Shopping cart

Abstract

We provide a carry cart that can move smoothly when overcoming obstacles such as steps. [Solution] The carry cart 10 comprises wheels 20, a frame 40, a seat 61, support legs 66, and a link 70. The seat 61 is rotatably connected to the frame 40 around a first support shaft 64 and is configured to be unfoldable and foldable relative to the frame 40. The support legs 66 are rotatably connected to the frame 40 around the first support shaft 64 and are configured to extend and retract in a direction perpendicular to the first support shaft 64. The link 70 links the unfolding and folding of the seat 61 and the extension and contraction of the support legs 66, respectively. When the seat 61 is fully unfolded, the support legs 66 extend to contact the ground G in front of the wheels 20 to support the seat 61 from below, and when the seat 61 is fully folded, they contract to be positioned above the front axle 21a and behind the front end of the wheels 20.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a carrier cart.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a base frame configured to be able to travel while carrying a bag body. The base frame includes a horizontal platform on which the bag body is disposed, a pair of support columns extending upward from the horizontal platform, and a folding chair foldably connected to the pair of support columns. On the lower surface of the horizontal platform, four traveling casters including two casters disposed below the pair of support columns are fixed.

[0003] The folding chair includes a seat and folding legs. The seat is configured to be able to be deployed and folded with respect to the pair of support columns between a horizontal posture and a vertical posture. The folding legs are configured to be able to be deployed and folded with respect to the pair of support columns in conjunction with the seat. When the seat is deployed in the horizontal posture, the folding legs contact the ground and support the seat. Further, when the seat is folded in the vertical posture, the folding legs are housed between the pair of support columns so as to be in a posture parallel to the pair of support columns. At this time, the lower end portion of the folding legs is located above the ground. More specifically, the lower end portion of the folding legs is between the two casters and is located at a position horizontally aligned with the rotation axes of the two casters.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] In the base frame described in Patent Document 1, when the seat is folded in a vertical position and the base frame is moved using the two casters as front wheels to overcome a step in the ground, the lower end of the folding legs may come into contact with the step. In this case, the smooth movement of the base frame may be hindered. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A carry cart for solving the above problems comprises wheels that rotate around an axle, and a frame that extends vertically and to which the wheels are connected, and is a carry cart for transporting objects, comprising: a seat that is rotatably connected to the frame around a first axis extending in the width direction of the carry cart and configured to be unfoldable and foldable relative to the frame; support legs that are rotatably connected to the frame around a second axis extending in the width direction of the carry cart and configured to be extendable and retractable in a direction perpendicular to the second axis; and a link that connects the seat and the support legs and links the unfolding and folding of the seat and the extension and contraction of the support legs, respectively, wherein when the seat is fully unfolded, the support legs extend to contact the ground in front of the wheels to support the seat from below, and when the seat is fully folded, they contract to be positioned above the axle and behind the front end of the wheels. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a side view showing the first embodiment of the carry cart with the seat extended. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the carry cart shown in Figure 1, viewed from the front. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the carry cart shown in Figure 1, viewed from the rear. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 1 in a folded state. [Figure 5]Figure 5 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 1 in a more extended position than shown in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 1 in a more extended position than shown in Figure 5. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a side view showing the carry cart of the second embodiment with the seat extended. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the carry cart shown in Figure 7, viewed from the front. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the carry cart shown in Figure 7, viewed from the rear. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 7 in a folded state. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 7 in a more extended position than shown in Figure 10. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a side view showing the seat of the carry cart in Figure 7 in a more extended position than shown in Figure 11. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view showing the seat portion of a modified example. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <First Embodiment> The first embodiment of the carry cart will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 6. (Overall configuration of the carry cart 10) As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the carry cart 10 comprises a plurality of wheels 20, a loading platform 30, and a frame 40. The plurality of wheels 20 include one front wheel 21 and two rear wheels 22. The loading platform 30 is used to carry items C such as luggage. The plurality of wheels 20 and the loading platform 30 are connected to the frame 40.

[0009] Hereinafter, the front of the moving direction of the carrier cart 10 when the front wheels 21 move to a position in front of the rear wheels 22 will be described as the front, and the side opposite to the front will be described as the rear. Also, the vehicle width direction of the carrier cart 10 that is orthogonal to both the moving direction and the vertical direction of the carrier cart 10 will be simply described as the vehicle width direction.

[0010] (Configuration of the front wheels 21 and rear wheels 22) As shown in FIG. 2, the front wheels 21 are configured to be rotatable about a front axle 21a connected to the frame 40. The front axle 21a extends in the vehicle width direction. The front axle 21a is an example of an "axle".

[0011] The two rear wheels 22 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction behind the front wheels 21. Each rear wheel 22 is configured to be rotatable about a rear axle 22a connected to the frame 40.

[0012] The front wheels 21 are driven by a motor (not shown) according to a switch operation or the like of the user of the carrier cart 10. The front wheels 21 function as drive wheels of the carrier cart 10. Each rear wheel 22 functions as a driven wheel of the carrier cart 10.

[0013] (Configuration of the loading platform 30) The loading platform 30 is box-shaped and open upward. The object C to be transported can be accommodated inside the loading platform 30 through the opening (see FIG. 1). The loading platform 30 is connected to the frame 40 by a fixing member (not shown).

[0014] (Configuration of the frame 40) As shown in FIG. 1, the frame 40 includes a steering frame 41 and a support frame 45. The steering frame 41 is configured to change the moving direction of the front wheels 21 by rotating about a central axis A extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction. The central axis A extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction so as to be located more rearward upward. The support frame 45 supports the steering frame 41 rotatably about the central axis A behind the steering frame 41.

[0015] (Configuration of Steering Frame 41) The steering frame 41 includes a frame body 42 and a front wheel support portion 43. The frame body 42 extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction along the central axis line A, that is, it is positioned more rearward as it goes upward. The front wheel support portion 43 is connected to the lower end portion of the frame body 42. The front wheel 21 is rotatably supported by the front wheel support portion 43.

[0016] The steering frame 41 includes a grip 44 that is held by the user of the carrier cart 10. The grip 44 is attached to the upper end portion of the frame body 42. The grip 44 extends rearward. The user of the carrier cart can change the moving direction of the front wheel 21 by rotating the steering frame 41 while holding the grip 44.

[0017] (Configuration of Support Frame 45) As shown in FIG. 3, the support frame 45 has a base portion 46 and a standing portion 47. The base portion 46 has a substantially U-shaped opening in the front in a plan view. The base portion 46 surrounds the outer periphery of the loading platform 3 The standing portion 47 stands up from the front end portion of the base portion 46 and extends upward. The support frame 45 is configured by connecting, for example, a plurality of pipes.

[0018] The front portion of the base portion 46 extends obliquely with respect to the moving direction of the carrier cart 10 so as to be positioned upward as it goes forward. The rear portion of the base portion 46 extends linearly in the moving direction of the carrier cart 10. The rear wheels 22 are rotatably supported on both sides in the vehicle width direction at the rear end portion of the base portion 46.

[0019] The standing portion 47 extends upward along the steering frame 41 from the front end portion of the base portion 46. That is, the standing portion 47 extends obliquely with respect to the vertical direction so as to be positioned more rearward as it goes upward. In the standing portion 47, a pair of pipes constituting the support frame 45 extend parallel to each other with a gap in the vehicle width direction.

[0020] As shown in Figure 1, the upright section 47 has a rotational support section 50 that supports the steering frame 41 so that it can rotate around the central axis A. The rotational support section 50 is provided at the lower part of the upright section 47.

[0021] The rotating support section 50 includes a bracket 51 and a support member 52. The bracket 51 is fixed to the rear surface of the upright section 47. The support member 52 is fixed to the bracket 51 on the opposite side of the upright section 47 from the bracket 51. The support member 52 is also fixed to the front surface of the upright section 47.

[0022] The support member 52 has a pair of support plates 53 and a connecting plate 54. The pair of connecting plates 54 are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the steering frame 41. The connecting plates 54 connect the rear ends of the pair of connecting plates 54. The connecting plates 54 extend along the steering frame 41 and the upright portion 47.

[0023] The steering frame 41 passes through each support plate 53. The support member 52 rotatably supports the steering frame 41 that passes through each support plate 53. (60 components of a folding chair) As shown in Figure 2, the carry cart 10 is equipped with a folding chair 60 connected to the frame 40. The folding chair 60 is, for example, for the user of the carry cart 10 to sit on.

[0024] The folding chair 60 comprises a seat 61, support legs 66, and a link 70. The seat 61 is rotatably connected to the frame 40 around a first support shaft 64 extending in the vehicle width direction. More specifically, the seat 61 is rotatably connected to the support frame 45 around the first support shaft 64. The seat 61 is not connected to the steering frame 41. The seat 61 is configured to be unfolded and folded relative to the frame 40 by rotating around the first support shaft 64. The support legs 66 are rotatably connected to the seat 61 and the support frame 45 via the first support shaft 64. The link 70 connects the seat 61 and the support legs 66. In this embodiment, the seat 61 and the support legs 66 are rotatably connected to the support frame 45 via a common first support shaft 64. The central axis of the first support shaft 64 extending in the vehicle width direction is an example of the "first axis" and the "second axis".

[0025] (Composition of the seat 61) The seat portion 61 has a support portion 62 and a peripheral wall 63. The support portion 62 is rectangular in shape and elongated in the direction of movement of the carry cart 10. The support portion 62 has a seating surface on which the user sits. The peripheral wall 63 protrudes downward from the outer edge of the support portion 62 when the seat portion 61 is unfolded. The peripheral wall 63 is provided along the entire outer edge of the support portion 62. On the side of the seat portion 61 opposite the seating surface, a recess is formed, partitioned by the support portion 62 and the peripheral wall 63. The recess functions as a space for storing the support legs 66 and the link 70 when the seat portion 61 is folded.

[0026] As shown in Figure 3, the seat portion 61 is provided with a notch 65 to allow the frame 40 to move out of the way when the seat portion 61 is folded. The notch 65 extends from the rear end to the front end of the seat portion 61 when it is unfolded. Part of the steering frame 41 and the upper end of the upright portion 47 are located inside the notch 65.

[0027] The first support shaft 64 penetrates the upper end of the upright portion 47 in the vehicle width direction. The first support shaft 64 is connected to multiple points spaced apart in the vehicle width direction at the rear end of the seat portion 61. The central part of the first support shaft 64 in the longitudinal direction is located inside the notch 65.

[0028] (Configuration of support legs 66) As shown in Figure 2, the support leg 66 comprises a pair of first pipes 67, a pair of second pipes 68, and a connecting pipe 69. The inner diameter of the second pipes 68 is larger than the inner diameter of the first pipes 67.

[0029] The pair of first pipes 67 are arranged at intervals in the vehicle width direction. One end of each pair of first pipes 67 is rotatably connected to the seat 61 and support frame 45 around a common first support shaft 64.

[0030] The pair of second pipes 68 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each second pipe 68 permanently stores the end of the first pipe 67 opposite to the end mentioned above. The pair of second pipes 68 are configured to expose and retract the pair of first pipes 67 by sliding relative to the pair of first pipes 67 while the pair of first pipes 67 are retracted. When the pair of second pipes 68 slide in the direction that exposes the pair of first pipes 67, the support legs 66 extend. Conversely, when the pair of second pipes 68 slide in the direction that retracts the pair of first pipes 67, the support legs 66 retract. Thus, the support legs 66 are configured to extend and retract in a direction perpendicular to the first support shaft 64.

[0031] The lower end surface of each second pipe 68 is inclined with respect to a plane direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the second pipe 68 so that it is parallel to the horizontal ground G when it comes into contact with the ground G. The connecting pipe 69 extends in the vehicle width direction and connects the lower ends of the pair of second pipes 68.

[0032] (Configuration of Link 70) The link 70 comprises a pair of link bodies 71 and a connecting member 72. The pair of link bodies 71 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. Each link body 71 is elongated. The connecting member 72 connects the first ends 70a of the pair of link bodies 71 in the longitudinal direction.

[0033] The first ends 70a of a pair of link bodies 71 are rotatably connected to the front end of a seat 61 about a common second support shaft 73 that extends in the vehicle width direction. The second support shaft 73 is connected to multiple points spaced apart in the vehicle width direction at the front end of the seat 61. The second ends 70b of the pair of link bodies 71, opposite to the first ends 70a, are rotatably connected to the inner portions in the vehicle width direction at the upper ends of a pair of second pipes 68.

[0034] As shown in Figures 4 to 6, the link 70 links the unfolding and folding movements of the seat 61 with the extension and contraction movements of the support legs 66. More specifically, the link 70 links the unfolding movement of the seat 61 with the sliding movement of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that exposes the pair of first pipes 67. Furthermore, the link 70 links the folding movement of the seat 61 with the sliding movement of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that stores the pair of first pipes 67. From the above, it can be said that the link 70 has the function of converting the unfolding and folding movements of the seat 61 into the extension and contraction movements of the support legs 66, respectively.

[0035] As shown in Figure 1, when the seat portion 61 is fully deployed, the support legs 66 extend to contact the ground G in front of the front wheels 21, supporting the seat portion 61 from below. At this time, the lower end surfaces of the pair of second pipes 68 contact the ground G. When the seat portion 61 is fully deployed, it extends horizontally. At this time, the angle between the link 70 and the support legs 66, or more specifically, the angle between each link body 71 and each first pipe 67, is acute.

[0036] As shown in Figure 4, when the seat portion 61 is fully folded, the support legs 66 retract to a position above the front axle 21a and behind the front end of the front wheel 21. At this time, the lower end of each second pipe 68 is located directly above the front axle 21a when viewed from the vehicle width direction.

[0037] Once the seat portion 61 is folded, the support legs 66 and the link 70 are stored in the recess formed on the side of the seat portion 61 opposite to the seat surface. <Operation of this embodiment> As shown in Figure 5, when unfolding the seat 61, the user first grasps the front end of the seat 61 in the folded state shown in Figure 4 and lifts the seat 61. At this time, the seat 61 rotates around the first support shaft 64. The link 70 also rotates around the second support shaft 73 so that each second end 70b moves downward. As a result, the second pipe 68, which is rotatably connected to each second end 70b, slides in a direction that exposes the first pipe 67.

[0038] As shown in Figure 6, the user then lifts the seat 61 to a position where its front end is above its rear end. As the seat 61 is lifted from the position shown in Figure 6 to the predetermined position, the pair of second pipes 68 slide to the lower limit position relative to the pair of first pipes 67, completing the extension of the support legs 66. At this time, the lower ends of the pair of second pipes 68 are located above the ground G.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the user then pushes down the seat 61 so that the lower ends of the pair of second pipes 68 contact the ground G. This completes the deployment of the seat 61. As shown in Figure 6, when folding the seat 61, the user first grasps the front end of the seat 61 in the unfolded state shown in Figure 1 and lifts the seat 61. Next, with the seat 61 lifted, the user pushes up at least one of the pair of link bodies 71, rotating the link 70 so that each second end 70b moves upward. As a result, as shown in Figure 5, the pair of second pipes 68 slide in the direction that houses the pair of first pipes 67, and the seat 61 is folded. After pushing up the link body 71 until the angle between each link body 71 and each first pipe 67 becomes obtuse, the user can fold the seat 61 by pushing down the front end of the seat 61.

[0040] As shown in Figure 4, the user then pushes down the seat 61 until the support legs 66 and the link 70 are stored in the recess of the seat 61. This completes the folding of the seat 61. <Effects of this embodiment> (1-1) When the seat 61 is fully deployed, the support legs 66 extend to contact the ground G in front of the front wheels 21 and support the seat 61 from below. When the seat 61 is fully folded, the support legs 66 retract to a position above the front axle 21a and behind the front end of the front wheels 21.

[0041] With the above configuration, as shown in Figure 1, when the seat portion 61 is unfolded relative to the frame 40, the support legs 66 come into contact with the ground G in front of the front wheels 21. As a result, the seat portion 61 is supported from below by the support legs 66. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 4, when the seat portion 61 is folded relative to the frame 40, the support legs 66 contract until they are positioned above the front axle 21a and behind the front end of the front wheels 21. This prevents the support legs 66 from coming into contact with the step when the front wheels 21 of the carry cart 10 attempt to go over a step when the seat portion 61 is folded. Therefore, the carry cart 10 can move smoothly when going over steps.

[0042] (1-2) Link 70 links the unfolding of the seat 61 with the sliding of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that exposes the pair of first pipes 67. Link 70 also links the folding of the seat 61 with the sliding of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that stores the pair of first pipes 67.

[0043] According to the above configuration, the extension and retraction function of the support legs 66 can be easily realized by connecting a pair of second pipes 68 that slide relative to a pair of first pipes 67 to the seat portion 61 via a link 70.

[0044] (1-3) The frame 40 comprises a steering frame 41 and a support frame 45. The steering frame 41 changes the direction of movement of the front wheels 21 by rotating about a central axis A. The support frame 45 supports the steering frame 41 so that it can rotate about the central axis A. The seat 61 and support legs 66 are connected to the support frame 45 so that they can rotate about a first support shaft 64.

[0045] According to the above configuration, the steering frame 41 rotates around the central axis A relative to the support frame 45. The seat 61 and support legs 66 are connected to the support frame 45 so as to be rotatable around the first support shaft 64. Therefore, even if the steering frame 41 rotates when the direction of movement of the front wheels 21 changes, the seat 61 and support legs 66 do not follow the rotation of the steering frame 41. As a result, the weight of the seat 61 and support legs 66 does not act on the steering frame 41, and the force required to rotate the steering frame 41 can be reduced. Therefore, a decrease in the operability of the carry cart 10 can be suppressed.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> The second embodiment of the carry cart will be described below, focusing on the differences from the first embodiment, with reference to Figures 7 to 12.

[0047] In the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components identical to those in the first embodiment, thereby omitting redundant explanations. As shown in Figure 7, the carry cart 110 of the second embodiment includes an operating handle 80 and a second link 90 in addition to the configuration of the carry cart 10 of the first embodiment. The operating handle 80 is the part operated by the user of the carry cart 110 when unfolding and folding the seat 61. The operating handle 80 is configured to be able to move up and down along the upright section 47. The second link 90 connects the operating handle 80 and the support legs 66. In this embodiment, for convenience, the link 70 is referred to as the "first link 70".

[0048] (Configuration of the operating handle 80) As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the operating handle 80 has a sliding portion 81 and a handle portion 82. The sliding portion 81 is slidably attached to the upright portion 47. The handle portion 82 extends upward from the sliding portion 81.

[0049] As shown in Figure 9, the sliding portion 81 is a rectangular parallelepiped that is elongated in the vehicle width direction. The sliding portion 81 has a through hole 81a through which the upright portion 47 passes. The sliding portion 81 slides up and down along the upright portion 47 as the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 81a slides against the outer surface of the upright portion 47. The sliding portion 81 is vertically movable in the portion of the upright portion 47 above the rotating support portion 50.

[0050] The handle section 82 has a pair of support columns extending upward from both ends of the sliding section 81 in the vehicle width direction, and a connecting column that connects the upper ends of the pair of support columns. In other words, the handle section 82 is roughly U-shaped. The handle section 82 extends at an inclination with respect to the vertical direction so that it is positioned further back as it rises.

[0051] (Configuration of Link 90, 2nd Link) As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the second link 90 comprises a pair of rear links 91 and a pair of front links 92.

[0052] The pair of rear links 91 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. The pair of rear links 91 are rotatably connected to both ends of the sliding section 81 in the vehicle width direction, about a central axis extending in the vehicle width direction.

[0053] The pair of front links 92 are spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. One end of the pair of front links 92 is rotatably connected to the end of the pair of rear links 91 opposite to the sliding portion 81, about a central axis extending in the vehicle width direction. The other end of the pair of front links 92, opposite to the one end, is rotatably connected to the upper end of the second pipe 68 about a central axis extending in the vehicle width direction. The rotation centers of the pair of front links 92 relative to the pair of second pipes 68 coincide with the rotation centers of the first link 70 relative to the pair of second pipes 68.

[0054] As shown in Figures 10 to 12, the second link 90 links the lowering and raising movements of the operating handle 80 with the extension and retraction movements of the support legs 66, respectively. More specifically, the second link 90 links the lowering movement of the operating handle 80 with the sliding movement of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that exposes the pair of first pipes 67. Furthermore, the second link 90 links the raising movement of the operating handle 80 with the sliding movement of the pair of second pipes 68 in the direction that retracts the pair of first pipes 67. From the above, it can be said that the second link 90 has the function of converting the lowering and raising movements of the operating handle 80 into the extension and retraction movements of the support legs 66, respectively.

[0055] When the lowering motion of the operating handle 80 is converted by the second link 90 into the extension motion of the support leg 66, the extension motion of the support leg 66 is converted by the first link 70 into the unfolding motion of the seat 61. Also, when the raising motion of the operating handle 80 is converted by the second link 90 into the retraction motion of the support leg 66, the retraction motion of the support leg 66 is converted by the first link 70 into the folding motion of the seat 61.

[0056] As shown in Figure 7, when the seat 61 is fully extended, the upper end of the operating handle 80 is located below the seat 61. Also, as shown in Figure 10, when the seat 61 is fully folded, the upper end of the operating handle 80 is located above the seat 61.

[0057] <Operation of this embodiment> As shown in Figure 11, when deploying the seat 61, the user grasps the operating handle 80 and lowers it from the initial position shown in Figure 10. This causes the second link 90 to move downward, and the pair of second pipes 68, which are rotatably connected to the second link 90, slide in a direction that exposes the pair of first pipes 67. As the pair of second pipes 68 slide, the first link 70 rotates so as to lift the front end of the seat 61. This causes the seat 61 to rotate in the deployment direction around the first support shaft 64.

[0058] As shown in Figure 12, as the operating handle 80 is lowered, the seat portion 61 rotates to a position where its front end is above its rear end. As the operating handle 80 is lowered from the position shown in Figure 12 to a predetermined position, the pair of second pipes 68 slide to the lower limit position relative to the pair of first pipes 67, and the extension of the support legs 66 is completed. At this time, the lower ends of the pair of second pipes 68 are located above the ground G.

[0059] As shown in Figure 7, when the operating handle 80 is lowered further from the state in which the support legs 66 have been fully extended, the lower ends of the pair of second pipes 68 come into contact with the ground G. This completes the deployment of the seat 61.

[0060] As shown in Figures 10-12, when folding the seat 61, the user grasps the operating handle 80 and raises it to the initial position. This causes the seat 61 to fold in the reverse order of when it was unfolded.

[0061] <Effects of this embodiment> According to this embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-3) of the first embodiment, the following additional effects can be achieved.

[0062] (2-1) The second link 90 links the lowering motion of the operating handle 80 with the extension motion of the support leg 66. The second link 90 also links the raising motion of the operating handle 80 with the retraction motion of the support leg 66.

[0063] According to the above configuration, when the operating handle 80 is lowered, the support legs 66 are extended by the second link 90. ​​As the support legs 66 are extended, the seat 61 is unfolded by the first link 70. When the operating handle 80 is raised, the support legs 66 are retracted by the second link 90. ​​As the support legs 66 are retracted, the seat 61 is folded by the first link 70. Therefore, the seat 61 can be easily unfolded and folded by operating the operating handle 80.

[0064] <Example of changes> The above embodiment can be implemented with the following modifications. The above embodiment and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they do not contradict each other technically.

[0065] In the second embodiment, the upright portion 47 may be provided with stoppers that define the upper and lower limits of the operating handle 80. In the second embodiment, the operating handle 80 is not limited to one through which the upright portion 47 passes. The operating handle 80 may move up and down by sliding on a slide rail provided on the upright portion 47, for example.

[0066] In the first embodiment, the rotation of the first support shaft 64 may be electronically controlled. In this case, the seat 61 is automatically unfolded and folded relative to the frame 40 based on a switch operation by the user of the carry cart 10.

[0067] In each embodiment, the seat 61 and the support legs 66 may be rotatably connected to the frame 40 by support shafts provided at different positions. In this case, the central axis of the support shaft that rotatably supports the seat 61 corresponds to the "first axis," and the central axis of the support shaft that rotatably supports the support legs 66 corresponds to the "second axis."

[0068] In each embodiment, the seat 61 and the support legs 66 may be rotatably connected to the steering frame 41. In each embodiment, the steering frame 41 does not necessarily have to change the direction of movement of the front wheels 21. That is, the steering frame 41 may be supported non-rotatably with respect to the support frame 45.

[0069] In each embodiment, the number of first pipes 67 and second pipes 68 constituting the support legs 66 can be changed as appropriate, provided they are arranged to avoid contact with the frame 40. Similarly, the number of link bodies 71 constituting the link 70 can also be changed as appropriate.

[0070] In each embodiment, the support leg 66 may be equipped with a telescopic mechanism in which three or more pipes of different sizes are arranged coaxially and slidably. Alternatively, the support leg 66 may be composed of a plurality of trough-shaped rails of different sizes that are configured to slide relative to each other, instead of the first pipe 67 and the second pipe 68.

[0071] In each embodiment, the support legs 66 may be equipped with casters provided at the lower ends of a pair of second pipes 68. The casters contact the ground G when the seat 61 is extended. With this configuration, the carry carts 10, 110 can be moved with the seat 61 extended.

[0072] In each embodiment, the carry cart 10 may have multiple front wheels 21 or one or more rear wheels 22. In each embodiment, the rear wheels 22 may be the drive wheels and the front wheels 21 may be the driven wheels.

[0073] In each embodiment, the front wheels 21 do not have to be driven by a motor. The carry carts 10 and 110 may be, for example, handcarts that are pushed by a user. The carry carts 10 and 110 that are handcarts do not have rear wheels 22. In this case, instead of rear wheels 22, the carry carts 10 and 110 may have support columns that extend downward from the base portion 46 and come into contact with the ground G. Even with this configuration, the carry carts 10 and 110 can be moved with the support columns lifted off the ground G.

[0074] In each embodiment, the seat 61 can also be used to place items such as luggage. In this case, the seat 61 may be configured to be transformable from a configuration for the user to sit on to a configuration for placing items. As an example of such a configuration, as shown in Figure 13, a pair of flat extension members 100 may be connected to both sides of the seat 61 in the vehicle width direction via hinge shafts (not shown) that extend in the direction of movement of the carry carts 10, 110. The pair of extension members 100 are configured to be rotatable via hinge shafts between a storage position that overlaps the seat surface of the receiving portion 62 and an unfolded position that is aligned on the same plane as the receiving portion 62. The pair of extension members 100 in the unfolded position are restricted from rotating in the direction opposite to the storage position. With this configuration, by positioning the pair of extension members 100 in the unfolded position with the seat 61 unfolded relative to the frame 40, items such as luggage can be placed on the receiving portion 62 and the pair of extension members 100. As another example, the seat portion 61 may have, in place of or in addition to, the peripheral wall 63, an expandable wall that extends along the outer periphery of the receiving portion 62 and is configured to expand and contract in a direction perpendicular to the seat surface of the receiving portion 62. The expandable wall extends upward from the outer periphery of the receiving portion 62 when the seat portion 61 is unfolded relative to the frame 40. The expandable wall also contracts by folding so as to overlap with the receiving portion 62. When the expandable wall is extended, the seat portion 61 becomes a box shape with a storage space partitioned by the receiving portion 62 and the expandable wall. On the other hand, when the expandable wall is contracted, the seat portion 61 becomes flat as the expandable wall overlaps with the receiving portion 62. With this configuration, when the expandable wall is extended, luggage or other items can be stored in the storage space of the seat portion 61. Also, when the expandable wall is contracted, a user can sit on the seat portion 61.

[0075] <Note> The above embodiment includes the configuration described in the following appendix. [Note 1] A carry cart for transporting objects, comprising wheels that rotate around an axle and a frame that extends vertically and to which the wheels are connected, the carry cart comprising: a seat that is rotatably connected to the frame around a first axis extending in the width direction of the carry cart and configured to be unfoldable and foldable relative to the frame; support legs that are rotatably connected to the frame around a second axis extending in the width direction of the carry cart and configured to be extendable and retractable in a direction perpendicular to the second axis; and a link that connects the seat and the support legs and links that interlock the unfolding and folding of the seat and the extension and contraction of the support legs, respectively, wherein when the seat is fully unfolded, the support legs extend to contact the ground in front of the wheels to support the seat from below, and when the seat is fully folded, they contract to be above the axle and behind the front end of the wheels.

[0076] [Note 2] The carry cart according to [Note 1], wherein the support leg comprises a first pipe connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about the second axis, and a second pipe configured to expose and retract the first pipe by sliding relative to the first pipe while the first pipe is positioned inside, and the link connects the seat and the second pipe, and links the unfolding operation of the seat with the sliding operation of the second pipe in the direction of exposing the first pipe, and the folding operation of the seat with the sliding operation of the second pipe in the direction of retracting the first pipe.

[0077] [Note 3] The carry cart according to [Note 1] or [Note 2], wherein the frame comprises a steering frame that changes the direction of movement of the wheels by rotating about a central axis extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction, and a support frame that supports the steering frame so as to be rotatable about the central axis, the seat portion is connected to the support frame so as to be rotatable about the first axis, and the support legs are connected to the support frame so as to be rotatable about the second axis.

[0078] [Note 4] A carry cart according to any one of [Notes 1] to [Note 3], comprising, when the link is the first link, an operating handle configured to be able to move up and down along the frame, and a second link that connects the operating handle and the support legs, and that links the lowering and raising movements of the operating handle with the extending and retracting movements of the support legs, respectively. [Explanation of symbols]

[0079] A…Central axis line C...Object to be transported G...ground 10,110...carry cart 20...Wheel 21…Front wheel 21a…Front axle 22... Rear wheel 22a…Rear axle 30... Truck bed 40...frames 41…Steering frame 42... Frame body 43...Front wheel support part 44…Grip 45…Support frame 46...Base section 47...Standing part 50... Rotating support part 51…Bracket 52…Support member 53...Support plate 54...Connection plate 60... Folding chair 61...Seat part 62... Receiving part 63...peripheral wall 64…1st support shaft 65... Notch 66…Support leg 67...First pipe 68... Second pipe 69... Connecting pipe 70... Link (First Link) 70a…1st end 70b…Second end 71... Link body 72…Connecting member 73…Second support shaft 80... Operating handle 81...Slide part 81a...Through hole 82...Handle section 90...Second Link 91... Link 92…Previous link 100... Expansion member

Claims

1. A carry cart for transporting objects, comprising wheels that rotate around an axle and a frame that extends vertically and to which the wheels are connected, A seat portion is connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about a first axis extending in the width direction of the carry cart, and is configured to be unfoldable and foldable relative to the frame, A support leg is connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about a second axis extending in the vehicle width direction, and is configured to be extendable and retractable in a direction perpendicular to the second axis, The seat portion and the support legs are connected by a link that links the unfolding and folding movements of the seat portion and the extension and contraction movements of the support legs, respectively. When the seat is fully extended, the support legs extend to contact the ground in front of the wheels, supporting the seat from below, and when the seat is fully folded, they retract to a position above the axle and behind the front end of the wheels. Shopping cart.

2. The support leg comprises a first pipe connected to the frame so as to be rotatable about the second axis, and a second pipe configured to expose and retract the first pipe by sliding relative to the first pipe while the first pipe is positioned inside the second pipe. The link connects the seat and the second pipe, and links the unfolding of the seat with the sliding of the second pipe in the direction that exposes the first pipe, and links the folding of the seat with the sliding of the second pipe in the direction that stores the first pipe. The carry cart according to claim 1.

3. The aforementioned frame is A steering frame that changes the direction of movement of the wheels by rotating around a central axis extending in a direction intersecting the horizontal direction, The steering frame is supported by a support frame that allows it to rotate around the central axis, The seat portion is connected to the support frame so as to be rotatable about the first axis, The support legs are connected to the support frame so as to be rotatable about the second axis. The carry cart according to claim 1.

4. When the aforementioned link is designated as the first link, An operating handle configured to be able to move up and down along the frame, The system includes a second link that connects the operating handle and the support leg, and which links the lowering and raising movements of the operating handle with the extending and retracting movements of the support leg. A carry cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

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