Moving device and table

Abstract

To provide a technology on a user-friendly moving device.SOLUTION: A moving device equipped with a plurality of casters in the lower part of a base part 20 includes: a lock mechanism for locking the casters; and an operation mechanism 22 for operating the lock mechanism. The operation mechanism is disposed at a position that allows a fact that all of the plurality of casters are in a locked state to be visually recognized at least from a specific direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile device and the like. [Background technology]

[0002] It is known to provide casters on the bottom of furniture such as tables and chairs, and moving devices such as carts (moving devices) to make them easier to move. However, providing casters on moving devices poses the risk of the moving devices moving unintentionally. For this reason, it is known to provide moving devices with a locking mechanism. The moving devices are also provided with an operating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism (see, for example, Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2009-160999 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-005219 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-182896 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The present disclosure provides, for example, a technology relating to a mobile device or the like that is easy for users to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In order to solve the problem, the present disclosure provides a moving device having a plurality of casters on the bottom of a base portion, the device comprising a locking mechanism for locking the casters, and an operating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism, the operating mechanism being positioned in a position where it is possible to visually confirm from at least a specific direction that the plurality of casters are all locked.

[0006] The table of the present disclosure is a table comprising a base having a tabletop, a plurality of casters, and a locking mechanism for locking the casters, a support connecting the base and the tabletop, and an operating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism, and the operating mechanism is positioned in a position where it is possible to see from at least a specific direction that the plurality of casters are all locked. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide technology relating to mobile devices, etc., which are easy for users to use. Note that the effects of the present disclosure are not limited to this, and effects achieved by the configurations disclosed in the present specification and drawings, etc. are also disclosed, and it is the intention to obtain rights to the configurations that achieve these effects through divisional applications, amendments, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the appearance of a table according to the present embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a base portion according to the present embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a base portion according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating the operation of an operating mechanism and a locking mechanism in the present embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a top view of the vicinity of an operation mechanism in the present embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vicinity of an operation mechanism in the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a side view of the vicinity of an operation mechanism in the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 15] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 17] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the vicinity of an operation mechanism according to a different embodiment. [Figure 18] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example in which the operation mechanism of the present embodiment is applied to another device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is one embodiment of the present invention, and the contents of the present disclosure should not be interpreted as being limited based on the following description. Furthermore, although parentheses may be used in the following description, this does not necessarily mean that the parenthesized term and the term described before the parentheses have the same meaning.

[0010] For example, it is known to provide casters on the bottom of a mobile device such as a table to make it easier for the user to move it. However, the presence of casters can cause the table or the like to move unintentionally. Therefore, to restrict the movement of the table, a locking mechanism is provided to prevent the casters from moving.

[0011] An operating mechanism is provided to operate the locking mechanism to lock or unlock the state. In order to check whether the caster is locked or unlocked, it was necessary to actually touch the table or the caster.

[0012] In addition, some devices have labels that indicate whether they are locked or unlocked, but this can be difficult to tell from a distance. Furthermore, depending on the label's display method and font size, it can be difficult for users to tell even from close up.

[0013] In view of one or more of these problems, the following embodiments will be described as examples of technologies for solving these problems or the problems of the related art. Note that the following embodiments are one method for solving these problems or the problems of the related art, and are not limited to the methods described in the following embodiments. Furthermore, the purpose of the present disclosure in the specification is not limited thereto, and we intend to obtain rights for configurations that aim to obtain the effects achieved from the configurations disclosed in the specification and drawings, etc., through divisional applications, amendments, etc.

[0014] [1. Embodiment] [1.1 Overall table structure] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing the appearance of table 1, which is a moving device equipped with a locking mechanism and an operating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism. The table has a top panel 10 and a base 20 connected by a support 30. The support 30 has an adjustment mechanism that allows for height adjustment. When a user operates lever 12, for example, the adjustment mechanism is unlocked, making it possible to adjust the length of the support. Note that the adjustment mechanism of support 30 may utilize any known technology.

[0015] In Figure 1, the F side of table 1 is the front and the B side is the back. The R side is the right side when looking at table 1 from the front, and the L side is the left side when looking at table 1 from the front. The FB direction is the front-to-back direction (short side) of table 1, and the LR direction is the left-to-right direction (long side) of table 1.

[0016] 2 is a perspective view illustrating the base unit 20, viewed from above. The base unit 20 is provided with casters 202, for example, at the four corners of the lower end. That is, the casters 202 for moving the table 1 are provided below the table 1. The casters 202 allow the table 1 to move on the floor or the like.

[0017] The base unit 20 has an operating mechanism 22 that operates a locking mechanism provided on the caster 202. As an example, the operating mechanism 22 is provided near the lower end of the support 30, but the location is not limited to this. The operating mechanism 22 is connected to the locking mechanism via a transmission mechanism.

[0018] A pedal 210 is provided on the outer edge of the base 20 as an operating means for operating the locking mechanism, as part of the operating mechanism 22. The pedal 210 is preferably provided on one side of the base 20 in the left-right direction, and in FIG. 1 is provided near where the support 30 is located.

[0019] The pedal 210 is provided so as to be rotatable vertically relative to the base portion 20. That is, the pedal 210 is configured so as to be rotatable vertically, for example.

[0020] The user can operate the locking mechanism by stepping on or kicking up the pedal 210. The caster 202 can be unlocked or locked depending on the movement of the pedal 210. For example, a stopper member provided on the caster 202 prevents the caster 202 (the wheel that constitutes the caster 202) from rotating. A state in which the caster 202 is locked by the locking mechanism and, for example, the wheel of the caster 202 does not move is called a locked state.

[0021] In this way, when the pedal 210 is depressed by the user, the plurality of casters 202 provided under the table 1 (base portion 20) are locked, restricting movement of the table 1. At this time, when the user depresses the pedal 210, it is preferable that the plurality of casters 202 provided on the base portion 20 are locked all at once.

[0022] Also, for example, when the user kicks up the pedal 210, the plurality of casters 202 enters a state in which they can move freely (a state in which the wheels of the casters 202 rotate freely). This state in which the casters 202 can move freely is called an unlocked state.

[0023] That is, by using the operation mechanism 22 provided on the base portion 20, the user can easily operate the table 1 to freely move or to stop (prohibit) the movement of the table 1.

[0024] The configuration of the base portion 20 will be further described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the base portion 20 as seen from the bottom.

[0025] The base portion 20 is a housing structure formed so that the opening faces the rear side, and forms the legs. The base portion 20 is a hollow housing that covers the front, right, and left sides of the table 1 and covers the operating mechanism and transmission mechanism. In other words, when the table 1 is viewed from above, it has a U-shape. The opening of the base portion 20 faces the user of the table 1 (e.g., a patient, a person receiving care, etc.). Therefore, the user can place a wheelchair through the opening at the table 1, or place a regular chair there.

[0026] Casters 202 (casters 202A, 202B, 202C, and 202D) with locking mechanisms are provided at the four corners of the base. In this embodiment, the casters 202 are provided near the four corners, but more casters may be provided. Furthermore, the casters 202 are preferably provided near the corners of the base 20, but they do not necessarily have to be provided near the corners.

[0027] The base unit 20 may be provided with an attachment member 206 (e.g., a top plate) at a position where the caster is to be attached. The attachment member 206 is, for example, fixed to the base unit 20. The attachment member 206 may also have a structure (e.g., a screw hole) for attaching the caster 202. For example, the main body (fork) of the caster 202 and the attachment member 206 are rotatably attached. The caster 202 also has a rotatable wheel attached to an axle near the tip of the main body.

[0028] Furthermore, it is preferable that the caster 202 has a locking function. The locking mechanism is a mechanism that locks the rotation of the wheels of the caster 202. For example, the caster 202 may have a stopper fitting as a locking member, and the stopper fitting may lock the rotation of the wheels.

[0029] The caster 202 may also have a locking member with a convex portion between the wheels. In this case, the inside of the wheel has a plurality of concave portions. The locking member with the convex portion may move so that the convex portion fits into the concave portion on the inside of the wheel, thereby locking the rotation of the wheel. Any other known mechanism may also be used as long as it is a mechanism for locking the rotation of the wheels of the caster 202.

[0030] Furthermore, the locking mechanism of the caster 202 may be a mechanism that stops the rotation of the wheel by another method, without locking the wheel itself of the caster. For example, a brake member may be provided on the base 20, and the movement of the table 1 may be restricted by the brake member coming into contact with the floor surface.

[0031] A wire 204 is connected to the locking mechanism of the caster 202 as a transmission mechanism for transmitting an operation (force) from the operating mechanism 22. The wire 204 connects the locking mechanism of the caster 202 and the operating mechanism 22. For example, when a user depresses the pedal 210 of the operating mechanism 22, the wire 204 is pulled by the operating mechanism 22, and tension is applied to the wire 204. As tension is applied to the wire 204, the wheels of the caster 202 are locked by the locking mechanism. In other words, the table 1 transitions from an unlocked state to a locked state.

[0032] Furthermore, for example, when the user kicks up the pedal 210 of the operation mechanism 22, the tension on the wire 204 is released, and the locking mechanism unlocks the wheels of the casters 202. That is, the table 1 transitions from a locked state to an unlocked state. The wire 204 may be housed in the pipe 28 in the base 20.

[0033] The base portion 20 may also be formed with a bulging portion 242 that bulges outward on one side in the left-right direction of the table 1 (horizontal direction when viewed from above).

[0034] [1.2 Explanation of operation mechanism] Next, a description will be given of the operation of the operating mechanism 22. Figure 4 is a diagram for schematically explaining the operation of the operating mechanism 22 and the locking mechanism of the caster 202.

[0035] The operation of locking the caster 202 will be described with reference to Fig. 4. Fig. 4(a) is a diagram showing the state of the operating mechanism 22 when the caster 202 is in the locked state, that is, when the wheels of the caster 202 are locked by the locking mechanism 203. Fig. 4(b) is a diagram showing the state of the operating mechanism 22 when the caster 202 is in the unlocked state, that is, when the wheels of the caster 202 are freely movable (unlocked) by the locking mechanism.

[0036] In the operation mechanism 22, the operation unit 220 and the pedal 210 are connected via a support shaft 212. One end of the support shaft 212 is connected to the center of rotation of the pedal 210. The other end of the support shaft 212 is connected to a cam 222 of the operation unit 220. As a result, when the pedal 210 rotates, the cam 222 also rotates via the support shaft 212.

[0037] A slider 224, which is, for example, frame-shaped, is arranged around the cam 222 so as to abut against the cam 222. When the pedal 210 rotates (for example, the user presses down on pedal 210A of the pedals 210), the cam 222 rotates in conjunction with the pedal 210, and the tip of the cam 222 moves from the L1 direction to the R1 direction. When the tip of the cam 222 rotates and moves from the L1 direction to the R1 direction, the slider 224 in contact also moves from the L1 direction to the R1 direction. In other words, the cam 222 functions as a driver. Furthermore, the slider 224 that the cam 222 abuts against functions as a follower.

[0038] One end (R1 side) of slider 224 is connected to the housing of operation unit 220, and the other end (L1 side) is connected to wire 204. In Fig. 4, one end (R1 side) of slider 224 is connected to the housing of operation unit 220 via an elastic body (e.g., spring 226). When slider 224 moves in the R1 direction, a force is applied to spring 226, causing the spring to deform into a compressed state.

[0039] The other end (L1 side) of the slider 224 is connected to the wire 204 via an elastic body (for example, a spring 228).

[0040] As described above, when the slider 224 moves from the L1 side to the R1 side, the spring 228 expands, and tension is applied to the entire wire 204. In other words, the wire 204 is in a state where it is pulled by the operation unit 220.

[0041] When tension is applied to the wire 204, the locking mechanism 203 locks the wheels of the caster 202. As a result, the caster 202 transitions to a locked state.

[0042] In this manner, slider 224 is connected to each locking mechanism 203. For example, slider 224 is connected to locking mechanism 203A of caster 202A via spring 228 and wire 204A. Similarly, slider 224 is connected to locking mechanism 203B of caster 202B via spring 228 and wire 204B, to locking mechanism 203C of caster 202C via spring 228 and wire 204C, and to locking mechanism 203D of caster 202D via spring 228 and wire 204D. In this manner, pedal 210, cam 222, slider 224, and locking mechanism 203 are interlocked.

[0043] Here, since the casters 202 are provided at different positions, the lengths of the wires 204 connected to the locking mechanisms 203 of the casters 202 are different. Here, a spring 228, which is an elastic body, is provided between the wire 204 and the slider 224 so that a uniform force is applied to the locking mechanisms 203.

[0044] FIG. 4(b) shows a state in which the caster 202 is unlocked. For example, when the user kicks up the pedal 210 (kicking up the pedal 210A), the cam 222 moves from the R1 direction to the L1 direction in conjunction with the rotation of the pedal 210. At this time, due to the repulsive force of the spring 226 that was compressed in FIG. 4(a), the slider 224 moves from the R1 direction to the L1 direction while abutting against the cam 222. Furthermore, because the spring 228 is in an extended state, the repulsive force of the spring 228 may also move the slider 224 from the R1 direction to the L1 direction.

[0045] As the slider 224 moves from the R1 direction to the L1 direction, the tension on the wire 204 is released. As a result, the wire 204 is no longer pulled by the slider 224, the locking mechanism 203 of the caster 202 is unlocked, and the caster 202 transitions to an unlocked state.

[0046] That is, when the slider 224 moves in the L1 direction, a force in the opposite direction to that at the time of locking acts on the locking mechanism 203 via the wire 204. For example, in the locking mechanism 203 of the caster 202, the convex portion of the locking member separates from the concave portion of the caster 202.

[0047] Fig. 5 is a top view of the base unit 20, and is an enlarged view of the operating mechanism 22. Fig. 6 is a side view of the base unit 20, and is an enlarged view of the operating mechanism 22. Specifically, Fig. 6 is a side view of the base unit 20, seen from the R side in Fig. 1.

[0048] 6(a) is a diagram showing the caster 202 in an unlocked state, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing the caster 202 in a locked state. Here, the F side, B side, R side, and L side shown in FIG. 5 and the F side and B side shown in FIG. 6 correspond to FIG. 1.

[0049] When the user steps on the pedal, the state transitions from the state in FIG. 6(a) to the state in FIG. 6(b). That is, when the user steps on pedal 210A with their foot, pedal 210 rotates, and the tip of pedal 210A moves downward. Also, when the user kicks up the pedal, the state transitions from the state in FIG. 6(b) to the state in FIG. 6(a). That is, when the user kicks up pedal 210A with their foot, pedal 210A rotates in the opposite direction to when it is stepped on, and the tip of pedal 210A moves upward.

[0050] The bulging portion 242 is formed to bulge outward (toward the R side) at one end in the left-right direction, for example, and has a curved shape. The bulging portion 242 is preferably provided in the vicinity of the pedal 210. That is, the bulging portion 242 may bulge the base portion 20 up to a position that includes the center (rotation fulcrum) of the pedal 210, for example. In this case, a notch 232 is formed between the bulging portion 242 and the base portion 20 on the front side in front of the bulging portion 242. In addition, in a side view, the bulging portion 242 has an inclined surface from the back to the front.

[0051] The cutout portion 232 is formed so that the outline 230, which is an imaginary line obtained when the outer periphery of the base portion 20 (bulge portion 242) is extended directly from the back surface to the front surface, is positioned so that it includes the pedal 210. In other words, the cutout portion 232 is preferably large enough to accommodate the pedal 210.

[0052] In this way, the presence of the cutout portion 232 allows a user (for example, a caregiver) to operate the pedal 210 (210A) from the front side of the table. For example, when moving the table 1 closer to a wheelchair in which a care recipient is sitting, the user such as a caregiver is often located in front of the table. Therefore, the caregiver can easily operate the pedal 210 from the front side.

[0053] Furthermore, since there is a space between the pedal 210 (210A) and the ground, the user can use the pedal 210 (210A) to operate the table 1 from the front side or the right side. For example, when a caregiver inserts the table 1 into the bed used by the care recipient, the caregiver is on the right side of the table 1. In this case, the caregiver can easily operate the pedal 210 from the right side in addition to the front side.

[0054] Furthermore, pedal 210B allows the user to use pedal 210 from the rear side of table 1 to perform an unlocking operation. For example, when caring for a care recipient, the caregiver is near the care recipient and is therefore behind the table. At this time, if table 1 gets in the way of the care and the caregiver wants to move table 1 slightly (for example, to return the care recipient's feet that have slipped off the footrest of the wheelchair), pedal 210B can be used to operate table 1 from the rear side.

[0055] In this way, by operating the locking mechanism using pedal 210, the user can operate the locking mechanism from three directions as long as the user is near pedal 210.

[0056] In this embodiment, the operation of the user stepping down and kicking up pedal 210A of pedals 210 will be described, but an operation may also be performed on pedal 210B. In this case, the state will be the opposite of that of pedal 210A. For example, when pedal 210B is stepped on, the state will transition from FIG. 6(b) to FIG. 6(a). Also, although the pedal 210 will be described as being operated by the user's foot, it may also be operated by hand, for example. For example, when the user presses down pedal 210A with their hand, the state will transition from FIG. 6(a) to FIG. 6(b). Also, when the user pulls up pedal 210A with their hand, the state will transition from FIG. 6(b) to FIG. 6(a).

[0057] 5, the base unit 20 accommodates the operation unit 220 in an accommodating portion 234. The accommodating portion 234 is configured from a part of the base unit 20. The accommodating portion 234 is formed so as to ensure a space capable of accommodating the operation unit 220. The accommodating portion 234 is formed so as to house the operation unit 220.

[0058] The pedal 210 is connected to the operation unit 220 via a support shaft 212. The storage section 234 is configured to be higher than the height of the base unit 20 other than the storage section 234. This is only necessary as long as a sufficient height is ensured to store the operation unit 220. Therefore, when the operation unit 220 fits within the height of the base unit 20, the storage section 234 may be configured in a state in which it is indistinguishable from the appearance of the base unit 20 (the height of the storage section 234 is the same as the overall height of the base unit 20).

[0059] Moreover, the bulging portion 242 may be formed in a shape that forms a space, and the pedal 210 (pedal 210B) fits into the space 244. In FIG. 6(a), when the pedal 210 is kicked up, the pedal 210B moves downward and fits into the space of the bulging portion 242.

[0060] As described above, it is preferable that the outer end of the pedal 210 of the base portion 20 be located inside the outer end of the base portion 20. The outer end of the base portion 20 may be formed by bulging the shape of the base portion 20 to form a bulged portion 242, with the outer end of the bulged portion 242 being located outside the outer end of the pedal 210. Also, as described above, a notch 232 may be provided so that the outer end of the pedal 210 is located inside the outline 230. By positioning the pedal 210 inside the outer end of the base portion 20, it is possible to prevent the pedal 210 from being damaged by collision when, for example, the table 1 is moved.

[0061] The pedal 210 includes a pedal 210A and a pedal 210B. The pedals 210A and 210B are connected at a center 240 and are interlocked with a support shaft 212. For example, the pedals 210A and 210B may be fixed with a screw, or may be formed as a single unit.

[0062] Furthermore, the shape of pedal 210 is preferably such that it can be stepped on with the user's foot even when the user's heel is on the ground, making it easy for the user to operate. The length of pedal 210A is preferably 3 cm or more, making it easy to step on. Furthermore, taking into consideration the stepping on of the foot, the height of pedal 210 is preferably 9 cm or less from the ground (the contact surface of table 1) when pedal 210A is facing upward.

[0063] It is also preferable that there is a predetermined gap between the pedal 210 and the ground (the ground surface of the table 1). For example, it is preferable that there is enough space for the user's toes to fit into the gap even when the user is wearing shoes. By fitting the user's toes into the gap, the user can easily kick up the pedal 210. For example, when the tip of the pedal 210A faces downward, it is preferable that the gap be approximately 3 cm to 8 cm high. Furthermore, when the base portion 20 is located below the pedal 210 (there is a slope of the bulge portion 242), it is also preferable to provide a similar gap between the base portion 20 and the pedal 210.

[0064] Furthermore, the length of pedal 210A is preferably longer than that of pedal 210B. In the unlocked state, the vertical length of pedal 210A (for example, the vertical length from center 240 to the tip of pedal 210A) is preferably longer than length T1 from center 240 to the top of base portion 20.

[0065] In the locked state, it is preferable that the vertical movement of the pedal 210B (for example, the vertical length from the center to the tip of the pedal 210B) be within the length T1.

[0066] Furthermore, the tip of the pedal 210B may be configured so as not to exceed the upper end of the base part 20 (or the upper end of the storage part 234) when the caster 202 is in the unlocked state. For example, in FIG. 6(b), the pedal 210B is parallel to the surface of the upper end of the base part 20. Therefore, the tip of the pedal 210B is configured so as not to exceed the upper end of the base part 20.

[0067] That is, the user can check whether the casters 202 are locked or unlocked simply by visually checking the parts protruding from the top of the base part 20. In particular, with the table 1 of this embodiment, it is possible to visually check whether all of the casters 202 are locked, and it is easy to visually check that the table will not move inadvertently.

[0068] 7 is a side view of the base unit 20, showing the state from the opposite side to that of FIG. 6. That is, it is a view showing the operation mechanism 22 from the direction L in FIG.

[0069] FIG. 7(a) shows the caster 202 when it is in an unlocked state, and FIG. 7(b) shows the caster 202 when it is in a locked state. As shown in FIG. 7(a), when the caster 202 is in a locked state, the upper side (the end side of the pedal 210 extending outward from the center of the pedal 210) of the pedal 210 protrudes from the top of the base unit 20. In FIGS. 6(a) and 7(a), the tip of the pedal 210 (210A) is positioned above the height of the storage section 234, allowing the user to confirm at a glance that the caster 202 is locked. Also, as shown in FIG. 7(b), when the caster 202 is in an unlocked state, the pedal 210 is hidden by the base unit 20. In FIGS. 6(b) and 7(b), the tip of the pedal 210 (210B) is positioned below the height of the storage section 234, allowing the user to confirm at a glance that the caster 202 is unlocked.

[0070] Furthermore, the position of the base 20 and the pedal 210 allows the user to confirm whether the casters 202 are locked or unlocked, even from a distance. That is, the user can easily confirm whether the casters 202 are locked or unlocked from the state of the pedal 210, whether the user is looking at the table 1 from above or from a distance. For example, the user can easily visually confirm from the position of the pedal 210 that the table 1 is immobile (e.g., all of the casters 202 are locked). Furthermore, when the table 1 is configured to lock some of the casters 202 as the immobile state, the user can easily visually confirm from the position of the pedal 210 that the some of the casters 202 are locked. Furthermore, when a brake member is used to immobilize the table 1, the user can easily visually confirm from the position of the pedal 210 that the brake member has immobilized the table 1.

[0071] 2. Other Embodiments Hereinafter, several embodiments other than those described above will be described. Note that the directions (F direction, B direction, L direction, R direction) shown in each figure indicate the same directions as those shown in FIG.

[0072] [2.1 Pedal Shape] 8 shows an embodiment in which a pedal 310 is used instead of the pedal 210. The operating unit 220 is housed in the housing portion 312 of the base portion 20. As described above, the operating unit 220 and the pedal 310 are connected via a support shaft.

[0073] By rotating the pedal 310, for example, in the front-to-rear direction of the table 1 (for example, in the G10 or G12 direction), the support shaft rotates in conjunction with the rotation, and the operating unit 220 connected to the support shaft is operated. In other words, by rotating the pedal 310, it is possible to operate the locking mechanism 203 of the caster 202, and the caster 202 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0074] Here, the end of the pedal 310 may have a protrusion 314 facing inward (from the R side to the L side) of the table 1. This protrusion is preferably located above the base 20 (accommodating portion 312), thereby preventing the pedal 310 from jumping out.

[0075] Furthermore, pedal 310 may be in a plate-like shape like pedal 315, as shown in Fig. 9. Pedal 310 in Fig. 8 is formed in a shape that extends upward above table 1, whereas pedal 315 in Fig. 9 is formed in a plate-like shape that extends in the lateral direction (horizontal direction) of table 1.

[0076] The pedal 310 in Fig. 8 can switch the caster 202 between a locked state and an unlocked state by operating the end (upper end, protrusion 314) of the pedal 310 with a hand or a foot. In contrast, the pedal 315 in Fig. 9 has a shape suitable for operation by a user pressing down on or kicking up the pedal 315 with their foot.

[0077] [2.2 Pedal Position] In the above-described embodiment, the pedals are arranged along the outer side of the base portion 20, but they may also be arranged on the upper side of the base portion 20, for example.

[0078] For example, Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the pedal 320 is brought to the upper side of the base unit 20. The operation unit 220 is housed in a housing portion 322, and the pedal 320 is rotatably disposed above the housing portion 322. In other words, the pedal 320 is provided on the leg of the table 1, and it is possible to prevent the pedal 320 from jumping out of the base unit 20. In this case, by rotating the pedal 320 in the front-to-rear direction of the table 1 (direction B, direction F), the caster 202 can be switched between a locked state and an unlocked state.

[0079] [2.3 Shape of the base (housing section)] The shape of the base portion 20 (housing portion) may be changed to prevent the pedal from jumping out of the base portion 20. For example, the base portion 20 may be shaped to have a notch so that the pedal fits inside the base portion 20.

[0080] 11, for example, the base portion 20 has a recessed shape that extends inward from the outer periphery of the base portion 20 near the pedal 330. In this case, it is preferable that the outer end portion (end portion in the R direction) of the pedal 330 is located along the periphery of the base portion 20 or inside the periphery. It is also preferable that the base portion 20 has a cut-out shape that extends inward (toward the L side) with the pedal 330 as the center.

[0081] In this way, the amount of outward protrusion of the pedal 330 (for example, the amount of protrusion to the R side) can be reduced compared to when the outer periphery of the base portion 20 is in a straight line. Also, by making both the front and rear of the pedal 330 recessed, it is possible to form spaces in front and behind the pedal 330. Because spaces are formed in front and behind the pedal 330, the pedal 330 has a shape that makes it easy to operate by stepping on it with your foot.

[0082] 12 shows a case in which the housing portion 342 provided on the base portion 20 is formed so as to protrude outward from the base portion 20. In FIG.

[0083] 12, the storage portion 342 of the base portion 20 is formed to protrude outward (in the direction of R). In this case, the storage portion 342 has a protruding portion formed at an angle along the imaginary lines P1 and P2. Therefore, even if the user's foot strikes the base portion 20 (storage portion 342), the foot will strike the protruding slope, preventing contact with the pedal 340.

[0084] [2.4 Button Operation] 13 shows an example in which buttons are provided instead of pedals as operating means for the operating mechanism 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 13(a), the base unit 20 has buttons 352 and 354. For example, when the user presses down button 352, the caster 202 is locked. For example, when the user presses down button 354, the caster 202 is unlocked.

[0085] 13(b), the bottom ends of the buttons 352 and 354 are in contact with a pedal 356 built into the base unit 20. As a result, for example, when the button 352 is pressed down, one end of the pedal 356 is pressed down. Conversely, when the button 354 is pressed down, the other end of the pedal 356 is pressed down.

[0086] As described above, according to the configuration of FIG. 13 , the pedal 356 is not provided outside the base unit 20, so it is possible to eliminate the protrusion of the operating part. Furthermore, the user can switch between the locked and unlocked states of the casters by pressing down on the buttons 352 and 354. The user can press down the buttons 352 and 354 by stepping on them with their feet, or they can press down with their hands. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13( a), the user can easily confirm whether the casters 202 are in the locked state or the unlocked state by visually checking whether one of the buttons is protruding from the base unit 20. Here, the buttons 352 and 354 may be distinguishably displayed in different colors.

[0087] [2.5 Guard Members] A guard member may also be provided on the base unit 20. For example, as shown in Fig. 14, a rectangular guard member 410 may be provided to complement the notched portion of the base unit 20. That is, the guard member 410 is disposed below the pedal 210. The guard member 410 may also be positioned so that the tip of the pedal 210 comes into contact with the guard member 410 when the tip of the pedal 210 rotates.

[0088] [2.6 Arrangement of operating mechanism] In the above-described embodiment, the operating mechanism is positioned along the short side of the table 1 (for example, the BF direction in FIG. 1), but it may be positioned in another position. For example, it may be positioned along the long side of the table 1 (for example, the LR direction in FIG. 1). In this case, the pedal 210 may be positioned on the F side, for example.

[0089] Furthermore, the operation mechanism 22 may be disposed at an angle relative to the base unit 20. For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the operation mechanism 22 may be disposed near a corner of the U-shape of the base unit 20. Specifically, the operation unit 220 is disposed at an angle relative to the corner. In this case, the pedal 210 connected via the support shaft 212 is also disposed at an angle. This allows the pedal 210 to be disposed so as not to protrude from the base unit 20. Furthermore, because the pedal 210 is disposed at an angle, it can be disposed in a state in which the user can easily operate the pedal 210 by stepping on it with their foot.

[0090] [2.7 Displaying Locked / Unlocked Status] In the above description, whether the caster 202 is in the locked state or the unlocked state can be visually determined by the user based on the positions of the base unit 20 and the pedal 210. However, this may be achieved by other means. For example, a distinguishable mark (distinguishing mark) may be provided on the pedal 210 or the operation unit (operating means). In this case, the distinguishable mark indicating the locked state or the unlocked state may be provided on the top surface of the base unit 20. For example, if the distinguishable mark is provided on a surface perpendicular to the pedal shaft, it will be placed on the side of the pedal 210 and will be difficult to see from the user's line of sight. However, by providing the distinguishable mark on the top surface of the base unit 20, a user operating the table can easily check whether the caster 202 is in the locked state or the unlocked state, even when looking at the table from above.

[0091] For example, FIG. 16 shows a pedal 330 with an identification mark. The base unit 20 has a protrusion for mounting the pedal 330, and the protrusion has a cutout 420. A sticker for identifying the locked state is attached to the pedal 330. For example, the pedal 330 changes its orientation as it rotates. When the orientation of the pedal 330 changes, the color visible through the cutout 420 changes. For example, stickers of different colors are attached to positions visible through the cutout 420. The pedal 330 is given a series of different colors, and the color corresponding to the cutout 420 changes position in conjunction with the rotation of the pedal 330. Alternatively, the cutout 420 itself may move in conjunction with the rotation of the pedal 330. In this case, the pedal 330 may be provided with the cutout 420, and a sticker for identifying the locked state may be attached to the base unit 20. In this case, the color of the sticker attached to the base unit 20 can be seen through the cutout 420 provided in the pedal 330. As a result, when the pedal 330 rotates, the cutout 420 rotates accordingly, and the locked state can be seen from the color of the sticker. Furthermore, this distinguishing color may be achieved by, for example, attaching a sticker of a different color or by painting a different color.

[0092] Specifically, in the state shown in Fig. 16(a), a color indicating the locked state (for example, red, etc., as indicated by diagonal lines in Fig. 16(a)) is displayed in the notched portion 420. In addition, in the state shown in Fig. 16(b), a color indicating the unlocked state (for example, blue, etc., as indicated by crosshatched lines in Fig. 16(b)) is displayed in the notched portion 420.

[0093] Alternatively, the distinguishable display means may be provided on the base unit 20. For example, FIG. 17 shows a base unit 20 having a window 430. For example, the color of a sticker visible through the window 430 changes in conjunction with the operation of the pedal 210. When the pedal 210 rotates, the orientation of the pedal 210 changes, interlocking with the pivot, cam, and slider. Then, a sticker or the like affixed to the pivot or slider moves, and the locked or unlocked state of the caster 202 can be identified according to the position of the pivot or cam. Therefore, stickers of different colors are affixed or painted on the pivot or slider at the positions that correspond to the locked or unlocked state. This allows the locked or unlocked state of the caster 202 to be confirmed by the color displayed in the window 430.

[0094] Specifically, in the state shown in Fig. 17(a), a color indicating the locked state (for example, red, etc., as indicated by diagonal lines in Fig. 17(a)) is displayed in window 430. In addition, in the state shown in Fig. 17(b), a color indicating the unlocked state (for example, blue, etc., as indicated by crosshatch lines in Fig. 16(b)) is displayed in window 430.

[0095] [2.8 Locking mechanism] In the above-described embodiment, a locking mechanism provided on a caster is described as an example of a mechanism for braking the movement of the table 1. However, any mechanism that can brake the movement of the table 1 may be used, for example, other brake mechanisms.

[0096] For example, a brake mechanism is connected to the wire 204. For example, the brake mechanism may be a mechanism that includes a brake pad, and when the wire 204 is pulled, the brake pad comes into contact with the floor surface and operates to brake the movement of the table 1.

[0097] The brake mechanism may be configured using, for example, the brake mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-189312 (Publication date: October 19, 2017, Invention title: Operation mechanism and movable table equipped with the same). Also, other lock mechanisms or brake mechanisms may be used as long as they are mechanisms (braking mechanisms) that brake the movement of table 1.

[0098] The lock mechanism and the brake mechanism may be combined. For example, a lock mechanism may be provided on the caster 202 on the front side, and a brake mechanism may be provided separately from the caster 202 on the rear side.

[0099] Furthermore, the locking mechanism described above has been described as locking all casters, but it is also possible to lock casters necessary to prevent table 1 from moving. For example, when four casters are provided on base 20, three casters may be locked. By transitioning to the locked state using operating mechanism 22, casters may be locked as necessary to prevent table 1 from moving freely.

[0100] [3. Application Examples] The above-described embodiment has been described as an example in which the moving device is applied to a table 1 having a single support pillar and a base 20 having a locking mechanism and an operating mechanism as legs. Of course, the above-described moving device can be applied to other moving devices.

[0101] FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the application of the moving device of this embodiment to a product other than the table 1. For example, FIG. 18(a) shows a table 3 for rehabilitation. The table 3 in FIG. 18(a) has two support pillars (on both sides), one on each side of the table 3. Tables with this configuration can be similarly configured not only for rehabilitation tables such as the table 3, but also for overbed tables, for example. In the case of such a table 3, the above-described embodiment can be applied by providing a U-shaped base portion 20A on the leg portion. That is, the base portion 20A has casters with a locking mechanism and an operating mechanism for operating the locking mechanism.

[0102] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18(b), the same can be realized with a table 5 equipped with a seating position support device. That is, the table 5 has support posts on both the left and right sides, but the above-mentioned embodiment can be applied by providing a U-shaped base 20B on the legs.

[0103] Although the above-described locking mechanism and operating mechanism have been described as being applied to a table as a moving device, they may also be applied to other moving devices that can be moved on casters, such as beds, stretchers, carts, furniture such as cabinets and chairs, and lift devices.

[0104] [4. Modifications] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible. In other words, embodiments obtained by combining technical means that are appropriately modified within the scope of the present invention are also included in the technical scope of the present invention.

[0105] Although the above contents are explained separately for the sake of convenience, they can be combined to the extent possible. We also intend to obtain rights to any of the technologies described in the specification through amendments or divisional applications.

[0106] The scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the configurations explicitly described in the specification, but also includes combinations of the technologies disclosed in the specification. The configurations of the present disclosure for which a patent is sought are set forth in the appended claims, but it is not intended to exclude them from the technical scope on the grounds that they are not set forth in the claims.

[0107] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned specification, the statements "in the case of" and "when" are given as examples and are not intended to limit the configuration to the described contents. The disclosure also includes configurations that are not in these cases or situations, even if they would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, and the applicant intends to obtain rights to them. [Explanation of symbols]

[0108] 1 table 10 Top plate 20 Base 22 Operating mechanism 28 Pipe 30 pillars 202, 202A, 202B, 202C, 202D Casters 203, 203A, 203B, 203C, 203D locking mechanism 204, 204A, 204B, 204C, 204D Wire 206 Mounting parts 210, 210A, 210B pedals 212 Spindle 220 Operation section 222 Cam 224 Slider 226, 228 Springs

Claims

1. A moving device having a plurality of casters on the lower part of a base part, A locking mechanism for locking the casters and a pedal for operating the locking mechanism are provided. the base portion has a bulging portion bulging outward on one side and formed to have a curved surface shape, and a notched portion; The bulge is provided near the pedal, the cutout portion is sized to accommodate the pedal, and the pedal is accommodated in the cutout portion; A transportation device in which the pedal is positioned in a position that allows the caster to be visually confirmed to be in a locked state from at least a specific direction.

2. A mobility device as described in Claim 1, wherein the cutout portion is configured so that the pedal is accommodated inside a contour line extending from the outer periphery of the curved shape of the bulge portion.

3. the pedal is rotatably disposed on the outer side of one end of the base portion, 3. The transport device according to claim 1, wherein when the casters are unlocked, one end of the pedal is positioned above the base portion.

4. The mobile device according to claim 1 , further comprising an operating mechanism that displays, in a position visible from above the mobile device, whether the casters are in a locked state or an unlocked state.

5. The moving device according to claim 4 , wherein the operating mechanism displays the identification mark in different colors to indicate whether the caster is in a locked state or an unlocked state.

6. The top plate and a base portion having a plurality of casters and a locking mechanism for locking the casters; A support pillar connecting the base portion and the top plate; a pedal for operating the locking mechanism; A table comprising: the base portion has a bulging portion bulging outward on one side and formed to have a curved surface shape, and a notched portion; The bulge is provided near the pedal, the cutout portion is sized to accommodate the pedal, and the pedal is accommodated in the cutout portion; The pedal is positioned in a position that allows the locked state of the caster to be visually confirmed from at least a specific direction.

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