Transport mechanism

Abstract

To provide a transport mechanism having high versatility.SOLUTION: A transport mechanism 1 comprises a pallet 10 loaded on a loading platform 2a of a transport vehicle 2, and an intermediate member 20 interposed between the loading platform 2a and the pallet 10 to restrict movement of the pallet 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to transport mechanisms. [Background technology]

[0002] Pallets are often used when transporting cargo by vehicle, train, airplane, or other transport vehicle. Specifically, the cargo is placed on the pallet, and the pallet with the cargo is then loaded onto the loading platform of the transport vehicle. The loaded pallet must be secured to prevent movement during transport. This securing process takes a lot of time, and it is desirable to shorten this time.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a cargo transport vehicle on which a pallet carrying cargo is placed. The cargo transport vehicle is equipped with a locking device that is activated when the pallet is placed on the vehicle to position and fix the pallet. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-141929 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In Patent Document 1, special processing such as providing a locking device to the loading platform of the cargo transport vehicle is required, resulting in a complex transport mechanism that lacks versatility.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a highly versatile transport mechanism. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention provides Pallets loaded onto the loading platform of transport machinery, an intermediate member interposed between the platform and the pallet to restrict movement of the pallet; The present invention provides a transport mechanism comprising:

[0008] According to this configuration, the pallet is not directly fixed to the loading platform of a transport machine such as a vehicle, train, or aircraft, but is indirectly fixed via an intermediate member. A container may be used in this case. Therefore, no special processing is required for the loading platform of the transport machine, and any transport machine can be used. Furthermore, the intermediate member is a separate member from the loading platform and pallet, allowing for high design flexibility. Therefore, it can be designed to match the loading platform and pallet to be used, providing high versatility and a simple structure that can restrict pallet movement during transport. Furthermore, it is also possible to fix the pallet to the intermediate member, and then fix the intermediate member to the loading platform. This has the advantage that loading operations can begin before the transport machine arrives at the work site.

[0009] The intermediate member may have a screw hole for fastening the pallet with a bolt.

[0010] According to this configuration, the pallet can be fastened to the screw holes of the intermediate member with bolts, so that movement of the pallet in all directions can be restricted.

[0011] The pallet may have feet; The intermediate member may have a guide groove that guides the leg portion, The legs and the guide grooves may be engaged to restrict the vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member.

[0012] With this configuration, the legs are guided along the guide grooves, allowing the pallet to be easily moved to a predetermined position. Because the legs move along the guide grooves, horizontal movement of the pallet can be restricted, except in the direction of movement. Furthermore, the engagement between the legs and the guide grooves also restricts vertical movement of the pallet.

[0013] The pallet may have feet; The intermediate member may have a rail member that guides the leg portion and a rail groove in which the rail member is disposed, The legs and the rail members may be engaged to restrict the vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member.

[0014] With this configuration, the legs can be guided along the rail members, allowing the pallet to be easily moved to a predetermined position. Because the legs move along the rail members, horizontal movement of the pallet can be restricted, except in the direction of movement. Furthermore, the engagement between the legs and the rail members also restricts vertical movement of the pallet.

[0015] The transport mechanism is a spacer disposed between the pallet and the intermediate member; a drive unit that moves the rail member or the leg portion up and down between a first state in which the rail member and the leg portion are not in contact with each other in the vertical direction and a second state in which the rail member and the leg portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction; may further comprise:

[0016] With this configuration, the spacer can maintain a constant vertical distance between the pallet and the intermediate member. In the first state, the legs are guided along the rail members, and the pallet is moved to a predetermined position. In the first state, the rail members and the legs are not in contact with each other, making it easy to move the pallet, but it is prone to wobbling in the vertical direction. Therefore, after the pallet has moved, the drive unit achieves the second state, bringing the rail members and the legs into contact with each other in the vertical direction, suppressing wobbling. In this way, cargo can be loaded and secured more efficiently.

[0017] The transport mechanism may further include a restraining member that restrains the pallet and the intermediate member in the vertical direction.

[0018] According to this configuration, the vertical movement of the pallet can be easily restricted by the restraining member.

[0019] The restraining member may have an upper end portion that presses the pallet downward, a T-shaped lower end portion that presses the intermediate member upward, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion, The intermediate member may have a locking groove into which the lower end portion can be inserted from above and which has a cross-sectional shape complementary to that of the lower end portion.

[0020] According to this configuration, the T-shaped lower end of the restraining member can be prevented from slipping out of (being caught in) the locking groove. That is, by locking the restraining member in the locking groove, movement of the pallet can be easily restricted.

[0021] The lower end may have an upper surface that is inclined from a horizontal plane.

[0022] According to this configuration, the intermediate member can be held down at a specific point (a portion higher than others) of the lower end portion, rather than being held down by the entire lower end portion.

[0023] The intermediate member may have a screw hole portion for fastening the restraint member, The restraining member may have an upper end portion that presses the pallet downward, a lower end portion that has a threaded groove that screws into the screw hole portion, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion.

[0024] According to this configuration, the vertical and horizontal movement of the pallet can be restricted by the clamping of the upper end and the screwing of the lower end.

[0025] The transport mechanism may further include a removable positioning pin for positioning the pallet relative to the intermediate member.

[0026] This configuration allows the pallet to be accurately positioned relative to the intermediate member.

[0027] The locating pin may have a tapered tip.

[0028] This configuration makes it easier to insert the positioning pin.

[0029] The intermediate member may have a plurality of positioning holes into which the base ends of the positioning pins are inserted.

[0030] According to this configuration, it is possible to position and arrange the device at a desired position selected from the plurality of positioning holes.

[0031] The positioning pin may have a mechanism for emitting light that travels linearly in a vertical direction, The pallet may have a through-hole portion into which the positioning pin is inserted.

[0032] With this configuration, the position of the positioning pin can be easily identified, and when the positioning pin is inserted into the through-hole of the pallet, the straight-traveling light can be seen, making it possible to confirm that the positioning is accurate.

[0033] The intermediate member may have an upstanding wall rising from an edge portion thereof.

[0034] With this configuration, the vertical wall can be used as a guide to easily load the pallets to the specified position.

[0035] The transport mechanism may include a light emitter that displays a line corresponding to a target placement position of the pallet on a surface of at least one of the intermediate member and the pallet.

[0036] According to this configuration, the pallet can be loaded to the target placement position using the line as a guide, thereby improving workability.

[0037] The transport mechanism may include an elastic sheet interposed between the intermediate member and the platform.

[0038] According to this configuration, the intermediate member can be prevented from moving on the loading platform due to the frictional force of the elastic sheet.

[0039] The intermediate member may form the bottom wall of the container.

[0040] This configuration can be adopted without increasing the number of parts, as containers are often used to transport cargo.

[0041] The intermediate member may be made of an extruded material, or may be made of a combination of an extruded material and a plate material made of different materials.

[0042] According to this configuration, the intermediate member can be easily formed.

[0043] The intermediate member may have a flow path therein for allowing a fluid to flow.

[0044] This configuration allows for temperature control by flowing a gas or liquid heat transfer medium or refrigerant at an appropriate temperature as the fluid, and dew point control by flowing a gas with adjusted humidity and pressure as the fluid. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] According to the present invention, a highly versatile transport mechanism can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0046] [Figure 1] 1 is a side view of a transport vehicle loaded with a transport mechanism according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Plan view of the transport mechanism in Figure 1. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] Schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism after restraint. [Figure 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. 2. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a transport mechanism according to a first modified example. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded front view of a transport mechanism according to a first modified example. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic front assembly view of a transport mechanism according to a first modified example. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded front view of a transport mechanism according to a second modified example. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic front assembly view of a transport mechanism in a first state according to a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a schematic front assembly view of the transport mechanism in a second state according to the second modified example. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional exploded view of a transport mechanism according to a third modified example. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a plan view of a pallet of a transport mechanism in a third modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport mechanism according to the third modified example after being constrained. [Figure 16] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the transport mechanism according to the third modified example after being constrained. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a restraining member according to a fourth modified example. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism according to the fourth modified example after being constrained. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of a transport mechanism in a fifth modified example. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exploded cross-sectional view of the dashed circle XX in FIG. 19 . [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a transport mechanism according to a sixth modified example. [Figure 22] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional assembly diagram of a transport mechanism in a sixth modified example. [Figure 23] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a transport mechanism in a seventh modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a side view of a transport vehicle carrying a transport mechanism according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism according to the second embodiment after being constrained. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a side view of a transport vehicle carrying a transport mechanism according to a third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0048] (First embodiment) The transport mechanism according to the first embodiment of the present invention can be applied to general-purpose transport machinery. Transport machinery includes aircraft, ships, and vehicles used for transport. For example, the transport vehicle may be any vehicle that transports cargo, such as a truck or a freight train. In the following, a truck will be used as an example of the transport machinery.

[0049] Figure 1 shows a side view of a transport mechanism 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the front-to-rear direction is indicated by reference symbol Y (arrow pointing forward), and the up-to-down direction is indicated by reference symbol Z (arrow pointing upward). In Figure 2 and subsequent figures, the left-to-right direction is indicated by reference symbol X (arrow pointing right).

[0050] The transport mechanism 1 of this embodiment includes a pallet 10, an intermediate member 20, and an elastic sheet 30.

[0051] The pallet 10 is loaded onto the loading platform 2a of the truck 2 with the cargo 3 to be transported secured thereto. The type of cargo 3 is not particularly limited, and the cargo 3 may vary in shape, size, and weight. The pallet 10 may have a function to damp vibrations to the cargo 3 that occur during transportation. In the illustrated example, the pallet 10 is a general type with an opening structure that allows it to be transported by a known transport machine such as a forklift. The material of the pallet 10 may also be, for example, plastic, wood, extruded material (aluminum), or a combination of extruded material and sheet metal (aluminum and steel).

[0052] The intermediate member 20 is interposed between the pallet 10 and the bed 2a of the truck 2. The intermediate member 20 is configured to restrict movement of the pallet 10. This prevents the pallet 10 from moving during transportation, thereby achieving stable transportation of the cargo 3. The intermediate member 20 is disposed over substantially the entire surface of the bed 2a of the truck 2, and is fixed to the bed 2a of the truck 2 by any fixing method. The any fixing method includes mechanical connection, bolt fastening, etc., and may be fixed by the same method as that used for fixing the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 in this disclosure.

[0053] The elastic sheet 30 is a thin member made of rubber. The elastic sheet 30 is interposed between the intermediate member 20 and the loading platform 2a. The elastic sheet 30 may be omitted as necessary.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows a plan view of the transport mechanism 1. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the restraining member 60. Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 after being restrained.

[0055] In this embodiment, the transport mechanism 1 has a restraining member 60 that restrains the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 in the vertical direction. The restraining member 60 restrains the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 so that they do not separate in the vertical direction.

[0056] The intermediate member 20 has a threaded hole portion 21. The threaded hole portion 21 is a through-hole having a thread groove formed in at least a part of the hole wall. However, the threaded hole portion 21 may not be a through-hole.

[0057] The restraining member 60 has an upper end 61 that presses the pallet 10 toward the intermediate member, a lower end 62 formed with a threaded groove that screws into the screw hole 21, and a connecting portion 63 that connects the upper end 61 and the lower end 62. The connecting portion 63 is rod-shaped and extends vertically. The upper end 61 is disk-shaped.

[0058] The pallet 10 has a through-hole 14 of a size and shape that allows the lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 to pass through but not the upper end 61. The shape of the through-hole 14 is, for example, a circle that is slightly smaller than the upper end 61. However, the shape of the through-hole 14 is not particularly limited.

[0059] According to the above-described configuration, by pressing the upper end 61 and screwing the lower end 62, vertical and horizontal movement of the pallet 10 can be restricted.

[0060] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.

[0061] 5, the pallet 10 has a vibration damping structure 11 formed by two flat plates 11a and 11b and a spring 11c sandwiched between them. The pallet 10 has a function of damping vibrations transmitted to the cargo 3 by the vibration damping structure 11.

[0062] In the example of FIG. 5, the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 are bolted together. The intermediate member 20 has threaded holes 21 for bolting the lower flat plate 11b of the pallet 10. Here, the upper flat plate 11a is not bolted together. The pallet 10 is fixed to the intermediate member 20 by fastening bolts 12 into the threaded holes 21. In the example shown, in a plan view (vertical view), a plurality of square pallets 10 of two different sizes (one large size and three small sizes) are placed on one rectangular intermediate member 20. However, the size, shape, and number of pallets 10 may vary. The threaded holes 21 are provided in various locations on the top surface of the intermediate member 20 so that various pallets 10 can be fastened together. In FIG. 2, to avoid cluttering the illustration, only some of the threaded holes 21 are denoted by reference numerals. This also applies to other reference numerals that follow.

[0063] In this embodiment, the intermediate member 20 is made of an extruded material made of, for example, an aluminum alloy or a magnesium alloy. Alternatively, the intermediate member 20 may be made of a combination of plate materials such as aluminum plates and steel plates. When a steel pallet is used, the intermediate member 20 is preferably made of steel, or a combination of two or more materials so that the surface on which the pallet is placed is made of steel.

[0064] The transport mechanism 1 of this embodiment provides the following effects.

[0065] The pallet 10 is not fixed directly to the loading platform 2a of the transport vehicle 2, but is fixed indirectly via the intermediate member 20. Therefore, there is no need to perform special processing on the loading platform 2a of the transport vehicle 2, and any transport vehicle 2 can be used. Furthermore, the intermediate member 20 is a separate member from the loading platform 2a and the pallet 10. Therefore, it can be designed to match the shape and size of the loading platform 2a and pallet 10 to be used, providing high versatility and a simple structure that can restrict the movement of the pallet 10 during transport. Furthermore, it is also possible to fix the pallet 10 to the intermediate member 20, and then fix the intermediate member 20 to the loading platform 2a. In this case, there is an advantage that loading work can be started before the transport machine 1 arrives at the work site.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the elastic sheet 30 is provided, so that the frictional force of the elastic sheet 30 can be prevented from causing the intermediate member 20 to move on the loading platform 2a.

[0067] Furthermore, since the pallet 10 can be fastened to the screw holes 21 of the intermediate member 20 with bolts, movement of the pallet 10 in all directions can be restricted.

[0068] The manner in which the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 are fixed is not limited to the above-mentioned bolt fastening. In this regard, modifications will be described below.

[0069] Fig. 6 shows a plan view of the transport mechanism 1 in the first modified example, and Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in Fig. 6.

[0070] In the first modified example, the pallet 10 has legs 13. The legs 13 are T-shaped in a cross section perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. The intermediate member 20 has guide grooves 22 that guide the legs 13. The guide grooves 22 are formed as concave lines on the top surface of the intermediate member 20. In the example shown in the figure, the guide grooves 22 extend as multiple lines in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions from the front end to the rear end and from the left end to the right end of the intermediate member 20.

[0071] The legs 13 and the guide grooves 22 engage with each other to restrict the vertical separation of the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20. In other words, the legs 13 and the guide grooves 22 are shaped to hook together so that the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 do not separate in the vertical direction. For ease of explanation, this shape will be described below with reference to a schematic diagram.

[0072] Fig. 8 shows a schematic exploded front view of the transport mechanism 1 in the first modified example. Fig. 9 shows a schematic assembled front view of the transport mechanism 1 in the first modified example. Note that Figs. 8 and 9 are views viewed from the front-rear direction, but the shape can be substantially the same when viewed from the left-right direction. This also applies to subsequent modified examples.

[0073] The guide groove 22 has a shape complementary to the T-shaped leg portion 13 when viewed in the front-rear direction. Specifically, the guide groove 22 has a shape in which the width of the internal gap is larger than the width of the opening on the top surface of the intermediate member 20. Therefore, the leg portion 13 can move in the front-rear direction within the guide groove 22, but cannot move in the up-down direction. In this way, the leg portion 13 and the guide groove 22 are engaged to restrict the separation in the up-down direction.

[0074] The procedure for loading the pallet 10 involves inserting the legs 13 of the pallet 10 into the guide grooves 22 from the rear or the left or right of the intermediate member 20 fixed on the loading platform 2a of the truck 2, and guiding the legs 13 along the guide grooves 22 to a predetermined position. At this time, the legs 13 may be made movable up and down so that they can be stored entirely or partially within the pallet 10. The advantages of this include that when using the pallet 10, the legs 13 can be completely retracted, and that after inserting the legs 13 into the guide grooves 22 and placing them in a fixed location, the legs 13 can be raised to engage with the guide grooves 22.

[0075] According to this modification, the legs 13 are guided along the guide grooves 22, and the pallet 10 can be easily moved to a predetermined position. Because the legs 13 move along the guide grooves 22, movement of the pallet 10 in the horizontal direction, excluding the direction of movement, can be restricted. Furthermore, by engaging the legs 13 with the guide grooves 22, movement of the pallet 10 in the vertical direction can also be restricted.

[0076] Fig. 10 shows a schematic exploded front view of the transport mechanism 1 in the second modified example. Fig. 11 shows a schematic assembled front view of the transport mechanism 1 in the first state in the second modified example. Fig. 12 shows a schematic assembled front view of the transport mechanism 1 in the second modified example in the second state. Note that in Fig. 11, the portion surrounded by the dashed circle is shown enlarged.

[0077] In the second modified example, the pallet 10 has the same legs 13 as in the first modified example. The intermediate member 20 has rail members 23 that guide the legs 13 and rail grooves 24 in which the rail members 23 are disposed. The rail members 23 are configured as guide grooves 22 of the first modified example, separate from the intermediate member 20.

[0078] The rail member 23 has a shape complementary to the T-shaped leg 13 when viewed in the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, the leg 13 can move in the front-to-rear direction within the rail member 23, but cannot move in the up-and-down direction. In this way, the leg 13 and the rail member 23 engage with each other to restrict the separation between the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 in the up-and-down direction.

[0079] In this modification, the transport mechanism 1 also includes a spacer 40 and an airbag 50 (an example of a drive unit).

[0080] The spacer 40 is a support member disposed between the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20. The spacer 40 supports the load of the pallet 10 and keeps the distance between the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 constant. Therefore, the leg 13 does not need to support the load of the pallet 10, and can be disposed in a state where it is floating from the inner surface of the rail member 23, as shown in Figure 11. Note that although Figure 10 shows a structure in which one spacer 40 is provided, multiple spacers may be provided.

[0081] The airbag 50 is a bag that can be inflated and deflated by letting air in and out. The airbag 50 is disposed below the rail member 23 in the rail groove 24. As shown in FIG. 11 , when the airbag 50 is inflated, the rail member 23 is pushed up, and the rail member 23 and the leg portion 13 do not come into contact with each other, creating a first state. As shown in FIG. 12 , when the airbag 50 is deflated, the rail member 23 is lowered, and the rail member 23 and the leg portion 13 come into contact with each other, creating a second state. In this second state, the movement of the pallet 10 is restricted by the rail member and the spacer 40. In this way, the airbag 50 moves the rail member 23 up and down, achieving the first and second states.

[0082] Although not shown in the drawings, the rail member 23 may be moved up and down mechanically by a lever mechanism or the like instead of the airbag 50. Alternatively, the rail member 23 may be fixed and not move, and the leg 13 may be configured to move up and down. In other words, the drive unit may be configured in any manner that moves the rail member or the leg up and down between the first state and the second state.

[0083] The procedure for loading pallets 10 is to insert the legs 13 of pallet 10 into rail members 23 from the rear or the left and right of intermediate member 20 fixed on the loading platform 2a of truck 2. At this time, the positional relationship between rail members 23 and legs 13 is in a first state, and legs 13 are guided to a predetermined position along rail members 23. Next, the positional relationship between rail members 23 and legs 13 is set to a second state.

[0084] According to this modification, the legs 13 can be guided along the rail members 23, and the pallet 10 can be easily moved to a predetermined position. Because the legs 13 move along the rail members 23, movement of the pallet 10 in the horizontal direction, excluding the direction of movement, can be restricted. Furthermore, by engaging the legs 13 and the rail members 23, movement of the pallet 10 in the vertical direction can also be restricted.

[0085] Furthermore, the spacers 40 can maintain a constant vertical distance between the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20. In the first state, the legs 13 are guided along the rail members 23, and the pallet 10 is moved to a predetermined position. In the first state, the rail members 23 and the legs 13 do not come into contact with each other, making it easy to move the pallet 10, but also making it prone to vertical wobble. Therefore, after the pallet 10 has moved, a drive unit such as an airbag 50 is used to achieve the second state, causing the rail members 23 and the legs 13 to come into contact with each other in the vertical direction, thereby suppressing wobble. In this way, the cargo 3 can be loaded and secured more efficiently.

[0086] FIG. 13 shows a schematic cross-sectional exploded view of the transport mechanism 1 in the third modified example. FIG. 14 shows a plan view of the pallet 10 of the transport mechanism 1 in the third modified example. FIG. 15 shows a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 in the third modified example before restraint. FIG. 16 shows a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 in the third modified example after restraint. Note that in FIG. 13, a perspective view of the restraining member 60 is shown in the area surrounded by a dashed line frame.

[0087] In the third modified example, the transport mechanism 1 has a restraining member 60 that restrains the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 in the vertical direction. The restraining member 60 restrains the pallet 10 and the intermediate member 20 so that they do not separate in the vertical direction.

[0088] The restraining member 60 has an upper end 61 that presses the pallet 10 downward, a T-shaped lower end 62 that presses the intermediate member 20 upward, and a connecting portion 63 that connects the upper end 61 and the lower end 62. The connecting portion 63 is rod-shaped and extends in the vertical direction. The upper end 61 has a disk shape. The lower end 62 extends horizontally and is T-shaped. In a plan view (vertical view), the length of the lower end 62 is smaller than the diameter of the upper end 61.

[0089] The pallet 10 has a through-hole portion 14 of a size and shape that allows the lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 to pass through but not the upper end 61. The shape of the through-hole portion 14 is, for example, a circle that is slightly smaller than the upper end 61. For example, Figure 14 is a plan view of the pallet 10 of the transport mechanism 1, but the through-hole portion 14 may have a shape that has a notch extending forward and backward in addition to a circular hole. However, the shape of the through-hole portion 14 is not particularly limited. Note that in this modification, the pallet 10 does not have legs like the first or second modification.

[0090] The intermediate member 20 has a locking groove 25 into which the lower end portion 62 can be inserted from above and which has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the lower end portion 62 .

[0091] The procedure for loading the pallet 10 is as follows: the pallet 10 is placed in a predetermined position on the intermediate member 20 fixed on the bed 2a of the truck 2. Next, the lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 is inserted from above the pallet 10 through the through-hole portion 14 up to the locking groove 25 (see Figures 15 and 16). At this time, the lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 is maintained in a position extending in the front-to-rear direction. Thereafter, the restraining member 60 is rotated 90 degrees around the vertical direction (Z axis), and the position of the restraining member 60 is changed so that the lower end 62 extends in the left-to-right direction. As a result, the lower end 62 is locked in the locking groove 25 and will not come loose.

[0092] According to this modification, the vertical movement of the pallet can be easily restricted by the restraining member 60. In addition, the T-shaped lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 can be prevented from slipping out of (being caught in) the locking groove 25. In other words, by locking the restraining member 60 in the locking groove 25, the movement of the pallet 10 can be easily restricted.

[0093] Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the restraining member 60 in the fourth modified example. Fig. 18 is a schematic cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 in the fourth modified example after restraint.

[0094] In the fourth modified example, the shape of the lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 is changed from that of the third modified example. The lower end 62 of the restraining member 60 in this modified example has a flat upper surface 62a that is inclined from the horizontal plane. In addition, the restraining member 60 may be configured to be screwed into the locking groove 25 of the pallet 10 with a screw.

[0095] The procedure for loading the pallet 10 is substantially the same as that of the third modified example.

[0096] According to this modification, the intermediate member 20 is not pressed by the entire lower end portion 62, but rather by a specific portion of the lower end portion 62 (a portion higher than the others).

[0097] Fig. 19 shows a cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 in the fifth modified example. Fig. 20 shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the portion XX circled by a dashed line in Fig. 20.

[0098] The fifth modified example shows a state in which a positioning pin 64 is installed in an arbitrary positioning hole portion 27 provided in the intermediate member 20. In the illustrated example, the positioning hole portion 27 has a hole shape that does not penetrate the intermediate member 20 but terminates within the intermediate member 20. The intermediate member 20 side of the through-hole portion 15 provided in the pallet 10 has a shape that matches the shape of the tip portion 64b of the positioning pin 64. Note that the pallet 10 is fixed to the intermediate member 20 by inserting, for example, a restraining member 60 into a through-hole provided in a cross section not shown.

[0099] The positioning pin 64 is used to position the pallet 10 relative to the intermediate member 20 and is detachable from the intermediate member 20 and the pallet 10 .

[0100] In this modification, the positioning pin 64 has a tapered tip 64b. The pallet 10 has a through-hole 15 into which the positioning pin 64 is fitted. The through-hole 15 passes through the pallet 10 in the vertical direction (up and down direction), and has a shape at the lower end complementary to the tip 64b.

[0101] In this modification, the positioning pin 64 has a mechanism 64c that emits linear light in the vertical direction (up and down direction). For example, the mechanism 64c is a laser oscillation system that emits laser light L1 as linear light. Alternatively, the mechanism 64c may be an optical fiber or the like that is arranged to guide laser light L1 upward from an external laser oscillation system.

[0102] According to this modification, the pallet 10 can be accurately positioned relative to the intermediate member 20. Furthermore, by installing a positioning pin 64 on the intermediate member 20, the location for placing the pallet 10 can be determined using the laser light L1 emitted from the positioning pin 64. Furthermore, tapering the tip 64b of the positioning pin 64 makes it easier for the positioning pin 64 to fit into the through-hole 15 of the pallet 10. Alternatively, the multiple screw holes 21 provided in the intermediate member 20 may be used as installation locations for the positioning pin 64. This allows for an appropriate placement to be selected according to the shape of the pallet 10 to be placed. Furthermore, the position of the positioning pin 64 can be easily identified by the rectilinear light mechanism 64c and the through-hole 15. Once the positioning pin 64 fits into the through-hole 15 of the pallet 10, the rectilinear light can be seen through the through-hole 15 of the pallet 10, allowing accurate placement to be confirmed.

[0103] Fig. 21 shows a plan view of the transport mechanism 1 in the sixth modified example, and Fig. 22 shows a cross-sectional assembly diagram of the transport mechanism 1 in the sixth modified example.

[0104] In the sixth modified example, the intermediate member 20 has, in addition to the fifth modified example, standing walls 28 rising from the edges. The standing walls 28 may be provided integrally with the intermediate member 20 or may be provided separately. In the illustrated example, the standing walls 28 are provided along the entire length of the intermediate member 20 in the front-to-rear direction at both side edges, and along the entire length of the intermediate member 20 in the left-to-right direction at the front edge. Note that no standing walls are provided at the rear edge to allow for transportation by forklift. In particular, the left-to-right spacing between the standing walls 28 provided at both side edges of the intermediate member 20 is approximately equal to the width of the pallet 10, so that the pallet 10 fits between the standing walls 28 with almost no gaps.

[0105] According to this modification, the pallets 10 can be easily loaded up to a predetermined position using the standing wall 28 as a guide.

[0106] FIG. 23 shows a plan view of the transport mechanism 1 in the seventh modified example.

[0107] In the seventh modification, a light emitter 65 is provided on the surface of at least one of the intermediate member 20 and the pallet 10, displaying a line corresponding to the target placement position of the pallet 10. The target placement position of the pallet 10 may be the screw hole 21 of the intermediate member 20 or another landmark that can serve as a marker during loading. In the illustrated example, the light emitter 65 is a laser oscillation system that irradiates the upper surface of the intermediate member 20 with laser light L2. The light emitter 65 is configured and positioned so that the laser light L2 displays a line on the screw hole 21. The position of the light emitter 65 is not particularly limited, and it may be provided on the intermediate member 20 as illustrated, or above the loading platform, higher than the cargo.

[0108] According to this modification, the pallet 10 can be loaded up to the target placement position (for example, the corresponding screw hole portion 21) using the line as a guide, thereby improving workability.

[0109] (Second embodiment) 24 and 25, the transport mechanism 1 of the second embodiment places an intermediate member 20 inside a container 70 loaded on a loading platform 2a. Other than this, the transport mechanism 1 is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0110] In this embodiment, the transport mechanism 1 has a container (box) 70 that is separate from the intermediate member 20. The container 70 is a box-shaped member that is loaded onto the loading platform 2a of the truck 2. The container 70 houses the box 4 containing cargo, the pallet 10, and the intermediate member 20. The container 70 has an opening / closing door 71 at the rear and / or side (at the rear in the illustrated example), and the box 4 containing cargo, the pallet 10, and the intermediate member 20 can be taken in and out through the opening / closing door.

[0111] The intermediate member 20 is placed on the bottom surface inside the container 70. The intermediate member 20 is fixed to the container 70 by any method.

[0112] In this embodiment, a flow path FP is provided inside the intermediate member 20, and the cargo secured to the pallet 10 is covered with the box body 4. This allows the temperature, pressure, and humidity of the cargo secured in the container to be controlled. The flow path FP and the internal space IR of the box body 4 are connected by a fluid-permeable device (not shown), and temperature- or humidity-controlled gas is supplied to the internal space IR of the box body 4 through the flow path FP of the intermediate member 20, thereby controlling the temperature, pressure, and humidity inside the box body 4. This allows cooling, heating, pressure reduction, and low humidity to be achieved. Furthermore, by providing a device through which fluid flows inside the pallet 10 and supplying a temperature-controlled fluid to the device from the flow path FP to control the temperature of the pallet, the temperature of the cargo can be indirectly controlled. In this case, the box body 4 may be formed by placing a bottomless box-shaped cover over the cargo and securing it to the pallet 10. This allows the pallet to essentially function as the underside of the box, making it easier for heat from the pallet 10 to be transferred to the internal space IR of the box body 4.

[0113] It is also possible to provide multiple flow paths FP in the intermediate member 20, connect two flow paths FP to the internal space IR of the box body 4, supply gas through one flow path, and discharge gas through another flow path. Alternatively, when transporting multiple cargoes with different optimum temperature and humidity conditions at the same time, by providing multiple flow paths FP in the intermediate member 20, circulating gases controlled at different temperatures and humidity levels in each flow path FP, and connecting each box body 4 to the flow path FP to which the appropriate gas is being supplied, it is possible to maintain each cargo in a different environment, and to transport cargoes that must be controlled at different temperatures at the same time.

[0114] Furthermore, when loading the cargo 3 into the container 70, the working range of the transport forklift is limited by the structure of the container 70, such as the walls of the container 70. Therefore, if the pallet 10 and cargo 3 are secured to the intermediate member 20 and then loaded into the container 70 together, the work of securing the pallet 10 to the intermediate member 20 can be carried out in an open space, which provides the advantage of ensuring flexibility in the working range of the transport forklift.

[0115] (Third embodiment) 26, a transport mechanism 1 of the third embodiment has a container (box) 70 loaded on a loading platform 2a of a truck 2, and the bottom wall of the container 70 forms an intermediate member 20. Other than this, the transport mechanism 1 is substantially the same as the first and second embodiments. Therefore, the description of the parts shown in the first and second embodiments may be omitted.

[0116] In this embodiment, the transport mechanism 1 has a container 70 integrated with the intermediate member 20. The container 70 is a box-shaped member that is loaded onto the loading platform 2a of the truck 2. The container 70 accommodates cargo 3 and pallets 10. The container 70 has an opening / closing door 71 at the rear or side (at the rear in the illustrated example), allowing the cargo 3 and pallets 10 to be taken in and out from the rear or side.

[0117] The intermediate member 20 is configured as the bottom wall of the container 70 .

[0118] According to this embodiment, since the container 70 is often used when transporting the cargo 3, it can be used as a member constituting the intermediate member 20 without increasing the number of parts.

[0119] While specific embodiments of the present invention and their modifications have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and can be implemented with various modifications within the scope of the present invention. For example, an embodiment of the present invention may be implemented by appropriately combining the contents of the individual embodiments.

[0120] The present disclosure may include the following aspects. (Aspect 1) Pallets loaded onto the loading platform of transport machinery, an intermediate member interposed between the platform and the pallet to restrict movement of the pallet; A transport mechanism comprising: (Aspect 2) The transport mechanism of aspect 1, wherein the intermediate member has a screw hole portion for bolting the pallet. (Aspect 3) The pallet has legs, the intermediate member has a guide groove for guiding the leg portion, The transport mechanism according to aspect 1, wherein the legs and the guide grooves engage with each other to regulate the vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member. (Aspect 4) The pallet has legs, the intermediate member has a rail member that guides the leg portion and a rail groove in which the rail member is disposed, The transport mechanism according to aspect 1, wherein the legs and the rail members are engaged to regulate the vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member. (Aspect 5) a spacer disposed between the pallet and the intermediate member; a drive unit that moves the rail member or the leg portion up and down between a first state in which the rail member and the leg portion are not in contact with each other in the vertical direction and a second state in which the rail member and the leg portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction; 5. The transport mechanism of embodiment 4, further comprising: (Aspect 6) 2. The transport mechanism of claim 1, further comprising a restraining member that restrains the pallet and the intermediate member in the vertical direction. (Aspect 7) the restraining member has an upper end portion that presses the pallet downward, a T-shaped lower end portion that presses the intermediate member upward, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion, A transport mechanism according to aspect 6, wherein the intermediate member has a locking groove into which the lower end portion can be inserted from above and which has a cross-sectional shape complementary to the lower end portion. (Aspect 8) 8. The transport mechanism of claim 7, wherein the lower end has an upper surface that is inclined from a horizontal plane. (Aspect 9) the intermediate member has a screw hole portion for fastening the restraint member, A transport mechanism as described in aspect 6, wherein the restraining member has an upper end that presses the pallet downward, a lower end that has a threaded groove that screws into the screw hole portion, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end and the lower end. (Aspect 10) 10. The transport mechanism of any one of aspects 1-9, further comprising a removable locating pin for locating the pallet relative to the intermediate member. (Aspect 11) 11. The transport mechanism of claim 10, wherein the locating pin has a tapered tip. (Aspect 12) 12. The transport mechanism of claim 10 or 11, wherein the intermediate member has a plurality of positioning holes into which the base ends of the positioning pins are inserted. (Aspect 13) The positioning pin has a mechanism for emitting light in a straight line in the vertical direction, A transport mechanism according to any one of aspects 10 to 12, wherein the pallet has a through-hole portion into which the positioning pin is inserted. (Aspect 14) A transport mechanism according to any one of aspects 1 to 13, wherein the intermediate member has an upstanding wall rising from an edge thereof. (Aspect 15) A transport mechanism according to any one of aspects 1 to 14, further comprising a light emitter that displays a line corresponding to a target placement position of the pallet on a surface of at least one of the intermediate member and the pallet. (Aspect 16) 16. The transport mechanism of any one of aspects 1 to 15, further comprising an elastic sheet interposed between the intermediate member and the platform. (Aspect 17) 17. The transport mechanism of any one of aspects 1 to 16, wherein the intermediate member forms a bottom wall of a box. (Aspect 18) 18. The transport mechanism of any one of aspects 1 to 17, wherein the intermediate member comprises an extruded material. (Aspect 19) Aspect 19. The transport mechanism of any one of aspects 1 to 18, wherein the intermediate member has a channel therein for allowing a fluid to flow. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 1 Transport mechanism 2 Trucks (Transportation Machinery) (Transportation Vehicles) 2a Cargo bed 3 cargo 10 palettes 11 Vibration damping structure 11a,11b flat plate 11c spring 12 volts 13 Legs 14,15 Through-hole section 20 Intermediate parts 21 Screw hole 22 Guide groove 23 Rail components 24 Rail groove 25 Locking groove 27 Positioning hole 28 Standing Wall 30 Elastic Sheet 40 spacer 50 Airbag (drive section) 60 Restraining member 61 Upper end 62 Lower end 62a top surface 63 Connecting part 64 Locating pin 64a Proximal end 64b Tip 65 Light emitter 70 Container (box) 71 Opening and closing doors FP flow path IR interior space

Claims

1. Pallets loaded onto the loading platform of transport machinery, an intermediate member interposed between the platform and the pallet to restrict movement of the pallet; A transport mechanism comprising:

2. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate member has screw holes for fastening the pallet with bolts.

3. The pallet has legs, the intermediate member has a guide groove for guiding the leg portion, The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the legs and the guide grooves engage with each other to regulate the vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member.

4. The pallet has legs, the intermediate member has a rail member that guides the leg portion and a rail groove in which the rail member is disposed, The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the legs and the rail members are engaged to restrict a vertical separation between the pallet and the intermediate member.

5. a spacer disposed between the pallet and the intermediate member; a drive unit that moves the rail member or the leg portion up and down between a first state in which the rail member and the leg portion are not in contact with each other in the vertical direction and a second state in which the rail member and the leg portion are in contact with each other in the vertical direction; The transport mechanism of claim 4 further comprising:

6. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising a restraining member that restrains the pallet and the intermediate member in the vertical direction.

7. the restraining member has an upper end portion that presses the pallet downward, a T-shaped lower end portion that presses the intermediate member upward, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion, 7. The transport mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the intermediate member has a locking groove into which the lower end portion can be inserted from above and which has a cross-sectional shape complementary to that of the lower end portion.

8. The transport mechanism of claim 7 , wherein the lower end has an upper surface that is inclined from a horizontal plane.

9. the intermediate member has a screw hole portion for fastening the restraint member, 7. The transport mechanism of claim 6, wherein the restraining member has an upper end portion that presses the pallet downward, a lower end portion that has a threaded groove that screws into the screw hole portion, and a connecting portion that connects the upper end portion and the lower end portion.

10. The transport mechanism of claim 1 , further comprising removable locating pins for locating the pallet relative to the intermediate member.

11. The transport mechanism of claim 10 , wherein the locating pin has a tapered tip.

12. The transport mechanism according to claim 11 , wherein the intermediate member has a plurality of positioning holes into which the base ends of the positioning pins are inserted.

13. The positioning pin has a mechanism for emitting light in a straight line in the vertical direction, The transport mechanism according to claim 10 , wherein the pallet has through-holes into which the positioning pins are inserted.

14. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate member has an upstanding wall rising from an edge portion thereof.

15. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising a light emitter that displays a line corresponding to a target position for placing the pallet on a surface of at least one of the intermediate member and the pallet.

16. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , further comprising an elastic sheet interposed between the intermediate member and the platform.

17. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate member forms a bottom wall of a box.

18. The transport mechanism of claim 1 , wherein the intermediate member is made of an extruded material.

19. The transport mechanism according to claim 1 , wherein the intermediate member has a flow path therein for allowing a fluid to flow.

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