Conveying system
The transport vehicle with fixed and folding legs and low-friction wheels addresses the challenge of transporting heavy objects onto shelves by reducing sliding resistance and ensuring secure engagement, enhancing transport efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2024065324
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-04-15
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-27
AI Technical Summary
Existing transport systems struggle to smoothly transport heavy objects onto shelves due to high sliding resistance.
A transport vehicle with a base portion and traveling bodies that include fixed and folding legs, equipped with low-friction boarding wheels to facilitate climbing onto shelves, and engaging mechanisms to secure the base on the shelf.
Enables easy and stable transport of heavy objects onto higher shelves by reducing sliding resistance and ensuring secure engagement, enhancing the transport efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure 2025162195000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to a transport system, and more particularly to a transport system having a transport vehicle that carries an object to be transported. [Background technology]
[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a transport vehicle that carries and transports transported objects. This transport vehicle has transport rollers on the loading surface on which the transported objects are placed. The transport vehicle is parked next to the shelf to which the objects are to be transported, so that the transported objects can be sent onto the shelf along the transport rollers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]
[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-184422 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0004] In the configuration described in Patent Document 1, if the transported object is heavy, it cannot be moved smoothly on the shelf. Therefore, the present invention provides a transport system that allows the transport of the transported object onto the shelf easily using a transport vehicle. [Means for solving the problem]
[0005] To solve the above problems, the transport system of the present invention employs the following means.
[0006] That is, a first aspect of the present invention is a transport system having a transport vehicle that carries an object to be transported, the transport vehicle having a base portion on which the object to be transported is placed, and a traveling portion having a plurality of traveling bodies that extend downward from the base portion and travel on a floor surface, the traveling portion having fixed legs that extend downward from a front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle itself, and folding legs that extend downward from a position on the rear side of the fixed legs, the traveling bodies being provided at the tips of the fixed legs and the tips of the folding legs, and One of the shelves located higher than the floor has a low-friction part that reduces sliding resistance so that the base part can be smoothly transported on the shelf by climbing onto the other shelf or having the other shelf climb onto it as the transport cart moves in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and as the transport cart moves in the direction of travel of the vehicle, the base part climbs onto the shelf via the low-friction part, and the folding legs are pushed by the shelf and folded onto the base part, and as a result of this folding, the base part is placed on the shelf, in this transport system.
[0007] According to the first aspect of the present invention, by moving the transporting cart to the shelf, the base part climbs onto the shelf via the low-friction part. Furthermore, as the transporting cart moves, the folding legs are pushed by the shelf and folded onto the base part. As a result, the base part with the transported object placed on it can be easily transported onto the shelf simply by moving the transporting cart.
[0008] A second aspect of the present invention is the conveyance system according to the first aspect, wherein the low-friction portion protrudes downward from a position on the back side of the folding legs of the base portion.
[0009] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the transport object can be transported to the shelf simply by using the configuration of the transport vehicle.
[0010] The third invention of the present invention is a conveying system according to the first or second invention, wherein as the base portion climbs onto the shelf via the low-friction portion, the running body at the tip of the folding leg is pushed up so as to be lifted off the floor surface.
[0011] According to the third aspect of the present invention, the folding legs can be pressed against the shelf to allow smooth folding.
[0012] A fourth invention of the present invention is a conveying system according to the first or second invention, wherein the base portion further has an engaging portion that engages with an engaged portion protruding from the shelf when the vehicle placed on the shelf moves in the direction of travel.
[0013] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the base portion can be rationally engaged with the top of the shelf by moving the transporting carriage.
[0014] The fifth invention of the present invention is a conveying system according to the fourth invention, wherein the low-friction portion is arranged to protrude downward from the base portion and is positioned offset in the vehicle width direction from the engagement portion.
[0015] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the low-friction portion provided on the base is less likely to get caught on the engaged portion protruding from the shelf. This allows the low-friction portion to move appropriately on the shelf. Also, the engaging portion can be engaged appropriately with the engaged portion.
[0016] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a transport system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the transport cart further has an unfolding spring that urges the folding legs in an unfolding direction opposite to the folding direction.
[0017] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when the folding legs are taken down from the shelf, they can be appropriately returned to the extended position.
[0018] The seventh invention of the present invention is a transport system according to the first or second invention, wherein the transport cart further has a leg locking section that releasably locks the folding legs in an extended position extending downward from the base section.
[0019] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when the transporting platform vehicle is moved on the floor surface, the folding legs can be held so as not to be unintentionally folded from the unfolded position.
[0020] The eighth invention of the present invention is a transport system according to the seventh invention, wherein the leg locking unit has an unlocking operation surface that is pressed against the shelf before the folding legs when the transport platform moves in the direction of travel of the transport platform, thereby releasing the lock on the leg locking unit.
[0021] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, the leg locking section can be appropriately unlocked by moving the transporting carriage to the shelf.
[0022] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a conveying system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, wherein the fixed legs and the folding legs are arranged in pairs in the vehicle width direction, and the low-friction portion is arranged so as to protrude downward from between the pair of folding legs on the base portion.
[0023] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the running stability of the transporting platform on the floor surface can be improved, and the low-friction portion can be appropriately positioned so as not to interfere with the folding operation of the pair of folding legs. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0024] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a transport system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the transported object has been transported onto a shelf. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transporting platform vehicle as seen from below. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the boarding wheels have climbed onto the shelf due to the movement of the transporting platform. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the leg locking unit has been unlocked by further movement. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the base portion is placed on a shelf after further movement. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an engaging portion and an engaged portion before they are engaged with each other. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the engaging portion and the engaged portion after engagement. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0026] First Embodiment (Schematic configuration of transport system T) First, the configuration of a transport system T according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 10. In the following description, when directions such as front, back, top, bottom, left, and right are indicated, they refer to the directions shown in each figure.
[0027] The directions shown in each drawing are based on the orientation of the transport vehicle 1 that constitutes the transport system T. The "rear direction" in each drawing refers to the traveling direction of the transport vehicle 1 (the traveling direction of the vehicle itself). In the following description, when a specific reference drawing is not shown or when there is no reference symbol corresponding to a reference drawing, any of Figures 1 to 10 will be referred to as appropriate.
[0028] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the transport system T according to this embodiment has a transport vehicle 1 that carries an object W to be transported. The transport system T is a system that enables the transport vehicle 1 to transport the object W onto a shelf U that is located higher than the floor surface F. The transport vehicle 1 has a symmetrical configuration that includes a base 2 on which the object W is placed and a traveling unit 3 that has four traveling wheels 3A that roll on the floor surface F.
[0029] The four running wheels 3A are made up of swivel casters. However, the four running wheels 3A may be made up of fixed casters. Here, each running wheel 3A corresponds to the "running body" of the present invention.
[0030] The transport vehicle 1 is a hand-pushed vehicle device that can be pushed by a user from the front to the back to be transported to a destination shelf U. The transported article W is, for example, a storage rack that is vehicle equipment. The floor surface F on which the transport vehicle 1 travels is, for example, the floor surface of a vehicle, the floor surface of various facilities, or the ground.
[0031] 3 to 5, the running section 3 of the transporting platform 1 has a pair of fixed legs 3B on the left and right that extend downward from the front side of the base 2. The running section 3 also has a pair of folding legs 3C on the left and right that extend downward from the rear side of the base 2.
[0032] The running unit 3 also has a pair of left and right boarding wheels 3D attached to the bottom of the rear side of the base 2. The running unit 3 also has a decorative panel 3E stretched across the front side surfaces of each fixed leg 3B. The decorative panel 3E is a decorative member that covers the running unit 3, including each fixed leg 3B, to give it an attractive appearance from the front side.
[0033] Each boarding wheel 3D is made up of a fixed caster facing in the direction of travel of the vehicle. Note that each boarding wheel 3D may also be made up of a swivel caster. Here, each boarding wheel 3D corresponds to the "low friction portion" of the present invention. Also, the base portion 2 on which each boarding wheel 3D is mounted corresponds to the "one side" of the present invention, and the shelf U corresponds to the "other side" of the present invention.
[0034] A running wheel 3A is attached to the tip of each fixed leg 3B and to the tip of each folding leg 3C. As shown in Figure 5, by attaching these running wheels 3A, each fixed leg 3B and each folding leg 3C supports the base part 2 from below so as to hold it at a position higher than the shelf U.
[0035] The fixed legs 3B and folding legs 3C have the same extension length from the base 2, including the running wheels 3A at their tips, so that the base 2 is supported horizontally from below by the fixed legs 3B and folding legs 3C.
[0036] As shown in Fig. 5, the base end (upper end) of each folding leg 3C is rotatably connected to the bottom of the base 2 by a leg rotation shaft C1 extending in the left-right direction. This allows each folding leg 3C to rotate relative to the base 2 between an unfolded position in which it extends straight downward and a folded position (see Fig. 8) in which it is folded so as to overlap the bottom.
[0037] The movable range of each folding leg 3C is restricted to the range between the unfolded position and the folded position by contact with a stopper (not shown) relative to the base 2. Each leg rotation axis C1 is located at a position higher than the shelf U.
[0038] A spring biasing force is always applied to each folding leg 3C in a rotational direction toward the unfolded position by an unfolding spring C2 hooked between the folding leg 3C and the base 2. As a result, when the force folding each folding leg 3C to the folded position is released, the folding leg 3C is returned to the unfolded position by the action of the spring biasing force and gravity.
[0039] 5, the transport vehicle 1 further has a pair of left and right leg locking units 4 that can lock each folding leg 3C in the unfolded position. Each leg locking unit 4 is rotatably connected to the bottom of the base unit 2 by a lock rotation shaft 4A that extends in the left-right direction.
[0040] Each locking rotation shaft 4A is located at a position lower and deeper than each leg rotation shaft C1. Each leg locking unit 4 is located inside each folding leg 3C in the vehicle width direction (left-right direction). Each leg locking unit 4 extends forward from each locking rotation shaft 4A. Each leg locking unit 4 locks the rotation of each folding leg 3C by having its barb 4B at the tip thereof hooked from above onto a locking pin C3 that protrudes inside in the vehicle width direction from each folding leg 3C.
[0041] Each folding leg 3C is normally locked in the extended position by each leg locking unit 4. Therefore, when the transporting vehicle 1 is moved on the floor surface F, each folding leg 3C will not be unintentionally folded from the extended position.
[0042] A spring biasing force is always applied to each leg locking part 4 in a direction (clockwise in the figure) such that the leg locking part 4 is hooked onto the lock pin C3 from above by a spring (not shown) hooked between the leg locking part 4 and the base part 2. As a result, when the force pulling the leg locking part 4 to the release position is released, the action of the spring biasing force and gravity returns the leg locking part 4 to the position where it is hooked onto the lock pin C3 of the folding leg 3C.
[0043] Each locking rotation shaft 4A is positioned higher than the shelf U. A release operation surface 4C extending obliquely downward toward the front is formed on the underside of each leg locking section 4 in a portion that protrudes further back than each folding leg 3C when in the locked state. This release operation surface 4C serves as a pressing surface that is pressed against the front corner of the shelf U when the transport vehicle 1 is pushed back toward the shelf U (see FIG. 6).
[0044] As the leg locking parts 4 are pushed in, the release operation surfaces 4C are pressed against the front corners of the shelf U, and as the pushing progresses, the leg locking parts 4 are rotated counterclockwise in the figure so as to release the hooks on the locking pins C3 (see Figure 7). When the leg locking parts 4 are released from the hooks, the rotation lock state of the folding legs 3C is released.
[0045] After each leg locking unit 4 is unlocked, as the transporting carriage 1 is pushed in, each folding leg 3C is pressed against the front corner of the shelf U. As a result, as shown in Figures 7 and 8, as the transporting carriage 1 is pushed in, each folding leg 3C is pressed against the shelf U and folded so as to overlap the bottom of the base unit 2 (see Figure 8).
[0046] 8, as the folding legs 3C are folded, the base 2 is pushed up from the front side onto the upper surface of the shelf U. As a result, the transported article W placed on the base 2 can be placed on top of the shelf U.
[0047] When folded onto the bottom of the base 2, each folding leg 3C, including the running wheels 3A at the tip thereof, is accommodated directly below the base 2 so as not to protrude forward from the base 2. This prevents each folding leg 3C from interfering with the decorative panel 3E even when folded onto the bottom of the base 2.
[0048] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, each boarding wheel 3D is disposed at a position further back than each folding leg 3C. More specifically, each boarding wheel 3D is disposed at a position more inward in the vehicle width direction than each folding leg 3C. Each boarding wheel 3D is provided so that the wheel protrudes downward below the leg rotation axis C1 of each folding leg 3C.
[0049] 6, with the above configuration, by pushing the transporting platform 1 toward the shelf U, the boarding wheels 3D climb onto the shelf U before the leg locking units 4 are released. Then, by the boarding wheels 3D climbing onto the shelf U, the transporting platform 1 is lifted so that the traveling wheels 3A of the folding legs 3C are lifted off the floor surface F.
[0050] As a result, the transporting vehicle 1 is supported from below by the boarding wheels 3D that climb onto the shelf U and the traveling wheels 3A of the front fixed legs 3B that are in contact with the floor F. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, as the transporting vehicle 1 is further pushed in, the leg locking sections 4 are unlocked and the folding legs 3C are pushed against the shelf U, allowing the folding legs 3C to be folded smoothly without interfering with the floor F.
[0051] Furthermore, by each of the boarding wheels 3D climbing onto the shelf U, the base unit 2 can be smoothly transported from there to the back of the shelf U, as shown in Fig. 8. As the base unit 2 is transported to the back of the shelf U, it fits into four anchors Ra installed on the top surface of the shelf U in the direction of travel and is locked into the two anchors Ra on the front side of the shelf U. As a result, the base unit 2 can be fixed onto the shelf U.
[0052] As shown in Figure 1, two anchors Ra are attached to each of a pair of front and rear fixed rails R that extend parallel to the left and right directions and are embedded in the upper surface of the shelf U. Each fixed rail R is embedded in the shelf U so that its upper surface is exposed and flush with the upper surface of the shelf U.
[0053] Each fixed rail R is made of, for example, an airline rail (registered trademark). The mounting structure of each anchor Ra to each fixed rail R is made of a stud fitting that allows the mounting position to each fixed rail R to be adjusted at predetermined intervals in the rail length direction (left and right direction).
[0054] The specific configurations of these anchors Ra and fixed rails R are the same as those described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-158076. The mounting positions of each anchor Ra on each fixed rail R correspond to the respective positions of the four engaging claws 5 provided on the bottom of the base portion 2 shown in Figures 9 and 10. Here, each engaging claw 5 corresponds to the "engaging portion" of the present invention. Also, each anchor Ra corresponds to the "engaged portion" of the present invention.
[0055] 9 and 10, specifically, the two anchors Ra on the far side are arranged side by side at a narrower interval than the two anchors Ra on the near side. Each anchor Ra has a three-sided frame shape (inverted U-shape) when viewed from the traveling direction of the transporting vehicle 1.
[0056] The four engaging claws 5 provided on the bottom of the base 2 are inserted from the front to the back into the corresponding anchors Ra provided on the shelf U, thereby fitting into these frames. This fitting restricts the movement of the base 2 toward the back relative to the shelf U and in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction).
[0057] The pair of left and right boarding wheels 3D described above are arranged side by side on the outer side in the vehicle width direction of the two rear engaging claws 5. More specifically, each boarding wheel 3D is arranged on the inner side in the vehicle width direction of the two front engaging claws 5 which are arranged at a distance on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the two rear engaging claws 5.
[0058] As a result, the boarding wheels 3D are arranged in a relationship in which they do not overlap in the vehicle width direction (left and right direction) with the fitting claws 5. Therefore, when the fitting claws 5 are fitted into the corresponding anchors Ra, the boarding wheels 3D do not get caught on the anchors Ra.
[0059] The two front fitting claws 5 of the four fitting claws 5 are provided with base locking parts 6 that are locked by being hooked from above onto a corresponding pair of anchors Ra. Each base locking part 6 is rotatably connected to the corresponding fitting claw 5 by a lock rotation shaft 6A that extends in the left-right direction.
[0060] Each base locking portion 6 is constantly biased downward by a spring (not shown) that presses the barbs 6B at the tip end downward, by a spring (not shown) that is hooked between the base locking portion 6 and the corresponding mating claws 5. As the two front mating claws 5 are fitted into the corresponding pair of anchors Ra, each base locking portion 6 is locked so that the barbs 6B at the tip end come into contact with the upper frame portions of the corresponding anchors Ra and are elastically hooked from above.
[0061] This also restricts movement of the base 2 in the backward direction (the backward direction of the vehicle) relative to the shelf U. When the user presses down on the rear end of each base locking unit 6 at its front end, it is released from the locked state relative to the corresponding anchor Ra. This release releases the fixed state of the base 2 relative to the shelf U. The specific configuration of each base locking unit 6 is the same as the configuration described in Japanese Patent Application No. 2023-055419.
[0062] 4, the pair of left and right boarding wheels 3D and the engaging claws 5 are positioned more inward in the vehicle width direction than the folding legs 3C. Therefore, the folding legs 3C can be folded properly to the bottom of the base 2 without interfering with the boarding wheels 3D or the engaging claws 5.
[0063] When the base 2 of the transport vehicle 1 is pulled back toward the front from the position where it has climbed onto the shelf U shown in Fig. 8, each folding leg 3C is gradually returned to the unfolded position by the spring force as shown in Fig. 7. Then, as shown in Fig. 6, when the release operation surface 4C of each leg locking unit 4 passes over the front corner of the shelf U toward the front, each leg locking unit 4 is locked so that it is hooked from above onto the lock pin C3 of each folding leg 3C that has been returned to the unfolded position.
[0064] 5, by moving the transporting vehicle 1 backward to a position where each of the boarding wheels 3D has left the top of the shelf U and is now positioned toward the front, the traveling wheels 3A at the tip of each of the folding legs 3C come into contact with the floor surface F. As a result, the transporting vehicle 1 is returned to the state it was in before being placed on the shelf U.
[0065] The transport system T according to this embodiment can transport an object W placed on the transport cart 1 to a predetermined location even in a place where there is no shelf U, and can be used in the same way as when the object W is fixed to the shelf U. Furthermore, since the base unit 2 is provided with boarding wheels 3D as low-friction parts that facilitate transportation on the shelf U of the base unit 2, a configuration can be realized in which the object W can be easily transported to the shelf U using only the configuration of the transport cart 1.
[0066] To summarize the above, the transport system (T) according to this embodiment has the following configuration: Note that the reference numerals in parentheses below correspond to the respective components shown in the above embodiment.
[0067] That is, the transport system (T) has a transport vehicle (1) that carries and transports an object (W). The transport vehicle (1) has a base (2) on which the object (W) is placed, and a running unit (3) that extends downward from the base (2) and has a plurality of running bodies (3A) that run on a floor (F). The running unit (3) has fixed legs (3B) that extend downward from the front side in the direction of travel of the vehicle, and folding legs (3C) that extend downward from a position further back than the fixed legs (3B).
[0068] The running part (3) has running bodies (3A) at the tips of the fixed legs (3B) and the folding legs (3C). One (2) of the base part (2) and the shelf (U) located higher than the floor (F) to be transported has a low-friction part (3D) that reduces sliding resistance so that one (2) of the base part (2) and the shelf (U) located higher than the floor (F) to be transported climbs onto the other (U) or makes the other (U) climb onto it as the transport cart (1) moves in the traveling direction of the vehicle, thereby facilitating transport on the shelf (U) of the base part (2).
[0069] As the transport vehicle (1) moves in its own traveling direction, the base portion (2) climbs onto the shelf (U) via the low-friction portion (3D), and the folding legs (3C) are pushed by the shelf (U) and folded onto the base portion (2). As a result of this folding, the base portion (2) is placed on the shelf (U).
[0070] According to the above configuration, by moving the transport vehicle (1) toward the shelf (U), the base portion (2) climbs onto the shelf (U) via the low-friction portion (3D). Furthermore, as the transport vehicle (1) moves, the folding legs (3C) are pushed by the shelf (U) and folded onto the base portion (2). As a result, the base portion (2) carrying the transported object (W) can be easily transported onto the shelf (U) simply by moving the transport vehicle (1).
[0071] In addition, the low-friction portion (3D) protrudes downward from a position further back than the folding legs (3C) of the base portion (2). According to the above configuration, a configuration can be realized in which the transport object (W) can be easily transported to the shelf (U) using only the configuration of the transport vehicle (1).
[0072] Furthermore, as the base portion (2) climbs onto the shelf (U) via the low-friction portion (3D), the running body (3A) at the tip of the folding leg (3C) is pushed up so as to be lifted off the floor surface (F). According to the above configuration, the folding leg (3C) can be pressed against the shelf (U) to allow smooth folding.
[0073] The base portion (2) further has an engaging portion (5) that engages with an engaged portion (Ra) protruding from the shelf (U) as the platform (2) moves in the traveling direction of the platform (1) placed on the shelf (U). According to the above configuration, the base portion (2) can be rationally engaged with the top of the shelf (U) as the transport vehicle (1) moves.
[0074] In addition, the low-friction portion (3D) is provided so as to protrude downward from the base portion (2) and is positioned offset in the vehicle width direction from the engaging portion (5). With the above configuration, the low-friction portion (3D) provided on the base portion (2) is less likely to get caught on the engaged portion (Ra) protruding from the shelf (U). Therefore, the low-friction portion (3D) can be moved appropriately on the shelf (U). In addition, the engaging portion (5) can be engaged appropriately with the engaged portion (Ra).
[0075] The transport vehicle (1) further includes an unfolding spring (C2) that biases the folding legs (3C) in an unfolding direction opposite to the folding direction. With this configuration, the folding legs (3C) can be appropriately returned to the unfolded position when they are lowered from the shelf (U).
[0076] The transport vehicle (1) further includes leg locking units (4) that releasably lock the folding legs (3C) in an extended position extending downward from the base unit (2). According to the above configuration, when the transport vehicle (1) is moved on the floor surface (F), the folding legs (3C) can be prevented from unintentionally folding from the extended position.
[0077] In addition, the leg locking unit (4) has an unlocking operation surface (4C) that is pressed by the shelf (U) before the folding legs (3C) when the transporting vehicle (1) moves in the travel direction of the transporting vehicle (1), thereby unlocking the leg locking unit (4). According to the above configuration, the leg locking unit (4) can be appropriately unlocked by moving the transporting vehicle (1) toward the shelf (U).
[0078] In addition, a pair of fixed legs (3B) and folding legs (3C) are provided in the vehicle width direction. A low-friction portion (3D) is provided on the base portion (2) between the pair of folding legs (3C) so as to protrude downward. With this configuration, the running stability of the transport vehicle (1) on the floor surface (F) can be improved. Furthermore, the low-friction portion (3D) can be appropriately positioned so as not to interfere with the folding operation of the pair of folding legs (3C).
[0079] Other Embodiments Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention can be embodied in various forms other than the above embodiment.
[0080] 1. The transported objects transported by the transport vehicle of the present invention can be storage racks as well as various vehicle equipment that is installed according to the vehicle specifications. In addition to vehicle equipment, the transported objects can also be items other than vehicle equipment, such as furnishings, furniture, and fixtures.
[0081] 2. The multiple running bodies that make up the running section may be made up of running wheels, sliders such as resin shoes or slide rails that can slide smoothly on the floor surface, etc. Similarly, the low-friction section may be made up of boarding wheels provided on the bottom of the base, or fixed wheels that are provided on the top surface of the shelf and can reduce sliding resistance to facilitate transportation on the shelf of the base.
[0082] Furthermore, the low-friction portion may be a wheel, or may be a slider such as the resin shoe or slide rail described above. The number of running bodies provided is not limited to a specific number, as long as it is two or more. The number of low-friction portions provided is also not limited to a specific number, as long as it is one or more.
[0083] 3. The fixed legs or folding legs may be provided in pairs in the vehicle width direction, or the pair may be connected to form an integral unit. The fixed legs may be configured to fold like folding legs when the transport vehicle is placed on a shelf with the folding legs folded. Specifically, the fixed legs may be folded in the vehicle width direction by rotating around an axis extending in the vehicle's travel direction, or may be folded so as to spring up toward the front around an axis extending in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the fixed legs may be folded entirely starting from the base end, or may be folded starting from the middle of the length direction so that the lower leg overlaps the upper leg.
[0084] 4. The engagement structure between the engaging portion and the engaged portion is not limited to a specific structure, as long as they engage with each other when the engaging portion moves relative to the engaged portion in the traveling direction of the vehicle. For example, the engaging portion provided on the base of the transport vehicle may be a frame-shaped member such as the anchor shown in the above embodiment, and the engaged portion provided on the shelf may be a member that fits into the frame of the engaging portion such as the engaging claw shown in the above embodiment.
[0085] Furthermore, at least one of the engaging portion and the engaged portion may be provided with an elastic structure such as rubber or a snap fit, so that they can be elastically fitted together. Furthermore, the engaging portion and the engaged portion may fix the base portion to a predetermined position on the shelf solely by the sliding frictional resistance force generated by their engagement with each other. The base locking portion may be provided on the engaged portion, or on the engaging portion, to lock it to the engaging portion.
[0086] 5. The transport vehicle may not have a leg locking unit that locks the folding legs in the extended position. Even in such a configuration, the folding legs can be maintained in the extended position by providing an extension spring that biases the folding legs in the extension direction. The folding legs can also be maintained in the extended position by providing a fitting structure that elastically holds the folding legs in the extended position. The leg locking unit may be unlocked when pressed against a shelf as the transport vehicle moves forward, or it may be unlocked by manual operation by the user. [Explanation of symbols]
[0087] 1 Transport cart 2 Base part (one side) 3 Running part 3A Running wheels (running body) 3B Fixed leg 3C Folding legs C1 Leg rotation axis C2 expansion spring C3 Lock Pin 3D riding wheels (low friction part) 3E decorative panel 4 Leg lock 4A Locking Rotating Axis 4B Return 4C Release operation surface 5. Interlocking claw (engagement part) 6 Base locking part 6A Locking Rotating Axis 6B Return R fixed rail Ra Anchor (engaged part) T Conveyor System W Conveyed object F Floor U shelf (other side)
Claims
1. A transport system having a transport vehicle that carries an object to be transported, the transporting platform vehicle has a base portion on which the transported object is placed, and a running portion including a plurality of running bodies that extend downward from the base portion and run on a floor surface, the running unit has fixed legs extending downward from a front side in the traveling direction of the vehicle, and folding legs extending downward from a position further back than the fixed legs, and the running body is provided at the tip of the fixed legs and the tip of the folding legs, One of the base and a shelf located higher than the floor surface as a transport destination has a low-friction portion that reduces sliding resistance so as to ride on the other or make the other ride on when the transport vehicle moves in the traveling direction of the transport vehicle, thereby facilitating transport of the base on the shelf, As the transport cart moves in the direction of travel of its own vehicle, the base portion climbs onto the shelf via the low-friction portion, and the folding legs are pushed by the shelf and folded onto the base portion, and as a result of this folding, the base portion is placed on the shelf.
2. 2. The transport system according to claim 1, A conveying system in which the low-friction portion protrudes downward from a position on the back side of the folding legs of the base portion.
3. 3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, A conveying system in which, as the base portion climbs onto the shelf via the low-friction portion, the running body at the tip of the folding leg is pushed up so as to be lifted off the floor surface.
4. 3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The conveying system further includes an engaging portion, the base portion being engaged with an engaged portion protruding from the shelf by movement in the travel direction of the vehicle placed on the shelf.
5. 5. The transport system according to claim 4, A conveying system in which the low-friction portion is provided so as to protrude downward from the base portion and is positioned offset from the engagement portion in the vehicle width direction.
6. 3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The transporting system, wherein the transporting platform further includes an unfolding spring that biases the folding legs in an unfolding direction opposite to the folding direction.
7. 3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The transport system, wherein the transport vehicle further includes a leg locking portion that releasably locks the folding legs in an extended position extending downward from the base portion.
8. 8. The transport system according to claim 7, A transport system having an unlocking operation surface that is pressed so as to unlock the leg locking unit by being pushed by the shelf before the folding legs when the transport platform moves in the vehicle's own vehicle travel direction.
9. 3. The transport system according to claim 1 or 2, The fixed leg and the folding leg are provided in pairs in the vehicle width direction, A conveying system in which the low-friction portion is provided so as to protrude downward from between the pair of folding legs of the base portion.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Unmanned conveying truck
JP2009184422A