Conveying device and method for conveying electrical panels

Abstract

To provide a transport jig and a method for transporting electrical panels that can be easily transported. [Solution] The conveying device according to the embodiment comprises a frame, a plurality of casters, a turntable, a pair of four-bar linkages, and a pair of gas springs. The frame has a pair of first frames extending in one direction and a second frame connecting the pair of first frames. The casters are provided on the lower surface of the frame. The turntable has a seat plate on which the object to be conveyed is placed in an upright position, and a back plate integrally provided with the seat plate on which the object to be conveyed is placed in a sideways position. The four-bar linkages connect the frame and the back plate, and rotate the turntable between the upright position and the sideways position. The gas springs connect the frame and the back plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a conveying device and a method for conveying an electric panel.

Background Art

[0002] An electric panel may be carried into an installation location inside a building. At that time, due to restrictions such as the height inside the building on the carrying route, the electric panel may be carried in a horizontally laid-down state. Further, the horizontally laid-down electric panel needs to be erected again after being carried to the installation location, and a dedicated jig is often required in these work processes.

[0003] For example, in order to safely erect an electric panel after carrying it to the installation location in a horizontally laid-down state, while lifting the electric panel from above using a portal jig via a chain block or the like, there is a known operation of gradually erecting the electric panel so that it does not fall over. However, the portal jig is wider and taller than the electric panel. Therefore, it is necessary to carry the portal jig into the installation location of the disassembled electric panel and assemble it. Since the portal jig itself has weight, the number of workers and time are required for the carrying-in operation of the portal jig and the assembly and disassembly operations of the portal jig. Further, since the operation of removing the hook of the chain block suspended from above the portal jig from above the electric panel is a high-place operation, preparation of safety countermeasure equipment is also required.

[0004] On the other hand, as a method other than the method using a portal jig, there is also a special carrier that can lay down and erect an electric panel. In order to perform all the forces required for the laying-down and erecting operations of a heavy electric panel manually, if a hand winch or the like is used for the carrier, the laying-down and erecting operations of the electric panel take time. Further, since the carrier needs to be configured to lay down and erect the electric panel while holding the electric panel, the weight increases. Further, after erecting the electric panel, in order to perform an on-base operation of moving the panel onto the installation base at the installation location, a jacking-up and jacking-down operation of the electric panel and a moving operation using a tilting roller or the like are required.

[0005] In addition to these gantry-type jigs and carriers, jigs for tilting and standing electrical panels have also been proposed. However, all of these jigs are equipped with operational assistance mechanisms such as winch mechanisms and chain blocks to manually stand up the heavy electrical panels. These operational assistance mechanisms are heavy, and the jigs with these mechanisms are heavy as a whole. Therefore, the work required to transport and remove the jigs also requires a number of workers and time, and there is a risk that their use may be restricted depending on the location where the electrical panels are to be transported. For these reasons, there is a need for technology that can easily transport heavy objects such as electrical panels. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6580261 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a transport jig and a method for transporting electrical panels that can be easily transported. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The conveying device according to this embodiment comprises a frame, a plurality of casters, a mobile platform, a pair of four-bar linkages, and a pair of gas springs. The frame has a pair of first frames extending in one direction and a second frame connecting the pair of first frames. The casters are provided on the lower surface of the frame. The turntable has a seat plate on which the object to be conveyed is placed in an upright position, and a back plate integrally provided with the seat plate on which the object to be conveyed is placed in a sideways position. The four-bar linkages connect the frame and the back plate, and rotate the turntable between the upright position and the sideways position. The gas springs connect the frame and the back plate. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A side view showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment in an upright position. [Figure 2] A front view showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment in an upright position. [Figure 3] A plan view showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment in an upright position. [Figure 4] A side view showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment in a horizontal position. [Figure 5] A front view showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment in an upright position. [Figure 6] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the rotational trajectory of the conveying device and electrical panel according to the embodiment, between the upright and sideways states. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of a method for transporting electrical panels using a transport device according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the conveying device according to the embodiment and the conveying device according to a comparative example in an upright position. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing the configuration of a transport device according to the embodiment and a transport device according to a comparative example in a horizontal position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The configuration of the transport device 1 according to this embodiment and the method of transporting the electrical panel 100 using the transport device 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 9.

[0011] Figure 1 is a side view showing the configuration of the conveying device 1 in an upright position, Figure 2 is a front view showing the configuration of the conveying device in an upright position, and Figure 3 is a top view showing the configuration of the conveying device in an upright position. Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the conveying device 1 in a lying position. Figures 1 to 4 also show the conveying device 1 with the electrical panel 100, which is the object to be conveyed, fixed in place.

[0012] Figure 5 is a front view showing the configuration of the conveying device 1 in an upright position with the electrical panel 100 not fixed. Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the rotational trajectory of the conveying device 1 and the electrical panel 100 between the upright and sideways positions. Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for conveying the electrical panel 100 using the conveying device 1. Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram comparing the configuration of the conveying device 1 according to this embodiment with that of a comparative example conveying device 1A in an upright position, and Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration of the conveying device 1 according to this embodiment with that of a comparative example conveying device 1A in a sideways position. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the vertical direction is defined with the floor side as the bottom, and the front-to-back direction is defined based on the sliding direction when the electrical panel 100 is installed.

[0013] As shown in Figure 7, the transport device 1 is a jig used to transport a heavy object 100 from the loading position to the destination 200 inside the building. For example, the object 100 is an electrical panel, and the destination 200 is a base on which the electrical panel is installed. In the following description, the object 100 will be referred to as the electrical panel 100, and the destination 200 as the base 200.

[0014] Here, the electrical panel 100 is a so-called freestanding cabinet mounted on a base 200, with various electrical components installed inside. The base 200, also called a channel base, is constructed from, for example, C-shaped or L-shaped steel, and is a frame on which the electrical panel 100 is fixed, extending from the floor of the electrical room to a predetermined height.

[0015] Next, the configuration of the conveying device 1 will be explained using Figures 1 to 5. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the conveying device 1 comprises a transport cart 11, a turntable 12, a pair of four-bar linkages 13, a pair of gas springs 14, a sliding member 15, and a fixing member 16. The conveying device 1 allows the turntable 12 to rotate between two positions, an upright position and a sideways position, through the pair of four-bar linkages 13 and the pair of gas springs 14 provided on the turntable 12 and the transport cart 11.

[0016] In the following description, the transport device 1 with the turntable 12 in the upright position may be described as the upright state, and the transport device 1 with the turntable 12 in the horizontal position may be described as the horizontal state. Also, when the upright position of the turntable 12 is set to 0°, it is a position rotated 90° with respect to the upright position. For example, the horizontal position of the turntable 12 may be a position rotated less than 90° with respect to the upright position.

[0017] The transport cart 11 includes a frame 21 and a plurality of casters 22. The frame 21 includes a pair of first frames 21a extending in one direction, one or more second frames 21b connecting the pair of first frames 21a, and a restricting member 21c that restricts the rotation of the turntable 12.

[0018] The extending direction of the first frame 21a is the front-rear direction, in other words, the direction along the traveling direction of the transport device 1 on the transport path. The first frame 21a may be formed of, for example, aluminum profiles, H-shaped steel, square pipes, or square columns. The pair of first frames 21a are arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction orthogonal to the front-rear direction. Here, the predetermined interval is a width wider than the width of the switchboard 100 transported by the transport device 1. Although a pair of first frames 21a are provided, the number and shape can be appropriately set depending on the strength required for the transport cart 11 and the configuration of the second frame 21b.

[0019] The second frame 21b is connected to the pair of first frames 21a along the width direction. The second frame 21b may be formed of, for example, aluminum profiles, H-shaped steel, square pipes, or square columns. For example, two second frames 21b are provided. One second frame 21b connects the rear side of the pair of first frames 21a, for example, the rear ends. The other second frame 21b connects the central side of the pair of first frames 21a. The number, position, shape, etc. of the second frame 21b are appropriately set according to the strength required for the transport cart 11 and the arrangement of the rotating turntable 12.

[0020] The restricting member 21c restricts the rotation of the turntable 12 by contacting the turntable 12 when it is in a sideways position in the direction of rotation of the turntable 12. The restricting member 21c is, for example, a cylindrical projection provided on the upper surface of the second frame 21b, which is positioned on the central side of a pair of first frames 21a in the front-rear direction. The restricting member 21c only needs to contact the turntable 12 when its rotation position is in a sideways position to prevent it from rotating further from that sideways position, and its shape, position, number, etc. can be set as appropriate.

[0021] For example, six casters 22 are provided, with three on each of the pair of first frames 21a. In other words, three pairs of casters 22 are provided on the underside of the pair of first frames 21a. Note that the casters 22 only need to be able to transport the conveying device 1 to which the electrical panel 100 is fixed, and their position and number can be set as appropriate. The multiple casters 22 are, for example, swivel wheels, or a combination of swivel wheels and fixed wheels.

[0022] The turntable 12 comprises a seat plate 31, a back plate 32, and a handle 33. The seat plate 31 is formed in the shape of a rectangular flat plate. In the upright position, the turntable 12 is provided on the front side of the frame 21. The shape of the seat plate 31 is formed to accommodate the placement of the electrical panel 100 intended for transport. For example, a sliding member 15 is fixed to the upper surface of the seat plate 31.

[0023] The back plate 32 is integrally formed with the rear end of the seat plate 31 and extends upward from the seat plate 31. The back plate 32 is formed to support the electrical panel 100 by contacting the opposing surfaces of the electrical panel 100. The back plate 32 is formed, for example, in the shape of a rectangular frame. As shown in Figure 5, for example, the back plate 32 extending in a direction perpendicular to the seat plate 31 comprises, for example, a pair of third frames 32a extending in one direction and one or more fourth frames 32b connecting the pair of third frames 32a.

[0024] The extension direction of the third frame 32a is, for example, perpendicular to the surface direction of the upper surface of the seat plate 31. For example, when the turntable 12 is in an upright position, the third frame 32a extends in the vertical direction. For example, when the turntable 12 is in a sideways position, the third frame 32a extends along the front-rear direction or in a direction inclined such that the seat plate 31 side is downward relative to the front-rear direction. The third frame 32a may be formed from, for example, aluminum profiles, H-beams, square tubes, or square columns. A pair of third frames 32a are arranged at a predetermined distance in the width direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Here, the predetermined distance is, for example, a distance at which the outer surfaces of the pair of third frames 32a have the same width as the seat plate 31, and is smaller than the distance between the inner surfaces of the pair of first frames 21a. Furthermore, the number and shape of the pair of third frames 32a can be appropriately set, as long as the turntable 12 can rotate within the frame 21 and the electrical panel 100 can be supported.

[0025] The fourth frame 32b is connected to the pair of third frames 32a along the width direction. The fourth frame 32b may be formed from, for example, aluminum profiles, H-beams, square tubes, or rectangular columns. For example, two fourth frames 32b are provided. One fourth frame 32b connects the ends of the pair of third frames 32a opposite to the base plate 31. The other fourth frame 32b connects, for example, the central side of the pair of third frames 32a at a position that contacts the regulating member 23 when the unit is lying on its side. The number, position, shape, etc. of the fourth frames 32b are determined according to the weight and shape of the electrical panel 100.

[0026] The handle 33 is provided on a part of the back plate 32, specifically on a pair of third frames 32a of the back plate 32. For example, two handles 33 are provided, each fixed to a pair of third frames 32a. The handle 33 is positioned so as not to interfere with the gas spring 14 when the turntable 12 rotates between the upright and sideways positions. For example, the handle 33 is provided on the outer surface of the end of the third frame 32a opposite to the seat plate 31.

[0027] The four-bar link 13 connects the frame 21 and the turntable 12 so that the turntable 12 can rotate between an upright position and a sideways position relative to the frame 21. The four-bar link 13 comprises a first link 41 and a second link 42. The four-bar link 13 comprises a first joint 43 that rotatably connects the first link 41 to the frame 21 and the turntable 12, and a second joint 44 that rotatably connects the second link 42 to the frame 21 and the turntable 12. The four-bar link 13 constitutes a four-bar link mechanism by rotatably connecting the first link 41 and the second link 42 to the frame 21 and the turntable 12. The four-bar link 13 allows the turntable 12 to rotate relative to the frame 21 along rotational trajectories C1 and C2 shown in Figure 6, for example. The rotating platform 12 moves along the rotational trajectories C1 and C2 shown in Figure 6 by means of a four-bar link 13, thereby rotating between an upright position and a side-lying position, and moving in the forward-backward and up-down directions between the position in the upright position and the position in the side-lying position.

[0028] The first link 41 is formed in a long, plate-like or rod-like shape in one direction. Each end of the first link 41 is rotatably connected to the first frame 21a of the frame 21 and the third frame 32a of the back plate 32, respectively, via the first joint 43. The shape and material of the first link 41 can be appropriately set as long as it can support the electrical panel 100. For example, the first link 41 may be made of aluminum profiles, H-beams, square tubes, round tubes, etc.

[0029] The second link 42 is formed in a long, plate-like or rod-like shape in one direction. Each end of the second link 42 is rotatably connected to the first frame 21a of the frame 21 and the third frame 32a of the back plate 32, respectively, via the second joint 44. The shape and material of the second link 42 can be appropriately set as long as it can support the electrical panel 100. For example, the second link 42 may be made of aluminum profiles, H-beams, square tubes, round tubes, etc., similar to the first link 41.

[0030] The first joint 43 and the second joint 44 are, for example, shafts. The first joint 43 and the second joint 44 are, for example, pivotally supported by a portion of the first frame 21a and the third frame 32a, either directly or via bearings, or supported by flanges integrally fixed to the first frame 21a and the third frame 32a, either directly or via bearings.

[0031] Furthermore, the first joint 43 is pivotally supported at both ends of the first link 41 either directly or via bearings. The first joint 43 only needs to be able to rotatably connect the first link 41 to the first frame 21a and the third frame 32a within the range in which the turntable 12 rotates between the upright and sideways positions. For example, the first joint 43 may not be pivotally supported on the first link 41 and each frame 21a, 32a, but rather pivotally supported on one of the first link 41 and each frame 21a, 32a, and fixed to the other of the first link 4 and each frame 21a, 32a.

[0032] The second joint 44 is pivotally supported at both ends of the second link 42, either directly or via bearings. The second joint 44 only needs to be able to rotatably connect the second link 42 to the first frame 21a and the third frame 32a within the range in which the turntable 12 rotates between the upright and sideways positions. For example, the second joint 44 may be pivotally supported on one of the second link 42 and each of the frames 21a and 32a, and fixed to the other of the second link 42 and each of the frames 21a and 32a, rather than being pivotally supported on the second link 42 and each of the frames 21a and 32a.

[0033] The gas spring 14 comprises a cylinder 51 and a piston rod 52 that reciprocates relative to the cylinder 51 along the axial direction of the cylinder 51. The gas spring 14 also has a third joint 53 that rotatably connects one of the cylinder 51 and the piston rod 52 to the frame 21, and the other of the cylinder 51 and the piston rod 52 to the turntable 12. The third joint 53 is, for example, a shaft. In this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, in the upright mounting position of the gas spring 14, the end of the cylinder 51 is rotatably connected to the first frame 21a of the frame 21 via the third joint 53, and the end of the piston rod 52 is rotatably connected to the third frame 32a of the back plate 32 via the third joint 53. In addition, as another embodiment, the gas spring 14 may be mounted in an inverted position. In this mounting method, the end of the cylinder 51 may be rotatably connected to the third frame 32a of the back plate 32 via the third joint 53, and the end of the piston rod 52 may be rotatably connected to the first frame 21a of the frame 21 via the third joint 53.

[0034] Inside the gas spring 14, a gas chamber is formed whose volume changes due to the cylinder 51 and piston rod 52. The gas spring 14 is a spring that utilizes the pressure of the gas in the gas chamber. The gas spring 14 expands and contracts when the turntable 12 rotates between an upright position and a sideways position.

[0035] A specific example of such a four-bar link 13 and gas spring 14 will be described. The distance between the first joints 43 at both ends of the first link 41 is shorter than the distance between the second joints 44 at both ends of the second link 42. In both the upright and sideways positions of the turntable 12, the distance between the third joints 53 at both ends of the gas spring 14 is longer than the distance between the second joints 44 at both ends of the second link 42.

[0036] The first link 41 is connected to the third frame 32a and the first frame 21a of the backrest 32, on the seat plate 31 side of the backrest 32, and on the front side of the first frame 21a, compared to the second link 42. The end of the first link 41 on the first frame 21a side is connected to the first frame 21a, lower than the second link 42. The end of the first link 41 on the backrest 32 side is connected to the backrest 32, further rearward when the turntable 12 is in an upright position, in other words, lower down when the turntable 12 is in a sideways position, compared to the second link 42.

[0037] The second link 42 is connected to the third frame 32a and the first frame 21a of the backrest 32 on the seat plate 31 side of the backrest 32, and on the front side of the first frame 21a, relative to the gas spring 14. The end of the second link 42 on the first frame 21a side is connected to the first frame 21a at the same position as the gas spring 14 in the vertical direction. The end of the second link 42 on the backrest 32 side is connected to the backrest 32 at the same position as the gas spring 14 in the front-to-back direction when the turntable 12 is in an upright position, or in other words, in the vertical direction when the turntable 12 is in a sideways position.

[0038] Furthermore, the first link 41, the second link 42, and the gas spring 14 are arranged, for example, at the same position in the width direction, specifically at the same position inside the pair of first frames 21a. However, the first link 41, the second link 42, and the gas spring 14 may be arranged at different positions, or they may be arranged on or outside the pair of first frames 21a. However, considering the widthwise size of the conveying device 1 and the moment when holding the electrical panel 100, it is preferable that the first link 41, the second link 42, and the gas spring 14 are arranged at the same position inside the pair of first frames 21a.

[0039] With these four-bar linkage 13 and gas spring 14, the turntable 12 moves relative to the frame 21 along the rotational trajectories C1 and C2 shown in Figure 6, and rotates between an upright position and a sideways position by contacting the floor surface and the regulating member 21c.

[0040] The sliding member 15 is provided on the seat plate 31. The sliding member 15 is fixed on the seat plate 31 so as not to move on the seat plate 31. The coefficient of friction of the surface of the sliding member 15 facing the seat plate 31 may be set so that the sliding member 15 does not move on the seat plate 31 when the electrical panel 100 slides along the upper surface of the sliding member 15. The sliding member 15 is formed, for example, in the shape of a sheet. In the upright position of the rotating platform 12, the height of the upper surface of the sliding member 15 fixed on the seat plate 31 from the floor is set to be the same as the height from the floor to the upper surface of the base platform 200. The sliding member 15 is formed so as to be able to slide over the electrical panel 100, which is the object to be transported on it. At least the upper surface of the sliding member 15 has a coefficient of friction that allows it to slide over the electrical panel 100.

[0041] The fixing member 16 is formed to be able to fix the electrical panel 100 to the turntable 12. For example, the fixing member 16 is, for example, a fixing belt. For example, as shown in Figure 5, the fixing member 16 comprises two belts 16a and fixing means such as fixing fittings or surface seals for fixing the belts 16a together. The fixing member 16 restrains the electrical panel 100 to the back plate 32 with the two belts 16a and fixes the electrical panel 100 to the turntable 12. Note that the fixing member 16 may be configured to fix a single belt 16a in a loop instead of two belts 16a. Also, the fixing member 16 may be a component other than a belt 16a as long as it is able to fix the electrical panel 100 to the turntable 12.

[0042] With the conveying device 1 configured in this way, the turntable 12 can be rotated between an upright position and a sideways position by operating the handle 33, as shown in Figure 6. In the upright position, the turntable 12 is, for example, in a position where the upper surface of the seat plate 31 is parallel to the floor, and the lower surface of the seat plate 31 is in contact with the floor.

[0043] The upright transport device 1 is used in the operation of placing the electrical panel 100 onto the turntable 12 and sliding it from the turntable 12 to the base 200. Furthermore, since the seat plate 31 of the upright transport device 1 is in contact with the floor surface, the movement of the transport trolley 11 can be suppressed.

[0044] Furthermore, the rotating platform 12 in a sideways position has its back plate 32 parallel to the floor surface and is supported by a four-bar link 13, a gas spring 14, and a regulating member 23.

[0045] In its sideways position, the transport device 1 is movable because the turntable 12, supported by a four-bar link 13, a gas spring 14, and a regulating member 23, is spaced apart from the floor and its posture is maintained. Furthermore, in its sideways position, the transport device 1 maintains a low center of gravity because its back plate 32 is supported by a regulating member 23 provided on the frame 21. Therefore, the transport device 1 in its sideways position can stably transport the electrical panel 100.

[0046] Next, an example of a method for transporting an electrical panel 100 using the transport device 1 configured in this way will be explained using the flowchart in Figure 7. For example, the method for transporting an electrical panel 100 is part of the process of constructing electrical equipment. Furthermore, the method for transporting an electrical panel 100 using the transport device 1 of this embodiment includes, when constructing electrical equipment in an electrical room, etc., transporting the electrical panel 100 into a building that has an electrical room, and then transporting the electrical panel 100 from the transport location to the base 200 of the electrical room, etc. Also, each of the following steps is performed by one or more workers.

[0047] First, the transport device 1 is positioned at the loading location of the building into which the electrical panel 100 will be delivered, and the transport device 1 is set to an upright position. In the upright position of the transport device 1, the turntable 12 is in an upright position, so the seat plate 31 comes into contact with the floor surface, restricting the movement of the transport device 1. Then, the electrical panel 100 is lowered onto the sliding member 15 provided on the seat plate 31 of the upright turntable 12 using a crane or the like (step ST1). After that, the electrical panel 100 is restrained to the back plate 32 by the belt 16a of the fixing member 16, and the electrical panel 100 is fixed to the turntable 12. Next, in order to lay the electrical panel 100 on its side, the handle 33 of the turntable 12 is operated to rotate the turntable 12 from an upright position to a sideways position, and the turntable 12 and the electrical panel 100 fixed to the turntable 12 are laid down (step ST2). Then, with the rotating platform 12 on which the electrical panel 100 is fixed in a sideways position, the transport device 1 is moved along the transport route.

[0048] For example, if the delivery route includes movement up or down a floor, the transport device 1 is lifted by a crane 110 installed inside the building (step ST3). The transport device 1 is lifted by the crane 110 by, for example, connecting a wire to the frame 21 of the transport device 1 and lifting it, or by connecting a wire to the electrical panel 100 and lifting it. Next, the transport device 1 is lowered at the destination floor (step ST4). Next, the transport device 1 is moved along the transport route until it reaches the front of the base 200 where the electrical panel 100 will be delivered and installed (step ST5). After moving the transport device 1 to the front of the base 200, the handle 33 is grasped and operated to rotate the turntable 12 from a horizontal position to an upright position. Then, the turntable 12 is returned to the upright position and the electrical panel 100 is raised (step ST6). Next, the restraint on the electrical panel 100 by the fixing member 16 is released, making the electrical panel 100 movable. Then, the electrical panel 100 is pressed and slid on the sliding member 15 to move it onto the base 200 located at the height of the upper surface of the sliding member 15. In this way, the electrical panel 100 is placed on the base 200 (step ST7). Then, the electrical panel 100 placed on the base 200 is fixed to the base 200 with fastening members, etc. These steps complete the transport and installation of the electrical panel 100. These steps are repeated for all electrical panels 100 used in the electrical equipment, and then the electrical connections and settings of the placed electrical panels 100 are made to construct the electrical equipment.

[0049] In this configuration, the conveying device 1 allows the turntable 12 to rotate between an upright position and a sideways position using a four-bar link 13 and a gas spring 14, thereby enabling the electrical panel 100 fixed to the turntable 12 to be raised and lowered.

[0050] Furthermore, since the electrical panel 100 is a heavy object, a large force is required to change the orientation of the turntable 12, to which the electrical panel 100 is fixed, from a horizontal position to an upright position. However, the conveying device 1 can assist the force required to change the orientation of the turntable 12 by using a gas spring 14. In addition, the operation of changing the orientation of the turntable 12 can be performed by using the handle 33.

[0051] Furthermore, by using a gas spring 14, the conveying device 1 can rotate the turntable 12 between an upright position and a sideways position with slow movement due to the damping force of the gas spring 14.

[0052] To explain in more detail, in conventional technology, chain blocks or winches were generally used to assist with the operating force when raising and lowering heavy objects such as electrical panels 100. This is because, during the change of posture from raising to lowering and from lowering to raising, when the center of gravity of the electrical panel 100 passes above the center of rotation, the force required to lift reverses into a downward force. Therefore, chain blocks or winches are used to maintain the position of the electrical panel 100 so that it does not rotate rapidly. For example, if the operating force is assisted by a simple spring, after the center of gravity passes the center of rotation, the electrical panel 100 will rise rapidly, and there is a risk of impact being applied to the electrical panel 100. However, the gas spring 14 extends and contracts slowly due to the damping force of the gas spring 14. Therefore, the conveying device 1 using the gas spring 14 allows for low-speed posture changes between the upright and lowered positions of the turntable 12 while enabling assistance with the operating force.

[0053] Furthermore, since the gas spring 14 is lighter than a chain block or a manual winch, it is possible to reduce the weight of the conveying device 1. For example, a chain block weighs about 10 kgf, and a manual winch weighs several kgf, but each gas spring 14 weighs about 1 kgf.

[0054] Furthermore, the conveying device 1 rotates the turntable 12 relative to the frame 21 not by a typical single-axis rotation, but by a four-bar linkage mechanism using a four-bar link 13. This makes it possible to miniaturize the conveying device 1. This point will be explained with reference to Figures 8 and 9. In the following description, the conveying device 1 according to this embodiment will be compared with a comparative example conveying device 1A that rotates the turntable 12 around a single axis. In this example, the conveying device 1A will be described as having a connection part 41A, one end of which is fixed to the back plate 32 and the other end of which is connected to the first frame 21a via a first joint 43.

[0055] For example, as shown in Figures 8 and 9, in the comparative example, the transport device 1A requires a longer length W0 in the front-to-back direction of the transport trolley 11 in order to stably support the transport device in both upright and lying-down positions. In contrast, according to the transport device 1 having a four-bar link 13 according to the embodiment, the rotation center of the turntable 12 is located inside the electrical panel 100, so the length W1 in the front-to-back direction of the transport trolley 11 can be shorter than the length W0 of the transport trolley 11 of the transport device 1A. Also, as shown in Figure 9, in the lying-down position, the distance W11 from the tip of the first frame 21a of the transport device 1 to the seat plate 31 is shorter than the distance W01 from the tip of the first frame 21a of the transport device 1 to the seat plate 31 of the transport device 1A. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, the distance W12 from the tip of the first frame 21a of the conveying device 1 to the end of the back plate 32 opposite to the seat plate 31 is shorter than the distance W02 from the tip of the first frame 21a of the conveying device 1A to the end of the back plate 32 opposite to the seat plate 31. Therefore, the conveying device 1 is easier to handle during transport compared to the conveying device 1A.

[0056] In addition, as shown in Figure 9, when the conveying device 1 is in a lying position, the height H1 from the frame 21 of the conveying device 1 to the back plate 32 of the turntable 12 is lower than the height H0 from the frame 21 of the conveying device 1A to the back plate 32 of the turntable 12. Therefore, the maximum height of the conveying device 1 in the height direction can be made smaller compared to the conveying device 1A. In this way, the conveying device 1 is more compact than the conveying device 1A, so the width of the openings and passages required when moving along the conveying path or when lifting with the crane 110 during floor changes is also reduced, thus reducing constraints during transport. Furthermore, when the conveying device 1 is in a lying position, the position of the electrical panel 100 is lower in the conveying device 1 compared to the conveying device 1A, resulting in a lower center of gravity and enabling stable transport.

[0057] As described above, the conveying device 1 can be miniaturized by using a four-bar linkage 13 to rotate the turntable 12.

[0058] Furthermore, the conveying device 1 uses a sliding member 15 on the base plate 31 on which the electrical panel 100 is placed. In addition, the conveying device 1 sets the height from the floor surface to the top surface of the sliding member 15 to the height of the base platform 200. Therefore, the conveying device 1 does not require the use of jack-up, jack-down, or chill rollers after the electrical panel 100 has been erected. The conveying device 1 can complete the on-base operation simply by sliding the electrical panel 100.

[0059] Furthermore, for example, at least some of the materials used for the frame 21, turntable 12, and four-bar link 13 of the conveying device 1 are aluminum profiles. Because aluminum profiles are lightweight yet have excellent strength and rigidity, it is possible to reduce the weight of the conveying device 1, and it becomes possible to lift the electrical panel 100 with the conveying device 1 on it using the crane 110.

[0060] Furthermore, by using a belt 16a to restrain and fix the electrical panel 100 to the rotating table 12 using the fixing member 16, the weight of the conveying device 1 can be reduced.

[0061] Furthermore, the transport trolley 11 is provided with a regulating member 21c, which is a projection that the turntable 12 will come into contact with when it is in a sideways position. This restricts the transport device 1 from rotating the turntable 12 beyond a sideways position (for example, 90° from the upright position).

[0062] Furthermore, the transport device 1 can also fix the turntable 12 and the transport cart 11 with a fixing member 16 such as a belt 16a so that the turntable 12 can be held in a lying position.

[0063] Furthermore, the conveying device 1 may have sliding members 15 attached to the corners of the seat plate 31 of the rotating platform to prevent scratches on the floor when the seat plate 31 comes into contact with the floor in an upright position, or it may be configured to have small roller-shaped rotating bodies or wheels.

[0064] According to the transport device 1 and the method for transporting the electrical panel 100 as described above, the electrical panel 100 can be easily transported.

[0065] While several embodiments of the present invention have been described, these embodiments are presented as examples only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be carried out in a variety of other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as in the claims of the invention and its equivalents. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0066] 1...Conveying device, 11...Transporting cart, 12...Turret, 13...Four-bar link, 14...Gas spring, 15...Sliding member, 16...Fixing member, 16a...Belt, 21...Frame, 21a...First frame, 21b...Second frame, 21c...Restricting member, 22...Caster, 23...Restricting member, 31...Seat plate, 32...Back plate, 32a...Third frame, 32b...Fourth frame, 33...Handle, 41...First link, 42...Second link, 43...First joint, 44...Second joint, 51...Cylinder, 52...Piston rod, 53...Third joint, 100...Electrical panel (object to be transported), 110...Crane, 200...Base (destination).

Claims

1. A frame having a pair of first frames extending in one direction, and a second frame connecting the pair of first frames, Multiple casters provided on the lower surface of the frame, A rotating platform having a seat plate on which the object to be transported is placed in an upright position, and a back plate integrally provided with the seat plate on which the object to be transported is placed in a sideways position, A pair of four-bar links connect the frame and the back plate, and rotate the turntable between the upright position and the sideways position, A pair of gas springs connecting the frame and the back plate, A conveying device equipped with the following features.

2. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the frame has a restricting portion that contacts the back plate in the sideways position.

3. The four-bar linkage comprises a first link rotatably supported by the first frame and the back plate, and a second link rotatably supported by the first frame and the back plate, and longer than the first link. The first link is provided on the side of the seat plate of the turntable and on the front side of the first frame, The gas spring is rotatably supported by the first frame and the back plate, and is longer than the second link. The conveying device according to claim 1, wherein the second link is provided on the seat plate side of the turntable and on the front side of the first frame, relative to the gas spring.

4. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a sliding member provided on the seat plate, on which the object to be conveyed can slide.

5. The conveying device according to claim 4, wherein when the rotating platform is in the upright position, the height of the upper surface of the sliding member from the floor is the same as the height of the upper surface of the conveying destination from the floor.

6. The conveying device according to claim 1, further comprising a fixing belt for fixing the object to be conveyed to the rotating table.

7. A method for transporting an electrical panel using a transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, The electrical panel is placed on the seat plate of the rotating platform in the upright position, The electrical panel is fixed to the rotating base, The rotating platform is tilted from the upright position to the sideways position. The transport device is moved along the transport path in the aforementioned sideways position until it reaches the front of the foundation of the electrical panel's installation location. Return the rotating platform from the lateral position to the upright position. The electrical panel is slid from the rotating platform to the base platform and placed on the base. Method for transporting electrical panels.

8. When the aforementioned transport path includes movement between floors, The aforementioned conveying device is lifted up, The method for transporting an electrical panel according to claim 7, wherein the transport device is lowered onto the transport path at the destination floor.

Images