trolley

Abstract

To provide a lightweight and strong cart with casters. [Solution] The trolley has an outer frame portion formed by joining multiple square tube members together in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, a crosspiece portion formed by hanging multiple square tube members across the square tube members that form one opposite side of the outer frame portion, and casters attached to the underside of the outer frame portion or the crosspiece portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a dolly for carrying loads. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, efforts have been made to reduce the weight and strengthen the carts that carry cargo. For example, in Patent Document 1, a hollow housing with a top plate is filled with foamed synthetic resin to reduce the weight and reinforce the top plate on which cargo is placed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 7-205994 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The base portion of the container or cart disclosed in Patent Document 1 is formed by injecting foamable synthetic resin through small holes drilled in a housing with a top plate, expelling the air inside through small holes drilled in the housing while foaming, and filling the housing with the foamed synthetic resin. However, there is a demand for further weight reduction and strength.

[0005] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a lightweight and strong caster-equipped cart using simpler methods and means. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first embodiment of the trolley has an outer frame portion formed by joining multiple square tube members together in a rectangular shape when viewed from above, a crosspiece portion formed by suspending multiple square tube members from the outer frame portion inward, and casters attached to the underside of the outer frame portion or the crosspiece portion.

[0007] According to this configuration, the outer frame and crosspiece are formed from hollow rectangular tubular members, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight and increase the rigidity of the bogie. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] We can provide lightweight, strong trolleys with casters. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view illustrating the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a bottom view illustrating the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating the carriage according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a caster that is applied to the dolly according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating the carriage according to the second embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a carriage according to a second embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the periphery of a caster applied to the dolly according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a plan view illustrating a carriage according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a front view illustrating a carriage according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a modified example of a square tube member that can be applied to all the embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] An example of an embodiment of the technology of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same reference numerals are used to designate the same components and parts in the drawings. The dimensional proportions in the drawings are exaggerated for the sake of explanation and may differ from the actual proportions.

[0011] Arrow F shown in the figure indicates the depth direction (front-to-back direction) of the platform of the cart, and arrow R indicates the width direction (left-to-right direction) of the platform of the cart. Arrow H indicates the height direction (up-down direction) of the platform, which is the vertical direction of the cart in an orientation where the depth direction and width direction are horizontal. The depth direction, width direction, and height direction are perpendicular to one another. In this specification, the above directions will be used for explanation, but the orientation of the cart is not limited to these directions.

[0012] First Embodiment As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the dolly 10 according to this embodiment is a so-called flatbed hand truck, which is a dolly with casters attached to a frame-shaped member. Note that, in the present disclosure, the use of the dolly is not limited to this, and it does not preclude its use as, for example, a so-called one-arm hand truck with a push handle attached to one end of the frame-shaped member. The dolly 10 can travel on a floor surface with luggage LD placed on the loading surface. The dolly 10 has an outer frame 20, crosspieces 30, and casters 40.

[0013] (Outer frame) 2, the outer frame 20 is a frame-like member formed by joining four square tube members 22 in a square shape when viewed from the bottom. The outer frame 20 constitutes the outer periphery of the bogie 10. Note that in the present disclosure, the shape of the outer frame and the number of square tube members are not limited to these, and as long as the outer frame has the required strength and forms the required bogie mounting surface, it can be, for example, rectangular or any other polygonal shape, and the number of square tube members can be determined according to the shape.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 4 , the rectangular tube member 22 has an outer shape of a vertically elongated rectangle in a front cross section and is made of zinc-plated steel. In the present disclosure, the cross-sectional shape and material of the rectangular tube member are not limited to these, and may be any shape, such as a square, polygon, or a shape including partially curved surfaces, as long as the frame of the bogie can be formed with the required strength. The rectangular tube member may also be made of, for example, an aluminum alloy, corrugated cardboard, or synthetic resin. While the rectangular tube member 22 is integrally formed from zinc-plated steel, the present disclosure is not limited to these shapes and may be formed by, for example, sheet metal forming, molding, injection molding, or the like, depending on the material used.

[0015] As shown in FIG. 2, the rectangular tubular members 22 constituting the outer frame 20 are divided into long members 22A and short members 22B. Two long members 22A are arranged in the depth direction and spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The short members 22B are formed so that their longitudinal length is shorter than that of the long members 22A by twice the width of the rectangular tubular members 22. The short members 22B are arranged in the width direction and spaced apart from each other in the depth direction and sandwiched between the side surfaces of each end of the two long members 22A, forming a rectangular shape together with the long members 22A in a plan view. Each end of the short members 22B is joined to each end of the long members 22A using four L-shaped angles 24 that are L-shaped in a plan view and multiple fastening members 24A. In the present disclosure, the method of constructing the outer frame portion is not limited to this, and as long as the outer frame portion has the required strength, the outer frame portion may be constructed, for example, by providing mortise holes at both ends of a square tube member arranged in the depth direction and tenons at both ends of a square tube member arranged in the width direction, and joining the tenons by inserting them into the mortise holes, or the outer frame portion may be constructed by using a combination of L-shaped angle joints and tenon joints.

[0016] (Sankibe) As shown in FIG. 2, the crosspiece section 30 is disposed inside the outer frame section 20 and mainly constitutes the loading surface of the trolley 10. The crosspiece section 30 is formed by bridging a plurality of crosspiece members 32, each made of a rectangular tubular member 22, between two short members 22B. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this, and the crosspiece members may be bridging any of the rectangular tubular members constituting the outer frame section as long as the required loading surface of the trolley is formed. Furthermore, the crosspiece members may be arranged to intersect with each other by processing the intersections into a half-lobe joint shape.

[0017] The crosspiece section 30 is formed by joining the undersides of the crosspiece members 32 and the short members 22B with a plate 26 (see FIG. 3) suspended between them using a fastening member 26A. Note that in the present disclosure, the method of joining the crosspiece members and the square tubular members constituting the outer frame is not limited to this, and as long as the crosspiece has the required strength, the crosspiece may be formed, for example, by providing mortise holes at the joints of the square tubular members constituting the outer frame, providing tenons at both ends of the crosspiece members, and joining the tenons by inserting the tenons into the mortise holes, or by joining the joints of the square tubular members constituting the outer frame to the ends of the crosspiece members with a T-shaped notched joint, or by using a combination of a plate joint and a tenon joint or a notched joint.

[0018] The crosspiece members 32 have a rectangular cross section (not shown), and five of them are arranged in the depth direction and spaced apart from each other in the width direction. The depth direction length of the crosspiece members 32 is shorter than the depth direction (longitudinal direction) length of the elongated members 22A. The crosspiece members 32 are made of the same material as the rectangular tube members 22 that make up the outer frame portion 20.

[0019] In this embodiment, five crosspiece members 32 are provided, but this disclosure is not limited to this. As long as they form a loading surface on the dolly capable of carrying cargo, one or more crosspiece members may be provided depending on the planar shape of the crosspiece members. However, multiple crosspiece members are preferable to ensure reliable support of the cargo. Furthermore, while the crosspiece members 32 are formed from the same material as the rectangular tubular members 22 that form the outer frame 20, this disclosure is not limited to this. The crosspiece members may be made from a different material from the rectangular tubular members that form the outer frame 20, as long as this contributes to reducing the weight and increasing the strength of the dolly. Furthermore, while the crosspiece members 32 are formed to have a rectangular cross section, this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the crosspiece members may be formed in any shape, such as a square, polygon, or a shape that includes a partially curved surface.

[0020] (caster) 2 and 3, five casters 40 are attached to the underside of the outer frame 20 or the crosspiece 30, and have the function of enabling the carriage 10 to move. In this embodiment, the casters 40 are attached in a mixed state of two types: swivel casters 40C arranged at the four corners of the outer frame 20, and fixed casters 40M arranged on the crosspiece member 32 in the center of the crosspiece 30. Furthermore, the casters 40C and 40M are made of metal.

[0021] In this embodiment, the number of casters 40 is five, but this disclosure is not limited to this. For example, six or more casters may be provided to improve load-bearing performance by shortening the distance between them. Alternatively, the number may be three or four as long as the casters can withstand the load of the outer frame, crosspieces, and luggage and function as a cart. In this embodiment, the casters 40 are made of a metal material, but this disclosure is not limited to this. Any material may be used as long as it has the required load-bearing capacity and functions as a caster, such as resin or wood.

[0022] 4, the caster 40 includes a base plate 42, a wheel support portion 44, and a wheel 46. In explaining the caster 40, an example of attachment to the outer frame portion 20 will be used, but attachment to the crosspiece portion 30 can be performed in the same manner.

[0023] The base plate 42 is a flat member with a plurality of screw holes (not shown). The base plate 42 occupies the space above the casters 40 and is attached to the underside of the outer frame portion 20. In this embodiment, the base plate 42 is formed to be narrower than the width of the outer frame portion 20. The base plate 42 is directly attached to the outer frame portion 20 by fastening members (not shown) inserted into the screw holes.

[0024] The wheel support portion 44 is attached to the base plate 42 and is a portion that supports the wheels 46, which will be described later. In this embodiment, the wheel support portion 44 corresponding to the swivel caster 40C has two rotation axes: a vertical rotation axis that determines the direction of travel of the carriage 10 on the floor surface GR, and a horizontal rotation axis that supports the wheels 46 and allows the carriage 10 to move forward and backward. Meanwhile, the wheel support portion 44 corresponding to the fixed caster 40M has only a horizontal rotation axis that supports the wheels 46 and allows the carriage 10 to move forward and backward.

[0025] The wheels 46 are disk-shaped and rotatably supported via the wheel support parts 44. The wheels 46 also come into contact with the floor surface GR, support the carriage 10 and the luggage LD carried thereon, and enable the transportation of the luggage LD.

[0026] As described above, the casters 40 enable the carriage 10 to select a direction of travel and to move forward and backward.

[0027] <Effects of the First Embodiment> The trolley 10 of this embodiment has an outer frame portion 20 formed by joining four square tube members 22 in a square shape when viewed in plan, a crosspiece portion 30 formed by extending five crosspiece members 32 inward from the outer frame portion 20, and casters 40 attached to the underside of the outer frame portion 20 or the crosspiece portion 30.

[0028] According to this configuration, the outer frame and crosspiece are formed from hollow rectangular tubular members, thereby making it possible to reduce the weight and increase the rigidity of the bogie.

[0029] Furthermore, in the bogie 10 according to this embodiment, the square tube member 22 is formed of a galvanized steel material, which is a metal material. This configuration improves the water resistance of the square tube member 22 compared to hydrophilic corrugated cardboard or wood. In addition, metal is generally highly ductile and easy to process, allowing for thin plate processing, making it easy to reduce the weight of the square tube member 22.

[0030] In the bogie 10 according to this embodiment, the square tube member 22 is formed of a galvanized steel material, which is a metal material, but in the present disclosure, it may be formed of a corrugated cardboard material. This configuration is more suitable for applications requiring insulation than metal materials. Furthermore, compared to metal materials, waste disposal is easier and the burden on the environment can be reduced. When using this configuration, it is preferable to perform additional processing such as water resistance treatment on the material depending on the application.

[0031] Second Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a truck 110 according to a second embodiment. The truck 110 has the same basic configuration as the truck 10, but differs from the truck 10 according to the first embodiment in that the casters are larger.

[0032] In the following description, explanations and reference numerals for components common to the carriage 110 and the carriage 10 may be omitted.

[0033] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the cart 110 has an outer frame portion 20, a crosspiece portion 30, casters 140, and a receiving member 150.

[0034] (caster) The casters 140 are larger than the casters 40 of the cart 10, and are configured to have an increased load-bearing capacity. The casters 140 are divided into four swivel casters 140C and one fixed caster 140M. The caster 140C is disposed on the underside of the outer frame portion 20. The caster 140M is disposed in the center of the crosspiece portion 30.

[0035] (receiving member) The receiving members 150 are members attached to the four corners of the outer frame portion 20 and the center of the crosspiece portion 30. As shown in Fig. 7, the receiving members 150 include adhesive members 152 and panel members 154. In the following description, the receiving members 150 attached to the outer frame portion 20 will be described in detail, and a description of the receiving members 150 attached to the crosspiece portion 30, which has a similar configuration, will be omitted. The casters 140 correspond to the casters 40, and include base plates 142, wheel support portions 144, and wheels 146.

[0036] The adhesive member 152 is an adhesive resin that is applied to the lower surface of the rectangular tube member 22 of the outer frame portion 20. The adhesive member 152 joins the rectangular tube member 22 and the caster 140 via the panel member 154. In this embodiment, the adhesive member 152 is double-sided tape. However, in the present disclosure, the adhesive member is not limited to this, and may be an epoxy-based resin or the like.

[0037] 5, the panel member 154 is a square plate in a plan view with sides longer than the width of the rectangular tube members 22 that form the outer frame portion 20. In the present disclosure, the shape of the panel member is not limited to this, and it can be, for example, rectangular or any other shape as long as it has the required strength and is wide enough to mount the base plates of the casters.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the panel member 154 is fixed on the upper surface side to the outer frame portion 20 via adhesive members 152, and the base plates 142 of the casters 140 are fixed on the lower surface side with screws. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 7, the panel member 154 according to this embodiment is arranged so that the positions of the casters 140 attached to the panel member 154 overlap the positions of the square tube members 22. For example, the panel member 154 adhered to the square tube members 22 is arranged so that one side of the panel member 154 extends outward beyond the outer frame portion 20. In a receiving member 150 including such a panel member 154, the outer frame portion 20 formed by the square tube members 22 and the crosspiece portions 30 formed by the crosspiece members 32 directly receive the reaction force from the casters 140, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the adhesive position of the panel member is not limited to this and may be any position as long as the required caster attachment strength is maintained. For example, in applications where it is undesirable for the panel member to protrude beyond the outer frame portion, the panel member may be positioned so that the corners of the panel member overlap the corners of the outer frame portion and both sides extending from the corners of the panel member overlap both sides extending from the corners of the outer frame portion 20, preventing the panel member from protruding beyond the outer frame portion.

[0040] The panel member 154 is formed to be larger in the depth and width directions than the width of the square tube member 22 that forms the outer frame portion 20. In other words, the length of the panel member 154 in the width direction extends from the width of the square tube member 22 shown in cross section to the part of the square tube member 22 shown in longitudinal section. In other words, the base plate 142 of the caster 140 is fixed to the panel member 154, which has a portion that is not supported by the square tube member 22 that forms the outer frame portion 20.

[0041] The bogie 110 of the second embodiment is configured as described above.

[0042] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> In the dolly 110 according to this embodiment, the base plate 142 of the caster 140 is fixed to a panel member 154 of a receiving member 150 attached to the underside of the outer frame portion 20 or the crosspiece portion 30 .

[0043] According to this configuration, by providing the panel member 154 of the receiving member 150, it is possible to fix the caster 140 whose base plate size is larger than the width of the rectangular tube member 22.

[0044] Furthermore, by providing the receiving member 150, when a caster 140 is used in which the screw hole spacing of the base plate 142 is larger than the width of the underside of the square tube member 22, the caster 140 can be prevented from falling off the outer frame portion 20 and the crosspiece portion 30 due to the weight of the luggage LD, etc.

[0045] Third Embodiment Next, a description will be given of a dolly 210 according to a third embodiment. The dolly 210 has the same basic configuration as the dolly 110, but differs from the dolly 110 according to the second embodiment in that it has a fence member 260 to prevent luggage from slipping and a top plate 270 arranged on the loading surface.

[0046] In the following description, explanations and reference numerals for components common to the carriage 210 and the carriage 110 may be omitted.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 8, the carriage 210 has the same configuration as the carriage 110, and further has a fence member 260 and a top plate 270.

[0048] (fence members) The fence members 260 are rectangular plates. A plurality of the fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame portion 20 with the plate thickness direction aligned with the depth direction or width direction. In this embodiment, a total of 12 fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame portion 20, specifically, three fence members 260 per long member 22A and three fence members 260 per short member 22B. The fence members 260 form a storage space into which the top plate 270, which will be described later, can be fitted.

[0049] In the present disclosure, the shape of the fence members is not limited to rectangular plates, but may be rod-shaped or pillar-shaped. Furthermore, the number of fence members is not limited to 12, and may be any number greater than or equal to one as long as it prevents luggage or tabletops from falling depending on the application. However, for example, if the fence members are detachable or retractable, it is desirable to provide three or more on each side. In the present embodiment, the fence members 260 are spaced equally apart, but in the present disclosure, the spacing may vary as appropriate depending on the type of tabletop or luggage.

[0050] 9, the fence members 260 are attached to the outer surface of the outer frame portion 20 with multiple fastening members 260A. In this embodiment, each fence member 260 is attached with two fastening members 260A in a state where it stands above the upper surfaces of the outer frame portion 20 and the crosspiece portion 30. Note that in the present disclosure, the method of attaching the fence members is not limited to this, and may be, for example, a method in which the fence members are detachably inserted into insertion openings, or a method in which the fence members can be stored by tilting them to one side. In other words, the fence members 260 define the upper surfaces of the outer frame portion 20 and the crosspiece portion 30.

[0051] (Tabletop) The top plate 270 is a square-shaped plate, and is fitted into the storage space formed by the fence member 260, with its bottom surface supported by the outer frame portion 20 and the crosspiece portion 30. In this embodiment, the material of the top plate 270 is any one of polystyrene foam, cardboard, and plastic cardboard, but the present disclosure is not limited to these, and the material may be, for example, wood, metal, etc., depending on the application.

[0052] As shown in Fig. 9, the top surface of the top plate 270 is positioned above the fence members 260 while being supported by the upper surfaces of the outer frame portion 20 and the crosspiece portions 30. In other words, the height of the fence members 260 is determined taking into consideration the thickness of the top plate 270 to be used. That is, the fence members 260 limit the displacement of the top plate 270 in the depth direction and width direction. Note that this disclosure does not exclude the use of a cart with a fence member provided with the top plate without fitting it thereto, nor does it exclude the use of a cart with the top surface of the top plate lower than the fence members.

[0053] <Effects of the Third Embodiment> The carriage 210 according to this embodiment has a plurality of fence members 260 that rise from the outer surface of the outer frame portion 20 and form a storage space.

[0054] According to this configuration, by forming a storage space with the fence member 260, when the luggage LD is placed directly on the cart 210 without fitting the top plate, it is possible to prevent the luggage LD from falling due to sliding sideways on the loading surface. Furthermore, even when the luggage LD is loaded via a pallet (not shown) that is larger than the gap between the crosspiece members 32 of the crosspiece section 30 or the gap between the outer frame section 20 and the crosspiece member 32, it is possible to prevent the luggage LD from falling sideways of the pallet.

[0055] Moreover, the dolly 210 according to this embodiment has a top plate that fits into the storage space formed by the fence member 260. This configuration can prevent the fitted top plate 270 from shifting sideways. Furthermore, by using the top plate 270, even for luggage LD with a relatively soft exterior, it is possible to prevent the luggage LD from getting caught in the gaps in the crosspiece section 30 and being deformed, or from falling through the gaps.

[0056] In the cart 210 according to this embodiment, the material of the top plate 270 is any one of polystyrene foam, cardboard, and plastic cardboard. With this configuration, when the top plate 270 needs to be replaced due to contamination or damage, the material is easily available and maintenance is easy.

[0057] <Modification> In addition, the present disclosure can be configured by partially combining the configurations illustrated in the attached drawings. As described above, the present disclosure includes various embodiments not described above, and the technical scope of the present disclosure is defined only by the invention-specifying matters in the claims that are appropriate from the above description.

[0058] In the above embodiment, the square tube members 22 constituting the outer frame 20 and the crosspiece 30 have an outer shape that is vertically long and rectangular in front cross section, but in the present disclosure, the shape of the square tube members is not limited to this. As a modified example of the square tube member, for example, as shown in Fig. 10, a square tube member 322 having recesses 324, 325 recessed inward on the upper and lower surfaces and a wavy portion 326 whose side surface undulates in a direction from the upper end to the lower end may be used instead of the square tube member 22.

[0059] According to this configuration, the corrugated portion 326 is formed on the side surface of the square tube member, and the rigidity of the square tube member against vertical loads is increased compared to a configuration in which the side surface of the square tube member 322 is flat.

[0060] In detail, when a load is applied from above to the outer frame and crosspieces, even if the square tubular member has flat sides, if the sides are wavy, the effect on the load capacity is as if the plate thickness had increased according to the amplitude and wavelength of the waves, even if the plate thickness is the same. In other words, for the same load capacity, the wavy shape makes it possible to make the plate thinner, thereby achieving even lighter weight. [Explanation of symbols]

[0061] 10, 110, 210 bogies 20 Outer frame 22, 322 Square tube members 22A Long Members 22B Short member 30 Samkibe 32 Crosspiece member (an example of a square tube member) 40, 140 casters 40C, 140C swivel casters 40M, 140M fixed casters 42, 142 base plate 44, 144 Wheel support part 46, 146 wheels 150 Receiving member 152 Adhesive material 154 Panel members 260 Fence members 270 Top Plate 326 Wavy section GR floor surface LD Luggage

Claims

1. an outer frame portion formed by joining a plurality of rectangular tubular members together in a rectangular shape in a plan view and having a flat upper surface; a crosspiece portion that includes a plurality of rectangular tube members suspended from the inner surface of the outer frame portion and is flush with the upper surface of the outer frame portion; A plurality of fence members rising from the outer surface of the outer frame portion to form a storage space; a top plate made of polystyrene foam, cardboard, or plastic cardboard, having a rectangular shape identical to the planar outline of the outer frame portion, placed on the plane formed by the upper surface of the outer frame portion and the upper surface of the crosspiece portion, and replaceably fitted into the storage space; A caster attached to a lower surface of the outer frame portion or the crosspiece portion; A trolley having:

2. The square tube member is formed of a metal material. The carriage according to claim 1 .

3. The square tube member is formed of a corrugated cardboard material. The carriage according to claim 1 .

4. A wavy portion waving in a direction from the upper end to the lower end is formed on the side surface of the square tube member. The carriage according to claim 1 .

5. A trolley as described in claim 1, wherein the caster plate is fixed to a receiving member attached to the underside of the outer frame portion or the crosspiece portion.

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