Transport device

A conveying apparatus includes an outer casing for disposing the conveying apparatus on a traveling structure, a storage case that is disposed inside the outer casing and that allows a stored article to be placed therein and removed therefrom from above, a plurality of stretchable elastic members that are spaced apart from each other in a crosswise direction and each of which includes a bridging portion that bridges between front and rear ends of the outer casing in a traveling direction of the traveling structure, and a plurality of suspension devices that are spaced apart from each other at least in a fore-aft direction and each of which includes an upper end assuming a supported portion that is supported slidably on the elastic member and a lower end assuming a supporting portion that supports the storage case.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a National Stage of International Application No. PCT/JP2016/088113 filed Dec. 21, 2016.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a conveying apparatus for conveying a stored article using a traveling structure.

BACKGROUND ART

A known conveying apparatus is disposed in a traveling structure, such as a bicycle, a scooter, or an automobile, and conveys a stored article, such as food, stored thereinside through the traveling structure (see, for example, Patent Literature 1, Patent Literature 2, and Patent Literature 3).

Such a conveying apparatus is used in, for example, home delivery to an orderer from a store that has received the order or a distribution center and is disposed on a cargo deck of, for example, a bicycle or a scooter.

CITATION LIST

Patent Literatures

Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-184748 A

Patent Literature 2: JP 2012-116326 A

Patent Literature 3: JP 2008-230292 A

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

Technical Problem

With the conveying apparatus used in, for example, home delivery, the stored article, because of being conveyed by the traveling structure, is subjected to external force due to, for example, vibration and acceleration and deceleration, while the traveling structure is traveling. The external force to be applied to the stored article tends to be large particularly during traveling along a slope, in addition to sudden acceleration and sudden deceleration.

The stored article is moved or swayed inside the conveying apparatus when an external force is applied to the stored article during traveling. If the stored article is moved or swayed excessively and if the stored article is food in particular, the food may spill from a container thereof or an arrangement thereof may change.

It is therefore an object of a conveying apparatus according to the present invention to deal with problems as described above and achieve a steady storage condition for a stored article during traveling of a traveling structure.

Solution to Problem

First, a conveying apparatus according to the present invention includes: an outer casing for disposing the conveying apparatus on a traveling structure; a storage case that is disposed inside the outer casing and that allows a stored article to be placed therein and removed therefrom from above; a plurality of stretchable elastic members that are spaced apart from each other in a crosswise direction and each of which includes a bridging portion that bridges between front and rear ends of the outer casing in a traveling direction of the traveling structure; and a plurality of suspension devices that are spaced apart from each other at least in a fore-aft direction and each of which includes an upper end assuming a supported portion that is supported slidably on the elastic member and a lower end assuming a supporting portion that supports the storage case. In the conveying apparatus, the suspension devices are supported by the elastic members pivotally rockably about the supported portions, the storage case is supported by the suspension devices pivotally rockably about the supporting portions, and the storage case is suspended on the elastic members by the suspension devices under a condition in which a gap is available between the storage case and the outer casing.

The configuration allows the storage case to be moved in the fore-aft direction relative to the outer casing and to be rocked about the supported portions during traveling of the traveling structure.

Second, in the conveying apparatus described above, preferably, the elastic members are disposed in parallel with each other.

The configuration results in a distance between the elastic members remaining constant at any position in the fore-aft direction. Thus, the storage case is hard to incline with respect to the vertical direction.

Third, in the conveying apparatus described above, preferably, the elastic members include two elastic members, and the bridging portions of the two elastic members are disposed at positions immediately above both ends in the crosswise direction, respectively, of the storage case.

The configuration provides a greater distance between the elastic members, so that the storage case is held in a steady state in the crosswise direction.

Fourth, in the conveying apparatus described above, preferably, the suspension devices each include a connecting portion that connects between the supported portion and the supporting portion and the connecting portions are disposed between the storage case and the outer casing.

The configuration reduces a space taken up by the suspension devices inside the storage case.

Fifth, in the conveying apparatus described above, preferably, the conveying apparatus further includes a tension adjustment structure that adjusts tension in the elastic members.

The configuration enables the position at which the storage case is suspended with respect to the outer casing and a stretch state of the elastic members during traveling of the traveling structure to be varied through adjustment of the tension in the elastic members.

Sixth, in the conveying apparatus described above, preferably, each of both ends of each of the elastic members in a direction in which the elastic member is stretched assumes an attached portion to be attached on the traveling structure.

The configuration allows the both ends of each of the elastic members to be attached to the traveling structure to thereby enable the bridging portions to bridge between front and rear ends of the outer casing.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

In accordance with the aspect of the present invention, while the traveling structure is traveling, the storage case is movable in the fore-aft direction relative to the outer casing and is pivotally rockable about the supported portions. Thus, the storage case is moved in a direction in which the storage case is displaced in the vertical direction regardless of posture of the outer casing, so that a steady storage condition can be achieved for the stored article during traveling of the traveling structure.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following describes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, modes for carrying out a conveying apparatus according to the present invention.

The following describes an example in which the conveying apparatus is disposed on a cargo deck of a bicycle as a traveling structure. The conveying apparatus may nonetheless be disposed on, for example, a cargo deck of another traveling structure of a two-wheeled, three-wheeled, or four-wheeled motorcycle or automobile, and the like.

A general configuration of a traveling structure (bicycle) will first be described (seeFIG. 1).

This traveling structure100includes a vehicle body101, a front wheel102, and a rear wheel103. The vehicle body101includes a handlebar and a saddle, and the like. The front wheel102and the rear wheel103are supported by the vehicle body101. A cargo deck104, which is coupled with the vehicle body101, is disposed superior to the rear wheel103.

The cargo deck104includes a mounting stand105and mounting protrusions106,106, . . . . The mounting stand105is positioned in a horizontal state. The mounting protrusions106,106, . . . protrude downwardly from a lower surface of the mounting stand105. The mounting protrusions106,106, . . . are spaced away from each other in a crosswise direction and a fore-aft direction. The mounting protrusions106,106, . . . comprise, for example, four mounting protrusions, two each being disposed at front and rear on either side in the crosswise direction.

A configuration of a conveying apparatus will be described below (see, for example,FIGS. 2 to 5).

This conveying apparatus1includes an outer casing2and a storage case3.

The outer casing2includes, for example, a box-shaped case portion4and a cover portion5. The case portion4is open upwardly. The cover portion5opens and closes an opening4ain the case portion4. The outer casing2assumes a structure for disposing the conveying apparatus1on the cargo deck104.

The case portion4includes a bottom surface panel portion6and an outer peripheral panel portion7. The bottom surface panel portion6is placed on the mounting stand105of the traveling structure100. The outer peripheral panel portion7protrudes upwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface panel portion6. The outer peripheral panel portion7is composed of a front surface panel portion8, a rear surface panel portion9, and a pair of side surface panel portions10,10. The front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9are disposed to be spaced apart in the fore-aft direction. The side surface panel portions10,10are disposed on either side in the crosswise direction.

The front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9have locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9aformed in respective upper end portions thereof. The locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9aare open upwardly. The locking recesses8a,8aand the locking recesses9a,9aare each spaced apart from each other in the crosswise direction. The locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9aare formed at positions closer to either lateral side.

The cover portion5is coupled with an upper end portion of one of the side surface panel portions10,10rotatably (openably) via hinges11,11, for example. The cover portion5is pivotally rotated about the hinges11,11to thereby open or close the opening4ain the case portion4.

It is noted that the cover portion5may not have to be coupled with the case portion4. The cover portion5may, for example, be configured so as to be removed from the case portion4under a condition in which the opening4ain the case portion4is not closed.

The storage case3is formed, for example, into a box shape opening upwardly and has an outline shape smaller than the outer casing2. The storage case3is disposed under a condition in which the storage case3is suspended inside the outer casing2.

The storage case3includes a bottom surface portion12and an outer peripheral surface portion13. The bottom surface portion12has a plate shape facing in a vertical direction. The outer peripheral surface portion13protrudes upwardly from an outer peripheral portion of the bottom surface portion12. The outer peripheral surface portion13is composed of a front surface portion14and a rear surface portion15, and a pair of side surface portions16,16. The front surface portion14and the rear surface portion15are disposed to be spaced apart in the fore-aft direction. The side surface portions16,16are disposed on either side in the crosswise direction.

The front surface portion14and the rear surface portion15have supported holes14a,14a,15a,15aformed in positions closer to respective upper end portions thereof. The supported holes14a,14aand the supported holes15a,15aare each spaced apart from each other in the crosswise direction. The supported holes14a,14a,15a,15aare formed at positions closer to either lateral side.

The storage case3has an internal space defined as a storage space3a. A stored article50, such as food, is stored in the storage space3a.

The elastic members17,17are each, for example, a strap-shaped rubber member including annular attached portions20,20disposed on both ends in a stretching direction (longitudinal direction). Each of the elastic members17,17includes extended portions21,21and a bridging portion22. Out of a portion extending between the attached portions20,20, the extended portions21,21are continuous from the respective attached portions20,20and a portion between the extended portions21,21assumes the bridging portion22.

Each of the elastic members17,17is formed to have a curved, for example, circular outer peripheral surface excepting the attached portions20,20.

Each of the front-side suspension devices18,18includes, for example, a linear connecting portion18a, an arcuate (hook-shaped) supported portion18b, and an arcuate (hook-shaped) supporting portion18c. The supported portion18bjoins an upper end of the connecting portion18a. The supporting portion18cjoins a lower end of the connecting portion18a. The supported portion18bhas an axis orthogonal to an axis of the supporting portion18c.

Each of the rear-side suspension devices19,19includes, for example, a linear connecting portion19a, an arcuate (hook-shaped) supported portion19b, and an arcuate (hook-shaped) supporting portion19c. The supported portion19bjoins an upper end of the connecting portion19a. The supporting portion19cjoins a lower end of the connecting portion19a. The supported portion19bhas an axis orthogonal to an axis of the supporting portion19c.

Under a condition in which the bottom surface panel portion6of the outer casing2is placed on the mounting stand105of the cargo deck104, the attached portions20,20, . . . are mounted on the respective mounting protrusions106,106, . . . of the elastic members17,17. At this time, the cover portion5of the outer casing2is open and the elastic members17,17are mounted on the outer casing2by having portions thereof bridging between the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9. The portion of the elastic member17bridging between the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9functions as the bridging portion22and the portion of the elastic member17between the bridging portion22and the attached portion20,20functions as the extended portion21,21.

Both ends of the bridging portion22of the elastic member17are inserted in the locking recesses8aand9ain the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9, respectively. The insertion of the both ends of the bridging portion22of the elastic member17in the locking recesses8aand9ain the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9, respectively, causes the elastic member17to be positioned correctly in the crosswise direction relative to the outer casing2, so that the elastic member17is restricted from being displaced in the crosswise direction.

The elastic members17,17, when mounted in the outer casing2, are placed in a condition in which the elastic members17,17extend in parallel with each other. Preferably, at this time, the elastic members17,17are mounted in the outer casing2by being stretched to be elastically deformed. The mounting of the elastic members17,17under a condition of being stretched in the outer casing2causes the elastic members17,17to exert an external force on the case portion4of the outer casing2. As a result, the bottom surface panel portion6is pressed up against the mounting stand105from above, so that a steady mounting condition can be achieved with respect to the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1.

Thus, the conveying apparatus1is mounted on the cargo deck104by the elastic members17,17. Specifically, the elastic members17,17serve a function of mounting the conveying apparatus1on the cargo deck104, in addition to a function of suspending the storage case3, so that functionality of the elastic members17,17can be enhanced. The elastic members17,17's serving the function of suspending the storage case3and the function of mounting the conveying apparatus1on the cargo deck104eliminates the need for additional member or work allocated to the mounting of the conveying apparatus1on the cargo deck104. Thus, the mounting of the conveying apparatus1can be easily performed through simple steps without involving an increased number of parts used.

The supported portion18bof the front-side suspension device18and the supported portion19bof the rear-side suspension device19are assembled with the elastic member17.

The supporting portions18c,18cof the front-side suspension devices18,18and the supporting portions19c,19cof the rear-side suspension devices19,19are inserted in the supported holes14a,14aand the supported holes15a,15a, respectively, in the storage case3, which is disposed inside the outer casing2. Thus, the storage case3is suspended on the elastic members17,17, which are mounted in the outer casing2, by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19.

At this time, preferably, the supporting portion18cof the front-side suspension device18and the supporting portion19cof the rear-side suspension device19are inserted in the supported hole14aand the supported hole15a, respectively, from a front surface side of the front surface portion14and a rear surface side of the rear surface portion15, respectively.

The insertion of the supporting portions18cand19cin the supported holes14aand15afrom the front surface side of the front surface portion14and the rear surface side of the rear surface portion15causes the connecting portions18aand19ato be disposed between the outer peripheral surface portion13of the storage case3and the outer peripheral panel portion7of the outer casing2. The foregoing configuration results in a reduced space taken up by the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19in the storage space3aof the storage case3, compared with a configuration in which the supporting portions18cand19care inserted in the supported holes14aand15afrom a rear surface side of the front surface portion14and a front surface side of the rear surface portion15.

Thus, because the connecting portions18aand19aare disposed between the storage case3and the outer casing2, the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19do not serve as a hindrance for the stored article50to be placed in, and removed from, the storage case3. Thus, placement of the stored article50in, and removal of the stored article50from, the storage space3aof the storage case3can be performed easily.

The insertion of the supporting portions18cand19cin the supported holes14aand15afrom the front surface side of the front surface portion14and the rear surface side of the rear surface portion15provides a greater distance between the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, compared with the insertion of the supporting portions18cand19cin the supported holes14aand15afrom the rear surface side of the front surface portion14and the front surface side of the rear surface portion15. Thus, the storage case3can be suspended in a steady state on the elastic members17,17by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19.

The storage case3is suspended under a condition in which a gap exists between an outer surface of the outer peripheral surface portion13and an inner surface of the outer peripheral panel portion7of the outer casing2, and a gap exists between a bottom surface of the bottom surface portion12and an upper surface of the bottom surface panel portion6of the outer casing2. At this time, in the elastic member17, the bridging portion22bridges between the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2and the extended portions21,21are brought into tight contact with the front surface of the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface of the rear surface panel portion9, respectively.

Under a condition in which the storage case3is suspended, the supported portions18b,18bof the front-side suspension devices18,18and the supported portions19b,19bof the rear-side suspension devices19,19are slidable on the elastic members17,17. Thus, because the supported portions18b,18band the supported portions19b,19bare slidable with respect to the elastic members17,17, the storage case3is movable with respect to the outer casing2in the fore-aft direction.

Under a condition in which the storage case3is suspended on the elastic members17,17by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19, weight of the front-side suspension devices18,18, the rear-side suspension devices19,19, and the storage case3causes the elastic members17,17to stretch, so that the supported portions18b,18bof the front-side suspension devices18,18and the supported portions19b,19bof the rear-side suspension devices19,19are disposed inferior to an upper end of the outer casing2. At this time, portions in the elastic members17,17between the supported portions18b,18band the front surface panel portion8and portions in the elastic members17,17between the supported portions19b,19band the rear surface panel portion9are each inclined such that an end on the side of the storage case3is displaced downwardly. The portions inclined in the elastic members17,17are referred to as front-side inclined portions17a,17a, which are disposed on the front side, and as rear-side inclined portions17b,17b, which are disposed on the rear side.

The front-side inclined portion17aand the rear-side inclined portion17bare stretched within a range of elastic deformation by weight of, for example, the storage case3. The front-side inclined portion17ais set to have a stretch amount identical to a stretch amount set for the rear-side inclined portion17bunder a reference state in which a center of the storage case3in the fore-aft direction is aligned with a center between the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2. The stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17aand the rear-side inclined portion17bis further set to be variable depending on a position to which the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved in the fore-aft direction such that, when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved in the fore-aft direction relative to the reference state as a result of the storage case3having slid relative to the elastic member17.

When, for example, the storage case3is moved toward the rear from the reference state, the front-side inclined portion17ahas a length longer than a length of the rear-side inclined portion17b. Then, the stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17aincreases, while the stretch amount of the rear-side inclined portion17bdecreases, so that the front-side inclined portion17ahas a stretch amount greater than the stretch amount of the rear-side inclined portion17b. In contrast, when the storage case3is moved toward the front from the reference state, the rear-side inclined portion17bhas a length longer than a length of the front-side inclined portion17a. Then, the stretch amount of the rear-side inclined portion17bincreases, while the stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17adecreases, so that the rear-side inclined portion17bhas a stretch amount greater than the stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17a.

When the elastic members17,17are not fixed to the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9under a condition in which the storage case3is suspended as described above, the weight of the front-side suspension devices18,18, the rear-side suspension devices19,19, and the storage case3causes the elastic members17,17to stretch. Then, the elastic members17,17exert an external force further on the case portion4of the outer casing2. As a result, the bottom surface panel portion6is further pressed up against the mounting stand105from above, so that an even steadier mounting condition can be achieved with respect to the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1.

The front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19are pivotally rockable about the supported portions18b,18band supported portions19b,19b, respectively, by the elastic members17,17.

Under the condition in which the storage case3is suspended as described above, opening the cover portion5enables the stored article50to be placed in, and removed from, the storage space3aof the storage case3.

It is noted that, when the storage case3is suspended, the elastic members17,17are placed in the locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9a, so that the cover portion5does not interfere with the elastic members17,17when the cover portion5is closed relative to the case portion4. The cover portion5can thus be brought into tight contact with the case portion4and a favorable closure state can be achieved of the outer casing2.

The portions of the elastic members17,17placed in the locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9amay be fixed to the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9by appropriate fixing devices. It is noted that the conveying apparatus1may even be configured so as not to have the locking recesses8a,8a,9a,9ain the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9. In this case, the cover portion5is closed relative to the case portion4, under which condition the cover portion5presses the elastic members17,17up against the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9, thereby the elastic members17,17are fixed to the storage case3.

When the elastic members17,17are not fixed in the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9under a condition in which the stored article50is stored in the storage space3aof the storage case3, the weight of the stored article50further stretches the elastic members17,17. Then, the elastic members17,17exert an external force further on the case portion4of the outer casing2. As a result, the bottom surface panel portion6is further pressed up against the mounting stand105from above, so that an even steadier mounting condition can be achieved with respect to the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1.

It is noted that the elastic members17,17are each required to include at least the bridging portion22, which bridges between the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2, and may each be configured so as not to include the attached portions20,20and the extended portions21,21. In this case, the both ends of the elastic members17,17need to be fixed to the upper surface of the front surface panel portion8and the upper surface of the rear surface panel portion9by appropriate fixing devices. Additionally, mounting on the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1is performed by any device other than the elastic members17,17, for example, using screws or fixing devices for mounting.

It is, however, noted that the attached portions20,20provided on the both ends of the elastic member17as described above enable the both ends of the elastic member17to be attached to the mounting protrusions106,106of the traveling structure100, to thereby allow the bridging portion22to bridge between the front and rear ends of the outer casing2. Workability can thus be enhanced in mounting the elastic member17on the outer casing2.

Additionally, no need exists to use additional device for mounting on the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1in addition to the elastic member17and mounting of the conveying apparatus1on the traveling structure100can be performed simultaneously with the mounting of the elastic member17on the outer casing2. Thus, workability can be enhanced, while reduction in the number of parts used is achieved.

The following describes operation of the conveying apparatus1when the stored article50is conveyed by the traveling structure100(seeFIGS. 4 to 11). It is noted thatFIGS. 4 to 11each indicate an imaginary horizontal plane H for easier understanding of inclined conditions of the outer casing2and the storage case3.

The following first describes operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100travels along a level road surface that is not inclined.

When the bottom surface panel portion6of the outer casing2is level under a condition before the traveling structure100travels, the suspended storage case3is placed in the reference state in which the lower surface of the bottom surface portion12faces in the vertical direction (gravitational direction) and extends in parallel with the bottom surface panel portion6(seeFIGS. 4 and 5). In the following, a condition of the storage case3in which the lower surface of the bottom surface portion12faces in the vertical direction will be referred to as an “equilibrium state.”

When the traveling structure100is started and accelerated, the conveying apparatus1mounted on the cargo deck104advances as the traveling structure100advances. A force is, however, exerted by inertia on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, which are slidably supported by the elastic member17, to move the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the rear with respect to the elastic member17. The inertia also exerts a force on the suspended storage case3to move the storage case3toward the rear relative to the outer casing2.

While the force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19to relatively move toward the rear as described above, the rear-side inclined portion17b, which is included in the elastic member17and which is inclined downwardly toward the front, restricts the rear-side suspension device19from moving toward the rear. Additionally, a friction force is generated between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17.

Thus, the rearward movement of the rear-side suspension device19is limited by the friction force and the restriction force of the rear-side inclined portion17b. When the traveling structure100is accelerated, the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19move toward the rear only a small amount or may not move at all toward the rear.

The amount of movement of the rear-side suspension device19toward the rear is limited by the friction force and the restriction force of the rear-side inclined portion17bas described above. Even when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are not moved toward the rear relative to the elastic member17, however, because of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19being rockably supported by the elastic member17, the supporting portion18cof the front-side suspension device18and the supporting portion19cof the rear-side suspension device19are pivotally rocked and moved toward the rear about the supported portion18band the supported portion19b, respectively (seeFIG. 6).

The storage case3, on which a force to move toward the rear relative to the outer casing2is being exerted by inertia at this time, is pivotally rockable about the supporting portion18cof the front-side suspension device18and the supporting portion19cof the rear-side suspension device19. Thus, the storage case3, while being moved toward the rear relative to the outer casing2, is pivotally rocked about the supporting portions18cand19c; however, the storage case3is not inclined in response to the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, but maintains the equilibrium state.

As such, the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state even while the traveling structure100is being accelerated, so that the stored article50stored inside the storage case3is not inclined inside the storage case3and a favorable storage state of the stored article50can be achieved.

When the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the rear relative to the elastic member17as the traveling structure100is accelerated, the length of the front-side inclined portion17abecomes longer than the length of the rear-side inclined portion17band the storage case3is inclined downwardly toward the front. The amount of movement toward the rear of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19is, however, small as described above. Thus, an angle of inclination of the storage case3is small and an angle of inclination of the stored article50is small, too, when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the rear relative to the elastic member17. A favorable storage state of the stored article50can thus be achieved in this case, too.

When the traveling structure100is decelerated from a traveling state, a force is exerted by inertia on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, which are slidably supported by the elastic member17, to move the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the front relative to the elastic member17. The inertia also exerts a force on the suspended storage case3to move the storage case3forward relative to the outer casing2.

A force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19to move the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19relatively toward the front as such. Because of the front-side inclined portion17a, which is inclined downwardly toward the rear, included in the elastic member17, however, the front-side suspension device18is restricted from moving toward the front by the front-side inclined portion17a. Additionally, a friction force is generated between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17.

Thus, the forward movement of the front-side suspension device18is limited by the friction force and the restriction force of the front-side inclined portion17a. When the traveling structure100is decelerated, the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19move toward the front only a small amount or may not move at all toward the front.

The amount of movement of the front-side suspension device18toward the front is limited by the friction force and the restriction force of the front-side inclined portion17aas described above. Even when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are not moved toward the front relative to the elastic member17, however, because of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19being rockably supported by the elastic member17, the supporting portion18cof the front-side suspension device18and the supporting portion19cof the rear-side suspension device19are pivotally rocked and moved toward the front about the supported portion18band the supported portion19b, respectively (seeFIG. 7).

The storage case3, on which a force to move the storage case3toward the front relative to the outer casing2is being exerted by inertia at this time, is pivotally rockable about the supporting portion18cof the front-side suspension device18and the supporting portion19cof the rear-side suspension device19. Thus, the storage case3, while being moved toward the front relative to the outer casing2, is pivotally rocked about the supporting portions18cand19c; however, the storage case3is not inclined in response to the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, but maintains the equilibrium state.

As such, the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state even while the traveling structure100is being decelerated, so that the stored article50stored inside the storage case3is not inclined inside the storage case3and a favorable storage state of the stored article50can be achieved.

When the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the front relative to the elastic member17as the traveling structure100is decelerated, the length of the rear-side inclined portion17bbecomes longer than the length of the front-side inclined portion17aand the storage case3is inclined downwardly toward the rear. The amount of movement toward the front of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19is, however, small as described above. Thus, the angle of inclination of the storage case3is small and the angle of inclination of the stored article50is small, too, when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the front relative to the elastic member17. A favorable storage state of the stored article50can thus be achieved in this case, too.

The following describes operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100travels along an inclined road surface.

Under a condition in which the traveling structure100travels along an uphill road, the outer casing2and the elastic members17,17are brought into a state of being inclined downwardly toward the rear (seeFIG. 8).

Thus, a force is exerted, by tare and weight of the storage case3and of the stored article50, on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, which are slidably supported by the elastic member17, to move the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the rear relative to the elastic member17. A force is also exerted, by tare and weight of the stored article50, on the suspended storage case3to move the storage case3toward the rear relative to the outer casing2. At this time, a force is exerted in the vertical direction by gravity on the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3.

Because the force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3to move the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3relatively toward the rear as described above, the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are slid by the elastic member17to move toward the rear and the storage case3is moved toward the rear in response to the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19. Because of the rear-side inclined portion17b, which is inclined downwardly toward the front and which is included in the elastic member17, and because of the friction force generated between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17, however, the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3are moved toward the rear relative to the elastic member17and the outer casing2over a predetermined range that corresponds to the angle of inclination of the road surface.

Because the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the rear relative to the elastic member17at this time, the length of the front-side inclined portion17abecomes long and the length of the rear-side inclined portion17bbecomes short. Additionally, because of the force exerted in the vertical direction by gravity on the storage case3, a force is exerted on the storage case3in a direction to incline the storage case3downwardly toward the front relative to the outer casing2. Thus, the weight of the storage case3and the stored article50causes the stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17ato increase and the stretch amount of the rear-side inclined portion17bto decrease, so that the storage case3is not inclined and maintains the equilibrium state.

Because the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state even when the traveling structure100travels along an uphill road, the stored article50stored in the storage case3is not inclined inside the storage case3and a favorable storage state of the stored article50can be achieved.

It is noted that the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19may not be moved toward the rear because the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the rear is restricted by the friction force between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17or the restriction force of the rear-side inclined portion17bunder the condition in which the traveling structure100travels along the uphill road (seeFIG. 9).

A force in a vertical direction V is exerted by gravity on the storage case3even under the above case. At this time, the front-side inclined portion17ais stretched in a direction P, which extends obliquely downwardly toward the rear and the rear-side inclined portion17bis stretched in a direction Q, which extends obliquely downwardly toward the front.

With the force exerted at this time on the storage case3in the vertical direction V, a component Vp acting in the direction in which the front-side inclined portion17ais stretched is set to be greater than a component Vq acting in the direction in which the rear-side inclined portion17bis stretched. Thus, the front-side inclined portion17ais stretched by the component Vp more than the rear-side inclined portion17b, so that the storage case3is inclined downwardly toward the front to a position close to the equilibrium state.

Thus, the storage case3is not likely to be inclined greatly relative to the equilibrium state and maintains a state close to the equilibrium state.

As such, the storage case3maintains a state close to the equilibrium state even when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are not moved toward the rear as the traveling structure100travels along an uphill road. Thus, the stored article50stored in the storage case3is not inclined greatly inside the storage case3, so that a favorable storage state of the stored article50is achieved.

Under a condition in which the traveling structure100travels along a downhill, the outer casing2and the elastic members17,17are brought into a state of being inclined downwardly toward the front (seeFIG. 10).

Thus, a force is exerted, by tare and weight of the storage case3and of the stored article50, on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, which are slidably supported by the elastic member17, to move the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the front relative to the elastic member17. A force is also exerted, by tare and weight of the stored article50, on the suspended storage case3to move the storage case3toward the front relative to the outer casing2. At this time, a force is exerted in the vertical direction by gravity on the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3.

Because the force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3to move the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3relatively toward the front as described above, the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are slid by the elastic member17to move toward the front and the storage case3is moved toward the front in response to the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19. Because of the front-side inclined portion17a, which is inclined downwardly toward the rear and which is included in the elastic member17, and because of the friction force generated between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17, however, the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3are moved toward the front relative to the elastic member17and the outer casing2over a predetermined range that corresponds to the angle of inclination of the road surface.

Because the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are moved toward the front relative to the elastic member17at this time, the length of the rear-side inclined portion17bbecomes long and the length of the front-side inclined portion17abecomes short. Additionally, because of the force exerted in the vertical direction by gravity on the storage case3, a force is exerted on the storage case3in a direction to incline the storage case3downwardly toward the rear relative to the outer casing2. Thus, the weight of the storage case3and the stored article50causes the stretch amount of the rear-side inclined portion17bto increase and the stretch amount of the front-side inclined portion17ato decrease, so that the storage case3is not inclined and maintains the equilibrium state.

Because the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state even when the traveling structure100travels along a downhill road, the stored article50stored in the storage case3is not inclined inside the storage case3and a favorable storage state of the stored article50can be achieved.

It is noted that the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19may not be moved toward the front because the movement of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19toward the front is restricted by the friction force between each of the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19and the elastic member17or the restriction force of the front-side inclined portion17aunder the condition in which the traveling structure100travels along the downhill road.

A force in the vertical direction is exerted by gravity on the storage case3in this case, too. In contrast to the case in which the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are not moved toward the rear when the traveling structure100travels along the uphill road, the component acting in the direction in which the rear-side inclined portion17bis stretched is set to be greater than the component acting in the direction in which the front-side inclined portion17ais stretched. Thus, the rear-side inclined portion17bis stretched more than the front-side inclined portion17aby the component of force exerted on the storage case3in the vertical direction, so that the storage case3is inclined downwardly toward the rear to a position close to the equilibrium state.

Thus, the storage case3is not likely to be inclined greatly relative to the equilibrium state and maintains a state close to the equilibrium state.

As such, the storage case3maintains a state close to the equilibrium state even when the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19are not moved toward the front as the traveling structure100travels along a downhill road. Thus, the stored article50stored in the storage case3is not inclined greatly inside the storage case3, so that a favorable storage state of the stored article50is achieved.

It is noted that the traveling structure100may be decelerated or accelerated while traveling along an uphill or downhill road. In such a case, the operation during deceleration or the operation during acceleration described above is performed under a condition in which the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state on the uphill or downhill road, to thereby ensure that the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state or a state close to the equilibrium state. Thus, the description of the operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100is decelerated or accelerated while traveling along an uphill or downhill road is omitted.

The following describes operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100inclines in the crosswise direction while, for example, making a right turn or a left turn. The operation of the conveying apparatus1is reversed between a leftward inclination and a rightward inclination. Thus, the following illustrates as an example the operation when the traveling structure100inclines to the right relative to a traveling direction (seeFIG. 11).

When the traveling structure100inclines to the right, the outer casing2and the elastic members17,17are brought into a state of being inclined to the right.

Thus, a force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19, which are rockably supported by the elastic member17, to rock the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19in the vertical direction (gravitational direction) by tare and weight of the storage case3and the stored article50. A force is also exerted on the suspended storage case3to rock the storage case3in the vertical direction by tare and weight of the stored article50.

Because the force is exerted on the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3to rock the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3in the vertical direction as described above, the front-side suspension device18, the rear-side suspension device19, and the storage case3are pivotally rocked in the vertical direction about the supported portion18band the supported portion19brelative to the outer casing2and the elastic member17.

The elastic member17on the left-hand side is located superior to the elastic member17on the right-hand side at this time, the storage case3, which is rocked in the vertical direction, is brought into a state of being inclined upwardly toward the left. Because of the force exerted on the storage case3to rock the storage case3in the vertical direction, however, a force exerted from the storage case3via the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19on the elastic member17on the left-hand side located at a higher position is greater than a force exerted from the storage case3via the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19on the elastic member17on the right-hand side located at a lower position. Thus, the elastic member17on the left-hand side is stretched more than the elastic member17on the right-hand side, so that the storage case3is inclined downwardly toward the left to a position close to the equilibrium state.

Thus, the storage case3is not inclined greatly relative to the vertical direction and maintains a state close to the equilibrium state.

As described above, the storage case3maintains a state close to the equilibrium state when the traveling structure100is inclined in the crosswise direction. Thus, the stored article50stored in the storage case3is not inclined greatly inside the storage case3and a favorable storage state of the stored article50is achieved.

It is noted that the traveling structure100, when in a state of being inclined in the crosswise direction, may be decelerated or accelerated. In such a case, the operation during deceleration or the operation during acceleration described above is performed under a condition in which the storage case3is inclined in the crosswise direction and maintains the equilibrium state, to thereby ensure that the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state or a state close to the equilibrium state. Thus, the description of the operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100in a state of being inclined in the crosswise direction is decelerated or accelerated is omitted.

In addition, the traveling structure100, when in a state of being inclined in the crosswise direction, may travel along an uphill or downhill road. In such a case, the operation during traveling along the uphill or downhill road described above is performed under a condition in which the storage case3is inclined in the crosswise direction and maintains the equilibrium state, to thereby ensure that the storage case3maintains the equilibrium state or a state close to the equilibrium state. Thus, the description of the operation of the conveying apparatus1when the traveling structure100, in the state of being inclined in the crosswise direction, travels along the uphill or downhill road is omitted.

The following describes a tension adjustment structure (seeFIGS. 12 to 16).

The conveying apparatus1may be provided with a tension adjustment structure that adjust tension of the elastic members17,17to a required tension value.

The tension adjustment structure, when provided, allows a position at which the storage case3is suspended with respect to the outer casing2and the state of the elastic member17being stretched while the traveling structure100is traveling to be varied through adjustment of tension of the elastic member17.

Thus, the inclination of the storage case3relative to the vertical direction can be reduced regardless of differences in conditions including weight of the stored article50, weight of the storage case3, positions of the elastic members17,17relative to the outer casing2or the storage case3, and the size of the storage case3relative to the outer casing2.

The following describes tension adjustment structures30,30A,30B, and30C having configurations different from each other.

The tension adjustment structure30is configured so as to include a plurality of attached portions20,20, . . . . The attached portions20,20are included in the elastic member17and spaced apart from each other or disposed continuously in the longitudinal direction (seeFIG. 12).

With the tension adjustment structure30, any specific attached portion20is mounted on the mounting protrusion106, which is disposed on the cargo deck104of the traveling structure100. The stretch amount of the elastic member17is thereby varied and tension in the elastic member17can be adjusted.

A tension adjustment structure30A includes a plurality of protrusions31,31, . . . and a plurality of protrusions32,32, . . . . The protrusions31,31, . . . and the protrusions32,32, . . . protrude outwardly from at least either one of the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2. The protrusions31,31, . . . are spaced apart vertically from each other and the protrusions32,32, . . . are spaced apart vertically from each other (seeFIG. 13).

The protrusions31,31, . . . and the protrusions32,32, . . . are disposed to be spaced apart from each other in the crosswise direction. The protrusions31,31, . . . are disposed at positions different from each other in the crosswise direction. The protrusions32,32, . . . are also disposed at positions different from each other in the crosswise direction, as with the protrusions31,31, . . . .

With the tension adjustment structure30A, the attached portion20of a first elastic member17is attached on any specific protrusion31and the attached portion20of a second elastic member17is attached on any specific protrusion32. The stretch amounts of the elastic members17,17are thereby varied, so that tension in the elastic member17can be adjusted.

In the tension adjustment structure30A, the protrusions31,31, . . . and the protrusions32,32, . . . are disposed at positions different from each other in the crosswise direction. It is noted that, when the attached portions20,20are mounted on any protrusions31and32other than the uppermost protrusions31and32, the elastic member17does not interfere with the protrusions31and32disposed superior to the protrusions31and32on which the attached portions20,20are mounted. This facilitates mounting of the elastic member17on the protrusions31and32and achieves a steady mounting condition of the elastic member17with respect to the protrusions31and32.

Additionally, when the tension adjustment structure30A is employed, the side on which the attached portion20is not mounted on the mounting protrusion106is mounted on the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1by any device other than the elastic member17.

A tension adjustment structure30B has a plurality of mounting holes33,33, . . . and a plurality of mounting holes34,34, . . . . The mounting holes33,33, . . . and the mounting holes34,34, are formed in at least either one of the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2. The mounting holes33,33, . . . are spaced apart vertically from each other and the mounting holes34,34, . . . are spaced apart vertically from each other. At least one end of each of the elastic members17,17has a mounting bracket35. The mounting bracket35is connected with the end of each of the elastic members17,17and has a distal end bent (seeFIG. 14).

The mounting holes33,33, . . . are spaced apart from the mounting holes34,34, . . . in the crosswise direction.

In the tension adjustment structure30B, the mounting bracket35of a first one of the elastic members17,17is inserted in any specific one of the mounting holes33,33, . . . and the mounting bracket35of a second one of the elastic members17,17is inserted in any specific one of the mounting holes34,34, . . . . Stretch amounts of the elastic members17,17are thereby varied, so that tension in the elastic members17,17can be adjusted.

It is noted that, when the tension adjustment structure30B is employed, the side on which the attached portion20is not mounted on the mounting protrusion106is mounted on the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1by any device other than the elastic member17.

A tension adjustment structure30C is configured to include mounting members36,36and locking portions37,37. The mounting members36,36and the locking portions37,37are disposed on at least either one of the front surface panel portion8and the rear surface panel portion9of the outer casing2. The mounting members36,36are spaced apart from each other in the crosswise direction. The locking portions37,37are disposed close to the respective mounting members36,36(seeFIGS. 15 and 16).

The mounting member36is supported on the front surface panel portion8or the rear surface panel portion9so as to be pivotally rotatable about a left end or a right end thereof. The mounting member36includes a holding portion36aat a center thereof. The holding portion36ais formed into, for example, a curved surface protruding outwardly.

The locking portion37is elastically deformable with respect to the front surface panel portion8or the rear surface panel portion9. The locking portion37includes a lock tab38disposed at a distal end thereof. The lock tab38has a lock surface38aand an inclined surface38b. The lock surface38afaces the front surface panel portion8or the rear surface panel portion9. The inclined surface38bjoins the lock surface38a.

In the tension adjustment structure30C, the mounting member36is rotated in a direction in which the mounting member36is closed from a condition in which the mounting member36is open with respect to the front surface panel portion8or the rear surface panel portion9, the extended portion21of the elastic member17is pressed by the holding portion36afrom the outside, and a distal end portion36bof the mounting member36is locked by the locking portion37. The elastic member17is thereby held by the mounting member36and mounted on the outer casing2.

The mounting member36is locked in the locking portion37as follows. Specifically, the distal end portion36bof the rotated mounting member36slides over the inclined surface38bto thereby cause the locking portion37to be elastically deformed. Further rotating the mounting member36causes the distal end portion36bto ride over the inclined surface38b. Then, the locking portion37elastically restores to an original shape to thereby bring the lock surface38ainto locking engagement with an outer surface of the distal end portion36b.

Under a condition in which the mounting member36is locked in the locking portion37and the elastic member17is held by the mounting member36to be mounted on the outer casing2, the extended portion21is clamped between, and crushed by, the front surface panel portion8or the rear surface panel portion9and the holding portion36aof the mounting member36.

The stretch amount of the elastic member17is varied depending on a position at which the extended portion21of the elastic member17is held by the holding portion36a, so that tension in the elastic member17can be adjusted.

It is noted that, when the tension adjustment structure30C is employed, the attached portion20may be mounted on the mounting protrusion106to thereby be mounted on the cargo deck104of the conveying apparatus1.

The following describes examples of other possible configurations of different parts.

The foregoing has been described for a case in which the box-shaped outer casing2is open upwardly. Instead of the outer casing2, an outer casing2A having a skeleton structure may be employed (seeFIG. 17). The outer casing2A includes a plurality of columnar members39,39, . . . and has a skeleton structure opening upwardly.

The use of the outer casing2A having the skeleton structure enables reduction in weight of the conveying apparatus1. In addition, the use of the outer casing2A allows vehicle traveling wind and natural wind to blow against the storage case3disposed inside through clearances in the columnar members39,39, . . . . This makes the configuration preferable for a case in which, for example, the stored article50stored in the storage case3needs cooling.

It is noted that the skeleton structure may be employed for the storage case3in order, for example, to achieve reduction in weight.

Under a condition in which the storage case3is suspended, preferably, the bridging portions22,22of the elastic members17,17are disposed at positions immediately above both ends in the crosswise direction, respectively, of the storage case3(seeFIG. 18).

The disposition of the bridging portions22,22at the positions immediately above both ends in the crosswise direction, respectively, of the storage case3under the condition in which the storage case3is suspended increases the distance between the elastic members17,17. The storage case3is thus held in a steady state and is hard to incline. A steady suspended state can thus be achieved for the storage case3by reducing inclination relative to the storage case3.

Additionally, because the elastic members17,17are less likely to interfere with the stored article50that is placed in and removed from the storage space3a, insertion and removal of the stored article50in and from the storage space3acan be smoothly performed.

It is noted that, in this case, the storage case3may be configured such that the front surface portion14and the rear surface portion15are supported by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19, respectively, and the supported holes may be formed in the side surface portions16,16and the side surface portions16,16may then be supported by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19, respectively.

Alternatively, under the condition in which the storage case3is suspended, the bridging portions22,22of the elastic members17,17are disposed at positions outside both ends in the crosswise direction, respectively, of the storage case3(seeFIG. 19).

The disposition of the bridging portions22,22at the positions outside both ends in the crosswise direction, respectively, of the storage case3under the condition in which the storage case3is suspended causes tensile forces of the elastic members17,17to be exerted on the storage case3in the crosswise direction. This prevents the storage case3from being deviated in the crosswise direction relative to the outer casing2and enables holding of the storage case3in a steady state.

Additionally, the conveying apparatus1may further include a lid member40. The lid member40closes or opens an opening in the storage case3(seeFIG. 20). The lid member40may be removable from the storage case3or supported by the storage case3.

The lid member40provided for opening or closing the opening in the storage case3improves a heat-retaining property when, for example, the stored article50stored in the storage space3ais food and prevents entry of dust, dirt, and rainwater, for example, in the storage space3aof the storage case3.

The foregoing has been described for a case in which the front-side suspension device18and the rear-side suspension device19include the connecting portions18aand19a, respectively. For the front-side suspension device and the rear-side suspension device, an S-shaped hook including a continuous arcuate portion may, for example, be used.

Still alternatively, a strap-shaped front-side suspension device18A and a strap-shaped rear-side suspension device19A may be used (seeFIG. 21). The use of the strap-shaped front-side suspension device18A and rear-side suspension device19A allows a length and a size of connecting portions18aand19a, supported portions18band19b, and supporting portions18cand19cto be varied depending on positions of knots. Thus, the position at which the storage case3is suspended relative to the outer casing2or2A can be readily changed depending on, for example, weight of the stored article50.

SUMMARY

As described above, the conveying apparatus1includes the stretchable elastic members17,17, which include bridging portions22,22bridging the both ends in the fore-aft direction of the outer casing2and which are spaced apart from each other in the crosswise direction, and the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19, which are pivotally supported on the elastic members17,17so as to be rockable about the supported portions18b,18b, and19b,19b. The storage case3is suspended on the elastic members17,17by the front-side suspension devices18,18and the rear-side suspension devices19,19under a condition in which a gap is available between the storage case3and the outer casing2.

Thus, while the traveling structure100is traveling, the storage case3is movable in the fore-aft direction relative to the outer casing2and is pivotally rockable about the supported portions18b,18b, and19b,19b. Thus, the storage case3is moved in a direction in which the storage case3is displaced in the vertical direction regardless of posture of the outer casing2, so that a steady storage condition can be achieved for the stored article50during traveling of the traveling structure100.

In addition, because the elastic members17,17are disposed to be in parallel with each other, the distance between the elastic members17,17remains constant at any position in the fore-aft direction. Thus, the storage case3is hard to incline with respect to the vertical direction and an even steadier storage condition can be achieved for the stored article50during traveling of the traveling structure100.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST