Transport apparatus, transport method, and cable pullout method

Abstract

To make it possible to transport plural types of cable drums whose radial-direction sizes are different from one another.SOLUTION: A transport apparatus 1 transports a cable drum having a columnar trunk about which a cable is wound and a pair of flanges that are disposed at both ends in an axial direction of the trunk and have a peripheral shape of a larger circle than the trunk. The transport apparatus includes: a pair of support parts 10 that use rollers 12 to support the pair of flanges of a cable drum disposed so that the axial direction of the trunk is aligned in a second direction 302, the rollers being disposed in a first direction 301 with a space between them, extending in the second direction 302 orthogonal to the first direction 301, and being capable of rotating with the second direction 302 as a rotation axis 13; a space adjustment part 40 that adjusts the space by connecting the pair of support parts 10 and relatively moving one of the support parts with respect to the other one in the first direction; and wheels 20 for use in moving the transport apparatus 1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cable drum transporting device, a cable drum transporting method, and a cable pulling method for pulling out a cable from a cable drum. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric cables used in electrical work are transported wound around cable drums. A transport device has been proposed that can improve the workability of transporting these cable drums and pulling out the cables from the cable drums (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The transporting device described in Patent Document 1 has a pair of fork arms that extend at a distance from each other so that the cable drum can be supported from below, and transports the cable drum by moving the fork arms to directly below the cable drum and then lifting the fork arms to lift the cable drum. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-189849 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the conveying device described in Patent Document 1, if the radial size of the cable drum is too small compared to the distance between the pair of fork arms, the cable drum cannot be supported by the fork arms and the cable drum cannot be conveyed.

[0006] Furthermore, in the conveying device described in Patent Document 1, if the radial size of the cable drum is too large compared to the distance between the pair of fork arms, the fork arms cannot be moved directly below the cable drum, and therefore the cable drum cannot be conveyed.

[0007] Therefore, in order to transport multiple cable drums with different radial sizes, it is necessary to prepare multiple types of transport devices with different spacing between the pairs of fork arms and use them depending on the radial size of the cable drum, which poses a problem of poor workability.

[0008] The present invention has been made in consideration of such problems, and aims to provide a transporting device, a transporting method, and a cable pulling method that are capable of transporting multiple types of cable drums with different radial sizes. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the conveying device of the present invention is a conveying device for conveying a cable drum having a cylindrical body around which a cable is wound and a pair of flanges provided at both axial ends of the body and having a circular outer circumferential shape larger than the body, and is characterized by comprising: a pair of support parts that are arranged at intervals in a first direction, extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and are rotatable with the second direction as their rotation axis, and support the pair of flanges of the cable drum that are arranged so that the axial direction of the body is along the second direction; a distance adjustment part that connects the pair of support parts and adjusts the distance by moving one of the pair of support parts relative to the other along the first direction; and wheels for moving the conveying device.

[0010] The transport device may further include a wheel locking mechanism that can switch between an immovable state in which the rotation of the wheels is inhibited, making the transport device immovable, and a movable state in which the rotation of the wheels is not inhibited, making the transport device movable.

[0011] The transporting method of the present invention is a method for transporting a cable drum using the transporting device, and is characterized by comprising: an arrangement step of arranging the cable drum between the pair of support parts so that the pair of flanges 203 are in contact with the ground and the axial direction of the body part is along the direction of the rotational axis of the roller; a loading step of loading the cable drum onto the transporting device by narrowing the gap using the gap adjustment part, thereby supporting the pair of flanges with the pair of support parts; a moving step of moving the transporting device with the cable drum loaded thereon to a predetermined position, and an unloading step of unloading the cable drum from the transporting device by widening the gap using the gap adjustment part, thereby making the pair of flanges 203 in contact with the ground.

[0012] The cable pulling method of the present invention is a cable pulling method for pulling out a cable from a cable drum using the transport device, and is characterized by comprising: an arrangement step of arranging the cable drum between the pair of support parts with the pair of flanges 203 in contact with the ground and the axial direction of the body part along the rotational axis direction of the rollers; a loading step of loading the cable drum onto the transport device by narrowing the gap using the gap adjustment part, thereby supporting the pair of flanges with the pair of support parts; a moving step of moving the transport device with the cable drum loaded thereon to a predetermined position after the loading step; and a cable pulling step of pulling out the cable while immobilizing the transport device with the wheel lock mechanism, thereby rotating the cable drum as the rollers rotate, and pulling out the cable. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The present invention has the advantage of being able to transport a plurality of types of cable drums with different radial sizes. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a conveying device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating an example of the configuration of a cable drum that is the transport target of the transport device shown in FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view showing a gap adjusting unit in a state in which the gap between the rollers of the conveying device shown in FIG. 1 is narrowed. [Figure 4] 4 is a perspective view showing a gap adjusting unit in a state in which the gap between the rollers of the conveying device shown in FIG. 1 is widened. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion VI in FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a portion VIII in FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a main part of the gap adjusting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gap adjusting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view showing a cross section of a main part of the gap adjusting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gap adjusting portion shown in FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transportation method according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing the transport device and the like after the placement step of the transport method shown in FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a perspective view showing the transporting device and the like after the loading step of the transporting method shown in FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the transporting device in a state where the lever of the interval adjusting section has started to rotate in the loading step of the transporting method shown in FIG. [Figure 17]17 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the transporting device in a state where the engaging portion at the other end of the first member shown in FIG. 16 is engaged with the locking recessed portion. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the carrying device in a state in which the first member shown in FIG. 17 presses one end of the column portion toward the back of one end of the cylindrical portion. [Figure 19] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the transport device in a state where the other end of the lever shown in FIG. 17 is moved away from the cylindrical part and the column part to release the engagement of the lock recess of the engagement part at the other end of the first member. [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the transporting device in a state where the direction switching lever is rotated in the loading / unloading step of the transporting method shown in FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the transporting device in a state where the lever of the distance adjusting part shown in FIG. 20 has started to rotate and the engaging part of the first member has engaged with the locking recessed part. [Figure 22] 22 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the transporting device in a state where the engagement of the lock recess of the engagement portion of the second member of the distance adjusting portion shown in FIG. 21 is released. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the conveying device with the lever shown in FIG. 22 rotated further. [Figure 24] 24 is a cross-sectional view of the main part of the transport device shown in FIG. 23, in a state where the engaging portion of the second member slides on the upper surface of the column portion. [Figure 25] 25 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the transport device shown in FIG. 24 in a state where the engagement of the second member is engaged with the lock recess. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the cable drawing method according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] Modes (embodiments) for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the contents described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the components described below include those that can be easily imagined by a person skilled in the art and those that are substantially the same. Furthermore, the configurations described below can be combined as appropriate. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, or modifications of the configuration can be made within the scope of the gist of the present invention.

[0016] [Embodiment 1] A conveying device according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of the conveying device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing an example of the configuration of a cable drum to be conveyed by the conveying device shown in Fig. 1.

[0017] (cable drum) The conveying device 1 shown in Fig. 1 according to the first embodiment is a device that conveys a cable drum 200 shown in Fig. 2. The cable drum 200 to be conveyed by the conveying device 1 shown in Fig. 1 has, as shown in Fig. 2, a cylindrical trunk portion 202 around whose outer periphery a cable 201, such as a signal cable or a power cable, is wound, and a pair of disk-shaped flange portions 203 that are provided on both axial ends of the trunk portion 202 and have a circular outer periphery that is larger than the trunk portion 202. The flange portions 203 are provided coaxially with the trunk portion 202.

[0018] (Transportation equipment) The transport device 1 shown in Fig. 1 is used to transport cable drums 200, which are used, for example, when laying cables in electrical work, from a storage location to a construction site. As shown in Fig. 1, the transport device 1 includes a pair of support parts 10 arranged at a distance in a first direction 301, wheels 20, a handle 30, and a distance adjustment part 40.

[0019] The support unit 10 includes a support unit main body 11 and a cylindrical roller 12. The support unit main body 11 extends along a second direction 302 that is perpendicular to the first direction 301, and supports the roller 12 so that it can rotate freely around a rotation axis 13. The support unit main body 11 is provided with an attachment unit 14, to which a distance adjustment unit 40 and a handle 30 are attached, at one end on the front side in the second direction 302 in FIG.

[0020] The roller 12 has a longitudinal direction extending along the second direction 302, and is supported by the support body 11 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis 13, which is parallel to the second direction 302. The outer diameter of the roller 12 is constant in the direction of the rotation axis 13.

[0021] The wheels 20 move the transport device 1 by rolling on the ground or the like. The wheels 20 are attached to the mounting portion 14 of the support body 11 of each support portion 10 and to the other end of the support body 11. The wheels 20 are formed in a thick disk shape and are supported by wheels 21 attached to the mounting portion 14 of the support body 11 and to the other end of the support body 11 so as to be rotatable about an axis parallel to the ground. The wheels 21 are attached to the mounting portion 14 and the other end of the support body 11 so as to be rotatable about an axis perpendicular to both the first direction 301 and the second direction 302.

[0022] The wheel 20 rolls on the ground or the like by rotating around an axis relative to the wheel 21. The wheel 20 is attached to the other end of the attachment part 14 and the support part main body 11 so that the wheel 21 can rotate freely around an axis perpendicular to both the first direction 301 and the second direction 302, thereby making it possible to freely change the direction of movement of the transport device 1.

[0023] The transport device 1 further includes a wheel lock mechanism 22. In the first embodiment, the wheel lock mechanism 22 is provided on each wheel 20. By operating a lock lever 23 attached to the wheel or the like, the wheel lock mechanism 22 can switch between an immobile state in which rotation of the wheel 20 around the axis is hindered and the transport device 1 is immobile, and a mobile state in which rotation of the wheel 20 around the axis is allowed without being hindered and the transport device 1 is mobile.

[0024] In the immobile state, the wheel lock mechanism 22 inhibits rotation of the wheel 20 around its axis by, for example, the lock lever 23 pressing an elastic body such as a spring or rubber against the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 20. In the movable state, the wheel lock mechanism 22 allows rotation of the wheel 20 around its axis without inhibition by, for example, the lock lever 23 separating an elastic body such as a spring or rubber from the outer circumferential surface of the wheel 20.

[0025] The handle 30 stands upright from the mounting part 14 of the support part body 11 of each support part 10 and connects the mounting parts 14 together. The handle 30 can be operated left and right by the carrier to change the direction of movement of the carrier device 1.

[0026] (Space adjustment part) The gap adjusting unit 40 connects the pair of support units 10 and adjusts the gap 15 between the rollers 12 by moving one of the pair of support units 10 relative to the other along the first direction 301. Next, the gap adjusting unit 40 will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0027] FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the gap adjustment unit in a state in which the gap between the rollers of the conveying device shown in FIG. 1 is narrowed. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the gap adjustment unit in a state in which the gap between the rollers of the conveying device shown in FIG. 1 is widened. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 3. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing part VI in FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing part VIII in FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a main part of the gap adjustment unit shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gap adjustment unit shown in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a cross-section of a main part of the gap adjustment unit shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the gap adjustment unit shown in FIG. 11.

[0028] The gap adjusting unit 40 connects the mounting units 14 of the support unit main body 11 of the support unit 10, and has a longitudinal direction that extends linearly parallel to the first direction 301. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the gap adjusting unit 40 includes a cylindrical unit 41 having a rectangular cylindrical shape (a square cylindrical shape in the first embodiment) parallel to the first direction 301, a pillar unit 50 having a rectangular pillar shape (a square pillar shape in the first embodiment) that is parallel to the first direction 301 and has one end inserted into one end of the cylindrical unit 41, and a changing unit 60 that changes the gap 15 between the rollers 12 by changing the insertion amount of one end of the pillar unit 50 into the cylindrical unit 41.

[0029] The other end of the tubular portion 41 is attached to the attachment portion 14 of one support portion main body 11 of the pair of support portions 10. The tubular portion 41 has a notch 42 formed at one end thereof that exposes the upper surface 51 on one end side of the column portion 50. Also, a support piece 43 that supports the convertible portion 60 is erected at one end of the tubular portion 41. In the first embodiment, the support pieces 43 are erected from the outer surface of the tubular portion 41 and are provided as a pair at a distance from each other along the second direction 302.

[0030] The other end of the pillar 50 is attached to the attachment portion 14 of the other support body 11 of the pair of supports 10. The pillar 50 has a plurality of locking recesses 52 formed on its upper surface 51, aligned in a first direction 301. The locking recesses 52 are arranged at intervals (equally spaced in the first embodiment) in the first direction 301, and are recessed from the upper surface 51.

[0031] The locking recess 52 is formed by a vertical surface 53 that is perpendicular to the upper surface 51 and parallel to the second direction 302, and an inclined surface 54 that is inclined relative to the upper surface 51, gradually approaches the vertical surface 53 as it becomes deeper from the upper surface 51, and continues to the vertical surface 53 at its lower end. The locking recess 52 is arranged with the vertical surface 53 closer to the mounting portion 14, i.e., the tubular portion 41, of one support body 11 of the pair of supports 10 than the inclined surface 54.

[0032] As shown in Figures 5, 6, 7, and 8, the change unit 60 includes a lever 61, a first member 70, a second member 80, a plate 90, and a direction switching lever 100. The lever 61 is formed in a lever shape with a bent center. One longitudinal end 62 of the lever 61 is rotatably supported on the upper end of the support piece 43 by a cylindrical rotation shaft 44. The rotation shaft 44, i.e., the rotation center of the lever 61, is parallel to the second direction 302.

[0033] In addition, the lever 61 is biased by a biasing means (not shown) in a direction such that the other end 64 moves away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, and the other end 64 shown in Figures 3 and 4 is restricted from rotating in a direction away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50 beyond an initial position at a predetermined distance from the upper surface 51 of the pillar portion 50 by a rotation restricting portion (not shown) provided on at least one of the support piece 43 and the one end 62.

[0034] The first member 70 and the second member 80 extend linearly. One longitudinal end 71 of the first member 70 is rotatably supported on the lever 61 by a cylindrical rotation shaft 72, and one longitudinal end 81 of the second member 80 is rotatably supported on the lever 61 by a cylindrical rotation shaft 44. The rotation shafts 72, 44, i.e., the rotation centers of the first member 70 and the second member 80, are parallel to the second direction 302. The first member 70 and the second member 80 have engagement portions 74, 84 at the tips of the other ends 73, 83, which engage with the lock recess 52.

[0035] Furthermore, the first member 70 and the second member 80 are biased by a spring (not shown) in a direction in which the other end portions 73, 83, i.e., the engagement portions 74, 84, approach the upper surface 51 of the column portion 50 around the rotation axes 72, 44. In the first embodiment, the first member 70 and the second member 80 are attached to a position closer to the one end portion 62 than the center portion of the lever 61 in the longitudinal direction, and the second member 80 is disposed closer to the one end portion 62 of the lever 61 than the first member 70.

[0036] The first member 70 and the second member 80 have their ends 71 ​​and 81 passed through an opening 63 provided in one end 62 of the lever 61 .

[0037] Plate 90 is formed in a flat plate shape, one end of which is attached to the center of lever 61 by screw 91, and extends from the center of lever 61 toward one end 62 of lever 61. Plate 90 is bent from the point where it is attached to lever 61 by screw 91 in a direction gradually moving away from lever 61 as it moves toward one end 62 of lever 61.

[0038] The plate 90 can come into contact with the tips of the one ends 71, 81 of the first member 70 and the second member 80. When the plate 90 comes into contact with the tips of the one ends 71, 81 of the first member 70 and the second member 80, it can urge the first member 70 and the second member 80 in a direction in which the other ends 73, 83, i.e., the engagement portions 74, 84, move away from the lock recess 52. In addition, the plate 90 is elastically deformable so that the other end moves toward or away from the lever 61.

[0039] 9, 10, 11, and 12, the plate 90 is provided with a pivotal support 92 in the center in the longitudinal direction that rotatably supports the shaft 102 of the direction switching lever 100. The pivotal support 92 is located closer to the one end 62 of the lever 61 than the screw 91. In the first embodiment, the pivotal support 92 is made up of clamping pieces 93 that stand upright from the plate 90 in a direction away from the lever 61 and that sandwich the shaft 102 therebetween, and a connecting piece 94 that connects the tips of the clamping pieces 93 on the sides away from the plate 90.

[0040] The direction switching lever 100 switches between a state in which the gap adjustment unit 40 narrows the gap 15 between the rollers 12 and a state in which the gap adjustment unit 40 widens the gap 15 between the rollers 12. In the first embodiment, the direction switching lever 100 is formed in a frame shape and includes a pair of long portions 101 that are parallel to each other, a cylindrical shaft 102 that connects one ends of the long portions 101 together, and a connecting portion 103 that connects the other ends of the long portions 101 together.

[0041] The shaft 102 is disposed with its axis parallel to the second direction 302, and is supported by the bearing portion 92 of the plate 90 so as to be rotatable about its axis. As shown in Figures 10 and 12, the shaft 102 has an outer diameter smaller than the thickness of the long portion 101, and is disposed closer to one surface of the long portion 101 than the center of the long portion 101 in the thickness direction.

[0042] For this reason, the direction switching lever 100 rotates around the shaft 102, thereby elastically deforming the other end of the plate 90 and changing the distance of the other end of the plate 90 from the lever 61. In the first embodiment, when the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 is positioned closer to the other end 64 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the shaft 102 is positioned farther from the lever 61 than the center in the thickness direction of the long portion 101, as shown in FIGS. 6, 9, and 10, causing the other end to elastically deform the plate 90 in a direction away from the one end 62 of the lever 61. Then, the plate 90 moves away from at least the tip of the one end 81 of the second member 80 and does not bias at least the tip of the one end 81 of the second member 80.

[0043] In the first embodiment, when the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 is positioned closer to the one end 62 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, as shown in Figures 4 and 7, the shaft 102 is positioned closer to the lever 61 than the center in the thickness direction of the long portion 101, allowing the other end of the plate 90 to approach the one end 62 of the lever 61, as shown in Figures 8, 11, and 12. Then, the plate 90 comes into contact with the one ends 71, 81 of the first member 70 and the second member 80, and urges the first member 70 and the second member 80 in directions in which the engaging portions 74, 84 at the tips of the other ends 73, 83 move away from the lock recess 52.

[0044] 3 and 5, when the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 is positioned closer to the other end 64 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, the distance adjusting portion 40 is in a state of narrowing the distance 15 between the rollers 12. In the first embodiment, when the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 is positioned closer to the one end 62 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, the distance adjusting portion 40 is in a state of widening the distance 15 between the rollers 12.

[0045] (Transportation method) Next, a transportation method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 13 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transportation method according to the first embodiment. The transportation method according to the first embodiment is a method of transporting the cable drum 200 using the transportation device 1 having the above-described configuration. As shown in Fig. 13, the transportation method according to the first embodiment includes a placement step 1001, a loading step 1002, a movement step 1003, and an unloading step 1004.

[0046] (Placement step) Fig. 14 is a perspective view showing the conveying device and the like after the arranging step of the conveying method shown in Fig. 13. As shown in Fig. 14, the arranging step 1001 is a step of arranging the cable drum 200 between the pair of support parts 10 such that the pair of flange parts 203 contact the ground and the axial direction of the body part 202 is aligned with the direction of the rotation axis 13 of the roller 12. In the first embodiment, in the arranging step 1001, the cable drum 200 is placed on the ground with the outer edge of the flange part 203 in contact with the ground.

[0047] In the first embodiment, in the arranging step 1001, the spacing between the rollers 12 is widened by the spacing adjustment unit 40 of the transporting device 1, with the wheel locking mechanism 22 in a movable state, and the rollers 12 are positioned on the outer periphery of the cable drum 200 on the ground, as shown in Fig. 14, so that the cable drum 200 is positioned between the rollers 12 of the transporting device 1. At this time, the rotation axis 13 of the roller 12 is positioned parallel to the axial direction of the body 202 of the cable drum 200. In the first embodiment, in the arranging step 1001, the lock lever 23 is operated to switch the wheel locking mechanism 22 to a non-movable state.

[0048] (Loading step) 15 is a perspective view showing the transporting device and the like after the loading step of the transporting method shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the lever of the interval adjustment part starts to rotate in the loading step of the transporting method shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the engagement part at the other end of the first member shown in FIG. 16 is engaged with the locking recess. FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the first member shown in FIG. 17 presses one end of the pillar part toward the back of one end of the tubular part. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the other end of the lever shown in FIG. 17 is moved away from the tubular part and pillar part to release the engagement of the locking recess of the engagement part at the other end of the first member.

[0049] The loading step 1002 is a step of loading the cable drum 200 onto the transporting device 1 after the arranging step 1001, in which the gap 15 between the rollers 12 is narrowed by the gap adjusting unit 40, so that the pair of flanges 203 of the cable drum 200, which is arranged so that the axial direction of the body 202 is along the second direction 302, is supported by the rollers 12 of the pair of support units 10, as shown in Fig. 15. In the first embodiment, in the loading step 1002, the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 of the gap adjusting unit 40 is positioned closer to the other end 64 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, as shown in Fig. 16.

[0050] Then, the plate 90 moves away from the tip of the one end 81 of the second member 80, and the plate 90 does not bias the second member 80. As a result, the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 engages with one of the lock recesses 52 of the column portion 50 due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown). In the first embodiment, in the loading step 1002, the lever 61 rotates around the rotation axis 44 of the one end 62 so that the other end 64 approaches the tube portion 41 and the column portion 50 against the biasing force of the biasing means.

[0051] 17, the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 engages with one of the locking recesses 52 of the column 50 due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown). In the first embodiment, in the loading step 1002, with the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 engaged with one of the locking recesses 52, the lever 61 is further rotated about the rotation axis 44 of the one end 62 so that the other end 64 approaches the tube 41 and the column 50.

[0052] Then, the other end 73 of the first member 70 rotates in a direction approaching the lever 61 against the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Then, the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 presses the vertical surface 53 of the locking recess 52 with which it is engaged toward the back of the tubular portion 41, gradually narrowing the gap 15 between the rollers 12. As the gap 15 between the rollers 12 gradually narrows, the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 slides on the inclined surface 54 of the locking recess 52 with which it is engaged, disengaging the locking recess 52 and allowing it to slide on the upper surface 51 of the pillar portion 50.

[0053] In the first embodiment, in the loading step 1002, as shown in Fig. 18, when the other end 64 of the lever 61 approaches the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 engages with the lock recess 52 adjacent to the lock recess 52 that was engaged in the state of Fig. 16. In the first embodiment, in the loading step 1002, as shown in Fig. 19, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is moved away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50.

[0054] As described above, in the loading step 1002 of the first embodiment, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is first brought close to the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, and then the other end 64 of the lever 61 is moved away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, thereby narrowing the gap 15 between the rollers 12 by the gap between the vertical surfaces 53 of the adjacent locking recesses 52. In the loading step 1002 of the first embodiment, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is brought close to the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50 until the outer peripheral surface of the roller 12 contacts the flange portion 203 and the flange portion 203 is separated from the ground by a predetermined distance, and then the other end 64 of the lever 61 is moved away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, and this is repeated, so that the pair of supports 10 support the pair of flange portions 203 of the cable drum 200, which is arranged so that the axial direction of the trunk portion 202 is aligned with the second direction 302, with the rollers 12, and the cable drum 200 is loaded onto the transporting device 1.

[0055] (Movement step) The moving step 1003 is a step of moving the transporting device 1 loaded with the cable drum 200 to a predetermined position after the loading step 1002. In the first embodiment, in the moving step 1003, the lock lever 23 is operated to switch the wheel lock mechanism 22 to a movable state, and the handle 30 is operated to move the transporting device 1 to a predetermined position. In the first embodiment, in the moving step 1003, once the transporting device 1 is located at the predetermined position, the lock lever 23 is operated to switch the wheel lock mechanism 22 to a non-movable state.

[0056] (Loading and unloading steps) Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the direction switching lever is rotated in the loading / unloading step of the transporting method shown in Fig. 13. Fig. 21 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the lever of the distance adjustment part shown in Fig. 20 starts to rotate and the engaging part of the first member engages with the locking recess. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the engaging part of the second member of the distance adjustment part shown in Fig. 21 is disengaged from the locking recess. Fig. 23 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the lever shown in Fig. 22 is further rotated. Fig. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the engaging part of the second member shown in Fig. 23 slides on the upper surface of the column. Fig. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the main parts of the transporting device when the engaging part of the second member shown in Fig. 24 is engaged with the locking recess.

[0057] In the unloading step 1004, after the moving step 1003, the distance 15 between the rollers 12 is widened by the distance adjusting unit 40 so that the pair of flanges 203 contact the ground, thereby unloading the cable drum 200 from the transporting device 1. In the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, the direction switching lever 100 is rotated around one end to position the connecting portion 103 of the direction switching lever 100 of the distance adjusting unit 40 closer to the one end 62 of the lever 61 than the shaft 102, as shown in FIG.

[0058] As a result, the plate 90 abuts against one end 71, 81 of the first member 70 and the second member 80, and the engaging portions 74, 84 at the tips of the other end 73, 83 urge the first member 70 and the second member 80 in a direction away from the locking recess 52. However, because the flange 203 of the cable drum 200 is in contact with the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 12 without contacting the ground, the flange 203 of the cable drum 200 presses the column portion 50 in a direction that widens the gap 15 between the rollers 12. As a result, the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 abuts against the vertical surface 53 of the locking recess 52, and the state in which the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 is engaged with the locking recess 52 is maintained.

[0059] In the first embodiment, in the loading / unloading step 1004, the lever 61 is rotated around the rotation axis 44 of the one end 62 against the biasing force of the biasing means so that the other end 64 approaches the tubular portion 41 and the column portion 50. Then, as shown in FIG. 21 , the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 engages with one of the locking recesses 52 of the column portion 50 due to the biasing force of a spring (not shown). Then, the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 comes into close contact with the vertical surface 53 of the locking recess 52 and presses the vertical surface 53 of the engaged locking recess 52 toward the back of the tubular portion 41, and the force of the flange 203 of the cable drum 200 pressing against the outer circumferential surface of the roller 12 is supported by the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 engaged with the locking recess 52.

[0060] Furthermore, the engaging portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70 presses the vertical surface 53 of the engaged locking recess 52 toward the back of the tubular portion 41, so that the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 moves away from the vertical surface 53 of the locking recess 52. Then, the plate 90 abuts against the one ends 71, 81 of the first member 70 and the second member 80, and the engaging portions 74, 84 at the tips of the other ends 73, 83 urge the first member 70 and the second member 80 in a direction away from the locking recess 52. Therefore, as shown in Figure 22, the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 is released from engagement with the locking recess 52, and the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 moves away from the inclined surface 54 of the locking recess 52 with which it was engaged.

[0061] In the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, the lever 61 is further rotated about the rotation axis 44 of the one end 62 so that the other end 64 approaches the tubular portion 41 and the column portion 50. In the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, as shown in Fig. 23 , when the other end 64 of the lever 61 approaches the tubular portion 41 and the column portion 50, the tip of the one end 71 of the first member 70 presses the plate 90 in a direction away from the lever 61, and the plate 90 moves away from the tip of the one end 81 of the second member 80. Then, because the second member 80 is biased by a spring (not shown), the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 approaches the inclined surface 54 of the lock recess 52 that was engaged in the state shown in Fig. 21 .

[0062] In the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, as shown in Fig. 24, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is gradually separated from the tube portion 41 and the column portion 50. This releases the engagement of the lock recess 52 with the engagement portion 74 at the tip of the other end 73 of the first member 70. Then, the flange 203 of the cable drum 200 presses the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 12 in a direction that widens the gap 15 between the rollers 12, so that the gap 15 between the rollers 12 gradually widens and the engagement portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 slides on the inclined surface 54 of the lock recess 52 and the upper surface 51 of the column portion 50, with which it was engaged in the state shown in Fig. 21.

[0063] In the first embodiment, in the loading / unloading step 1004, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is separated from the tube portion 41 and the column portion 50, and the other end 64 of the lever 61 is positioned at the initial position. Then, as shown in Fig. 25 , the engaging portion 84 at the tip of the other end 83 of the second member 80 engages with the locking recess 52 adjacent to the locking recess 52 that was engaged in the state shown in Fig. 20 .

[0064] As described above, in the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, the other end 64 of the lever 61 is brought close to the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50 once, and then the other end 64 of the lever 61 is moved away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50, thereby widening the gap 15 between the rollers 12 by the gap between the vertical surfaces 53 of adjacent locking recesses 52. In the first embodiment, in the unloading step 1004, the cable drum 200 is unloaded from the transporting device 1 by repeatedly bringing the other end 64 of the lever 61 close to the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50 and then moving the other end 64 of the lever 61 away from the tubular portion 41 and the pillar portion 50 until the flange portion 203 of the cable drum 200 comes into contact with the ground and the outer circumferential surfaces of the rollers 12 are released from the flange portion 203, allowing the cable drum 200 to slip out from between the rollers 12.

[0065] (How to pull out the cable) Next, a cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the flow of the cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment. The cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment is a method of pulling out the cable 201 from the cable drum 200 using the transporting device 1 configured as described above. As shown in Fig. 26, the cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment includes a placement step 1001, a loading step 1002, a moving step 1003, and a cable pulling-out step 1005. Note that in the cable pulling-out method shown in Fig. 26, the same parts as those in the transporting method shown in Fig. 13 are designated by the same reference numerals, and their description will be omitted.

[0066] The cable drawing method according to the first embodiment is the same as the transportation method according to the first embodiment, except that it includes a cable drawing step 1005 instead of the loading / unloading step 1004. The cable drawing method according to the first embodiment includes a placement step 1001, a loading step 1002, and a movement step 1003 that are the same as the placement step 1001, the loading step 1002, and the movement step 1003 of the transportation method according to the first embodiment.

[0067] (Cable pull-out step) In the cable pulling step 1005, after the moving step 1003, the wheel lock mechanism 22 is used to lock the transporting device 1, and the terminal, which is one end of the cable 201, is pulled, causing the cable drum 200 to rotate with the rotation of the rollers 12, and pulling out the cable 201. In the first embodiment, in the cable pulling step 1005, the terminal of the cable 201 wound around the outer periphery of the trunk 202 of the cable drum 200 loaded onto the transporting device 1 at a predetermined position is pulled.

[0068] In the first embodiment, in the cable pulling step 1005, the flange portion 203 of the cable drum 200 is supported on the outer peripheral surface of the roller 12, so that as the cable 201 is pulled, the cable drum 200 rotates on the roller 12, and the roller 12 rotates along with the rotation of the cable drum 200.

[0069] As described above, in the conveying device 1, the conveying method, and the cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment, the conveying device 1 includes a pair of support parts 10 that are arranged at a distance from each other in the first direction 301 and support the cable drum 200, and a gap adjustment part 40 that adjusts the gap 15 between the rollers 12 by moving one of the pair of support parts 10 relative to the other along the first direction 301. Therefore, in the conveying device 1, the conveying method, and the cable pulling-out method according to the first embodiment, the conveying device 1 can support the cable drum 200 by adjusting the gap 15 between the pair of support parts 10 in accordance with the radial size of the cable drum 200.

[0070] As a result, the carrying device 1, carrying method, and cable pulling method according to the first embodiment have the advantage that the carrying device 1 can carry a plurality of types of cable drums 200 having different radial sizes.

[0071] In addition, the transport device 1 is equipped with a wheel locking mechanism 22, which prevents the cable drum 200 from shifting out of position relative to the ground when the cable drum 200 is unloaded at a predetermined position after movement or when the cable 201 is pulled out from the loaded cable drum 200.

[0072] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In other words, various modifications can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In the conveying device 1 of the present invention, the gap adjustment unit 40 may adjust the gap 15 between the rollers 12 using a hydraulic pump, or may adjust the gap 15 between the rollers 12 using a motor and a ball screw that is rotatable about its axis by the motor. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 1. Transport equipment 10 Support part 12 Laura 13 Rotation axis 15 intervals 20 wheels 22 Wheel lock mechanism 40 Spacing adjustment section 200 cable drums 201 Cable 202 Torso 203 Tsuba 301 First Direction 302 Second Direction 1001 Placement Step 1002 Loading step 1003 Movement Steps 1004 Loading and unloading step 1005 Cable Pull-out Step

Claims

1. A transport device for transporting a cable drum having a cylindrical body around which a cable is wound and a pair of flanges provided at both ends of the body in the axial direction and having a circular outer circumferential shape larger than the body, a pair of support portions that are rollers arranged at an interval in a first direction, extend in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and are rotatable around a rotation axis in the second direction, and that support the pair of flange portions of the cable drum that is arranged such that the axial direction of the trunk portion is along the second direction; a gap adjustment unit that connects the pair of support units and adjusts the gap by moving one of the pair of support units relative to the other in the first direction; wheels for moving the transport device; A conveying device comprising:

2. The transport device according to claim 1, further comprising a wheel lock mechanism that can switch between an immobile state in which the rotation of the wheels is inhibited and the transport device is immobile, and a movable state in which the rotation of the wheels is not inhibited and the transport device is movable.

3. A method for transporting a cable drum using the transport device according to claim 1 or 2, comprising: a positioning step of positioning the cable drum between the pair of support parts such that the pair of flange parts 203 contact the ground and the axial direction of the body part is aligned with the rotational axis direction of the roller; a loading step of loading the cable drum onto the transporting device by narrowing the gap using the gap adjusting unit and supporting the pair of flanges with the pair of support units after the placing step; a moving step of moving the transporting device loaded with the cable drum to a predetermined position after the loading step; After the moving step, the cable drum is unloaded from the transporting device by widening the gap using the gap adjusting unit so that the pair of flanges 203 contact the ground.

4. A cable pulling method for pulling out a cable from a cable drum using the conveying device according to claim 2, comprising the steps of: a positioning step of positioning the cable drum between the pair of support parts such that the pair of flange parts 203 contact the ground and the axial direction of the body part is aligned with the rotational axis direction of the roller; a loading step of loading the cable drum onto the transporting device by narrowing the gap using the gap adjusting unit and supporting the pair of flanges with the pair of support units after the placing step; a moving step of moving the transporting device loaded with the cable drum to a predetermined position after the loading step; and a cable pulling step in which, after the moving step, one end of the cable is pulled while the wheel locking mechanism is used to immobilize the transport device, thereby rotating the cable drum with the rotation of the roller and pulling out the cable.

Images