Tray module
The tray module addresses the issue of spilling during transportation by using a bottom plate, ring member, and elastic member to absorb shocks and return the tray to its position, providing effective cushioning and ease of cleaning.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-10-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-09
AI Technical Summary
During transportation of containers filled with articles such as food, beverages, or liquids, vibrations caused by sudden impacts can lead to the articles, especially liquids, spilling out.
A tray module comprising a bottom plate, a ring member with rolling parts, a position-limiting member, and an elastic member connected between the ring member and the bottom plate, allowing the ring member to move and stretch the elastic member to absorb shocks, returning the tray to its original position.
The tray module effectively cushions and isolates vibrations, preventing spilling and facilitating easy cleaning and adjustment, suitable for transporting goods using handcarts, rails, or robots.
Smart Images
Figure 2026062388000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a tray module, and more particularly, to a shock-absorbing tray module.
Background Art
[0002] When transporting a container filled with articles (e.g., food, beverages, soup, or liquids) in a tray, if vibrations occur during transportation, especially when vibrations are caused by a sudden impact, the articles (especially liquids) may jump out of the container, causing various difficulties.
[0003] Therefore, the inventor of the present invention considered that the above-mentioned drawbacks could be improved, and as a result of repeated intensive studies, the present invention was proposed to effectively improve the above-mentioned problems through a reasonable design.
[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an example of the problem is to solve the above-mentioned problems. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a tray module.
Summary of the Invention
Means for Solving the Problems
[0005] To solve the above problems, a tray module according to an aspect of the present invention includes a bottom plate, a ring member, a position-limiting member, an elastic member, and a tray. The ring member is installed above the bottom plate and includes a plurality of rolling parts facing the bottom plate. The position-limiting member is installed outside and above the ring member, and allows the ring member to move only within an area limited by the position-limiting member. The elastic member is directly or indirectly connected between the inner peripheral surface of the ring member and the upper surface of the bottom plate. The tray is installed above the position-limiting member and is installed so as to connect the ring member.
[0006] In addition, in the tray module according to the present invention, these rolling parts are a plurality of universal rolling members.
[0007] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the bottom plate has a first connecting portion that extends upward from the central area of the upper surface of the bottom plate, and one end of the elastic member is connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate via the first connecting portion.
[0008] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the ring member further comprises a second connecting portion extending radially from the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring member via the second connecting portion.
[0009] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the length of the second connection portion is adjustable.
[0010] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the position limiting member comprises a plurality of position limiting columns distributed above the outer area other than the area where the ring member of the bottom plate is located, and a position limiting plate connected to these position limiting columns and straddling the upper surface of the ring member.
[0011] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the position limiting plate has a geometric pattern.
[0012] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the tray is installed so as to be detachably connected to the ring member.
[0013] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the ring member further comprises at least one engaging portion extending upward, and the tray has at least one through hole installed to accommodate the engaging portion.
[0014] Furthermore, in the tray module according to the present invention, the periphery of the tray is inclined downwards.
[0015] The following information will become clear from the description in the specification and drawings described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0016] In practice, the shape of each feature is appropriately adjusted to facilitate understanding, and the size of each feature can be changed arbitrarily. [Figure 1] This is an external perspective view showing a tray module according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is an external perspective view showing a tray module (excluding the anti-slip pad) according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a schematic exploded view showing the tray module. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic top view showing the base plate, ring member, position-limiting column, and elastic member. [Figure 5] Figure 4 is a schematic bottom view showing the ring member. [Figure 6] Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing the base plate. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0017] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications are possible within the scope described. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.
[0018] In this specification, terms related to space, such as "down" and "up," are used to describe the relative relationship between members and features in the drawings and other members and features. The actual meaning of these spatial terms also includes other orientations. For example, if the drawing is flipped 180 degrees, the relationship between one member and another changes from "down" to "up." The spatial descriptions used in this specification should be interpreted similarly.
[0019] As described in the prior art, when transporting containers filled with goods (e.g., food, beverages, soup, or liquids), vibrations during transport, especially those caused by sudden impacts, can cause the goods (particularly liquids) to spill out of the container, leading to various problems. Therefore, the tray module according to the present invention comprises a base plate, a ring member, a position-limiting member, an elastic member, and a tray. The elastic member is connected between the ring member and the base plate, and the tray is positioned to connect to the ring member. Due to the arrangement of the above-described members, even if the tray is subjected to a sudden impact and vibrates, causing it to move, the ring member also moves in conjunction, stretching the elastic member. Then, the elastic recovery force of the elastic member causes the ring member to elastically recover, causing the tray to return to its original position. In this way, the tray module according to the present invention has an extremely suitable cushioning and vibration isolation effect and can be applied to various equipment for transporting goods (e.g., handcarts, rails, or robots), and can be used, for example, to transport food or liquid samples. Furthermore, the tray module according to the present invention has additional features such as adjustable stretchable distance of the elastic member, high-speed removal and washing, and resistance to liquid residue. Various embodiments of the tray module according to the present invention will be described in detail below.
[0020] Figure 1 is an external perspective view showing a tray module according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an external perspective view showing a tray module (excluding the anti-slip pad) according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 is a schematic exploded view showing the tray module shown in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a schematic top view showing the bottom plate, ring member, position limiting column and elastic member shown in Figure 3. Figure 5 is a schematic bottom view showing the ring member shown in Figure 4. Figure 6 is a schematic top view showing the bottom plate shown in Figure 4. As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the tray module is composed of a bottom plate 110, a ring member 120, a position limiting member 130, an elastic member 140 and a tray 150.
[0021] In some embodiments, in the example of FIG. 1, the tray module is installed above the tray 150 and further includes an anti-slip pad 160 to prevent slipping when moving a container (not shown) with the tray module. In some embodiments, in the example of FIG. 3, the tray module is installed below the bottom plate 110 and further includes a vibration isolation pad 170 to reduce the influence of vibration on the structure above the vibration isolation pad 170.
[0022] In some embodiments, in the examples of FIGS. 3, 4, and 6, the bottom plate 110 is a flat plate. In some embodiments, the bottom plate presents a disk shape or other conforming shape. In some embodiments, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 6, the bottom plate 110 has a first connection portion 112 extending upward from the central area of the upper surface of the bottom plate 110, and one end of the elastic member 140 is connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate 110 via the first connection portion 112. In some embodiments, the hook portion of the elastic member 140 is engaged with the first connection portion 112. In some embodiments, in the example of FIG. 6, the first connection portion 112 is a part of a fixing member (e.g., a bolt) or other conforming member. In some embodiments, in the example of FIG. 6, the bottom plate 110 has a recess (not shown) recessed inward from the central area of the bottom plate 110, the bolt is inserted into the recess and a part of the bolt is exposed, and the exposed part of the bolt is the first connection portion 112.
[0023] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 5, the ring member 120 is installed above the bottom plate 110 and includes a plurality of (e.g., three or more) rolling portions 122 facing the bottom plate 110. The rolling portion 122 may be any member such as a rollable universal rolling member, a roller, etc. In some embodiments, these rolling portions 122 are a plurality of universal rolling members, enabling the ring member 120 to move in all directions above the bottom plate 110.
[0024] In some embodiments, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the ring member 120 further includes a second connecting portion 124 that extends radially along the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 120, and the other end of the elastic member 140 is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 120 via the second connecting portion 124. In some embodiments, the other hook portion of the elastic member 140 penetrates the hole of the second connecting portion 124. In some embodiments, the second connecting portion 124 is a part of a fixing member (e.g., a screw) or other mating member. In some embodiments, the ring member 120 has a recess (not shown) recessed inward along the radial direction, the screw is inserted into the recess and a part of the screw is exposed, and the exposed part of the screw is the second connecting portion 124.
[0025] In some embodiments, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 5, the length of the second connecting portion 124 is adjustable, and in this way, the user can adjust the initial tension and the extendable distance by adjusting the initial stretching position of the elastic member 140. In some embodiments, in the examples of FIGS. 4 and 6, the bottom plate 110 is provided with a scale pattern (not shown) to facilitate the user to adjust the upper end of the second connecting portion 124 to a specific position.
[0026] As shown in FIGS. 3 to 4, the position limiting member 130 is installed outside and above the ring member 120, and enables the ring member 120 to move only within the area limited by the position limiting member 130 (e.g., within the set seismic isolation specifications). The seismic isolation specifications are, for example, the effective expansion and contraction length of the elastic member 140, which enables the elastic member 140 to operate normally within its service life and prevents the service life from being shortened due to inappropriate expansion and contraction of the elastic member 140. In some embodiments, the position limiting member 130 is installed above the outer area of the bottom plate 110 other than the area where the ring member 120 is located and straddles the upper surface of the ring member 120.
[0027] In some embodiments, as shown in the examples of Figures 3 and 4, the position-limiting member 130 comprises a plurality of position-limiting columns 132 and position-limiting plates 134. These position-limiting columns 132 are distributed above the outer area of the base plate 110, excluding the area where the ring member 120 is located, and the position-limiting plates 134 are connected to these position-limiting columns 132 and straddle the upper surface of the ring member 120.
[0028] In some embodiments, as shown in the example of Figure 4, these position-limiting columns 132 enclose and define an area, and the ring member 120 can move planarly only within this area. When the ring member 120 moves and comes into contact with the position-limiting columns 132, it is blocked and stopped by the position-limiting columns 132. In some embodiments, as shown in the examples of Figures 3, 4, and 6, these position-limiting columns 132 include a housing portion 132a and a column 132c, the housing portion 132a protruding from the upper surface of the base plate 110, and the column 132c passing through the opening of the position-limiting plate 134 and being inserted into the housing portion 132a, thereby fixing the position-limiting plate 134 to the housing portion 132a. In some embodiments, as shown in the example of Figure 4, the column 132c is a screw and the housing portion 132a is a screw hole. In some embodiments, as shown in the examples of Figures 4 and 6, the housing portion 132a and the base plate 110 are integrally molded.
[0029] In some embodiments, the position-limiting plate 134 has a geometric pattern such as a linear pattern, an intersecting pattern, a mesh pattern, a polygonal pattern (e.g., a triangular pattern, a rectangular pattern), a circular pattern, or other suitable patterns. In some embodiments, as shown in the example in Figure 3, the position-limiting plate 134 has an intersecting pattern. In some embodiments, the position-limiting plate 134 is composed of an intersecting pattern and a circular pattern.
[0030] However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and in actual applications, the position limiting member 130 may have a different shape or be composed of other members, as long as it allows the ring member 120 to move planarly only within a limited area.
[0031] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the elastic member 140 is directly or indirectly connected between the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 120 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110. In some embodiments, both ends of the elastic member 140 are connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring member 120 and the upper surface of the bottom plate 110, respectively, via a second connecting portion 124 and a first connecting portion 112. In some embodiments, as in the example of Figure 3, the tray module comprises multiple elastic members 140, which may be three, four, five, or six or more, providing a uniformly suitable damping and seismic isolation effect in each direction. In some embodiments, the elastic member 140 is a tension spring or other suitable member.
[0032] In some embodiments, as shown in the example in Figure 3, the vertical projection of the position limiting plate 134 and the vertical projection of the elastic member 140 are superimposed and even substantially aligned. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the vertical projection of the position limiting plate 134 may be separated from the vertical projection of the elastic member 140.
[0033] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the tray 150 is used to place a container filled with goods, is installed above the position-limiting member 130, and is positioned to connect to the ring member 120. When the tray 150 is pulled and moved, the ring member 120 follows and is displaced. When the ring member 120 returns to its original position, the tray 150 also follows and returns to its original position. If the tray 150 is moved due to a sudden impact or vibration, the ring member 120 is also moved in conjunction with it, and one or more of these elastic members 140 are stretched. Then, the elastic recovery force of the stretched elastic member 140 causes the ring member 120 to elastically recover, and the tray 150 is linked to return to its original position.
[0034] In some embodiments, as shown in the examples of Figures 2 and 3, the tray 150 is configured to detachably connect to the ring member 120, making it easier for the user to remove the tray 150 and clean the components below it (i.e., the position limiting member 130, the ring member 120, and the elastic member 140). In some embodiments, the ring member 120 further comprises at least one engaging portion 126 extending upward, and the tray 150 has at least one through hole 150t configured to accommodate the engaging portion 126, so that the tray module according to the present invention can be removed and cleaned at high speed. In some embodiments, the periphery of the tray 150 is inclined downward to prevent water from accumulating in the tray module and causing grime to build up, as well as to facilitate wiping and cleaning.
[0035] In some embodiments, as shown in the example in Figure 3, a portion of the position limiting member 130 (for example, a position limiting plate 134) is placed between the ring member 120 and the tray 150 to prevent the ring member 120 from moving upward. This prevents the ring member 120 and the elastic member 140 from moving upward when the user removes the tray 150 directly from the ring member 120, effectively preventing the elastic member 140 from being improperly pulled and damaged.
[0036] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the claims. Embodiments obtained by appropriately combining the technical means disclosed in different embodiments are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0037] 110 Bottom plate 112 First connection section 120 Ring component 122 Rolling part 124 Second connection section 126 Engaging part 130 Position-limiting member 132 Position limited pillar 132a Storage area 132c pillar 134 Position limited board 140 Elastic members 150 trays 150t through hole 160 Anti-slip pads 170 Vibration Damping Pads
Claims
1. The base plate and A ring member is installed above the bottom plate and includes a plurality of rolling parts facing the bottom plate, A position limiting member installed on the outer perimeter of the ring member and above the ring member, the position limiting member that allows the ring member to move only within the area limited by the position limiting member, An elastic member directly or indirectly connected between the inner circumferential surface of the ring member and the upper surface of the bottom plate, A tray module characterized by comprising a tray installed above the position limiting member and positioned to connect the ring member.
2. The tray module according to claim 1, characterized in that these rolling parts are a plurality of universal rolling members.
3. The tray module according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottom plate has a first connecting portion extending upward from the central area of the upper surface of the bottom plate, and one end of the elastic member is connected to the upper surface of the bottom plate via the first connecting portion.
4. The tray module according to claim 3, wherein the ring member further comprises a second connecting portion extending radially from the inner circumferential surface of the ring member, and the other end of the elastic member is connected to the inner circumferential surface of the ring member via the second connecting portion.
5. The tray module according to claim 4, characterized in that the length of the second connection portion is adjustable.
6. The aforementioned position limiting member is Multiple position-limiting columns are distributed above the outer area of the base plate other than the area where the ring member is located, The tray module according to claim 1, further comprising a position-limiting plate connected to the position-limiting columns and straddling the upper surface of the ring member.
7. The tray module according to claim 6, characterized in that the position limiting plate has a geometric pattern.
8. The tray module according to claim 1, characterized in that the tray is installed so as to be detachably connected to the ring member.
9. The tray module according to claim 1, characterized in that the ring member further comprises at least one engaging portion extending upward, and the tray has at least one through hole positioned to accommodate the engaging portion.
10. The tray module according to claim 1, characterized in that the periphery of the tray is inclined downward.
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Tray assembly
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Tray assembly
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Tray and robot having same
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