Container transportation method, and container and trailer

Abstract

To provide a container transportation method capable of realizing the container transportation of a small-lot or medium-lot cargo while suppressing the lowering of transportation efficiency.SOLUTION: In a container transportation method, a first container 131 for cargo transportation is loaded on a loading platform 20 of a trailer 2 or loading platforms of trucks 31 and 32, a second container 132 for cargo transportation is loaded on the first container, and the trailer is towed or the truck travels to a transportation destination in a state where the first container and the second container are vertically stacked.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a container transport method, a container, and a trailer. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, there has been a demand for modal shifts, for example, to reduce CO2 emissions and / or alleviate labor shortages. Modal shifts here refer to, for example, replacing part of land transportation by truck with transportation by rail or ship.

[0003] Containers are used for transport by rail or ship. For rail transport, 12-foot containers (maximum load capacity 5 tons) are generally used, while for ship transport, for example, 20-foot containers (maximum load capacity 30 tons) are used.

[0004] Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe conventional connectors. The connector connects a first container and a second container that are stacked one on top of the other to prevent the cargo from shifting due to the rocking of the ship during transport by ship. The connector described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is fully automatic. The fully automatic connector is attached to the bottom of the second container in advance, and when stacking the second container on top of the first container, simply by lowering the second container in line with the position of the first container, the connector automatically engages with an engaging hole on the top surface of the first container, and when the second container is lifted, the connector automatically disengages from the engaging hole of the first container.

[0005] Conventional fully automatic connectors protrude downward from the bottom of the container. When placing the container on the ground, the connector is inserted into a receiving device installed on the ground. A container equipped with a fully automatic connector cannot be placed on flat ground as it is. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-76636 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-174294 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] Container transport efficiency decreases unless the container is filled to capacity. Most land transport carried out by truck is small or medium-sized transport, and is carried out by a single shipper. Note that the term "single shipper" here includes not only those who hire freight transport companies to transport their cargo, but also freight transport companies themselves.

[0008] Even if an attempt is made to switch some of the land transport currently carried out by truck to container transport, it is difficult for a single shipper to fill a 12ft or 20ft container.

[0009] One solution is for multiple shippers to combine their cargo into one container. However, combining cargo requires the cargo to be removed from the container at the destination, sorted for each shipper, repackaged, and then transferred onto trucks. This work reduces transport efficiency. Container transport, which is based on the premise of combining cargo, also presents the problem of not being able to ensure privacy when sorting cargo.

[0010] The technology disclosed herein enables small- or medium-sized container transport while suppressing a decline in transport efficiency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In view of the above-mentioned problems, the inventors of the present application focused on miniaturizing containers used in container transport. By using containers smaller than conventional 12-foot or 20-foot containers, it is relatively easy for a single shipper to fill a single container. This is advantageous for improving transport efficiency, as it reduces the risk of transporting an unfilled container. Furthermore, by avoiding the mixing of cargo into a single container, it is possible to prevent a decline in transport efficiency due to tasks such as sorting cargo, while also ensuring privacy.

[0012] Small containers are suitable for small- or medium-sized deliveries, and may be sized so that one or more can be loaded onto the bed of a relatively small truck, such as a 2-ton, 3-ton, or 4-ton truck. Small containers that fit onto such small trucks can be transported by roll-on / roll-off (RORO) ship, for example, loaded onto a trailer (e.g., a 20-ton flatbed trailer). At the port of arrival of the RORO ship, the small containers can be transferred from the trailer to a small truck, which can then be used to transport each cargo to its destination. The use of small containers eliminates the need to open the container and transfer cargo from the container to a truck, which is required in conventional container transport. In this respect, the use of small containers also has the advantage of increasing transportation efficiency.

[0013] In conventional container transport, for example, two 12-foot containers are loaded side by side in the front-to-back direction of a trailer, and one 20-foot container is loaded on a trailer. To improve transport efficiency in the new container transport using small containers, it is necessary to increase the number of containers loaded on a trailer or truck. However, the area of ​​the loading platform of a trailer or truck is fixed, and it is practically impossible to expand the area of ​​the loading platform.

[0014] One of the techniques disclosed herein relates to a container transportation method, which includes: A first container for transporting cargo is loaded onto the bed of a trailer or a bed of a truck; Loading a second container for transporting cargo on top of the first container; With the first container and the second container stacked one on top of the other, the trailer is towed or the truck travels to the destination.

[0015] A first container and a second container are loaded onto the bed of a trailer or truck. The first container and the second container are loaded on the bed in a state stacked on top of each other. The trailer is towed to the trailer's destination, and the truck travels to the destination of the containers or the cargo contained in the containers.

[0016] The vehicle height of the trailer or truck carrying the first and second containers, i.e., the height from the ground to the top of the second container, is limited to a height that complies with regulations regarding road travel for vehicles. The first and second containers are shorter than conventional 12-foot or 20-foot containers. The first and second containers are smaller than conventional containers.

[0017] Since the first container and the second container are stacked one on top of the other on the trailer bed or the truck bed, the load capacity of the trailer or truck increases. As mentioned above, the container transport using small containers can achieve CO2 reductions by combining transport by ship with transport by trailer or truck, and since the load capacity of the trailer or truck increases, small or medium-sized transport with high transport efficiency can be realized.

[0018] The first container and the second container may be the same size. Making the sizes of the containers loaded onto the loading platform the same increases the efficiency of container transportation.

[0019] When the second container is loaded on top of the first container, an engagement protrusion of the first container may engage with an engagement hole in a lower part of the second container.

[0020] The engagement between the engaging protrusions of the first container and the engaging holes of the second container prevents the first and second containers loaded on the loading platform from shifting. The stacked first and second containers are transported stably by trailer or truck.

[0021] The engaging protrusion and the engaging hole engage with each other when the second container is loaded on top of the first container. The engaging protrusion is provided on the first container, and the second container loaded on top of the first container does not have a protrusion protruding downward from the bottom of the container, as is the case with conventional fully automatic connectors. The second container can be placed not only on top of the first container, but also on flat ground.

[0022] In conventional container transport, containers are transferred between ships and trailers at ports. By installing a container placement device at a specific location in the port, container transfer operations can be carried out without hindrance, even if the container has a protrusion attached to the bottom of the container, such as a conventional fully automatic coupler. In other words, conventional fully automatic couplers limit container transfer to a specific location.

[0023] In contrast, in the container transport method described above, the second container can be placed not only on top of the first container but also on flat ground, so no container placement support is required. This container transport method has the advantage that, for example, container transfer operations between trailers and trucks can be carried out without location restrictions.

[0024] When the first container is loaded onto the loading platform, the first container may be subjected to the action of the loading platform's action part, causing the engagement protrusion of the first container to transition from a stored state in which it does not protrude upward from the top of the first container to a protruding state in which it protrudes upward from the top of the first container.

[0025] In conventional container transport, containers are sometimes stacked one on top of the other using manual connectors, rather than the fully automatic connectors described above. Before loading a second container on top of a first container, the manual connectors are manually attached one by one to each of the multiple engagement holes provided on the top of the first container, and after the attachment is complete, the second container is loaded on top of the first container.

[0026] In contrast, with the container transport method described above, when the first container is loaded onto the loading platform, the first container is subjected to the action of the loading platform's action portion, causing the engaging protrusion to protrude upward from the top of the first container. This eliminates the need to manually attach the connectors one by one. After loading the first container onto the loading platform, the second container can be loaded on top of the first container. The task of stacking containers one above the other can be carried out smoothly. The transport efficiency of the container transport method described above is improved.

[0027] In particular, in the container transport method described above, trucks loaded with containers are used for small- or medium-sized transport, and therefore the containers loaded on the trucks are frequently replaced. Eliminating the need to manually attach connectors one by one significantly reduces the burden on workers in the container transport method described above, and is advantageous for improving transport efficiency.

[0028] The engaging projection of the second container loaded on the first container may be maintained in a stored state in which it does not protrude upward from an upper portion of the second container.

[0029] The engagement protrusions of the second container do not protrude upward from the top of the second container. When the first container and the second container are stacked one on top of the other on a loading platform, the height from the ground to the top of the second container is reduced by the amount that the engagement protrusions do not protrude. As a result, the heights of the first container and the second container can be made as high as possible. Increasing the size of the first container and the second container is advantageous for improving the transport efficiency of container transportation.

[0030] One of the techniques disclosed herein relates to a container used in the container transportation method described above. a main body having a lower portion that contacts the loading platform and an upper portion that contacts the lower portion of the second container, and that is stackable vertically; an engagement protrusion that engages with the engagement hole of the second container stacked on the upper container; It is equipped with a switching mechanism that, when the lower part is in contact with the loading platform, acts on the loading platform's action part to cause the engaging protrusion to protrude upward from the upper part, and when the lower part is separated from the loading platform, causes the engaging protrusion to be in a stored state where it does not protrude from the upper part.

[0031] The containers can be stacked one above the other. The switching mechanism is acted upon by the action part of the loading platform when the lower part of the main body is in contact with the loading platform. The switching mechanism puts the engagement protrusion in a protruding state in which it protrudes upward from the upper part. In the protruding state, the engagement protrusion engages with an engagement hole in the lower part of the container, i.e., the second container stacked on top of the first container. Because the first container and the second container engage with each other, the first container and the second container stacked one above the other on the loading platform are prevented from collapsing.

[0032] Furthermore, when the lower part of the main body is separated from the loading platform, the switching mechanism places the container in a stored state in which the engagement protrusion does not protrude from the upper part. For example, when a container is placed on the ground, the container is not affected by the action part, and the engagement protrusion does not protrude from the upper part of the main body. Also, a second container stacked on top of a first container is not affected by the action part, and the engagement protrusion of the second container does not protrude from the upper part of the main body. As described above, the height from the ground to the top of the second container is lower by the amount by which the engagement protrusion does not protrude, so the heights of the first container and second container can be maximized.

[0033] The switching mechanism is a lever that is located at the lower portion and that rotates when the action portion comes into contact with the loading platform when the lower portion is in contact with the loading platform; a rod that connects the lever and the engaging protrusion to each other and transmits rotation of the lever to rotation of the engaging protrusion to switch the engaging protrusion from the stored state to the extended state; It may also be said to include.

[0034] The mechanical link mechanism, which includes a lever and a rod and operates by the abutment of the action part, increases the reliability of the operation of the switching mechanism.

[0035] The switching mechanism is a switch that is located in the lower portion and that is turned on when the action portion approaches or abuts against the lower portion in a state where the lower portion is in contact with the loading platform; an actuator connected to the engagement protrusion and configured to switch the engagement protrusion from the retracted state to the extended state upon receiving an ON signal from the switch; It may also be said that it includes.

[0036] The switching mechanism having an electrical structure is advantageous in reducing the weight of the container because the structure of the switching mechanism is simple.

[0037] One of the techniques disclosed herein relates to a trailer on which the above-mentioned container is loaded. The loading platform includes an operating portion that protrudes upward from the loading platform and abuts against the first lever when the container is placed on the loading platform, thereby rotating the first lever.

[0038] The action part converts the loading of a container onto the loading platform into a switching of the switching mechanism. This eliminates the need for a separate manual operation to switch the state of the engagement protrusion. Furthermore, the action part can stably switch the state of the engagement protrusion by abutting against the lever of the switching mechanism, which is a mechanical link mechanism.

[0039] Another trailer disclosed herein is: The container has an action part that protrudes upward from the loading platform and comes close to or into contact with the switch when the container is placed on the loading platform, causing the switch to output an ON signal.

[0040] The operating portion converts the loading of a container onto the loading platform into a switching operation of the switching mechanism, eliminating the need for a separate manual operation to switch the state of the engaging protrusion. [Effects of the Invention]

[0041] According to the container transport method described above, by using small containers, it is possible to transport small or medium-sized containers while suppressing a decrease in transport efficiency. Furthermore, the containers used in the container transport method have engaging protrusions that switch between a protruding state and a retracted state, so they can be stably stacked one on top of the other on a loading platform. Furthermore, the trailer used in the container transport method has an operating part, so it is possible to stably stack multiple containers one on top of the other on a loading platform. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0042] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the container transportation method disclosed herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows various containers used in container transportation methods. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a switching mechanism associated with the engaging protrusions of the container. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows the abutment and engagement portions of the trailer. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows the change in state of the engaging protrusion as a container is loaded onto the trailer bed. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows the loading of a second container onto a first container loaded onto the bed of a trailer. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a switching mechanism according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0043] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a container transport method, and a container and a trailer used in the container transport method will be described with reference to the drawings. The container transport method, container, and trailer described here are examples.

[0044] (Overall explanation of container transport methods) Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a container transport method. The container transport method shown in Figure 1 is a transport method that combines marine transport by ship with small- or medium-sized land transport by trucks 31 and 32. By utilizing marine transport by ship, this container transport method is advantageous for reducing CO2 emissions and / or resolving labor shortages.

[0045] Marine transport by ship is carried out using a trailer 2 loaded with containers 11, 12, and 13 and a roll-on / roll-off ship (not shown) carrying the trailer 2. When the trailer 2 boards and disembarks the roll-on / roll-off ship, multiple containers 11, 12, and 13 can be loaded onto and unloaded from the ship all at once. Using a roll-on / roll-off ship has the advantage of eliminating the need to load and unload containers one by one, for example, using a gantry crane at a port. As described below, the containers 11, 12, and 13 used in this container transport method are smaller than 20-foot containers for ship transport or 12-foot containers for rail transport. To improve transport efficiency, it is desirable to load as many containers 11, 12, and 13 onto the ship as possible. Eliminating the need to load and unload each container individually by using a roll-on / roll-off ship significantly improves transport efficiency because the containers can be loaded and unloaded more efficiently onto and from the ship in this container transport method using small containers 11, 12, and 13.

[0046] When the RORO ship arrives at the port, the trailer 2 is unloaded from the RORO ship, and the containers 11, 12, and 13 are transferred from the trailer 2 to the trucks 31 and 32. Because the containers 11, 12, and 13 are small, the transfer of the containers 11, 12, and 13 can be carried out using, for example, a forklift. The use of a forklift increases the flexibility of the location where the transfer work is carried out. In other words, the transfer of the containers 11, 12, and 13 from the trailer 2 to the trucks 31 and 32 can be carried out at the port or at a location away from the port.

[0047] The trucks 31, 32 are 4-ton trucks 31 or 2- to 3-ton trucks 32. These trucks 31, 32 are relatively small trucks that can transport containers 11, 12, 13 to their destinations, or transport individual packages contained in the containers 11, 12, 13 to their destinations (for example, delivery destinations for home delivery). The trucks 31, 32 load one or more small containers 11, 12, 13 onto their loading platforms. Note that when multiple containers 12, 13 are loaded onto the trucks 31, 32, the destinations of these containers 12, 13 are not necessarily all the same.

[0048] Each of the containers 11, 12, and 13 contains one or more packages. The destinations of the multiple packages contained in one container 11, 12, and 13 may be the same or different. For example, multiple packages handled by a home delivery company as a freight transport company and having different delivery destinations may be contained in one container 11, 12, and 13, or multiple containers 11, 12, and 13 loaded on one truck 31 and 32. The drivers of the trucks 31 and 32 deliver the packages in the containers 11, 12, and 13 to their respective delivery destinations.

[0049] Land transport by trucks 31, 32 is small- or medium-lot transport, and is transport by a single shipper. The containers 11, 12, 13 used in this container transport method are smaller than 12-foot or 20-foot containers. A single shipper can fill the small containers 11, 12, 13 without multiple shippers having to consolidate their cargo into the containers 11, 12, 13. The use of small containers 11, 12, 13 enables efficient transport by filling the containers.

[0050] Furthermore, when multiple cargoes are mixed in one container, the cargo must be removed from the container, sorted by shipper, repackaged, and then transferred onto trucks. This container transport method eliminates such work, thereby increasing transport efficiency. Furthermore, by not mixing cargoes, this container transport method is also effective in ensuring privacy.

[0051] (Container configuration) 2 shows containers 11, 12, and 13 used in the container transportation method disclosed herein. All of the containers 11, 12, and 13 are loaded directly onto the beds of trailers 2 or trucks 31 and 32.

[0052] The three types of containers 11, 12, and 13 have the same basic structure. That is, all of the containers 11, 12, and 13 are rectangular parallelepipeds having an upper part, a lower part, and four side walls connecting the upper and lower parts, and a double-door 119, 129, and 139 is attached to one of the four side walls.

[0053] As described above, the containers 11, 12, and 13 are all smaller than a 12-ft container or a 20-ft container. The containers 11, 12, and 13 are different in size from one another.

[0054] Container 11 is the largest of these containers. The length, width, and height of large container 11 are L1, W1, and H1, respectively. Only one large container 11 can be loaded onto the loading platform of a 4-ton truck 31, as shown in FIG. 1.

[0055] The container 12 is a medium container 12 that is smaller than the large container 11. The length, width, and height of the medium container 12 are L2, W2, and H1, respectively. The length L2 of the medium container 12 may be, for example, half the length L1 of the large container 11. The width W2 of the medium container 12 is shorter than the width L1 of the large container 11. As shown in FIG. 1, only one medium container 11 can be loaded onto the loading platform of a 2-3 ton truck 32. A maximum of two medium containers 11 can also be loaded onto the loading platform of a 4 ton truck 31 by lining them up front and back.

[0056] Container 13 is a small container smaller than medium container 12. The length, width, and height of small container 13 are L2, W2, and H2, respectively. The height H2 of small container 13 may be, for example, half the height H1 of large container 11 and medium container 12. As shown in FIG. 1, one small container 13 can be loaded onto the bed of a 2-3 ton truck 32. Two small containers 13 can also be loaded onto the bed of a 2-3 ton truck 32 by stacking them one on top of the other, as described below. A maximum of four small containers 13 can also be loaded onto the bed of a 4 ton truck 31.

[0057] The trailer 2 is, for example, a 20-ton flatbed trailer. The length L2 of the medium container 12 or small container 13 is such that five medium containers 12 or small containers 13 can be lined up in the front-to-back direction on the 20-ton flatbed trailer (see Figure 1). Therefore, a maximum of five medium containers 12 can be loaded in the front-to-back direction on the bed of the trailer 2. A maximum of five small containers 13 can be loaded in the front-to-back direction on the bed of the trailer 2, and as will be described later, the small containers 13 can be stacked one on top of the other on the bed of the trailer 2, so a maximum of ten small containers 13 can be loaded on the bed of the trailer 2. A maximum of two large containers 11 can be loaded in the front-to-back direction on the bed of the trailer 2.

[0058] The width W1 of the large container 11 and the width W2 of the medium container 12 and small container 13 are set to widths that comply with regulations regarding road vehicle operation. The height H1 of the large container 11 and medium container 12 is also set to heights that comply with the regulations. Therefore, the height H2 of the small container 13, when stacked one on top of the other, is a height that complies with the regulations.

[0059] Since the lengths, widths, and heights of the large container 11, medium container 12, and small container 13 are determined as described above, they can be loaded in various combinations without leaving any wasted space on the bed of the trailer 2. Furthermore, the medium container 12 and small container 13 can be loaded in various combinations without leaving any wasted space on the bed of the truck 31. Being able to load three types of containers 11, 12, and 13 in combination is advantageous in terms of increasing the transport efficiency of this container transport method.

[0060] In particular, small containers 13 are stacked one on top of the other on the bed of the trailer 2 or the bed of the trucks 31, 32, thereby increasing the load capacity of the trailer 2 or the trucks 31, 32. By increasing the load capacity, this container transport method can achieve small- or medium-sized transport with high transport efficiency.

[0061] The specific sizes of the three types of containers 11, 12, and 13 may be as follows: The large container 11 may have a length L1 of 5.0 m, a width W1 of 2.45 m, and a height H1 of 2.42 m, with a maximum load capacity of 2.5 t. The medium container 12 may have a length L2 of 2.5 m, a width W2 of 1.65 m, and a height H1 of 2.42 m, with a maximum load capacity of 2.2 t. The small container 13 may have a length L2 of 2.5 m, a width W2 of 1.65 m, and a height H2 of 1.21 m, with a maximum load capacity of 1.2 t.

[0062] Like conventional 12-ft or 20-ft containers, downward-opening engagement holes (see reference numeral 136 in FIG. 3) are provided at the four corners of the bottom of the containers 11, 12, and 13. Also, as shown in FIG. 4 or 5, the loading platform 20 of the trailer 2 has an engagement portion 22. The engagement portion 22 protrudes upward from the top surface of the loading platform 20. The engagement portion 22 tapers toward the upper end.

[0063] When a large container 11, a medium container 12, or a small container 13 is loaded on the loading platform 20, the engagement portions 22 engage with the respective engagement holes 136 (see the right diagram in Figure 5). The engagement portions 22 are provided at specific positions on the loading platform 20. These specific positions correspond to the four corners of the loading position of the large container 11, the medium container 12, or the small container 13. Therefore, as shown in Figure 4, the engagement portions 22 are lined up in the fore-and-aft direction of the loading platform 20 and also in the width direction of the vehicle. The engagement of the engagement portions 22 of the loading platform 20 with the engagement holes 136 of the containers 11, 12, and 13 prevents the containers 11, 12, and 13 from shifting.

[0064] The engaging portions 22 may be provided rotatably with respect to the loading platform 20. The rotatable engaging portions 22 are switched, for example manually, between a state in which they protrude from above the loading platform 20 and a retracted state in which they do not protrude from above the loading platform 20. By making the necessary engaging portions 22 protrude from above the loading platform 20 depending on the containers 11, 12, 13 to be loaded on the loading platform 20, the engaging portions 22 can prevent the containers 11, 12, 13 from shifting while preventing unnecessary contact between the containers 11, 12, 13 and the engaging portions 22.

[0065] Although detailed illustration is omitted, similar engaging portions are also provided on the beds of the trucks 31 and 32. When the large container 11, the medium container 12, and the small container 13 are loaded onto the beds of the trucks 31 and 32, the engaging portions engage with the engaging holes 136. The engaging portions can prevent the containers 11, 12, and 13 loaded on the beds of the trucks 31 and 32 from shifting.

[0066] (Stacking structure of small containers) As mentioned above, small containers 13 can be stacked one on top of the other on the bed of the trailer 2 or truck 31, 32. When a small container (i.e., a first container 131, see Figure 6) is stacked on top of another small container (i.e., a second container 132, see Figure 6), a structure is required to prevent the load from shifting. The small containers 13 have an engaging structure 4 that allows the small containers 13 to engage with each other.

[0067] Figure 3 shows the engagement structure 4 of the small container 13. The left side of Figure 3 is a portion of a front view of the small container 13, and the right side is a portion of a side view of the small container 13. The engagement structure 4 is a mechanism that allows the small containers 13 to engage with each other. The engagement structure 4 is located at each of the four corners of the main body 130 of the small container 13. The main body 130 is a box-like portion having an upper part 133, a lower part 134, and four side walls 135. Figure 3 also shows one of the four engagement structures 4 that the small container 13 has.

[0068] As described above, the main body 130 of the small container 13 has an upper part 133 and a lower part 134. The lower part 134 is the part that comes into contact with the bed 20 of the trailer 2 or the bed of the truck 31, 32, and the upper part 133 is the part that comes into contact with the lower part 134 of the second container 132.

[0069] The engagement structure 4 has an engagement protrusion 40. The engagement protrusion 40 is located on the upper part 133 of the main body 130. The engagement protrusion 40 is supported by a shaft 41 extending horizontally and rotates around the shaft 41. The engagement protrusion 40 switches between a stored state in which it does not protrude upward from the upper part 133 by lying down as shown by the solid line in FIG. 3, and a protruding state in which it protrudes upward from the upper part 133 by standing up as shown by the dashed line in the left diagram of FIG. 3 (see the arrow in the left diagram of FIG. 3). In the protruding state, the engagement protrusion 40 tapers toward the upper end. The engagement protrusion 40 has a shape similar to that of the engagement portion 22.

[0070] The protruding engagement protrusions 40 are inserted into engagement holes 136 provided in the lower part 134 of the second container 132. As described above, the engagement holes 136 open downward at each of the four corners of the lower part 134. The first container 131 and the second container 132, which are stacked one on top of the other, engage with each other through engagement between the engagement protrusions 40 and the engagement holes 136. The first container 131 and the second container 132 are restricted from relative displacement in the horizontal direction. The engagement between the engagement protrusions 40 and the engagement holes 136 at each of the four corners of the main body 130 prevents cargo from shifting when the trailer 2 or the trucks 31, 32 are traveling. The engagement holes 136 of the small container 13 may engage with the engagement portions 22 of the bed 20 of the trailer 2 or the beds of the trucks 31, 32, or may engage with the engagement protrusions 40 of the small container 13.

[0071] The engagement structure 4 has a link mechanism 5. The link mechanism 5 switches the engagement protrusion 40 between a protruding state and a retracted state. The link mechanism 5 is an example of a switching mechanism.

[0072] The link mechanism 5 has a first lever 51, a second lever 52, and a rod 53. The first lever 51 is located in the lower part 134 of the main body 130. The first lever 51 has its center supported by a shaft 54 ​​extending horizontally, and rotates around the shaft 54. A first end of the first lever 51, i.e., the left end in the left view of FIG. 3, comes into contact with an abutment 21 (see FIG. 4 or 5) provided on the loading platform when a small container 13 is loaded on the loading platform. The first lever 51 is biased by a biasing member (not shown) so that the first end is positioned downward.

[0073] Here, the abutment portion 21 will be described. Figure 4 shows a portion of the rear end of the loading platform 20 of the trailer 2. The loading platform 20 has the abutment portion 21. The abutment portion 21 is an example of an acting portion. The acting portion acts on the switching mechanism (i.e., the link mechanism 5) of the small container 13 so as to switch the state of the engaging protrusion 40.

[0074] The abutment portion 21 is located at a specific location on the loading platform 20. The specific locations are locations where the engagement portions 22 are provided, and correspond to the positions of the four corners of the small container 13 loaded on the loading platform 20. The abutment portion 21 is a rod-shaped member that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the loading platform 20. As shown in FIG. 5 , the abutment portion 21 has an inclined surface 23 at its upper end. The inclined surface 23 abuts against the first end of the first lever 51 from below. When the small container 13 is moved from top to bottom by, for example, a forklift, and placed on the loading platform, the first end of the first lever 51 abuts against the abutment portion 21, causing the first lever 51 to rotate clockwise in FIG. 5 .

[0075] The second lever 52 is connected to the engaging projection 40. The second lever 52 is integrated with the engaging projection 40, and the engaging projection 40 and the second lever 52 rotate around the shaft 41.

[0076] The rod 53 connects the first lever 51 and the second lever 52 to each other. More specifically, the rod 53 extends in the vertical direction at the four corners of the main body 130, and connects the second end of the first lever 51 (i.e., the right end in the left drawing of FIG. 3) to the end of the second lever 52 to each other.

[0077] As shown by the black arrow in the left diagram of FIG. 5, when the small container 13 moves from top to bottom and the lower part 134 of the main body 130 comes into contact with the top of the loading platform 20, the first lever 51 abutting against the abutment part 21 rotates clockwise. The rotation of the first lever 51 moves the rod 53 downward, causing the second lever 52 to rotate clockwise. The clockwise rotation of the second lever 52 automatically switches the engagement protrusion 40 from the stored state to the extended state (see the right diagram of FIG. 5). The inclined surface 23 of the abutment part 21 increases the contact area with the rotated first lever 51, allowing the abutment part 21 to stably support the first lever 51. As a result, the engagement protrusion 40 stably maintains the extended state, thereby increasing the rigidity with which the engagement protrusion 40 supports the second container 132.

[0078] Conversely to the above, when the small container 13 loaded on the loading platform 20 moves upward and the lower part 134 of the main body 130 moves away from the loading platform 20, the abutment part 21 moves away from the first lever 51, causing the first lever 51 to rotate counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the biasing member. The rotation of the first lever 51 moves the rod 53 upward and rotates the second lever 52 counterclockwise. The rotation of the second lever 52 counterclockwise automatically switches the engagement protrusion 40 from the protruding state to the stored state (see the left diagram in Figure 5).

[0079] 6, the engaging protrusions 40 of the first container 131 loaded on the loading platform 20 are in a protruding state, and therefore, when the second container 132 is stacked on top of the first container 131, the engaging protrusions 40 of the first container 131 engage with the engaging holes 136 of the second container 132, as indicated by the black arrow in the left drawing of FIG. 6. The engagement between the engaging protrusions 40 of the first container 131 and the engaging holes 136 of the second container 132 prevents the first containers 131 and the second containers 132 stacked on the loading platform 20 from collapsing.

[0080] Here, in the past, when multiple containers were stacked one on top of the other during container transport by ship, for example, if a connector was used that was not the fully automatic type described above, it was necessary to place the first container and then manually attach each connector to the engaging holes at the four corners of the top of the first container.

[0081] In contrast, with the container transport method and stacking structure for small containers 13 described above, when the first container 131 is loaded onto the loading platform 20, the engagement between the abutment portion 21 of the loading platform 20 and the first container 131 causes the engagement protrusion 40 to automatically protrude upward from the top of the first container 131. This eliminates the need to manually attach the connectors one by one. Furthermore, since the abutment portion 21 converts the loading of the first container 131 onto the loading platform 20 into an input to the link mechanism 5, there is no need to manually switch the engagement protrusion 40 to the protruding state. According to this container transport method, after the first container 131 is loaded onto the loading platform 20, the second container 132 can be successively loaded onto the first container 131. The task of stacking containers one above the other can be smoothly performed, improving the transport efficiency of the container transport method.

[0082] Furthermore, when the first container 131 is loaded onto the loading platform 20, the engagement protrusion 40 has already switched from the retracted state to the protruding state. Alternatively, it is also possible for the engagement protrusion 40 to switch from the retracted state to the protruding state after the second container 132 is stacked on top of the first container 131. However, if the engagement protrusion 40 is to rotate when the second container 132 and the first container 131 are stacked on top of each other, the diameter of the engagement hole 136 must be increased so that the engagement protrusion 40 and the engagement hole 136 do not interfere with each other during the rotation. Increasing the diameter of the engagement hole 136 increases the gap between the engagement protrusion 40 and the engagement hole 136, which may result in rattle between the first container 131 and the second container 132.

[0083] The link mechanism 5, which rotates the engaging protrusion 40 by the abutment between the first lever 51 and the abutment portion 21, switches the engaging protrusion 40 to the protruding state before the second container 132 is stacked on the first container 131, thereby making it possible to reduce the gap between the engaging protrusion 40 and the engaging hole 136. The first container 131 and the second container 132 are stably loaded on the bed 20 of the trailer 2 or the beds of the trucks 31 and 32.

[0084] As shown in Figure 3 or Figure 5, the engaging protrusion 40 switches between a stored state and a protruding state by rotating around the shaft 41. In the stored state, the engaging protrusion 40 leans sideways, so the storage space for the engaging protrusion 40 in the stored state is small in the vertical direction. Reducing the height of the storage space is advantageous for increasing the maximum load capacity of the small container 13.

[0085] For example, instead of rotating the engaging protrusion, it is possible to switch between the stored state and the extended state by sliding it vertically. However, this sliding structure increases the vertical storage space for the engaging protrusion in the stored state, which may reduce the maximum load capacity of the small container 13.

[0086] It is also possible to configure the engaging protrusion as a telescopic type so that it can expand and contract in the vertical direction. With a telescopic engaging protrusion, the accommodation space for the engaging protrusion in the retracted state becomes smaller in the vertical direction. However, with a telescopic engaging protrusion, the diameter of the protrusion becomes smaller toward the tip in the extended state, making it difficult to meet the required strength.

[0087] The pivoting engagement protrusion 40 is advantageous in that it can easily ensure high strength while reducing the storage space in the stored state. The protrusion length Hp of the engagement protrusion 40 in the protruding state may be Hp = 1D to 3D, where D is the diameter of the base end of the engagement protrusion 40. This ensures a sufficiently long protrusion length Hp, so that the second container 132 can be stably stacked on top of the first container 131.

[0088] Furthermore, the mechanical link mechanism 5 including the first lever 51, second lever 52, and rod 53 has a relatively simple structure, which can improve the reliability of the rotational movement of the engaging protrusion 40. The abutment portion 21 of the loading platform 20 abuts against the first lever 51 of the link mechanism 5 simply by the action of loading the small container 13 onto the loading platform 20, so the state of the engaging protrusion 40 can be switched stably.

[0089] The engaging protrusion 40 is in a protruding state when the small container 13 is loaded on the loading platform 20 having the abutment portion 21, and is in a retracted state otherwise. The second container 132 loaded on the first container 131 also has an engaging protrusion 40 and a link mechanism 5, just like the first container 131. However, the first lever 51 of the second container 132 does not abut against the abutment portion 21 and therefore does not rotate. As shown in the right diagram of Figure 6, the engaging protrusion 40 of the second container 132 remains in a retracted state. Because the engaging protrusion 40 of the second container 132 does not protrude, the height H from the ground to the top end of the second container 132 is reduced by the amount by which the engaging protrusion 40 does not protrude. As a result, the small container 13 can be made as tall as possible. Increasing the size of the small container 13 increases the maximum load capacity of the small container 13, thereby improving the transport efficiency of this container transport method.

[0090] Conventional fully automatic couplers are attached to the bottom of a container and protrude downward. Therefore, a container equipped with a fully automatic coupler cannot be placed on flat ground as is. In contrast, the engagement projection 40 protrudes upward from the top 133 of the small container 13. The small container 13 does not have a protrusion protruding downward from the bottom 134. The small container 13 can be placed on flat ground as is. This is advantageous for improving the efficiency of the transfer of containers 11, 12, and 13 from, for example, the trailer 2 to trucks 31 and 32. Furthermore, since the container installation receiving devices required with conventional automatic couplers are no longer necessary, restrictions on the location of the transfer of containers 11, 12, and 13 can be eliminated.

[0091] Like the engaging portion 22, the contact portion 21 of the loading platform 20 may be manually switched between a state in which it protrudes from above the loading platform 20 and a retracted state in which it does not protrude from above the loading platform 20. The retractable contact portion 21 can prevent unnecessary contact with the large container 11 or the medium container 12. Furthermore, for example, when there is no need to stack small containers 13 one above the other, the contact portion 21 may be retracted so that the engaging projection 40 does not protrude.

[0092] (Variation) 7 shows a modified example of the switching mechanism 6. The switching mechanism 6 is not a mechanical link mechanism 5. The modified switching mechanism 6 switches the engagement protrusion 40 between the retracted state and the extended state based on an electrical signal.

[0093] The switching mechanism 6 has an actuator 61. The actuator 61 has a rod 62 that extends and retracts in the vertical direction. The actuator 61 is, for example, an electric linear actuator. The tip of the rod 62 is connected to the engagement protrusion 40. When the rod 62 extends, the engagement protrusion 40 lies flat, as shown in the left diagram of FIG. 7. In other words, the engagement protrusion 40 is in a stored state. When the rod 62 retracts, the engagement protrusion 40 stands up, as shown in the right diagram of FIG. 7. In other words, the engagement protrusion 40 is in a protruding state.

[0094] The switching mechanism 6 has a switch 63. The switch 63 is located at the bottom 134 of the small container 13. The switch 63 may be, for example, a proximity sensor. When the small container 13 is loaded on the platform 20, the switch 63 approaches the engagement portion 22 (see the right diagram in Figure 7). When the switch 63 approaches the engagement portion 22, it outputs an ON signal to the actuator 61. In response to the ON signal from the switch 63, the actuator 61 retracts the rod 53. The extension and contraction of the actuator 61 may occur a certain period after receiving the ON signal. The engagement protrusion 40 automatically switches from the stored state to the protruding state. The engagement portion 22 has the function of engaging with the engagement hole 136 of the small container 13 and the function as a target for the switch 63. The switch 63 may also be a limit switch that outputs an ON signal to the actuator 61 when it comes into contact with the engagement portion 22.

[0095] Conversely, when the small container 13 loaded on the loading platform 20 moves from bottom to top and the switch 63 separates from the engaging portion 22, the switch 63 stops outputting the ON signal. The actuator 61 extends the rod 53. The engaging protrusion 40 automatically switches from the protruding state to the retracted state (see the left diagram in Figure 7).

[0096] The switch 63 of the second container 132 stacked on the first container 131 outputs an ON signal to the actuator 61 when the second container 132 approaches the engaging protrusion 40 of the first container 131. Therefore, a target for the switch 63 different from the engaging portion 22 may be provided separately on the loading platform 20. Since the first container 131 does not have a target for the switch 63, the switch 63 of the second container 132 will not output an ON signal to the actuator 61 when the second container 132 is stacked on the first container 131.

[0097] A battery (not shown) that supplies power to the switching mechanism 6 may be mounted on the small container 13.

[0098] Instead of the small container 13 having a battery, the switching mechanism 6 may have an electrical contact for receiving power from a battery provided in the trailer 2. The electrical contact is electrically connected to a power supply terminal of the loading platform 20 when the small container 13 is loaded on the loading platform 20.

[0099] The actuator 61 of the first container 131 loaded on the loading platform 20 can protrude the engagement protrusion 40 because the electrical contacts are connected to the power supply terminal of the loading platform 20 and are supplied with power from the trailer 2. The electrical contacts of the second container 132 stacked on top of the first container 131 are not connected to the power supply terminal of the loading platform 20, so the actuator 61 of the second container 132 cannot protrude the engagement protrusion 40.

[0100] The switching mechanism 6 may have the electrical contact instead of the switch 63. When the small container 13 is loaded onto the loading platform 20, the electrical contact is connected to the power supply terminal of the loading platform 20, and the actuator 61 receives power from the battery of the trailer 2 through the electrical contact. The actuator 61 switches the engaging protrusion 40 from the stored state to the extended state.

[0101] When the small container 13 loaded on the loading platform 20 moves from bottom to top and the electrical connection is separated from the power supply terminal, power supply to the actuator 61 is stopped, and the actuator 61 switches the engaging protrusion 40 from the protruding state to the stored state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0102] 11 Large Container 12 Medium Container 13 Small Container 130 Main Unit 131 First Container 132 Second Container 133 Upper 134 Lower 136 Engagement hole 2 Trailer 20 Cargo bed 21 Contact part (action part) 22 Engagement portion (action portion) 31 Tracks 32 tracks 40 Engagement protrusion 5 Link mechanism 51 First Lever 52 Second Lever 53 Rod 6 Switching mechanism 61 Actuator 62 Rod 63 Switch

Claims

1. A first container for transporting cargo is loaded onto the bed of a trailer or a bed of a truck; Loading a second container for transporting cargo on top of the first container; A container transportation method in which the trailer tows or the truck travels to a destination with the first container and the second container stacked one on top of the other.

2. The container transport method according to claim 1, A container transportation method, wherein when the second container is loaded on top of the first container, an engagement protrusion of the first container engages with an engagement hole in a lower part of the second container.

3. The container transport method according to claim 2, a container transport method in which, when the first container is loaded onto the loading platform, the first container is subjected to the action of the loading platform's action portion, thereby causing the engagement protrusion of the first container to transition from a stored state in which it does not protrude upward from the top of the first container to a protruding state in which it protrudes upward from the top of the first container.

4. The container transport method according to claim 3, A method for transporting containers, wherein the engaging projections of the second container loaded on top of the first container are maintained in a stored state in which they do not protrude upward from an upper portion of the second container.

5. A container used in the container transportation method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, a main body having a lower portion that contacts the loading platform and an upper portion that contacts the lower portion of the second container, and that is stackable vertically; an engagement protrusion that engages with the engagement hole of the second container stacked on the upper container; a switching mechanism that, when the lower portion is in contact with the loading platform, receives the action of an action part of the loading platform to place the engaging protrusion in a protruding state in which it protrudes upward from the upper portion, and, when the lower portion is separated from the loading platform, places the engaging protrusion in a stored state in which it does not protrude from the upper portion; A container equipped with

6. 6. The container of claim 5, The switching mechanism is a lever that is positioned at the lower portion and that rotates when the action portion comes into contact with the lower portion in a state where the lower portion is in contact with the loading platform; a rod that connects the lever and the engaging protrusion to each other and transmits rotation of the lever to rotation of the engaging protrusion to switch the engaging protrusion from the stored state to the extended state; Contains, container.

7. 6. The container of claim 5, The switching mechanism is a switch that is located in the lower part and is turned on when the action part approaches or abuts on the lower part in a state where the lower part is in contact with the loading platform; an actuator connected to the engagement protrusion and configured to switch the engagement protrusion from the retracted state to the extended state upon receiving an ON signal from the switch; Contains a container.

8. A trailer on which the container according to claim 6 is loaded, a trailer comprising an operating portion that protrudes upward from a loading platform and abuts against the first lever when the container is placed on the loading platform, thereby rotating the first lever;

9. A trailer on which the container according to claim 7 is loaded, A trailer comprising an operating part that protrudes upward from the loading platform and comes close to or into contact with the switch when the container is placed on the loading platform, causing the switch to output an ON signal.

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