Track belt locking device, endless track device, and conveyance dolly

Abstract

To provide a track belt lock device that is able to maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped, without complicating a structure.SOLUTION: A lock frame 41 is fixed to an end of an upper frame 11 and is a substantially inverted U-shape member whose lower part and front and rear surfaces are open. A cam portion 42 is fixed to a swing shaft 42a having a leftward and rightward axial direction and supported by the upper frame 11 and is swingable relative to the lock frame 41. An operation portion 43 is fixed to the cam portion 42 and changes the posture of the cam portion 42 to press a leaf spring 44, which will be described next, to switch between an open posture and a lock posture. One end of the leaf spring 44 is fixed to the inner upper side of the lock frame 41, and a lock portion 45A is detachably provided at the other end of the leaf spring. The lock portion 45A is a member formed in a substantially L-shape in a side view and is detachably attached to the distal end of the leaf spring 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for a track belt, a track device equipped with the locking device, and a transport vehicle equipped with the track device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, wheels such as casters have been used as running mechanisms without a prime mover that are attached to hand-pushed transport vehicles, etc. However, on unpaved ground or in places with many steps, the wheels sink and become unable to travel or climb over the steps, limiting the places where such transport vehicles can travel.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a tracked device that utilizes the structure of a so-called grass ski as a traveling device that can travel on terrain that is difficult for wheeled transport vehicles. The tracked device is configured with a track belt that covers the outer periphery of a circular rail. The track belt is configured with track plates fixed to elements with rollers that serve as support parts for the rail, and track plates fixed to elements without rollers, which are alternately fixed to a core belt. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7397551 [Patent Document 2] Patent No. 7007694 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-196916 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, since the endless track device disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have a prime mover, the resistance when the track belt circulates is mainly generated by the rotational resistance of the rollers provided on the elements. In particular, since such rollers generally use bearings, the rotational resistance is extremely small.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses an endless track device with a structure in which rollers are provided on a frame, unlike the endless track device disclosed in Patent Document 1. Even in an endless track device with such a structure, the rotational resistance of the rollers is extremely small, so the resistance when circulating the track belt is also small.

[0007] The low resistance to circulating the track belt is an advantageous factor for a running device, but in other words, because it can easily run under external force, the problem arises that the track device can easily move even if it is placed on a sloped road surface or if the user comes into unintentional contact with it.

[0008] Therefore, in the case of a caster (wheel), it is possible to employ a brake device such as that disclosed in Patent Document 3. The caster brake device disclosed in Patent Document 3 presses a leaf spring 3 against the outer peripheral surface of the wheel 8 shown in the document, increasing the frictional force between the leaf spring 3 and the wheel 8, thereby making the wheel 8 unable to rotate.

[0009] However, in the case of the endless track devices disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to generate sufficient braking force even when the track shoes are pressed perpendicularly to the contact surface of the rail from the outer periphery of the rail. The reasons for this include the fact that the contact surface of the track shoe is not uniform in shape like the contact surface of the wheel, but is formed with slopes and unevenness, the positional relationship between the track shoe and the pressing member is not constant, making the pressing force unstable, and that while wheels are solid, track shoes are often formed with a concave cross-section, so increasing the pressing force will accelerate wear of the track shoe.

[0010] That is, when a track shoe having an uneven surface is pressed, the braking force may vary depending on the actual position of the pressure, or the pressing member may separate from the track shoe as the track belt moves, resulting in a decrease in pressing force. If the pressing force is increased excessively in an attempt to address these problems, the lifespan of the track shoe will be shortened.

[0011] To solve this problem, adding a mechanism to adjust the pressing force depending on the relative positions of the brake device and the track shoe would result in a more complicated structure. Also, if the brake device were designed to fit the shape of the contact patch of the track shoe, it would be necessary to modify the brake device whenever the track shoe is replaced, which would be time-consuming.

[0012] For the reasons mentioned above, it is difficult to adopt a brake device having a structure that is a simple conversion of a wheel brake device for use in a tracked vehicle.

[0013] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a locking device for a track belt that can maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped while avoiding a complicated structure. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The first invention is a track belt locking device mounted on an endless track device, which comprises a circular track belt having track plates attached in a row to a core belt, and a track frame that supports the track belt so that it can circulate, and which circulates the track belt when the track frame moves in response to an external force.The track belt locking device is characterized in that it comprises a locking unit that restricts the circulation of the track belt, and an operating unit that operates the locking unit, and by operating the operating unit, it is possible to switch between a released position in which the locking unit is separated from the track belt, and a locked position in which a part of the locking unit is inserted into the gap between adjacent pairs of track plates to restrict the circulation of the track belt.

[0015] A second invention is a track belt locking device according to the first invention, characterized in that the locking portion has a tapered shape that contacts both of the track shoes that form the gap at an angle that can restrict the circulation of the track belt in both directions when in the locked position.

[0016] A third invention is a track belt locking device according to the first invention, characterized in that the locking portion has a shape that forms a ratchet pawl with the track belt as ratchet teeth.

[0017] A fourth invention is a locking device for a track belt, characterized in that the gap into which the locking portion described in any one of the first to third inventions is inserted is between a pair of track shoes located in an upper part of the arc-shaped portion of the track belt.

[0018] The fifth invention is a track belt locking device characterized in that the locking portion described in any one of the first to third inventions is held in a state in which a predetermined biasing force is applied toward the inner side of the track belt when in the locked position.

[0019] A sixth invention is a track belt locking device, characterized in that the locking portion and the operating portion described in the fourth invention are provided on a lock frame attached to the track frame, the locking portion includes a locking portion that is inserted into the gap, and an elastic portion having one end fixed to the lock frame and the locking portion provided at the other end, the operating portion is supported so as to be swingable around an axis along the left-right direction of the track belt, and includes a cam portion that presses the elastic portion, and the cam portion is shaped to press the elastic portion so that the locking portion can exert a predetermined urging force on the inner peripheral side of the track belt when in the locked position.

[0020] A seventh aspect of the present invention is the track belt locking device according to the sixth aspect, characterized in that the lock frame is detachable from the track frame.

[0021] The eighth invention is a track belt locking device characterized in that the locking portion described in any of the first to third inventions is detachable from the portion inserted into the gap and the other portion.

[0022] A ninth aspect of the present invention is an endless track device comprising the track belt locking device according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention.

[0023] The tenth invention is an endless track device characterized in that the track belt locking device described in the ninth invention is located in the upper part of the front-to-rear end of the track frame, with its upper part positioned at a height below the top of the track frame.

[0024] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is a transport vehicle comprising the caterpillar device according to the ninth aspect of the present invention. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a locking device for a track belt that can maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped while avoiding a complicated structure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing a bogie equipped with a track device according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are a side view and a rear view showing the structure of an endless track device according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 3A and 3B are cross-sectional views taken along line AA in FIG. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing (a) an open position and (b) a locked position. [Figure 4] 3(a) corresponds to a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. 2 and shows a locked position of a locking portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3(b) shows a locking portion. [Figure 5]2, and shows a locking position of a locking portion according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by identical or similar reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are merely examples of devices and methods for embodying the technical idea of ​​the present invention, and the technical idea of ​​the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments in terms of the materials, shapes, structures, markings, etc. of the components.

[0028] In the following explanations and drawings relating to the configuration or structure of the locking device, the track device, and the transport vehicle, unless otherwise specified, the upper left side in the perspective view and the left side in the side view will be referred to as the "front side," the lower right side in the perspective view and the right side in the side view will be referred to as the "rear side." The upper side in each view is the "upper side," and the lower side is the "lower side." Note that the "right side" and "left side" are determined based on the definitions of front, rear, and top and bottom, and therefore detailed definitions will be omitted. According to this definition, the direction along an imaginary line connecting the front and rear sides horizontally is defined as the "front-to-back direction," the direction along an imaginary line connecting the left and right sides horizontally is defined as the "left-to-right direction," and the direction along an imaginary line connecting the top and bottom vertically is defined as the "up-down direction." In addition, the circulation of the track belt on the side where the track device moves forward is defined as the forward circulation, and the circulation on the opposite side is defined as the backward circulation. The endless track device 3 according to this embodiment is configured so that the entire device is symmetrical in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, and therefore the distinction between front-to-back, left-to-right and right-to-left is for convenience's sake.

[0029] First Embodiment [Structure of the transport cart] The structure of the platform vehicle 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The transport vehicle 1 is provided with a pair of left and right caterpillar devices 3 on the underside of the vehicle top plate 2. In addition, a pair of handles 4 are provided on the upper surface of the rear part of the vehicle top plate 2. Specifically, the track device 3 has a track belt locking device 40 disposed at the rear of the transporting carriage 1 and is fixed to the underside of the carriage top plate 2 so that the circulation direction of the track belt 30 faces the front-to-rear direction. In the following explanation, the track belt locking device 40 will be omitted and will be referred to as the locking device 40.

[0030] [Structure of the track device] The structure of the track device 3 will be described with reference to FIGS. The endless track device 3 does not have a prime mover, and moves when a user grasps the handle 4 or the like and pushes or pulls it in the direction of travel. That is, the track frame 10 fixed to the cart top plate 2 moves in response to an external force, causing the track belt 30, which will be described later, to circulate. The track device 3 of the present invention is normally used in combination with two or more units, but since it is possible to arrange units of the same structure side by side, only one unit will be described, and explanations of well-known parts will be omitted or only briefly explained.

[0031] The endless track device 3 comprises a track frame 10 which serves as a fixed part when attached to a bogie top plate 2 or the like, a rail 20 which is held by the track frame 10 and forms part of it, and a track belt 30 which covers the rail 20 from the outer periphery.

[0032] A locking device 40 is attached to the rear end of the truck frame 10. The detailed structure of the locking device 40 will be described later, but it is configured so that its upper part is positioned at a height approximately equal to that of the upper part of the track frame 10, and its lower part is positioned higher than the part of the arc-shaped portion of the track belt 30 where the contact surface of the track shoe 34 faces the ground.

[0033] [Truck frame structure] The truck frame 10 comprises an upper frame 11 having an inverted U-shaped cross section and being long in the front-to-rear direction, a lower frame 12 having a U-shaped cross section and fixed to the lower part of the upper frame 11 at three points, a square bar-shaped reinforcing member 13 fixed across the three points of the lower frame 12, and an annular rail 20 whose bottom is fixed to the bottom of the reinforcing member 13. The rail 20 is formed into a long ring shape in the front-to-rear direction by connecting the ends of plate-shaped members, with approximately horizontal straight sections formed at the top and bottom, and arc-shaped sections formed to connect the front ends and rear ends of the straight sections.

[0034] [Track belt structure] Next, the structure of the track belt 30 will be described with reference to FIGS. The track belt 30 is configured by alternately fixing roller elements 35 and rollerless elements 36 to a core belt 31. The roller elements 35 and rollerless elements 36 are spaced apart to form a gap therebetween that is equal to or smaller than the thickness of the track shoes 34. In the following description, the gap between a pair of adjacent track shoes 34 located in the upper portion of the front and rear arc-shaped portions of the track belt 30 will be referred to as gap G. Gap G is the portion into which a part of a locking portion 45A, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0035] The core belt 31 is made of a deformable material and is formed in a ring shape with pin holes (not shown) and bolt holes (not shown) drilled throughout, and the roller elements 35 and rollerless elements 36 are arranged from the inner periphery of the core belt 31 at the positions of the pin holes and bolt holes, and are arranged on the core belt 31 by fixing a lower element (not shown) from the outer periphery. The lower element is formed with a claw for fixing the track shoe 34, and the track shoe 34 is fixed by inserting the claw into the claw-receiving groove of the track shoe 34.

[0036] A sliding plate (not shown) is fixed to the roller upper element 32 at a position where it contacts the inner peripheral surface of the rail 20, and a main roller (not shown) is attached to the roller upper element 32 at a position where it contacts the outer peripheral surface so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis. With this structure, the roller element 35 sandwiches the rail 20 between the sliding plate and the main roller, and supports the track belt 30 so that it can circulate along the rail 20. The rollerless upper element 33 does not have a contact portion with the rail 20, and is used to sandwich the core belt 31 between itself and the lower element, thereby determining the position of the track shoe 34 on the core belt 31.

[0037] [Tractor shoe structure] The structure of the track shoe 34 will be described with reference to Figure 3. In the description of the track shoe 34, for convenience, front, back, left, right, top and bottom will be defined based on the track shoe 34 being located at the bottom of the rail 20 and in contact with the horizontal ground. The track shoe 34 has a concave cross-sectional shape with rounded corners and a slightly raised central portion when viewed from the front-rear and left-right directions, and is a rectangular member with rounded corners when viewed from the top-bottom direction. The raised portion forms the contact surface, and a rectangular flat portion that is long in the front-rear direction is formed.

[0038] [Locking device structure] Next, the structure of the locking device 40 will be described with reference to FIG. The locking device 40 includes a locking frame 41, a cam portion 42, an operating portion 43, a leaf spring 44, and a locking portion 45A.

[0039] The lock frame 41 is an approximately inverted U-shaped member with its bottom and front and rear surfaces open, and is fixed to the upper part of the rear end of the upper frame 11 at a position where its top is lower than the top of the upper frame 11. The cam portion 42 is a plate member whose axial direction is along the left-right direction and which is fixed to a swing shaft 42a supported by the upper frame 11 and is supported so as to be swingable relative to the lock frame 41. The operating portion 43 is fixed to the cam portion 42, and changes the position of the cam portion 42 to press the leaf spring 44, which will be described next. The leaf spring 44 is an elastic portion as recited in the claims, and has one end fixed to the upper interior side of the lock frame 41 and the other end detachably provided with a lock portion 45A. The locking portion 45A is a member formed in a generally L-shape in side view, and is detachably attached to the tip end of the leaf spring 44.

[0040] 3(a), when in the open position, the operating part 43 is angled upward relative to the horizontal plane. At this time, the cam part 42 is angled so that the leaf spring 44 is in a substantially natural state and only exerts a repulsive force sufficient to maintain the angle of the operating part 43. As shown in FIG. 3(b), when changing from the released position to the locked position, the operating portion 43 is operated to a position angled downward relative to the horizontal. At this time, the angle of the cam portion 42 changes, pressing and deforming the leaf spring 44, and the locking portion 45A fits into the gap G. At the same time, the reaction force of the leaf spring 44 acting on the cam portion 42 reverses from a direction that pushes the operating portion up to a direction that pushes it down. As a result, the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 changes from a direction that attempts to maintain the released position to a direction that attempts to maintain the locked position. In this way, the rotation direction of the cam portion 42 changes due to the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44, maintaining the position, and the position change operation is completed.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the area of ​​the locking device 40 from the rear end of the locking frame 41 to the connection part with the truck frame 10 is located within the ridge line of the trolley top plate 2 when viewed from above, and only the operating part is fixed so as to protrude from the rear side of the trolley top plate 2. As described above, the operating unit 43 swings around a horizontal axis to change its position between the open position and the locked position, but since the range in which the operating unit 43 can swing is set to less than 180 degrees, the operating unit protrudes from the rear of the trolley top plate 2 regardless of the selected position.

[0042] [Operation and Function of First Embodiment] Next, the operation and function of the locking device 40, the caterpillar device 3, and the transporting vehicle 1 shown in the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In addition to being pressed by the cam portion 42 when in the locked position, the leaf spring 44 provided in the locking device 40 is subjected to a reaction force that is generated by further pressing the locking portion 45A inserted into the gap G. This reaction force acts in a direction to remove the locking portion 45A from the gap G, with the contact point between the leaf spring 44 and the cam portion 42 as a fulcrum. Therefore, the reaction force deforms the leaf spring 44, and a repulsive force is generated that acts in a direction to press the locking portion 45A into the gap G. The repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 acts as a force to maintain the state in which the locking portion 45A is inserted into the gap G.

[0043] The repulsive force trying to insert the locking portion 45A into the gap G acts even when the locking portion 45A is on the track plate 34, so by circulating the track belt 30 in this state and moving the track plate 34, the insertion portion automatically fits into the gap G and the track belt 30 is locked.

[0044] [Effects of the first embodiment] The present invention provides a locking device for a track device, which is a brake device suitable for a track device 3 for which a caster brake structure is not suitable. In particular, the locking device for a track device according to the present invention is a device consisting of a lock frame, an operating unit, a cam unit, a leaf spring, and a lock unit, and can be applied to existing track devices equipped with track frames without modification, making it possible to maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped while avoiding any complication in the structure.

[0045] As described above, the transporting platform 1 has the caterpillar device 3 fixed thereto so that the operating portion 43 of the locking device 40 protrudes further rearward from the rear end of the platform 2 for the platform. A user of the transport cart 1 typically operates the cart by standing on the handle 4 side and pushing or pulling the cart, so by fixing the track device 3 so that the operating part 43 is positioned in this way, the user can easily operate the locking device 40.

[0046] Second Embodiment A second possible embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The only difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the locking portion 45A, and therefore, a description of the other parts will be omitted. In other words, the second embodiment is an embodiment in which the locking portion 45A of the first embodiment is replaced with one having a different shape.

[0047] [Lock structure] 4(b), a locking part 45B according to the second embodiment includes an insertion part 46 that is generally V-shaped in side view, and an attachment part 47 that extends from one end of the insertion part 46 at a generally 90-degree angle toward the tip of the leaf spring 44. The insertion part 46 is inserted into the gap G in the locked position, and the attachment part 47 is fixed to the leaf spring 44.

[0048] The locking portion 45B is formed in a tapered shape that contacts both of the track shoes 34 that form the gap G at an angle that can regulate the circulation of the track belt 30 in both directions. That is, the insertion portion is formed by bending a plate material at an angle that prevents the force acting in the direction of disengagement from the gap G, which is exerted by the pressing force when the track belt 30 tries to circulate, from exceeding the biasing force of the leaf spring 44. However, the structure of the insertion portion may be something other than a plate material, and a solid member or the like may be formed in a tapered shape at the above-mentioned angle.

[0049] [Actions and Effects of the Second Embodiment] As described above, the locking portion 45B shown in the second embodiment abuts against both track shoes 34, which form the gap G in the locked position. Therefore, no gap (backlash) is formed through which the track belt 30 can circulate in the locked position, and rattle in the circulating direction of the track belt 30 is extremely small. In other words, since the endless track device 3 does not move substantially from the stopped position in the locked position, a locking portion 45B having such a structure is particularly suitable for the locking device 40.

[0050] Third Embodiment A third possible embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. The only difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the locking portion 45A, and therefore, a description of the other parts will be omitted. In other words, the third embodiment is an embodiment in which the lock portion 45A of the first embodiment is replaced with one having a different shape.

[0051] [Lock structure] The locking portion 45A of the first embodiment and the locking portion 45B of the second embodiment described above are inserted into the gap G when in the locked position to restrict the circulation of the track belt 30 in both directions, but the locking portion 45C provided in the third embodiment of the present invention has a structure that acts as a ratchet pawl with the track belt 30 as the ratchet teeth.

[0052] 5(b), a locking part 45C according to the third embodiment includes an insertion part 48 having a generally dogleg shape and an attachment part 49 extending from one end of the insertion part 48, with the attachment part 49 extending at an angle of approximately 120 degrees from the end of the insertion part 48. The side of the insertion part 48 where the attachment part 49 is formed is longer than the tip of the insertion part 48. With this structure, the locking portion 45C according to this embodiment is attached at an angle closer to the end portion to which the leaf spring 44 is fixed than the locking portion 45B according to the second embodiment.

[0053] [Actions and Effects of the Third Embodiment] As shown in FIG. 5(a), by attaching the insertion portion 48 at an angle in this manner, the tip end thereof abuts against one of the track shoes 34 forming the gap G that is on the forward side in the circulation direction. When the track belt 30 circulates in the reverse direction, the tip of the insertion portion 48 of the locking portion 45C is pressed, but the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 keeps the locking portion 45C inserted into the gap G. However, when the track belt 30 circulates in the forward direction, the locking portion 45C comes into contact with the reverse-side track shoe 34 at a large angle of attack. At this time, the force acting on the locking portion 45C to remove it from the gap G due to the pressing force of the track shoe 34 is stronger than in other embodiments. Therefore, the locking portion 45C is pushed up as the track belt 30 circulates, and the insertion portion 48 rides up onto the track shoe 34, allowing the track belt 30 to circulate. As the track belt 30 circulates thereafter, the locking portion 45C is inserted into the gap G again, but as long as the circulation direction does not change, the locking portion 45C operates in the same manner as described above, allowing circulation.

[0054] That is, while the locking device 40 shown in the first and second embodiments is a component that restricts the circulation of the track belt 30 in both directions, the locking device 40 shown in the third embodiment has a structure that restricts the circulation of the track belt 30 in only one direction and allows circulation in the other direction.

[0055] [Effects of the third embodiment] Since the locking portion 45C restricts circulation in only one direction, for example, when a truck equipped with the track device 3 is driven up a slope, the insertion portion 48 can be attached in a direction that restricts circulation in the reverse direction, thereby restricting circulation of the track belt down the slope. Therefore, the device can be used as a device to assist travel when transporting heavy objects, etc.

[0056] In particular, restricting circulation in only one direction requires the use of specially designed casters (wheels) with internal ratchet mechanisms, which complicates the structure and increases installation costs. However, this type of locking device 40 can be easily attached to the outside of the track device 3 and offers a high degree of freedom in component placement, making it possible to avoid the increased costs that would result from a complex structure or the use of small, high-strength components.

[0057] <Effects common to the first to third embodiments> In the locking device for an endless track system according to the present invention, the locking portion is inserted into the gap G in the arc-shaped portion of the track belt. Because this portion is where the gap G is larger, the locking portion can be made larger than other portions. Because the locking portion is subject to a particularly heavy load, making it easier to increase its strength by enlarging it.

[0058] When the locking device 40 according to the present invention is in the locked position, the locking portion is held in a state in which a biasing force is applied to the side of the gap G. Therefore, even if the track belt 30 tries to circulate or is subjected to vibration, the locking portion does not easily come out of the gap G, and the circulation of the track belt 30 can be continuously restricted.

[0059] The locking device 40 according to the present invention shares the same structure except for the locking portions 45A to 45C, and therefore the function can be easily changed depending on the work, and is highly customizable.

[0060] The locking device 40 according to the present invention is configured to be detachable from the track frame 10. Furthermore, because the operating unit 43 and locking units 45A-C are supported only by the track frame 10, it can be attached to either the front or the back of the track device 3. This structure allows the locking device to be attached to any side of the person using the track device 3, allowing for high customization according to the work being done.

[0061] <Modification> Up to now, the endless track device 3 equipped with the rails 20 has been described as an example of the track frame 10, but the present invention can also be applied to endless track devices having other structures. For example, a caterpillar track device may be considered that has a track roller frame equipped with a plurality of rollers at the bottom of the portion corresponding to the upper frame 11 and guide wheels for folding the track belt back and forth. The track roller frame has a support structure for the track belt 30 that has been changed from rails 20 to rollers and guide wheels, but this difference in the support structure for the track belt 30 is not a problem in applying the present invention. That is, the present invention regulates the circulation of the track belt 30, which is supported in a circulable manner by inserting locking portions from the outer periphery into the gaps between the track shoes, so the support method for the track belt can be changed as desired. In other words, the track roller frame is a structure that is included in the track frame, so it can be changed.

[0062] The locking portions 45A to 45C shown in the first to third embodiments have rounded corners at the tips, but by configuring the corners to not be rounded, it is possible to improve the ability of the locking portions 45A to 45C to bite into the core belt 31 and lock the track belt 30. In this case, however, it is necessary to take measures against wear, such as improving the strength of the locking portions 45A to 45C and the core belt 31 against tearing and abrasion.

[0063] In the explanation of the first to third embodiments, the transport vehicle 1 is provided with the handle 4 on the rear side of the transport vehicle top plate 2, but the transport vehicle 1 according to the present invention is not limited to this structure. For example, the transport vehicle 1 may have a structure in which the track device 3 is fixed to the transport vehicle top plate 2 without the handle 4, or may have a basket-shaped structure with walls attached on all four sides. Even in this case, by fixing the track devices 3 so that the operating unit 43 protrudes from one of the end faces, the user of the transport vehicle 1 can easily operate the operating unit 43. In other words, the locking device 40 may be attached to either the front or the rear of the track devices 3, and when fixing a pair of track devices 3 to the cart top plate 2 or the like, the locking devices 40 do not necessarily have to be adjacent to each other on the left and right. Furthermore, the endless track device 3 according to the present invention is not necessarily used for a transport vehicle, but can also be used as a driven wheel of a self-propelled robot or the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1...transport vehicle, 3...crawler device, 10...track frame, 20...rail, 30...track belt, 34...track shoe, 40...locking device, 41...lock frame, 42...cam portion, 43...operating portion, 44...leaf spring, 45A-C...locking portion, 46, 48...insertion portion, 47, 49...mounting portion, G...gap

Claims

1. A track belt locking device is provided on an endless track device that includes a circular track belt having track shoes attached to a core belt in a row, and a track frame that supports the track belt so that the track belt can circulate, and the track frame moves in response to an external force, thereby circulating the track belt. a locking portion that restricts the circulation of the track belt; an operating unit for operating the locking unit, A track belt locking device characterized in that, by operating the operating unit, it is possible to switch between a release position in which the locking portion is separated from the track belt and a locking position in which a part of the locking portion is inserted into a gap between an adjacent pair of track shoes to restrict circulation of the track belt.

2. 2. The track belt locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion has a tapered shape that contacts both of the track shoes that form the gap at an angle that can restrict the circulation of the track belt in both directions when in the locked position.

3. 2. The track belt locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is shaped as a ratchet pawl with the track belt as ratchet teeth.

4. 4. The track belt locking device according to claim 1, wherein the gap into which the locking portion is inserted is between a pair of track shoes located in an upper portion of the arc-shaped portion of the track belt.

5. 4. The track belt locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion is held in the locked position with a predetermined biasing force applied toward the inner circumferential side of the track belt.

6. the locking portion and the operating portion are provided on a lock frame attached to the track frame, the locking portion includes an insertion portion that is inserted into the gap, and an elastic portion having one end fixed to the lock frame and the other end provided with the insertion portion, the operating portion is supported so as to be swingable about an axis along the left-right direction of the track belt and includes a cam portion that presses the elastic portion, 5. The track belt locking device according to claim 4, wherein the cam portion is shaped so that, when in the locked position, the insertion portion presses the elastic portion against the inner peripheral side of the track belt so as to exert a predetermined biasing force.

7. 7. The track belt locking device according to claim 6, wherein the lock frame is detachable from the track frame.

8. 4. The track belt locking device according to claim 1, wherein the locking portion has a portion that is inserted into the gap and another portion that is detachable from the gap.

9. An endless track device comprising the track belt locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The track belt locking device is disposed in the upper portion of the front-rear end of the track frame, with its upper portion positioned at a height lower than the top of the track frame.

11. A transport vehicle comprising the track device according to claim 9.

Images