such that, when the backstop is activated, the rolling elements can only rotate in one direction to prevent the transport device 2 from accidentally descending the step-like obstacle 1. In other advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the transport device 2 comprises a brake for braking the descent from the step-like obstacle 1 and / or a shock absorber for shock-absorbing the descent from the step-like obstacle 1.

[0028] The transport device 2 also has a support element 10, a connecting element 11, and a guide element 12 connected to the supporting structure 3, wherein the connecting element 11 is guided by the guide element 12 and is pivotally connected to the support element 10. The support element 10 can be pivoted relative to the connecting element 11 about a pivot axis 13 of the transport device 2. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the support element 10, in the side view shown here (guided along the pivot axis 13), has a triangular outer contour and two standing surfaces 10a, 10b (cf. Fig. 22) arranged at a distance from the pivot axis 13, on which the support element 10 can be placed. The support surfaces 10a, 10b are each attached to one of two support parts 10c, 10d of the support element 10 (see Fig. 22) and are connected to the connecting element 11 via the support parts 10c, 10d. Here, only one (first) support surface 10a oronly one (first) support part 10c is visible, since the other (second) standing surface 10b or the other (second) support part 10d is covered by the (first) standing surface 10a or the (first) support part 10c. In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the support parts 10c, 10d are connected to one another via a crossbar 10e. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to a support element 10 designed in this way. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the support element 10 can, for example, have only one or more than two standing surfaces 10a, 10b or can be formed by hubs that are rotatable about the pivot axis 13 and arranged at a distance from one another, to each of which a plurality of wheels are attached (wheel spiders, see Fig. 26). In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the guide element 12 is formed by two parallel and linear rail elements 12a, 12b (cf. Fig. 22) connected to the supporting structure 3.Here, only one (first) rail element 12a is visible at a time, since the other (second) rail element 12b is covered by the (first) rail element 12a. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the pivot axis 13 is arranged perpendicular to and at a distance from the rail elements 12a, 12b and parallel to the rotation axis 8. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the connecting element 11 is guided on the rail elements 12a, 12b via a roller device of the connecting element 11, wherein the roller device is formed by two roller carriages 11a, 11b (cf. Fig. 22), the rollers of which each have a groove for at least partially receiving the respectively assigned rail element 12a, 12b.In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the roller carriages 11a, 11b are designed such that the axes of their rollers each form a triangle, thus ensuring that the connecting element 11 can only be moved along the rail elements 12a, 12b, but not pivoted relative to the rail elements 12a, 12b. Here, only one (first) roller carriage 11a is visible at a time, since the other (second) roller carriage 11b is concealed by the (first) roller carriage 11a. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the rail elements 12a, 12b are advantageously angled to the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b and attached to the support structure 3 on the side of the support structure 3 facing away from the load-bearing element 5. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to a roller device designed in this way or to rail elements 12a, 12b designed in this way.In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the roller device can be formed, for example, by roller cages and / or ball cages. The rail elements 12a, 12b can, for example, not be completely linear in other embodiments of the transport device 2. Furthermore, the guide element 12 in other embodiments of the transport device 2 can, for example, be formed by more than two rail elements 12a, 12b and / or be detachable from the support structure 3. In Fig. 1 to Fig. 14, the rail elements 12a, 12b are shown (in contrast to the illustrations in Fig. 19 to Fig. 21) as (linear) sections of angled rods and the grooved rollers of the roller device do not overlap the rail elements 12a, 12b, wherein in this context the illustrations in Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 can be regarded as simplifications of the illustrations in Fig. 19 to Fig. 21 and serve to improve clarity.

[0029] By tilting the support structure 3 toward the step-like obstacle 1, the support element 10 can be placed on an upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1, and the transport device 2 can thereby be moved from its travel position into a lower change position. In the lower change position of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 is supported (preferably via the step element 7) against the ground 9 and via the support element 10 against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1. Fig. 4 shows the transport device 2 in its lower change position.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the support element 10 is advantageously designed such that, in order to transfer the transport device 2 from its driving position to its lower change position, the support element 10 can be pivoted in the driving position of the transport device 2 about the pivot axis 13 from a folded-out position on the connecting element 11 (cf. Fig. 1) corresponding to the lower change position into a folded-in position on the connecting element 11 (cf. Fig. 2) in the direction of the supporting structure 3. A support element 10 formed by wheel stars rotatable about the pivot axis 13 facilitates the transfer of the transport device 2 from its driving position to its lower change position due to the rotatability of the wheel stars.Since, in the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the support element 10 is mounted so as to swing around the pivot axis 13 in the travel position of the transport device 2, it can swing (due to gravity) from its folded position on the connecting element 11 in Fig. 2 to its unfolded position on the connecting element 11 in Fig. 3. Advantageously, the support element 10 should have step-protecting components 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i (cf. Fig. 19 to Fig. 21) at the points where it comes into contact with the step-like obstacle 1, which components are made of a material that is softer than the material of the step-like obstacle 1. Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 show the transport device 2 during the transition from its travel position to its lower change position.

[0031] In the lower change position of the transport device 2, the connecting element 11 is in a first position on the support element 10. In a lifting position of the transport device 2, the connecting element 11 is in a second position on the support element 10. To transfer the transport device 2 from its lower change position to its lifting position, the connecting element 11 can be pivoted about the pivot axis 13 from its first position on the support element 10 to its second position on the support element 10, while the supporting structure 3 is supported via the support element 10 against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1.

[0032] By means of a further tilting movement of the support structure 3 in the direction of the step-like obstacle 1, starting from the lower change position of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 can be tilted via the support element 10 in such a way that the climbing element 7 is raised and the transport device 2 can thereby be brought from its lower change position into its excavation position (cf. Fig. 4 to Fig. 6), wherein in the excavation position of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 is supported against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 via the support element 10 and the climbing element 7 is raised relative to the ground 9. In Fig. 4 to Fig. 6 it can be seen that the support structure 3 serves as a lever for lifting the climbing element 7 during this tilting movement, wherein in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the handle element 6, which is height-adjustable relative to the support structure 3, can additionally reinforce this leverage.A horizontal rolling plane 7a of the rolling elements, located below the axis of rotation 8, on which the rolling elements would be able to roll in a non-excavated state, should advantageously be raised to or above the level of an upper edge 1b of the step-like obstacle 1 (cf. Fig. 6) in the excavation position of the transport device 2. Fig. 6 shows the transport device 2 in its excavation position. When the transport device 2 is transferred from its lower changeover position to its excavation position, the support element 10 in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here is advantageously positioned stationary on the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1, because the support element 10 rests firmly on the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 due to the weight of the supporting structure 3 and any load 4 resting thereon. Fig. 5 shows the transport device 2 during the transition from its lower changeover position to its excavation position.

[0033] The transport device 2 can be moved from its excavation position into an upper change position, wherein in the upper change position of the transport device 2 the support structure 3 is supported via the riser element 7 and the support element 10 against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1. In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, in order to reach the upper change position of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 must be tilted over the support element 10 until the rolling plane 7a of the rolling elements in the excavation position of the transport device 2 is raised at least to the level of the upper edge 1b of the step-like obstacle 1 (cf. Fig. 5 to Fig. 8). Fig. 8 shows the transport device 2 in its upper change position.Even when transferring the transport device 2 from its excavation position to its upper change position, the support element 10 is advantageously positioned stationary on the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 due to the weight of the support structure 3 and any load 4 resting thereon in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here. Fig. 7 shows the transport device 2 during the transition from its excavation position to its upper change position. In Figs. 6 to 8 it can be seen that in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, a substantially horizontal translational movement of the support structure 3 occurs to transfer the transport device 2 from its excavation position to its upper change position.When transferring the transport device 2 from its excavation position to its upper changeover position, the rail elements 12a, 12b should advantageously be displaceable, at least in sections, over a next upper surface 14a of a next step-like obstacle 14 following the step-like obstacle 1 and located higher than the step-like obstacle 1 (see Fig. 8). This allows the transport device 2 to also be used on stairs, particularly on stairs with short steps (see Fig. 1 to Fig. 14).

[0034] In the excavation position of the transport device 2, the connecting element 11 is in a first position on the guide element 12. In the upper change position of the transport device 2, the connecting element 11 is in a second position on the guide element 12. To transfer the transport device 2 from its excavation position to its upper change position, the connecting element 11 guided by the guide element 12 can be brought from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12, while the supporting structure 3 is supported against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 via the support element 10.

[0035] In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the guide element 12 is designed as a linear guide, wherein the rail elements 12a, 12b run along a plane and wherein when the transport device 2 is transferred from its lower change position to its excavation position, the rail elements 12a, 12b are aligned in a horizontal position.

[0036] The pivoting movement of the connecting element 11 about the pivot axis 13 from its first position on the support element 10 to its second position on the support element 10 should advantageously be decoupled from the movement of the connecting element 11, guided by the guide element 12, from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12. The connecting element 11 can advantageously bear against a first mechanical stop 15 of the transport device 2 (cf. Fig. 20) in its first position on the guide element 12 and / or against a second mechanical stop 16 of the transport device 2 (cf. Fig. 19) in its second position on the guide element 12.In this way, movements of the connecting element 11 guided by the guide element 12 can be limited and thus, for example, when the transport device 2 is transferred from its lower change position to its excavation position, the connecting element 11 can be held (due to gravity) in its first position on the guide element 12. As an alternative to the mechanical stops 15, 16, the transport device 2 can, for example, have helical springs which are tensioned when the connecting element 11 moves beyond its first position on the guide element 12 and / or beyond its second position on the guide element 12, in order to limit movements of the connecting element 11 guided by the guide element 12.

[0037] To transfer the transport device 2 from its upper change position to its travel position on the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1, the support structure 3 is erected again in such a way that the support element 10 is suspended from the upper surface

[0038] I a of the step-like obstacle 1 lifts off and the supporting structure 3 is consequently no longer supported by the support element 10 against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1. Thus, the connecting element 11 can be transferred again from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12.

[0039] In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the transport device 2 has a return element for transferring the connecting element 11 from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12. The return element should advantageously be designed such that, in the travel position of the transport device 2, it forms a force which counteracts the weight forces of the support element 10 and the connecting element

[0040] II and acting on the connecting element 11, with which the connecting element 11 can be brought from its second position on the guide element 12 into its first position on the guide element 12 in the travel position of the transport device 2 and with which the connecting element 11 can be held in its first position on the guide element 12 in the travel position of the transport device 2. The return element can, for example, comprise at least one helical spring and / or at least one gas spring and / or at least one spring balancer 17 (known from the prior art) (cf. Fig. 19 to Fig. 21).

[0041] In its driving position, the transport device 2 can be moved on the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1.

[0042] Since, when transferring the connecting element 11 from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12, it is necessary to work against the restoring force of the restoring element, it may be advantageous, before transferring the connecting element 11 from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12, to tilt the supporting structure 3 even further than in Fig. 6 over the support element 10 in order to incline the rail elements 12a, 12b in the direction of the step-like obstacle 1 and thus to use the weight of the supporting structure 3 and of any load 4 resting thereon when transferring the connecting element 11 from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12.

[0043] If the step-like obstacle 1 is not followed by a next step-like obstacle 14, the connecting element 11 (with the support element 10) can be transferred unhindered from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12 when the supporting structure 3 is erected.

[0044] The illustrations in Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 show a staircase in which the step-like obstacle 1 is followed by the next step-like obstacle 14. Since the support element 10 can be pivoted into its folded position on the connecting element 11 in the travel position of the transport device 2, the connecting element 11 can be transferred from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12 when the support structure 3 is erected, even if the step-like obstacle 1 is followed by the next step-like obstacle 14, whereby the triangular outer contour of the support element 10 is advantageous here (cf. Fig. 9 to Fig. 12).The pivoting movement of the support element 10 about the pivot axis 13 from its unfolded position on the connecting element 11 to its folded position on the connecting element 11 should advantageously be decoupled from the movement of the connecting element 11, guided by the guide element 12, from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12. A support element 10 formed by wheel spiders rotatable about the pivot axis 13 enables, due to the rotatability of the wheel spiders, the transfer of the connecting element 11 from its second position on the guide element 12 to its first position on the guide element 12 when the support structure 3 is erected, when the next step-like obstacle 14 follows the step-like obstacle 1.

[0045] In Fig. 13, the support element 10 is in its unfolded position on the connecting element 11. If, starting from this position of the transport device 2, the support structure 3 is tilted towards the next step-like obstacle 14, the support element 10 rests on the next upper surface 14a of the next step-like obstacle 14 (cf. Fig. 14). The support structure 3 is thus supported via the climbing element 7 against the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 and via the support element 10 against the next upper surface 14a of the next step-like obstacle 14, whereby the transport device 2 assumes its lower changeover position on the step-like obstacle 1. Fig. 14 shows the transport device 2 in its lower changeover position on the step-like obstacle 1. The next step-like obstacle 14 can be overcome according to the aforementioned scheme for overcoming the step-like obstacle 1.

[0046] Fig. 15 shows a side view of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 14 on a level surface. Here, the support element 10 is in a folded-away position between the rolling elements, with the connecting element 11 being in its second position on the guide element 12 and the support element 10 being inclined towards the supporting structure 3. In the side view shown here, an outer contour of the support element 10 lies within an outer contour of the climbing element 7 designed as a rolling element. Advantageously, the transport device 2 can thus travel on the ground 9 without the support element 10 causing any interference. The support element 10 should preferably be fixable in its folded-away position (cf. Fig. 19 and Fig. 20). The handle element 6 is located here in a lower, rear position on the supporting structure 3 to ensure secure hold of the transport device 2 when traveling on level ground.

[0047] Fig. 16 shows a side view of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 15 on a staircase. Due to the folded-away position of the support element 10, it does not collide with the steps when ascending or descending the stairs (without load 4 or with a light load 4 to be transported). The handle element 6 is located in a forward position on the support structure 3 to ensure a secure hold of the transport device 2 when ascending or descending the stairs.

[0048] Fig. 17 shows a side view of another embodiment of the transport device 2 according to the invention with a relatively low load 4 to be transported. If this load 4 were placed on the load-handling element 5 attached to the lower end of the support structure 3, the load center of gravity 4a of this load 4 would be quite low in relation to the pivot axis 13 when the transport device 2 is in the lower change position. This would require a relatively high expenditure of force when tilting the support structure 3 over the support element 10 to transfer the transport device 2 from its lower change position to its excavation position. Therefore, in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, an additional load-handling element 18 of the transport device 2 for receiving (and carrying) the load 4 to be transported is attached to the support structure 3 on the side of the support structure 3 facing the load-handling element 5 and above the load-handling element 5.If the load 4 to be transported here is placed on the additional load-handling element 18, its load center of gravity 4a shifts further upwards relative to the pivot axis 13, thereby reducing the force required to transfer the transport device 2 from its lower change position to its excavation position. To reduce this force, the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here also has a step element 19, which is attached to the support structure 3 on the side facing away from the load-handling element 5 and consequently the side facing the step-like obstacle 1, as well as above the rail elements 12a, 12b. By pressing down the step element 19 with a foot when transferring the transport device 2 from its lower change position to its excavation position, the aforementioned force required (on the handle element 6) can be further reduced.In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, both the additional load-bearing element 18 and the step element 19 are advantageously designed to be foldable, with the additional load-bearing element 18 being mounted here between the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the additional load-bearing element 18 and the step element 19 can, for example, be designed to be hooked into the supporting structure 3 and / or to be height-adjustable relative to the supporting structure 3. Furthermore, in other embodiments, the transport device 2 can have a plurality of additional load-bearing elements and / or a plurality of step elements. The load 4 to be transported can, for example, be pulled onto the additional load-bearing element 18 and secured there using a tensioning belt 3e, wherein the tensioning belt 3e can advantageously be fastened to the supporting structure 3.

[0049] Fig. 18 shows a side view of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 17 with a fairly high load 4 to be transported, the additional load-bearing element 18 folded away and the step element 19 folded away. The load center of gravity 4a of this load 4 to be transported is higher in relation to the pivot axis 13 than the load center of gravity 4a of the load 4 to be transported from Fig. 17, whereby the use of the additional load-bearing element 18 and the step element 19 can be dispensed with here.

[0050] Fig. 19 shows a side view of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 17 with further details. The transport device 2 is in a rest position here, wherein the transport device 2 rests upright in its rest position and is supported by the load-bearing element 5 and the climbing element 7. The handle element 6 is formed here by two handles designed as angled rods, each of which is inserted sectionally into the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b. To lock the handle element 6 in a (here further forward) position on the support structure 3, in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, two locking bolts are advantageously provided on the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b, which can engage in locking openings 6a of the aforementioned rods. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to such a locking of the handle element 6.Here only one (first) locking bolt 21 is visible, since the other (second) locking bolt is covered by the (first) locking bolt 21.

[0051] Also shown is the return element, which here is formed by two spring balancers (known from the prior art), wherein the spring balancers are each assigned to one of the roller carriages 11a, 11b. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the spring balancers are each fastened to one of two connecting beams 20a, 20b of the transport device 2 (see Fig. 22), which in turn are arranged between the lower cross beam 3d and a cross connection 20c (not visible here) of the transport device 2 (see Fig. 22) between the rail elements 12a, 12b. However, the spring balancers do not necessarily have to be fastened to the connecting beams 20a, 20b. In principle, their installation is also possible, for example, at other locations on the supporting structure 3, whereby the tension cables of the spring balancers must then be guided around deflection rollers of the return element to the roller carriages 11a, 11b.In the illustration shown here, the tension cables of the spring-loaded balancers are also connected to the respective associated roller carriages 11a, 11b and previously guided around deflection pulleys. In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the roller carriages 11a, 11b are rigidly connected to one another, whereby the tension cables of the spring-loaded balancers can then advantageously be coupled to this rigid connection between the roller carriages 11a, 11b. Here, only one (first) spring-loaded balancer 17 or only one (first) tension cable 17a or only one (first) deflection pulley 17b is visible, since the other (second) spring-loaded balancer or the other (second) tension cable or the other (second) deflection pulley is concealed by the (first) spring-loaded balancer 17 or by the (first) tension cable 17a or by the (first) deflection pulley 17b. The same applies to the illustrations in Fig. 20 and Fig. 21.

[0052] The connecting element 11 is located here in its first position on the guide element 12 and rests against the first mechanical stop 15. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the first mechanical stop 15 is attached to the rail elements 12a, 12b and the second mechanical stop 16 is attached to the support structure 3, wherein the second mechanical stop 16 also serves as a stop for the additional load-bearing element 18. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to mechanical stops 15, 16 designed in this way. In other embodiments of the transport device 2, for example, both mechanical stops 15, 16 can be attached to the rail elements 12a, 12b. The side view of the support element 10 reveals its triangular outer contour. Furthermore, the aforementioned step-protecting components 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i of the support element 10 are shown here.The lower side of the support element 10, on which the support element 10 can be placed (cf. Fig. 22), advantageously has a rubber sole 10f to improve the stability of the support element 10 and to prevent damage to the step-like obstacle 1 (cf. Fig. 4 to Fig. 8). The right side of the support element 10 also advantageously has a rubber coating to prevent damage to the step-like obstacle 1 (cf. Fig. 11), wherein this rubber coating is designed as a rubber belt 10g tensioned on the support element 10 in the illustration shown here. Instead of this rubber coating, a foam layer, for example, can be used in other embodiments of the transport device 2. At the lower right corner of the support element 10, a lower rubber wheel 10h is advantageously attached to avoid damage to the step-like obstacle 1 (see Fig. 2, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 and Fig. 12).In addition, an upper rubber wheel 10i is advantageously attached to the upper corner of the support element 10 to prevent damage to the step-like obstacle 1 (see Fig. 10 and Fig. 11). The part of the support element 10 visible here, with the step-protecting components 10f, 10g, 10h, 10i, can, for example, be designed in duplicate and thus be considered a possible embodiment of the two support parts 10c, 10d in Fig. 22.

[0053] Fig. 20 shows a side view of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 19, wherein here both the additional load-bearing element 18 and the step element 19 are folded away compared to the illustration in Fig. 19. In addition, the support element 10 is in its folded-away position, wherein in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here it can be fixed in its folded-away position by a locking element 22 of the transport device 2. The tension cables of the spring-loaded balancers are extended here and thus tensioned, so that the aforementioned restoring force acts on the connecting element 11. In the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the support element 10 is manually moved into its folded-away position. The handle element 6 is here in its lower, rear position on the supporting structure 3 (cf. Fig. 15).

[0054] Fig. 21 shows a side view of a further embodiment of the transport device 2 according to the invention, wherein the transport device 2 here has a pulling mechanism (actuable in an upper region of the support structure 3) for transferring the support element 10 into its folded-away position. Such a pulling mechanism enables, for example, changes of direction with the transport device 2 on a staircase. In the exemplary embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here, the pulling mechanism comprises a pulling device 23a, a pulling element 23b, a lower deflection roller 23c and an upper deflection roller 23d, wherein one end of the pulling element 23b is attached to the support element 10 and the pulling element 23b is guided from this attachment first around the upper deflection roller 23d attached to the connecting element 11 and then around the lower deflection roller 23c attached here to the support structure 3 to the pulling device 23a.When the pulling device 23a is actuated, the pulling element 23b is retracted in the direction of the pulling device 23a and the support element 10 is pivoted (folded) towards the supporting structure 3 until a mechanical pivot stop 10j of the support element 10 strikes the connecting element 11. When the pulling element 23b is retracted further in the direction of the pulling device 23a, the connecting element 11 (together with the folded support element 10) is pulled from its first position on the guide element 12 to its second position on the guide element 12. With the connecting element 11 in its second position on the guide element 12, the folded support element 10 is in its folded-away position. The pulling device 23a can, for example, be attached to the upper cross member 3c.Since the tension element 23b could sag in the upper change position of the transport device 2 when used according to the invention, automatic tightening of the tension element 23b can be advantageous. Such automatic tightening of the tension element 23b can be achieved, for example, by an automatic strap tensioner with a retraction function (automatic tensioning belt) (known from the prior art), in which the tension element 23b (strap) is (automatically) wound up by the tension device 23a when the retraction function is engaged, even without actuation of the tension device 23a. The tensile force of the tension device 23a when the retraction function is engaged should be dimensioned such that, in the travel position of the transport device 2, a (gravity-induced) swing of the support element 10 from its folded position on the connecting element 11 to its unfolded position on the connecting element 11 is ensured.Furthermore, in this context, it is advantageous to position the point of application 23e of the tension element 23b on the support element 10 as close as possible to the pivot axis 13 in order to minimize the torque acting from the tension element 23b on the support element 10. For reasons of clarity, the additional load-bearing element 18, the tread element 19, the (first) locking bolt 21, and an upper part of the handle element 6 are not shown here.

[0055] Fig. 22 shows a spatial representation of the support structure 3 and further components of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 1 to Fig. 21 as well as of the guide element 12 of the transport device 2 according to Fig. 19 to Fig. 21. The climbing element 7 formed by two wheels is not shown here for reasons of clarity, whereby two pivot axis stumps 8a, 8b are visible, which in turn are connected to the support structure 3 via pivot axis fastenings 8c, 8d. From this spatial representation it can be seen that in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here the support element 10 can advantageously be displaced between the rolling elements, whereby the support element 10 can be positioned between the rolling elements in its folded-away position as well as in the upper change position of the transport device 2. However, the transport device 2 is not limited to such an embodiment.In other embodiments of the transport device 2, the rolling elements can, for example, be positioned between the support parts 10c, 10d in the upper change position of the transport device 2. This spatial representation also shows that the rail elements 12a, 12b in the embodiment of the transport device 2 shown here are attached to a transverse plate 3f, which in turn is arranged between the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b.

[0056] The dimensions of the components of the transport device 2 should be determined so that the transport device 2 can be used on stairs without undercuts and with a step height s (length of the vertical flanks of the steps) of 21 cm and a step depth t (length of the horizontal flanks of the steps) of 21 cm. With this design, the transport device 2 can be used for most common stair step dimensions.

[0057] Fig. 23 and Fig. 24 show the relevant dimensions of the components of the transport device 2 (lengths and angles). In Fig. 23, the transport device 2 according to Fig. 4 is shown in its lower change position. In Fig. 24, the transport device 2 according to Fig. 6 is shown in its excavation position. The tilt angle α is the angle by which the support structure 3 must be tilted in order to transfer the transport device 2 from its rest position to its lower change position. The tilt angle β is the angle by which the support structure 3 must be tilted over the support element 10 in order to transfer the transport device 2 from its lower change position to its excavation position. The radius r of the rolling elements, designed here as wheels, specifies the attachment height of the rotary axis 8 on the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b.The height h of the support element 10 is the distance of the pivot axis 13 to the standing surfaces 10a, 10b and thus to the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1 when the support element 10 is parked. The height h of the support element 10 should not be too small, since otherwise the tilt angle ß of the support structure 3 would be too large, which would make the transport device 2 unusable on steep stairs. By ensuring a sufficiently large height h of the support element 10 and thus a pivot axis 13 sufficiently spaced from the upper surface 1a of the step-like obstacle 1, the tilt angle ß of the support structure 3 can be significantly reduced (see also Fig. 25). This is a further advantageous feature of the transport device 2 according to the invention compared to the prior art. However, an excessively large height h of the support element 10 has a negative effect on its stability when parked.A height h of the support element 10 and a width b of the support element 10 should be used which ensure a small tilt angle ß of the supporting structure 3 while at the same time ensuring good stability of the support element 10 on the step-like obstacle 1. In Fig. 24, the width b of the support element 10 refers only to the right-hand part of the symmetrically designed support element 10, since the width b of the right-hand part of the support element 10 is more relevant for the inventive use of the transport device 2 than the width of the left-hand part of the support element 10. In practice, a height h of the support element 10 of approximately 16 cm and a width b of the support element 10 of approximately 8 cm have proven to be favorable.An angle y of the rail elements 12a, 12b that is too large relative to the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b would unnecessarily complicate the tilting of the support structure 3 over the support element 10 in the lower change position of the transport device 2 (α being too small). An angle y that is too small would result in an angle β of the support structure 3 that is too large. In practice, an angle y of approximately 35° has proven to be advantageous. In advantageous embodiments of the transport device 2, the angle y is adjustable. The angle α of the handle element 6, formed here by angled handles, relative to the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b should enable ergonomically favorable handling of the transport device 2 on stairs. To ensure that the transport device 2 is held securely in its excavation position, the angle α should not be too large.In order not to unnecessarily complicate the tilting of the support structure 3 over the support element 10 in the lower change position of the transport device 2, the angle (p) should not be too small. In practice, an angle cp of approximately 110° has proven to be favorable. The angle θ of the connecting bars 20a, 20b with respect to the rail elements 12a, 12b should advantageously be less than 90° so that the transport device 2 can also be used on stairs with step undercuts. The distance x is the distance of the pivot axis 13 to the rail elements 12a, 12b and must be greater than the step height s less the height h of the support element 10. The rail elements 12a, 12b, which are designed linearly here, should advantageously be longer than the distance d (cf. Fig. 25). The distance c is the distance of the rotation axis 8 to the longitudinal bars 3a, 3b. The fastening height y of the Rail elements 12a, 12b on the supporting structure 3 (or on the cross plate 3f according to Fig.22) depends on the distance c. A distance c that is too small results in a fastening height y that is too great, whereby the rail elements 12a, 12b could damage a higher step in the upper change position of the transport device 2. A distance c that is too large would unnecessarily complicate the tilting of the longitudinal beams 3a, 3b to transfer the transport device 2 from its rest position to its travel position. In practice, favorable values ​​for the distance c and the fastening height y can be found depending on the radius r of the wheels. If the aforementioned lengths and angles are known, the distance z in the lower change position of the transport device 2 is obtained as shown in Fig. 23.

[0058] Fig. 25 shows a side view of the distance d (minimum travel distance) by which the connecting element 11 on the guide element 12 must at least be displaceable in order to transfer the transport device 2 from its excavation position according to Fig. 6 into its upper change position according to Fig. 8. It can be seen that the distance d is composed of the radius r of the rolling elements, which are designed here as wheels, and a tilting distance k resulting from the tilting movement of the supporting structure 3 via the support element 10. Consequently, the distance d depends on the distance of the axis of rotation 8 from the pivot axis 13 in the lower change position of the transport device 2 and on the tilting angle ß of the supporting structure 3 for transferring the transport device 2 from its lower change position into its excavation position.

[0059] Fig. 26 shows a side view of two versions of the aforementioned hubs, to each of which several wheels are attached (wheel stars) and which can be used both as a climbing element 7 and as a support element 10.

[0060] The transport device 2 can be designed, for example, as a handcart, in particular as a stacker truck, tire truck, barrel truck, parcel truck, bottle truck, plate truck, garbage can transport truck, sack truck, chair truck or equipment truck.

[0061] List of reference symbols step-like obstacle a upper surface b upper edge

[0062] T ransport device Supporting structure a, 3b Longitudinal beams c, 3d Cross beams e Tensioning belt f Cross plate Load a Load centre of gravity Load-bearing element Handle element a Locking openings Climbing element a Rolling level

[0063] Pivot axis a, 8b Pivot axis stumps c, 8d Pivot axis fastenings Subsurface 0 Support element 0a, 10b Standing surfaces 0c, 10d Support parts 0e Crossbar 0f Rubber sole 0g Tensioned rubber belt 0h Lower rubber wheel 0i Upper rubber wheel 0j Mechanical pivot stop1 Connecting element 1a, 11b Roller carriage 2 Guide element 2a, 12b Rail elements 3 Pivot axis 4 Next step-like obstacle

Claims

a next upper surface first mechanical stop second mechanical stop spring balancer a pull rope b deflection pulley additional load-bearing element footplate a, 20b connecting rails c cross connection locking bolt Locking element a Pulling device b Pulling element c Lower deflection pulley d Upper deflection pulley e Point of application Claims: Transport device (2) for overcoming a step-like obstacle (1), wherein the transport device (2) has a support structure (3) for carrying a load (4) to be transported, and wherein a climbing element (7) of the transport device (2) is attached to a lower end of the support structure (3), and wherein the transport device (2) is movable in a driving position on a surface (9) in front of the step-like obstacle (1), and wherein a support element (10) of the transport device (2) is moved onto an upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle by means of a tilting movement of the support structure (3) in the direction of the step-like obstacle (1). (1) can be switched off and the transport device (2) can thereby be moved from its driving position into a lower changeover position and wherein in the lower changeover position of the transport device (2) the supporting structure (3) is supported against the ground (9) and via the support element (10) against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) and wherein, by means of a further tilting movement of the supporting structure (3) in the direction of the step-like obstacle (1) starting from the lower changeover position of the transport device (2), the supporting structure (3) can be tilted over the support element (10) in such a way that the climbing element (7) is raised and the transport device (2) can thereby be moved from its lower changeover position into an excavation position, and wherein in the excavation position of the transport device (2) the supporting structure (3) is supported against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) via the support element (10) and the climbing element (7) is raised above the ground (9) and wherein the transport device (2) can be moved from its excavation position to an upper changeover position and wherein in the upper changeover position of the transport device (2) the supporting structure (3) is supported against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) via the climbing element (7) and via the support element (10) and wherein the transport device (2) can be moved from its upper changeover position to its travel position on the step-like obstacle (1) and wherein the transport device (2) is movable on the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) in its travel position, characterized in thatthat the transport device (2) has a connecting element (11) and a guide element (12) connected to the supporting structure (3), and that the connecting element (11) is guided by the guide element (12) and the support element (10) is pivotally connected to the connecting element (11), and that in the lower change position of the transport device (2) the connecting element (11) is in a first position on the support element (10), and that in the excavation position of the transport device (2) the connecting element, (11) is in a second position on the support element (10) and that, in order to transfer the transport device (2) from its lower change position to its excavation position, the connecting element (11) is pivotable about a pivot axis (13) of the transport device (2) from its first position on the support element (10) to its second position on the support element (10), while the supporting structure (3) is supported via the support element (10) against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1),and that in the excavated position of the transport device (2), the connecting element (11) is in a first position on the guide element (12), and that in the upper changeover position of the transport device (2), the connecting element (11) is in a second position on the guide element (12), and that to move the transport device (2) from its excavated position to its upper changeover position, the connecting element (11) can be moved from its first position on the guide element (12) to its second position on the guide element (12), while the supporting structure (3) is supported against the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1) via the support element (10). Transport device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the climbing element (7) is formed by two roller elements rotatable about a pivot axis (8) of the transport device (2) and spaced apart from each other.on which the transport device (2) is movable in its driving position and / or over which the support structure (3) is supported against the ground (9) in the lower change position of the transport device (2). Transport device (2) according to claim 2, characterized in that the rolling elements are wheels or that the rolling elements are hubs to which several wheels are attached. Transport device (2) according to one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that, in the raised position of the transport device (2), a horizontal rolling plane (7a) of the rolling elements, located below the axis of rotation (8), on which the rolling elements would be movable in a not raised state, is raised to or above the level of an upper edge (1b) of the step-like obstacle (1). Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthat the connecting element (11) in its first position on the guide element (12) rests against a first mechanical stop (15) of the transport device (2) and / or that the connecting element (11) in its, The second position of the guide element (12) rests against a second mechanical stop (16) of the transport device (2). The transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the guide element (12) is detachable from the supporting structure (3). The transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the pivoting movement of the connecting element (11) from its first position on the support element (10) to its second position on the support element (10) is decoupled from the movement of the connecting element (11) from its first position on the guide element (12) to its second position on the guide element (12), which is guided by the guide element (12).Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support element (10) has at least one support surface (10a, 10b) arranged at a distance from the pivot axis (13), on which the support element (10) can be placed, and / or that when the transport device (2) is moved from its lower changeover position to its excavation position and / or when the transport device (2) is moved from its excavation position to its upper changeover position, the support element (10) is positioned stationary on the upper surface (1a) of the step-like obstacle (1). Transport device (2) according to claim 8, characterized in that the support element (10) has a triangular outer contour in a view guided along the pivot axis (13).Transport device (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the support element (10) has step-protecting components (10f, 10g, 10h, 10i) which are made of a material that is softer than the material of the step-like obstacle (1). Transport device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in order to move the transport device (2) from its travel position to its lower changeover position, the support element (10) is unfolded on the connecting element (11) about the pivot axis (13) in a position corresponding to the lower changeover position. Transport device (2) according to claim 11, characterized in that the pivoting movement of the support element (10) from its unfolded position on the connecting element (11) to its folded position on the connecting element (11) is decoupled from a movement of the connecting element (11) from its second position on the guide element (12) to its first position on the guide element (12), guided by the guide element (12). Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the transport position of the transport device (2), the support element (10) is mounted to pivot about the pivot axis (13).Transport device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the support element (10) is formed by hubs rotatable about the pivot axis (13) and spaced apart from one another, each hub having several wheels attached to it. Transport device (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) has a return element for moving the connecting element (11) from its second position on the guide element (12) to its first position on the guide element (12). Transport device (2) according to claim 15, characterized in that the return element comprises at least one coil spring and / or at least one gas spring and / or at least one spring balancer (17). Transport device (2) according to any one of claims 2 to 16, characterized in that in the upper changeover position of the transport device (2), the support element (10) is positioned between the roller elements.Transport device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 17, characterized in that the transport device (2) has a pulling mechanism (23) for moving the support element (10) into a folded-away position between the roller elements and / or that the support element (10) can be fixed in its folded-away position via a locking element (22) of the transport device (2). Transport device (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the pulling mechanism (23) comprises at least one automatic belt tensioner with a retraction function. Transport device (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide element (12) has at least two parallel rail elements (12a, 12b) connected to the support structure (3) and that the connecting element (11) is guided on the rail elements (12a, 12b) via a roller device of the connecting element (11). Transport device (2) according to claim 20, characterized in that the roller device comprises rollers, in particular grooved rollers, and / or roller cages and / or ball cages.Transport device (2) according to one of claims 20 or 21, characterized in that the guide element (12) is designed as a linear guide and the rail elements (12a, 12b) run along a plane and that, when the transport device (2) is moved from its lower changeover position to its excavation position, the rail elements (12a, 12b) are aligned in a horizontal position. Transport device (2) according to one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that, when the transport device (2) is moved from its excavation position to its upper changeover position, the rail elements (12a, 12b) can be displaced, at least section by section, over a next upper surface (14a) of a next step-like obstacle (14) that follows the step-like obstacle (1) and is located higher than the step-like obstacle (1).Transport device (2) according to claim 22 or 23, characterized in that the pivot axis (13) is arranged perpendicular to and spaced apart from the rail elements (12a, 12b) and parallel to the axis of rotation (8). Transport device (2) according to claim 24, characterized in that the support structure (3) has at least one longitudinal beam (3a, 3b) and that a load-bearing element (5) of the transport device (2) is located at the lower end and on one side of the support structure (3) for receiving the load (4) to be transported. a transport device (2) is attached to the support structure (3) and that the climbing element (7) is attached to the lower end and to a side of the support structure (3) facing away from the load-bearing element (5), and that a handle element (6) of the transport device (2) for guiding the transport device (2) is attached to an upper end of the support structure (3), and that the rail elements (12a, 12b) are attached to the support structure (3) at an angle to at least one longitudinal beam (3a, 3b) on the side of the support structure (3) facing away from the load-bearing element (5). The transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims is characterized in that the transport device (2) has a backstop that can be activated and deactivated, and in the activated state the transport device (2) makes it movable in only one direction. Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) comprises a brake for controlled descent from the step-like obstacle (1) and / or shock absorption for shock-absorbed descent from the step-like obstacle (1). Transport device (2) according to one of claims 25 to 27, characterized in that the handle element (6) is height-adjustable relative to the support structure (3) and / or between a rear position on the support structure (3) and is adjustable to a forward position on the support structure (3) and / or that the handle element (6) is formed by at least one angled rod. Transport device (2) according to one of claims 25 to 28, characterized in that at least one step element (19) of the transport device (2) for tilting the support structure (3) is attached on the side of the support structure (3) facing away from the load-bearing element (5) and / or at least one additional load-bearing element (18) of the transport device (2) for receiving the load (4) to be transported is attached to the support structure (3) on the side of the support structure (3) facing towards the load-bearing element (5) and above the load-bearing element (5).Transport device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transport device (2) is designed as a hand truck, in particular as a stacking truck, tire truck, barrel truck, parcel truck, bottle truck, panel truck, garbage can transport truck, sack truck, chair truck or equipment truck.

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