Dolly and dolly system

Abstract

To provide a dolly and a dolly system that can be used in various ways and are more convenient.SOLUTION: A dolly includes: a dolly main body formed in an approximately rectangular shape having long and short sides in a plan view; and caster portions disposed below the dolly main body. The dolly main body includes: side parts each located on the short side of the dolly main body, located at a higher position than the caster portions in a height direction, and having a top surface part on which items can be placed; and a bottom surface part located between the side parts in a long side direction of the dolly main body, located at a lower position than the caster portions in the height direction, and on which items can be placed. A dolly system including the dolly is also provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cart and a cart system capable of carrying and transporting an article. [Background technology]

[0002] In retail stores such as supermarkets, drug stores, and convenience stores, it is common to stack and transport multiple items such as folding containers and cardboard boxes on a cart for stocking. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a cart that includes a cart body and caster members. The above-mentioned stocking work can be performed using such a cart.

[0003] Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a two-tiered cart in which an upper shelf portion and a lower bottom portion are connected by a rail extending in the height direction. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-142841 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-75097 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] When stocking multiple foldable containers stacked on a flat cart body, i.e., a cart with a bottom plate, as in Patent Document 1, products are first removed from the top container, and when that container is empty, it is folded and the products stored in the container below it are removed. For example, in a case where foldable containers are stacked in three layers, top, middle, and bottom, after folding the top container, the middle and bottom containers must be temporarily removed from the bottom plate, the folded top container must be placed on top of the bottom plate, and the middle and bottom containers must be re-stacked on top of it. This process of rearranging the order of the containers is cumbersome and places a burden on the worker.

[0006] Furthermore, in a two-tiered cart such as that described in Patent Document 2, items can be placed on both the upper shelf and the lower bottom, but the upper shelf can become an obstacle when performing various tasks. There is a need for a cart that is easier to use.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a bogie and a bogie system that can be used in a variety of ways and are more user-friendly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problems are solved by the present invention. That is, the present invention (1) provides: A substantially rectangular carriage body having long sides and short sides in a plan view; A caster unit provided below the carriage body, The bogie body includes: side portions each located on a short side of the dolly body, the side portions being higher in the height direction than the caster portions and having an upper surface portion on which an article can be placed; a bottom surface portion on which an article can be placed, the bottom surface portion being located between the side portions in the long side direction of the dolly body and being lower in height than the caster portion; The bogie is characterized by having:

[0009] The present invention (2) is characterized in that the bogie body is a loading platform having a generally concave portion in front view, the generally concave portion being a bottom surface that forms the bottom surface portion; a plurality of side members extending in a height direction from the protruding portion of the generally concave-shaped portion of the loading platform and constituting the side portion; The bogie of (1) is characterized by having:

[0010] The present invention (3) is the cart according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the top side of the bottom part is open.

[0011] The present invention (4) is the bogie according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the upper surface portion is disposed over the length of the short side of the bogie body in a plan view.

[0012] The present invention (5) is the bogie according to (1) or (2), characterized in that the upper surface portions are arranged at the four corners of the bogie body in a plan view.

[0013] The present invention (6) is a method for transporting a vehicle, wherein the loading platform has a first engagement portion, the side member has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion, The cart (2) is characterized in that the side members are detachable from the loading platform.

[0014] The present invention (7) includes a connecting member having a predetermined height, the connecting member having a third engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion of the loading platform and a fourth engaging portion engageable with the second engaging portion of the side member, The truck of (2) or (6) is characterized in that the loading platform and the side members can be connected via the connecting members.

[0015] The present invention (8) is a method for manufacturing a container according to the present invention, wherein the article is a substantially rectangular article having long sides and short sides in a plan view, the upper surface portion is capable of supporting the article such that a long side of the article is substantially parallel to a long side of the carriage body in a plan view; The cart according to any one of (1) to (7), wherein the bottom surface portion is capable of supporting the article so that a short side of the article is approximately parallel to a long side of the cart body in a plan view.

[0016] The present invention (9) is the dolly according to any one of (1) to (8), characterized in that the side portion has a contact portion that can come into contact with an article placed on the upper surface portion.

[0017] The present invention (10) is the bogie of (9), characterized in that the abutment portion extends substantially parallel to the short side of the bogie body.

[0018] The present invention (11) is the bogie according to (9) or (10), characterized in that the abutment portion extends substantially parallel to the long side of the bogie body.

[0019] The present invention (12) is a container for a container in which the top surface portion has, in a plan view, an inner edge portion on the bottom surface portion side and an outer edge portion opposite the inner edge portion, The outer edge portion is provided with a side wall extending in a height direction from the upper surface portion, Any of the bogies (1) to (8) is characterized in that the width between the inner edge and the side wall at both ends of the bogie body in the short side direction is larger than the width between the inner edge and the side wall at the center of the bogie body in the short side direction.

[0020] The present invention (13) is a trolley according to any one of (1) to (12), characterized in that the caster section has wheels provided at the four corners of the trolley body, and the wheels at the four corners are of the same size.

[0021] The present invention (14) is the bogie according to any one of (1) to (13), characterized in that the bogie body is made of resin.

[0022] The present invention (15) is a trolley according to any one of (1) to (14), characterized in that multiple trolleys can be stacked by placing the caster portion of one of the trolley bodies on the top surface portion of the other trolley body.

[0023] The present invention (16) is One of the carriages (1) to (15) and a foldable container that can be placed on the cart body, A plurality of the foldable containers can be stacked on the upper surface portion, The dolly system is characterized in that the uppermost foldable container of the plurality of foldable containers stacked on the upper surface portion can be folded and placed on the bottom surface portion.

[0024] The present invention (17) is the trolley system according to (16), characterized in that the distance in the height direction between the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion is greater than the height of the folding container when folded. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a bogie and a bogie system that can be used in a variety of ways and is more user-friendly. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an example of a carriage according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of the carriage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a side view showing an example of the carriage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a plan view showing an example of the carriage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a bottom view showing an example of the carriage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the carriage according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing stacking of carriages according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a front view showing stacking of carts according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing an example of a carriage according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of a carriage according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an example of a carriage according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing an example of a carriage according to the third embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a carriage system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a usage state of the cart system according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of a usage state of the cart system according to each embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of a usage state of the cart system according to each embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, a description will be given of a dolly and a dolly system according to each embodiment of the present invention with reference to the drawings. The dolly and dolly system according to each embodiment of the present invention are configured to have a single platform extending substantially horizontally, i.e., a single plate-like member capable of supporting the entire bottom surface of an article, but to allow articles to be placed at different heights in the vertical direction at the same time, and thus provide a dolly and dolly system that can be used in a variety of ways and is more user-friendly.

[0028] The dolly system according to each embodiment of the present invention includes a dolly and an article, which may be, for example, a plurality of stackable foldable containers. The dolly according to each embodiment will be described below.

[0029] [Cart] [First embodiment] 1 to 6 are diagrams showing an example of a bogie 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The bogie 1 has a bogie body 2 and caster units 3. The bogie body 2 is a substantially rectangular member having long and short sides in a plan view. The bogie body 2 is made of, for example, resin. The caster units 3 are provided below the bogie body 2. The caster units 3 are provided, for example, at the four corners of the bogie body 2. The caster units 3 may be general casters equipped with mounting parts, forks, axles, wheels, etc. The caster units 3 may be fixed casters with fixed swivel parts that can only travel in a predetermined direction, or swivel casters with swivel parts that can rotate 360° and can freely change the swivel direction, and are preferably swivel casters. The wheels of the caster units 3 at the four corners of the bogie body 2 may be wheels of the same size.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 2 , the dolly body 2 has a generally concave shape in front view. The dolly body 2 has a bottom surface 4, which is a recessed portion of the generally concave shape, and side surfaces 5, which are protruding portions of the generally concave shape and extend in the height direction. The side surfaces 5 are located on the short sides of the dolly body 2. In this embodiment, the side surfaces 5 are disposed at both ends of the long sides of the dolly body 2, spanning the length of the short sides of the dolly body 2. The dolly body 2 has a first side surface 6 on one short side and a second side surface 7 on the other short side. The side surfaces 5 have an upper surface 8 that is located higher in the height direction than the caster units 3 (e.g., the height of the wheels of the caster units 3) and on which an article can be placed. In other words, the upper surface 8 can support an article placed thereon. The bottom surface 4 is located between the side surfaces 5 (the first side surface 6 and the second side surface 7) in the long side direction of the dolly body 2. In the long side direction of the dolly body 2, the side portion 5 does not extend above the bottom surface portion 4. There are no components of the dolly body 2 above the bottom surface portion 4, and the top side of the bottom surface portion 4 is open. The bottom surface portion 4 is located lower in the height direction than the caster portion 3, and an article can also be placed on the bottom surface portion 4. In other words, the bottom surface portion 4 can support an article placed on it. In the dolly 1 according to this embodiment, an article can be placed on the bottom surface portion 4 and the top surface portion 8 at the same time.

[0031] The upper surface portion 8 has a predetermined width in the long side direction of the cart body 2. Since the upper surface portion 8 has a predetermined width in the long side direction of the cart body 2, an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 is reliably supported on both sides in the long side direction.

[0032] The upper surface portion 8 has a predetermined width in the short side direction of the cart body 2. In this embodiment, the upper surface portion 8 is disposed over the length of the short side of the cart body 2 in a plan view. Since the upper surface portion 8 has a predetermined width in the short side direction of the cart body 2, an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 is reliably supported in the short side direction.

[0033] In this embodiment, the dolly body 2 has a loading platform 9 and a plurality of side members 11. Caster parts 3 are fixed to the underside of the loading platform 9.

[0034] The loading platform 9 is a substantially rectangular member having long and short sides in a plan view. The short sides of the dolly body 2 may be the short sides of the loading platform 9, and the long sides of the dolly body 2 may be the long sides of the loading platform 9. As shown in FIG. 2 , the loading platform 9 has a substantially concave-shaped portion 12 in a front view. That is, the loading platform 9 is formed with a step portion 13 including surfaces of different heights. The loading platform 9 has a first end 14 and a second end 15, which are protruding portions of the substantially concave-shaped portion and located on each of the short sides of the loading platform 9, and a bottom surface 16, which is the upper surface of the concave portion of the substantially concave-shaped portion 12 and is located between the first end 14 and the second end 15 in the long side direction of the loading platform 9. That is, in the loading platform 9, the bottom surface 16, which is the concave portion of the substantially concave-shaped portion 12 in a front view, constitutes the bottom surface portion 4 of the dolly body 2. The bottom surface 16 of the loading platform 9 has, for example, a substantially square shape in a plan view with the length of one side being substantially equal to the length of the short side of the loading platform 9. The depth of the recessed portion of the substantially concave-shaped portion 12 is not particularly limited, but is preferably deep enough to prevent items placed on the bottom surface portion 4 (bottom surface 16) from shifting or rattling. The bottom surface 16 may be provided with one or more openings as long as it is capable of supporting items. Providing openings allows the cart 1 to be made lighter.

[0035] The caster units 3 are arranged at the four corners of the loading platform 9. The caster units 3 are provided on both sides of the first end 14 and the second end 15 of the loading platform 9 in the short side direction of the cart body 2. The bottom surface 16 of the loading platform 9 is located between the caster units 3 in the long side direction of the cart body 2. In other words, the caster units 3 are not below the bottom surface 16 (bottom surface unit 4). The bottom surface unit 4 is located at a lower position in the height direction than the caster units 3.

[0036] As shown in Figure 6, engagement holes 17 can be provided at the first end 14 and the second end 15 of the loading platform 9. At the first end 14, an engagement hole 17 is provided at each of both ends in the short side direction of the dolly body 2. At the second end 15, an engagement hole 17 is also provided at each of both ends in the short side direction of the dolly body 2. These engagement holes 17 have a shape that approximately matches an engagement protrusion 23, described later, of the side member 11. These engagement holes 17 constitute first engagement portions 18 that can engage with an engagement protrusion 24 (second engagement portion 25) of the side member 11.

[0037] The side members 11 have a predetermined height and are members that extend in the height direction from the protruding portions of the generally concave-shaped portion 12 of the loading platform 9, i.e., from the first end 14 and the second end 15. The side members 11 form the side portions 5 of the dolly body 2. In other words, the side members 11 are members that have an upper surface portion 8 on which an article can be placed.

[0038] The bogie body 2 may be provided with two side members 11. In this embodiment, a side member 11 is arranged on each of both ends of the bogie body 2 in the long side direction. A first side member 19 is arranged at a first end 14 of the loading platform 9, and a second side member 21 is arranged at a second end 15 of the loading platform 9. The first side member 19 and the second side member 21 may be similar members. As shown in FIG. 3 , the first side member 19 and the second side member 21 have an inverted concave shape in side view, and an opening 22 may be provided below the upper surface portion 8. By providing the opening 22, the weight of the side member 11 can be reduced.

[0039] As shown in Figure 6, an engagement protrusion 24 can be provided on the lower end 23 of the side member 11. The first side member 19 has an engagement protrusion 24 on each of both ends in the short side direction of the carriage body 2. The second side member 21 also has an engagement protrusion 24 on each of both ends in the short side direction of the carriage body 2. These engagement protrusions 24 have a shape that approximately fits into the engagement holes 17 of the loading platform 9. These engagement protrusions 24 form second engagement portions 25 that can engage with the engagement holes 17 (first engagement portions 18) of the loading platform 9.

[0040] The side member 11 can be configured to be detachable from the loading platform 9. For example, the side member 11 is attached to the loading platform 9 by engaging a first engagement portion 18 provided on the loading platform 9 with a second engagement portion 25 provided on the side member 11. For example, it is possible to prepare a plurality of side members 11 having upper surface portions 8 of different heights and attach them to the loading platform 9.

[0041] The attachment and detachment of the loading platform 9 and the side members 11 is not limited to the engagement of the engagement holes 17 on the loading platform side with the engagement protrusions 24 on the side members, but may be the engagement of the engagement protrusions on the loading platform side with the engagement holes on the side members, or other attachment and detachment means may be used. Also, the loading platform 9 and the side members 11 are not limited to being detachable, but the loading platform 9 and the side members 11 may be formed integrally.

[0042] The upper surface portion 8 of the side member 11 is provided with a side wall 26 extending in the height direction from the upper surface. The side wall 26 has a first side wall 27 extending generally parallel to the short sides of the carriage body 2 and a second side wall 28 extending generally parallel to the long sides of the carriage body 2. In a plan view, the first side wall 27 is provided along an outer edge 31 opposite an inner edge 29 on the side of the bottom surface portion 4. In a plan view, the second side wall 28 is provided along an edge 32 in the short side direction of the side member 11. In addition, the second side wall 28 has an inclined end portion 33 that is inclined so that its height decreases toward the inner edge 29 side in a front view. In this embodiment, the first side wall 27 and the second side wall 28 are connected, but they may be separate side walls.

[0043] The first side wall 27 has a first extension 34 extending linearly at both ends in the short-side direction of the cart body 2, a second extension 35 extending linearly in the center in the short-side direction and projecting inward in the long-side direction of the cart body 2, and an inclined wall 36 between the first extension 34 and the second extension 35. The second extension 35 narrows the width of the top surface 8 in the long-side direction of the cart body 2, and the width W1 between the inner edge 29 and the second extension 35 is narrower than the width W2 between the inner edge 29 and the first extension 35. In other words, the width W1 between the side wall 26 and the inner edge 29 at both ends in the short-side direction of the cart body 2 is greater than the width W2 between the side wall 26 and the inner edge 29 at the center in the short-side direction of the cart body 2. The second extension 35 is able to abut against an article placed on the top surface 8. The second extension portion 35 serves as abutment portion 37 in the long side direction of the cart body 2, which abuts against an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 to prevent the article from moving or shifting, or functions as a guide when placing an article on the upper surface portion 8. The second side wall 28 can also abut against an article placed on the upper surface portion 8. The second side wall 28 serves as abutment portion 38 in the short side direction of the cart body 2, which abuts against an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 to prevent the article from moving or shifting, or functions as a guide when placing an article on the upper surface portion 8.

[0044] The article placed on the dolly 1 is a substantially rectangular article having long and short sides in a plan view, and may be, for example, a foldable article such as a folding container or cardboard. The dolly 1 can simultaneously place articles on both the top surface 8 and the bottom surface 4. In the dolly 1 according to this embodiment, the orientation in which the article is placed on the top surface 8 and the bottom surface 4 is different.

[0045] The upper surface portion 8 can support an item so that the long sides of the item are approximately parallel to the long sides of the cart body 2 in a plan view. In other words, an item can be placed vertically on the upper surface portion 8. As shown in Figures 13 and 14, an item placed on the upper surface portion 8 has its bottom surface at both ends of the long side of the item supported by the upper surface portion 8. On the other hand, the bottom surface of the central part of the long side of the item is separated from the upper surface portion 8. The bottom surface of the central part of the long side of the item is not supported by the upper surface portion 8 and is floating above the bottom surface portion 4.

[0046] The bottom surface portion 4 can support an article so that the short side of the article is parallel to the long side of the cart body 2 in a plan view. That is, an article can be placed horizontally on the bottom surface portion 4. When an article is placed on the bottom surface portion 4, the bottom surface of the article in contact with the bottom surface portion 4 is supported by the bottom surface portion 4, as shown in Figs. 13 and 15 .

[0047] The cart 1 according to this embodiment is stackable. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the caster part 3 of one cart body 2 can be placed on the top surface part 8 of the other cart body 2.

[0048] [Second embodiment] 9 and 10 are diagrams showing an example of a dolly 41 according to a second embodiment of the present invention. The dolly 41 has, in addition to the dolly body 2 (bed 9 and side members 11) and caster parts 3 of the dolly 1 of the first embodiment, a connecting member 42 that is interposed between the bed 9 and the side members 11 and connects the bed 9 and the side members 11.

[0049] The following describes the difference from the first embodiment, specifically the connecting member 42. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0050] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, a dolly 41 according to this embodiment can be provided with a connecting member 42 between the loading platform 9 and the side member 11. In this embodiment, a connecting member 42 is arranged at each of the four corners of the dolly body 2. A first connecting member 43 and a second connecting member 44 are arranged at a first end 14 of the loading platform 9, and a third connecting member 45 and a fourth connecting member 46 are arranged at a second end 15 of the loading platform 9. The first connecting member 43, the second connecting member 44, the third connecting member 45, and the fourth connecting member 46 may be similar members. The connecting member 42 is a columnar member having a predetermined height.

[0051] 10, the lower end 47 of the connecting member 42 may be provided with engagement protrusions 48. The engagement protrusions 48 have a shape that approximately fits into the engagement holes 17 of the cargo bed 9. These engagement protrusions 48 form third engagement portions 49 that can engage with the engagement holes 17 of the cargo bed 9, i.e., the first engagement portions 18.

[0052] 10, engagement holes 52 can be provided in the upper end portion 51 of the connecting member 42. The engagement holes 52 have a shape that approximately fits the engagement protrusions 24 of the side member 11. These engagement holes 52 constitute fourth engagement portions 53 that can engage with the engagement protrusions 24 of the side member 11, i.e., the second engagement portions 25.

[0053] 9, in the second embodiment, the loading platform 9 and the side members 11 are connected via connecting members 41. As a result, in the dolly 41 according to the second embodiment, the distance in the height direction between the bottom surface portion 4 and the top surface portion 8 is wider by the height of the connecting members 42 than in the dolly 1 according to the first embodiment. It is possible to prepare a plurality of connecting members 42 of different heights and attach them to the loading platform 9 and the side members 11.

[0054] [Third embodiment] 11 and 12 are diagrams showing an example of a dolly 61 according to a third embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the dolly 61 has a side member 62 having a different configuration from the side member 11 of the dolly body 2 of the dolly 1 according to the first embodiment. The loading platform 9 and caster section 3 of the dolly body 2 are the same as those in the first embodiment.

[0055] The following describes the difference from the first embodiment, namely, the side member 62. The same components as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0056] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 , the dolly body 2 may be provided with four side members 62 constituting the side portions 5, each having an upper surface portion 8 on which an article can be placed. In this embodiment, a side member 42 is disposed at each of the four corners of the dolly body 2. A first side member 63 and a second side member 64 are disposed at a first end portion 14 of the loading platform 9, and a third side member 65 and a fourth side member 66 are disposed at a second end portion 15 of the loading platform 9. The first side member 63, the second side member 64, the third side member 65, and the fourth side member 66 may be similar members. The four side members 62 are columnar members having a predetermined height. In this embodiment, the upper surface portions 8 of the side members 62 are disposed at the four corners of the dolly body 2 in a plan view. The four corners refer to a predetermined range near the approximately right angles formed by the long and short sides.

[0057] 12, the lower end portions 67 of the four side members 62 may be provided with engagement protrusions 68. The engagement protrusions 68 have a shape that approximately fits into the engagement holes 17 of the cargo bed 9. These engagement protrusions 68 form second engagement portions 69 that can engage with the engagement holes 17 of the cargo bed 9, i.e., the first engagement portions 18.

[0058] The side member 62 can be configured to be detachable from the loading platform 9. For example, the side member 62 is attached to the loading platform 9 by engaging a first engagement portion 18 provided on the loading platform 9 with a second engagement portion 69 provided on the side member 62. For example, it is possible to prepare a plurality of side members 62 having upper surface portions 8 of different heights and attach them to the loading platform 9.

[0059] The top surface portion 8 of the side member 62 is provided with a side wall 71 extending in the height direction from the top surface. The side wall 71 has a first side wall 72 extending approximately parallel to the short side of the carriage body 2, and a second side wall 73 extending approximately parallel to the long side of the carriage body 2. In a plan view, the first side wall 73 is provided on an outer edge portion 75 opposite an inner edge portion 74 on the side of the bottom surface portion 4. In a plan view, the second side wall 73 is provided along an edge portion 76 in the short side direction of the side member 62. In this embodiment, the first side wall 72 and the second side wall 73 are approximately L-shaped in a plan view.

[0060] The first side wall 72 can come into contact with an article placed on the upper surface portion 8. The first side wall 72 serves as an abutment portion 77 in the long side direction of the cart body 2, which abuts against an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 to prevent the article from moving or shifting, or functions as a guide when placing an article on the upper surface portion 8. The second side wall 73 can also come into contact with an article placed on the upper surface portion 8. The second side wall 73 serves as an abutment portion 78 in the short side direction of the cart body 2, which abuts against an article placed on the upper surface portion 8 to prevent the article from moving or shifting, or functions as a guide when placing an article on the upper surface portion 8.

[0061] [Cart system] Hereinafter, a bogie system 100 including the bogies according to the first to third embodiments will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows the bogie system 100 including the bogie 1 according to the first embodiment as a representative of the bogies according to the first to third embodiments, but the bogie may be any of the bogies according to the first to third embodiments.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 13 , a cart system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of folding containers 101, each of which is a substantially rectangular container having long and short sides in a plan view. The folding containers 101 are stackable. The folding containers 101 are commonly called "foldable containers" and can be folded into a compact form when not in use, e.g., when no products or other items are stored inside the container, thereby reducing storage space. The folding containers 101 are substantially rectangular containers having long and short sides in a plan view, both when unfolded and when folded. By folding, the folding containers 101 can be made compact in height. The folding containers 101 may be any container that has a space inside that can store products or other items, and may be lidless or with a lid. Furthermore, any structure is acceptable as long as the containers are foldable. However, from the viewpoints of labor-saving and space-saving, it is preferable that the folding containers 101 can be easily folded when stacked.

[0063] 12 and 14, in the cart 1 of the cart system 100 according to this embodiment, the upper surface 8 located at the top can be a loading portion for loading an unfolded folding container 102, for example, a folding container containing a product. The upper surface 8 can support the folding container 102 so that the long sides of the folding container 102 are approximately parallel to the long sides of the cart main body 2 in a plan view. In other words, an article such as the folding container 102 can be placed upright on the upper surface 8.

[0064] 13 and 15, the bottom surface portion 4 located below can be a placement portion for placing the folding container 103 in a folded state, for example, an empty folding container. The bottom surface portion 4 can support the folding container 103 so that the short sides of the folding container 103 are approximately parallel to the long sides of the dolly body 2 in a plan view. In other words, an article such as the folding container 103 can be placed horizontally on the bottom surface portion 4. The heightwise distance between the bottom surface portion 4 and the top surface portion 8 is greater than the height of the folded folding container 103.

[0065] The operation (stocking work) of the cart system 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figures 14 to 16. The cart system 100 including the cart 1 according to the first embodiment will be described below, but the cart system including the cart 41 according to the second embodiment and the cart system including the cart 61 according to the third embodiment can also perform the same operation as the cart system 100 including the cart 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 14 , multiple folding containers 102 containing products and the like are stacked on the top surface 8 of the dolly, and the product stored in the top container is removed to proceed with the stocking work. When the top container is empty, it is folded. The folded container is then moved from the top surface 8 to the bottom surface 4 of the dolly. The folded container is placed on the bottom surface 4. That is, the folded container is stored in the bottom surface 4 below the top surface 8. The folded container 103 is placed horizontally on the bottom surface 4. In the horizontal position, the bottom surface 4 supports the folding container 103, which is placed with its short sides approximately parallel to the long sides of the bottom surface 4 in a plan view. The horizontally placed folding container 103 is located between the side surfaces 5.

[0067] Thereafter, the products stored in the newly topmost container are removed and stocking work is continued, and when the container is empty it is folded and the folded container is moved from the top surface 8 of the cart to the bottom surface 4, and this process can be repeated (see Figure 16). That is, the multiple foldable containers placed on the top surface 8 can be folded in order, starting with the topmost foldable container, and stacked on top of each other on the bottom surface 4.

[0068] The bogie and bogie system according to each embodiment of the present invention have the following advantages. According to this embodiment, a dolly is provided that includes a dolly body that is substantially rectangular in plan view and has long and short sides, and caster units provided below the dolly body. The dolly body has side portions located on each of the short sides of the dolly body, each having a top surface portion that is higher in height than the caster units and on which an item can be placed, and a bottom surface portion located between the side portions in the long side direction of the dolly body and lower in height than the caster units and on which an item can be placed. That is, with the dolly according to this embodiment, an item, such as a foldable container, can be placed on the top surface portion formed on the side portions, and also on the bottom surface portion that is lower than the top surface portion. A dolly that can place an item on both the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion can be provided. Furthermore, the bottom surface portion is located between the side portions in the long side direction of the dolly body. That is, there is no side portion above the bottom surface portion. When a cart is designed to allow items to be placed on the top and bottom of the cart in the height direction, it is common to provide two parallel loading platforms, i.e., plate-like members that support the entire bottom surface of the items. In contrast, in this embodiment, only the bottom surface corresponds to a normal loading platform. A cart capable of loading items at different heights can be provided with a simple and elegant structure. Furthermore, the bottom surface is located lower in the height direction than the caster portion. This ensures a difference in height between the bottom surface and the top surface, making it possible to provide a cart that can load a larger number of items on the bottom surface even when an item is loaded on the top surface. Furthermore, by lowering the bottom surface, it is possible to increase the number of items that can be loaded on the bottom surface while making the cart body compact in the height direction.

[0069] The trolley body can have a loading platform having a generally concave-shaped portion in front view, the bottom surface of which is the concave portion of the generally concave-shaped portion constituting the bottom surface portion, and side members extending in the height direction from the protruding portion of the generally concave-shaped portion of the loading platform and constituting the side surface portion. A user-friendly trolley can be provided with a simple structure consisting of the loading platform and side members.

[0070] According to the dolly of this embodiment, the top side of the bottom surface is open. There are no components of the dolly body, such as a loading platform, above the bottom surface, and because the top side of the bottom surface is open, there are no obstacles to work in the vertical direction. Because there are no obstacles to work, it is possible to provide a dolly that is easy to work with and easy to use. Furthermore, because the top side of the bottom surface is open, when placing items only on the bottom surface and not on the top surface, a larger number of items can be placed on the bottom surface, just like a general dolly that only has a bottom surface, making it highly convenient.

[0071] The upper surface portion can be disposed over the length of the short sides of the cart body in a plan view. This allows stable support of items on both sides of the long sides of the cart body over the length of the short sides. This ensures a sufficient area for the item placement surface of the upper surface portion, allowing for stable support.

[0072] The upper surface portion can be disposed at the four corners of the cart body in a plan view. This allows the cart body to support articles at the four corners. By disposing the upper surface portion at the four corners, stable support can be achieved even if the area of ​​the article placement surface of the upper surface portion is relatively small.

[0073] In the dolly of this embodiment, the loading platform has a first engagement portion, and the side member has a second engagement portion engageable with the first engagement portion, and the side member can be configured to be detachable from the loading platform. For example, by preparing multiple side members with upper surfaces of different heights and attaching them to the loading platform, the vertical distance between the upper surface and the bottom surface can be changed, providing a convenient dolly that can be used according to the size and purpose of the items to be placed on it. For example, by using relatively tall side members to widen the vertical distance between the upper surface and the bottom surface, the number of items that can be placed on the bottom surface while an item is placed on the upper surface can be increased, resulting in a dolly that is highly versatile and convenient.

[0074] The dolly of this embodiment has a third engagement portion engageable with the first engagement portion of the loading platform and a fourth engagement portion engageable with the second engagement portion of the side member, and also has a connecting member of a predetermined height, so that the loading platform and the side member can be connected via the connecting member. By using the connecting member between the loading platform and the side member, the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface can be increased in the height direction, making it possible to provide a dolly that is easy to use and can be used according to the size and purpose of the items to be placed on it. By increasing the distance between the top surface and the bottom surface in the height direction, it is possible to increase the number of items that can be placed on the bottom surface while an item is placed on the top surface, making it a dolly that is highly versatile and convenient.

[0075] The article is a generally rectangular article having long and short sides in a plan view, and the top surface portion is capable of supporting the article so that the long sides of the article are generally parallel to the long sides of the cart body in a plan view, and the bottom surface portion is capable of supporting the article so that the short sides of the article are generally parallel to the long sides of the cart body in a plan view. By allowing the article to be arranged in different orientations on the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion, a compact cart can be made that can simultaneously carry articles at different heights in the vertical direction.

[0076] The side portions can be provided with abutment portions that abut against an item placed on the upper surface portion, and the abutment portions can extend approximately parallel to the short sides of the cart body, or can extend approximately parallel to the long sides of the cart body. By providing the abutment portions, an item placed on the upper surface portion abuts against the abutment portions, preventing the item from shifting or rattling. Furthermore, when placing an item on the upper surface portion, the abutment portions can be used as guides, allowing the corners or sides of the item to abut against the abutment portions and align with them. Using the abutment portions as guides makes it easy to place items on the cart.

[0077] In a plan view, the top surface has an inner edge on the bottom surface side and an outer edge opposite the inner edge, and a side wall extending in the height direction from the top surface. The width between the inner edge and the side wall at both ends of the short side of the cart body is greater than the width between the inner edge and the side wall at the center of the short side of the cart body. When an item placed on the top surface abuts the side wall at the center of the short side of the cart body, the center of the side wall functions as a stopper to prevent the item from shifting or rattling, while a gap is created between the side wall and the item at both ends of the side wall. For example, a hand can be inserted into this gap to lift the bottom of the item, making it easier to lift the item. This makes it possible to provide a cart that is easier to use.

[0078] The caster unit has wheels provided at the four corners of the cart body, and the wheels at the four corners can be the same size. By providing wheels of the same size at the four corners, the cart can be symmetrical and easy to handle. The cart body can also be made of resin. This makes the cart lightweight and easy to handle. Furthermore, the cart according to this embodiment can be stacked by placing the caster unit of one cart body on the top surface of the other cart body. Since the carts can be stacked and stored compactly, storage space can be reduced, making the cart highly convenient.

[0079] According to this embodiment, a trolley system is provided that includes the above-mentioned trolley and a foldable container that can be placed on the trolley body, and this trolley system allows multiple foldable containers to be stacked on the top surface, and the topmost foldable container of the multiple foldable containers stacked on the top surface can be folded and placed on the bottom surface.

[0080] For example, during stocking operations in retail stores, multiple folding containers can be stacked and placed on the top surface, the topmost folding container can be stocked, the empty topmost folding container can be folded, and the folded container can be placed on the bottom surface, eliminating the need to rearrange the container order. Stocking operations can be performed without moving any containers other than the most recently folded container, reducing the burden on workers. In particular, only empty, lightweight, and compact folding containers can be moved, eliminating the need to lift and lower relatively heavy and large folding containers filled with merchandise. This provides a trolley system that is easy to handle, even for workers with limited strength who have difficulty lifting folding containers filled with merchandise. Furthermore, because the folding and moving operations can be completed on the trolley itself, no space is required for the replacement operation. There is no need to secure a separate work space around the trolley, thereby saving space for work. Furthermore, because the bottom surface on which the unfolded foldable container is placed is located lower than the top surface, moving the folded foldable container involves lowering it from the top surface to the bottom surface, which requires less effort than lifting it up.The cart system according to this embodiment is hygienic because it eliminates the need to place folded foldable containers on the floor or elsewhere and then replace them.

[0081] For example, multiple foldable containers placed on the top surface can be folded and stacked on the bottom surface, starting with the topmost foldable container. By stacking the folded containers on the bottom surface, there is no need to rearrange the order of the folded containers. This allows for stocking work to be performed without moving containers other than the most recently folded container, reducing the burden on workers. Stacking folded containers on the bottom surface allows for compact storage.

[0082] In the dolly system according to this embodiment, the heightwise distance between the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion can be greater than the height of a folded foldable container, thereby increasing the number of foldable containers that can be placed on the top surface portion while ensuring that a folded foldable container can be placed on the bottom surface portion.

[0083] While the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, various modifications and changes are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the specific shape of the cart may be changed as appropriate as long as the same technical effects as those of the present invention are achieved. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] 1 cart 2. Cart body 3 Caster part 4 Bottom part 5 Side 8 Top part 9 Cargo bed 11 Side member 18 First engagement portion 25 Second engagement portion 26 Side wall 37, 38 Contact part 100 Cart System 101 Folding Container

Claims

1. A substantially rectangular carriage body having long sides and short sides in a plan view; A caster unit provided below the carriage body, The bogie body includes: side portions each located on a short side of the dolly body, the side portions being higher in the height direction than the caster portions and having an upper surface portion on which an article can be placed; a bottom surface portion on which an article can be placed, the bottom surface portion being located between the side portions in the long side direction of the dolly body and being lower in height than the caster portion; A bogie characterized by having:

2. The bogie body includes: a loading platform having a generally concave-shaped portion in front view, the generally concave-shaped portion being a bottom surface that constitutes the bottom surface portion; a plurality of side members extending in a height direction from the protruding portion of the generally concave-shaped portion of the loading platform and constituting the side portion; 2. The bogie according to claim 1, further comprising:

3. 3. The dolly according to claim 1, wherein an upper side of the bottom portion is open.

4. The bogie according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper surface portion is disposed over the length of a short side of the bogie body in a plan view.

5. The bogie according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the upper surface portions are arranged at four corners of the bogie body in a plan view.

6. The loading platform has a first engagement portion, the side member has a second engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion, 3. The dolly according to claim 2, wherein the side members are detachable from the platform.

7. a connecting member having a predetermined height, the connecting member having a third engaging portion engageable with the first engaging portion of the loading platform and a fourth engaging portion engageable with the second engaging portion of the side member; 3. The truck according to claim 2, wherein the platform and the side members are connectable via the connecting members.

8. The article is a substantially rectangular article having long sides and short sides in a plan view, the upper surface portion is capable of supporting the article such that a long side of the article is substantially parallel to a long side of the carriage body in a plan view; 3. The cart according to claim 1, wherein the bottom surface portion is capable of supporting the article such that a short side of the article is substantially parallel to a long side of the cart body in a plan view.

9. The dolly according to claim 1, wherein the side portion has a contact portion that can come into contact with an article placed on the upper surface portion.

10. The bogie according to claim 9, wherein the abutment portion extends substantially parallel to a short side of the bogie body.

11. 11. The bogie according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the abutment portion extends substantially parallel to a long side of the bogie body.

12. The top surface portion has, in a plan view, an inner edge portion on the bottom surface portion side and an outer edge portion opposite the inner edge portion, The outer edge portion is provided with a side wall extending in a height direction from the upper surface portion, A bogie as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the width between the inner edge and the side wall at both ends of the bogie body in the short side direction is larger than the width between the inner edge and the side wall at the center of the bogie body in the short side direction.

13. The caster unit has wheels provided at four corners of the cart body, 3. The bogie according to claim 1, wherein the wheels at the four corners are of the same size.

14. 3. The bogie according to claim 1, wherein the bogie body is made of resin.

15. 3. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of trolleys can be stacked by placing the caster portion of one of the trolley bodies on the top surface portion of the other of the trolley bodies.

16. The bogie according to claim 1 or 2; a foldable container that can be placed on the cart body, A plurality of the foldable containers can be stacked on the upper surface portion, A dolly system, characterized in that the uppermost foldable container of the plurality of foldable containers stacked on the upper surface portion can be folded and placed on the bottom surface portion.

17. The dolly system according to claim 16, wherein the distance in the height direction between the top surface portion and the bottom surface portion is greater than the height of the folding container when folded.

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