Hand-pushed transport cart

Abstract

To provide a technique that can prevent an unintended usage of a push cart such that a user operates the cart while riding on a load-carrying platform of the cart.SOLUTION: A push cart disclosed in the specification includes: a front wheel unit supporting front wheels such that the front wheels are rotatable; a rear wheel unit supporting rear wheels such that the rear wheels are rotatable; a motor configured to drive the front wheels and / or the rear wheels; a cart base frame supporting the front wheels and the rear wheels; a load-carrying platform disposed on the cart base frame; a handle attached to the cart base frame at the rear side of the load-carrying platform to be gripped by a user standing behind the push cart; a drive operation unit attached to the handle to drive the motor; and a guard part disposed to block a space between the load-carrying platform and the drive operation unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a push cart. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a push-type transport vehicle comprising: a front wheel unit that rotatably supports the front wheels; a rear wheel unit that rotatably supports the rear wheels; a prime mover that drives the front wheels and / or the rear wheels; a chassis frame that supports the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit; a loading platform that is disposed on the chassis frame; a handle attached to the chassis frame behind the loading platform and that can be held by a user standing behind the push-type transport vehicle; and a drive operating unit attached to the handle that drives and operates the prime mover. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-109894 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] A pushcart is a vehicle used to transport objects. Therefore, it is not intended that a user operate the vehicle while sitting on the platform of the vehicle. In conventional pushcarts, as in Patent Document 1, the handle and drive operating unit are located at the rear of the vehicle, assuming that the user will operate it from behind. However, in conventional pushcarts, it is possible for the user to operate the drive operating unit while sitting on the platform. This specification provides a technology that can prevent the unintended use of a pushcart, in which a user operates the vehicle while sitting on the platform of the vehicle. In this specification, "sitting on the platform" refers to a stable position, such as sitting upright, cross-legged, or kneeling. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] The pushcart disclosed in this specification may comprise a front wheel unit that rotatably supports the front wheels, a rear wheel unit that rotatably supports the rear wheels, a prime mover that drives the front wheels and / or the rear wheels, a chassis frame that supports the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit, a loading platform that is disposed on the chassis frame, a handle that is attached to the chassis frame behind the loading platform and can be held by a user standing behind the pushcart, a drive operating unit that is attached to the handle and operates to drive the prime mover, and a guard unit that is arranged to block the gap between the loading platform and the drive operating unit.

[0006] According to the above configuration, the pushcart is provided with a guard that separates the platform from the drive operating unit, thereby preventing the user from operating the pushcart while standing on the platform, which is an unintended use of the pushcart. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0007] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of a transporter 2 according to an embodiment, seen from above on the front right. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view of the battery box 8 according to the embodiment as viewed from above and rear right. FIG. [Figure 3] 1 is a perspective view of the battery box 8 according to the embodiment with the battery cover 106 open, as viewed from above and rear right. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top view of the front wheel unit 12 according to the embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a front view of the rear wheel unit 14 according to the embodiment, as seen from the front. [Figure 6] 1 is a perspective view of a left handle 20 according to an embodiment, seen from above and behind on the left side. [Figure 7] 1 is a perspective view of a right handle 18 according to an embodiment, seen from above and behind the left. [Figure 8]1 is a perspective view of a right handle 18 and a guard portion 200 according to an embodiment, as viewed from above on the rear left side. [Figure 9] 1 is a top view of the right handle 18 and guard part 200 according to the embodiment, as viewed from above. [Figure 10] 1 is a rear view of the right handle 18 and the guard portion 200 according to the embodiment, as seen from the rear. [Figure 11] 1 is a diagram showing the right handle 18 and guard part 200 as seen from the user sitting on the platform 4 of the transporter 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 12] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the guard edge of the guard surface 210 within the reachable range S of a user riding on the platform 4 and the operating lever 72 in the transporter 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporter 2 according to a modified example, viewed from above on the front right. [Figure 14] 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the guard end 240a of the guard surface 210a within a range S4 that can be reached by a user riding on the platform 4, and the operating lever 72, in the transporter 2 according to the modified example. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporter 2 according to another modified example, as viewed from above on the front right. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the guard end 240b of the guard surface 210b within a range S5 that can be reached by a user riding on the platform 4, and the operating lever 72, in a transporter 2 according to another modified example. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example, as viewed from above on the front right. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the guard end 240c of the guard surface 210c within a range S6 that can be reached by a user riding on the platform 4, and the operating lever 72, in a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example, as viewed from above on the front right. [Figure 20]FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the guard end 240d of the guard surface 210d within the reachable range S7 of a user riding on the platform 4 and the operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example. [Figure 21] 10 is a diagram showing a schematic example of a user operating an operating lever 72 while riding on the platform of a conventional transporter not provided with a guard portion. FIG. [Figure 22] 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a guard part 200 prevents a user riding on the platform 4 from operating an operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Figure 23] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a guard portion 200a in a second form prevents a user riding on the platform 4 from operating the operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to a modified example. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a guard portion 200b in a third form prevents a user riding on the platform 4 from operating the operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to another modified example. [Figure 25] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a guard portion 200c in a fourth form prevents a user riding on the platform 4 from operating the operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating an example in which a guard portion 200d in a fifth form prevents a user riding on the platform 4 from operating the operating lever 72 in a transporter 2 according to yet another modified example. [Figure 27] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of the positional relationship between the end of the guard surface and the drive operating unit in an example in which the guard portion according to one or more embodiments prevents a user standing on the platform of a transport vehicle from operating the drive operating unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Representative, non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the drawings. This detailed description is intended simply to provide those skilled in the art with details for implementing preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Additionally, the additional features and inventions disclosed can be used separately or in conjunction with other features and inventions to provide further improved walk-behind vehicles.

[0009] Furthermore, the combinations of features and steps disclosed in the following detailed description are not essential to practicing the invention in its broadest sense, but are described solely to specifically illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, the various features of the following exemplary embodiments and those described in the claims do not necessarily have to be combined in the exact embodiments described herein or in the exact order listed to provide additional and useful embodiments of the invention.

[0010] All features described in this specification and / or claims are intended to be disclosed individually and independently of one another as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims, apart from the configuration of features described in the examples and / or claims. Furthermore, all numerical ranges and group or aggregate descriptions are intended to disclose intermediate configurations thereof as limitations to the specific features described in the original disclosure and claims.

[0011] In one or more embodiments, the guard portion may be provided to prevent a user riding on the carrier from coming into contact with the drive operating portion.

[0012] Normally, a user needs to touch the drive operating unit to operate it. With the above configuration, a user who is sitting on the platform is prevented from touching and operating the drive operating unit. This more appropriately prevents the unintended use of the push truck, in which a user operates the truck while sitting on the platform.

[0013] In one or more embodiments, the guard portion may include a guard surface that blocks the space between the loading platform and the drive operation unit. The guard surface may be provided so that the elbows of the user standing on the loading platform do not reach the edge of the guard surface, and may be provided so that the distance from the edge of the guard surface to the drive operation unit is 15 cm or more within the reach of the wrists of the user standing on the loading platform.

[0014] Even if the edge of the guard surface is located out of reach of the elbow of a user sitting on the platform, if the user bends their wrist at the edge of the guard surface and their fingertips reach the drive operation unit, the user can still operate the drive operation unit. As shown in FIG. 27, the length from the wrist joint to the joint at the base of the finger (MP joint) is approximately 10 cm. The length from the MP joint to the fingertips is also approximately 10 cm. The wrist joint and MP joint can only be bent (or extended) within a range of approximately 0° to approximately 90°. Therefore, if the distance from the edge of the guard surface to the drive operation unit is 15 cm or more, the user sitting on the platform is prevented from operating the drive operation unit even if they bend their wrist and fingers at the edge of the guard surface. Therefore, the above configuration more appropriately prevents the user from operating the hand truck unintentionally while sitting on the platform of the truck.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the handle may extend along the front-rear direction and include a grip that can be held by the user. The drive operation unit may be located at a position that allows it to be operated with the fingers of the hand holding the grip when the user holds the grip from behind the handle. The guard portion may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape that extends along the front-rear direction.

[0016] For example, if the guard portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, providing the guard portion may significantly impair the visibility of a user using the transporter appropriately from the rear. With the above configuration, the push-type transporter can be prevented from being used in an unintended manner, such as when a user operates the transporter while standing on the platform of the transporter, while ensuring the visibility of a user using the transporter appropriately from the rear.

[0017] (Example) The transport vehicle 2 of this embodiment is a hand-pushed transport vehicle. As shown in FIG. 1, the transport vehicle 2 includes a platform 4, a handle unit 6, a battery box 8, a chassis frame 10, a front wheel unit 12, and a rear wheel unit 14. The chassis frame 10 supports the front wheel unit 12 and the rear wheel unit 14. The platform 4 is attached to the chassis frame 10. The top surface of the platform 4 is kept horizontal in the front-to-rear and left-to-right directions. This makes it possible to place and transport cargo on the platform 4 of the transport vehicle 2.

[0018] (Battery box 8) As shown in FIG. 2, the battery box 8 includes a casing 100, a top cover 102, and a battery cover 106.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 3 , a plurality of battery attachment sections 110 are provided on the rear surface of the casing 100. A plurality of battery packs 112 are detachably attached to the plurality of battery attachment sections 110. Each of the plurality of battery packs 112 incorporates a secondary battery cell, such as a lithium-ion battery cell (not shown), and is rechargeable by a charger (not shown). In the transporter 2 of this embodiment, the plurality of (e.g., four) battery packs 112 are classified into a first group (e.g., two battery packs on the left) 112a and a second group (e.g., two battery packs on the right) 112b. The transporter 2 of this embodiment can be switched between a state in which the series-connected battery packs 112a of the first group are used as the power source for the transporter 2 and a state in which the series-connected battery packs 112b of the second group are used as the power source for the transporter 2. In addition, a key attachment section 128 to which a key 126 can be detachably attached is provided on the rear surface of the casing 100. The key 126 can be attached and detached by inserting and removing it from the key attachment section 128. When the key 126 is removed from the key mounting portion 128, the supply of power from the multiple battery packs 112 to the motor 150 (described later) is cut off. When the key 126 is attached to the key mounting portion 128, the supply of power from the multiple battery packs 112 to the motor 150 (described later) is permitted.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 2, the top cover 102 is provided with an operation panel 120. The operation panel 120 includes a battery level indicator 120a, a power switch knob 120b, a light on button 120c, and a display switch button 120d. The battery level indicators 120a are provided corresponding to the plurality of battery mounting sections 110, and change the number of illuminated windows depending on the remaining battery levels of the plurality of battery packs 112 attached to the plurality of battery mounting sections 110. The power switch knob 120b is a knob that allows the user to switch the power source of the transporter 2 between the first group of battery packs 112a and the second group of battery packs 112b. The light on button 120c is a button that allows the user to switch on / off the right headlight 156 and the left headlight 158 ​​(see FIG. 1) equipped on the transporter 2. The display switching button 120d is a button that allows the user to switch the display of the remaining battery capacity by the remaining battery capacity indicator 120a between on and off.

[0021] (Front wheel unit 12) As shown in FIG. 4 , the front wheel unit 12 includes a right front wheel 140, a left front wheel 142, a motor 150, and a gear box 152 connected to the motor 150. The right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 are each connected to the gear box 152. Therefore, by driving the motor 150, the right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 can be rotated in a forward direction or a reverse direction. The motor 150 is, for example, a brushless DC motor. The motor 150 is connected to the battery box 8 via a power cable (not shown). Power is supplied to the motor 150 from the battery pack 112.

[0022] Further, right front wheel 140 and left front wheel 142 are provided with right front wheel brake 144 and left front wheel brake 146, respectively. When right front wheel brake 144 and left front wheel brake 146 are operated, right front wheel 140 and left front wheel 142 are braked, respectively.

[0023] (Rear wheel unit 14) As shown in FIG. 5, the rear wheel unit 14 includes a right caster 160 and a left caster 162. The right caster 160 and the left caster 162 are each supported on the chassis frame 10 (see FIG. 1) via a base plate 164. The right caster 160 includes a right rear wheel 166. In the right caster 160, the rotation axis of the right rear wheel 166 is provided so as to be rotatable around the up-down direction. The left caster 162 includes a left rear wheel 168. In the left caster 162, the rotation axis of the left rear wheel 168 is provided so as to be rotatable around the up-down direction. This allows the user to easily change the traveling direction of the rear wheel unit 14 by pushing it manually.

[0024] (Handle unit 6) As shown in FIG. 1, the handle unit 6 includes a handle base 16, a right handle 18, a left handle 20, and a guard portion 200.

[0025] (Left-handle 20) As shown in Figure 6, the left handle 20 includes a pipe 44, a grip 48, and a brake lever 49. A brake cable 94 is connected to the brake lever 49. The pipe 44 includes a support portion 44a that extends in the vertical direction, and a handle portion 44b that bends rearward from the upper end of the support portion 44a. The grip 48 and the brake lever 49 are attached to the handle portion 44b of the pipe 44. The grip 48 extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0026] When the user pushes up the brake lever 49, the right front wheel brake 144 and the left front wheel brake 146 (see FIG. 4) are operated via the brake cable 94. When the brake lever 49 is not pushed up by the user, the right front wheel brake 144 and the left front wheel brake 146 are released from operation.

[0027] (Right-hand drive 18) 7, the right handle 18 includes a pipe 34, a grip 38, and a switch box 40. The pipe 34 includes a support portion 34a that extends in the vertical direction and a handle portion 34b that bends rearward from the upper end of the support portion 34a. The grip 38 is attached to the handle portion 34b and extends in the front-to-rear direction.

[0028] The switch box 40 is provided forward of the grip 38. The switch box 40 includes a casing 66, an operation panel 68, a warning button 70, and an operation lever 72. The operation panel 68 is located on the top surface of the casing 66. The warning button 70 is located on the side of the casing 66. The operation lever 72 is located at the rear of the casing 66. With this configuration, a user standing at the rear of the transporter 2 can operate the operation panel 68, warning button 70, and operation lever 72 with the fingers of his right hand while holding the grip 38 with his right hand.

[0029] The operation panel 68 is provided on the top surface of the casing 66. The operation panel 68 includes a main power button 68a, a main power indicator light 68b, a forward / reverse switch button 68c, a forward indicator light 68d, a reverse indicator light 68e, a speed switch button 68f, and a speed indicator 68g. The main power button 68a is a button that allows the user to switch the main power of the transporter 2 on / off. The main power indicator light 68b is lit when the main power of the transporter 2 is on and is extinguished when the main power of the transporter 2 is off. The forward / reverse switch button 68c is a button that allows the user to switch the transporter 2 between forward mode and reverse mode. In forward mode, the transporter 2 drives the motor 150 (see FIG. 4) to rotate the right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 (see FIG. 4) in the forward direction, and in reverse mode, the transporter 2 drives the motor 150 to rotate the right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 in the reverse direction. The forward direction indicator light 68d is turned on when the transporter 2 operates in forward mode and is turned off when the transporter 2 operates in reverse mode. The reverse direction indicator light 68e is turned on when the transporter 2 operates in reverse mode and is turned off when the transporter 2 operates in forward mode. The speed switch button 68f is a button used by the user to switch the traveling speed of the transporter 2. In the transporter 2 of this embodiment, the traveling speed can be switched in multiple stages (for example, three stages). The transporter 2 controls the rotation speed of the motor 150 when driving the motor 150 according to the traveling speed set by the speed switch button 68f. The speed indicator 68g changes the number of windows that light up according to the traveling speed of the transporter 2 set by the speed switching button 68f.

[0030] The warning button 70 is provided on the side of the casing 66, to the left of the operation panel 68. The warning button 70 is a button that the user uses to sound a buzzer (not shown). When the user operates the warning button 70, the transporter 2 sounds the buzzer to generate a warning sound. If the transporter 2 is equipped with a speaker (not shown) other than a buzzer, the transporter 2 may be configured to output predetermined music or sound from the speaker in response to the user operating the warning button 70.

[0031] The operating lever 72 is disposed at the rear of the casing 66. When the user pushes up the operating lever 72, power starts to be supplied from the battery pack 112 to the motor 150. That is, the operation of the operating lever 72 starts driving the motor 150. When the operating lever 72 is not pushed up by the user, no power is supplied to the motor 150, and the motor 150 is in a stopped state.

[0032] (Guard part 200) As shown in FIG. 1 , the guard portion 200 is disposed at the rear of the platform 4. The guard portion 200 is attached to the right handle 18. To remove the guard portion 200 from the right handle 18, a tool must be used or the guard portion 200 must be destroyed. As shown in FIG. 8 , the guard portion 200 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the front-to-rear direction. The rear end of the guard portion 200 extends rearward beyond the rear end of the operating lever 72. That is, the guard portion 200 is provided so as to block the gap between the platform 4 and the operating lever 72. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 , the rear end of the guard portion 200 is located forward of the rear end of the grip 38. Therefore, when a user standing at the rear of the transporter 2 grasps the grip 38 with their right hand, the guard portion 200 does not interfere with the user's hand or arm.

[0033] As shown in FIG. 8 , the guard portion 200 includes a guard surface 210 on the outer side as viewed from the operating lever 72. The guard portion 200 further includes a first opening 220 and a second opening 230. The guard surface 210 includes a first guard edge 240 corresponding to the opening end of the first opening 220 and a second guard edge 250 corresponding to the opening end of the second opening 230. The second guard edge 250 is composed of a lower edge 252, a left edge 254, an upper edge 256, and a right edge 258. The guard portion 200 further includes an inner wall 260 connected to the first guard edge 240 and provided to surround the front, right, and left sides of the operation panel 68. The second guard edge 250 is located in a position that is out of reach of the elbows of a user sitting on the cargo bed 4.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 9 , the first opening 220 is provided above the operation panel 68 of the switch box 40. The user can view the operation panel 68 through the first opening 220. However, as shown in FIG. 8 , inner walls 260 provided in front, to the right, and to the left of the operation panel 68 prevent the user from inserting their hand into the first opening 220. As shown in FIG. 9 , in this embodiment, the maximum width W1 in the left-right direction of the first opening 220 is 50 mm. The maximum width W2 in the front-rear direction of the first opening 220 is 90 mm. However, the dimensions of the first opening 220 can be changed as appropriate as long as the user can view the operation panel 68 through the first opening 220 and the user's hand cannot enter the first opening 220.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 10 , the second opening 230 is provided behind the guard portion 200. The second opening 230 allows a user standing behind the transporter 2 to operate the operation panel 68, the warning button 70, and the operation lever 72 with the fingers of their right hand while holding the grip 38 with their right hand. The maximum width W3 of the second opening 230 in the left-right direction is within a range of 200 mm to 300 mm. In this embodiment, the maximum width W3 of the second opening 230 in the left-right direction is 250 mm. The maximum width W4 of the second opening 230 in the up-down direction is within a range of 260 mm to 400 mm. In this embodiment, the maximum width W4 of the second opening 230 in the up-down direction is 330 mm.

[0036] 10, the inner wall 260 has an upper end connected to the first guard end 240 and a lower end provided close to the upper surface of the switch box 40. The inner wall 260 is provided approximately perpendicular to the upper surface of the switch box 40. The inner wall 260 abuts against the upper surface of the switch box 40, thereby preventing the guard part 200 from being significantly deformed. Note that the inner wall 260 is not provided behind the operation panel 68, and therefore a user standing behind the transporter 2 is not prevented from operating the operation panel 68.

[0037] 11, the battery box 8, the handle base 16, and the pipe 34 are arranged between the guard part 200 and the cargo bed 4 on the front left and front lower side of the guard part 200. Therefore, the only ends of the guard surface 210 that are within reach S of the user while riding on the cargo bed 4 are the upper end 256 and the right end 258 of the first guard end 240 and the second guard end 250.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 12 , the upper end 256 of the second guard end 250 is provided so that the shortest distance d2 from the upper end 256 to the operating lever 72 is 15 cm or more. In this embodiment, the shortest distance d2 from the upper end 256 to the operating lever 72 is 25 cm. The right end 258 of the second guard end 250 is provided so that the shortest distance d3 from the right end 258 to the operating lever 72 is 15 cm or more. In this embodiment, the shortest distance d3 from the right end 258 to the operating lever 72 is 15 cm. Therefore, in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, a user sitting on the platform 4 cannot contact the operating lever 72 even if they bend their wrist and fingers at the upper end 256 or the right end 258 of the guard surface 210. Note that, as described above, the user is prevented from inserting their hand into the first opening 220, and therefore the user cannot contact the operating lever 72 through the first guard end 240.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 21 , in a conventional transporter not equipped with a guard section, a user riding on the platform can operate the operating lever 72 by flexing (or extending) the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint, and MP joint. In contrast, as shown in FIG. 22 , in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, when a user riding on the platform 4 attempts to contact the operating lever 72, the second guard end 250 (upper end 256 or right end 258) comes into contact with the user's wrist. In this way, the range of motion of the user's shoulder joint and elbow joint is limited, and a sufficient distance is ensured between the end of the guard surface 210 within range S and the operating lever 72, thereby preventing the user riding on the platform 4 from operating the operating lever 72.

[0040] The above-described configuration of the guard section 200 prevents the transporter 2 from being used in an unintended manner, such as a user operating the transporter 2 while sitting on the loading platform 4 of the transporter 2, without interfering with the operation of the user standing behind the transporter 2.

[0041] (Variation) In the transporter 2 in the above embodiment, the right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 are drive wheels, and the right rear wheel 166 and the left rear wheel 168 are non-drive wheels. In another embodiment, the right front wheel 140 and / or the left front wheel 142 may be non-drive wheels, and the right rear wheel 166 and / or the left rear wheel 168 may be drive wheels. In yet another embodiment, one of the front wheel unit 12 and the rear wheel unit 14 may have only one wheel, and the other of the front wheel unit 12 and the rear wheel unit 14 may have multiple wheels. In yet another embodiment, the transporter 2 may have crawlers driven by a prime mover instead of the right front wheel 140, the left front wheel 142, the right rear wheel 166, and the left rear wheel 168.

[0042] In the above embodiment, the motor 150 is provided as an example of a prime mover, and a configuration has been described in which the motor 150 is driven by power supplied from the battery pack 112 in the battery box 8. In another embodiment, the motor 150 may be driven by power supplied from an external power source via a cord.

[0043] In the above embodiment, the motor 150 is a brushless DC motor. In another embodiment, the motor 150 may be a motor other than a brushless DC motor. For example, the motor 150 may be a brushed motor. The motor 150 may be an in-wheel motor provided for each drive wheel.

[0044] Unlike the above embodiment, a transparent cover member may be provided along the guard surface 210 at the first opening 220 of the guard part 200. In this case, the cover member can prevent the user from inserting their hand into the first opening 220.

[0045] In the above embodiment, the second guard end 250 of the guard surface 210 corresponds to the opening end of the second opening 230. In another embodiment, the guard surface 210 may further include a flange portion that protrudes outward as seen from the operating lever 72, and the second guard end 250 of the guard surface 210 may correspond to the outer end of the flange portion as seen from the operating lever 72. In this case as well, the shortest distance from the second guard end 250 to the operating lever 72 is set to be 15 cm or more, and a user sitting on the cargo bed 4 cannot operate the operating lever 72 even if they bend their wrist and fingers at the second guard end 250.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the handle portion 34b of the right handle 18 is bent rearward from the upper end of the support portion 34a, and the handle portion 44b of the left handle 20 is bent rearward from the upper end of the support portion 44a. In another embodiment, the handle portion 34b of the right handle 18 may be bent right or left from the upper end of the support portion 34a, and the handle portion 44b of the left handle 20 may be bent right or left from the upper end of the support portion 44a.

[0047] In the above embodiment, the right handle 18 is provided with the operating lever 72, and the guard portion 200 is provided on the right handle 18. In another embodiment, the left handle 20 may be provided with the operating lever 72, and the guard portion 200 may be provided on the left handle 20.

[0048] In the above embodiment, the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 are formed as separate bodies. In another embodiment, the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 may be formed as a single body, such as a U-shaped handle or a T-shaped handle. In yet another embodiment, the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 may be formed as a so-called loop-shaped handle in which the upper ends of the respective support portions 34a, 44a are connected by grips 38, 48 extending in the left-right direction.

[0049] Unlike the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , the handle unit 6 may include a second-form guard portion 200a instead of the guard portion 200. The second-form guard portion 200a is formed in a plate shape that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The second-form guard portion 200a is provided so as to block the gap between the cargo bed 4 and the entire handle unit 6. To remove the second-form guard portion 200a from the handle unit 6, a tool must be used or the second-form guard portion 200a must be destroyed. The second-form guard portion 200a includes a second-form guard surface 210a on the outer side as viewed from the operating lever 72. The second-form guard surface 210a includes a second-form guard end 240a. As shown in FIG. 14 , in this embodiment, the distance d41 from the second-form guard end 240a of the second-form guard surface 210a to the operating lever 72 within the reachable range S4 of a user sitting on the cargo bed 4 is 20 cm. The distance d42 from the guard end 240a of the second form of the guard surface 210a in the second form, which is within reach S4 of a user sitting on the platform 4, to the operating lever 72 is 40 cm. As shown in FIG. 23 , in a transporter 2 equipped with the guard portion 200a in the second form, when a user sitting on the platform 4 attempts to touch the operating lever 72, the guard end 240a in the second form abuts against the user's upper arm, limiting the range of motion of the user's shoulder joint. For this reason, in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, a user sitting on the platform 4 cannot operate the operating lever 72.

[0050] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 15 , the handle unit 6 may include a guard portion 200b of a third form instead of the guard portion 200. The guard portion 200b of the third form is formed in a plate shape that extends in the vertical and horizontal directions. The guard portion 200b of the third form is provided to block the gap between the cargo bed 4 and the right handle 18 and the left handle 20. To remove the guard portion 200b of the third form from the handle unit 6, a tool must be used or the guard portion 200b of the third form must be destroyed. The guard portion 200b of the third form includes a guard surface 210b of the third form on the outer side as viewed from the operating lever 72. The guard surface 210b of the third form includes a guard end 240b of the third form. As shown in FIG. 16 , in this embodiment, the distance d51 from the guard end 240b of the third form of the guard surface 210b of the third form, which is within the reachable range S5 of a user sitting on the cargo bed 4, to the operating lever 72 is 20 cm. The distance d52 from the guard end 240b of the guard surface 210b in the third form, which is within reach S5 of the user sitting on the platform 4, to the operating lever 72 is 40 cm. As shown in FIG. 24 , in a transporter 2 equipped with the guard portion 200b in the third form, when a user sitting on the platform 4 attempts to touch the operating lever 72, the guard end 240b in the third form abuts against the user's upper arm, limiting the range of motion of the user's shoulder joint. For this reason, in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, a user sitting on the platform 4 cannot operate the operating lever 72.

[0051] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 17 , the handle unit 6 may include a fourth-form guard portion 200c instead of the guard portion 200. The fourth-form guard portion 200c is plate-shaped and bent backward from its upper end. The fourth-form guard portion 200c is provided to block the gap between the cargo bed 4 and the right handle 18 and the left handle 20. To remove the fourth-form guard portion 200c from the handle unit 6, a tool must be used or the fourth-form guard portion 200c must be destroyed. The fourth-form guard portion 200c includes a fourth-form guard surface 210c on the outer side as viewed from the operating lever 72. The fourth-form guard surface 210c includes a fourth-form guard end 240c. As shown in FIG. 18 , in this embodiment, the distance d61 from the fourth-form guard end 240c of the fourth-form guard surface 210c to the operating lever 72 within the reachable range S6 of a user sitting on the cargo bed 4 is 20 cm. The distance d62 from the guard end 240c of the guard surface 210c in the fourth form, which is within reach S6 of a user sitting on the platform 4, to the operating lever 72 is 20 cm. As shown in FIG. 25 , in a transporter 2 equipped with the guard portion 200c in the fourth form, when a user sitting on the platform 4 attempts to touch the operating lever 72, the guard end 240c in the fourth form abuts against the user's forearm, limiting the range of motion of the user's shoulder joint and elbow joint. Therefore, in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, a user sitting on the platform 4 cannot operate the operating lever 72.

[0052] Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, the handle unit 6 may include a guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment instead of the guard portion 200. As shown in FIG. 20, the guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment is formed in a box shape that is open at the rear and bottom. As shown in FIG. 19, the guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment covers the right handle 18 and the left handle 20 from the front. That is, the guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment is provided so as to block the gap between the cargo bed 4 and the right handle 18 and the left handle 20. To remove the guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment from the handle unit 6, a tool must be used or the guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment must be destroyed. The guard portion 200d of the fifth embodiment includes a guard surface 210d of the fifth embodiment on the outer side as viewed from the operating lever 72. The guard surface 210d of the fifth embodiment includes a guard end 240d of the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 20 , in this embodiment, the distance d71 from the guard end 240d of the guard surface 210d in the fifth form to the operating lever 72, which is within the reachable range S7 of a user sitting on the loading platform 4, is 20 cm. The distance d72 from the guard end 240d of the guard surface 210d in the fifth form to the operating lever 72, which is within the reachable range S7 of a user sitting on the loading platform 4, is 20 cm. As shown in FIG. 26 , in a transporter 2 equipped with the guard section 200d in the fifth form, when a user sitting on the loading platform 4 attempts to touch the operating lever 72, the guard end 240d of the fifth form abuts against the user's forearm, limiting the range of motion of the user's shoulder joint, elbow joint, and wrist joint. Therefore, in the transporter 2 of this embodiment, a user sitting on the loading platform 4 cannot operate the operating lever 72.

[0053] (Correspondence) In one or more embodiments, the hand transport vehicle 2 includes a front wheel unit 12 that rotatably supports a right front wheel 140 and a left front wheel 142 (examples of front wheels), a rear wheel unit 14 that rotatably supports a right rear wheel 166 and a left rear wheel 168 (examples of rear wheels), a motor 150 (example of a prime mover) that drives the right front wheel 140 and the left front wheel 142 and / or the right rear wheel 166 and the left rear wheel 168, a chassis frame 10 that supports the front wheel unit 12 and the rear wheel unit 14, a loading platform 4 that is disposed on the chassis frame 10, and The hand truck 2 is provided with a right handle 18 (an example of a handle) which is attached to the chassis frame 10 behind the loading platform 4 and can be grasped by a user standing behind the hand truck 2, an operating lever 72 (an example of a drive operating part) which is attached to the right handle 18 and operates the motor 150, and a guard part 200 (or guard part 200a in the second form, guard part 200b in the third form, guard part 200c in the fourth form, guard part 200d in the fifth form) which is arranged to block the space between the loading platform 4 and the operating lever 72.

[0054] According to the above configuration, in the push truck 2, the guard part 200 (or the guard part 200a in the second form, the guard part 200b in the third form, the guard part 200c in the fourth form, and the guard part 200d in the fifth form) that blocks the gap between the loading platform 4 and the operating lever 72 is provided on the right handle 18. This makes it possible to prevent the push truck 2 from being used unintentionally, such as a user operating the truck 2 while sitting on the loading platform 4 of the truck 2.

[0055] In one or more embodiments, guard portion 200 (or guard portion 200a in the second form, guard portion 200b in the third form, guard portion 200c in the fourth form, or guard portion 200d in the fifth form) is configured to prevent a user from contacting operating lever 72 while riding on cargo bed 4.

[0056] Normally, in order for a user to operate the operating lever 72, the user needs to come into contact with the operating lever 72. With the above configuration, a user who is sitting on the loading platform 4 is prevented from touching and operating the operating lever 72. This makes it possible to more appropriately prevent the hand truck 2 from being used unintentionally, such as when a user operates the truck 2 while sitting on the loading platform 4 of the truck 2.

[0057] In one or more embodiments, the guard portion 200 includes a guard surface 210 that blocks the gap between the cargo bed 4 and the operating lever 72. The guard surface 210 is provided so that the elbows of a user standing on the cargo bed 4 do not reach the second guard end 250 (an example of the end of the guard surface), and is provided so that the shortest distances d2 and d3 from the second guard end 250 to the operating lever 72 within the reachable range S of the user standing on the cargo bed 4 are 15 cm or more.

[0058] Even if the second guard end 250 is located out of reach of the elbow of a user sitting on the platform 4, if the user bends their wrist at the second guard end 250 and their fingertips reach the operating lever 72 while sitting on the platform 4, the user can still operate the operating lever 72. As shown in FIG. 27 , the length from the wrist joint to the joint at the base of the finger (MP joint) is approximately 10 cm. The length from the MP joint to the fingertips is also approximately 10 cm. The wrist joint and MP joint can only be bent (or extended) within a range of approximately 0° to approximately 90°. Therefore, if the distance from the second guard end 250 to the operating lever 72 is 15 cm or more, the user sitting on the platform 4 is prevented from operating the operating lever 72 even if they bend their wrist and fingers at the second guard end 250. Therefore, with the above configuration, the hand truck 2 can be more appropriately prevented from unintended use, such as operating the truck 2 while sitting on the platform 4 of the truck 2.

[0059] In one or more embodiments, the right handle 18 extends along the front-to-rear direction and includes a grip 38 that can be held by a user. The operating lever 72 is positioned so that it can be operated by the fingers of the hand holding the grip 38 when the user holds the grip 38 from behind the right handle 18. The guard portion 200 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape that extends along the front-to-rear direction.

[0060] For example, if the guard portion extends in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, providing the guard portion may significantly impair the visibility of a user standing behind the transporter 2 (an example of a user who uses the transporter appropriately from behind). With the above configuration, the push truck 2 can ensure the visibility of a user standing behind the transporter 2 while preventing unintended use, such as a user operating the transporter 2 while sitting on the loading platform 4 of the transporter 2. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 2: Transport vehicle 4: Cargo bed 6: Handle unit 8: Battery box 10: Chassis frame 12: Front wheel unit 14: Rear wheel unit 16: Handle base 18: Right-hand drive 20: Left-hand drive 34: Pipe 34a: Support part 34b: Handle 38: Grip 40: Switch box 44: Pipe 44a: Support part 44b: Handle 48: Grip 49: Brake lever 66: Casing 68: Operation panel 68a: Main power button 68b: Main power indicator light 68c: Reverse switch button 68d: Forward indicator light 68e: Reverse indicator light 68f: Speed ​​switch button 68g: Speed ​​indicator 70: Alarm button 72: Control lever 94: Brake cable 100: Casing 102: Top cover 106: Battery cover 110: Battery mounting section 112, 112a, 112b: Battery pack 120: Operation panel 120a: Battery level indicator 120b: Power switch knob 120c: Lighting button 120d: Display switching button 126: Key 128: Key mounting part 140: Right front wheel 142:Left front wheel 144: Right front wheel brake 146: Left front wheel brake 150: Motor 152: Gearbox 156: Right headlight 158:Left headlight 160: Right caster 162: Left caster 164: Base plate 166: Right rear wheel 168: Left rear wheel 200: Guard section 200a: Guard part of the second form 200b: Guard part of the third form 200c: Guard part of the fourth form 200d: 5th form guard 210: Guard surface 210a: Guard surface of second form 210b: Third form guard surface 210c: 4th form guard side 210d: 5th form guard surface 220: First opening 230: Second opening 240: First guard end 240a: Guard edge of second form 240b: Third form guard edge 240c: Guard edge of 4th form 240d: Guard edge of 5th form 250: Second guard end 252: Lower end 254 :Left edge 256: Upper end 258: Right edge 260:Inner wall

Claims

[Claim 1] A hand-operated transport vehicle, a front wheel unit that rotatably supports a front wheel; a rear wheel unit that rotatably supports a rear wheel; a prime mover that drives the front wheels and / or the rear wheels; a chassis frame supporting the front wheel unit and the rear wheel unit; a loading platform disposed on the chassis frame; a handle attached to the chassis frame at the rear of the platform, the handle being grippable by a user standing behind the hand truck; a drive operation unit attached to the handle and performing a drive operation of the prime mover; and a guard portion, the handle extends along a front-to-rear direction and has a grip that can be grasped by the user standing behind the hand transport vehicle; the drive operation unit is disposed at a position where it can be operated by fingers of a hand holding the grip when the user standing behind the hand transporter holds the grip from behind the handle, The guard portion is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape extending along the front-to-rear direction.

Images