JP7793504B2 - Bucket folding device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a bucket folding device.

Patent Documents 1 and 2 disclose a bucket folding device. The bucket has a rectangular bottom plate and four side plates connected to each side of the bottom plate. In this folding device, each of the four side plates is folded while the bucket is transported on a conveyor.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-2465 Patent No. 6168289

However, the folding devices in Patent Documents 1 and 2 require the installation of a conveyor, which increases the size of the device.

The present invention aims to solve the above-mentioned problems.

An aspect of the present invention is a bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, respectively, and first and second long side plates connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, and which can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate. The folding device includes a first bucket placement section on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before it is folded, is placed, a second bucket placement section that is positioned lower than the first bucket placement section and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket, which is the bucket after it has been folded, and a second bucket placement section that is positioned lower than the first bucket placement section and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket, which is the bucket after it has been folded. The system includes a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folded bucket placed on a mounting unit toward the bottom plate, and a bucket moving unit that is provided below the first bucket mounting unit and inclined toward the second bucket mounting unit, and moves the folded bucket to the second bucket mounting unit. After the first short side plate and the second short side plate are folded by the folding unit at the first bucket mounting unit, the first long side plate and the second long side plate are folded in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket mounting unit to the bucket moving unit, and the folded bucket is moved to the second bucket mounting unit by the bucket moving unit.

This invention allows the bucket to be folded easily and reliably. Furthermore, the first bucket placement section, second bucket placement section, folding section, and bucket movement section can be arranged compactly. This allows the bucket to be folded in a space-saving manner. As a result, the folding device does not need to be large.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a folding device according to this embodiment. FIG. 2 is a left side view of the folding device. 3A and 3B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the folding unit. 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the folding unit. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the operation of the folding unit, and FIG. 5B is a diagram showing another operation of the folding unit. FIG. 6 is a plan view showing the first bucket placement portion and the lock portion. 7A is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIA-VIIA in FIG. 6, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along line VIIB-VIIB in FIG. 8A and 8B are diagrams showing the first bucket resting portion, the bucket moving portion, and the second bucket resting portion. 9A and 9B are diagrams showing the first bucket resting portion, the bucket moving portion, and the second bucket resting portion. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the switching unit. 11A and 11B are diagrams showing the second bucket rest portion and the third bucket rest portion. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the second bucket rest portion and the third bucket rest portion.

Figure 1 is a front view of a bucket folding device 10 according to this embodiment. Hereinafter, the bucket folding device 10 will be referred to as the folding device 10. In addition, in the following explanation, the direction in Figure 1 when looking at the folding device 10 will be considered rearward, and the front-rear, left-right, and up-down directions will be explained.

The folding device 10 according to this embodiment is a device for mechanically folding a bucket 12. Prior to describing the folding device 10, the bucket 12 to be folded will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2, etc.

The bucket 12 has a rectangular bottom plate 14 (see FIG. 8A). A first short side plate 18 and a second short side plate 20 are respectively connected to a pair of short sides 16 of the bottom plate 14 (see FIG. 2). A first long side plate 24 and a second long side plate 26 are respectively connected to a pair of long sides 22 of the bottom plate 14. The first long side plate 24 is connected to the first long side 28, which is one of the pair of long sides 22. The second long side plate 26 is connected to the second long side 30, which is the other of the pair of long sides 22. Therefore, the first short side plate 18, the second short side plate 20, the first long side plate 24, and the second long side plate 26 extend upward from each side of the bottom plate 14.

The bucket 12 can be folded by rotating the first short side panel 18, the second short side panel 20, the first long side panel 24, and the second long side panel 26 toward the bottom panel 14.

Specifically, a first recess 32 is formed on the outside of the first short side plate 18. A first engagement claw 34 is provided in the first recess 32. The first engagement claw 34 engages the first short side plate 18 with the first long side plate 24 and the second long side plate 26. The first engagement claw 34 moves toward the bottom plate 14, thereby releasing the engagement between the first short side plate 18 and the first long side plate 24 and the second long side plate 26.

A second recess 36 is formed on the outside of the second short side panel 20. A second engagement claw 38 is provided in the second recess 36. The second engagement claw 38 engages the second short side panel 20 with the first long side panel 24 and the second long side panel 26. The second engagement claw 38 moves toward the bottom panel 14, thereby releasing the engagement between the second short side panel 20 and the first long side panel 24 and the second long side panel 26.

When the first short side panel 18 is disengaged from the first long side panel 24 and the second long side panel 26, pressing the first short side panel 18 toward the second short side panel 20 causes the first short side panel 18 to fold toward the bottom panel 14. More specifically, the first short side panel 18 is folded toward the bottom panel 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom panel 14 connected to the first short side panel 18 serving as a fulcrum.

When the second short side panel 20 is disengaged from the first long side panel 24 and the second long side panel 26, pressing the second short side panel 20 toward the first short side panel 18 causes the second short side panel 20 to fold toward the bottom panel 14. More specifically, the second short side panel 20 is folded toward the bottom panel 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom panel 14 connected to the second short side panel 20 serving as a fulcrum.

When the first long side panel 24 is disengaged from the first short side panel 18 and the second short side panel 20, the first long side panel 24 can be folded toward the bottom panel 14 (see Figures 9A and 9B). Specifically, the first long side panel 24 can be folded toward the bottom panel 14, with the first long side 28 connected to the first long side panel 24 serving as a fulcrum.

When the second long side panel 26 is disengaged from the first short side panel 18 and the second short side panel 20, the second long side panel 26 can be folded toward the bottom panel 14 (see Figures 8B and 9A). Specifically, the second long side panel 26 can be folded toward the bottom panel 14, with the second long side 30 connected to the second long side panel 26 acting as a fulcrum.

A first rib 40 is formed in the vertical direction on the outside of the first short side panel 18. A second rib 42 is formed in the vertical direction on the outside of the second short side panel 20. Note that, in the side view of Figure 2, the first rib 40 and the second rib 42 are positioned at different positions in the front-to-back direction.

In the following description, the bucket 12 before folding will be referred to as the pre-folded bucket 44. The bucket 12 after folding will be referred to as the folded bucket 46.

Next, we will explain the configuration of the folding device 10 according to this embodiment.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the folding device 10 has a frame section 50, a first bucket mounting section 52, a second bucket mounting section 54, a folding section 56, a bucket moving section 58, a folding operation section 60, a first operating force transmission section 62, a second operating force transmission section 63, a locking section 64 (see Figure 6), an unlocking operation section 66, a release operation transmission section 68, a return operation section 70, a return operation transmission section 72, a third bucket mounting section 74, and a switching section 76.

The frame unit 50 is the base of the folding device 10. The frame unit 50 has a rectangular metal frame 80. The frame 80 extends horizontally. Frame members 82 extend forward from both the left and right sides of the frame 80. The left and right frame members 82 are metal pipes. Casters 84 are attached to the four corners of the frame 80 and to the front ends of the left and right frame members 82. The frame unit 50 is movable using the multiple casters 84.

A front support pillar 86 extending upward is provided at the front end of each of the left and right frame members 82. An intermediate support pillar 88 extending upward is provided at each connection point between the frame 80 and each of the left and right frame members 82. An upwardly extending rear support pillar 90 is provided at each end of the rear of the frame 80. The left and right front support pillars 86, the left and right intermediate support pillars 88, and the left and right rear support pillars 90 are made of metal pipes. The upper ends of the left and right front support pillars 86 and the upper ends of the left and right intermediate support pillars 88 are located higher than the upper ends of the left and right rear support pillars 90.

The left and right front support columns 86 are connected via multiple connecting members 92. The multiple connecting members 92 extend in the left-right direction at intervals in the up-down direction. The multiple connecting members 92 are metal pipes. Figure 1 illustrates a case in which four connecting members 92 connect the left and right front support columns 86.

The left front support column 86 and the left intermediate support column 88 are connected via multiple connecting members 94. The multiple connecting members 94 extend in the front-to-rear direction at intervals in the up-down direction. The multiple connecting members 94 are metal pipes. Figure 2 illustrates the case where five connecting members 94 connect the left front support column 86 and the left intermediate support column 88.

The right front support column 86 and the right intermediate support column 88 are connected via multiple connecting members 96. The multiple connecting members 96 extend in the front-to-rear direction at intervals in the up-down direction. The multiple connecting members 96 are metal pipes. In this embodiment, five connecting members 96 connect the right front support column 86 and the right intermediate support column 88. The five connecting members 96 on the right side are located at the same height as the five connecting members 94 on the left side.

The left and right intermediate supports 88 are connected via multiple connecting members 98. The multiple connecting members 98 extend in the left-right direction at intervals in the up-down direction. The multiple connecting members 98 are metal pipes. In this embodiment, three connecting members 98 connect the left and right intermediate supports 88.

A U-shaped frame 100 is attached to the left and right intermediate supports 88. In the plan view of Figure 6, the frame 100 is connected to the left and right intermediate supports 88 so as to surround the left and right intermediate supports 88 and one connecting member 98. As shown in Figure 2, the U-shaped frame 100 is positioned higher than the left and right rear supports 90.

The left intermediate support column 88 and the left rear support column 90 are connected via a connecting member 102. The right intermediate support column 88 and the right rear support column 90 are connected via a connecting member 104. The left and right connecting members 102, 104 extend in the front-to-rear direction. The left and right connecting members 102, 104 are metal pipes.

The upper ends of the left and right rear support columns 90 are connected via a connecting member 106. The connecting member 106 is a metal pipe.

The first bucket mounting section 52 is provided above the front of the folding device 10. The first bucket mounting section 52 is located at the top of a space surrounded by the left and right front support columns 86, the left and right intermediate support columns 88, and multiple connecting members 92, 94, 96, and 98. The pre-folding bucket 44 is mounted on the first bucket mounting section 52.

The second bucket mounting portion 54 is located at a lower position than the first bucket mounting portion 52. The second bucket mounting portion 54 is located at the top of the space surrounded by the left and right intermediate support columns 88, the left and right rear support columns 90, and multiple connecting members 98, 102, 104, and 106.

The folding section 56 folds the first short side panel 18 and the second short side panel 20 of the pre-folding bucket 44 placed on the first bucket placement section 52 toward the bottom panel 14.

The bucket moving section 58 is provided below the first bucket placing section 52 and inclined toward the second bucket placing section 54. The bucket moving section 58 is provided at a height position between the first bucket placing section 52 and the second bucket placing section 54, in a space surrounded by the left and right front support columns 86, the left and right intermediate support columns 88, and multiple connecting members 92, 94, 96, 98. The bucket moving section 58 moves the folded bucket 46 to the second bucket placing section 54. The second bucket placing section 54 can receive the folded bucket 46 from the bucket moving section 58 and place the folded bucket 46 thereon.

The third bucket mounting section 74 is located below the bucket moving section 58. The bucket moving section 58 is located lower than the bucket moving section 58 and the second bucket mounting section 54 in the space surrounded by the left and right front support columns 86, the left and right intermediate support columns 88, and multiple connecting members 92, 94, 96, 98. The third bucket mounting section 74 is capable of receiving a folded bucket 46 from the second bucket mounting section 54 and placing the folded bucket 46 thereon.

Specifically, the first bucket mounting section 52 has a first support section 110 and a second support section 112.

The first support portion 110 is part of one of the multiple connecting members 98 that connect the left and right intermediate supports 88. Therefore, the first support portion 110 extends in the left-right direction. The first support portion 110 is rotatable around the axis of the connecting member 98. The first support portion 110 has a first support plate 114 that protrudes radially outward. When the first support portion 110 is in a non-rotatable state, the first support plate 114 extends horizontally toward the front.

The second support portion 112 is one of the multiple connecting members 92 that connect the left and right front support columns 86. Therefore, the second support portion 112 is connected to the left and right front support columns 86 in a non-rotatable manner. The connecting member 92 that constitutes the second support portion 112 is located at the same height as the connecting member 98 that has the first support portion 110. The second support portion 112 has a second support plate 116 that protrudes radially outward toward the rear. The second support plate 116 extends horizontally toward the rear. When the first support portion 110 is in a non-rotatable state, the first support plate 114 and the second support plate 116 face each other.

The bucket 12 is placed on the first bucket placement section 52 in the state shown in Figures 1 and 2. That is, with the bottom plate 14 facing downward, the bucket 12 is placed on the first bucket placement section 52 so that the first short side plate 18 is on the left, the second short side plate 20 is on the right, the first long side plate 24 is at the rear, and the second long side plate 26 is at the front.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7A , when the first support portion 110 is in a non-rotatable state, it supports the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14 with a first support plate 114 extending horizontally. In the following description, the angular position of the first support portion 110 when the first support plate 114 supports the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14, as shown in FIG. 7A , is referred to as the support position. Also, as shown in FIG. 7B , when the first support portion 110 is in a rotatable state and support of the first long side 28 by the first support plate 114 is released, the angular position of the first support portion 110 is referred to as the release position. Therefore, the first support portion 110 can be moved between the support position and the release position. Note that the position of the first support plate 114 in the release position is lower than the position of the first support plate 114 in the support position. In the release position, the first support plate 114 extends downward.

The second support portion 112 supports the second long side 30 of the bottom plate 14 using the second support plate 116.

When the pre-folding bucket 44 is supported from below by the first support plate 114 and the second support plate 116, the first support portion 110 can contact the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14. The second support portion 112 can contact the second long side 30. This restricts the pre-folding bucket 44 from moving in the front-to-rear direction. In addition, the pre-folding bucket 44 is restricted from moving in the left-to-right direction by multiple connecting members 96, 98 that connect the left and right front support columns 86 and the left and right intermediate support columns 88.

As shown in Figures 2 and 3A, the folding portion 56 has a first release portion 118, a second release portion 120, a first pressing portion 122, and a second pressing portion 124.

The first release portion 118 and the first pressing portion 122 are arranged to face the first short side panel 18. Specifically, a portion of one of the multiple connecting members 94 connecting the left front support column 86 and the left intermediate support column 88 functions as the first pivoting portion 126. The first pivoting portion 126 is rotatable around the axis of the connecting member 94. The first release portion 118 and the first pressing portion 122 are attached to the first pivoting portion 126. The first release portion 118 is a claw portion that faces the first engagement claw 34. The first pressing portion 122 is a rod-shaped member that faces the first rib 40. The tip (lower end) of the first pressing portion 122 has a cushioning elastic member 123. The elastic member 123 does not necessarily have to be provided. A first spring member 128 is interposed between the first pivoting portion 126 and the connecting member 94 below the first pivoting portion 126.

The second release portion 120 and the second pressing portion 124 are arranged to face the second short side panel 20. Specifically, a portion of one of the multiple connecting members 96 connecting the right front support column 86 and the right intermediate support column 88 functions as the second pivoting portion 130. The second pivoting portion 130 is rotatable around the axis of the connecting member 96. The second release portion 120 and the second pressing portion 124 are attached to the second pivoting portion 130. The second release portion 120 is a claw portion that faces the second engagement claw 38. The second pressing portion 124 is a rod-shaped member that faces the second rib 42. The tip (lower end) of the second pressing portion 124 has a cushioning elastic member 125. Note that the elastic member 125 does not necessarily have to be provided. A second spring member 132 is interposed between the second pivoting portion 130 and the connecting member 96 below the second pivoting portion 130.

The folding operation unit 60 is provided at the front of the folding device 10 (see Figures 1 and 2). Specifically, two rails 134 are connected between the second support unit 112 and the connecting member 92 below the second support unit 112. The two rails 134 extend parallel to each other in the vertical direction. Each of the two rails 134 is provided with a slider 136 that slides vertically along the rail 134. The folding operation unit 60 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the horizontal direction and connects the two sliders 136. The folding operation unit 60 is a lever that is operated by the user.

The left slider 136 and the first pressing portion 122 are connected via a first operating force transmission portion 62. The first operating force transmission portion 62 is a string-like or wire-like member. Pulleys 138 are rotatably attached to the second support portion 112, the left front support column 86, and the left connecting member 94. The first operating force transmission portion 62 is stretched across each pulley 138.

The right slider 136 and the second pressing portion 124 are connected via a second operating force transmission portion 63. The second operating force transmission portion 63 is a string-like or wire-like member. Pulleys 140 are rotatably attached to the second support portion 112, the right front support column 86, and the right connecting member 94. The second operating force transmission portion 63 is stretched across each pulley 140.

1, when the user presses down on the folding operation unit 60, the two sliders 136 slide downward along the two rails 134. This pulls the first pressing unit 122 (see FIG. 3A) via the first operating force transmission unit 62. As a result, as shown in FIG. 3B, the first rotating unit 126 rotates the first release unit 118 toward the first engagement claw 34 against the spring force of the first spring member 128. As the first rotating unit 126 rotates, the first release unit 118 enters the first recess 32 and contacts the first engagement claw 34, thereby pressing down the first engagement claw 34 (see FIG. 4A). Pressing down the first engagement claw 34 releases the engagement between the first short side panel 18 and the first long side panel 24 and second long side panel 26.

When the user presses down on the folding operation unit 60, the second pressing unit 124 is pulled via the second operating force transmission unit 63. As a result, the second pivoting unit 130 rotates the second release unit 120 toward the second engagement claw 38 against the spring force of the second spring member 132. As the second pivoting unit 130 rotates, the second release unit 120 enters the second recess 36 and comes into contact with the second engagement claw 38, pressing down the second engagement claw 38. As the second engagement claw 38 is pressed down, the engagement between the second short side plate 20 and the first long side plate 24 and second long side plate 26 is released.

When the user releases the folding operation unit 60, the folding operation unit 60 returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 1 due to the spring forces of the first spring member 128 and the second spring member 132. The first pivoting unit 126 also returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 3A due to the spring force of the first spring member 128. At this time, as shown in FIG. 4B, the first pivoting unit 126 pivots around the axis of the connecting member 94, and the tip (lower end) of the first pressing unit 122 presses against the first short side plate 18 (specifically, the first rib 40 (see FIG. 2)). As shown in FIG. 5A, due to the pressing force from the first pressing unit 122, the first short side plate 18 pivots toward the bottom plate 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom plate 14 connected to the first short side plate 18 as a fulcrum. This causes the first short side plate 18 to fold onto the bottom plate 14. In this case, if the tip of the first pressing portion 122 is an elastic member 123, it is possible to prevent the first short side panel 18 from being damaged by the impact received from the tip of the first pressing portion 122.

The second pivoting portion 130 also returns to its initial position due to the spring force of the second spring member 132. At this time, the second pivoting portion 130 pivots around the axis of the connecting member 96, and the tip (lower end) of the second pressing portion 124 presses against the second short side plate 20 (specifically, the second rib 42 (see Figure 2)). The pressing force from the second pressing portion 124 causes the second short side plate 20 to pivot toward the bottom plate 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom plate 14 connected to the second short side plate 20 as the fulcrum. This causes the second short side plate 20 to fold onto the bottom plate 14. In this case, if the tip of the second pressing portion 124 is an elastic member 125, damage to the second short side plate 20 due to the impact from the tip of the second pressing portion 124 can be prevented.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5B, the first release portion 118 may also function as the first pressing portion 122, and the second release portion 120 may also function as the second pressing portion 124. In this case, after the engagement between the first short side plate 18 and the first long side plate 24 and second long side plate 26 is released, if the first pivot portion 126 further rotates, the first release portion 118 presses the first short side plate 18. Due to the pressing force from the first release portion 118, the first short side plate 18 rotates toward the bottom plate 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom plate 14 connected to the first short side plate 18 as a fulcrum. As a result, the first short side plate 18 is folded onto the bottom plate 14. Similarly, if the second pivot portion 130 further rotates, the second release portion 120 presses the second short side plate 20. The pressing force from the second release part 120 causes the second short side panel 20 to rotate toward the bottom panel 14, with the short side 16 of the bottom panel 14 connected to the second short side panel 20 as a fulcrum. This causes the second short side panel 20 to fold onto the bottom panel 14. In this case as well, when the user releases the folding operation part 60, the first rotation part 126 returns to the initial position shown in FIG. 3A due to the spring force of the first spring member 128. The second rotation part 130 also returns to the initial position due to the spring force of the second spring member 132.

The locking portion 64 restrains the first support portion 110 in the support position. Specifically, as shown in Figures 6 to 7B, the locking portion 64 is provided on the U-shaped frame 100. The locking portion 64 has an engagement claw 150. As shown in Figure 7A, the first support portion 110 has multiple protrusions 152 that protrude radially outward. The multiple protrusions 152 are provided at regular angular intervals. In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 152 are provided on the first support portion 110 at 90° intervals. The first support portion 110 rotates around the axis of the connecting member 98 so that the first support plate 114 faces downward. Therefore, the engagement claw 150 engages from above with the multiple protrusions 152 formed on the opposite side of the first support plate 114.

The unlocking operation unit 66 is provided on the right front support column 86 (see Figure 1). The unlocking operation unit 66 is a lever connected to a slider 154 that slides along the right front support column 86. The unlocking operation unit 66 is a lever that is operated by the user.

The engagement claw 150 of the locking unit 64 and the unlocking operation unit 66 are connected via a release operation transmission unit 68. The release operation transmission unit 68 is a string-like or wire-like member. Multiple pulleys 156 are rotatably attached to the connecting member 92 and the U-shaped frame 100. The release operation transmission unit 68 is stretched across each pulley 156.

When the user presses down on the unlocking operation unit 66, the engagement claw 150 of the locking unit 64 is pulled via the unlocking operation transmission unit 68 (see Figure 7B). The engagement claw 150 rotates around the shaft 158 extending in the left-right direction against the spring force of the spring member (not shown) so as to move away from the first support unit 110. This releases the engagement between the engagement claw 150 and the protrusion 152, and the locking unit 64 releases its hold on the first support unit 110. As a result, the first support unit 110 rotates around the axis of the connecting member 98 and moves from the support position shown in Figure 7A to the release position shown in Figure 7B.

The return operation unit 70 is provided on the left front support column 86 (see Figure 1). The return operation unit 70 is a lever connected to a slider 160 that slides along the left front support column 86. The return operation unit 70 is a lever operated by the user. A spring member 162 is interposed between the return operation unit 70 and the left front support column 86.

The first support part 110 and the return operation part 70 are connected via a return operation transmission part 72. One end of the return operation transmission part 72 is connected to the slider 160. The other end of the return operation transmission part 72 is connected to a connecting part 164 provided on the first support part 110 (see Figure 6). The connecting part 164 is provided on the opposite side of the first support part 110 from the first support plate 114. The return operation transmission part 72 is a string-like or wire-like member. Multiple pulleys 166 are rotatably attached to the left front support column 86 and the U-shaped frame 100. The return operation transmission part 72 is stretched across each pulley 166.

When the user presses down on the reset operation unit 70 against the spring force of the spring member 162 while the reset operation unit 70 is in the initial position shown in FIG. 1, the connecting portion 164 is pulled via the reset operation transmission unit 72. The first support unit 110 rotates so that the first support plate 114 faces the second support unit 112. This causes the first support unit 110 to return to the support position shown in FIG. 7A. When the user releases the reset operation unit 70, the spring force of the spring member 162 causes the reset operation unit 70 to return to its initial position.

The bucket moving section 58 has two support columns 170 and two support members 172 (see Figures 1 and 2). The two support columns 170 are provided between the second support section 112 and the connecting member 92 below the second support section 112. The two support columns 170 extend upward from the connecting member 92, spaced apart in the left-right direction. The two support members 172 are metal pipes with flat upper surfaces. One end of the left support member 172 is connected to the upper end of the left support column 170. The other end of the left support member 172 is connected to the connecting member 98 below the first support section 110. One end of the right support member 172 is connected to the upper end of the right support column 170. The other end of the right support member 172 is connected to the connecting member 98 below the first support section 110. Therefore, one end of the left and right support members 172 is positioned slightly below the first support portion 110. The other end of the left and right support members 172 connects to the front end of the second bucket mounting portion 54. In other words, the left and right support members 172 are inclined diagonally downward from the front to the rear.

In this embodiment, the first short side plate 18 and the second short side plate 20 are folded by the folding section 56 at the first bucket mounting section 52, and then the first long side plate 24 and the second long side plate 26 are folded in the process of moving the bucket 12 from the first bucket mounting section 52 to the bucket moving section 58.

Specifically, when the engagement claw 150 of the locking portion 64 and the protrusion 152 of the first support portion 110 are disengaged, the first support portion 110 rotates and changes from the support position shown in FIG. 7A to the release position shown in FIG. 7B. This causes the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14 to fall toward the bucket moving portion 58 (see FIGS. 8A and 8B). As the first long side 28 falls toward the bucket moving portion 58, the bottom plate 14 tilts relative to the horizontal. This causes the second long side plate 26 to fold toward the bottom plate 14 under its own weight, with the second long side 30 as a fulcrum. In this case, the second long side plate 26 is folded toward the bottom plate 14 before the first long side plate 24 is folded toward the bottom plate 14.

Furthermore, when the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14 falls toward the bucket moving section 58, the first support section 110 abuts against the first long side plate 24 (see Figure 9A). This presses the first long side plate 24 toward the second long side plate 26, and the first long side plate 24 is folded toward the bottom plate 14, with the first long side 28 as a fulcrum.

The bucket moving section 58 moves the folded bucket 46 to the second bucket placing section 54. As described above, the two support members 172 are inclined downward from the first support section 110 toward the second bucket placing section 54, allowing the folded bucket 46 to be moved smoothly to the second bucket placing section 54 (see Figure 9B).

The second bucket placement section 54 has two roller conveyors 180. One end of each roller conveyor 180 is connected to a connecting member 106 that connects the upper ends of the left and right rear support columns 90 (see Figure 2). The two roller conveyors 180 are connected to the connecting member 106 at a distance in the left-right direction. One end of each roller conveyor 180 is connected below the connecting member 106. The two roller conveyors 180 are journaled on the connecting member 106. The other ends of each roller conveyor 180 are connected to a connecting rod 182 that extends in the left-right direction. The connecting rod 182 is located at the rear end of the bucket moving section 58. A support rod 184 is connected to the left end of the connecting rod 182. The support rod 184 extends forward from the left end of the connecting rod 182.

The second bucket placing section 54 can change its angle between a first position shown in Figures 8A to 9B and a second position shown in Figures 11A and 11B by rotating the two roller conveyors 180. The first position is a position in which a folded bucket 46 can be received from the bucket moving section 58. The second position is a position in which the second bucket placing section 54 is inclined diagonally downward toward the third bucket placing section 74. The switching section 76 switches the second bucket placing section 54 between the first position and the second position.

Specifically, the switching unit 76 has a holding unit 186, a switching operation unit 188, and a switching operation transmission unit 190 (see Figures 1 and 2).

The retaining portion 186 is provided on the left connecting member 94. As shown in Figures 10A and 10B, the retaining portion 186 has an engaging claw 192. As shown in Figure 10A, in a front view, the support rod 184 has multiple protrusions 194 that protrude radially outward. The multiple protrusions 194 are provided at regular angular intervals. In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 194 are provided on the support rod 184 at 90° intervals. The engaging claw 192 supports one of the multiple protrusions 194 that faces the connecting member 94 from below. The engaging claw 192 of the retaining portion 186 supports the protrusion 194 of the support rod 184 from below, thereby restraining the second bucket mounting portion 54 in the first position.

As shown in FIG. 1, the switching operation unit 188 is provided on the left support column 170. The switching operation unit 188 is a lever connected to a slider 196 that slides along the left support column 170. The switching operation unit 188 is a lever that is operated by the user. A spring member 198 is interposed between the left support column 170 and the switching operation unit 188.

The engagement claw 192 of the holding portion 186 (see Figures 10A and 10B) and the switching operation portion 188 are connected via a switching operation transmission portion 190. The switching operation transmission portion 190 is a string-like or wire-like member. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, multiple pulleys 200 are rotatably attached to the left support column 170, the left front support column 86, and the left connecting member 94. The switching operation transmission portion 190 is stretched across each pulley 200.

Rails 202 extending in the vertical direction are connected to the left and right front support columns 86, respectively. Both ends of the two rails 202 are fixed to the front support columns 86 at a position lower than the second bucket mounting section 54. A weight 204 is attached to each of the two rails 202 so that it can slide vertically along the rail 202.

Each of the left and right weights 204 is connected to the connecting rod 182 (see Figure 2) via a motion transmission part 206. The motion transmission part 206 is a string-like or wire-like member. Multiple pulleys 208 are rotatably attached to the left and right connecting members 94, 96 and the U-shaped frame 100. The motion transmission part 206 is stretched across each pulley 208.

When the user does not operate the switching operation unit 188, the spring force of the spring member 198 keeps the switching operation unit 188 in the initial position shown in FIG. 1. Furthermore, the connecting rod 182 of the second bucket mounting portion 54 is pulled upward by the load of the two weights 204 via the motion transmission unit 206. This holds the second bucket mounting portion 54 in the first position shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 8A to 9B. Furthermore, the engaging claw 192 of the holding portion 186 supports the protrusion 194 of the support rod 184 from below, thereby restraining the second bucket mounting portion 54 in the first position.

When the switching operation unit 188 is positioned in its initial position and a folded bucket 46 is placed on the second bucket placement unit 54, and the user presses down on the switching operation unit 188 against the spring force of the spring member 198, the engagement claw 192 (see FIG. 10A) of the holding unit 186 is pulled via the switching operation transmission unit 190. The engagement claw 192 rotates around the shaft 209 and away from the support rod 184. As a result, as shown in FIG. 10B, the engagement between the engagement claw 192 and the protrusion 194 is released, and the holding unit 186 is no longer restraining the support rod 184. Due to the weight of the folded bucket 46 (see FIG. 9B), the second bucket placement unit 54 rotates around one end of the two roller conveyors 180 as a fulcrum against the weight of the weight 204 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). As a result, the weight 204 slides upward along the rail 202, and the second bucket rest 54 is displaced to the second position shown in FIG. 11A. As a result, the folded bucket 46 moves from the second bucket rest 54 to the third bucket rest 74, as shown in FIG. 11B.

As shown in FIG. 12, when the folded bucket 46 moves from the second bucket mounting portion 54 to the third bucket mounting portion 74, the load of the two weights 204 causes the second bucket mounting portion 54 to return to the first position (see FIG. 2). When the user releases the switching operation portion 188, the spring force of the spring member 198 causes the switching operation portion 188 to return to the initial position shown in FIG. 1. As a result, the engaging claw 192 of the holding portion 186 supports the protrusion 194 of the support rod 184 from below (see FIG. 10A).

As shown in FIG. 2, the third bucket placement section 74, like the second bucket placement section 54, has two roller conveyors 210. The two roller conveyors 210 are connected to two connecting members 92, 98 below the bucket moving section 58, spaced apart in the left-right direction. One end of the two roller conveyors 210 is connected to the other end of the second bucket placement section 54 in the second posture. One end of the two roller conveyors 210 is connected to the connecting member 98 that connects the left and right intermediate support columns 88. The other ends of the two roller conveyors 210 are connected to the connecting member 92 that connects the left and right front support columns 86. The two roller conveyors 210 are inclined downward from one end to the other end.

Next, we will explain the operation of the folding device 10 according to this embodiment.

First, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the user places the pre-folding bucket 44 on the first bucket placement section 52.

Next, the user presses down on the folding operation unit 60. This causes the first pivoting unit 126 and the second pivoting unit 130 to pivot against the spring forces of the first spring member 128 and the second spring member 132, respectively (see FIG. 3B). As a result, the first release unit 118 contacts the first engagement claw 34 and presses down the first engagement claw 34, thereby disengaging the first short side plate 18 from the first long side plate 24 and the second long side plate 26 (see FIG. 4A). Furthermore, the second release unit 120 contacts the second engagement claw 38 and presses down the second engagement claw 38, thereby disengaging the second short side plate 20 from the first long side plate 24 and the second long side plate 26.

Next, when the user releases the folding operation unit 60, the first pivoting unit 126 and the second pivoting unit 130 each pivot in opposite directions due to the spring forces of the first spring member 128 and the second spring member 132. As a result, the first pressing unit 122 presses the first short side plate 18 (see FIG. 4B), causing the first short side plate 18 to pivot toward the bottom plate 14 (see FIG. 5A). As a result, the first short side plate 18 is folded onto the bottom plate 14. Similarly, the second pressing unit 124 presses the second short side plate 20, causing the second short side plate 20 to pivot toward the bottom plate 14. As a result, the second short side plate 20 is folded onto the bottom plate 14.

Next, the user presses down on the unlocking operation unit 66 (see Figure 1). This causes the engagement claw 150 of the locking unit 64 to rotate, disengaging the engagement claw 150 from the protrusion 152 of the first support unit 110 (see Figure 7B). As a result, the locking unit 64 releases its hold on the first support unit 110, and the first support unit 110 moves from the support position to the release position.

When the first support portion 110 changes from the support position to the release position, the first long side 28 of the bottom plate 14 is released from its support by the first support portion 110 and begins to fall toward the bucket moving portion 58 (see Figure 8B). This causes the bottom plate 14 to tilt relative to the horizontal, and the second long side plate 26 is folded toward the bottom plate 14 under its own weight. When the bottom plate 14 then falls onto the bucket moving portion 58, the bucket 12 begins to slide diagonally along the bucket moving portion 58 toward the second bucket placing portion 54. At this time, the first long side plate 24 is pushed by the first support portion 110 in conjunction with the relative displacement between the first support portion 110 and the bottom plate 14. As a result, the first long side plate 24 is folded (see Figure 9A). This causes the bucket 12 to become a folded bucket 46.

The bucket moving section 58 moves the folded bucket 46 to the second bucket placing section 54 using the folded bucket 46's own weight (see Figure 9B). The second bucket placing section 54 receives the folded bucket 46 moved from the bucket moving section 58 in the first position. The folded bucket 46 is restricted from moving forward and backward by connecting members 106 (see Figure 2) connected to two roller conveyors 180.

Next, the user presses down the switching operation unit 188 (see Figure 1). This rotates the engagement claw 192 of the holding unit 186, disengaging the engagement claw 192 from the protrusion 194 of the support rod 184 (see Figure 10B). As a result, the second bucket mounting unit 54 changes from the first position to the second position due to the load of the folded bucket 46, against the load of the weight 204 (see Figure 11A). The folded bucket 46 begins to move, under its own weight, from the second bucket mounting unit 54, which has changed to the second position, to the third bucket mounting unit 74 (see Figure 11B). The folded bucket 46 then moves to the third bucket mounting unit 74 (see Figure 12).

When the folded bucket 46 moves to the third bucket placement section 74, the second bucket placement section 54 is released from the state of being pressed by the folded bucket 46. As a result, the load of the weight 204 causes the second bucket placement section 54 to return from the second position to the first position (see Figure 2).

When the user releases the switching operation unit 188, the engagement claw 192 of the holding unit 186 returns to the initial position shown in Figure 10A and supports the support rod 184 from below. This maintains the second bucket mounting unit 54 in the first position.

Next, the user presses down the return operation unit 70 (see Figure 1). This causes the first support unit 110 to return to the support position shown in Figure 7A. As a result, the protrusion 152 of the first support unit 110 engages with the engagement claw 150 of the lock unit 64. This allows the user to place the next pre-folded bucket 44 on the first bucket placement unit 52.

The invention that can be understood from the above embodiments is described below.

This aspect of the present invention is a folding device (10) for a bucket (12) that has a rectangular bottom plate (14), a first short side plate (18) and a second short side plate (20) respectively connected to a pair of short sides (16) of the bottom plate, and a first long side plate (24) and a second long side plate (26) respectively connected to a pair of long sides (22) of the bottom plate, and that can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate. The folding device includes a first bucket placement section (52) on which a pre-folded bucket (44) is placed before being folded, and a second bucket placement section (53) that is positioned lower than the first bucket placement section and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket (46) after folding. The system comprises a second bucket placing section (54), a folding section (56) that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the unfolded bucket placed on the first bucket placing section toward the bottom plate, and a bucket moving section (58) that is provided below the first bucket placing section and inclined toward the second bucket placing section and moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing section. After the first short side plate and the second short side plate are folded by the folding section at the first bucket placing section, the first long side plate and the second long side plate are folded in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket placing section to the bucket moving section, and the folded bucket is moved to the second bucket placing section by the bucket moving section.

This invention allows the bucket to be folded easily and reliably. Furthermore, the first bucket placement section, second bucket placement section, folding section, and bucket movement section can be arranged in a compact manner. This allows the bucket to be folded in a space-saving manner. As a result, the folding device does not need to be large.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first short side plate may be provided with a first engagement claw (34) for engaging the first short side plate with the first long side plate and the second long side plate, and the second short side plate may be provided with a second engagement claw (38) for engaging the second short side plate with the first long side plate and the second long side plate, and the folding section may have a first release portion (118) for releasing the engagement between the first short side plate and the first long side plate and the second long side plate by the first engagement claw, and a second release portion (120) for releasing the engagement between the second short side plate and the first long side plate and the second long side plate by the second engagement claw.

This allows the first and second short side panels to be easily folded toward the bottom panel.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding section may have a first pressing section (122) that presses the first short side plate, which has been disengaged from the first long side plate and the second long side plate, toward the second short side plate, and a second pressing section (124) that presses the second short side plate, which has been disengaged from the first long side plate and the second long side plate, toward the first short side plate.

This allows the first and second short side panels to be reliably folded toward the bottom panel.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding device further includes a folding operation unit (60) operated by a user, and an operating force transmission unit (62, 63) that mechanically transmits the movement of the folding operation unit to the folding unit, and the folding unit may fold the first short side panel and the second short side panel toward the bottom panel based on the user's operation of the folding operation unit.

This allows the user to easily and reliably fold the first and second short side panels simply by operating the folding operation unit.

In one aspect of the present invention, the first bucket mounting section has a first support portion (110) that supports a first long side (28), which is one of the pair of long sides of the bottom plate, and a second support portion (112) that supports a second long side (30), which is the other of the pair of long sides of the bottom plate. The first support portion is displaceable between a support position that supports the first long side of the pre-folding bucket and a release position that releases support for the first long side. When the first support portion displaces from the support position to the release position and the first long side is dropped onto the bucket moving section, the first support portion abuts against the first long side plate, folding the first long side plate toward the bottom plate. When the bottom plate tilts relative to the horizontal direction as the first long side is dropped onto the bucket moving section, the weight of the second long side plate may fold the second long side plate toward the bottom plate before the first long side plate is folded toward the bottom plate.

This allows the first long side panel to be folded first, then the second long side panel.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding device further includes a locking unit (64) that restrains the first support unit at the support position, an unlocking operation unit (66) that is operated by the user, and a release operation transmission unit (68) that mechanically transmits the movement of the unlocking operation unit to the locking unit; and when the user operates the unlocking operation unit, the locking unit releases the restraint on the first support unit, allowing the first support unit to be displaced to the release position.

This allows the user to easily and reliably move the bucket from the first bucket placement section to the bucket movement section simply by operating the unlocking operation section.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding device further includes a return operation unit (70) operated by the user, and a return operation transmission unit (72) that mechanically transmits the movement of the return operation unit to the first support unit, and the first support unit returns to the support position as the user operates the return operation unit.

This allows the user to easily and reliably return the first support section to the support position simply by operating the return operation section. This allows the next bucket to be smoothly placed on the first bucket placement section.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding device further includes a third bucket mounting section (74) that is disposed below the bucket moving section and is capable of receiving the folded bucket from the second bucket mounting section and placing the folded bucket thereon, and the second bucket mounting section can be angle-changed between a first position in which it can receive the folded bucket from the bucket moving section, and a second position in which it tilts downward toward the third bucket mounting section.

This makes it easier for users to remove the folded bucket.

In one aspect of the present invention, the folding device further includes a switching unit (76) that switches the second bucket mounting unit between the first position and the second position, and the switching unit has a holding unit (186) that restrains the second bucket mounting unit in the first position, a switching operation unit (188) that is operated by the user, and a switching operation transmission unit (190) that mechanically transmits the movement of the switching operation unit to the holding unit, and when the user operates the switching operation unit, the restraint of the second bucket mounting unit by the holding unit is released, allowing the second bucket mounting unit to be displaced to the second position.

This allows the user to easily and reliably move the folded bucket from the second bucket rest to the third bucket rest simply by operating the switching operation unit.

The present invention is not limited to the above disclosure, and various configurations may be adopted without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10... Folding device 12... Bucket 14... Bottom plate 16... Short side 18... First short side plate 20... Second short side plate 22... Long side 24... First long side plate 26... Second long side plate 44... Pre-folded bucket 46... Folded bucket 52... First bucket placing section 54... Second bucket placing section 56... Folding section 58... Bucket moving section

Claims (9)

A bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates respectively connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, and first and second long side plates respectively connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bucket can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate,
a first bucket placement portion on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before being folded, is placed;
a second bucket placement portion that is disposed at a lower position than the first bucket placement portion and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket that is the bucket after folding;
a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folding bucket placed on the first bucket placement unit toward the bottom plate;
a bucket moving unit that is disposed directly below the first bucket placing unit and is inclined toward the second bucket placing unit, and that moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing unit;
Equipped with
a bucket folding device in which, after folding the first short side plate and the second short side plate by the folding unit at the first bucket placing unit, the bucket is dropped directly below the first bucket placing unit, thereby folding the first long side plate and the second long side plate in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket placing unit to the bucket moving unit, and the folded bucket is moved to the second bucket placing unit by the bucket moving unit. A bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates respectively connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, and first and second long side plates respectively connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bucket can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate ,
a first bucket placement portion on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before being folded, is placed;
a second bucket placement portion that is disposed at a lower position than the first bucket placement portion and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket that is the bucket after folding;
a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folding bucket placed on the first bucket placement unit toward the bottom plate;
a bucket moving unit that is provided below the first bucket placing unit and inclined toward the second bucket placing unit, and that moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing unit;
Equipped with
after folding the first short side plate and the second short side plate by the folding unit at the first bucket mounting unit, folding the first long side plate and the second long side plate in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket mounting unit to the bucket moving unit, and moving the folded bucket to the second bucket mounting unit by the bucket moving unit;
The first short side plate is provided with a first engaging claw for engaging the first short side plate with the first long side plate and the second long side plate,
The second short side plate is provided with a second engaging claw for engaging the second short side plate with the first long side plate and the second long side plate,
The folding portion is
a first release portion for releasing the engagement state between the first short side plate and the first long side plate and the second long side plate by the first engagement claw;
a second release portion for releasing the engagement between the second short side plate and the first long side plate and the second long side plate by the second engagement claw;
A bucket folding device having: 3. The bucket folding device according to claim 2,
The folding portion is
a first pressing portion that presses the first short side plate, which has been disengaged from the first long side plate and the second long side plate, toward the second short side plate;
a second pressing portion that presses the second short side plate, which has been disengaged from the first long side plate and the second long side plate, toward the first short side plate;
A bucket folding device having: A bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates respectively connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, and first and second long side plates respectively connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bucket can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate ,
a first bucket placement portion on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before being folded, is placed;
a second bucket placement portion that is disposed at a lower position than the first bucket placement portion and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket that is the bucket after folding;
a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folding bucket placed on the first bucket placement unit toward the bottom plate;
a bucket moving unit that is provided below the first bucket placing unit and inclined toward the second bucket placing unit, and that moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing unit;
a folding operation unit to be operated by a user;
an operating force transmission unit that mechanically transmits the movement of the folding operation unit to the folding unit;
Equipped with
after folding the first short side plate and the second short side plate by the folding unit at the first bucket mounting unit, folding the first long side plate and the second long side plate in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket mounting unit to the bucket moving unit, and moving the folded bucket to the second bucket mounting unit by the bucket moving unit;
The folding unit folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate toward the bottom plate based on the user's operation of the folding operation unit. A bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates respectively connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, and first and second long side plates respectively connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bucket can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate ,
a first bucket placement portion on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before being folded, is placed;
a second bucket placement portion that is disposed at a lower position than the first bucket placement portion and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket that is the bucket after folding;
a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folding bucket placed on the first bucket placement unit toward the bottom plate;
a bucket moving unit that is provided below the first bucket placing unit and inclined toward the second bucket placing unit, and that moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing unit;
Equipped with
after folding the first short side plate and the second short side plate by the folding unit at the first bucket mounting unit, folding the first long side plate and the second long side plate in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket mounting unit to the bucket moving unit, and moving the folded bucket to the second bucket mounting unit by the bucket moving unit;
The first bucket placement portion is
a first support portion that supports a first long side, which is one of the pair of long sides of the bottom plate;
a second support portion that supports a second long side of the bottom plate, the second long side being the other of the pair of long sides;
and
the first support portion is displaceable between a support position that supports the first long side of the unfolded bucket and a release position that releases support for the first long side,
When the first support portion is displaced from the support position to the release position and the first long side is dropped onto the bucket moving portion, the first support portion abuts against the first long side plate, thereby folding the first long side plate toward the bottom plate,
When the bottom plate is tilted relative to the horizontal direction as the first long side is dropped onto the bucket moving section, the second long side plate is folded toward the bottom plate by its own weight before the first long side plate is folded toward the bottom plate. 6. The bucket folding device according to claim 5,
a locking portion that restrains the first support portion at the support position;
an unlocking operation unit to be operated by a user;
an unlocking operation transmitting unit that mechanically transmits the movement of the unlocking operation unit to the locking unit;
Furthermore,
When the user operates the unlocking operation unit, the locking unit releases the constraint on the first support unit, allowing the first support unit to be displaced to the release position. 7. The bucket folding device according to claim 6,
a return operation unit to be operated by the user;
a return operation transmission unit that mechanically transmits the movement of the return operation unit to the first support unit;
Furthermore,
The bucket folding device, wherein the first support portion returns to the support position in response to the user operating the return operation portion. A bucket folding device having a rectangular bottom plate, first and second short side plates respectively connected to a pair of short sides of the bottom plate, and first and second long side plates respectively connected to a pair of long sides of the bottom plate, wherein the bucket can be folded by rotating the first short side plate, the second short side plate, the first long side plate, and the second long side plate toward the bottom plate ,
a first bucket placement portion on which a pre-folded bucket, which is the bucket before being folded, is placed;
a second bucket placement portion that is disposed at a lower position than the first bucket placement portion and is capable of receiving and placing a folded bucket that is the bucket after folding;
a folding unit that folds the first short side plate and the second short side plate of the pre-folding bucket placed on the first bucket placement unit toward the bottom plate;
a bucket moving unit that is provided below the first bucket placing unit and inclined toward the second bucket placing unit, and that moves the folded bucket to the second bucket placing unit;
a third bucket placing section that is disposed below the bucket moving section and that is capable of receiving the folded bucket from the second bucket placing section and placing the folded bucket thereon ;
Equipped with
after folding the first short side plate and the second short side plate by the folding unit at the first bucket mounting unit, folding the first long side plate and the second long side plate in the process of moving the bucket from the first bucket mounting unit to the bucket moving unit, and moving the folded bucket to the second bucket mounting unit by the bucket moving unit;
a bucket folding device, wherein the angle of the second bucket mounting section can be changed between a first position in which the second bucket mounting section can receive the folded bucket from the bucket moving section and a second position in which the second bucket mounting section tilts downward toward the third bucket mounting section. 9. The bucket folding device according to claim 8,
a switching unit that switches the second bucket placement unit between the first posture and the second posture,
The switching unit is
a holding portion that restrains the second bucket placement portion in the first posture;
a switching operation unit for user operation;
a switching operation transmission unit that mechanically transmits the movement of the switching operation unit to the holding unit;
and
a bucket folding device in which, when the user operates the switching operation unit, the restraint of the second bucket mounting portion by the holding unit is released, and the second bucket mounting portion can be displaced to the second position.