Winch device

Abstract

To provide a winch device hardly disturbing the original unloading and carrying work of a forklift even if it is mounted on the forklift, and facilitating the manual operation of turning a handle by a worker in a stable attitude.SOLUTION: The winch device includes a base plate, a shaft, a drum, a side plate, an arm member, a driven sprocket, a driving sprocket, a handle member attached to a shaft portion of the driving sprocket and configured to manually rotate the driving sprocket, a chain wound around the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket, and a locking unit configured to adjust an inclination angle of the arm member and lock the arm member to the side plate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a winch device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Forklifts are known that use a winch device to pull out cargo loaded on the front (driver's seat side) of a truck bed to the rear of the bed and unload the cargo.

[0003] In Patent Document 1, a sheath fork with a backrest (frame) is attached to the fork of a forklift, and a winch attached to the backrest of the sheath fork is used to pull out cargo loaded at the front of the loading platform to the rear. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-167191 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, in the case of Patent Document 1, in order to use the winch device, it is necessary to attach a scabbard fork and a backrest for the scabbard fork to the fork of the forklift body. Furthermore, in order to use the fork of the forklift body to transport cargo, it is necessary to remove the scabbard fork and the backrest for the scabbard fork, which makes it difficult to efficiently unload and transport cargo. Furthermore, Patent Document 1 does not disclose in detail the drive unit of the winch device. If an electric motor is used as the drive unit of the winch device, the winch device requires a battery or an environment where electricity can be supplied, and energy consumption is required for the power supply. Furthermore, maintenance of the electrical circuit, etc., requires experts, so if a malfunction occurs, it cannot be handled on-site, which is a time-consuming and costly problem.

[0006] To provide a winch device that hardly interferes with the forklift's original work of unloading and carrying cargo even when attached to the forklift, and that allows an operator to easily manually turn the handle in a stable position. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] a side plate fixed to one end of the base plate in the width direction of the forklift truck; an arm member having a base portion rotatably attached to the end of the shaft which passes through the side plate; a driven sprocket disposed opposite the arm member and having an axle portion connected to the end of the shaft; a drive sprocket rotatably attached to the free end of the arm member opposite the base portion, on the same side as the driven sprocket; a handle member attached to the axle of the drive sprocket and used to manually rotate the drive sprocket; a chain stretched between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket; and locking means for adjusting the tilt angle of the arm member to lock it to the side plate. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a winch device that, even when attached to a forklift, hardly interferes with the forklift's primary load-unloading and load-carrying operations, and that can be easily operated manually by an operator turning the handle in a stable posture. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a configuration of a winch device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 2] 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of a winch device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3]1 is a front view illustrating a configuration of a winch device according to a first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial side cross-sectional view showing a portion where the winch device according to the first embodiment is attached to a backrest. [Figure 5] 1 is a side view of a winch device according to a first embodiment in a state in which the forks can be inserted into a pallet placed on the ground. FIG. [Figure 6] 1 is a side view of a winch device according to a first embodiment in a state where the forks are raised to a ground height H1. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 is a side view of a first modified example of the winch device according to the first embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 6 is a side view of a second modified example of the winch device according to the first embodiment, corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating the configuration of a winch device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of a winch device according to a second embodiment in a state in which the forks can be inserted into a pallet placed on the ground. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing a main part of a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Two embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 11. The drawings used in the following description are schematic, and the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements shown in the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. Furthermore, the dimensional relationships and ratios of elements between the drawings do not necessarily correspond to the actual ones. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified in the specification, each element is not limited to one, and multiple elements may be present. Furthermore, substantially identical elements are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings, and redundant description in the specification will be omitted. Furthermore, in this specification, the width and height of the forklift and the direction of movement may be used to indicate directions. In this case, the width direction refers to the width direction (W direction) of the winch device, the height direction refers to the height direction (H direction) of the winch device, and the forward or backward direction of the forklift refers to the front or rear of the forklift, which is synonymous with the front or rear of the winch device (the direction from front to rear is defined as the R direction). In addition, in the vehicle width direction (width direction of the winch device), the outside refers to the outside of the vehicle body as viewed from inside the forklift body or the direction toward the outside of the vehicle body, and the inside refers to the opposite.

[0011] <Introduction> 1, a winch device 10 of the present disclosure is attached to, for example, a forklift 90 and tows a pallet (not shown). Specifically, the forklift 90 to which the winch device 10 is attached is positioned so that the winch device 10 faces a point on the pallet to be towed. The towing member 22 of the winch device 10, which will be described later, has an end that is not fixed to a hoisting trunk 46A of a drum 46, which will be described later, pulled out from the drum 46 and connected to the pallet, thereby towing a load during cargo handling operations.

[0012] The forklift 90 equipped with the winch device 10 can be used not only for unloading cargo from trucks or containers (not shown), but also for pulling around cargo placed on the floor inside a factory or warehouse. The winch device 10 can be attached to other structures, moving objects, etc., in addition to being attached to the forklift 90 as shown in FIG.

[0013] In the following description of the first and second embodiments in this specification, the common premise configuration (the pallet and the forklift 90) will be described first.

[0014] (palette) In the first and second embodiments, the pallet (not shown) is a forklift pallet having fork insertion ports. The structure and dimensions of the pallet in the first and second embodiments are, for example, JIS standard dimensions of 1100 mm x 1100 mm x 144 mm, but the structure and dimensions of the pallet using the winch device according to the present disclosure are not limited to this and may be any as long as it can be mounted on a truck or other transportation device and can be pulled horizontally on the loading platform. For example, a sheet pallet may be used, or if the cargo has a handle to which a towing member can be connected, such as by roping, the cargo may be bulk cargo not mounted on a pallet or the like.

[0015] (forklift) In the first and second embodiments, the forklift 90 has a well-known configuration, including forks 98 that can be inserted into the insertion openings of a pallet carrying the cargo to be transported, a vehicle function that allows the vehicle body to move freely in response to operation by an operator (not shown), and a lifting function that allows the forks 98 to be raised and lowered freely in response to operation by the operator.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 1, the forklift 90 has a mast 92 and a backrest 94 as main components for realizing the lifting function.

[0017] 1, the masts 92 are a pair of columnar members that are disposed forward of the driver's seat of the forklift 90, extend above the driver's seat, and are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The masts 92 function as guides for raising and lowering the forks 98.

[0018] The backrest 94 is a frame-shaped member that is attached to the front side of the mast 92 via a vertically movable drive arm (not shown) and moves up and down in the vehicle height direction along the mast 92 together with the forks 98 attached to the backrest 94. The backrest 94 functions as a platform for attaching the forks 98 to the forklift 90, and also functions as a protective fence to prevent the load on the forks 98 from collapsing and causing injury to the mast 92 and the operator of the forklift 90.

[0019] The backrest 94 has at least an upper horizontal bar 94A, an upper rail 96A, and a lower rail 96B.

[0020] The upper horizontal beam 94A is a beam-shaped member that extends along the vehicle width direction of the backrest 94, and constitutes the upper part of the main body of the backrest 94.

[0021] The upper rail 96A is also a beam-like member that extends along the vehicle width direction of the backrest 94, but is a U-shaped member whose both ends are fixed to the main body of the backrest 94 and whose cross-bar portion that extends along the vehicle width direction protrudes forward further than the upper cross-bar 94A. The upper rail 96A is also positioned lower than the upper cross-bar 94A and forms the lower part of the backrest 94. As the backrest 94 moves up and down, the upper rail 96A also moves up and down.

[0022] The lower rail 96B is also a beam-like member that extends along the vehicle width direction of the backrest 94, but is a U-shaped member whose both ends are fixed to the main body of the backrest 94 and whose horizontal bar portion that extends along the vehicle width direction protrudes further forward than the upper horizontal bar 94A. The lower rail 96B is disposed below the upper rail 96A and constitutes the lower part of the backrest 94. As the backrest 94 moves up and down, the lower rail 96B also moves up and down.

[0023] In the first and second embodiments, the backrest 94 has two rails (upper rail 96A and lower rail 96B), but the backrest according to the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the number of rails can be one or more.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the forks 98 are a pair of plate-like members that are attached to the backrest 94, extend toward the front of the vehicle, and are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the forks 98 have an engagement portion 98A and a support portion 98B.

[0025] The engaging portion 98A of the fork 98 is a plate-shaped member extending along the vehicle height direction of the forklift 90, and its upper end engages with the upper rail 96A. The engaging portion 98A is movable in the vehicle width direction along the upper rail 96A. Therefore, the position of the engaging portion 98A on the backrest 94 in the vehicle width direction can be changed as appropriate depending on the specifications of the pallet, etc.

[0026] The support portion 98B of the fork 98 is a plate-like member that extends from the lower end of the engagement portion 98A toward the front of the vehicle. In the first and second embodiments, the support portion 98B is formed in a claw shape with its tip tapering toward the front, but this is not limited to this in the present disclosure, and the shape of the support portion is arbitrary as long as it can support a pallet or load on the upper surface of the fork.

[0027] The forklift 90 is constructed as described above.

[0028] <Configuration of the first embodiment> (Overall overview of the winch device) In this embodiment, the overall size of the winch device 10 and the size of each of its components are shown in Fig. 1. The overall size of the winch device and the size of each of its components according to the present disclosure are not limited to this and can be set as appropriate as long as they can be attached to a forklift, but it is preferable to make them as small as possible so as not to excessively obstruct the view of the forklift driver or to not protrude too far from the body of the forklift, thereby compromising safety during driving.

[0029] In addition, in the present disclosure, the materials of the components constituting each part of the winch device may be selected appropriately, for example, metal, resin, etc., as long as they have the strength to withstand the external force applied when towing a load. Furthermore, the components constituting the winch device can be fixed by any fixing means, for example, screwing, welding, etc., depending on the combination of their respective materials.

[0030] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the winch device 10 of this embodiment is roughly divided into a component part arranged above the fork 98 and a component part arranged to the side of the fork 98, depending on the positional relationship when attached to the forklift 90.

[0031] (Components located above the fork) As shown in Fig. 2, components disposed above the forks 98 of the winch device 10 include the base plate 40, bearing 42, shaft 44, and drum 46. Fig. 5 shows the winch device 10 in a state in which the forks 98 of the forklift 90 are lowered to their lowest position so that the forks 98 can be inserted into the insertion openings of a pallet placed on the ground. It is desirable to determine the mounting positions, dimensions, shapes, etc. of the base plate 40, bearing 42, shaft 44, and drum 46 of the winch device 10 so that the lower ends of the side plates 48 do not come into contact with the ground in this state.

[0032] ((Base plate)) As shown in FIG. 3 , the base plate 40 is a plate-like member that extends in the vehicle width direction and is disposed so as to cross along the upper surfaces of the forks 98, and is attached to the backrest 94 of the forklift 90. As shown in FIG. 4 , the base plate 40 is attached to the lower rail 96B by fitting an inverted U-shaped recess 41 formed on the rear end side to the upper end of the lower rail 96B, threading a bolt 98C into a female-threaded through-hole (not shown) cut in the front side wall of the recess 41, and pressing the rear side wall of the recess 41 against the side wall of the lower rail 96B with the fastening force. Note that, as shown in FIG. 4 , the base plate 40 according to this embodiment has a flat portion on which the bearing 42 is installed that extends horizontally from the lower end of the front side wall of the recess 41. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, in order to adjust the height position of the horizontal portion, the flat portion may extend horizontally at the level of the upper surface of the recess, or the front side wall of the recess may extend upward once and then extend horizontally from the upper end.

[0033] 3, the length of the base plate 40 according to this embodiment in the vehicle width direction is approximately the same as the length of the backrest 94 in the vehicle width direction. In the present disclosure, this is not limited to this, and any length may be used as long as it is possible to install the number of bearings necessary to support the force applied to the shaft and the side plate provided at one end can be positioned in an appropriate position.

[0034] ((bearing)) As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 , a plurality of bearings 42 are provided on the base plate 40 in a spaced-apart relationship to rotatably support the shaft 44. In this embodiment, a total of four bearings 42 are provided: one at each end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction, and two bearings 42 provided in a spaced-apart relationship in the center portion. The pair of bearings 42A in the center portion are provided between the forks 98 to support the shaft 44 relatively close to the drum 46, taking into consideration that a relatively large external force acts on the drum 46. The bearings 42 are arranged such that their rotational centerlines are aligned in a straight line from one end of the base plate 40 to the other end in the vehicle width direction. In the present disclosure, the number and arrangement of the bearings are not limited to this, and any number of two or more bearings may be provided as long as they can support the external force acting on the shaft.

[0035] 4, the bearing 42 according to this embodiment is provided on a pedestal 42B for adjusting the height of the shaft 44 in the vehicle height direction of the forklift 90. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and a pedestal may not be used as long as the shaft 44 is appropriately positioned in the height direction.

[0036] ((shaft)) As shown in FIG. 3 , the shaft 44 is a shaft member that extends in the vehicle width direction, is disposed on the base plate 40, and is rotatably supported by the bearing 42. Although no thrust bearing is used for the shaft 44 in this embodiment, in the present disclosure, a thrust bearing may be attached to the end of the shaft to suppress axial movement, if necessary. The center of rotation of the shaft 44 coincides with the center of rotation of the bearing 42. The shaft 44 according to this embodiment is a cylindrical member made of steel and has a diameter of approximately 30 mm. In the present disclosure, the material and shape of the shaft are not limited to these, and may be any material as long as the shaft has rigidity that allows deformation due to external forces acting on the shaft to be within an allowable range and has a shape that allows it to be appropriately used as a rotating shaft. For example, the shaft may be made of aluminum, hard resin, or the like.

[0037] ((drum)) 3, the drum 46 is disposed between a pair of bearings 42A, is fixed to the shaft 44, rotates with the rotation of the shaft 44, and is a member that winds up and unwinds the traction member 22 that is an accessory member of the drum 46. Although a belt is used as the traction member 22 in this embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the member may be, for example, a wire, a chain, or the like.

[0038] The drum 46 has a reeling drum 46A, a flange 46B, and a traction member 22 as an accessory member. The reeling drum 46A is a tubular member around whose outer periphery the traction member 22 can be wound, with one end of the traction member 22 fixed, and the flanges 46B are disposed to sandwich both sides of the reeling drum 46A and serve as guides to prevent the wound traction member 22 from shifting sideways. The other end of the traction member 22 that is not fixed to the reeling drum 46A is attached to, for example, a pallet as the object to be towed.

[0039] (Components located on the sides of the forks) As shown in FIG. 5, the components disposed on the sides of the fork 98 of the winch device 10 include the side plate 48, the arm member 70, the driven sprocket 72, the drive sprocket 74, the handle member 76, the chain 78, and the locking means 80.

[0040] ((Side plate)) As shown in FIG. 3 , the side plate 48 is a plate-like member that extends in the vehicle height direction of the forklift 90 and is fixed to the left end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction. Note that in the present disclosure, the fixing position of the side plate is not limited thereto. For example, the side plate may be fixed to the right end of the base plate in the vehicle width direction, provided that the positions of other members are also appropriately changed. Specifically, the side plate 48 is fixed to the base plate 40 in a state in which its lower end is positioned below the lower surface of the base plate 40 and its upper end is positioned above the upper surface of the base plate 40. Furthermore, by adjusting the length of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction, the side plate 48 is positioned so that it is located on the outer side of the backrest 94 in the vehicle width direction (the outer side of the forklift 90 in the vehicle width direction).

[0041] The side plate 48 has a main shaft insertion hole 48A and an angle adjustment elongated hole 48B.

[0042] 3, the spindle insertion hole 48A is a through-hole that penetrates in the plate thickness direction and is provided at a position corresponding to the shaft 44. An end of the shaft 44 is inserted through the spindle insertion hole 48A from the inner side surface (rear surface) of the side plate 48 in the vehicle width direction toward the outer side surface (front surface) of the side plate in the vehicle width direction. The inner diameter of the spindle insertion hole 48A is set to a size that allows the inserted shaft 44 to rotate freely.

[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the angle adjustment slot 48B is an arc-shaped slot penetrating through the side plate 48 in the plate thickness direction. Specifically, the angle adjustment slot 48B is an arc-shaped slot provided from the upper end to the lower end of the side plate 48 along a circumference centered on the center point of the spindle insertion hole 48A. In other words, the arc of the angle adjustment slot 48B shares a center with the spindle insertion hole 48A. As will be described later, the angle adjustment slot 48B is used as one of the elements constituting a locking mechanism 80 that tilts the arm member 70 to a required angle and fixes it in that position. Therefore, the width of the angle adjustment slot 48B in the direction perpendicular to the length direction is the minimum dimension necessary to allow the bolt 80A of the locking mechanism 80 to be inserted therethrough. In addition, the angle adjustment slot 48B can also be used as a guide groove when tracing an arc-shaped trajectory around the shaft 44 in order to tilt the arm member 70, and therefore, in the present disclosure, a scale indicating the tilt angle may be provided on the edge of the angle adjustment slot.

[0044] In the present disclosure, the shape of the angle adjustment elongated hole is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 7, instead of elongated holes having a fixed length, through holes (hereinafter sometimes referred to as discrete through holes) may be provided discretely along the same circumference. In addition, in the present disclosure, discrete through holes do not weaken the strength of the side plate as much as angle adjustment elongated holes, and therefore can be provided along the entire circumference, not just in the form of a partial arc along the circumference as shown in FIG. 3. More specifically, angle adjustment elongated hole 48B is formed so that the start point (upper portion) and end point (lower portion) of the arc are each slightly forward of spindle insertion hole 48A, and the central portion of the arc connecting the start point and end point is formed rearward of spindle insertion hole 48A.

[0045] 1 and 5, the side plate 48 according to the first embodiment is rectangular, but the shape of the side plate in the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, any shape is possible as long as the spindle insertion hole and the angle adjustment slot can be appropriately positioned depending on the application, the required strength is provided, and normal operation of the forklift is not interfered with.

[0046] ((Arm component)) 1, the arm member 70 is a plate-like member that is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the side plate 48. In other words, the arm member 70 is disposed on the opposite side of the base plate 40 with the side plate 48 sandwiched therebetween. As shown in FIG. 5, the arm member 70 according to this embodiment has a trapezoidal shape that tapers from one end (base) to the other end (free end).

[0047] As shown in FIG. 3, a locking means insertion hole 70A, a driven shaft insertion hole 70B, and a drive shaft insertion hole 70C are formed between one end and the other end of the arm member 70 so as to penetrate through the plate thickness direction.

[0048] The locking means insertion hole 70A is formed on the arm member 70 so that the center-to-center distance between the driven shaft insertion hole 70B and the locking means insertion hole 70A is the same as the center-to-center distance between the main shaft insertion hole 48A and the angle adjustment elongated hole 48B on the side plate 48. As will be described later, the locking means insertion hole 70A is used as one of the elements constituting the locking means 80 that tilts the arm member 70 to a required angle and fixes it in that position. Therefore, the diameter of the locking means insertion hole 70A is the minimum dimension necessary to allow the bolt 80A of the locking means 80 to be inserted therethrough.

[0049] The driven shaft insertion hole 70B is formed closer to one end (base) of the arm member 70 than the locking means insertion hole 70A. The shaft 44 extending from the outer side surface of the side plate 48 is rotatably inserted into the driven shaft insertion hole 70B. In other words, the base of the arm member 70 is rotatably attached to the end of the shaft 44 passing through the side plate 48 via the driven shaft insertion hole 70B.

[0050] The drive shaft insertion hole 70C is formed closer to the other end (free end) of the arm member 70 than the locking means insertion hole 70A. As will be described later, a drive sprocket 74 is attached to the drive shaft insertion hole 70C. Therefore, the center distance between the drive shaft insertion hole 70C and the driven shaft insertion hole 70B determines the length of the chain 78; in other words, the length of the arm member 70 is determined so that the chain 78 has the required length.

[0051] It should be noted that the arm member 70 in this embodiment has a trapezoidal shape that tapers from one end (base) to the other end (free end), but the present disclosure is not limited to this, and as long as the main shaft insertion hole, locking means insertion hole, and drive shaft insertion hole can be appropriately provided on the arm member and the arm member has the required strength, it can be of any shape, including its length, and may be, for example, a straight rod-shaped member.

[0052] ((Driven sprocket)) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the driven sprocket 72 is a sprocket (gear) that is fixedly attached to the tip of the shaft 44 that is inserted into the driven shaft insertion hole 70B (see FIG. 3) of the arm member 70, and rotates as the shaft 44 rotates. Therefore, the driven sprocket 72 is disposed outboard of the arm member 70 in the vehicle width direction. In other words, the driven sprocket 72 is connected with its rotation axis aligned with the end of the shaft 44. The gear teeth of the driven sprocket 72 are configured so that a chain 78 can be wound around them. The driven sprocket 72 can rotate 360° together with the shaft 44. On the other hand, although the arm member 70 is rotatably attached to the shaft 44, it rotates independently of the arm member 70.

[0053] In this embodiment, the driven sprocket 72 is arranged to face the outer side surface of the arm member 70 in the vehicle width direction, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and as will be described later, the driven sprocket can also be arranged to face the inner side surface of the arm member in the vehicle width direction.However, in this case, the drive sprocket also needs to be attached to the inner side surface of the free end of the arm member in the vehicle width direction.

[0054] ((Drive sprocket)) As shown in Figure 5, the drive sprocket 74 is a sprocket (gear) rotatably attached via a shaft to the drive shaft insertion hole 70C (see Figure 3) of the arm member 70, and is arranged outward in the vehicle width direction from the arm member 70. In other words, the drive sprocket 74 is rotatably attached to the outer side surface of the free end of the arm member 70 in the vehicle width direction. The drive sprocket 74 is arranged to rotate in approximately the same rotation plane as the driven sprocket 72. The gear teeth of the drive sprocket 74 are configured to allow a chain 78 to be wound around it, and the chain 78 is stretched between the drive sprocket 74 and the driven sprocket.

[0055] The drive sprocket 74 according to this embodiment has a smaller outer diameter than the driven sprocket 72, and the gear ratio is 10:1, so that, for example, the driven sprocket 72 rotates once for every 10 rotations of the drive sprocket 74. Note that in the present disclosure, the gear ratio between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket is not limited to this, and, for example, the drive sprocket may have a larger outer diameter than the driven sprocket depending on the application.

[0056] The drive sprocket 74 can rotate 360°, but does so independently of the arm member 70 .

[0057] In this embodiment, the drive sprocket 74 is attached to the outer side surface of the free end of the arm member 70 in the vehicle width direction, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and as will be described later, the driven sprocket can also be attached to the inner side surface of the free end of the arm member in the vehicle width direction.In this case, however, the driven sprocket also needs to be positioned so that it faces the inner side surface of the arm member in the vehicle width direction.

[0058] ((Handle component)) As shown in Figure 5, the handle member 76 is composed of a long, thin plate-like member having multiple through holes near one end, a drive shaft engagement portion 76B provided at the end of the plate-like member farthest from the through holes, and a grip portion 76A attached to one of the through holes in the plate-like member.

[0059] The drive shaft engaging portion 76B of the handle member 76 has a polygonal recess (not shown) of the same shape that can be fitted into the polygonal end portion (not shown) of the drive shaft that secures the drive sprocket 74. By fitting this recess into the polygonal end portion of the drive shaft, engagement between the handle member 76 and the drive shaft of the drive sprocket 74 is achieved.

[0060] In addition, the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76 is attached by screwing a male-threaded engaging portion (not shown) of the grip portion 76A into one of the female-threaded through holes provided in the plate-shaped member.

[0061] When an operator grips the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76 and moves it in one direction, the operator can manually rotate the drive sprocket 74 via the drive shaft that is engaged with the plate-shaped member on the side opposite to the grip portion 76A. In other words, the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76 can move in an orbit around the drive shaft of the drive sprocket 74, describing a circle C1 shown in Figure 5.

[0062] The driving force (rotational force or rotational torque) transmitted to the drive sprocket 74 by such rotational movement of the grip portion 76A is proportional to the product of the force applied by the operator and the radius of the circle C1, and therefore the driving force can be adjusted by selecting to which of the multiple through holes provided in the plate-like member the grip portion 76A is attached.

[0063] In the present disclosure, the configuration and shape of the handle member are not limited to this, and other forms of handle member may be used depending on the application. For example, the handle member may be composed of a plate-shaped member and a drive shaft engagement portion. The plate-shaped member of the handle member has a grip portion attached to one end and a plurality of through holes serving as lock pin holes on the other end. The drive shaft engagement portion is composed of a shaft end portion that protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction of the drive shaft of the drive sprocket, a plate-shaped member insertion hole provided in the shaft end portion, a lock pin insertion hole also provided in the shaft end portion, and a lock pin. The plate-shaped member insertion hole is a through hole provided in the shaft end portion in a direction perpendicular to the axis, and the lock pin insertion hole is a through hole provided in the end face of the shaft end portion in the axial direction and reaching the plate-shaped member insertion hole. The handle member and the drive shaft of the drive sprocket may then be engaged by inserting the plate-shaped member of the handle member into the plate-shaped member insertion hole of the drive shaft mating portion until it reaches any of the lock pin holes, and inserting the lock pin through the lock pin insertion hole.

[0064] ((chain)) 3 and 5, the chain 78 is a circular member that is stretched between the driven sprocket 72 and the drive sprocket 74. The chain 78 transmits the rotational force of the drive sprocket 74 to the driven sprocket 72, i.e., the driven sprocket 72 is driven by the drive sprocket 74. The chain 78 is stretched between the driven sprocket 72 and the drive sprocket 74 without any slack.

[0065] ((Locking means)) 3 and 5, the locking means 80 according to this embodiment is composed of a bolt 80A, a nut 80B, an angle adjustment slot 48B formed in the side plate 48, and a locking means insertion hole 70A formed in the arm member 70. The locking means 80 is a means for tilting the arm member 70 by a required angle about the shaft 44 as the axis of rotation, locking it to the side plate 48 at that tilted position, and maintaining that tilt angle. That is, with the bolt 80A inserted into both the locking means insertion hole 70A of the arm member 70 and the angle adjustment slot 48B of the side plate 48, a nut 80B is screwed onto the end of the bolt 80A protruding on the opposite side, and the arm member 70 is locked to the side plate 48 by the fastening force.

[0066] According to the locking means 80 of this embodiment, when tilting the arm member 70 to a new tilt position, there is no need to remove and attach the bolt 80A each time. Instead, the bolt 80A is left inserted and the nut 80B is slightly loosened (in this case, it is preferable to use a wing nut), and the angle adjustment elongated hole 48B of the side plate 48 is used as a guide groove to guide the movement of the bolt 80A. After tilting the arm member 70 to the new tilt position, the loosened nut 80B can be simply retightened.

[0067] In this way, the locking means 80, when combined with the angle adjustment slot 48B, allows the tilt angle of the arm member 70 relative to the side plate 48 to be continuously adjusted within the range of the length in which the angle adjustment slot 48B is formed.

[0068] While the configuration of the locking means 80 according to this embodiment is as described above, the configuration of the locking means in this disclosure is not limited to this, and for example, there are no limitations on the direction in which the bolt is inserted in this disclosure. While the insertion is limited to being from the angle adjustment slot side of the side plate, a female thread may be cut into the inner circumferential surface of the locking means insertion hole of the arm member, and the inserted bolt may be screwed into the female thread of the locking means insertion hole of the arm member for fastening, in which case no nut is required.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the side plate 48 and the arm member 70 are locked in a tight contact state, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, when inserting a bolt into both the angle adjustment slot of the side plate and the locking means insertion hole of the arm member, the bolt is inserted with a cylindrical spacer of the required length and a diameter larger than the diameter of the locking means insertion hole and the width of the angle adjustment slot sandwiched between the side plate and the arm member, and then fastened with the bolt. In this case, the side plate and the arm member can be locked with a gap corresponding to the length of the spacer maintained between them.

[0070] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 5, the angle adjustment slots 48B, which are components of the locking means 80 according to this embodiment, are arc-shaped slots that penetrate the side plate 48 in the thickness direction. However, in the present disclosure, instead of a continuous slot, the locking means may be discrete through-holes arranged on the same circumference, as shown in FIG. 7. When discrete through-holes are used, the tilt angle cannot be continuously adjusted as in the case of using continuous arc-shaped slots, and bolts must be removed and attached each time the tilt angle is changed. However, since the strength of the sideboard is less weakened than when continuous arc-shaped slots are used, the angle adjustment slots can be arranged not only on an arc along the circumference as shown in FIG. 3 but also around the entire circumference as shown in FIG. 7. Furthermore, instead of a bolt and nut, which are components of the locking means, a locking pin, which is easier to engage, can be used.

[0071] The winch device 10 of this embodiment is configured as described above.

[0072] <Effects of the First Embodiment> In the winch device 10 of this embodiment, the operator's operating posture of the winch device 10, specifically the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76, changes depending on whether the forks 98 are in a state where they are substantially in contact with the ground, i.e., a state where the forks 98 can be inserted into insertion openings of a pallet placed on the ground, as shown in Fig. 5, or a state where the forks 98 are elevated to a height H1 from the ground, as shown in Fig. 6. Note that height H1 is approximately 80 cm from the ground when the pallet is placed on the back of a truck, but when towing cargo stacked in layers in a warehouse or cargo stored on shelves, height H1 may be even higher within the performance range of the forklift.

[0073] For example, when the fork 98 is lowered to a position where it can be inserted into the insertion opening of a pallet placed on the ground, taking into consideration the worker's physique and working posture, the arm member 70 is locked to the side plate 48 by the locking means 80 in a tilted position tilted 45° upward from the horizontal around the shaft 44, as shown in Figure 5, allowing the worker to use the winch device 10 in a safe and stable posture.

[0074] On the other hand, for example, when the fork 98 is raised to a position of height H1 from the ground, taking into consideration the physique and working posture of the worker, if the arm member 70 is locked to the side plate 48 by the locking means 80 in a tilted position where it is tilted 90 degrees downward from the horizontal around the shaft 44 as shown in Fig. 6, the worker can use the winch device 10 in a safe and stable position. Note that if H1 is very high and the worker's posture is unstable even when the arm member 70 is tilted to the position shown in Fig. 6, a stable step stool may be used as an auxiliary tool.

[0075] The winch device 10 of this embodiment includes a base plate 40 attached to a backrest 94 that moves up and down together with forks 98 along a mast 92 of a forklift 90, a shaft 44 rotatably supported by a bearing 42 provided on the base plate 40, a drum 46 fixed to the shaft 44 and winding in and unwinding the towing member 22, a side plate 48 fixed to one end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction, an arm member 70 whose base is rotatably attached to the end of the shaft 44 that penetrates the side plate 48, and a support member 70 disposed facing the arm member 70. the arm member 70 having a driven sprocket 72 with its shaft connected to the end of the shaft 44; a drive sprocket 74 rotatably attached to the free end, which is the end opposite the base of the arm member 70, so as to face the same side as the driven sprocket 72; a handle member 76 attached to the shaft of the drive sprocket 74 and used to manually rotate the drive sprocket 74; a chain 78 stretched between the drive sprocket 74 and the driven sprocket 72; and a locking means 80 that adjusts the tilt angle of the arm member 70 and locks it to the side plate 48.

[0076] As shown in Figure 5, the base of an arm member 70 is attached to one end of the shaft 44 on the outer side of the side plate 48 in the vehicle width direction so as to be rotatable around the shaft 44. A driven sprocket 72 is fixed to the shaft 44 at an end further outward in the vehicle width direction than the position where the base of the arm member 70 is attached so as to rotate together with the shaft 44. A drive sprocket 74, which has a smaller diameter than the driven sprocket 72, is rotatably attached to the side surface of the free end of the arm member 70 opposite the base, on the outer side in the vehicle width direction. A chain 78 is stretched between the driven sprocket 72 and the drive sprocket 74. Thus, by manually rotating a grip portion 76A of a handle member 76 attached to the shaft of the drive sprocket 74, a rotational force can be manually transmitted to the drive sprocket 74, causing it to rotate.

[0077] Furthermore, by adjusting the tilt angle of the arm member 70 and locking the arm member 70 to the side plate 48 with the locking means 80, the height of the handle member 76 attached to the arm member 70 from the ground can be easily adjusted at any time without modifying the device, so that the worker can move the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76 in a circular motion in a stable posture.

[0078] In this way, by appropriately adjusting the height of the handle member 76 from the ground and by combining it with a driven sprocket 72 having a larger gear ratio than the drive sprocket 74, the grip portion 76A of the handle member 76 can be grasped by hand to rotate it, turning the drive sprocket 74, which in turn rotates the driven sprocket 72 via the chain 78, which rotates the drum 46 together with the shaft 44, winds up the towing member 22 around the drum 46, and pulls out the cargo connected to the towing member 22. This series of operations can be easily performed with relatively little manpower and in a stable posture, and the physical burden on the worker is also reduced.

[0079] As described above, according to the winch device 10 of this embodiment, even when the winch device 10 is attached to the forklift 90, it hardly interferes with the forklift 90's original load-unloading and load-carrying operations using the forks 98, and it is possible to provide a winch device 10 that can be manually operated by an operator by turning the handle member 76 in a stable posture.

[0080] In the winch device 10 of this embodiment, the base plate 40 is disposed so as to extend across the upper surfaces of the forks 98 of the forklift 90, as shown in FIG.

[0081] By arranging the base plate 40 so as to traverse along the upper surfaces of the forks 98 of the forklift 90, the shaft 44 supported by the bearings 42 of the base plate 40 is placed on an extension of the forks 98, and is at approximately the same height as the pallet into which the forks 98 are inserted. Therefore, even if the pallet carrying a load is placed close to the ground, by lowering the forks 98 to just above the ground, the towing member 22 wound around the drum 46 fixed to the shaft 44 can be connected to the tip of the pallet in an approximately horizontal position.

[0082] In this embodiment, the base plate 40 is attached as a separate member to the lower rail 96B of the backrest 94 and is disposed so as to cross along the upper surface of the fork 98, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the front side surface of a rail or crosspiece that is pre-attached to the backrest 94 can also be used as the base plate 40, with the shaft 44 attached to the front side surface. In such a case, the side plate 48 is attached as a separate member to the side end of the rail or the like that is used as the base plate 40.

[0083] By connecting the traction members 22 in a substantially horizontal state in this way, the tip of the pallet is not significantly lifted up during towing, causing the load to lose balance, and the traction force can be efficiently transmitted to the pallet without wasting force in the direction of lifting the pallet.

[0084] When the base plate 40 is positioned so as to traverse along the upper surfaces of the forks 98 of the forklift 90, it is desirable that the gap between the lower surface of the base plate 40 and the upper surfaces of the forks 98 be small in order to connect the towing member 22 to the pallet in a substantially horizontal position. On the other hand, it is desirable that there be a gap of at least several millimeters in order to prevent the impact when the forks 98 come into contact with the ground from being transmitted to the base plate 40. Therefore, this gap can be determined appropriately depending on the weight of the cargo to be handled, the shape of the package, the shape of the pallet, the thickness of the base plate 40, the shapes of the shaft 44 and the bearing 42, etc.

[0085] Furthermore, in the winch device 10 of this embodiment, the locking means 80 is composed of an arc-shaped angle adjustment slot 48B formed in the side plate 48 and arranged along a circumference centered on the center point of the main shaft insertion hole 48A through which the shaft 44 is inserted, a locking means insertion hole 70A provided near the free end of the arm member 70, a bolt 80A inserted into both the angle adjustment slot 48B and either the main shaft insertion hole 48A, and a nut 80B that screws onto the bolt 80A inserted into both an arbitrary position of the angle adjustment slot 48B and the locking means insertion hole 70A to lock the arm member 70 to the side plate 48.

[0086] According to this configuration, the arm member 70 can be locked to the side plate 48 with a simple configuration.

[0087] <Modification of the first embodiment> Two modified examples of the winch device 10 of the first embodiment are shown below. In the first and second modified examples below, some of the components arranged on the sides of the forks are different from the winch device 10 of the first embodiment, but the components arranged above the forks are the same. Furthermore, of the components arranged on the sides of the forks, those not specifically mentioned are basically the same as the winch device 10 of the first embodiment.

[0088] <<First Modification>> ((Side plate)) As shown in FIG. 6 , the side plate 48 according to the first embodiment has a rectangular shape with approximately equal widths on the upper, lower, and right sides and a slightly narrower width on the left side when viewed from the spindle insertion hole 48A. The side plate 148 according to this modification is similar to the side plate 48 according to the first embodiment in that it is a plate-like member that extends in the vehicle height direction of the forklift 90 and is fixed to the left end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction. However, as shown in FIG. 7 , the side plate 148 according to this modification is different in that it has a square shape with approximately equal widths on the top, bottom, left, and right sides when viewed from the spindle insertion hole 48A. Note that, in the present disclosure, the fixing position of the side plate is not limited thereto. For example, the side plate may be fixed to the right end of the base plate in the vehicle width direction, provided that the positions of other components are appropriately changed. Specifically, the side plate 148 according to this modification is fixed to the base plate 40 with its lower end positioned below the lower surface of the base plate 40 and its upper end positioned above the upper surface of the base plate 40. Furthermore, the side plate 148 is disposed on the outer side of the backrest 94 in the vehicle width direction (outer side of the forklift 90 in the vehicle width direction) by adjusting the length of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction.

[0089] Another difference is that the spindle insertion hole 48A in the first embodiment is located slightly to the left of the center of the side plate 48 in order to provide the angle adjustment long hole 48B, whereas the spindle insertion hole 148A (not shown) in this modified example is located approximately in the center of the side plate 148.

[0090] Furthermore, the angle adjustment slots 48B according to the first embodiment are continuous arc-shaped slots arranged on a circumference centered on the spindle insertion hole 48A. In contrast, the positioning holes 148B according to this modification, which also serve to adjust the tilt angle of the arm member 170, are discrete circular holes arranged on a circumference centered on the spindle insertion hole 148A (not shown). The radius of the arc formed by the angle adjustment slots 48B is the same as the radius of the circumference on which the positioning holes 148B are arranged. The positioning holes 148B are through holes that penetrate in the plate thickness direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, eight positioning holes 148B are arranged at equal intervals on the circumference of a circle C2 centered on the spindle insertion hole 148A. However, in the present disclosure, the number and spacing of the positioning holes are not limited to this and may be any number greater than or equal to one.

[0091] ((Arm component)) The arm member 170 is the same as in the first embodiment in that it is an elongated plate-like member that is disposed on the outer side of the side plate 148 in the vehicle width direction. Furthermore, the arm member 70 according to the first embodiment is disposed on the inner side of the driven sprocket 72 in the vehicle width direction, and is sandwiched between the side plate 48 and the driven sprocket 72. In contrast, the arm member 170 according to this modified example is different in that it is disposed on the outer side of the driven sprocket 172 in the vehicle width direction, and the driven sprocket 172 is sandwiched between it and the side plate 148. Furthermore, like the first embodiment, the arm member 170 has a locking means insertion hole 70A, a driven shaft insertion hole 70B, and a drive shaft insertion hole 70C.

[0092] Since the arm member 170 is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction than the driven sprocket 172, the driven sprocket 172 is disposed so as to be hidden by the rear surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) of the arm member 170.

[0093] Another difference is that, while the drive sprocket 74 in the first embodiment is rotatably attached to the outer side surface in the vehicle width direction of the free end of the arm member 70, the drive sprocket 174 is arranged on the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction of the free end of the arm member 170. Therefore, the drive sprocket 174 is also arranged so as to be hidden by the back surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) of the arm member 170.

[0094] Furthermore, since the chain 178 is stretched between the driven sprocket 172 and the driving sprocket 174, the chain 178 is also arranged so as to be hidden by the rear surface (the inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) of the arm member 170.

[0095] The handle member 176 is disposed on the surface (outer side surface in the vehicle width direction) opposite to the back surface (inner side surface in the vehicle width direction) to which the drive sprocket 174 is attached at the free end of the arm member 170. More specifically, the handle member 176 is disposed on the surface (outer side surface in the vehicle width direction) of the free end of the arm member 170, and is connected to the drive sprocket 174 via a rotating shaft that is inserted into a drive shaft insertion hole 70C provided at the free end of the arm member 170 and supported so as to be freely rotatable, and transmits a driving force (rotational force) generated by manually rotating the handle member 176 to the drive sprocket 174.

[0096] ((Locking means)) Furthermore, the locking means 80 according to the first embodiment is composed of a bolt 80A, a nut 80B, an angle adjustment elongated hole 48B formed on the side plate 48, and a locking means insertion hole 70A formed on the arm member 70. The locking means 180 according to this modification is different in that it is composed of a lock pin 180A, a positioning hole 148B formed on the side plate 148, and a locking means insertion hole 70A formed on the arm member 170.

[0097] The lock pin 180A is a shaft-shaped member that locks the arm member 170 at a tilted position at a required angle relative to the side plate 148. More specifically, a hook portion (not shown) is provided at one end of the shaft-shaped member of the lock pin 180A, and a button operation portion (not shown) is provided at the other end that switches the hook of the hook portion between an extended state (enabled state) and a retracted state (disabled state). The lock pin 180A is inserted into both the locking means insertion hole 70A of the arm member 170 and an arbitrarily selected positioning hole 148B of the side plate 148 and protrudes to the opposite side by pressing the button on the operation portion (not shown) to place the hook in the retracted state. Then, by releasing the button to place the hook in the extended state, the hook opens and the lock pin 180A cannot be removed, so that the arm member 170 is locked to the side plate 148 at a required tilted position. In this way, the locking means 180 can lock the arm member 170 at a required tilted angle relative to the side plate 148.

[0098] <<Effects of the First Modification>> When using a forklift 90 equipped with a winch device 110 according to this modified example to pull out a pallet that is relatively high above the ground and insert the forks 98 into the pallet insertion openings, it is necessary to raise the forks 98 together with the backrest 94 along the mast 92. At this time, the winch device 110 attached to the backrest 94, together with the side plate 148, moves to a higher position, including the handle member 176. If the handle member 76 is positioned too high, it may be difficult for the operator to grasp and operate the grip portion 176A of the handle member 176. In such cases, a step stool or the like can be used, but a safe step stool may not always be readily available. In such a case, by rotating the arm member 170 and positioning the drive sprocket 174 lower than the driven sprocket 172, and then locking the arm member 170 to the side plate 148 at that position using the locking means 180, the position of the handle member 176 is lowered, allowing the operator to grasp the grip portion 176A of the handle member 176 and operate it safely.

[0099] By locating the locking means insertion hole 70A, a component of the locking means 180, midway between the driven shaft insertion hole 70B and the drive shaft insertion hole 70C, as close to the driven shaft insertion hole 70B as possible within a range that allows the arm member 170 to be secured with the required strength, the distance between the main shaft insertion hole 148A and the positioning hole 148B on the side plate 148 is also reduced, thereby minimizing the size of the side plate 148. The length of the arm member 170 in this modified example is preferably set so that the center of the drive sprocket 174 is positioned near the waist of an average worker when the forks 98 of the forklift 90 are lowered to a position where they contact the ground and the arm member 170 is held upright. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this and the length can be determined appropriately depending on the application.

[0100] In addition, in the winch device 110 according to this modified example, the driven sprocket 172 and the drive sprocket 174 are positioned inward in the vehicle width direction from the arm member 170, and the handle member 76 is positioned outward in the vehicle width direction from the arm member 170.

[0101] According to this configuration, the driven sprocket 172 and the drive sprocket 174 are positioned on the inside of the arm member 170 in the vehicle width direction, and the handle member 176 is provided on the outside of the arm member 170 in the vehicle width direction, so that the chain 178 stretched between the driven sprocket 172 and the drive sprocket 174 is protected by the arm member 170, preventing the worker's clothing, etc. from becoming tangled in the chain 178, allowing the worker to work safely.

[0102] Furthermore, the locking means 180 of this modification uses a locking pin 180A instead of the bolt 80A and nut 80B in the first embodiment, so that the tilt angle of the arm member 170 can be adjusted even more easily.

[0103] <<Second Modification>> As shown in FIG. 8, the second modified example differs from the first modified example in that a transmission is additionally provided. Specifically, the winch device 210 according to the second modified example is a transmission-equipped sprocket in which a transmission 272A is provided on a driven sprocket 272. The transmission 272A makes it possible to change the gear ratio between the drive sprocket 274 and the driven sprocket 272. In the second modified example, the driven sprocket 272 is a multi-stage type and the drive sprocket 274 is a single-stage type, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the combination may be such that the driven sprocket is a single-stage type and the drive sprocket is a multi-stage type, or such that both the driven sprocket and the drive sprocket are multi-stage types.

[0104] <<Effects of the Second Modification>> In the winch device 210 according to the second modification, the driven sprocket 272 is provided with a transmission 272A that changes the gear ratio between the drive sprocket 274 and the driven sprocket 272.

[0105] According to this configuration, by changing the gear ratio between the drive sprocket 274 and the driven sprocket 272 using the transmission 272A, the workload of rotating the drive sprocket 274 and the handle member 276 can be adjusted to suit the physical condition of the worker.

[0106] <Configuration of the second embodiment> Next, a winch device 310 according to a second embodiment will be described. In the second embodiment, some of the components arranged on the sides of the forks are different from those of the winch device 10 according to the first embodiment, but the components arranged above the forks are the same. Furthermore, of the components arranged on the sides of the forks, those not specifically mentioned are basically the same as those of the winch device 10.

[0107] (Components located on the sides of the forks) Components of the winch device 310 disposed on the side of the fork 98 include a side plate 348, a driven sprocket 372, a drive sprocket 374, a handle member 376, and a chain 378. In other words, the winch device 310 differs from the winch device 10 primarily in that it does not require an arm member.

[0108] ((Side plate)) As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the side plate 348 is a rectangular plate-like member that extends in the vehicle height direction of the forklift 90 and is fixed to one end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction.

[0109] The side plate 348 has a main shaft insertion hole 348A and a mounting hole 348B.

[0110] The mounting holes 348B are multiple through-holes that penetrate the side plate 348 in the thickness direction and are located on the circumference of a quadrant C3 centered on the main shaft insertion hole 348A, through which the shaft 44 passes. In other words, the mounting holes 348B are formed in the side plate 348 and are provided along the circumference centered on the center point of the main shaft insertion hole 348A, outside the outer periphery of the driven sprocket 372 that is fixed to the shaft 44 that is inserted through the main shaft insertion hole 348A. The distance between the main shaft insertion hole 348A and the mounting holes 348B is determined by the required distance between the driven sprocket 372 and the drive sprocket 374.

[0111] Thus, the side plate 48 according to the first embodiment is required to be sized to accommodate the distance between the main shaft insertion hole 48A and the angle adjustment elongated hole 48B formed thereon, i.e., the distance between the driven shaft insertion hole 70B and the locking means insertion hole 70A formed on the arm member 70, whereas the side plate 348 according to the present embodiment is required to be sized relatively large enough to accommodate the distance between the main shaft insertion hole 348A and the mounting hole 348B formed thereon, i.e., the distance equivalent to the distance between the driven shaft insertion hole 70B and the drive shaft insertion hole 70C formed on the arm member 70 according to the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, eight mounting holes 348B are provided at equal intervals, but the present disclosure is not limited to this and the number and spacing of the mounting holes are arbitrary.

[0112] Furthermore, the mounting hole 438B has a bearing structure (not shown) that rotatably supports the rotation shaft of the drive sprocket 374.

[0113] ((Drive sprocket)) The drive sprocket 374 according to this embodiment does not require a member such as the arm member 70 of the first embodiment, and is attached to the side plate 348 via the attachment hole 348B as shown in FIG. 10 . The shaft 374A of the drive sprocket 374 is rotatably attached to the side plate 348 via a bearing structure (not shown) of the attachment hole 348B. The shaft 374A of the drive sprocket 374 is detachably attached to any selected attachment hole 348B. A handle member 376 is attached to the end of the shaft 374A of the drive sprocket 374 opposite the end attached to the attachment hole 438B. Rotating the handle member 376 causes the shaft 374A to rotate, thereby applying a rotational force.

[0114] With this configuration, the winch device 310 of this embodiment can adjust the height of the handle member attached to the drive sprocket 374 while keeping the length of the chain 378 stretched between the driven sprocket 372 and the drive sprocket 374 constant by repeatedly selecting any one of the eight mounting holes 348B and attaching and detaching the drive sprocket 374.

[0115] As shown in Fig. 11, one end of shaft 374A, to which drive sprocket 374 is attached, is inserted into mounting hole 348B and is supported via a bearing structure (not shown) so as to be rotatable but not move in the axial direction. The other end of shaft 374A protrudes outward in the vehicle width direction beyond drive sprocket 374, and has handle member 376 attached thereto, as shown in Fig. 10.

[0116] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> The winch device 310 of this embodiment includes a base plate 40 attached to a backrest 94 that moves up and down together with the forks 98 along the mast 92 of the forklift 90, a shaft 44 rotatably supported by a bearing 42 provided on the base plate 40, a drum 46 fixed to the shaft 44 and winding in and unwinding the towing member 22, a side plate 348 fixed to one end of the base plate 40 in the vehicle width direction, a driven sprocket 372 rotatably inserted into a main shaft insertion hole 348A provided in the side plate 348 and fixedly attached to the shaft 44 protruding in the vehicle width direction, and a side plate 348. The drive sprocket 372 is formed in the side plate 348 and has a plurality of mounting holes 348B provided around the center point of the main shaft insertion hole 348A, outside the outer periphery of the driven sprocket 372 fixed to the shaft 44 inserted in the main shaft insertion hole 348A; a drive sprocket 374 detachably attached to any of the mounting holes 348B via a shaft 374A; a handle member 376 attached to the end of the shaft 374A opposite to the side plate 348 across the drive sprocket 374, for manually rotating the drive sprocket 374; and a chain 378 stretched between the drive sprocket 374 and the driven sprocket 372.

[0117] With this structure, it is possible to select one of the multiple mounting holes 348B, attach the drive sprocket 374 to the selected mounting hole 348B via the shaft 374A, and then attach the handle member 376 to the outside of the mounted drive sprocket 374 in the vehicle width direction via the shaft 374A.

[0118] In this way, by selecting the mounting hole 348B to which the drive sprocket 374 is to be mounted and repeatedly attaching and detaching the drive sprocket 374 and the handle member 376, it is possible to adjust the height of the handle member 376 from the ground.

[0119] As a result, as the forks 98 are raised and lowered in accordance with the loading and unloading work, the height of the side plates 348 from the ground changes along with the base plate 40. However, by using a forklift 90 equipped with a winch device 310, the mounting hole 348B for mounting the drive sprocket 374 can be changed as needed, allowing the worker to hold the grip portion 376A of the handle member 376 in a stable position and operate the forks 98 regardless of their position.

[0120] (Other variations) The present disclosure can also be configured by partially combining the configurations illustrated in the attached drawings. As described above, the present disclosure includes various embodiments not described above, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the invention-specifying matters in the claims that are appropriate from the above description. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10, 110, 210, 310 winch device 22 Traction member 40 base plate 42 Bearings 44 Shaft 46 Drums 48, 148, 348 Side Plate 70, 170 Arm parts 72, 172, 272, 372 driven sprocket 74, 174, 274, 374 drive sprocket 76, 376 Handle member 78, 378 Chain 80, 180 Locking means 80A Volts 80B Nut 180A Lock Pin 90 Forklift 92 Mast 94 Backrest 94A Upper crosspiece 96A Upper rail 96B Lower rail 98 Fork 180 Lock Pin 272A Transmission 348B Mounting hole

Claims

1. a base plate attached to a backrest that rises and falls along the mast of the forklift together with the forks; a shaft rotatably supported by a bearing provided on the base plate; a drum fixed to the shaft for winding in and unwinding out a traction member; a side plate fixed to one end of the base plate in the forklift vehicle width direction; an arm member having a base portion rotatably attached to an end portion of the shaft passing through the side plate; a driven sprocket disposed opposite the arm member and having a shaft portion connected to an end of the shaft; a drive sprocket rotatably attached to the same side of the arm member as the driven sprocket, at a free end of the arm member opposite the base; a handle member attached to a shaft of the drive sprocket for manually rotating the drive sprocket; a chain wound around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket; a locking means for adjusting the tilt angle of the arm member and locking it to the side plate; A winch device having a

2. The base plate is disposed transversely along the upper surface of the fork of the forklift. The winch device according to claim 1.

3. At least one of the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket is provided with a transmission that changes the gear ratio between the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket. The winch device according to claim 1.

4. The locking means is an arc-shaped elongated hole provided on the side plate along a circumference of a circle drawn with a required radius centered on the center point of the through hole through which the shaft passes; a through hole provided on the arm member at a position the same length as the radius from a through hole through which the shaft passes; a bolt inserted through both the oblong hole provided on the side plate at an arbitrarily selected position and the through hole provided on the arm member; a nut that is threaded onto the bolt and fixes the arm member at an arbitrarily selected tilt angle relative to the side plate. The winch device according to claim 1.

5. The locking means is At least one discrete through hole provided on the side plate along a circumference of a circle drawn at a required radius centered on the center point of the through hole through which the shaft passes; a through hole provided on the arm member at a position the same length as the radius from a through hole through which the shaft passes; a lock pin that is inserted into both an arbitrarily selected one of the through holes provided on the side plate and a through hole provided on the arm member, and fixes the arm member at an arbitrarily selected tilt angle relative to the side plate. The winch device according to claim 1.

6. the driven sprocket, the drive sprocket, and the chain are disposed on the inner side of the arm member in the vehicle width direction, and the handle member is disposed on the outer side of the arm member in the vehicle width direction. The winch device according to claim 1.

7. a base plate attached to a backrest that rises and falls along the mast of the forklift together with the forks; a shaft rotatably supported by a bearing provided on the base plate; a drum fixed to the shaft for winding in and unwinding out a traction member; a side plate fixed to one end of the base plate in the forklift vehicle width direction; a driven sprocket having a shaft portion connected to an end of the shaft passing through the side plate; At least one discrete mounting hole is formed in the side plate and provided along a circumference of a required radius centered on the center point of the through hole through which the shaft passes; a drive sprocket having a shaft portion removably attached to any one of the attachment holes; a handle member attached to a side surface of the shaft portion on which the drive sprocket is attached, opposite to the side on which the drive sprocket is attached, for manually rotating the drive sprocket; and a chain wound around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket; A winch device having a

Images