Connection mechanism and transport assistance device set

Abstract

To synchronize the operation of multiple locking mechanisms on the running gear, while preventing the wheels from being forgotten when connecting the transport assist device to the running gear. [Solution] The connection mechanism 3 includes an attachment 31 that is attached to the running gear 4 and engages with the transport assist device 2, a link mechanism 32 that is connected to the locking mechanisms 44 of the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432 of the plurality of wheels 43 and synchronizes the on / off switching of the locking mechanisms 44, and a restricting member 33 that is connected to the link mechanism 32 and moves in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanisms 44. The restricting member 33 moves to a first position P1 that allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the on operation of the locking mechanism 44, and moves to a second position P2 that prevents the transport assist device 2 from being connected to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the off operation of the locking mechanism 44.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , , , , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a connection mechanism and a conveyance assist device set.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a conveyance assist device having a drive source has been connected to a traveling device that can be moved by a user applying an external force, and the conveyance assist device has assisted the movement of the traveling device (applied an assist force), or the conveyance assist device has enabled the traveling device to travel on its own. Such a technique is known.

[0003] The traveling device includes a plurality of wheels. The traveling device is known to be configured with a lock mechanism to prevent unintended movement of the traveling device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a lifting type moving table provided with a caster with a lock mechanism.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When connecting the conveyance assist device to the traveling device, it is desirable to turn on the wheel lock mechanism so that the traveling device does not move on the floor surface. This is because if the lock mechanism is in the off state, the traveling device may move when connecting the conveyance assist device. However, the operator of the conveyance assist device may forget to turn on the lock mechanism. In addition, performing the on / off operation of the wheel lock mechanism one by one is cumbersome, so it is convenient for the operator that the on / off of the lock mechanisms of a plurality of wheels can be completed by a single operation.

[0006] This disclosure has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a connection mechanism and a transport assist device set that can synchronize the operation of multiple locking mechanisms of the travel device and prevent forgetting to lock the wheels when connecting the transport assist device to the travel device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A connection mechanism in one aspect of the present disclosure for achieving the above objective is a connection mechanism for connecting a transport assist device to a running device having a plurality of wheels and a locking mechanism for the wheels, comprising: an attachment attached to the running device and engaging with the transport assist device; a link mechanism connected to the locking mechanisms of a first wheel and a second wheel among the plurality of wheels and synchronizing the on / off switching of the locking mechanisms; and a regulating member connected to the link mechanism and moving in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanisms, wherein the regulating member moves to a first position that allows connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the on operation of the locking mechanism, and moves to a second position that prevents connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the off operation of the locking mechanism.

[0008] In a preferred configuration of the above connection mechanism, the restricting member has a plate-like shape and, at the second position, obstructs the movement path of the transport assist device leading to the connection position with the attachment.

[0009] In a preferred configuration of the above connection mechanism, the attachment includes a guide member that defines the movement path from the entrance into which the transport assist device enters to the connection position, and the restricting member, at the second position, obstructs any position from in front of the entrance to the connection position.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the above connection mechanism, the attachment includes a positioning member that contacts the transport assisting device to position the transport assisting device at the connection position, and the regulating member covers at least a portion of the entrance portion at the second position.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the above connection mechanism, the guide member has a pair of guide surfaces that define the side of the movement path, and the regulating member moves between a second position that obstructs at least a portion of the area between the pair of guide surfaces and a first position that does not obstruct the area between the pair of guide surfaces.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the above connection mechanism, the attachment is mounted on a frame that holds the plurality of wheels and engages with the transport assist device positioned below the attachment, wherein the first position is a position in which the lower end of the restricting member is above the area between the attachment and the floor surface, and the second position is a position in which the lower end of the restricting member obstructs the space between the attachment and the floor surface.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the above-described connection mechanism, the link mechanism connects the locking mechanism of the first wheel, which is the front wheel of the running device, and the locking mechanism of the second wheel, which is the rear wheel of the running device; the attachment is positioned between the first wheel and the second wheel in the front-rear direction of the running device; and the regulating member extends from the link mechanism toward the position of the attachment.

[0014] In a preferred configuration of the above-described connection mechanism, the link mechanism includes a first link connected to each of the locking mechanisms, and a second link connecting each of the first links and moving in conjunction with the operation of the first links, wherein the regulating member is attached to the second link.

[0015] In a preferred configuration of the above-described connection mechanism, the first link has a first connecting portion connected to the locking mechanism via a pivot shaft, and a second connecting portion connected to the second link at a position away from the first connecting portion, and rotates around the pivot shaft in accordance with the operation of the locking mechanism.

[0016] In a preferred configuration of the above-described connection mechanism, the first link is adjustable in its mounting angle relative to the locking mechanism.

[0017] As a desirable aspect of the connection mechanism, the first link has a bent portion that can be adjusted in angle between the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

[0018] As a desirable aspect of the connection mechanism, the regulating member can be adjusted in dimension or in the mounting position with respect to the link mechanism.

[0019] As a desirable aspect of the connection mechanism, it includes a plurality of types of regulating members having different dimensions.

[0020] A conveyance assistance device set according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a connection mechanism attached to a traveling device having a plurality of wheels and a lock mechanism for the wheels, and a conveyance assistance device connected to the connection mechanism and assisting the movement of the traveling device via the connection mechanism. The connection mechanism includes an attachment attached to the traveling device and engaged with the conveyance assistance device, a link mechanism connected to the lock mechanisms of the first wheel and the second wheel among the plurality of wheels and synchronizing the on / off states of the lock mechanisms, and a regulating member connected to the link mechanism and moving in conjunction with the operation of the lock mechanism. The regulating member moves to a first position that allows the connection of the conveyance assistance device to the attachment in conjunction with the on-operation of the lock mechanism, and moves to a second position that blocks the connection of the conveyance assistance device to the attachment in conjunction with the off-operation of the lock mechanism.

Effects of the Invention

[0021] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the loss of wheel locking when connecting the conveyance assistance device to the traveling device while synchronizing the operations of the lock mechanisms of the plurality of wheels of the traveling device.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0022] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side view showing a conveyance assistance device set according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the conveyance assistance device according to the embodiment from above. [Figure 3]FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view showing a conveyance assisting device and an attachment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic side view showing a conveyance assisting device and an attachment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view showing a conveyance assisting device and a connection mechanism according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a state where a regulating member according to an embodiment is in a first position. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a state where a regulating member according to an embodiment is in a second position. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an example in which a regulating member is mainly displaced in the front-rear direction. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a schematic view showing an example in which a first link has a bent portion. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a view showing an example of a regulating member having a position adjustment function. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic view showing examples of a plurality of types of regulating members. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a plan view showing a configuration including a plurality of link mechanisms. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing configurations of a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic view showing a specific configuration example of a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a first diagram for explaining the influence on the rotation angle when the reference angle is made different. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a second diagram for explaining the influence on the rotation angle when the reference angle is made different. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a view showing an example of a first link having a structure for reducing play. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a view showing another example of a first link having a structure for reducing play.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0023] Preferred embodiments of the transport assistance device set according to this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and if there are multiple embodiments, they may be constructed by combining each embodiment. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments include those that are easily conceivable by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially identical, and those that are equivalent.

[0024] Figure 1 is a side view showing the transport assistance device set of the embodiment. The transport assistance device set 1 of the embodiment comprises a transport assistance device 2 and a connection mechanism 3. The transport assistance device 2 is connected to the traveling device 4 and is a device that assists the travel of the traveling device 4 (transportation of the transported object by the traveling device 4).

[0025] The mobile device 4 has multiple wheels 43 and is a device that carries an object to be transported and travels on the floor. The wheels 43 are driven wheels. In other words, the mobile device 4 does not have a self-propelled function (drive source) and moves by external force. Examples of such mobile devices 4 include trolleys, transport carts, mobile beds, and stretchers. The object to be transported is not particularly limited and can be living beings such as people and animals, or various items such as containers for medicines and beverages, and precision instruments. Figure 1 shows an example where the mobile device 4 is a stretcher. A stretcher is a simple bed equipped with wheels, and the object to be transported is a person.

[0026] The connection mechanism 3 is attached to the running gear 4. The transport assist device 2 can be attached to the connection mechanism 3. The transport assist device 2 is mechanically connected to the running gear 4 by the connection mechanism 3. The transport assist device 2 provides propulsion to the running gear 4 via the connection mechanism 3. The propulsion force of the transport assist device 2 enables the running gear 4, which does not have a drive source, to perform movement assist actions that reduce the operating load on the operator, or to self-propel without external force applied by the operator. The connection mechanism 3 can be retrofitted to any running gear 4.

[0027] In this way, the transport assistance device set 1 can provide the transport assistance function of the transport assistance device 2 to any travel device 4 by attaching the connection mechanism 3 to the travel device 4.

[0028] The connection position between the transport assist device 2 and the traveling device 4 by the connection mechanism 3 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 3 is connected to the transport assist device 2 which is located on the underside of the traveling device 4. However, as shown in Figure 1, the connection mechanism 3 is not limited to the center of the traveling device 4. It may also be connected to the transport assist device 2 on the front side (X1 direction side) of the traveling device 4, or on the rear side (X2 direction side) of the traveling device 4.

[0029] (Example of running gear configuration) In the example shown in Figure 1, the mobile device 4 comprises a bed section 41 on which the person to be transported is placed, a frame 42 supporting the bed section, a plurality of wheels 43 attached to the lower part of the frame 42, and a locking mechanism 44 attached to each wheel 43. The bed section 41 is held on the upper surface of the frame 42. The frame 42 extends in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the head-to-foot direction) of the bed section 41.

[0030] In the following description, the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the bed section 41 is defined as the front-to-back direction of the travel device 4, with one longitudinal direction (X1 direction) being the front and the other (X2 direction) being the rear. The short direction (Y direction) of the bed section 41 is defined as the width direction of the travel device 4. One Y direction is defined as the Y1 direction, and the other Y direction as the Y2 direction. The vertical direction perpendicular to the X and Y directions is defined as the Z direction. The X and Y directions are parallel to the floor surface (horizontal plane) on which the travel device 4 moves. Furthermore, when "plan view" is mentioned in the following description, it means viewing the plane along the X and Y directions from the Z direction.

[0031] Multiple wheels 43 are provided in pairs at the front and rear ends of the underside of the frame 42. In other words, the running device 4 has four wheels 43: a pair of first wheels 431 which are the front wheels, and a pair of second wheels 432 which are the rear wheels. The four wheels 43 are positioned at the four corners of the underside of the frame 42. The wheels 43 are casters that roll on the floor surface by rotating around a horizontal axis of rotation and can rotate in the horizontal plane around a pivot axis that extends vertically.

[0032] Each of the four wheels 43 is provided with one locking mechanism 44, for a total of four. The locking mechanisms 44 can be switched between an on state and an off state. When the locking mechanism 44 is on, it prevents the rotation of the wheel 43. When the locking mechanism 44 is off, it allows the rotation of the wheel 43. Each locking mechanism 44 of a pair of first wheels 431 is connected via a pivot shaft 45 that extends in the width direction, and its on / off state is linked. Similarly, each locking mechanism 44 of a pair of second wheels 432 is connected via a pivot shaft 45 that extends in the width direction, and its on / off state is linked.

[0033] An operating unit 46 is attached to the pivot shaft 45. The operating unit 46 is a pedal whose central part is fixed to the pivot shaft 45 and rotates together with the pivot shaft 45. When the operator rotates the operating unit 46 clockwise in Figure 1 by stepping on one end of the operating unit 46 with their foot, the pivot shaft 45 rotates in the same direction, and the locking mechanism 44 enters one state, either on or off. When the operator rotates the operating unit 46 counterclockwise in Figure 1 by stepping on the other end of the operating unit 46 with their foot, the pivot shaft 45 rotates in the same direction, and the locking mechanism 44 enters the other state, either on or off.

[0034] Although not particularly limited, in the following description, it is assumed that when the operating part 46 is rotated clockwise in Figure 1, the locking mechanism 44 is turned ON, and when the operating part 46 is rotated counterclockwise in Figure 1, the locking mechanism 44 is turned OFF. Figure 1 shows the locking mechanism 44 in the OFF state.

[0035] (Conveying assistance device) Figure 2 is a perspective view of the transport assist device of the embodiment, taken from above.

[0036] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the transport assist device 2 includes a device body 20, drive wheels 21, a connecting part 23, a contact part 24, and a lifting mechanism.

[0037] The main body of the device 20 is a base on which the drive wheels 21, the connecting part 23, the contact part 24, and the lifting mechanism 25 are arranged. The main body of the device 20 includes a case part 202 that houses the drive wheels 21, the connecting part 23, the contact part 24, and the lifting mechanism 25. The case part 202 has a wall part 203, a top plate 204, and a bottom part (not shown).

[0038] At least two drive wheels 21 are provided on the device body 20. The structure and drive method of the drive wheels 21 are not particularly limited. In the embodiment, the drive wheels 21 are active casters capable of rotational drive to travel on the floor surface and swivel drive to change the direction of the drive wheels 21 around a steering shaft 213 that extends vertically. The drive wheels 21 may be, for example, omni-wheels or Mecanum wheels that can move in all directions. The drive wheels 21 are wheels that are rotationally driven by a motor.

[0039] The transport assist device 2 may be equipped with driven wheels in addition to the drive wheels 21. The driven wheels are, for example, driven casters that can rotate and swivel in response to the action of an external force. The driven wheels may also be omnidirectional movement mechanisms such as omniwheels or Mecanum wheels.

[0040] The lifting mechanism 25 is located inside the main body 20 of the device. The lifting mechanism 25 moves the connection part 23 vertically using an actuator.

[0041] The lifting mechanism 25 is located below the connecting portion 23. As shown in Figure 2, the connecting portion 23 is exposed to the outside on the top plate 204 of the case portion 202. The connecting portion 23 is formed as a projection that protrudes upward from the top plate 204, and the top surface of the connecting portion 23 is formed in a square shape. The connecting portion 23 is the part that mechanically connects the connecting mechanism 3 and the transport assist device 2 by engaging with the attachment 31 of the connecting mechanism 3, which will be described later.

[0042] The lifting mechanism 25 drives an actuator to move the connecting part 23 vertically. When the connecting part 23 moves downward, it is housed in the device body 20. When the connecting part 23 moves upward, it engages with the attachment 31 of the connecting mechanism 3, connecting the device body 20 to the travel device 4. The transport assist device 2, with the device body 20 connected to the travel device 4, moves using the drive wheels 21, thereby imparting a propulsive force from the connecting part 23 to the travel device 4 to move it.

[0043] The transport assistance device 2 may set a movement path by retrieving data previously stored in the memory of a control device (not shown) and move automatically. The transport assistance device 2 may also acquire control signals output by an external device via wireless or wired communication lines and operate according to the acquired control signals. External input devices include the remote controller 5 shown in Figure 2, or a computer connected via a network.

[0044] As shown in Figure 2, the contact portion 24 is provided on the upper surface of the device body 20. The contact portion 24 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the device body 20. When the transport assist device 2 connects to the attachment 31 of the connection mechanism 3, the contact portion 24 comes into contact with the attachment 31, thereby optimizing the relative position and orientation (orientation in the horizontal plane) of the transport assist device 2 with respect to the attachment 31.

[0045] The contact portion 24 includes a first contact portion 241 provided near the outer peripheral edge of the upper surface of the device body 20, and two sets of second contact portions 242 provided around the connecting portion 23.

[0046] The first contact portion 241 is positioned near the front edge of the upper surface of the device body 20. The front side of the device body 20 is the side closer to the attachment 31 when the transport assist device 2 is brought towards the attachment 31. In other words, the transport assist device 2 has predetermined directions in front, back, left, and right, and the first contact portion 241 is positioned on the front side. The first contact portion 241 is a stopper that contacts a part of the attachment 31 when the transport assist device 2 is connected to the attachment 31, thereby restricting the transport assist device 2 from moving forward any further. The first contact portion 241 functions as a positioning member for the transport assist device 2 in the direction of travel. The first contact portion 241 has a plate-like shape that extends left and right along the front edge of the device body 20.

[0047] The second contact portions 242 are positioned on the upper surface of the device body 20, one on the front side and one on the rear side relative to the connection portion 23. Like the first contact portion 241, the second contact portions 242 have a plate-like shape that extends to the left and right of the device body 20. When connecting the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31, the second contact portions 242 come into contact with the guide surface 312A of the attachment 31 (described later), and are guided portions that regulate the left-right position and orientation (direction) of the transport assist device 2. By coming into contact with the guide surface 312A on both the front and rear sides of the connection portion 23, the relative position and orientation of the connection portion 23 with respect to the guide surface 312A are precisely determined.

[0048] Guide rollers 243 are provided at both ends of the first contact portion 241 and the two sets of second contact portions 242. The guide rollers 243 are rotatable around a central axis that extends in the vertical direction. The guide rollers 243 constitute the contact portions between the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242 and the guide surface 312A of the attachment 31. By rotating around the central axis while in contact with the guide surface 312A, the guide rollers 243 roll along the guide surface 312A. The guide rollers 243 reduce the sliding resistance at the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242.

[0049] (Connection mechanism) In the example shown in Figure 1, the connection mechanism 3 comprises an attachment 31, a link mechanism 32, and a regulating member 33.

[0050] Attachment 31 is mounted on the running gear 4 and engages with the transport assist device 2. Figure 1 shows the transport assist device 2 engaged with attachment 31. Attachment 31 engages with the transport assist device 2 in a releasable manner. When the transport assist device 2 is not in use, it can be separated from the connecting mechanism 3 (i.e., running gear 4) by disengaging the attachment 31 from the transport assist device 2. Attachment 31 is mounted on a frame 42 that holds multiple wheels 43 and engages with the transport assist device 2 located below attachment 31. The transport assist device 2 connects to attachment 31 by being positioned at a connection point Pc (see Figure 3) directly below attachment 31 through a gap between the floor and the frame 42.

[0051] Figure 3 is a schematic plan view showing the conveying support device and attachment. Figure 4 is a schematic side view showing the conveying support device and attachment.

[0052] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the attachment 31 is positioned between the first wheel 431 (front wheel) and the second wheel 432 (rear wheel) in the front-rear direction of the running gear 4. The attachment 31 includes a mounting member 311, a pair of guide members 312, and a positioning member 313.

[0053] The pair of guide members 312 extend linearly in the width direction of the frame 42 of the running device 4. The ends of the pair of guide members 312 are attached to the left (Y1 side) end and the right (Y2 side) end of the frame 42, respectively. The attachment 31 is fixed to the frame 42 by the pair of guide members 312. The pair of guide members 312 support the mounting member 311.

[0054] The mounting member 311 is a flat plate member that extends in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the frame 42. The mounting member 311 is provided so as to straddle a pair of guide members 312, and both ends of the mounting member 311 are supported by the guide members 312.

[0055] The mounting member 311 engages with the connection portion 23 of the transport assist device 2. The mounting member 311 has an engagement hole 311A ​​into which the connection portion 23 is fitted. The engagement hole 311A ​​opens on the lower side of the mounting member 311 and has a rectangular shape corresponding to the shape of the top of the connection portion 23. With the connection portion 23 positioned directly below the engagement hole 311A, the connection portion 23 moves upward by the lifting mechanism 25, causing the connection portion 23 to fit into the engagement hole 311A. This engages the transport assist device 2 with the attachment 31. Therefore, in a plan view, the position of the engagement hole 311A ​​is the connection position Pc between the transport assist device 2 and the attachment 31. The engagement hole 311A ​​is located near the midpoint between both ends of the guide member 312 in the width direction (Y direction) of the frame 42, and is positioned midway between the pair of guide members 312 in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the frame 42.

[0056] The pair of guide members 312 define the movement path from the entrance Pe into which the transport assist device 2 enters to the connection position Pc. Specifically, the guide members 312 have a pair of guide surfaces 312A that define the sides of the movement path. The guide surfaces 312A are the sides of the pair of guide members 312 that face each other. The height of the pair of guide surfaces 312A is the same as the height of the contact portion 24 (first contact portion 241, second contact portion 242) of the transport assist device 2. In other words, the pair of guide members 312 are mounted on the frame 42 above the top surface of the transport assist device 2 and at the same height as the contact portion 24 (first contact portion 241, second contact portion 242). Therefore, when the transport assist device 2 enters from the entrance Pe, the pair of guide surfaces 312A come into contact with the guide rollers 243 of the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242, guiding the transport assist device 2 to move along the pair of guide surfaces 312A.

[0057] The pair of guide surfaces 312A extend in the width direction (Y direction) of the frame 42 at least from the entrance Pe to the connection position Pc. The pair of guide surfaces 312A are inclined from a position between the connection position Pc and the entrance Pe to the entrance Pe, and in the inclined portion, the distance between the pair of guide surfaces 312A (distance in the X direction) increases as it approaches the entrance Pe. As a result, the space at the entrance Pe is expanded, and the allowable range of misalignment when the transport assist device 2 enters from the entrance Pe is increased.

[0058] Of the pair of guide surfaces 312A, the portion closer to the connection position Pc than the inclined portion is parallel and maintains a constant distance (distance in the X direction). The distance of this parallel portion corresponds to the length of the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242. Therefore, when the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242 reach the parallel portion of the pair of guide surfaces 312A, the guide rollers 243 at both ends of the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242 come into contact with one and the other of the pair of guide surfaces 312A, respectively, and the position and orientation (direction) of the conveying assist device 2 are fixed. The parallel portion is formed over a range that includes the connection position Pc.

[0059] The positioning member 313 contacts the transport assist device 2 to position the transport assist device 2 at the connection position Pc. The positioning member 313 is provided at the end of the pair of guide members 312 opposite to the entrance portion Pe. The positioning member 313 is attached to the pair of guide members 312 so as to match the height of the contact portion 24 (first contact portion 241, second contact portion 242) of the transport assist device 2. Therefore, the positioning member 313 blocks the end opposite to the entrance portion Pe so that the transport assist device 2 cannot pass through the movement path defined by the pair of guide members 312. The positioning member 313 contacts the first contact portion 241 (guide roller 243 of the first contact portion 241) of the transport assist device 2 as it enters from the entrance portion Pe, thereby determining the position of the transport assist device 2 in the direction of travel (Y direction). Therefore, the positioning member 313 is positioned so that when it comes into contact with the first contact portion 241, the connecting portion 23 of the transport assist device 2 is positioned directly below the engagement hole 311A.

[0060] With this configuration, the attachment 31 can guide the transport assist device 2 to a position (position in the X and Y directions) and orientation (orientation in the XY plane) where the connecting portion 23 can be fitted into the engagement hole 311A, simply by inserting the contact portion 24 of the transport assist device 2 into the entrance portion Pe and advancing the transport assist device 2 until it abuts against the positioning member 313.

[0061] Figure 5 is a schematic side view showing the transport assist device and connection mechanism of the embodiment.

[0062] The link mechanism 32 is connected to the locking mechanisms 44 of the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432 among the multiple wheels 43, and synchronizes the on / off switching of the locking mechanisms 44. In this embodiment, the link mechanism 32 connects the locking mechanism 44 of the first wheel 431, which is the front wheel of the running device 4, and the locking mechanism 44 of the second wheel 432, which is the rear wheel of the running device 4.

[0063] In this embodiment, each locking mechanism 44 of a pair of first wheels 431 is connected by a pivot shaft 45 extending in the Y direction and operates synchronously. Each locking mechanism 44 of a pair of second wheels 432 is connected by a pivot shaft 45 and operates synchronously. The link mechanism 32 is connected to the front wheel side pivot shaft 45 and the rear wheel side pivot shaft 45, respectively, and is thus connected to the locking mechanisms 44 via the pivot shafts 45. Therefore, when an operator rotates a pivot shaft 45 by operating either the front wheel side operating unit 46 or the rear wheel side operating unit 46, the link mechanism 32 reflects that rotation to the other side pivot shaft 45, causing the front and rear pivot shafts 45 to rotate synchronously. As a result, the on / off state of each (four) locking mechanism 44 of the four wheels 43 is switched in conjunction.

[0064] In addition, the running gear 4 may originally be provided with a link member for linking the front and rear locking mechanisms 44. In such cases, when the connecting mechanism 3 is attached to the running gear 4, the link member is removed from the running gear 4, and the link mechanism 32 of the embodiment is attached to the running gear 4 together with the attachment 31.

[0065] A single link mechanism 32 is provided near the end of the pivot shaft 45. Specifically, the link mechanism 32 is provided near the end of the pivot shaft 45 on the side (Y1 direction side) where the entrance portion Pe of the attachment 31 is located. As shown in Figure 3, an operating unit 46 is attached to the end of the pivot shaft 45, and the link mechanism 32 is connected to the pivot shaft 45 at a position between the operating unit 46 and the frame 42 in the width direction of the running device 4. In the Y direction, the link mechanism 32 is provided outside (Y1 direction side) of the attachment 31 (entrance portion Pe).

[0066] As shown in Figure 5, the link mechanism 32 includes a first link 321 connected to each locking mechanism 44, and a second link 322 that connects each first link 321 and moves in conjunction with the operation of the first links 321. Specifically, one first link 321 is provided on the pivot shaft 45 connected to the locking mechanism 44 of the first wheel 431, and one pivot shaft 45 connected to the locking mechanism 44 of the second wheel 432. The second link 322 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction) of the running gear 4 and connects the first link 321 on the first wheel 431 side and the first link 321 on the second wheel 432 side.

[0067] The first link 321 is made of, for example, metal or resin and is a straight plate-shaped member. The first link 321 has a first connecting portion 321A which is connected to the locking mechanism 44 via a pivot shaft 45, and a second connecting portion 321B which is connected to the second link 322 at a position away from the first connecting portion 321A, and rotates around the pivot shaft 45 in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanism 44. The first connecting portion 321A is provided at one end of the first link 321 and is fixed to the pivot shaft 45. The second connecting portion 321B is provided at the other end of the second link 322 and is connected to the end of the second link 322. The first link 321 rotates integrally with the pivot shaft 45. Therefore, the first link 321 rotates in an arc trajectory around the pivot shaft 45, causing the second connecting portion 321B to pivot.

[0068] The first link 321 has an adjustable mounting angle θ relative to the locking mechanism 44. In other words, the mounting angle θ of the first link 321 relative to the horizontal plane can be arbitrarily set when fixing the first connection part 321A to the pivot shaft 45. The mounting angle θ of the first link 321 is adjusted so that at least the second link 322 (i.e., the second connection part 321B) is positioned above the attachment 31.

[0069] The second link 322 is, for example, made of metal or resin and is a straight rod-shaped member. The second link 322 extends in the front-rear direction (X direction), and both ends are connected to the second connecting parts 321B of the front and rear first links 321, respectively. When the operating part 46 is operated and one of the first links 321 rotates, the second link 322 transmits the rotational motion of that first link 321 to the other first link 321. In this way, the link mechanism 32 synchronizes the movement of the first links 321 by the second link 322 and transmits the rotation of one pivot shaft 45 (locking mechanism 44) to the other pivot shaft 45 (locking mechanism 44).

[0070] The restricting member 33 is connected to the link mechanism 32 and moves in conjunction with the operation of the lock mechanism 44. The restricting member 33 moves in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism 32 when the lock mechanism 44 is switched on / off by the operating unit 46, to switch between allowing / denying the connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31. That is, the restricting member 33 moves to a first position P1 (see Figure 6) in conjunction with the ON operation of the lock mechanism 44, which allows the connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31, and moves to a second position P2 (see Figure 7) in conjunction with the OFF operation of the lock mechanism 44, which prevents the connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31. Therefore, in this embodiment, when the lock mechanism 44 is in the OFF state (wheels 43 are unlocked), the restricting member 33 in the second position P2 prevents the connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31. When the wheels 43 are locked by the activation of the locking mechanism 44, the restricting member 33 is positioned at the first position P1, allowing the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31. In other words, in this embodiment, the connection mechanism 3 allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31 only when the locking mechanism 44 is in the ON state (wheels 43 are locked). This prevents the running device 4 from moving unintentionally when the operator forgets to lock the wheels 43 and connects the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31.

[0071] The restricting member 33 is made of, for example, metal or resin and has a plate-like shape. The restricting member 33 extends from the link mechanism 32 toward the position of the attachment 31. Specifically, the restricting member 33 is attached to the second link 322. The restricting member 33 is provided so as to be suspended downward from the second link 322, which is located above the attachment 31. In the example in Figure 5, the restricting member 33 is fixed to the second link 322 at an intermediate position near the mounting position of the attachment 31. The restricting member 33 moves integrally with the second link 322. Therefore, when the locking mechanism 44 is switched between the ON and OFF states, the restricting member 33 is displaced according to the position of the second link 322. As a result, when the locking mechanism 44 is ON, the restricting member 33 is positioned at the first position P1, and when the locking mechanism 44 is OFF, the restricting member 33 is positioned at the second position P2.

[0072] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the regulating member of the embodiment in the first position. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing the regulating member of the embodiment in the second position. Figures 6 and 7 are views of the regulating member 33 and attachment 31 from the inlet Pe side.

[0073] As shown in Figure 7, the restricting member 33 obstructs the movement path of the transport assist device 2 to the connection position Pc with the attachment 31 at the second position P2. The restricting member 33 obstructs one of the positions from just before the entrance Pe to the connection position Pc at the second position P2. Specifically, as shown in Figure 3, the restricting member 33 is provided outside the attachment 31 (entrance Pe) in the width direction (Y direction) of the traveling device 4. The restricting member 33 covers at least a part of the entrance Pe at the second position P2. Therefore, the restricting member 33 is positioned at the second position P2, which partially covers the entrance Pe before it (Y1 direction side) in the movement path of the transport assist device 2 to the connection position Pc.

[0074] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the restricting member 33 moves to a second position P2 that obstructs at least a portion of the area between the pair of guide surfaces 312A, and to a first position P1 that does not obstruct the area between the pair of guide surfaces 312A. The first position P1 is a position where the lower end portion 331 of the restricting member 33 is above the area between the attachment 31 and the floor surface, and the second position P2 is a position where the lower end portion 331 of the restricting member 33 obstructs the space between the attachment 31 and the floor surface.

[0075] As shown in Figure 6, when the locking mechanism 44 is in the ON position, the first link 321 is at an angle θ1 with respect to the horizontal direction (frame 42). The position of the second link 322 at this time determines the first position P1 of the regulating member 33. At the first position P1, the lower end portion 331 of the regulating member 33 is positioned above the entrance portion Pe. Therefore, at the first position P1, the regulating member 33 is positioned above the movement path of the transport assist device 2, including the entrance portion Pe. The regulating member 33 is positioned above the upper end position H1 of the pair of guide surfaces 312A (i.e., the upper end position of the entrance portion Pe). As a result, when the regulating member 33 is at the first position P1, the transport assist device 2 can enter the entrance portion Pe without being obstructed by the regulating member 33.

[0076] As shown in Figure 7, when the locking mechanism 44 is switched from the ON state to the OFF state, in this embodiment, the first link 321 rotates counterclockwise by Δθ. When the locking mechanism 44 is in the OFF state, the first link 321 is at an angle θ2 (θ2 = θ1 - Δθ) with respect to the horizontal direction (frame 42). The position of the second link 322 at this time determines the second position P2 of the regulating member 33. As the first link 321 rotates counterclockwise, the regulating member 33 is displaced forward (in the X1 direction) and downward in an arc trajectory. As a result, at the second position P2, the lower end portion 331 of the regulating member 33 is positioned between a pair of guide surfaces 312A in the front-rear direction (X direction) and between the upper end position H1 and the lower end position H2 of the guide surface 312A in the up-down direction (Z direction). This causes the regulating member 33 to partially cover the entrance portion Pe in front of it (on the Y1 direction side).

[0077] As a result, when the restricting member 33 is in the second position P2, the transport assist device 2 is blocked by the restricting member 33 and cannot enter the entrance section Pe. That is, when the transport assist device 2 attempts to move to the entrance section Pe, the contact portion 24 comes into contact with the restricting member 33. Therefore, the transport assist device 2 is prevented from moving to the connection position Pc.

[0078] (Connection operation of the transport assistance device) Next, we will explain the operation flow when connecting the transport assist device 2 to the connection mechanism 3. As shown in Figure 3, the transport assist device 2 is positioned to the side of the traveling device 4 and directly in front of the entrance section Pe.

[0079] At this time, the operator activates each locking mechanism 44 by stepping on the operating section 46 of the running device 4 with their foot. Each wheel 43 is then fixed in place by the locking mechanism 44 so that it cannot move. The operator can activate each locking mechanism 44 by the link mechanism 32 by operating any one of the operating sections 46 just once. Then, in conjunction with the operation of the link mechanism 32 which links the activation of each locking mechanism 44, the restricting member 33 is positioned at the first position P1 (see Figure 6).

[0080] The transport assist device 2 moves toward the entrance Pe with the first contact portion 241 facing forward in the direction of travel, for example, when the operator operates the remote control 5. Since the regulating member 33 is positioned at the first position P1, the contact portion 24 can enter the interior of the entrance Pe without contacting the regulating member 33. As the first contact portion 241 and the second contact portion 242 come into contact with the pair of guide surfaces 312A, the transport assist device 2 is guided to have the correct position and orientation (orientation in the XY plane) in the X direction. The operator stops the transport assist device 2 when the first contact portion 241 comes into contact with the positioning member 313. The transport assist device 2 is positioned so that its position in the Y direction is correct due to the contact between the first contact portion 241 and the positioning member 313. As a result, the connection portion 23 of the transport assist device 2 is positioned directly below the engagement hole 311A ​​provided at the connection position Pc. The operator, for example, by operating the remote control 5, activates the lifting mechanism 25 to engage the connection portion 23 of the transport assist device 2 with the engagement hole 311A ​​of the attachment 31. This connects the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31.

[0081] On the other hand, if the operator forgets to operate the locking mechanism 44 and attempts to connect the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31, the locking mechanism 44 will remain in the off state, and the restricting member 33 will be positioned at the second position P2 (see Figure 7). In this case, when the operator moves the transport assist device 2 toward the entrance Pe, the contact portion 24 (first contact portion 241) of the transport assist device 2 will come into contact with the restricting member 33, preventing the transport assist device 2 from entering the entrance Pe. This allows the operator to realize that they have forgotten to turn on the locking mechanism 44. In this embodiment, the transport assist device 2 comes into contact with the restricting member 33 just before entering the entrance Pe, so the operator can easily visually recognize that the transport assist device 2 has come into contact with the restricting member 33 and clearly understand that they have forgotten to operate the locking mechanism 44. This allows the operator to turn on the locking mechanism 44 and then resume operating the transport assist device 2.

[0082] (modified version) Furthermore, the position of the restricting member 33 is not limited to just before the entrance Pe, but can be anywhere that can block any of the movement paths of the transport assist device 2 leading to the connection position with the attachment 31. For example, the restricting member 33 may be inserted into the gap between the frame 42 and the attachment 31 so that the restricting member 33 and the transport assist device 2 come into contact at a position between the entrance Pe and the connection position Pc. However, in the configuration where the restricting member 33 is positioned just before (outside) the entrance Pe, the restricting member 33 is positioned outside the frame 42 in a plan view, making it less likely for the restricting member 33 to interfere with the frame. Therefore, it can be easily applied to various types of travel devices 4 regardless of the shape of the frame 42.

[0083] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which, at the first position P1, the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 is positioned above the area between the attachment 31 and the floor surface, and at the second position P2, the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 is positioned to obstruct the space between the attachment 31 and the floor surface, but the embodiment is not limited to this. Figure 8 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the restricting member is mainly displaced in the front-rear direction. In Figure 8, by adjusting the mounting angle θ of the first link 321, the height position of the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 at the first position P1, shown by the dashed line, and the height position of the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 at the second position P2, shown by the solid line, are set to be approximately the same. In this example, the restricting member 33 moves mainly in the X direction between the first position P1 and the second position P2. At the first position P1, the front end of the restricting member 33 is positioned further back (in the X2 direction) than the entrance portion Pe, and at the second position P2, the front end of the restricting member 33 is positioned to partially cover the entrance portion Pe.

[0084] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example in which the first link 321 is composed of a straight plate-shaped member, it is not limited to this. The first link 321 may be configured to be bendable. Figure 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example in which the first link has a bend. In Figure 9, the first link 321 has a bend 60 that is angle-adjustable between a first connecting portion 321A and a second connecting portion 321B. The first link 321 includes a straight plate-shaped first member 61 and a second member 62 connected by a bend 60 which is a rotatable joint. A first connecting portion 321A is provided at one end of the first member 61, and the other end of the first member 61 is connected to the second member 62 by the bend 60. One end of the second member 62 is connected to the first member 61 by the bend 60, and a second connecting portion 321B is provided at the other end of the second member 62. The first link 321 allows adjustment of the angle φ between the first member 61 and the second member 62 at the bent portion 60. This structure allows the first link 321 to adjust the distance between the first connection portion 321A and the second connection portion 321B by the angle φ. Figure 9(A) shows an example where the angle φ is reduced to reduce the distance between the first connection portion 321A and the second connection portion 321B. Figure 9(B) shows an example where the angle φ is increased to increase the distance between the first connection portion 321A and the second connection portion 321B. This allows the vertical position and displacement of the regulating member 33 to be freely adjusted to match the structure of the running device 4.

[0085] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example where the restricting member 33 is a simple plate-shaped member, it is not limited to this, and the restricting member 33 may have a position adjustment function. Figure 10 shows an example of a restricting member with a position adjustment function. In Figure 10, the restricting member 33 can be adjusted in dimensions or its mounting position relative to the link mechanism 32. In Figure 10, the restricting member 33 includes a fixed part 63 fixed to the second link 322 and a movable part 64 that is movable relative to the fixed part 63. The fixed part 63 is fixed to the second link 322 at its upper end and slidably holds the movable part 64. The movable part 64 can be fixed at any position within the movable range of the fixed part 63 by a latch mechanism, engaging member, or fastening member, etc. This allows the vertical position of the restricting member 33 to be freely adjusted to match the structure of the running device 4. The restricting member 33 may be only a simple plate-shaped member, and the second link 322 may have a structure similar to that of the fixed part 63. Furthermore, the restricting member 33 may be made dimensionally adjustable by providing it with a deformable structure such as a bellows structure or a folding structure.

[0086] In addition to the embodiments described above, the connection mechanism 3 may also be equipped with multiple types of regulating members 33 in an interchangeable manner. Figure 11 is a schematic diagram showing an example of multiple types of regulating members. In Figure 11, the connection mechanism 3 is equipped with multiple types of regulating members 33 with different dimensions. In the example of Figure 11, the connection mechanism 3 includes three regulating members 33: a regulating member 33A with a small vertical dimension, a regulating member 33B with an intermediate vertical dimension, and a regulating member 33C with a large vertical dimension. This allows the vertical position of the lower end portion 331 of the regulating member 33 to be freely changed to match the structure of the travel device 4 by selecting one of the three regulating members 33 to be attached to the second link 322. The variations in the dimensions of the regulating members 33 are not limited to three; there may be two, four or more, or any other number of variations.

[0087] Furthermore, in the above embodiment, an example was shown in which the transport assist device 2 and the attachment 31 engage by fitting the connection portion 23 of the transport assist device 2 into the engagement hole 311A ​​of the mounting member 311. However, the manner in which the transport assist device 2 and the attachment 31 engage is not particularly limited. For example, when the transport assist device 2 is positioned at the connection position Pc, the transport assist device 2 and the attachment 31 may engage by the surrounding area of ​​the contact portion 24 being surrounded by the various parts of the attachment 31 (a pair of guide members 312, a positioning member 313). In this case, the transport assist device 2 may be provided with a mechanism to prevent the transport assist device 2 from moving toward the entrance portion Pe. Alternatively, instead of the connection portion 23, a pressing mechanism may be provided that presses a pair of contact pieces against a pair of guide members 312, and the transport assist device 2 and the attachment 31 may engage by pressing the pair of contact pieces so that they are braced between the pair of guide members 312.

[0088] Furthermore, although the above embodiment shows an example with one link mechanism 32, multiple link mechanisms 32 may be provided. By providing multiple link mechanisms 32, it is possible to realize a configuration in which the on / off states of all lock mechanisms 44 are more reliably linked, even if there is play between each member that links the on / off states of the lock mechanism 44. A configuration with multiple link mechanisms 32 will be described below.

[0089] Figure 12 is a plan view showing a configuration with multiple link mechanisms 32. As shown in Figure 12, the running gear 4 includes a pair of first wheels 431 which are the front wheels and a pair of second wheels 432 which are the rear wheels, a front (X1 side) pivot shaft 45 (hereinafter referred to as pivot shaft 45A) which connects the locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of first wheels 431 in an interlocking manner, and a rear (X2 side) pivot shaft 45 (hereinafter referred to as pivot shaft 45B) which connects the locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of second wheels 432 in an interlocking manner. Here, the left (Y1 side) wheels of the pair of first wheels 431 and the pair of second wheels 432 are referred to as the first wheel 431A and the second wheel 432A, respectively. The right (Y2 side) wheels of the pair of first wheels 431 and the pair of second wheels 432 are referred to as the first wheel 431B and the second wheel 432B, respectively. Furthermore, for each operating section 46, the operating section 46 of the locking mechanism 44 of the first wheel 431A is designated as operating section 46A, the operating section 46 of the second wheel 432A is designated as operating section 46B, the operating section 46 of the first wheel 431B is designated as operating section 46C, and the operating section 46 of the second wheel 432B is designated as operating section 46D.

[0090] In the example shown in Figure 12, the link mechanism 32 includes a first link mechanism 32A and a second link mechanism 32B that connect the lock mechanism 44 of the first wheel 431 and the lock mechanism 44 of the second wheel 432 via a front pivot shaft 45A and a rear pivot shaft 45B. The first link mechanism 32A is provided near the Y1 direction end of the pivot shafts 45A and 45B. The second link mechanism 32B is provided near the Y2 direction end of the pivot shafts 45A and 45B. Both the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B are connected to the pivot shafts 45A and 45B. Therefore, when an operator operates either of the control units 46 to rotate one of the pivot shafts 45A and 45B, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B reflect that rotation to the other pivot shaft 45A and 45B, respectively, causing the front and rear pivot shafts (pivot shafts 45A and 45B) to rotate synchronously. As a result, the on and off states of each of the four locking mechanisms 44 of the four wheels 43 are switched in conjunction. In this way, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B, via the front pivot shaft 45A and the rear pivot shaft 45B, link all other locking mechanisms 44 to the on and off operation of one of the locking mechanisms 44.

[0091] Figure 13 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B. Each of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B includes a first link 321 connected to the respective locking mechanism 44 and rotating around the pivot axis 45, and a second link 322 connecting the respective first links 321 and moving in conjunction with the operation of the first links 321.

[0092] The first link 321 on the front wheel side (X1 side) has a first connecting portion 321A that is connected to the locking mechanism 44 via the pivot shaft 45A, and a second connecting portion 321B that is connected to the second link 322 at a position away from the first connecting portion 321A. The first link 321 on the rear wheel side (X2 side) has a first connecting portion 321A that is connected to the locking mechanism 44 via the pivot shaft 45B, and a second connecting portion 321B that is connected to the second link 322 at a position away from the first connecting portion 321A. Each first link 321 rotates around the pivot shaft 45 (45A or 45B) at the first connecting portion 321A, which is the connection point with the pivot shaft 45. As a result, the second connecting portion 321B of the first link 321 pivots around the first connecting portion 321A. The second link 322 connects the second connection portion 321B of the first link 321 on the front wheel side (X1 side) and the second connection portion 321B of the first link 321 on the rear wheel side (X2 side). The first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B each link the movement of the first link 321 via the second link 322, and transmit the rotation of one pivot shaft 45 (lock mechanism 44) to the other pivot shaft 45 (lock mechanism 44).

[0093] Here, play (looseness) may occur at each connection point of each link mechanism 32, each pivot shaft 45, and each operating part 46. In the configuration of Figure 13, there is play E1 at the connection between the pivot shaft (45A or 45B) and the first link 321, play E2 at the connection between the first link 321 and the second link 322, and play E3 at the connection between the operating part 46 and the pivot shaft (45A or 45B). Note that play E3 is the play between the left (Y1 side) operating part 46 and the pivot shaft, and the play between the right (Y2 side) operating part 46 and the pivot shaft, resulting in play between the left and right operating parts 46. Due to these plays E1, E2, and E3, a loss occurs in the rotational transmission by the link mechanism 32. In other words, when rotation is transmitted from either the operating unit 46A to the operating unit 46D to each locking mechanism 44 via the pivot shaft 45 and the link mechanism 32, differences in the amount of rotation transmitted occur due to play. This difference in the amount of rotation corresponds to the sum of the play present in the rotation transmission path, and the amount of rotation transmitted to the locking mechanism 44 located furthest from the operated operating unit 46 is the smallest. As a result, the amount of rotation transmitted to the locking mechanism 44 located furthest from the operated operating unit 46 may be insufficient, potentially preventing the lock from being switched on or off sufficiently. For example, when operating unit 46C is operated, the amount of rotation transmitted to the locking mechanism 44 at the position of operating unit 46A decreases, followed by the locking mechanism 44 at the position of operating unit 46D, and then the locking mechanism 44 at the position of operating unit 46B. If the amount of rotation transmitted does not reach the amount of rotation required to switch the locking mechanism 44 on or off, the locking or unlocking will be insufficient.

[0094] Therefore, in the example shown in Figure 13, a first link mechanism 32A and a second link mechanism 32B are provided, and they are configured such that the amount of rotation transmitted when either operating part 46 (locking mechanism 44) is operated is different from that of the other. Specifically, one of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B is configured such that, assuming there is no play in the aforementioned components, the amount of rotation of the rear pivot shaft 45B is greater than the amount of rotation of the front pivot shaft 45A. The other of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B is configured such that, assuming there is no play in the aforementioned components, the amount of rotation of the front pivot shaft 45A is greater than the amount of rotation of the rear pivot shaft 45B.

[0095] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing specific configuration examples of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B. In Figure 14, a schematic plan view of the running gear 4 is shown in the center of the figure, the range of motion of the first link mechanism 32A is shown at the bottom of the figure, and the range of motion of the second link mechanism 32B is shown at the top of the figure. The range of motion shown in Figure 14 is a hypothetical value assuming that there is no play in each of the parts described above.

[0096] As shown in Figure 14, the distance L1 between the connection points of the first link 321 and the second link 322 in the first link mechanism 32A is greater than the distance DA between the front pivot shaft 45 and the rear pivot shaft 45, and the distance L2 between the connection points of the first link 321 and the second link 322 in the second link mechanism 32B is smaller than the distance DA between the front pivot shaft 45 and the rear pivot shaft 45. The distances between the connection points (L1, L2) are the distances between the second connection portion 321B of the first link 321 on the front wheel side (X1 side) and the second connection portion 321B of the first link 321 on the rear wheel side (X2 side). When the second link 322 is connected to the second connection portion 321B of the first link 321 at both ends, the distance between the connection points can be considered as the length of the second link 322. The inter-axis distance DA is the distance in the X-axis direction between the central axis of the front pivot axis 45A and the central axis of the rear pivot axis 45B.

[0097] In this configuration, the first link mechanism 32A makes the calculated amount of rotation of the rear pivot shaft 45B (angle θ12) greater than the amount of rotation of the front pivot shaft 45A (angle θ11). The second link mechanism 32B makes the calculated amount of rotation of the front pivot shaft 45A (angle θ21) greater than the amount of rotation of the rear pivot shaft 45B (angle θ22).

[0098] Regarding the first link mechanism 32A, for example, when the lock mechanism 44 is in the off state, the second connection part 321B of the first link 321 is at position P11. When the operating part 46A is rotated to switch the lock mechanism 44 to the on state, the pivot shaft 45A rotates, causing the second connection part 321B of the first link 321 to move to position P12. At this time, the pivot shaft 45A rotates by an angle θ11, and theoretically, the first link mechanism 32A causes the pivot shaft 45B to rotate by an angle θ12 (>θ11). In reality, due to the play between each component as described above, the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45B is smaller than the angle θ12. Therefore, the amount of play between each component is measured in advance, and the angle θ12 is set so that the actual amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45B, including the effect of the play, matches the angle θ11. Therefore, assuming that the decrease in the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45B due to the effect of play is θ13, then θ12 = θ11 + θ13.

[0099] The magnitude of angle θ12 can be adjusted by the magnitude of the distance L1 between the connection points and the reference angles ψ1 and ψ2 of the first link 321. The reference angles are the angles between the first link 321 and the line segment SL connecting the pivot axis 45A and the pivot axis 45B. In other words, reference angle ψ1 is the angle between the front (X1 side) first link 321 and the line segment SL, and reference angle ψ2 is the angle between the rear (X2 side) first link 321 and the line segment SL. Note that the reference angles are the angles in the state where the reference angle ψ1 is larger, between the ON state (position P11) and the OFF state (position P12) of the locking mechanism 44. In the first link mechanism 32A, since the distance L1 between the connection points is greater than the inter-axis distance DA, reference angles ψ1 and ψ2 do not coincide. In the example in Figure 13, reference angle ψ2 is larger than reference angle ψ1.

[0100] Furthermore, when the rear (X2 side) operating section 46B or 46D is operated, the amount of rotation transmitted by the first link mechanism 32A to the pivot shaft 45A becomes smaller than the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45B. Assuming there is no play, if the pivot shaft 45B rotates by an angle θ12, the first link mechanism 32A will cause the pivot shaft 45A to rotate by an angle θ11.

[0101] Regarding the second link mechanism 32B, when the lock mechanism 44 is ON, the second connection part 321B of the first link 321 is at P22. When the operating part 46D is rotated to switch the lock mechanism 44 to the OFF state, the pivot shaft 45B rotates, causing the second connection part 321B of the first link 321 to move to P21. At this time, the pivot shaft 45B rotates by an angle θ22, and theoretically, the second link mechanism 32B causes the pivot shaft 45A to rotate by an angle θ21 (>θ22). In reality, due to the play between each component as described above, the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45A is smaller than the angle θ21. Therefore, the amount of play between each component is measured in advance, and the angle θ21 is set so that the actual amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45A, including the effect of the play, matches the angle θ22. Therefore, assuming that the decrease in the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45A due to the effect of play is θ23, then θ21 = θ22 + θ23.

[0102] The magnitude of angle θ21 can be adjusted by the magnitude of the distance L2 between the connection points and the reference angles ψ3 and ψ4 of the first link 321. Reference angle ψ3 is the angle between the front (X1 side) first link 321 and the line segment SL, and reference angle ψ4 is the angle between the rear (X2 side) first link 321 and the line segment SL. In the second link mechanism 32B, the distance L2 between the connection points is smaller than the inter-axis distance DA, so reference angles ψ3 and ψ4 do not coincide. In the example in Figure 13, reference angle ψ4 is larger than reference angle ψ3.

[0103] Furthermore, when the front (X1 side) operating part 46C or 46A is operated, the amount of rotation transmitted by the second link mechanism 32B to the pivot shaft 45B becomes smaller than the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45A. Assuming there is no play, if the pivot shaft 45A rotates by an angle θ21, the second link mechanism 32B will cause the pivot shaft 45B to rotate by an angle θ22.

[0104] An example of the dimensional relationships of the parts involved in the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B is described. In the example shown in Figure 14, the axis distance DA is 200 mm, the distance L1 between the connection points of the first link mechanism 32A is 205 mm, and the distance L2 between the connection points of the second link mechanism 32B is 195 mm. Also in this example, the length Lm of the first link 321 (distance between the first connection part 321A and the second connection part 321B) is 50 mm, and the amount of rotation required for the lock mechanism 44 to switch between the on and off states is 45 degrees in both cases. Angle θ11 is 45 degrees, angle θ12 is 47.92 degrees, angle θ21 is 48.25 degrees, and angle θ22 is 45 degrees. In addition, in Figure 14, the reference angle ψ1 and reference angle ψ4 are 90 degrees, and the reference angles ψ2 and ψ3 are uniquely determined from the geometric relationship.

[0105] The operation of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B will be explained.

[0106] When the front (X1 side) operating unit 46A is operated, the pivot shaft 45A rotates by approximately 45 degrees, and the on / off state of the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of front first wheels 431 is switched. There is some play E3 between the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of first wheels 431, but the play E3 alone has little effect on the rotation angle, so the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of first wheels 431 switch on and off in conjunction. The first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B each transmit the rotation of the pivot shaft 45A to the pivot shaft 45B. In the second link mechanism 32B, the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 45B (angle θ22) is smaller than the rotation angle (θ21) of the pivot shaft 45A. Therefore, in the second link mechanism 32B, when the pivot shaft 45A rotates approximately 45 degrees and is affected by play E1, play E2, and play E3, the pivot shaft 45B cannot rotate by the angle (45 degrees) necessary to switch the on / off state of the lock mechanism 44. On the other hand, in the first link mechanism 32A, the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 45B (angle θ12) is greater than the rotation angle (θ11) of the pivot shaft 45A. Therefore, in the first link mechanism 32A, when the pivot shaft 45A rotates approximately 45 degrees and is affected by play E1, play E2, and play E3, the lock mechanism 44 is rotated by the angle (45 degrees) necessary to switch the on / off state of the lock mechanism 44. As a result, the two lock mechanisms 44 of the pair of rear second wheels 432 are switched on and off in conjunction by the first link mechanism 32A. This allows the on / off states of the four lock mechanisms 44 to be switched synchronously. Operating the control unit 46C yields the same result as operating the control unit 46A.

[0107] When the rear (X2 side) operating unit 46D is operated, the pivot shaft 45B rotates by approximately 45 degrees, and the on / off state of the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of rear second wheels 432 is switched. There is some play E3 between the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of second wheels 432, but the play E3 alone has little effect on the rotation angle, so the two locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of second wheels 432 switch on and off in conjunction. The first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B each transmit the rotation of the pivot shaft 45B to the pivot shaft 45A. In the first link mechanism 32A, the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 45A (angle θ11) is smaller than the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 45B (θ12). Therefore, in the first link mechanism 32A, when the pivot shaft 45B rotates approximately 45 degrees and is affected by play E1, play E2, and play E3, the pivot shaft 45A cannot be rotated by the angle (45 degrees) necessary to switch the on / off state of the lock mechanism 44. On the other hand, in the second link mechanism 32B, the rotation angle of the pivot shaft 45A (angle θ21) is greater than the rotation angle (θ22) of the pivot shaft 45B. Therefore, in the second link mechanism 32B, when the pivot shaft 45B rotates approximately 45 degrees and is affected by play E1, play E2, and play E3, the lock mechanism 44 is rotated by the angle (45 degrees) necessary to switch the on / off state of the lock mechanism 44. As a result, the two lock mechanisms 44 of the front pair of first wheels 431 are switched on and off in conjunction by the second link mechanism 32B. This allows the on / off states of the four lock mechanisms 44 to be switched synchronously. Operating the control unit 46B yields the same result as operating the control unit 46D.

[0108] As described above, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B compensate for each other's deficiencies in the amount of rotation transmitted by differentiating the amount of rotation transmitted from the pivot shaft 45A to the pivot shaft 45B and from the pivot shaft 45B to the pivot shaft 45A. As a result, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B link all the other locking mechanisms 44 in conjunction with the ON and OFF operations of either one of the locking mechanisms 44.

[0109] Figure 15 is the first diagram illustrating the effect on the rotation angle when the reference angles ψ1, ψ2, ψ3, and ψ4 are different. Figure 16 is the second diagram illustrating the effect on the rotation angle when the reference angles ψ1, ψ2, ψ3, and ψ4 are different. In Figures 15 and 16, the inter-axis distance DA, the distance L1 between the connection points of the first link mechanism 32A, the distance L2 between the connection points of the second link mechanism 32B, and the length Lm of the first link 321 are all the same as in Figure 14, and only the reference angles ψ1, ψ2, ψ3, and ψ4 are changed from those in Figure 14.

[0110] In Figure 15, the reference angle ψ1 of the first link mechanism 32A is set to 100 degrees, which is larger than in Figure 14 (90 degrees). In this case, the first link mechanism 32A reduces the magnitude of the angle θ12 of the pivot axis 45B relative to the angle θ11 of the pivot axis 45A compared to Figure 14. In the case of Figure 15, the first link mechanism 32A calculates that when the pivot axis 45A rotates by 45 degrees, the pivot axis 45B rotates by 46.51 degrees.

[0111] In Figure 15, the reference angle ψ4 of the second link mechanism 32B is set to 80 degrees, which is smaller than in Figure 14 (90 degrees). In this case, the second link mechanism 32B reduces the magnitude of the angle θ21 of the pivot axis 45A relative to the angle θ22 of the pivot axis 45B compared to Figure 14. In the case of Figure 15, the second link mechanism 32B calculates that when the pivot axis 45B rotates by 45 degrees, the pivot axis 45A rotates by 46.63 degrees.

[0112] In Figure 16, the reference angle ψ1 of the first link mechanism 32A is set to 80 degrees, which is smaller than in Figure 14 (90 degrees). In this case, the first link mechanism 32A increases the magnitude of the angle θ12 of the pivot axis 45B relative to the angle θ11 of the pivot axis 45A compared to Figure 14. In the case of Figure 16, the first link mechanism 32A calculates that when the pivot axis 45A rotates by 45 degrees, the pivot axis 45B rotates by 50.41 degrees.

[0113] In Figure 16, the reference angle ψ4 of the second link mechanism 32B is set to 100 degrees, which is larger than in Figure 14 (90 degrees). In this case, the second link mechanism 32B increases the magnitude of the angle θ21 of the pivot axis 45A relative to the angle θ22 of the pivot axis 45B compared to Figure 14. In the case of Figure 16, the second link mechanism 32B calculates that when the pivot axis 45B rotates by 45 degrees, the pivot axis 45A rotates by 51.61 degrees.

[0114] In this way, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B can adjust the magnitude of the transmitted rotational force by adjusting the distances L1 and L2 between the connection points, or by adjusting the reference angles ψ1 (ψ2) and ψ4 (ψ3). Therefore, the amount of rotation of the pivot shaft 45A and the pivot shaft 45B can be adjusted to match the amount of play in the rotational transmission path, even when the play is present.

[0115] Furthermore, since the link mechanism 332 is affected by play as described above, the link mechanism 32 may be provided with a structure to reduce the effect of play. For example, the following structure can reduce the play E1 at the connection between the pivot shaft 45 (45A or 45B) and the first link 321.

[0116] Figure 17 shows an example of a first link equipped with a structure to reduce play. Figure 17(A) is a front view of the first link 521, Figure 17(B) is a side view of the first link 521, and Figure 17(C) is a rear view of the first link 521.

[0117] The first link 521 shown in Figure 17 includes a main body member 531, an auxiliary member 532 for reducing play, and a fixing bolt 533. The main body member 531 is a member that connects the pivot shaft 45 and the second link 322, and is provided with a first connecting portion 321A at one end and a second connecting portion 321B at the other end. In Figure 17, the cross-section of the pivot shaft 45 at the connection point is hexagonal, and the first connecting portion 321A is a hexagonal hole. This allows the pivot shaft 45 and the first connecting portion 321A to engage in the rotational direction. The second connecting portion 321B is a circular hole. The first link 521 is further provided with a screw hole 521A to which the fixing bolt 533 is attached. The auxiliary member 532 has a hexagonal shaft engagement hole 532A similar to the first connecting portion 321A, and an elongated hole 532B aligned with the rotational direction C centered on the shaft engagement hole 532A. The auxiliary member 532 is placed on top of the surface of the main body member 531, and the pivot shaft 45 is inserted through the shaft engagement hole 532A. The auxiliary member 532 is then fixed (fastened) to the main body member 531 by a fixing bolt 533 passing through the elongated hole 532B and being attached to the screw hole 521A of the main body member 531.

[0118] The play E1 is a small gap (play) formed between the hexagonal hole of the first connecting portion 321A and the pivot shaft 45. In the example shown in Figure 17, when fixing the auxiliary member 532 to the main body member 531, the auxiliary member 532 is rotated relative to the pivot shaft 45 so that the pivot shaft 45 is sandwiched between the auxiliary member 532 and the main body member 531 in the rotational direction C. With the main body member 531 in contact with the pivot shaft 45 from one side in the rotational direction C and the auxiliary member 532 in contact with the pivot shaft 45 from the other side in the rotational direction C, the main body member 531 and the auxiliary member 532 are fixed together with a fixing bolt 533. This effectively eliminates the play E1.

[0119] Figure 18 shows another example of a first link with a structure that reduces play. Figure 18(A) is a front view of the first link 541, Figure 18(B) is a side view of the first link 541, Figure 18(C) is a rear view of the first link 541, and Figure 18(D) is a bottom view of the first link 541.

[0120] The first link 541 shown in Figure 18 includes a main body member 531, an auxiliary member 532 for reducing play, and an adjustment bolt 534. The main body member 531 has a first connecting portion 321A in the center and a second connecting portion 321B at one end. The main body member 531 further has a first fixing piece 551 through which a screw hole 551A is formed, through which the shaft of the adjustment bolt 534 is inserted. The first fixing piece 551 extends from the other end of the main body member 531 along the axial direction of the pivot shaft 45. The screw hole 551A penetrates the first fixing piece 551 in the rotational direction C (tangential direction) around the pivot shaft 45 (first connecting portion 321A).

[0121] The auxiliary member 532 has an axial engagement hole 532A having the same shape as the first connecting portion 321A, and a second fixing piece 552 having a screw hole 552A into which an adjustment bolt 534 is attached. The auxiliary member 532 is positioned so as to overlap the surface of the main body member 531. The second fixing piece 552 extends along the axial direction of the pivot shaft 45. The second fixing piece 552 overlaps with the first fixing piece 551. The screw hole 551A of the first fixing piece 551 and the screw hole 552A of the second fixing piece 552 are aligned on a straight line facing the rotation direction C (tangential direction) around the pivot shaft 45, and one adjustment bolt 534 is inserted through them. By rotating the adjustment bolt 534, the first fixing piece 551 and the second fixing piece 552 can be moved closer together or further apart in the rotation direction C.

[0122] In the example shown in Figure 18, the adjustment bolt 534 is rotated with the main body member 531 and the auxiliary member 532 attached to the pivot shaft 45. When the second fixing piece 552 is moved in the rotational direction C relative to the first fixing piece 551, the auxiliary member 532 rotates relative to the pivot shaft 45 by the same amount. This causes the auxiliary member 532 and the main body member 531 to sandwich the pivot shaft 45 in the rotational direction C. In other words, the position of the second fixing piece 552 relative to the first fixing piece 551 is adjusted by the adjustment bolt 534 so that the main body member 531 contacts the pivot shaft 45 from one side in the rotational direction C, and the auxiliary member 532 contacts the pivot shaft 45 from the other side in the rotational direction C. This effectively eliminates the play E1.

[0123] Thus, a first link 521 or first link 541 equipped with a structure to reduce play may be provided in the link mechanism 32.

[0124] As described above, according to the embodiment, the connection mechanism 3 is a connection mechanism 3 for connecting a transport assist device 2 to a running device 4 equipped with a plurality of wheels 43 and wheel locking mechanisms 44, and comprises an attachment 31 attached to the running device 4 and engaging with the transport assist device 2, a link mechanism 32 connected to the respective locking mechanisms 44 of the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432 among the plurality of wheels 43 and synchronizing the on / off of the locking mechanisms 44, and a restricting member 33 connected to the link mechanism 32 and moving in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanisms 44, wherein the restricting member 33 moves to a first position P1 that allows connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the on operation of the locking mechanisms 44, and moves to a second position P2 that prevents connection of the transport assist device 2 to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the off operation of the locking mechanisms 44.

[0125] In this embodiment, the connection mechanism 3 allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31 when the locking mechanism 44 is on and the wheels 43 are fixed, and prevents the transport assist device 2 from being connected to the attachment 31 by the restricting member 33 when the locking mechanism 44 is off and the wheels 43 are rotatable. In other words, the transport assist device 2 can only be connected when the wheels 43 are locked. Furthermore, since the restricting member 33 is connected to a link mechanism 32 that synchronizes the on / off switching of the locking mechanism 44, it is possible to synchronize the operation of the multiple locking mechanisms 44 of the travel device 4 while preventing the wheels 43 from being forgotten when connecting the transport assist device 2 to the travel device 4.

[0126] Furthermore, the restricting member 33 has a plate-like shape and, at the second position P2, obstructs the movement path of the transport assist device 2 to the connection position Pc with the attachment 31. This allows the state of whether the transport assist device 2 can be connected or not to be switched using the restricting member 33, which has a simple plate-like shape.

[0127] Furthermore, the attachment 31 includes a guide member 312 that defines the movement path from the entrance Pe into which the transport assist device 2 enters to the connection position Pc, and the restricting member 33 obstructs one of the positions from just before the entrance Pe to the connection position Pc at the second position P2. As a result, the movement path when the transport assist device 2 is connected can be defined by the guide member 312, eliminating the need to surround the connection position Pc with the restricting member 33, thus simplifying the structure of the restricting member 33. In addition, the transport assist device 2 can be easily moved to the connection position Pc by the guide member 312.

[0128] Furthermore, the attachment 31 includes a positioning member 313 that contacts the transport assist device 2 to position the transport assist device 2 at the connection position Pc, and the restricting member 33 covers at least a portion of the entrance portion Pe at the second position P2. This limits the entry path to the connection position Pc, so a configuration that switches between allowing connection and preventing connection can be realized by only locally providing the restricting member 33 at the entrance portion Pe. In addition, the positioning member 313 makes it easy to position the transport assist device 2 when connecting it to the attachment 31.

[0129] Furthermore, the guide member 312 has a pair of guide surfaces 312A that define the side of the movement path, and the restricting member 33 moves to a second position P2 that obstructs at least a portion of the area between the pair of guide surfaces 312A and to a first position P1 that does not obstruct the area between the pair of guide surfaces 312A. As a result, the restricting member 33 can easily prevent connection by simply obstructing the area between the pair of guide surfaces 312A that the transport assist device 2 passes through at the second position P2. Since the area that the restricting member 33 needs to obstruct is limited, the distance traveled between the first position P1 and the second position P2 can be reduced. As a result, the amount of displacement of the link mechanism 32 that moves the restricting member 33 can be reduced, and the connection mechanism 3 as a whole can be made smaller.

[0130] Furthermore, the attachment 31 is mounted on a frame 42 that holds multiple wheels 43 and engages with a transport assist device 2 located below the attachment 31. The first position P1 is where the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 is above the area between the attachment 31 and the floor, and the second position P2 is where the lower end 331 of the restricting member 33 obstructs the space between the attachment 31 and the floor. This allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected in a manner that it slides underneath the traveling device 4 (attachment 31). In this case, the restricting member 33 can prevent the connection of the transport assist device 2 simply by obstructing the space between the attachment 31 and the floor at the second position P2. Therefore, even if moving parts such as the link mechanism 32 and the restricting member 33 are attached to the traveling device 4, they do not interfere with the work of the operator using the traveling device 4.

[0131] Furthermore, the link mechanism 32 connects the locking mechanism 44 of the first wheel 431, which is the front wheel of the running device 4, and the locking mechanism 44 of the second wheel 432, which is the rear wheel of the running device 4. The attachment 31 is positioned between the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432 in the front-rear direction of the running device 4, and the regulating member 33 extends from the link mechanism 32 toward the position of the attachment 31. This allows the link mechanism 32 to synchronize the locking state of the front and rear wheels of the running device 4, thereby more reliably preventing unintended movement of the running device 4. Moreover, even if the attachment 31 is mounted at any possible position between the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432, the regulating member 33 can be easily positioned in an appropriate location in line with the position of the attachment 31 by utilizing the front-rear extending link mechanism 32.

[0132] Furthermore, the link mechanism 32 includes a first link 321 connected to each lock mechanism 44, and a second link 322 connecting each first link 321 and moving in conjunction with the operation of the first links 321, with the regulating member 33 attached to the second link 322. The presence of the first link 321 allows for easy amplification of the displacement of the second link 322 (i.e., the regulating member 33). As a result, the travel distance between the first position P1 and the second position P2 can be easily secured.

[0133] Furthermore, the first link 321 has a first connecting portion 321A connected to the locking mechanism 44 via a pivot shaft 45, and a second connecting portion 321B connected to the second link 322 at a position away from the first connecting portion 321A, and rotates around the pivot shaft 45 in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanism 44. This allows the second connecting portion 321B to move along an arc trajectory with a radius equal to the distance between the first connecting portion 321A and the second connecting portion 321B. In accordance with the movement of the second connecting portion 321B, the regulating member 33 can be easily displaced vertically or horizontally.

[0134] Furthermore, the mounting angle θ of the first link 321 relative to the locking mechanism 44 is adjustable. This allows the direction of movement of the second connecting portion 321B accompanying the operation of the locking mechanism 44 to be freely set, either primarily vertically or primarily horizontally, depending on the mounting angle θ of the first link 321. As a result, the movement of the second link 322 required for the movement of the regulating member 33 between the first position P1 and the second position P2 can be easily realized.

[0135] Furthermore, the first link 321 may have a bendable portion 60 that can be angle-adjusted between the first connection portion 321A and the second connection portion 321B. This allows the position of the second connection portion 321B relative to the first connection portion 321A to be freely adjusted. Therefore, the height and travel distance of the second link 322 (regulating member 33) can be freely adjusted to match the structure of the travel device 4 to which the connection mechanism 3 is attached.

[0136] Furthermore, the restricting member 33 may be adjustable in dimensions or its mounting position relative to the link mechanism 32. This allows for adjustment of the dimensions and mounting position of the restricting member 33 to match the structure of the travel device 4 to which the connection mechanism 3 is attached, thereby enabling a structure in which the restricting member 33 can move between a first position P1 and a second position P2 relative to any travel device 4.

[0137] Furthermore, the connection mechanism 3 may include multiple types of restricting members 33 with different dimensions. This allows for the installation of restricting members 33 of an appropriate size to match the structure of the travel device 4 to which the connection mechanism 3 is attached, thereby enabling a structure in which the restricting members 33 can move between a first position P1 and a second position P2 for any travel device 4.

[0138] Furthermore, the running gear 4 may also include a pair of first wheels 431 which are the front wheels and a pair of second wheels 432 which are the rear wheels, a front pivot shaft 45A which connects the locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of first wheels 431 in an interlocking manner, and a rear pivot shaft 45B which connects the locking mechanisms 44 of the pair of second wheels 432 in an interlocking manner. The link mechanism 32 may also include a first link mechanism 32A and a second link mechanism 32B which connect the locking mechanisms 44 of the first wheels 431 and the locking mechanisms 44 of the second wheels 432 via the front pivot shaft 45A and the rear pivot shaft 45B. The first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B may, via the front pivot shaft 45A and the rear pivot shaft 45B, cause all other locking mechanisms 44 to be interlocked to the on and off operation of any one of the locking mechanisms 44. As a result, in a configuration in which each of the pair of first wheels 431 and the pair of second wheels 432 of the running gear 4 is provided with a locking mechanism 44 connected by a pivot shaft (45A, 45B), operating just one of the locking mechanisms 44 will reflect the on / off state of all the other (three) locking mechanisms 44.

[0139] Furthermore, each of the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B may include a first link 321 connected to the respective locking mechanism 44 and rotating around the pivot axis (45A, 45B), and a second link 322 connecting the respective first links 321 and moving in conjunction with the operation of the first links 321. The distance L1 between the connection points of the first link 321 and the second link 322 in the first link mechanism 32A may be greater than the distance DA between the front pivot axis 45A and the rear pivot axis 45B, and the distance L2 between the connection points of the first link 321 and the second link 322 in the second link mechanism 32B may be smaller than the distance DA between the front pivot axis 45A and the rear pivot axis 45B. This allows the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B to complement each other, creating a difference in the rotation angle of the first link 321 between the front (first wheel 431 side) and the rear (second wheel 432 side). For example, in the first link mechanism 32A, the rotation angle (angle θ12) of the rear first link 321 is larger than that of the front, while in the second link mechanism 32B, conversely, the rotation angle (angle θ21) of the front first link 321 is larger than that of the rear. When either the front or rear locking mechanism 44 is activated, the link mechanism 32 with the larger rotation angle of the first link 321 rotates the opposite pivot axis (45A or 45B) and activates the locking mechanism 44. As a result, even if there is play between the pivot shafts (45A, 45B), the first link 321, the second link 322, and the locking mechanism 44, the first link mechanism 32A and the second link mechanism 32B complement each other, ensuring that all locking mechanisms 44 operate reliably.

[0140] Furthermore, the transport assist device set 1 of the embodiment includes a connection mechanism 3 attached to a running device 4 equipped with a plurality of wheels 43 and a locking mechanism 44 for the wheels 43, and a transport assist device 2 connected to the connection mechanism 3 and assisting the movement of the running device 4 via the connection mechanism 3. The connection mechanism 3 includes an attachment 31 attached to the running device 4 and engaging with the transport assist device 2, a link mechanism 32 connected to the locking mechanisms 44 of the first wheel 431 and the second wheel 432 among the plurality of wheels 43, which synchronizes the on / off switching of the locking mechanisms 44, and a restricting member 33 connected to the link mechanism 32 which moves in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanisms 44. The restricting member 33 moves to a first position P1 that allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the on operation of the locking mechanisms 44, and moves to a second position P2 that prevents the transport assist device 2 from being connected to the attachment 31 in conjunction with the off operation of the locking mechanisms 44.

[0141] In the transport assist device set 1 of this embodiment, the connection mechanism 3 allows the transport assist device 2 to be connected to the attachment 31 when the locking mechanism 44 is on and the wheels 43 are fixed, and prevents the transport assist device 2 from being connected to the attachment 31 by the restricting member 33 when the locking mechanism 44 is off and the wheels 43 are rotatable. In other words, the transport assist device 2 can only be connected when the wheels 43 are locked. Furthermore, since the restricting member 33 is connected to a link mechanism 32 that synchronizes the on / off switching of the locking mechanism 44, it is possible to synchronize the operation of the multiple locking mechanisms 44 of the travel device 4 and prevent forgetting to lock the wheels 43 when connecting the transport assist device 2 to the travel device 4. [Explanation of symbols]

[0142] 1. Transport assistance device set 2. Conveying assistance device 3. Connection mechanism 4. Running equipment 31 Attachments 32 Link mechanism 32A First Link Mechanism 32B Second Link Mechanism 33 Regulatory Members 33A Regulating member 33B Regulating member 33C Regulatory Member 42 frames 43 wheels 44 Locking mechanism 45, 45A, 45B Rotary shaft 60 Flex point 312 Guide member 312A Guide surface 313 Positioning member 321 Link 1 321A First connection section 321B Second connection section 322 Second Link 431, 431A, 431B 1st wheel 432, 432A, 432B 2nd wheel DA axis distance Distance between connection points L1 and L2 P1 1st position P2 2nd position PC connection location Pe entrance section θ Mounting angle

Claims

1. A connecting mechanism for connecting a transport assist device to a running device equipped with multiple wheels and a wheel locking mechanism, An attachment that is attached to the aforementioned traveling device and engages with the aforementioned transport assist device, A link mechanism connected to the locking mechanism of the first wheel and the second wheel among the plurality of wheels, which synchronizes the on / off state of the locking mechanism, The system includes a restricting member connected to the link mechanism and moving in conjunction with the operation of the lock mechanism, The restricting member moves to a first position that allows the connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the ON operation of the locking mechanism, and moves to a second position that prevents the connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the OFF operation of the locking mechanism. Connection mechanism.

2. The restricting member has a plate-like shape and, at the second position, obstructs the movement path of the transport assist device leading to the connection position with the attachment. The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

3. The attachment includes a guide member that defines the movement path from the entrance into which the transport assist device enters to the connection position. The restricting member obstructs any position from in front of the entrance to the connection position at the second position. The connection mechanism according to claim 2.

4. The attachment includes a positioning member that contacts the transport assist device to position the transport assist device at the connection position, The regulating member covers at least a portion of the inlet at the second position. The connection mechanism according to claim 3.

5. The guide member has a pair of guide surfaces that define the side of the movement path, The regulating member moves between a second position that obstructs at least a portion of the area between the pair of guide surfaces and a first position that does not obstruct the area between the pair of guide surfaces. The connection mechanism according to claim 3.

6. The attachment is mounted on the frame that holds the plurality of wheels and engages with the transport assist device located below the attachment. The first position is a position in which the lower end of the restricting member is above the area between the attachment and the floor surface, and the second position is a position in which the lower end of the restricting member obstructs the space between the attachment and the floor surface. The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

7. The link mechanism connects the locking mechanism of the first wheel, which is the front wheel of the running device, and the locking mechanism of the second wheel, which is the rear wheel of the running device. The attachment is positioned between the first wheel and the second wheel in the front-rear direction of the running device. The restricting member extends from the link mechanism toward the position of the attachment, The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

8. The link mechanism includes a first link connected to each of the locking mechanisms, and a second link connecting each of the first links and moving in conjunction with the movement of the first links. The regulating member is attached to the second link. The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

9. The first link has a first connecting portion connected to the locking mechanism via a pivot shaft, and a second connecting portion connected to the second link at a position away from the first connecting portion, and rotates around the pivot shaft in conjunction with the operation of the locking mechanism. The connection mechanism according to claim 8.

10. The first link is adjustable in its mounting angle relative to the locking mechanism. The connection mechanism according to claim 9.

11. The first link has a bendable portion that can be angle-adjusted between the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The connection mechanism according to claim 9.

12. The regulating member is adjustable in dimensions or in its mounting position relative to the link mechanism. The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

13. The system comprises multiple types of regulating members with different dimensions, The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

14. The aforementioned running device comprises a pair of first wheels which are the front wheels and a pair of second wheels which are the rear wheels, a front pivot shaft which connects the locking mechanisms of each of the pair of first wheels in an interlocking manner, and a rear pivot shaft which connects the locking mechanisms of each of the pair of second wheels in an interlocking manner. The link mechanism includes a first link mechanism and a second link mechanism that connect the locking mechanism of the first wheel and the locking mechanism of the second wheel via the front and rear pivot shafts, The first link mechanism and the second link mechanism, via the front pivot shaft and the rear pivot shaft, link all other locking mechanisms to the on and off operation of either one of the locking mechanisms. The connection mechanism according to claim 1.

15. Each of the first link mechanism and the second link mechanism includes a first link connected to the respective locking mechanism and rotating about the pivot axis, and a second link connecting the respective first links and moving in conjunction with the operation of the first links. The distance between the connection points of the first link and the second link in the first link mechanism is greater than the distance between the front pivot shaft and the rear pivot shaft. The distance between the connection points of the first link and the second link in the second link mechanism is smaller than the distance between the front pivot axis and the rear pivot axis. The connection mechanism according to claim 14.

16. A connecting mechanism attached to a running device having multiple wheels and a locking mechanism for the wheels, The system includes a transport assist device that is connected to the aforementioned connection mechanism and assists in the movement of the traveling device via the aforementioned connection mechanism, The aforementioned connection mechanism is An attachment that is attached to the aforementioned traveling device and engages with the aforementioned transport assist device, A link mechanism connected to the locking mechanism of the first wheel and the second wheel among the plurality of wheels, which synchronizes the on / off state of the locking mechanism, The system includes a restricting member connected to the link mechanism and moving in conjunction with the operation of the lock mechanism, The restricting member moves to a first position that allows the connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the ON operation of the locking mechanism, and moves to a second position that prevents the connection of the transport assist device to the attachment in conjunction with the OFF operation of the locking mechanism. Conveying assistance device set.

Images