gondola

Abstract

To provide a gondola capable of stably transporting goods. [Solution] The gondola 1 is a gondola 1 on which transported goods 400 are placed when unloading from the transport source and unloading to the transport destination, and comprises a rectangular frame 11, a top plate 12 provided on the frame 11, and a plurality of insertion openings 14 provided on the frame 11 into which the forks 103 of a forklift 100 can be inserted.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a gondola for loading and unloading.

Background Art

[0002] Techniques for transporting goods using containers such as trucks and trains are known. In the loading and unloading of goods onto such containers, a configuration using a gondola is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Such a gondola is used for loading and unloading large articles as goods. For example, the gondola is placed at the height position for unloading, the article is moved onto the gondola, and then the gondola is moved to the height for loading to transport the article. However, when the heights for unloading and loading of the article are different, it is lifted by a hoist using a suspension member.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When the gondola is lifted by a hoist outdoors, it is affected by the wind, the gondola swings, and there is a risk that the article cannot be transported stably. For this reason, there is a demand for a gondola that suppresses the influence of the wind and enables stable transportation of articles.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a gondola capable of stably transporting articles.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] According to one aspect of the present invention, the gondola is a gondola on which transported goods are placed when unloading from a transport source and unloading from a transport destination, and comprises a rectangular frame, a top plate provided on the frame, and a plurality of insertion openings provided on the frame into which the forks of a forklift can be inserted. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a gondola capable of stably transporting materials. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram illustrating an example of gondola use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A side view showing the configuration of the gondola. [Figure 3] A side view showing the configuration of the gondola from a different direction than Figure 2. [Figure 4] A bottom view showing the configuration of the gondola. [Figure 5] A side view showing an example of a support member for the gondola. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The configuration of the gondola 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 5. Figure 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the use of a gondola 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. In the specific example shown in Figure 1, goods 400 are unloaded from a cargo vehicle 200 and then unloaded at a loading dock 300 of a building. Figure 2 is a side view showing the configuration of the gondola 1, and Figure 3 is a side view showing the configuration of the gondola 1 from a different direction than Figure 2. Figure 4 is a bottom view showing the configuration of the gondola 1, and Figure 5 is a side view showing an example of a support member that supports the gondola 1.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the gondola 1 is used for loading or unloading cargo. In this embodiment, loading means transporting the cargo 400 from the gondola 1 to the destination, and unloading means transporting the cargo 400 from the source to the gondola 1.

[0012] The gondola 1 is used to unload cargo from a source, for example, the cargo bed of a freight vehicle 200, and to unload the cargo at a destination, for example, a loading dock 300 of a building. During both the unloading and unloading operations, the gondola 1 is held at a predetermined height by, for example, a support member 90 and supported by a forklift 100.

[0013] For example, the forklift 100 is configured to be mobile, with drive wheels 102 provided on the body 101, and two forks 103 fixed to the back lift 104, and the back lift 104 is configured to be movable in the vertical direction by a lift having a mast, lift chain, lift cylinder, etc.

[0014] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the gondola 1 comprises a frame 11, a top plate 12, a fence 13, an insertion opening 14, a connecting plate 15, and a suspension part 16. The gondola 1 is configured to allow the transported object 400 to be moved on the top plate 12.

[0015] As shown in Figure 3, the frame 11 is formed as a rectangle with its outer edge elongated in one direction and is formed in a grid pattern for reinforcement. Specifically, the frame 11 comprises a plurality of first frames 11a aligned along the longitudinal direction of the frame 11 and aligned along the longitudinal direction of the frame 11, and a plurality of second frames 11b aligned along the longitudinal direction of the frame 11 and aligned along the longitudinal direction of the frame 11.

[0016] Here, the frame 11 has its longitudinal direction as the conveying direction of the conveyed object 400. For this reason, in the following explanation, the direction along the longitudinal direction of the frame 11 may be described as the front-to-back direction, and the direction along the short side of the frame 11 may be described as the left-to-right direction.

[0017] For example, the frame 11 is formed by fixing a plurality of first frames 11a and a plurality of second frames 11b by welding.

[0018] For example, the first frame 11a is formed of angle steel. Four first frames 11a are provided. The four first frames 11a extend along the front-rear direction and are arranged at a predetermined interval, for example, at equal intervals, in the left-right direction.

[0019] For example, the second frame 11b is formed of angle steel. For example, seven second frames 11b are provided. The seven second frames 11b extend along the left-right direction and are arranged at a predetermined interval in the front-rear direction. For example, among the seven second frames 11b, five second frames 11b are formed thicker than the remaining two second frames 11b. In order to make the strength constant, the seven second frames 11b are arranged symmetrically with respect to the central axis along the short direction passing through the center in the longitudinal direction of the frame 11. Also, for example, among the five thick second frames 11b, two second frames 11b are formed longer than the other second frames 11b and protrude from both ends from the top plate 12 to form a part of the hanging portion 16. The second frames 11b forming this part of the hanging portion 16 are respectively arranged second from the outside in the arrangement direction of the seven second frames 11b.

[0020] The top plate 12 is formed in a rectangular shape long in one direction. For example, the top plate 12 is formed of a metal material. The length in the longitudinal direction of the top plate 12 is longer than the length of the first frame 11a. For example, one end of the top plate 12 is arranged at the same position as one end of the frame 11, and the other end protrudes from the other end of the frame 11. And the other end of the top plate 12 protruding from the frame 11 constitutes a bridging plate.

[0021] The fence 13 includes support columns 13a provided at the four corners of the frame 11, a plurality of first fence frames 13b extending in the front-rear direction (the longitudinal direction of the frame 11 (top plate 12)), and a plurality of second fence frames 13c extending in the left-right direction (the short direction of the frame 11 (top plate 12)).

[0022] The support column 13a extends upward orthogonally to the main surface direction of the top plate 12. The support column 13a is formed of, for example, an L-shaped steel material (angle steel) or square steel.

[0023] The first fence frame 13b is fixed to two support columns 13a arranged in the front-rear direction by fastening members such as bolts. The first fence frame 13b is formed of steel materials such as steel plates, various steel materials, or round steel materials. For example, a plurality, for example, two first fence frames 13b are fixed to each of the two support columns 13a arranged in the front-rear direction. Therefore, each of the left and right ends of the gondola 1 is formed by two first fence frames 13b to prevent the conveyed object 400 and personnel from falling off.

[0024] The second fence frame 13c is detachably fixed to two support columns 13a arranged in the left-right direction by fastening members such as bolts and pins. The second fence frame 13c is formed of steel materials such as steel plates, various steel materials, or round steel materials. For example, a plurality, for example, two first fence frames 13b are fixed to each of the two support columns 13a arranged in the left-right direction. Therefore, each of the front and rear ends of the gondola 1 is formed by two second fence frames 13c to prevent the conveyed object 400 and personnel from falling off. When the conveyed object 400 is carried into the top plate 12 from the conveying source and when the conveyed object 400 is conveyed from the top plate 12 to the conveying destination, the second fence frame 13c arranged at least on the side where the conveyed object 400 passes is removed from the support column 13a. For this reason, the second fence frame 13c may be rotatably fixed to one of the two support columns 13a to which it is fixed, and when the conveyed object 400 passes through, it may be rotated upward to pass the conveyed object 400 as a gate. That is, the second fence frame 13c is provided between two support columns 13a arranged in the left-right direction, and when the conveyed object 400 is conveyed, it opens to allow the conveyed object 400 to pass through, and when the conveyed object is not conveyed inside and outside the gondola 1, it is formed to be able to open and close between the two support columns 13a so as to close the space between the support columns 13a.

[0025] The insertion opening 14 is formed to allow the two forks 103 of the forklift 100 to be inserted. Specifically, the insertion opening 14 is provided in pairs on the two first frames 11a located at the ends in the left-right direction, allowing the two forks 103 to be inserted. That is, two pairs of insertion openings 14 are provided, thereby forming the insertion points for the two forks 103 along the left-right direction of the frame 11. The insertion opening 14 is, for example, made of a U-shaped metal fitting with a flange 14a, and the flange 14a is fixed to the first frame 11a of the frame 11 by fastening members such as bolts or by welding.

[0026] The gangway 15 is formed to be movable between two positions: a horizontal position and a vertical position in which it can stand on its own. When placed on the floor surface of the source or destination in the horizontal position, the gangway 15 connects the top plate 12 to the floor surface of the source. For example, the gangway 15 is positioned at either the source or the destination, but it is preferable to position it on the side of the source or destination where the height is variable. For example, if one of the source and destination is a loading dock 300 of a building, the floor surface of the loading dock 300 does not change in height, but if the other of the source and destination is the cargo bed of a freight vehicle 200, the height of the cargo bed floor changes because the suspension of the freight vehicle 200 is variable. Therefore, by using the movable gangway 15 between the horizontal and vertical positions on the variable cargo vehicle 200 side, even if the cargo vehicle 200 moves in the vertical direction due to the movement of the transported goods 400, the movable gangway 15 can absorb the vertical movement of the cargo bed of the cargo vehicle 200.

[0027] The suspension section 16 is formed by the ends of the second frame 11b protruding outward from the first frame 11a. The suspension section 16 also has eye bolts or the like for attaching wires or the like. For example, the suspension sections 16 are provided at four locations on the gondola 1, spaced apart by a predetermined distance in the longitudinal and transverse directions, so as to be symmetrical positions.

[0028] The support members 90 are provided in multiple locations, for example, to support the gondola 1 by adjusting its height so that the height of the lower surface of the top plate 12 is the same as or approximately the same as the height of the destination and source of transport. For example, the support members 90 include a first support member 91 with a fixed shape that does not change shape, and a second support member 92 whose height is adjustable.

[0029] For example, the first support member 91 is formed in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped frame that is elongated in one direction. For example, the first support member 91 is formed so that the height between the bottom surface that contacts the floor and the top surface that supports the gondola 1 or other support member 90 can be changed depending on the orientation: a first orientation with the longitudinal direction as the vertical direction, and a second orientation with the short direction as the vertical direction. Note that multiple types of first support members 91 with different vertical and horizontal dimensions may be used.

[0030] The second support member 92 is formed to allow for variable height adjustment of the top surface that supports the gondola 1, for example. The second support member 92 is, for example, a jack.

[0031] An example of a method for transporting goods 400 using the gondola 1 configured in this way will be explained with reference to Figure 1. First, an example of unloading goods 400 from the cargo vehicle 200, which is the source of transport, onto the gondola 1 will be explained.

[0032] The two forks 103 of the forklift 100 are inserted into the two pairs of insertion openings 14 of the gondola 1. Then, the back lift 104 of the forklift 100 is driven upward to raise the gondola 1 to a position slightly higher than the cargo bed of the cargo vehicle 200, which is the source of transport. The cargo vehicle 200 is also moved so that the gondola 1 and its cargo bed are adjacent to each other.

[0033] Next, the support members 90 are placed on the ground, and the forklift 100 is operated to support the gondola 1 with the support members 90. At this time, the support members 90 use at least one of the first support member 91 and the second support member 92 to support the two first frames 11a, which are positioned on both sides in the short direction, on both ends of the gondola 1 beyond the two pairs of insertion openings 14. In other words, the support members 90 support the gondola 1 at four points by supporting both ends of the two first frames 11a. For example, one first support member 91 or one second support member 92 may be used at each of the four points, or multiple first support members 91 may be stacked in the height direction, or the first support member 91 and the second support member 92 may be stacked. In addition, multiple first support members 91 and second support members 92 may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. In the example shown in Figure 1, at each of the four locations supporting the gondola 1, two second support members 92 are placed on one first support member 91, and the first frame 11a is supported by a total of eight second support members 92. However, the number, arrangement, and type of support members 90 can be set as appropriate, as long as the gondola 1 can be stably supported. In this case, the forks 103 remain inserted into the insertion openings 14, and the gondola 1 is supported by both the forklift 100 and the support members 90.

[0034] Next, the gangway 15 is changed from a vertical to a horizontal position and placed on the cargo bed of the cargo vehicle 200. This covers the gap between the top surface of the top plate 12 and the cargo bed of the cargo vehicle 200. Next, the second fence frame 13c on the cargo vehicle 200 side is removed, and the transported goods 400 are transported from the cargo bed of the cargo vehicle 200 onto the top plate 12. After the transported goods 400 are transported onto the top plate 12, the second fence frame 13c on the cargo vehicle 200 side is reattached. This completes the unloading of the transported goods 400 from the cargo vehicle 200 to the gondola 1.

[0035] Next, an example of unloading the transported goods 400 on the top plate 12 to the unloading area 300, which is the destination, will be explained. First, the forklift 100 is operated to drive the back lift 104 upward and the gondola 1 is lifted with the two forks 103 inserted into the two pairs of insertion openings 14. Then, the back lift 104 of the forklift 100 is driven upward to raise the gondola 1 to a position slightly higher than the loading platform of the cargo vehicle 200, which is the source of transport. At this time, it is preferable to restrain and hold the transported goods 400 on the top plate 12 with a band or the like.

[0036] Next, the support members 90 that were supporting the gondola 1 are replaced or adjusted to match the cargo vehicle 200, and the forklift 100 is operated to lower the gondola 1, so that the gondola 1 is supported by the support members 90 at a height where the lower surface of the other end protruding from the frame 11 that constitutes the bridge of the top plate 12 touches the floor of the loading area 300. At this time, the forks 103 are left inserted into the insertion openings 14, and the gondola 1 is supported by both the forklift 100 and the support members 90. Next, the restraints on the transported goods 400 that were restrained and held on the top plate 12 are released, the second fence frame 13c on the loading area 300 side is removed, and the transported goods 400 are transported from the top plate 12 to the floor of the loading area 300. After the transported goods 400 have been transported to the floor of the loading area 300, the second fence frame 13c on the loading area 300 side is reattached. This completes the unloading of the transported goods 400.

[0037] As described above, in the method of transporting the transported object 400 using the gondola 1, the gondola 1 is supported by both the support member 90 which is grounded and the forklift 100. Therefore, even when the transported object 400 is relatively large and heavy, the gondola 1 is stably supported. Thus, it is possible to suppress the swaying of the gondola 1 during the transport of the transported object 400, and thus transport work can be carried out safely. In particular, in conventional technology, the gondola was installed at the destination or source while suspended by a crane, so it could sway in the wind. Especially in strong winds, there was a risk that the gondola would be buffeted by the wind, which was a problem as it made work impossible. Also, when the gondola sways in the wind, there is a risk that workers or the transported object 400 on the top plate 12 may fall from the gondola, requiring careful work and thus increasing the work time. Furthermore, lifting the gondola with a crane requires time for preparation before the lifting work, such as rigging work. Furthermore, moving gondolas with a crane is difficult due to the need for minute adjustments, and the installation process is time-consuming.

[0038] However, in this embodiment, the gondola 1 can be moved by a forklift 100, and the gondola 1 is also supported by the forklift 100 when transporting the goods 400. Therefore, by supporting the gondola 1 with the forklift 100 when transporting the goods 400 using the gondola 1, it is possible to prevent the gondola 1 from swaying due to wind, etc., and the time required for work and preparation can be reduced, thus reducing the time involved in the transport work. Furthermore, since even minute movements are possible, the installation work becomes easier.

[0039] Furthermore, the gondola 1 can have a simple configuration with two pairs of insertion openings 14 into which a pair of forks 103 can be inserted along the left-right direction of the gondola 1, and can be manufactured inexpensively. In addition, since the gondola 1 is provided with a bridge plate 15 at the end located at the source or destination of the transport, which can change its orientation between a vertical and a horizontal orientation, the bridge plate 15 can change its orientation to follow changes in height when the height of the transport source or destination of the transported object 400 changes.

[0040] As described above, according to the embodiment of the gondola 1, by providing an insertion opening 14 into which the forks 103 are inserted, the gondola 1 can be held by the forklift 100 when transporting and conveying the goods 400, enabling stable transport of the goods 400.

[0041] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and can be modified in various ways during implementation without departing from its essence. Furthermore, each embodiment may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effects can be obtained. Moreover, the above embodiments include various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by selecting combinations from the multiple constituent elements disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and effects obtained even if some constituent elements are deleted from all the constituent elements shown in the embodiment, then the configuration with these deleted constituent elements can be extracted as an invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1...Gondola, 11...Frame, 11a...First frame, 11b...Second frame, 12...Top plate, 13...Fence, 13a...Support column, 13b...First fence frame, 13c...Second fence frame, 14...Insertion opening, 14a...Flange, 15...Walking plate, 16...Suspension part, 90...Support member, 91...First support member, 92...Second support member, 100...Forklift, 101...Body, 102...Drive wheel, 103...Fork, 104...Backlift, 200...Cargo vehicle, 300...Loading area, 400...Conveyed goods.

Claims

1. A gondola on which goods are placed when unloading from the source and then unloading to the destination. A rectangular frame, A top plate provided on the frame, The frame is provided with a plurality of insertion openings into which the forks of a forklift can be inserted, A gondola equipped with a gondola.

2. The aforementioned top plate has one end extending from the frame, The gondola according to claim 1, wherein a connecting plate is provided at the other end of the top plate opposite to one end, and is formed to be movable between two positions: a horizontal position and a vertical position that can stand on its own.

3. The frame is equipped with a fence, The gondola according to claim 1, wherein the fence comprises support posts provided at each of the four corners of the frame, a first fence frame provided on the support posts aligned in the longitudinal direction of the frame, and a second fence frame provided on the support posts aligned in the short direction of the frame.

4. The second fence frame is a gondola according to claim 3, which can open and close between the support posts arranged in the shorter direction.

5. The gondola according to claim 1, wherein the frame is formed to be supported by a support member during unloading and lifting.

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