Dolly

Abstract

This invention provides a trolley that can ensure adequate handle rigidity without affecting the loadable area of ​​the items. [Solution] The trolley 100 comprises a loading platform 1 on which goods are placed, a plurality of wheels 3, and a handle 2 that is foldable. The loading platform 1 comprises a frame body 10 that is rectangular in shape when viewed from above. At least one of the plurality of wheels 3 is a caster wheel. A platform-shaped extension 4 is provided so as to extend rearward from the rear end of the frame body 10. The extension 4 is provided with a swinging support mechanism 5 that swingably supports the base end of the handle 2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a trolley having a loading platform on which an article is placed, a plurality of wheels, and a handle configured to be foldable.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-087274 (Patent Document 1) discloses a trolley provided with a foldable handle. The reference numerals shown in parentheses in the following description of the background art are those of Patent Document 1.

[0003] The trolley (1) disclosed in Patent Document 1 includes a loading platform (2) constituted by a frame (21). The frame (21) is configured to be able to place an article (X), and a foldable handle (3) is attached to the frame (21). The handle (3) assumes a standing posture during use and a folded posture when not in use.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] When a swing base end portion of a handle, that is, a mechanism portion for folding the handle, is provided on a frame as in the trolley disclosed in Patent Document 1, the range for providing the mechanism portion is limited within the frame, so that the structure tends to be fragile. In particular, when the article to be transported is a heavy object, the load applied to the handle (specifically, the swing base end portion of the handle) also increases. On the other hand, if the range for providing the mechanism portion is widened, the range where an article can be placed on the loading platform tends to be narrowed, so that it is not suitable for transporting large articles.

[0006] In light of the above circumstances, there is a need for a trolley that can appropriately ensure the rigidity of the handle without affecting the range in which items can be placed. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A trolley comprising a platform on which goods are placed, multiple wheels, and a handle that is foldable, The aforementioned cargo bed is equipped with a frame body that forms a rectangular shape when viewed from above, At least one of the multiple wheels is configured using a caster wheel, A platform-shaped extension is provided so as to extend rearward from the rear end of the frame body. The extension base is provided with a swinging support mechanism that swingably supports the base end of the handle.

[0008] In this configuration, an overhanging platform is provided extending rearward from the frame, and a swinging support mechanism is installed on it to swingly support the base end of the handle. Therefore, the swinging support mechanism can be installed without affecting the range in which items can be placed on the frame. Furthermore, by setting the installation location of the swinging support mechanism on an overhanging platform separate from the frame, a wide installation range for the swinging support mechanism can be secured, resulting in a highly rigid handle. In addition, with such rigidity, the handle can more easily absorb large loads when transporting heavy objects or when changing direction with the caster wheels. As described above, this configuration makes it possible to appropriately secure the rigidity of the handle without affecting the range in which items can be placed.

[0009] Further features and advantages of the technology relating to this disclosure will become clearer from the following description of exemplary and non-limiting embodiments, with reference to the drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] Diagram showing the usage status of the trolley. [Figure 2] Perspective view of the bogie [Figure 3] Plan view of the trolley [Figure 4] Enlarged side view of the bogie [Figure 5] Rear view of the trolley [Figure 6] A diagram showing multiple carts stacked on top of each other. [Figure 7] Diagram showing the support structure of the trolley using columns. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] The trolley according to this embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the front-rear direction of the trolley will be referred to as "front-rear direction X," and the width direction of the trolley will be referred to as "width direction Y."

[0012] As shown in Figure 1, the trolley 100 comprises a platform 1 on which the item P is placed, a number of wheels 3, and a foldable handle 2. Only Figure 1 shows the trolley 100 with the item P placed on it. The other figures show the trolley 100 without the item P placed on it in order to clearly represent the structure of the trolley 100.

[0013] In this embodiment, the article P is a pallet. The trolley 100 according to this disclosure is applicable to various types of pallets based on JIS standards. As will be described in detail later, the trolley 100 can be suitably used for large and heavy articles P, especially large pallets. In the following description, the article P may be referred to as the pallet P.

[0014] At least one of the multiple wheels 3 is configured as a caster wheel. In this embodiment, the trolley 100 has wheels 3 at two locations at the front and two locations at the rear, for a total of four wheels 3. In this example, all four wheels 3 are configured as caster wheels. This improves the steering ability of the trolley 100.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the loading platform 1 includes a frame body 10 that forms a rectangular shape when viewed in the vertical direction. The frame body 10 is configured to directly support the pallet P from below. The frame body 10 has a shape and dimensions that match the dimensions of the target pallet P. In a plan view, the dimensions of the frame body 10 are equivalent to those of the pallet P. Specifically, when the target pallet P has dimensions of 1100 mm in the front-rear direction X and 1100 mm in the width direction Y, the dimensions of the frame body 10 are designed to match these dimensions.

[0016] In this embodiment, inner bulging portions 11 that bulge inward toward the center of the frame body 10 when viewed in the vertical direction are provided at each of the four corners of the rectangular frame body 10. Each inner bulging portion 11 is configured to support the pallet P from below.

[0017] Specifically, each of the inner bulging portions 11 at the four corners of the frame body 10 is configured to support the corner portion of the pallet P from below. That is, the pallet P is supported by the inner bulging portions 11 at at least four corner locations when placed on the loading platform 1. Thereby, the pallet P can be placed in a stable posture. In this example, the lower end portion of the frame body 10 is bent inward over the entire outer periphery of the frame body 10, and the entire outer periphery of the pallet P is supported at the bent portion. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the inner bulging portion 11 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a plan view.

[0018] In this embodiment, the frame body 10 includes a surrounding wall portion 12 that protrudes upward at a position along the outer edge of each inner bulging portion 11. The surrounding wall portion 12 is arranged to face horizontally the corner portion of the pallet P supported by the inner bulging portion 11. In other words, the surrounding wall portion 12 is arranged to surround the corner portion of the pallet P from the outside (see FIG. 1).

[0019] As described above, in the present embodiment, each inner bulging portion 11 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in plan view at the four corners of the rectangular frame body 10. And the enclosure wall portion 12 is formed along two sides (outer edges) of the triangular inner bulging portion 11.

[0020] In the present embodiment, the enclosure wall portion 12 is continuously provided over the entire outer periphery of the rectangular frame body 10. Thereby, the enclosure wall portion 12 is configured to surround not only the corner portions of the pallet P but also the entire outer peripheral surface of the pallet P from the outside (see FIG. 1).

[0021] Here, when the article P is the pallet P, it is a heavy object. Therefore, the heavy pallet P is usually transported by a machine such as a forklift. However, in a narrow space where, for example, a forklift cannot be placed, manual transportation using a trolley is performed.

[0022] In this case, when trying to transport the pallet P with a trolley, since the pallet P is a heavy object, the load on the trolley becomes large. In particular, in a trolley equipped with a foldable handle, when pushing and pulling the trolley using the handle, the load on the handle becomes large. Furthermore, if the trolley has caster wheels, the steering performance is improved, but the load on the handle becomes even larger when changing the direction of the trolley.

[0023] Therefore, conventionally, in a so-called pallet trolley for transporting heavy objects such as the pallet P, in order to ensure rigidity, it was normal to adopt a fixed type in which the handle cannot be folded. However, if the handle cannot be folded when the trolley is not in use, a large space is required to store the unused trolley.

[0024] Therefore, the trolley 100 according to the present disclosure is capable of ensuring appropriate rigidity while including a handle 2 that is configured to be foldable. This will be described in detail below.

[0025] As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the trolley 100 is provided with a platform 4 that extends rearward from the rear end of the frame body 10. The platform 4 is separate from the frame body 10 and is connected to the rear end of the frame body 10. The platform 4 may be connected to the frame body 10 by welding, or it may be detachably connected by fasteners such as bolts.

[0026] In this embodiment, the overhanging platform 4 is not provided with wheels 3. All the wheels 3 on the trolley 100 according to this embodiment are provided on the frame body 10. That is, the overhanging platform 4 extends from the rear end of the frame body 10 and is supported only by the frame body 10. This prevents the overall center of gravity of the trolley 100 from being too eccentrically shifted forward. Thus, in particular, in a trolley 100 that handles heavy objects such as pallets P, the overhanging platform 4 can also serve as a balance weight.

[0027] In this embodiment, the width of the extension platform 4 is less than or equal to the width of the frame body 10. This prevents the extension platform 4 from obstructing the movement of the trolley 100. In this example, the extension platform 4 is formed to narrow from the portion connected to the frame body 10 towards the rear. In the illustrated example, the extension platform 4 is formed in a trapezoidal shape with the portion connected to the frame body 10 as the base when viewed from above. This makes it difficult for the extension platform 4 to come into contact with surrounding objects when the trolley 100 is moved, enabling smooth movement of the trolley 100.

[0028] The overhanging platform 4 comprises a main body portion 40 that extends along the horizontal plane and a hanging wall portion 42 that extends downward from the outer edge of the main body portion 40. The main body portion 40 and the hanging wall portion 42 constitute the main components of the overhanging platform 4.

[0029] The extension platform 4 described above is provided with a swinging support mechanism 5 that swingably supports the base end of the handle 2. This allows the swinging support mechanism 5 to be installed in a part other than the frame body 10 to support the base end of the handle 2. Therefore, compared to the case where the swinging support mechanism 5 is installed on the frame body 10, a wider installation range for the swinging support mechanism 5 can be secured, and as a result, the handle 2 can be firmly supported, making it possible to realize a highly rigid handle 2. Furthermore, with this level of rigidity, the handle 2 can more easily absorb large loads when transporting heavy objects or when changing direction using the caster wheels.

[0030] In this embodiment, the rocking support mechanism 5 is provided on the upper surface of the main body portion 40 of the extension base 4. This allows the rocking support mechanism 5 to be positioned in a stable location and also allows for an enlargement of the rocking support mechanism 5. By enlarging the rocking support mechanism 5, the support of the handle 2 can be made even stronger, making it easier to ensure the rigidity of the handle 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, the swing support mechanism 5 includes a support bracket 50 that supports the base end of the handle 2. The support bracket 50 is fixed to the overhanging base 4. The support bracket 50 may be fixed to the overhanging base 4 by welding or by fasteners such as bolts. In this way, by fixing the support bracket 50 for supporting the base end of the handle 2 to the overhanging base 4 by welding or the like, the handle 2 can be firmly supported.

[0032] The handle 2 comprises a U-shaped handle body portion 20, and the handle 2 is supported by a swing support mechanism 5 at two base ends. In this embodiment, the swing support mechanism 5 comprises two support brackets 50 corresponding to the two base ends of the handle 2. The base end of the handle 2 is supported at each of the two support brackets 50. In this example, the support brackets 50 have an internal space, and the base end of the handle 2 is supported within this internal space.

[0033] As shown in Figure 4, in this embodiment, the base end of the handle 2 is provided with an expandable base end 21 that has a larger diameter than the handle body 20. The expandable base end 21 is positioned in the internal space of the support bracket 50 of the swing support mechanism 5 and is supported so as to be swingable relative to the support bracket 50. In this way, the base end of the handle 2, which is the part supported by the support bracket 50 (supported part), has an expandable base end 21 that has a larger diameter than the handle body 20, thereby increasing the rigidity of the supported part (base end) of the handle 2. In particular, it is possible to improve the durability against the load applied to the base end of the handle 2 when pushing or pulling the trolley 100.

[0034] The support bracket 50 is equipped with a pivot portion 51 that pivotally supports the expansion base portion 21 in the horizontal direction. The pivot portion 51 is constructed using a through hole and a pin inserted through the through hole. The expansion base portion 21 is rotatable about the portion supported by the pivot portion 51. In other words, the entire handle 2 is configured to swing about the portion supported by the pivot portion 51.

[0035] The handle 2 is configured to be switchable between an upright position, where it rises upward, and a reclined position, where it falls forward, as its base end is pivotably supported by a swinging support mechanism 5. The handle 2 is used in the upright position. When the handle 2 is not in use, for example, when storing the trolley 100, placing the handle 2 in the reclined position makes it easier to secure storage space for the trolley 100.

[0036] The swing support mechanism 5 includes a locking part 52 that locks the handle 2 in an upright position. In this embodiment, the locking part 52 includes an elongated hole 52a that penetrates the support bracket 50 in the width direction Y and extends in the vertical direction, and a movable rod 52b that is inserted through the elongated hole 52a and is movable in the vertical direction within the elongated hole 52a.

[0037] The elongated holes 52a are formed in each of the two support brackets 50. The movable rod 52b is positioned to pass through both of the elongated holes 52a formed in each of the two support brackets 50 (see also Figures 2, 3, etc.).

[0038] The movable rod 52b is biased upward by a biasing member (such as a spring) and, when positioned in the raised position within the elongated hole 52a, locks the handle 2 in the upright position. Specifically, when the movable rod 52b is positioned in the raised position within the elongated hole 52a, it contacts the expansion base end 21 of the handle 2, thereby restricting the swinging of the handle 2 (see solid line in Figure 4).

[0039] The movable rod 52b is positioned in the lowered position within the elongated hole 52a by a force acting in a direction opposite to the biasing force of the biasing member, that is, by a downward force acting on the movable rod 52b. When the movable rod 52b is in this lowered position, the lock on the handle 2 is released, and the handle 2 is allowed to swing forward (see the dashed line in Figure 4). For example, when the handle 2 is locked, the operator steps on the movable rod 52b from above, causing the movable rod 52b to move downward and releasing the lock on the handle 2.

[0040] In this embodiment, the expansion base end 21 is formed in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the direction along the pivot axis (width direction Y). The expansion base end 21 is provided with a projection 21a that protrudes radially from the circular body. In this example, when the handle 2 is locked in the upright position, the projection 21a is configured to contact the movable rod 52b in the pivoting direction. This restricts the pivoting of the handle 2.

[0041] In this embodiment, the movable rod 52b is positioned to overlap with the extension platform 4 in a plan view (see Figure 3). This allows the extension platform 4 to support the worker's foot when the worker steps down on the movable rod 52b to release the lock on the handle 2. Therefore, it is easier to perform the operation to release the lock on the handle 2.

[0042] As shown in Figure 6, in this embodiment, multiple trolleys 100 with the lock released and the handle 2 in a reclined position can be stacked. This contributes to space saving because it does not require a large space (planar space) when storing multiple unused trolleys 100.

[0043] In this embodiment, the overhanging base 4 is provided with a plurality of column portions 41 that extend upward from the upper surface of the overhanging base 4. The plurality of column portions 41 on one trolley 100 are configured to support the lower surface of the overhanging base 4 of other trolleys 100 stacked above it from below.

[0044] In this embodiment, two column portions 41 are provided on the upper surface of the main body portion 40 of the overhanging base 4 (see Figures 2, 3, 5, etc.). As shown in Figure 7, the column portions 41 abut from below against the main body portion 40 of the overhanging base 4 of another trolley 100 stacked above it, and are positioned to face horizontally against the hanging wall portion 42 of the overhanging base 4. In other words, the hanging wall portion 42 of the overhanging base 4 of the upper trolley 100 is positioned to surround the column portion 41 of the lower trolley 100 from the outside. This suppresses displacement of the column portions 41 and enables a stable stacked state of multiple trolleys 100.

[0045] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the column portion 41 is constructed using a plate-like member with an L-shaped cross-section. This makes it possible to reduce the mass of the column portion 41 while ensuring the support strength of the column portion 41.

[0046] As shown in Figure 3, in this embodiment, the wheels 3 are positioned so as to overlap with the inner bulges 11 in a plan view. In this example, the wheels 3 are positioned so as to overlap with each of the four inner bulges 11 provided at the four corners of the frame body 10 in a plan view. As a result, when stacking multiple trolleys 100 as shown in Figure 6, each wheel 3 of the trolley 100 positioned above is supported by each inner bulge 11 of the trolley 100 positioned below. In this way, in this embodiment, the column portion 41 provided on the overhanging base 4 and the inner bulges 11 provided on the frame body 10 can stably support the trolley 100 positioned above, making it possible to achieve a stable stacked state of multiple trolleys 100.

[0047] [Other Embodiments] Next, other embodiments will be described.

[0048] (1) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the trolley 100 is equipped with four wheels 3. However, the number of wheels 3 equipped on the trolley 100 is not limited to this example, and may be three or five or more.

[0049] (2) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which all the wheels 3 of the trolley 100 are provided on the frame body 10. However, the example is not limited to this example, and some of the wheels 3 of the multiple wheels 3 may be provided on the overhanging base 4.

[0050] (3) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the inner bulge 11 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in a plan view. However, the inner bulge 11 is not limited to such an example, and may be formed in a substantially square shape or a substantially circular shape in a plan view, for example.

[0051] (4) In the above embodiment, an example was described in which the item P to be transported by the trolley 100 is a pallet. However, the example is not limited to this example, and the item P to be transported by the trolley 100 may be something other than a pallet, such as a container.

[0052] (5) The configurations disclosed in the embodiments described above can be applied in combination with configurations disclosed in other embodiments, as long as no inconsistencies arise. With regard to other configurations, the embodiments disclosed herein are merely illustrative in all respects. Therefore, various modifications can be made as appropriate without departing from the spirit of this disclosure.

[0053] [Summary of this embodiment] The following is a summary of this embodiment.

[0054] A trolley comprising a platform on which goods are placed, multiple wheels, and a handle that is foldable, The aforementioned cargo bed is equipped with a frame body that forms a rectangular shape when viewed from above, At least one of the multiple wheels is configured using a caster wheel, A platform-shaped extension is provided so as to extend rearward from the rear end of the frame body. The extension base is provided with a swinging support mechanism that swingably supports the base end of the handle.

[0055] In this configuration, an overhanging platform is provided extending rearward from the frame, and a swinging support mechanism is installed on it to swingly support the base end of the handle. Therefore, the swinging support mechanism can be installed without affecting the range in which items can be placed on the frame. Furthermore, by setting the installation location of the swinging support mechanism on an overhanging platform separate from the frame, a wide installation range for the swinging support mechanism can be secured, resulting in a highly rigid handle. In addition, with such rigidity, the handle can more easily absorb large loads when transporting heavy objects or when changing direction with the caster wheels. As described above, this configuration makes it possible to appropriately secure the rigidity of the handle without affecting the range in which items can be placed.

[0056] Each of the four corners of the rectangular frame body is provided with an inward bulge that protrudes inward toward the center of the frame body when viewed in the vertical direction. Each inner bulge is configured to support the article from below. The frame body preferably includes an enclosure wall portion that protrudes upward at a position along the outer edge of each inner bulge.

[0057] With this configuration, the inner bulges provided at each of the four corners of the frame body allow for suitable support of the four corners of a pallet, for example, when the goods are a pallet. Furthermore, since each inner bulge is provided with an enclosing wall, this enclosing wall allows the pallet supported by the inner bulge to be held from the outside, thereby enabling stable transport.

[0058] The aforementioned overhanging platform comprises a plurality of columnar sections extending upward from the upper surface of the overhanging platform, It is preferable that the multiple columns are configured to support the lower surface of the overhanging base of other trolleys stacked above them from below.

[0059] By folding the handles, multiple trolleys can be stacked when not in use. This configuration allows the stacked trolleys to be supported by each other using the columns on a highly rigid extension base. Therefore, the load on each trolley can be reduced when stacking multiple trolleys. [Industrial applicability]

[0060] The technology described herein can be used in a trolley comprising a platform on which goods are placed, a plurality of wheels, and a handle that is foldable. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0061] 100: Dolly 1: Cargo bed 10: Frame 11: Inner bulge 12: Enclosure wall section 2: Handle 3: Wheels 4: Overhanging stand 41:Column part 5: Swivel support mechanism P:Goods

Claims

1. A trolley comprising a platform on which goods are placed, multiple wheels, and a handle that is foldable, The aforementioned cargo bed is equipped with a frame body that forms a rectangular shape when viewed from above, At least one of the multiple wheels is configured using a caster wheel, A platform-shaped extension is provided so as to extend rearward from the rear end of the frame body. A trolley, wherein the overhanging platform is provided with a swinging support mechanism that swingably supports the base end of the handle.

2. Each of the four corners of the rectangular frame body is provided with an inward bulge that protrudes inward toward the center of the frame body when viewed in the vertical direction. Each inner bulge is configured to support the article from below. The trolley according to claim 1, wherein the frame body is provided with an enclosure wall portion that protrudes upward at a position along the outer edge of each inner bulge.

3. The aforementioned overhanging platform comprises a plurality of columnar sections extending upward from the upper surface of the overhanging platform, The trolley according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the plurality of column portions are configured to support from below the lower surface of the overhanging base of other trolleys stacked above it.

Images