Dolly

Abstract

We offer lightweight and strengthened trolleys with casters. [Solution] The trolley has an outer frame formed by joining a plurality of rectangular tube members in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, a crossbar formed by placing a plurality of rectangular tube members across the rectangular tube members that constitute one opposite side of the outer frame, and casters attached to the lower surface of the outer frame or the crossbar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a trolley for carrying loads.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, efforts have been made to reduce the weight and increase the strength of trolleys for carrying loads. For example, in Patent Document 1, a foamed synthetic resin is injected into a hollow casing with a top plate to reduce the weight and reinforce the top plate on which loads are placed.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The base portion serving as the load bed of the container or trolley disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed by injecting a foaming synthetic resin through small holes opened in a casing with a top plate, discharging the internal air through small holes also opened in the casing while foaming, and filling the casing with the foamed synthetic resin. However, further weight reduction and strength improvement are required.

[0005] In view of the above facts, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a trolley with casters that is lightweight and strong using simpler methods and means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The trolley according to the first aspect has an outer frame portion formed by joining a plurality of square tube members in a rectangular shape in a plan view, a crossbar portion formed by stretching a plurality of square tube members from the outer frame portion to the inside, and casters attached to the lower surface of the outer frame portion or the crossbar portion.

[0007] This configuration allows for both weight reduction and increased rigidity of the trolley by using hollow rectangular tube members to construct the outer frame and crossbar sections. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] We can provide lightweight and strong trolleys with casters. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] This is an overhead perspective view illustrating the trolley according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a bottom view illustrating a trolley according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a front view illustrating a trolley according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the area around the caster applied to the trolley according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a bottom view illustrating a trolley according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a front view illustrating a trolley according to the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a partial cross-sectional view showing the area around the caster applied to the trolley according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a plan view illustrating a trolley according to the third embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a front view illustrating a trolley according to the third embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a rectangular tube member applicable to all embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings are exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0011] In the diagram, arrow F indicates the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the trolley's loading platform, and arrow R indicates the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the trolley's loading platform. Arrow H indicates the height direction (up-down direction) of the loading platform, which is the vertical direction of the trolley when the depth and width directions are horizontal. The depth, width, and height directions are orthogonal to each other. In this specification, the above directions are used for explanation, but the orientation of the trolley is not limited to these directions.

[0012] <First Embodiment> As shown in Figures 1-3, the trolley 10 according to this embodiment is a trolley with casters attached to a frame-shaped member, a so-called flatbed hand truck. However, the use of the trolley is not limited to this in this disclosure, and it is not prevented to use it as a so-called single-sided hand truck, for example, with a push handle attached to one end of the frame-shaped member. The trolley 10 can travel on the floor with cargo LD placed on the loading surface. The trolley 10 has an outer frame 20, a crossbar 30, and casters 40.

[0013] (Outer frame) As shown in Figure 2, the outer frame portion 20 is a frame-shaped member formed by joining four rectangular tube members 22 in a square shape when viewed from below. The outer frame portion 20 constitutes the outer periphery of the trolley 10. In this disclosure, the shape of the outer frame portion and the number of rectangular tube members are not limited to these, and as long as the outer frame portion has the required strength and forms the required trolley mounting surface, it can be, for example, a rectangle or any other polygonal shape, and the number of rectangular tube members can be adjusted according to that shape.

[0014] As shown in Figure 4, the rectangular tube member 22 has a vertically elongated rectangular shape in cross-sectional view and is a rectangular tube made of galvanized steel. However, in this disclosure, the cross-sectional shape and material of the rectangular tube member are not limited to this and can be any shape, such as a square, polygon, or a shape including a partially curved surface, as long as the frame of the trolley can be formed with the required strength. It may also be made of, for example, aluminum alloy, corrugated cardboard, synthetic resin, etc. Furthermore, although the rectangular tube member 22 is integrally formed from galvanized steel, in this disclosure, it is not limited to this and may be formed by, for example, sheet metal forming, mold forming, injection molding, etc., depending on the material used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the corner tube member 22 that constitutes the outer frame portion 20 is divided into a long member 22A and a short member 22B. Two long members 22A are arranged in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction along the depth direction. The short member 22B is formed to be shorter than the long member 22A by a length that is twice the lateral width of the corner tube member 22 in the longitudinal direction. Further, the short member 22B is arranged so as to be sandwiched by the side surfaces of the respective ends of the two long members 22A in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the depth direction along the width direction, and forms a rectangular shape in plan view together with the long member 22A. The short member 22B is joined to the respective ends of the long member 22A at each end using four L-shaped angles 24 and a plurality of fastening members 24A that are L-shaped in plan view. In the present disclosure, the method of constructing the outer frame portion is not limited to this, and as long as the outer frame portion has the required strength, for example, hozo holes may be provided at both ends of the corner tube member arranged in the depth direction, hozo may be provided at both ends of the corner tube member arranged in the width direction, and the outer frame portion may be constructed by inserting the hozo into the hozo holes for joining, or the outer frame portion may be constructed by using a combination of L-shaped angle joining and hozo joining.

[0016] (Cross member portion) As shown in FIG. 2, the cross member portion 30 is arranged inside the outer frame portion 20 and mainly constitutes the loading surface of the cart

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[0017] The crossbar portion 30 is formed by being joined by the fastening member 26A in a state where the plate 26 (see FIG. 3) is spanned over the lower surface of each crossbar member 32 and the lower surface of the short member 22B. In the present disclosure, the joining method of the crossbar member and the square tube member constituting the outer frame portion is not limited to this. As long as the crossbar portion has the required strength, for example, hozo holes may be provided at the joining portions of the square tube members constituting the outer frame portion, hozo may be provided at both ends of the crossbar member, and the crossbar portion may be constituted by inserting the hozo into the hozo holes and joining them. Alternatively, the crossbar portion may be constituted by joining the joining portion of the square tube member constituting the outer frame portion and the end portion of the crossbar member by a T-shaped notch joint. Alternatively, the crossbar portion may be constituted by using a combination of plate joining and hozo joining or notch joint.

[0018] The crossbar members 32 are formed with a rectangular cross-section (not shown) and are arranged in five in a state of being spaced apart from each other in the width direction along the depth direction. The length of the crossbar members 32 in the depth direction is formed shorter than the length of the long member 22A in the depth direction (longitudinal direction). The crossbar members 32 are formed of the same material as the square tube members 22 constituting the outer frame portion 20.

[0019] In the present embodiment, five crossbar members 32 are arranged, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As long as it constitutes a loading surface on which luggage can be loaded on the cart, depending on the planar shape of the crossbar members, one or more can be arbitrarily selected, but a plurality of crossbar members are preferable for ensuring the support of the load. Further, the crossbar members 32 are formed of the same material as the square tube members 22 constituting the outer frame portion 20, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. As long as it contributes to the weight reduction and strength enhancement of the cart, the crossbar members may be made of a material different from the square tube members constituting the outer frame portion. Further, the crossbar members 32 are formed with a rectangular cross-section, but the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, it can be arbitrarily selected such as a square, a polygon, a shape including a curved surface partially, etc.

[0020] (Caster) As shown in Figures 2 and 3, five casters 40 are attached to the underside of the outer frame 20 or the crossbar 30, and they have the function of making the trolley 10 movable. In this embodiment, two types of casters 40 are attached in a mixed manner: swivel casters 40C are positioned at the four corners of the outer frame 20, and fixed casters 40M are positioned on the crossbar member 32 in the center of the crossbar 30. Furthermore, the casters 40C and casters 40M are made of metal.

[0021] In this embodiment, the number of casters 40 is set to 5, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, there may be 6 or more casters to improve load-bearing capacity by shortening the distance between them. Alternatively, there may be 3 or 4 casters, as long as they can withstand the load of the outer frame, crossbars, and cargo, and function as a trolley. In this embodiment, the material of the casters 40 is metal, but this disclosure is not limited to this, and any material is acceptable as long as it has the required load-bearing capacity and functions as a caster, such as resin or wood.

[0022] As shown in Figure 4, the caster 40 comprises a base plate 42, a wheel support 44, and a wheel 46. While the explanation of the caster 40 uses an example of attachment to the outer frame 20, attachment to the crossbar 30 is performed in the same manner.

[0023] The base plate 42 is a flat plate-shaped member with multiple screw holes (not shown) formed therein. The base plate 42 occupies the space above the caster 40 and is attached to the lower surface of the outer frame 20. In this embodiment, the base plate 42 is formed to be narrower than the width of the outer frame 20. The base plate 42 is directly attached to the outer frame 20 by fastening members (not shown) inserted through the screw holes.

[0024] The wheel support section 44 is attached to the base plate 42 and supports the wheel 46, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the wheel support section 44 corresponding to the swivel caster 40C has two axes: a vertical rotation axis that determines the direction of travel of the trolley 10 on the floor surface GR, and a horizontal rotation axis that supports the wheel 46 and enables the trolley 10 to move forward and backward. The wheel support section 44 corresponding to the fixed caster 40M has only a horizontal rotation axis that supports the wheel 46 and enables the trolley 10 to move forward and backward.

[0025] The wheels 46 are disc-shaped and are rotatably supported via the wheel support 44. The wheels 46 also contact the floor surface GR, supporting the trolley 10 and the loaded cargo LD, and enabling the transport of the cargo LD.

[0026] As described above, the caster 40 enables the selection of the direction of travel of the trolley 10 and allows for forward and backward movement.

[0027] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The trolley 10 according to this embodiment has an outer frame portion 20 formed by joining four rectangular tube members 22 in a square shape when viewed from above, a crossbar portion 30 formed by extending five crossbar members 32 inward from the outer frame portion 20, and casters 40 attached to the lower surface of the outer frame portion 20 or the crossbar portion 30.

[0028] This configuration allows for both weight reduction and increased rigidity of the trolley by using hollow rectangular tube members to construct the outer frame and crossbar sections.

[0029] Furthermore, in the trolley 10 according to this embodiment, the rectangular tube member 22 is made of galvanized steel, which is a metallic material. With this configuration, the water resistance of the rectangular tube member 22 is improved compared to corrugated cardboard or wood, which have hydrophilic properties. In addition, metals generally have high malleability and workability, and can be processed into thin sheets, making it easy to reduce the weight of the rectangular tube member 22.

[0030] In the trolley 10 according to this embodiment, the rectangular tube member 22 is made of galvanized steel, which is a metallic material, but in this disclosure, it may be made of corrugated cardboard. This configuration is more suitable for applications requiring insulation than metal materials. Also, compared to metal materials, waste disposal is easier, and the environmental burden can be reduced. When using this configuration, it is preferable to perform water-resistant processing or other additional processing on the material depending on the application.

[0031] <Second Embodiment> Next, the trolley 110 according to the second embodiment will be described. The trolley 110 shares the same basic configuration as the trolley 10, but differs from the trolley 10 according to the first embodiment in that its casters are larger.

[0032] In the following explanation, the descriptions and reference numerals for components common to both bogie 110 and bogie 10 may be omitted.

[0033] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the trolley 110 has an outer frame 20, a crossbar 30, casters 140, and a receiving member 150.

[0034] (caster) The caster 140 is larger than the caster 40 of the trolley 10, and is configured to increase the load capacity. The caster 140 is divided into four swivel casters 140C and one fixed caster 140M. The caster 140C is located on the underside of the outer frame 20. The caster 140M is located in the center of the crossbar 30.

[0035] (Support member) The support members 150 are attached to the four corners of the outer frame 20 and the center of the crossbar 30. As shown in Figure 7, the support members 150 comprise an adhesive member 152 and a panel member 154. In the following description, the support members 150 attached to the outer frame 20 will be described in detail, and the description of the support members 150 attached to the crossbar 30, which have a similar configuration, will be omitted. The caster 140 corresponds to the caster 40 and comprises a base plate 142, a wheel support portion 144, and a wheel 146.

[0036] The adhesive member 152 is an adhesive resin applied to the lower surface of the rectangular tube member 22 of the outer frame portion 20. The adhesive member 152 joins the rectangular tube member 22 and the caster 140 via the panel member 154. In this embodiment, the adhesive member 152 is double-sided tape. However, the adhesive member is not limited to this in this disclosure and may be an epoxy resin or the like.

[0037] As shown in Figure 5, the panel member 154 is a square plate in plan view, having sides longer than the width of the rectangular tube member 22 that forms the outer frame 20. In this disclosure, the shape of the panel member is not limited to this, and can be, for example, a rectangle or any other shape, as long as it has the required strength and is large enough to attach the caster base plate.

[0038] As shown in Figure 7, the panel member 154 is fixed to the outer frame 20 on its upper side via an adhesive member 152, and the base plate 142 of the caster 140 is fixed to it with screws on its lower side. In addition, as shown in Figure 7, the panel member 154 according to this embodiment is positioned such that the position of the caster 140 attached to the panel member 154 overlaps with the position of the rectangular tube member 22. For example, one side of the panel member 154 bonded to the rectangular tube member 22 is positioned so that it extends outward beyond the outer frame 20. In such a receiving member 150 including the panel member 154, as shown in Figure 5, the outer frame 20 formed by the rectangular tube member 22 and the batten portion 30 formed by the batten member 32 directly receive the reaction force from the caster 140.

[0039] In this disclosure, the bonding position of the panel member is not limited to this and is arbitrary as long as it has the required caster mounting strength. For example, in applications where it is undesirable for the panel member to protrude beyond the outer frame, the panel member may be positioned so that its corners overlap with the corners of the outer frame, and both sides extending from the corners of the panel member overlap with both sides extending from the corners of the outer frame 20, so that the panel member does not protrude beyond the outer frame.

[0040] The panel member 154 is formed to be larger in the depth and width directions than the width of the rectangular tube member 22 that forms the outer frame portion 20. That is, the length of the panel member 154 in the width direction extends from the width of the rectangular tube member 22 whose cross-section is shown to the portion of the rectangular tube member 22 whose vertical cross-section is shown. In other words, the base plate 142 of the caster 140 is fixed to the panel member 154, which has a portion that is not supported by the rectangular tube member 22 that forms the outer frame portion 20.

[0041] The trolley 110 of the second embodiment is thus constructed.

[0042] <Effects of the second embodiment> In the trolley 110 according to this embodiment, the base plate 142 of the caster 140 is fixed to the panel member 154 of the receiving member 150 which is attached to the lower surface of the outer frame portion 20 or the crossbar portion 30.

[0043] According to this configuration, by providing the panel member 154 of the receiving member 150, it is possible to fix a caster 140 whose base plate size is larger than the width of the rectangular tube member 22.

[0044] Furthermore, by providing the receiving member 150, when a caster 140 is used in which the screw hole spacing of the base plate 142 is larger than the width of the lower surface of the rectangular tube member 22, it is possible to prevent the caster 140 from falling off the outer frame 20 and the crossbar 30 due to the load of the cargo LD, etc.

[0045] <Third Embodiment> Next, the trolley 210 according to the third embodiment will be described. The trolley 210 shares the same basic configuration as the trolley 110, but differs from the trolley 110 according to the second embodiment in that it has a railing member 260 for preventing cargo from slipping and a top plate 270 on the loading surface.

[0046] In the following explanation, the descriptions and reference numerals for components common to both bogie 210 and bogie 110 may be omitted.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the trolley 210 has, in addition to the configuration of the trolley 110, a fence member 260 and a top plate 270.

[0048] (fence members) The fence members 260 are rectangular plates. Multiple fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame 20 in an orientation where the plate thickness direction is aligned with the depth direction or width direction. In this embodiment, a total of 12 fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame 20, specifically 3 per long member 22A and 3 per short member 22B. The fence members 260 form a storage space into which the top plate 270, which will be described later, can be fitted.

[0049] In this disclosure, the shape of the fence members is not limited to rectangular plates, but may also be rod-shaped or columnar. Also, the number of fence members is not limited to 12, and can be one or more as long as it prevents luggage or the top plate from falling, depending on the application. However, it is desirable to provide three or more on each side, for example, if they are detachable or retractable. In this embodiment, the fence members 260 are spaced equally apart, but in this disclosure, the spacing may be appropriately varied depending on the type of top plate or luggage.

[0050] As shown in Figure 9, the fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame 20 by a plurality of fastening members 260A. In this embodiment, each fence member 260 is attached by two fastening members 260A in a state where it rises above the upper surfaces of the outer frame 20 and the slat section 30. In this disclosure, the method of attaching the fence members is not limited to this, and other methods such as inserting them into an insertion opening so that they can be detachably attached, or storing them by tilting them to one side, are also possible. In other words, the fence members 260 demarcate the upper surfaces of the outer frame 20 and the slat section 30.

[0051] (Tabletop) The top plate 270 is a square-shaped board, and its bottom surface is supported by the outer frame portion 20 and the crossbar portion 30, and it is fitted into the storage space formed by the fence member 260. In this embodiment, the material of the top plate 270 is any of expanded polystyrene, cardboard, or plastic corrugated cardboard, but this disclosure is not limited to these, and depending on the application, it may be wood, metal, or the like.

[0052] As shown in Figure 9, the top plate 270 is supported by the upper surfaces of the outer frame 20 and the crossbar 30, with its upper surface positioned above the fence member 260. In other words, the height of the fence member 260 is determined considering the thickness of the top plate 270 used. That is, the top plate 270 is restricted from shifting in the depth and width directions by the fence member 260. It should be noted that this disclosure does not preclude the use of a trolley equipped with a fence member without fitting the top plate, nor does it preclude the use of a trolley with the top plate's upper surface lower than the fence member.

[0053] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> In this embodiment, the trolley 210 has a plurality of fence members 260 that rise from the outer surface of the outer frame portion 20 and form a storage space.

[0054] According to this configuration, by forming a storage space with the railing member 260, when the cargo LD is placed directly on the trolley 210 without fitting the top plate, it is possible to prevent the cargo LD from falling due to sliding sideways on the loading surface. Furthermore, even when the cargo LD is loaded via a pallet (not shown) that is larger than the gaps between the railing members 32 of the railing section 30 or the gap between the outer frame section 20 and the railing members 32, it is possible to prevent the pallet from falling sideways.

[0055] Furthermore, the trolley 210 according to this embodiment has a top plate that fits into a storage space formed by the fence member 260. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent the fitted top plate 270 from shifting laterally. In addition, by using the top plate 270, even with luggage LDs that have a relatively soft exterior, it is possible to prevent the luggage LDs from getting stuck in the gaps of the slat section 30 and deforming, or from falling through the gaps.

[0056] Furthermore, in the trolley 210 according to this embodiment, the material of the top plate 270 is one of expanded polystyrene, cardboard, or plastic corrugated cardboard. With this configuration, when the top plate 270 needs to be replaced due to contamination or damage, the material is easily available and maintainability is good.

[0057] <Variation> Furthermore, the present disclosure can also be constructed by partially combining the configurations illustrated in the attached drawings. As described above, this disclosure includes various embodiments not described above, and the technical scope of this disclosure is determined solely by the inventive features of the claims that are reasonable from the above description.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the rectangular tube member 22 constituting the outer frame portion 20 and the crossbar portion 30 is assumed to have a vertically elongated rectangular shape in cross-sectional view, but the shape of the rectangular tube member is not limited to this in this disclosure. As a modified example of the rectangular tube member, for example, as shown in Figure 10, a rectangular tube member 322 having recesses 324 and 325 on the upper and lower surfaces that are recessed inward, and a wavy portion 326 on the side surface that undulates in the direction from the upper end to the lower end may be used instead of the rectangular tube member 22.

[0059] According to this configuration, a corrugated portion 326 is formed on the side surface of the rectangular tube member, and the rigidity of the rectangular tube member against vertical load is higher compared to a configuration in which the side surface of the rectangular tube member 322 is flat.

[0060] In detail, when a load is applied from above to the outer frame and battens, compared to a case where the side surface of the rectangular tube member is flat, even with the same plate thickness, a corrugated side surface of the rectangular tube member produces a shape effect that makes the plate thickness appear thicker in proportion to the amplitude and wavelength of the wave, relative to the load-bearing capacity. In other words, for the same load-bearing capacity, it is possible to reduce the plate thickness by making it corrugated, thereby achieving further weight reduction. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10, 110, 210 trolleys 20 Outer frame 22,322 rectangular tube members 22A Long component 22B Short component 30 Samkibe 32. Wooden battens (an example of a rectangular tubular member) 40, 140 casters 40C, 140C Swivel Casters 40M, 140M Fixed Casters 42, 142 base plate 44, 144 Wheel support part 46, 146 wheels 150 Receiving member 152 Adhesive material 154 Panel components 260 Fence members 270 Top plate 326 Wavy section GR floor surface LD luggage

Claims

1. An outer frame formed by joining multiple rectangular tube members in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, A crossbar section is formed by extending multiple rectangular tubular members inward from the outer frame section, Casters attached to the lower surface of the outer frame or the batten, A trolley having a trolley.

2. The base plate of the caster is fixed to a receiving member attached to the lower surface of the outer frame or the crossbar. The trolley according to claim 1.

3. The outer frame portion has multiple fence members that rise from the outer surface and form a storage space. The trolley according to claim 1.

4. It has a top plate that fits into the storage space formed by the aforementioned fence member, The trolley according to claim 3.

5. The material of the top panel is one of the following: expanded polystyrene, cardboard, or corrugated plastic. The trolley according to claim 4.

6. The aforementioned rectangular tube member is made of a metal material. The trolley according to claim 1.

7. The aforementioned rectangular tube member is made of corrugated cardboard material. The trolley according to claim 1.

8. The side surface of the rectangular tube member has a wavy portion formed thereon, which undulates in the direction from the upper end to the lower end. A trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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