Transport cart

Abstract

To provide a transport cart that enables more stable, levitation-based transport of goods. [Solution] The transport trolley comprises a main frame, a running section, a support member formed to support the bottom side of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame, and a lifting member formed to lift the side side of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame. The transport trolley can be displaced between a non-transporting position in which the transported object can be moved in and out of the storage space via an open end, and in which the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a first height position so as not to interfere laterally with the transported object placed in the storage space, and a transporting position in which the transported object can be transported while suspended above the floor surface within the storage space, and in which the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position so as to protrude into the storage space so as to be able to engage with a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion of the transported object, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport cart for lifting and transporting a load placed on the floor.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, various transport carts have been used to transport loads such as containers placed on the floor (or ground).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a trolley for transporting stacked containers. Hereafter, in the paragraph, reference numerals of Patent Document 1 are shown in parentheses. The trolley (20) is a so-called two-wheeled trolley and is configured to transport multiple containers (10) in a stacked state. The upright portion (21) of the trolley (20) is formed in the shape of a vertically elongated rectangular parallelepiped, and two fork-shaped support portions (22) are provided on both the left and right sides of the lower part of the upright portion (21). The two support portions (22) extend forward from the upright portion (21) with a predetermined distance between them that allows them to enter opposing recesses (15) of the containers (10). The two support portions (22) are connected by the upright portion (21), and the upright portion (21) is erected relative to the support portion (22) in a direction perpendicular to the direction of extension of the support portion (22). The trolley (20) has a pair of wheels (26) on the left and right sides, located towards the rear of the upright section (21). The trolley (20) is operated as follows to transport multiple stacked containers (10). When loading multiple stacked containers (10) onto the trolley (20), the trolley (20) is brought close to the multiple containers (10). The trolley (20) is brought close to the multiple containers (10) with the upright section (21) raised, and the two support sections (22) of the trolley (20) are aligned with the recesses (15) of the bottommost container (10). Then, as the trolley (20) is pushed in, the two support sections (22) enter the opposing recesses (15) of the containers (10). As the support portion (22) of the trolley (20) enters the recess (15), the container (10) comes into contact with the front of the upright portion (21) of the trolley (20), and the top container (10) fits inside the pair of support plates (28) provided on the upright portion (21). With the wheel (26) of the trolley (20) held down by one foot of the worker, the trolley (20) is tilted backward on the side opposite to the side where the support portion (22) is located. In this case, the trolley (20) is tilted backward using the contact point between the outer circumference of the wheel (26) and the floor, or more specifically, the axis of rotation of the wheel (26), as the pivot point. The two support portions (22) are lifted off the floor (F), and the stacked containers (10) are lifted by the two support portions (22).As a result, the bottom container (10) is supported by the support section (22), and the sides of multiple containers (10) are supported by the upright section (21). The trolley (20) is then completely tilted at an angle, and the containers (10) are stacked on top of the trolley (20) and pulled for transport. On the other hand, once the trolley (20) has been moved to its destination, the containers (10) are removed from the trolley (20) in the reverse motion of the motion used to place the containers (10) on the trolley (20). Specifically, with the wheels (26) of the trolley (20) held down by one foot of the worker, the trolley (20) is gently raised to its right position. As a result, the two support sections (22) come into contact with the floor (F), and the bottom container (10) is placed on the floor (F), separating the two support sections (22) from the underside of the bottom container (10). Then, as the trolley (20) is pulled backward, the two support parts (22) are pulled out from the opposing recesses (15) of the container (10), and the transport of multiple containers (10) by the trolley (20) is completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-012448 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0005] Conventional transport carts, such as the one described in Patent Document 1, allow for the transport of goods (containers) by inserting a support part into a recess on the bottom of the goods (containers), engaging the support part with the recess, and then tilting the cart backward. However, if the engagement between the support part and the recess is shallow, the entire load may be concentrated on the support part, resulting in unstable support of the goods. This instability in the support of the goods can lead to problems such as the goods becoming detached and falling during transport, or the goods collapsing forward when the cart is raised to place the goods on the floor.

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above problems, and its objective is to provide a transport cart that enables more stable levitation and transport of transported goods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] (Composition 1) A transport trolley according to one embodiment of the present invention is a transport trolley for transporting an object while keeping it off the floor, having a first engaging portion formed on the bottom surface and a second engaging portion formed on the side surface above the first engaging portion. A substantially U-shaped main frame having a pair of vertical frames extending from a base to a tip and a horizontal frame connecting the pair of vertical frames, wherein the main frame defines a storage space for accommodating the transported object on its interior, the storage space is capable of arranging the transported object such that the first and second engaging portions face the vertical frames, and the transported object is capable of moving in and out of the storage space through the open ends at the tips of the pair of vertical frames, A running section is provided on the main frame to enable movement in at least in the vertical direction, A support member is positioned to face the aforementioned storage space in the lateral direction, and is formed to be able to engage with the first engaged portion of the transported object and support the bottom side of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame, The system includes a lifting member positioned to face the aforementioned storage space in the lateral direction, and which is formed to engage with the second engaged portion of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame, thereby lifting the side of the transported object. The storage space is such that the transported object can be positioned such that the first and second engaged portions of the transported object face the vertical frame. The aforementioned transport trolley is A non-transporting position in which the transported object can be moved in and out of the storage space via the open end, wherein the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a first height position so as not to interfere laterally with the transported object placed in the storage space, A transport posture that allows the transported object to be transported while suspended above the floor surface within the storage space, wherein the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, protruding into the storage space, so as to be able to engage with the first and second engaged portions of the transported object, respectively. It is characterized by being configured to be displaced in a certain manner.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the transport trolley can switch between a non-transporting position and a transporting position by moving the support member and the lifting member relative to the main frame. This makes it possible to levitate the transported object without tilting the storage space together with the main frame. In the transporting position, the support member and the lifting member protrude to positions where they can engage with the first and second engaged portions of the transported object, respectively, and move upward to lift the transported object. That is, the lifting member engages with the second engaged portion on the side of the transported object to lift it, and the support member engages with the first engaged portion from the bottom side of the transported object to support it. With this configuration, even if the engagement of either the lifting member or the support member is shallow, the other of the lifting member or support member can lift or support the transported object, preventing the transport of the object from becoming unstable. Therefore, the transport trolley of the present invention makes it possible to transport transported objects in a more stable levitation.

[0009] (Configuration 2) A further embodiment of the present invention is a transport trolley comprising an operating member rotatably connected to the main frame, The device further comprises a link mechanism that connects the operating member, the support member, and the lifting member, and is configured to move the support member and the lifting member relative to the main frame in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating member, The transport trolley is characterized in that it is configured to be displaced between the non-transporting position and the transporting position by the rotational operation of the operating member.

[0010] (Composition 3) A further embodiment of the present invention provides a transport trolley in which the operating member extends substantially vertically in the introduction position of the transport trolley, and its lower end is pivotally supported on the base end side of the main frame. The operating member is rotated away from the storage space, causing the plurality of support members and the plurality of lifting members to move closer to the transported object laterally and upward in the height direction, and the transport trolley to be displaced from the non-transporting position to the transporting position.

[0011] (Composition 4) A further embodiment of the present invention provides a transport trolley in which the link mechanism comprises a connecting arm extending longitudinally parallel to each of the vertical frames, and a guide member that guides the connecting arm to move linearly along an oblique direction approaching the storage space from below upward, while maintaining the connecting arm parallel to the vertical frames. The support member and the lifting member are characterized by being connected to the connecting arm.

[0012] (Composition 5) A further embodiment of the present invention is characterized by further comprising a locking mechanism for restricting the rotation of the operating member and a release operation unit for releasing the restriction on the rotation of the operating member.

[0013] (Composition 6) A further embodiment of the present invention is a transport trolley characterized in that the operating member comprises a handle portion for pushing the transport trolley by hand.

[0014] (Composition 7) In a further form of the transport trolley of the present invention, the support member and the lifting member are configured to move in parallel in an oblique direction together with the connecting arm without tilting. The support member is connected to the connecting arm via a spring member, and supports the bottom plate of the container while exerting the elastic force of the spring member.

[0015] (Configuration 8) In a further form of the transport trolley of the present invention, the object to be transported is a folding container that can be mutually deformed into a folded form and a box form. The container includes a bottom plate, a top frame having an opening on the inner side and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form, and a pair of first side plates having hinge portions where upper and lower edges are rotatably connected to the vertical sides of the bottom plate and the vertical sides of the top frame respectively, and can be freely refracted only inward between the upper and lower edges. The container also includes a pair of second side plates where the upper edge is rotatably connected to the horizontal side of the top frame and has a free end at the lower edge, and is folded so that the inner surface faces upward from the opening of the top frame in the folded form. The first engaged portion is formed on the bottom surface side of each of the opposing sides of the bottom plate, and the second engaged portion is formed on a handle portion recessed on the side surface of each of the opposing sides of the top frame of the container. The plurality of support members and the plurality of lifting members are configured to cooperate to lift the container from the floor surface while in the folded form and transport it.

[0016] (Configuration 9) In a further form of the transport trolley of the present invention, the storage space can accommodate folding containers stacked in multiple stages, and the lifting member is configured to receive the load of the containers in multiple stages by lifting the top plate of the lowermost container, and the support member is configured to receive the load of the bottom plate of the lowermost container. [Effect of the Invention]

[0017] The carrier truck of the present invention can carry a load while floating it more stably.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0018] [Figure 1] Schematic perspective view of the carrier truck (non-carrying posture) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Front view of the carrier truck of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Side view of the carrier truck of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] Plan view of the carrier truck of FIG. 1. [Figure 5] Rear view of the carrier truck of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] Bottom view of the carrier truck of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] Schematic perspective view of the carrier truck (carrying posture) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] Side view of the carrier truck of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] Bottom view of the carrier truck of FIG. 7. [Figure 10] Schematic perspective view showing the main part of the carrier truck (non-carrying posture) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] Schematic perspective view showing the main part of the carrier truck (carrying posture) according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] Partial enlarged view of the carrier truck according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a schematic side view of the link mechanism in (a) non-carrying posture and (b) carrying posture. [Figure 13] View taken along the line A-A schematically showing the link mechanism in the non-carrying posture of FIG. 12(a). [Figure 14] View taken along the line B-B schematically showing the link mechanism in the carrying posture of FIG. 12(b). [Figure 15] View showing a form in which stacked and folded containers are arranged in the accommodation space in the carrier truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] View taken along the line C-C schematically showing the form of FIG. 15. [Figure 17] View showing a form in which the container is floated and lifted by rotating an operating member in the carrier truck according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] A schematic view of the configuration shown in Figure 17, as indicated by the arrow DD. [Figure 19] A schematic perspective view showing the main parts of a transport trolley (non-transporting position) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] A schematic perspective view showing the main parts of a transport trolley (transport position) according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 21] A schematic diagram showing a transport trolley according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which stacked, foldable containers are arranged within the storage space. [Figure 22] A schematic diagram showing a transport trolley according to one embodiment of the present invention, in which stacked, foldable containers are arranged within the storage space. [Figure 23] Perspective views of (a) a box form and (b) a form in the process of deformation of a foldable container as exemplified in one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 24] Figure 23 shows (a) a perspective view from above and (b) a perspective view from below of the folded container. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the shapes in the drawings referenced in the following description are conceptual or schematic diagrams for illustrating preferred shapes, and the dimensional ratios, etc., do not necessarily correspond to actual dimensional ratios. In other words, the present invention is not limited to the dimensional ratios shown in the drawings. Furthermore, the up, down, left, and right directions may be interpreted interchangeably.

[0020] A transport trolley 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured to transport goods while keeping them above the ground. In this embodiment, the goods are exemplified as a foldable container 10 (folded form), but are not limited thereto. For example, the goods may be in other forms such as pallets or boxes, as long as they have a first engaging portion formed on the bottom side and a second engaging portion formed on the side above the first engaging portion. Here, a foldable container is a container that can be transformed between a folded form and a box form and is commonly used for transport, but is not intended to be limiting and is exemplified as the container 10 in Figures 23 and 24. The foldable container targeted by the present invention is not limited to the form of container 10. For example, the container may have no lid.

[0021] As shown in Figures 23 and 24, the container 10 comprises a rectangular base plate 11, a top frame 12 positioned opposite the base plate 11 and having an opening on the inside, a pair of first side plates 13 facing each other between the vertical sides (long sides) of the base plate 11 and the vertical sides of the top frame 12, and a pair of second side plates 14 facing each other between the horizontal sides (short sides) of the base plate 11 and the horizontal sides (short sides) of the top frame 12. A pair of lid plates 15 are pivotally supported on the top frame 12. As shown in Figure 23, on the bottom surface of each of the opposing sides of the base plate 11, an outer edge step portion 17 forming a first engaging portion is recessed. The outer edge step portion 17 extends along the entire outer periphery of the base plate 11 and is a recess that forms a portion that is raised above the ground when placed on the ground. In addition, on each of the opposing vertical sides of the top frame 12 of the container 10, a recessed handle portion 18 forming a second engaging portion is formed. In this embodiment, handles 18 are provided at two locations on each vertical side. The container 10 can be transformed from a box-like shape with an opening at the top as shown in Figure 23(a) to a plate-like shape as shown in Figure 23(b). The pair of first side plates 13 have their upper and lower edges rotatably connected to the vertical sides of the bottom plate 11 and the top frame 12, respectively, and have hinge portions 13a that allow them to bend freely inward only between the upper and lower edges. The pair of second side plates 14 have their upper edges rotatably connected to the horizontal sides of the top frame 12 and have free ends at their lower edges. The edges on both sides and the lower edge of the second side plates 14 are provided with fitting portions that fit onto the side edges of the pair of first side plates 13 and the horizontal sides of the bottom plate 11, respectively. Furthermore, if the first side plate 13 is partially bent, the second side plate 14 will come into contact with the upper edge of the first side plate 13, and therefore the second side plate 14 will not rotate toward the bottom plate 11.

[0022] In the box-shaped container 10 shown in Figure 23(a), the container 10 maintains its box shape by having a pair of second side plates 14 fixed to at least one of the straight first side plates 13 and the bottom plate 11. In the folded container 10 shown in Figure 24, a top frame 12 is placed on the bottom plate 11. Inside the opening of the top frame 12, a pair of first side plates 13 are bent inward in a "V" shape via a hinge portion 13a and folded, and above the folded first side plates 13, a pair of second side plates 14 are folded so that their inner surfaces (with the lid plate 15 open) face upward from the opening of the top frame 12 (see Figure 23(b)). Then, when the top frame 12 is lifted, gravity causes the first side plate 13 to deform from a bent state to an intermediate state where it extends straight. Subsequently, the second side plate 14 is pressed outward and fitted to the first side plate 13 and / or bottom plate 11 via the fitting portion, thereby transforming the container 10 from a folded state to a box state. Multiple containers 10 can be stacked in multiple layers, whether in a folded state or a box state.

[0023] The configuration of the transport cart 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 9. Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of the transport cart 100. Figure 2 is a front view of the transport cart 100. Figure 3 is a side view of the transport cart 100. Figure 4 is a top view of the transport cart 100. Figure 5 is a rear view of the transport cart 100. Figure 6 is a bottom view of the transport cart 100. Figures 1 to 6 show the transport cart 100 in a non-transporting position (initial state). On the other hand, Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of the transport cart 100 in a transporting position. Figure 8 is a side view of the transport cart 100 in a transporting position. Figure 9 is a bottom view of the transport cart 100 in a transporting position.

[0024] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the transport trolley 100 of this embodiment comprises a main frame 101, a running section 104 provided on the main frame 101, a support member 107 formed to engage with the outer edge step portion 17 (first engaged portion) of the container 10 and support the bottom side of the container 10, a lifting member 108 formed to engage with the handle portion 18 (second engaged portion) of the container 10 and lift the side side of the container 10, an operating member 111 rotatably connected to the main frame 101, and a link mechanism 121 that operably connects the operating member 111, the support member 107, and the lifting member 108.

[0025] The main frame 101 forms the base (bottom) of the transport trolley 100 and is configured to movably support or hold each component. In plan view (see Figure 4), the main frame 101 has a roughly U-shape, having a pair of vertical frames 102 extending from the base (rear) to the tip (front) and a horizontal frame 103 connecting these vertical frames 102 at approximately a right angle. Here, the base ends (user operating sides) of the pair of vertical frames 102 are connected by the horizontal frame 103, and open ends are formed on the tip side of the pair of vertical frames 102. Inside the main frame 101, a storage space for accommodating one or more containers 10 is defined. This storage space is a space that extends continuously in the height direction. The storage space allows the containers 10 to be positioned so that the vertical sides (first engaged portion and second engaged portion) of the folded container 10 face the vertical frame 102. Furthermore, the main frame 101 is configured to allow the container 10 to move in and out of the storage space via the open ends of a pair of vertical frames 102.

[0026] Furthermore, the main frame 101 is provided with a running section 104 that enables the transport trolley 100 to travel (move) at least in the longitudinal direction (forward and backward). In this embodiment, the running section 104 consists of four casters. The running section 104 operates in such a way that it always remains in contact with the ground (horizontal plane) without lifting off the floor surface. Each caster may also be configured to swivel.

[0027] The support members 107 are movably mounted on the main frame 101 and are arranged in pairs so as to face each other across the storage space in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, a pair (two) of support members 107 are provided. Each support member 107 is positioned opposite the approximately central portion of each vertical frame 102 and has a flat plate-shaped support portion that extends from the outside of the vertical frame 102 toward the storage space. The upper surface of this support portion can engage with the bottom surface of the outer edge step portion 17 of the container 10. The pair of support members 107 engage with the bottom surfaces of the outer edge step portions 17 on both vertical sides of the container 10, thereby supporting the container 10 from the bottom side. Here, each support member 107 is connected to the connecting arm 124 of the link mechanism 121 via a spring member 107a and a bracket 107b. The support member 107 can move relative to the bracket 107b fixed to the connecting arm 124 within a predetermined range in the height direction by the expansion and contraction of the spring member 107a.

[0028] The lifting members 108 are movably mounted on the main frame 101 and are arranged in pairs facing each other across the storage space in the lateral direction. In this embodiment, two pairs (four) of lifting members 108 are provided. Specifically, two lifting members 108 are positioned opposite each other on the base end and tip end of each vertical frame 102 (i.e., on both sides of the support member 107), with the support member 107 interposed between them. The two lifting members 108 arranged side by side along each vertical frame 102 are positioned corresponding to the positions of the two handle portions 18 on one side of the container 10 and have claw-shaped lifting portions that extend from the outside of the vertical frame 102 toward the storage space. These lifting portions can engage with the handle portions 18 so as to hook onto them. Then, by engaging with multiple (four in this embodiment) lifting members 108 with multiple (four in this embodiment) handle portions 18 on both vertical sides of the container 10, it is possible to stably lift the side of the container 10. Here, each lifting member 108 is fixed to the connecting arm 124 of the link mechanism 121.

[0029] The operating member 111 extends to a predetermined height approximately vertically above the vertical frame 102 of the main frame 101. The operating member 111 is composed of three height frames extending in the height direction and two support frames connecting the first frame laterally. The operating member 111 is rotatably connected by pivot shafts 112 located on the base end side of the main frame 101. In particular, the pivot shafts 112 are formed on both sides of the main frame 101 in the lateral direction. The lower ends of the two height frames on both sides of the operating member 111 in the lateral direction are each pivotally supported by the two pivot shafts 112 on both sides of the main frame 101. The operating member 111 also has a handle portion 113 for the user to push the transport cart 100 by hand. The handle portion 113 is located in a place that is easy for the user to grip, such as the upper part of the height frame.

[0030] Furthermore, in relation to the operating member 111, as shown in Figures 1 and 7, a locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the operating member 111 and a release operation part 116 for releasing the restriction on the rotation of the operating member 111 are provided. The release operation part 116 is a lever attached to the upper mounting frame of the operating member 111. The lock shaft 114 has its upper end connected to the release operation part 116, and its lower end extends in the height direction so as to pass through either the first lock hole 117a or the second lock hole 117b formed in the main body frame 101. As shown in Figure 1, when the lock shaft 114 passes through the front first lock hole 117a, the operating member 111 is locked in a vertical position (non-transport position). As shown in Figure 7, when the lock shaft 114 passes through the rear second lock hole 117b, the operating member 111 is locked in an inclined position (transport position). The lock shaft 114 is biased to the locked position (downward) by the biasing spring 115. That is, when the user operates the release operation part 116 upward, the lock shaft 114 moves upward and exits the first lock hole 117a or the second lock hole 117b, releasing the rotation restriction. Then, when the user releases their hand from the release operation part 116 with the operating member 111 rotated to a vertical or inclined position, the elastic force of the biasing spring 115 moves the lock shaft 114 to penetrate the first lock hole 117a or the second lock hole 117b, forming a rotation restriction.

[0031] Furthermore, a front height frame 118 is provided at the front end (front part) of the main frame 101, which extends parallel to the operating member 111 and is configured to rotate relative to the main frame 101 in the same manner as the operating member 111.

[0032] The link mechanism 121 connects the operating member 111 with the support member 107 and the lifting member 108, and is configured to move the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 relative to the main frame 101 in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating member 111. The link mechanism 121 is provided on both sides in the lateral direction of the base end of the main frame 101.

[0033] Furthermore, the transport trolley 100 is configured to be displaced by the rotational operation of the operating member 111 between a non-transporting position (see Figure 1) in which the container 10 can be moved in and out of the storage space via the open end, and a transporting position (see Figure 7) in which the container 10 can be transported while suspended above the floor within the storage space.

[0034] In the non-transporting position, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 are positioned at a first height position so as not to interfere laterally with the container 10 placed in the storage space. As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 are positioned outside the storage space without protruding inside the vertical frame 102. Also, at the first height position, the support member 107 is positioned close to the floor surface, and the lifting member 108 is positioned above it. Then, as shown in Figure 8, the transport trolley 100 is displaced from the non-transporting position to the transporting position by the rotation of the operating member 111 backward from the vertical position.

[0035] In the transport position, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 are positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, protruding into the storage space, so that they can engage with the outer edge step portion 17 and the handle portion 18 of the container 10, respectively. As shown in Figure 9, in the transport position, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 extend inward from the vertical frame 102 and protrude inward into the storage space. Also, at the second height position, the support member 107 is positioned further away from the floor surface, and the lifting member 108 is positioned above it. The transport trolley 100 is displaced from the transport position to the non-transport position by the rotation of the operating member 111 from a rearward tilted position to a vertical position.

[0036] Next, the link mechanism 121 will be explained in more detail with reference to Figures 10 to 14.

[0037] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the link mechanism 121 forms a roughly parallelogram-shaped link in side view. In other words, the link mechanism 121 is mainly composed of four link pieces. The first link piece is a first short plate 122 that extends diagonally up and down and is rotatably connected to the operating member 111 above the pivot axis 112 at its base end. The second link piece is a long frame 123 that extends vertically and is rotatably connected to the operating member 111 above the first short plate 122 at its base end. This long frame 123 is rotatably connected at its tip to a front height frame 118 that rotates similarly to the operating member 111. The third link piece is a connecting arm 124 that extends vertically below the long frame 123 and is rotatably connected to the tip of the first short plate 122 at its base end. The connecting arm 124 extends parallel to and to the same length as the long frame 123. The connecting arm 124 and the long frame 123 are configured to maintain a position parallel to the vertical frame 102 at all times. A support member 107 (bracket 107b) is fixed approximately in the center of the connecting arm 124, and two lifting members 108 are fixed on either side of it. The fourth link piece is a second short plate 125 that rotatably connects the front height frame 118 and the tip of the connecting arm 124. The second short plate 125 extends parallel to and to the same length as the first short plate 122. The first short plate 122 and the second short plate 125 are connected to both ends of the connecting arm 124 via a laterally extending shaft portion 126. The shaft portion 126 is fixed to the connecting arm 124. The first short plate 122 and the second short plate 125 move relative to the connecting arm 124 along the shaft portion 126, thereby allowing the connecting arm 124 to move laterally relative to the main frame 101.

[0038] As shown in Figures 10, 11, 13, and 14, the link mechanism 121 further includes a guide member 127 that guides the connecting arm 124 to move linearly along an oblique direction approaching the housing space from below upward, while maintaining the connecting arm 124 parallel to the vertical frame 102. The guide member 127 is fixed to the vertical frame 102. The guide member 127 also has an obliquely extending slot through which the lifting member 108 is connected by a bolt shaft. The guide member 127 functions to define the movement path of the lifting member 108 along the longitudinal direction of the slot. The guide member 127 also functions to restrict the vertical (forward and backward) movement of the assembly of the support member 107, the lifting member 108, and the connecting arm 124.

[0039] Furthermore, the link mechanism 121 operates such that its link shape changes when the operating member 111 rotates backward, displacing from the non-transporting position shown in Figures 10, 12(a), and 13 to the transporting position shown in Figures 11, 12(b), and 14. In particular, when the operating member 111 rotates backward around the pivot axis 112, the tip of the first short plate 122 rotates upward, and the long frame 123 moves backward while maintaining a parallel position. Also, the front height frame 118 rotates while maintaining parallel to the operating member 111, and the second short plate 125 also rotates while maintaining parallel to the first short plate 122. In conjunction with this, the connecting arm 124 is guided by the guide member 127 and moves upward without moving vertically. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the connecting arm 124 moves along the inclined elongated hole of the guide member 127 and also moves laterally inward via the shaft portion 126, thereby enabling the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 to move upward and laterally inward at an oblique angle. It goes without saying that by rotating the operating member 111 to the opposite side, the link mechanism 121 moves in the opposite direction, displacing the transport trolley 100 from a transport position to a non-transport position.

[0040] Next, with reference to Figures 15 to 18, a method for transporting folded containers 10 stacked in multiple layers on the floor G to their destination using the transport trolley 100 of this embodiment will be described. For example, the destination may be the input port of an automated container assembly device (system).

[0041] First, the user grasps the handle portion 113 of the transport cart 100, which is in a non-transporting position, and pushes it to move it in front of the group of containers 10 stacked in multiple layers on the floor. Next, the group of containers 10 is moved relative to the transport cart 100 into the storage space via the open ends of the pair of vertical frames 102 of the transport cart 100. At this time, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 are set back so as not to interfere with the sides of the containers 10. In this way, the group of containers 10 can be placed in the storage space as shown in Figure 15.

[0042] As shown in Figure 16, with the container group 10 arranged in the storage space, the support member 107 faces the outer edge step portion 17 of the container 10 outside the storage space, and the lifting member 108 faces the handle portion 18 outside the storage space. Next, in order to lift the container group 10 off the floor G, the user pushes up the release operation unit 116 to release the rotation restriction of the operating member 111 and rotates the operating member 111 backward. After rotating the operating member 111 to a predetermined angle, the user releases their hand from the release operation unit 116, which locks the tilted position of the operating member 111, allowing it to maintain that tilted position.

[0043] As shown in Figure 17, the link mechanism 121 deforms in accordance with the rotation of the operating member 111, and as a result, the group of containers 10 can be lifted off the floor G. More specifically, as shown in Figure 18, the assembly of the support member 107, the lifting member 108, and the connecting arm 124 is driven diagonally along the elongated hole of the guide member 127, so that the lifting member 108 enters into the handle portion 18 and engages with the upper surface of the handle portion 18 to lift it, and the support member 107 enters below the outer edge step portion 17 and engages with the bottom surface of the container 10 to support it from the bottom side. At this time, the support member 107 moves downward relative to the bracket 107b as the spring member 107a extends, and supports the bottom plate 11 of the container 10 with the elastic force of the spring member 107a exerted. The expansion and contraction of the spring member 107a causes the distance between the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 to fluctuate, accommodating variations in the dimensions of the containers 10 (variations in the distance between the outer edge step 17 and the handle portion 18). Furthermore, the four support members 107 simultaneously lift the four handle portions 18, efficiently supporting the load of the top frame 12 of the lowest container 10 and the containers 10 stacked on top of it. In other words, the group of containers 10 is firmly lifted via the four handle portions 18, and the bottom plate 11 of the lowest container 10 is supported from the bottom by the support members 107. Therefore, the transport trolley 100 can stably maintain a suspended state of the group of containers 10 without tilting the storage space together with the main frame 101, while keeping the four wheels of the running section 104 in contact with the floor G.

[0044] The user can move the transport trolley 100 (see Figure 18), which is in a transport position supporting the container 10, to the desired destination by gripping the handle portion 113 and pushing it by hand. After moving the transport trolley 100 to the destination, the user pushes up the release operation portion 116 to release the rotation restriction of the operating member 111 and rotates the operating member 111 to a vertical position. As a result, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 move diagonally outward and downward, lowering the container 10 and detaching from the outer edge step portion 17 and handle portion 18 of the container 10, allowing the group of containers 10 to be placed on the floor G of the destination. In this way, the transport operation of the group of containers 10 to the destination is completed.

[0045] The following describes the operation and effects of a transport trolley 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] According to the transport trolley 100 of one embodiment of the present invention, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 are moved relative to the main frame 101 in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating member 111 via a link mechanism 121, thereby enabling the transport trolley 100 to switch between a non-transporting position and a transporting position. This makes it possible to lift the container 10 without tilting the storage space together with the main frame 101. In the transporting position, the support member 107 and the lifting member 108 protrude to positions where they can engage with the outer edge step portion 17 (first engaged portion) and the handle portion 18 (second engaged portion) of the container 10, respectively, and operate to move upward to lift the container 10. That is, the lifting member 108 engages with the handle portion 18 on the side of the container 10 to lift the container 10, and the support member 107 engages with the outer edge step portion 17 from the bottom side of the container 10 to support the container 10 from below. With this configuration, even if the engagement of either the lifting member 108 or the support member 107 is shallow, the other of the lifting member 108 or support member 107 will lift or support the container 10, preventing the transport of the container 10 from becoming unstable. Therefore, the transport trolley 100 of this embodiment makes it possible to transport the container 10 in a more stable suspended state.

[0047] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various embodiments and modifications can be taken within the technical scope of the present invention.

[0048] (1) The transport trolley of the present invention is not limited to the above-described form. Figures 19 and 20 show a transport trolley 100A of another embodiment. The transport trolley 100A differs from the transport trolley 100 in the configuration of the link mechanism 121A and the support member 107A. Figures 21 and 22 are schematic diagrams showing the operation of the link mechanism 121A. As shown in Figures 21 and 22, the link mechanism 121A is deformable so that the link piece twists, and the support member 107 is inclined so that its tip approaches the floor G. In this embodiment as well, it is possible to stably levitate and transport the container 10 using the support member 107A and the lifting member 108B.

[0049] (2) The transport trolley of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above embodiment, the support member and the lifting member were configured to engage with the first and second engaged portions on the vertical sides of the top frame of the container, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, they may be configured to engage with the first and second engaged portions formed on the horizontal sides of the top frame of the container. Also, in the above embodiment, the second engaged portion was formed at two locations on the side of the top frame of the container, and two lifting members were formed on one side corresponding to these, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the second engaged portion may be provided at one location on the side of the top frame of the container, or at three or more locations. Alternatively, the entire side of the top frame may be the second engaged portion, and one or more lifting members may be provided to engage with any location on the second engaged portion.

[0050] (3) The transport trolley of the present invention is not limited to the above-described form. In the above embodiments, the transported item was described as a foldable container in a collapsible form, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the transported item may be a pallet having two recesses (a first engaged portion and a second engaged portion) on the bottom and side sides. Alternatively, the transport trolley of the present invention may be capable of transporting a box-shaped foldable container by changing the height position of the lifting member.

[0051] (4) The transport trolley of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In the above embodiment, the transport trolley is configured to drive the support member and the lifting member by the operation of the operating member and the link mechanism, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the support member and / or the lifting member may be driven by, for example, a motor or a cylinder. Also, the support member and / or the lifting member may be configured to be raised by the winding of a winch.

[0052] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments or modifications described above, and can be implemented in various forms as long as they fall within the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 10 containers 11 Bottom plate 12 Top frame 13 1st side plate 13a Hinge section 14 Second side plate 15 Lid plate 17. Outer edge stepped portion (first engaged portion) 18 Handle part (second engaged part) 100 Transport Carts 101 Main frame 102 Vertical Frames 103 Horizontal Frame 104 Running section 107 Support Member 107a Spring member 107b Bracket 108 Lifting Member 111 Operating member 112 Rotary shaft 113 Handle section 114 Lock shaft (locking mechanism) 115. Biasing spring (locking mechanism) 116 Release operation section 117a First lock hole (locking mechanism) 117b Second locking hole (locking mechanism) 118 Front Height Frame 121 Link Mechanism 122 First Short Plate 123 Long Frame 124 Connecting Arms 125 Second Short Plate 126 Shaft 127 Guide member G floor

Claims

1. A transport trolley for transporting an object while keeping it off the floor, having a first engaging portion formed on the bottom surface and a second engaging portion formed on the side surface above the first engaging portion, A substantially U-shaped main frame having a pair of vertical frames extending from a base to a tip and a horizontal frame connecting the pair of vertical frames, wherein the main frame defines a storage space for accommodating the transported object on its interior, the storage space is capable of arranging the transported object such that the first and second engaging portions face the vertical frames, and the transported object is capable of moving in and out of the storage space through the open ends at the tips of the pair of vertical frames, A running section is provided on the main frame to enable movement in at least in the vertical direction, A support member is positioned to face the aforementioned storage space in the lateral direction, and is formed to be able to engage with the first engaged portion of the transported object and support the bottom side of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame, The system includes a lifting member positioned to face the aforementioned storage space in the lateral direction, and which is formed to engage with the second engaged portion of the transported object by moving relative to the main frame, thereby lifting the side of the transported object. The storage space is such that the transported object can be positioned such that the first and second engaged portions of the transported object face the vertical frame. The aforementioned transport trolley is A non-transporting position in which the transported object can be moved in and out of the storage space via the open end, wherein the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a first height position so as not to interfere laterally with the transported object placed in the storage space, A transport posture that allows the transported object to be transported while suspended above the floor surface within the storage space, wherein the support member and the lifting member are positioned at a second height position higher than the first height position, protruding into the storage space, so as to be able to engage with the first and second engaged portions of the transported object, respectively. A transport trolley characterized by being configured to be displaceable.

2. An operating member rotatably connected to the main frame, The device further comprises a link mechanism that connects the operating member, the support member, and the lifting member, and is configured to move the support member and the lifting member relative to the main frame in conjunction with the rotational operation of the operating member, The transport trolley according to claim 1, characterized in that the transport trolley is configured to be displaced between the non-transporting position and the transporting position by the rotational operation of the operating member.

3. The operating member extends substantially vertically in the introduction position of the transport trolley, and its lower end is pivotally supported on the base end side of the main frame. The transport trolley according to claim 2, characterized in that by rotating the operating member in a direction away from the storage space, the plurality of support members and the plurality of lifting members move closer to the transported object in the lateral direction and upward in the height direction, and the transport trolley is displaced from the non-transporting position to the transporting position.

4. The link mechanism comprises a connecting arm extending longitudinally parallel to each of the vertical frames, and a guide member that guides the connecting arm to move linearly along an oblique direction approaching the housing space from below upward, while maintaining the connecting arm parallel to the vertical frame. The transport trolley according to claim 3, characterized in that the support member and the lifting member are connected to the connecting arm.

5. The transport trolley according to claim 4, further comprising a locking mechanism for restricting the rotation of the operating member and a release operation unit for releasing the restriction on the rotation of the operating member.

6. The transport trolley according to claim 5, characterized in that the operating member includes a handle portion for pushing the transport trolley by hand.

7. The support member and the lifting member are configured to move in a parallel, oblique direction together with the connecting arm without tilting. The transport trolley according to claim 4, wherein the support member is connected to the connecting arm via a spring member, and supports the bottom plate of the container while exerting the elastic force of the spring member.

8. The transported object is a foldable container that transforms between a folded form and a box form, the container comprising: a bottom plate; a top frame having an opening on the inside and placed on the bottom plate in the folded form; a pair of first side plates having a hinge portion that allows them to be freely bent inward only between the upper and lower edges, with the upper and lower edges rotatably connected to the vertical sides of the bottom plate and the vertical sides of the top frame, respectively; a pair of second side plates having an upper edge rotatably connected to the horizontal side of the top frame and a free end at the lower edge, which folds in the folded form so that the inner surface faces upward from the opening of the top frame, the first engaging portion being formed on the bottom surface side of each of the opposing sides of the bottom plate, and the second engaging portion being formed on a handle portion recessed on each of the sides of the opposing sides of the top frame of the container. The transport trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the plurality of support members and the plurality of lifting members are configured to cooperate in lifting the container off the floor while it remains folded for transport.

9. The transport trolley according to claim 8, characterized in that the storage space is capable of accommodating multiple stacked foldable containers, the lifting member is configured to support the load of multiple stacked containers by lifting the top plate of the bottom container, and the support member is configured to support the load of the bottom plate of the bottom container.

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