Transport cart

Abstract

To provide a transport cart with a simple configuration that can enhance reliability when a heavy object to be transported is loaded and can transport the object to be transported without obstruction.SOLUTION: A transport cart 100 comprises: a loading portion 110 for carrying an object to be transported 200; a drive portion 120 including drive wheels 122, which transmit driving force to the ground, and an electric motor for rotationally driving the drive wheels 122; driven wheels 124 disposed adjacent to the drive wheels 122 in the axial direction of the rotational axes of the drive wheels 122 and configured to contact the ground to be driven thereby; and a support portion 130 provided below the loading portion 110 for supporting the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport cart. [Background technology]

[0002] A walking electric transport cart equipped with a front wheel unit with a drive unit is known (Patent Document 1). In the technology described in Patent Document 1, the two front wheels of the front wheel unit with a drive unit are configured by connecting a motor, a reduction gear, a differential device, and a braking device to the wheel shaft, and the two front wheels are configured to be driven by the driving force of the motor. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Utility Model Registration No. 3205432 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the technology described in Patent Document 1 requires a mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the motor to both of the two front wheels, which causes a problem of complicating the drive mechanism.

[0005] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the two front wheels are spaced apart on the left and right and connected by a long wheel axle. In this configuration, when a heavy object is loaded onto the vehicle, there is a possibility that deformation such as bending may occur in the long wheel axle.

[0006] Furthermore, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, the two front wheels are spaced apart, so when traveling on narrow paths, the two front wheels are likely to come into contact with walls on the left and right or obstacles on the ground, which can cause problems during transportation and increase the workload. Also, depending on the situation, these obstacles may make it impossible to pass through.

[0007] In view of the above problems, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a transport cart that has a simple configuration, can increase reliability when loaded with heavy objects to be transported, and can transport the objects without any problems. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The gist of the present disclosure is as follows.

[0009] (1) a loading section for loading an object to be transported; a drive unit including a drive wheel that transmits a driving force to the ground and an electric motor that drives and rotates the drive wheel; a driven wheel disposed adjacent to the drive wheel in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the drive wheel and driven by contact with the ground; a support portion provided below the loading portion and supporting the driving wheels and the driven wheels; Equipped with Transport cart.

[0010] (2) The support portion is a pair of first support members that support the drive wheels from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the drive wheels; a pair of second support members that support the driven wheel from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the driven wheel; The transport cart according to (1) above,

[0011] (3) Further provided with auxiliary wheels that are driven by contact with the ground, A transport cart as described in (1) or (2) above, wherein in a first direction, which is the vehicle length direction of the transport cart, the drive wheels and the driven wheels are positioned closer to the center of the transport cart than the auxiliary wheels.

[0012] (4) A frame constituting the loading section is provided, The frame is a plurality of first members extending in a first direction, which is the vehicle length direction of the transport cart; a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The transport cart according to (2) above, wherein the pair of first support members are connected only to the second member.

[0013] (5) A transport cart as described in (4) above, wherein the pair of second support members are connected only to the second member.

[0014] (6) A frame constituting the loading section is provided, The frame is a plurality of first members extending in a first direction, which is the vehicle length direction of the transport cart; a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A transport cart as described in (2) above, wherein one of the pair of first support members is connected to the first member, and the other of the pair of first support members is connected to the second member.

[0015] (7) A transport cart as described in (6) above, wherein one of the pair of second support members is connected to the first member, and the other of the pair of second support members is connected to the second member.

[0016] (8) a brake device that brakes the driving wheels or the driven wheels; a pair of handles at the ends of a frame constituting the loading section, which are held by an operator with both hands; Equipped with an input device provided on one of the pair of handles for inputting operations to control the rotation speed of the drive wheels and the forward and reverse rotation of the drive wheels; The transport cart according to any one of (1) to (7) above, wherein the other of the pair of handles is provided with a brake lever for actuating the brake device.

[0017] (9) The transport cart according to any one of (1) to (8) above, wherein the object to be transported is an LP gas cylinder. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present disclosure, a transport cart is provided that has a simple configuration that can increase reliability when carrying heavy objects to be transported and that can transport the objects without any problems. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a transport cart according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transporting cart is not loaded with an object to be transported. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the transport cart in an upright position. [Figure 4] 3 is a diagram showing the transportation cart in the state shown in FIG. 2 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the frame as viewed from below with the drive unit and driven wheels removed. [Figure 6] 6 is a diagram showing a drive unit attached to the mounting unit shown in FIG. 5. FIG. [Figure 7] 6 is a diagram showing a driven wheel attached to the mounting portion shown in FIG. 5. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing details of the driving wheels, the driven wheels, and the auxiliary wheels and their surroundings. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport cart climbing a slope. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport cart is climbing stairs. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a transport cart according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing the transportation cart in the state shown in FIG. 11 as viewed from above. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the frame as viewed from below with the drive unit and driven wheels removed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] Hereinafter, several embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, these descriptions are intended to merely exemplify preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to such specific embodiments. In the following description, similar components will be given the same reference numerals, and duplicate descriptions will be omitted as appropriate.

[0021] (First embodiment) 1 is a perspective view showing a transport vehicle 100 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The transport vehicle 100 is driven by the driving force of a motor. Therefore, the transport vehicle 100 is particularly suitable for transporting heavy objects.

[0022] 1 shows a state in which an LP gas cylinder is loaded as an object to be transported 200 on a transport cart 100. The LP gas cylinder is one example of the object to be transported 200, and the transport cart 100 can transport a variety of objects. In particular, because the transport cart 100 is driven by a motor, even relatively heavy objects can be easily transported without placing a burden on the worker.

[0023] In addition to LP gas cylinders, examples of the transport object 200 suitable for transport by the transport cart 100 include water tanks for water servers, large flower pots, etc. The flower pots may have plants planted in them. These have the same diameter as LP gas cylinders, and are therefore particularly suitable as the transport object 200 because, like LP gas cylinders, they can be securely held by the transport cart 100 when placed on the cart.

[0024] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing a state in which the transport cart 100 is not loaded with an object to be transported 200. As shown in Fig. 2, the transport cart 100 is equipped with a loading section 110, a driving section 120, and a support section 130. The object to be transported 200 is loaded on the loading section 110. The loading section 110 has a function of accommodating and holding the object to be transported 200 so that the object to be transported does not fall during transportation. The loading section 110 is constituted by a frame 140.

[0025] The drive unit 120 includes drive wheels 122 that transmit driving force to the ground and an electric motor that drives and rotates the drive wheels. The electric motor is an in-wheel motor. For example, a product called "E-catkit2" manufactured and sold by CuboRex Co., Ltd. can be used as the drive unit 120.

[0026] The support unit 130 is provided below the loading unit 110 and supports the drive unit 120. The support unit 130 also supports the driven wheels 124. The driven wheels 124 are arranged adjacent to the drive wheels 122 of the drive unit 120 in the axial direction of the rotation shafts of the drive wheels 122, and are driven by contact with the ground. The drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of these rotation shafts. Preferably, the rotation shafts of the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are arranged coaxially. Unlike the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124 are not equipped with electric motors. When the transport cart 100 is driven by the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124 are driven in accordance with the movement of the transport cart 100.

[0027] The frame 140 is provided with a platform 150 on which the LP gas cylinder is placed when the transport cart is in an upright position. Also, a pair of handles 160 are provided at the ends of the frame 140 to be held with both hands by a worker performing transport work. Also, two training wheels 170 are attached to the frame 140.

[0028] The driving wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are arranged side by side along the axial direction of the rotation shaft, so that the posture of the transport cart 100 is extremely stable when the transport cart 100 is stationary or in motion. This makes it possible to stabilize the posture of the transport cart 100 even when a heavy object 200 to be transported is loaded.

[0029] Furthermore, when the transport cart 100 is driven, tilting (rolling) of the transport cart 100 to the left and right is particularly suppressed. As a result, even when a heavy object 200 to be transported is loaded, the transport cart 100 does not tilt or tip over during transportation, and the object 200 can be transported in a stable posture. Therefore, the burden on the worker of supporting the transport cart 100 with the strength of his or her arms during transportation is reduced, and the burden on the worker is significantly reduced.

[0030] Because the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are arranged side by side, the drive wheels 122 are arranged at positions offset to the left or right from the center in the vehicle width direction of the transport cart 100. Therefore, when the drive wheels 122 are driven by the electric motor, a slight force in the turning direction acts on the transport cart 100. However, because the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are close to each other in the vehicle width direction, the worker hardly feels any force in the turning direction from the handle 160, and with the worker holding the handle 160, the transport cart 100 moves straight by the driving force of the electric motor. In particular, when the transport object 200 is loaded, the worker hardly feels any force in the turning direction when operating the transport cart 100, and the worker can move the transport cart 100 straight without feeling any discomfort.

[0031] FIG. 1 shows a state in which the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124, and the two auxiliary wheels 170 are in contact with the ground with an LPG cylinder, which is the object to be transported 200, loaded on the transport vehicle 100. In this state, the longitudinal direction of the frame 140 is inclined with respect to the ground. In the state shown in FIG. 1, a total of four wheels, the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124, and the two auxiliary wheels 170, are in contact with the ground, so the posture of the transport vehicle 100 is stable. Therefore, in the state shown in FIG. 1, an operator can drive the transport vehicle 100 back and forth using the driving force of the electric motor with almost no force applied to the handle 160. Also, in the state shown in FIG. 1, when an operator moves the handle 160 to the right or left while driving the transport vehicle 100, the transport vehicle 100 turns around the drive wheels 122. Therefore, by moving the handle 160 to the right or left, the worker can easily turn the transport cart 100 while driving the transport cart 100 with the driving force of the electric motor.

[0032] When the transport cart 100 is stationary, the worker can raise the handle 160 upward to make the transport cart 100 stand upright. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the transport cart 100 in an upright position. When the transport cart 100 is upright, the platform 150 is parallel to the ground and in contact with the ground. In this position, the object 200 to be transported can be placed on the platform 150, and the object 200 can be removed from the platform 150. Specifically, when placing an LP gas cylinder on the platform 150, the worker tilts the LP gas cylinder slightly while the LP gas cylinder is standing upright on the ground, and pushes the handle 190 provided on the frame 140 of the object 200 toward the LP gas cylinder to insert the platform 150 between the bottom of the LP gas cylinder and the ground. This allows the LP gas cylinder to be placed on the platform 150. The reverse operation is performed when the LP gas cylinder is to be removed from the platform 150. After the LP gas cylinder is placed on the platform 150, the worker pulls the handle 160 to tilt the transport cart 100, resulting in the state shown in Figure 1.

[0033] FIG. 2 shows a state in which only the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are in contact with the ground, and the auxiliary wheels 170 are off the ground. When the operator further lowers the handle 160 from the state shown in FIG. 1, the state shown in FIG. 2 is reached. Note that the LPG cylinder is not shown in FIG. 2. In the state shown in FIG. 2, the longitudinal direction of the frame 140 is approximately parallel to the ground. In the state shown in FIG. 2, because only the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are in contact with the ground, the operator can change the direction of the transport cart 100 by moving the handle 160 to the right or left. Furthermore, because only the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are in contact with the ground in the direction in which the handle 160 is pulled, the operator can also use the driving force of the electric motor to climb stairs. Note that in the state shown in FIG. 2, the transport cart 100 can also be driven forward and backward using the driving force of the electric motor.

[0034] Next, the configuration of the frame 140 will be described in detail. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the transport cart 100 as seen from above in the state shown in Fig. 2. The frame 140 is configured to have a plurality of first members extending in a first direction and a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The first direction is the longitudinal direction (vehicle length direction) of the transport cart 100. The second direction is the direction (vehicle width direction) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the transport cart 100.

[0035] The plurality of first members include two outer members 142a located on the outside of the transport cart 100 in the second direction, and two inner members 142b located on the inside of the transport cart 100 in the second direction. The outer members 142a and the inner members 142b are made of, for example, hollow metal pipes. The pipes may be either square pipes or round pipes. The pipes may be made of, for example, iron or aluminum.

[0036] A handle 160 is provided at one end of each of the two outer members 142a. A base 150 is fixed to the other end of each of the two outer members 142a. One end of each of the two inner members 142b is fixed to each of the two outer members 142a at connecting portions 146. The base 150 is fixed to the other end of each of the two inner members 142b. Specifically, the two outer members 142a and the two inner members 142b are fixed to the base 150 by welding and are integrated with the base 150. The two inner members 142b are fixed to each of the two outer members 142a at connecting portions 146 by welding and are integrated with the outer members 142a.

[0037] The plurality of second members includes a reinforcing member 144a fixed to both the outer member 142a and the inner member 142b, and two support members 144b and 144c fixed only to the inner member 142b. The reinforcing member 144a is made of, for example, a strip-shaped metal sheet. The support members 144b and 144c are made of, for example, hollow metal pipes. The pipes may be either square or round pipes. The pipes are made of, for example, iron or aluminum. Furthermore, the plurality of second members includes a member 144d fixed only to the inner member 142b. A handle 190 is fixed to the member 144d.

[0038] The reinforcing member 144a is fixed to the outer member 142a or the inner member 142b at multiple intersections where the reinforcing member 144a intersects with the outer member 142a or the inner member 142b. Specifically, the reinforcing member 144a is fixed to the outer member 142a by welding at a first intersection 148a, and is integrated with the outer member 142a. The reinforcing member 144a is also fixed to the inner member 142b by welding at a second intersection 148b, and is integrated with the inner member 142b.

[0039] Support members 144b and 144c are fixed to inner member 142b at multiple intersections where they intersect with inner member 142b. Specifically, support members 144b and 144c are fixed to inner member 142b by welding at intersections 148c, and are integrated with inner member 142b.

[0040] As described above, the plurality of first members and the plurality of second members that are orthogonal to each other are fixed and integrated at multiple intersections, thereby increasing the rigidity of the frame 140 that is made up of the first members and the second members. This prevents the frame 140 from deforming even when a heavy object 200 to be transported is placed on it.

[0041] When the transport cart 100 is loaded with the object 200 to be transported, the inner member 142b is located lower than the outer member 142a. With the inner member 142b located lower than the outer member 142a and the outer member 142a located outward of the inner member 142b in the second direction, the object 200 to be transported is supported from below by the inner member 142b and from the sides by the outer member 142a. Furthermore, in the state shown in FIG. 1 , the bottom surface of the LP gas cylinder, which is the object 200 to be transported, is supported from below by the platform 150. In this way, the loading section 110 formed by the frame 140 has the function of accommodating and holding the object 200 to be transported.

[0042] Next, the configurations of the support unit 130, the drive unit 120, and the driven wheels 124 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the frame 140 viewed from below with the drive unit 120 and the driven wheels 124 removed. The support unit 130 has a pair of first support members 132 that support the drive wheels 122 from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the drive wheels 122. The support unit 130 also has a pair of second support members 134 that support the driven wheels 124 from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the driven wheels 124. Note that the support unit 130 may include a support member 144b and a support member 144c.

[0043] The pair of first support members 132 are connected only to the second member extending in the second direction. Specifically, each of the pair of first support members 132 has one end fixed to support member 144b and the other end fixed to support member 144c. Similarly, the pair of second support members 134 are connected only to the second member extending in the second direction. Specifically, each of the pair of second support members 134 has one end fixed to support member 144b and the other end fixed to support member 144c. These fastenings are also performed by welding. As a result, the first support member 132 is integrated with support member 144b and support member 144c, and the second support member 134 is integrated with support member 144b and support member 144c.

[0044] The pair of first support members 132 include mounting portions 133 to which the drive unit 120 is attached. The mounting portions 133 are composed of plates 133a that protrude downward from each of the pair of first support members 132. Each plate 133a is a plate-like member having an L-shaped cross section along the second direction, and the portion extending downward has a predetermined thickness in the second direction and has a groove g (opening) that is open downward. Furthermore, the portion of each plate 133a extending in the second direction forms a flange.

[0045] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the drive unit 120 mounted on the mounting portion 133 shown in FIG. 5. The drive unit 120 is configured similarly to the electric wheel device described in, for example, Japanese Patent No. 6970474. The drive unit 120 includes a drive wheel 122, an axle 112, an in-wheel motor 114, a pair of nuts 116, and a pair of detents 118. The drive wheel 122 is an air-filled tube tire. The axle 112 is a shaft member extending along the center of rotation of the drive wheel 122. The in-wheel motor 114 rotates the drive wheel 122 relative to the axle 112. The pair of nuts 116 secure the axle 112 to the mounting portion 133. The pair of detents 118 restrict rotation of the axle 112 relative to the mounting portion 133. The drive unit 120 also includes a brake device, i.e., a roller brake 129, that brakes the drive wheel 122.

[0046] The in-wheel motor 114 includes a stator and a rotor (not shown) rotatably mounted on the outer periphery of the stator. The axle 112 is coaxially fixed to the stator, and the drive wheel 122 is fixed on the outer periphery of the rotor. When power is supplied to the in-wheel motor 114, the rotor rotates relative to the stator, and the drive wheel 122 rotates integrally with the rotor. That is, the in-wheel motor 114 rotates the drive wheel 122 relative to the axle 112 in accordance with the rotation of the rotor relative to the stator.

[0047] The in-wheel motor 114 may have a built-in one-way clutch that mechanically separates the contact points of the coil when an operator manually moves the transport cart 100. This prevents the in-wheel motor 114 from generating resistance torque when the transport cart 100 is moved manually (when the assist drive force from the in-wheel motor 114 is not required), thereby improving the convenience of the transport cart 100.

[0048] When attached to the mounting portion 133, the axle 112 is arranged to extend on both sides in the second direction from the in-wheel motor 114. The axle 112 is fixed to the mounting portion 133 in a state in which it straddles the pair of plates 133a, and is fixed to the mounting portion 133 with both ends inserted into the respective grooves g of the pair of plates 133a of the mounting portion 133. Both ends of the axle 112 are arranged to protrude outward from the pair of plates 133a of the mounting portion 133.

[0049] The pair of nuts 116 are threaded onto threaded portions formed on both ends of the axle 112. With the axle 112 inserted into the grooves g of the pair of plates 133a of the mounting part 133, the nuts 116 are threaded onto both ends of the axle 112 located outside of each plate 133a. As a result, each nut 116 is pressed against the outer surfaces of the pair of plates 133a via the pair of detents 118. The axle 112 is fixed to the plates 133a of the mounting part 133 by the surface pressure caused by the pressing of each nut 116. The pair of detents 118 are inserted between the nut 116 and the plate 133a and restrict rotation of the axle 112 relative to the plate 133a. Specifically, a long hole provided in the anti-rotation device 118 fits into the end of the axle 112 to restrict the rotation of the axle 112, and the upper end of the anti-rotation device 118 abuts against the flange of the plate 133a, thereby restricting the rotation of the anti-rotation device 118 and the axle 112 relative to the plate 133a.

[0050] The roller brake 129 has a drum, brake shoes, and a cam (not shown). The drum of the roller brake 129 rotates together with the drive wheel 122. When an operator operates the brake lever 186 (described later), the force transmitted from the wire of the brake lever 186 rotates the cam, and a roller is pushed out in conjunction with this, pushing the brake shoes outward, causing the brake shoes to come into contact with the inside of the drum. This brakes the drum, and the drive wheel 122. By providing the roller brake 129, when a heavy LP gas cylinder is loaded on the transport cart 100, the transport cart 100 can be reliably braked to a stop even when traveling uphill or downhill, for example, thereby ensuring safety.

[0051] The pair of second support members 134 are configured similarly to the pair of first support members 132. The pair of second support members 134 include mounting portions 135 to which the driven wheels 124 are attached. The mounting portions 135 are configured from plates 135a that protrude downward from each of the pair of second support members 134. Each plate 135a is a plate-like member having an L-shaped cross section along the second direction, and the portion extending downward has a predetermined thickness in the second direction and a groove g that is open downward.

[0052] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the driven wheel 124 attached to the mounting portion 135 shown in FIG. 5. The driven wheel 124 includes an axle 125, a wheel 126, and a pair of nuts 128. The driven wheel 124 is a tube tire filled with air. The axle 125 is a shaft member extending along the center of rotation of the driven wheel 124. The pair of nuts 128 secure the axle 125 to the mounting portion 135.

[0053] When attached to the mounting portion 135, the axle 125 is arranged to extend on both sides in the second direction from the wheel 126. The axle 125 is fixed to the mounting portion 135 in a state in which it straddles the pair of plates 135a, and is fixed to the mounting portion 135 with both ends inserted into the respective grooves g of the pair of plates 135a of the mounting portion 135. The both ends of the axle 125 are arranged to protrude outward from the pair of plates 135a of the mounting portion 135.

[0054] The pair of nuts 128 are screwed onto threaded portions formed on both ends of the axle 125. With the axle 125 inserted into the grooves g of the pair of plates 135a of the mounting part 135, the nuts 128 are screwed onto both ends of the axle 125 located outside the plates 135a. This brings the nuts 128 into pressure contact with the outer surfaces of the pair of plates 135a. The axle 125 is fixed to the plates 135a of the mounting part 135 by the surface pressure generated by the pressure contact of the nuts 128.

[0055] The wheel 126 is rotatably supported on the axle 125. The wheel 126 may be rotatable on the axle 125 via a bearing mechanism. In the driven wheel 124, the wheel 126 is freely rotatable on the axle 125, so that no rotation force is transmitted from the wheel 126 to the axle 125, and therefore no detent for restricting the rotation of the axle 125 is required.

[0056] It should be noted that a brake device, i.e., a roller brake, may be provided to brake the driven wheel 124. In this case, the drum of the roller brake is configured to rotate together with the driven wheel 124.

[0057] As described above, in this embodiment, the drive wheels 122, i.e., the drive unit 120, are supported on both sides in the second direction by a pair of first support members 132, and the driven wheels 124 are supported on both sides in the second direction by a pair of second support members 134. Therefore, the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are supported at both ends by a total of four support members, resulting in extremely high rigidity of the support structure. As a result, even when a very heavy object 200 to be transported is loaded on the loading unit 110, the load of the object 200 to be transported is reliably supported by the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134. Furthermore, the axles 112 of the drive wheels 122 have a length equivalent to the distance between the pair of first support members 132 in the second direction, and the axles 125 of the driven wheels 124 have a length equivalent to the distance between the pair of second support members 134 in the second direction, so the lengths of the axles 112 and 125 are sufficiently short. Therefore, even when a very heavy object 200 to be transported is loaded onto the loading section 110, deformation such as bending of the axles 112 and 125 is prevented.

[0058] 8 is a diagram showing the transport cart 100 as seen from below, illustrating in detail the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124, and the surrounding areas of the training wheels 170. The two training wheels 170 are rotatably supported on axles 172. The two training wheels 170 may be rotatably supported on the axles 172 by bearing mechanisms. The axles 172 are inserted into holes provided in two support plates 174, respectively, and fixed to the support plates 174 by welding. Each of the two support plates 174 is fixed to the inner member 142b by welding or the like. Each of the two training wheels 170 may be formed from a caster.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 8 , the length of the support member 144b in the second direction is equal to the width D1 of the frame 140 in the second direction. Therefore, the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134 are contained within the width D1 in the second direction. Therefore, the width D2 occupied by the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 in the second direction is smaller than the width D1 of the frame 140. This prevents the drive wheels 122 or the driven wheels 124 from coming into contact with obstacles on the roadside when the transport vehicle 100 is in operation. For example, if the transport object 200 is an LP gas cylinder, the LP gas cylinder may be delivered to a home through a narrow path. In such a case, if there is an obstacle such as a curb or a flower pot beside the path, the tires of the transport vehicle may come into contact with the obstacle, and the presence of the obstacle may prevent the transport vehicle from passing through. According to the transport cart 100 of this embodiment, the width D2 occupied by the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 in the second direction is smaller than the width D1 of the frame 140, and the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 do not protrude outside the frame 140 in the second direction, so contact with these obstacles is reliably suppressed. This allows the transport cart 100 to reliably travel even on narrow paths.

[0060] As shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, the transport cart 100 further includes a battery 180, an input device 182, a controller 184, and a brake lever 186. The battery 180 is charged with power supplied to the in-wheel motors 114. The battery 180 is fixed to the support member 132 of the pair of first support members 132 that is located on the inner side in the second direction, and to the support member 134 of the pair of second support members 134 that is located on the inner side in the second direction. The input device 182 is provided on one of the pair of handles 160 and is attached to the frame 140 near the handle 160. The brake lever 186 is provided on the other of the pair of handles 160 and is attached to the frame 140 near the handle 160. The controller 184 is also attached to the frame 140. The input device 182 is a device into which an operator inputs operations. An operation for controlling the rotation speed of the drive wheels 122 and the forward and reverse rotation of the drive wheels 122 is input to the input device 182. The controller 184 is a device that controls the rotation speed, forward and reverse rotation of the drive wheels 122 by the drive unit 120 in response to an operation signal output from the input device 182. These components may be configured similarly to those described in the above-mentioned Japanese Patent No. 6970474.

[0061] The drive unit 120, the battery 180, the input device 182, and the controller 184 are connected to one another via electrical wiring. This electrical wiring may pass through a hollow pipe that constitutes the frame 14. When the accelerator lever 182a of the input device 182 is operated by the user, a signal corresponding to the operation is output from the input device 182 to the controller 184. The controller 184 receives the operation signal from the input device 182 and controls the power supplied from the battery 180 to supply it to the in-wheel motor 114 of the drive unit 120, causing the drive wheels 122 to rotate at a desired rotational speed.

[0062] Considering that the transport vehicle 100 will be used on public roads, the controller 184 controls the in-wheel motors 114 so that the speed of the transport vehicle 100 is 6 km / h or less. The accelerator lever 182a can set the rotation speed of the drive wheels 122 in five stages. This allows the operator to drive the transport vehicle 100 at a desired speed of 6 km / h or less by setting the accelerator lever 182a to the desired position.

[0063] The brake lever 186 is connected to the roller brake 129 via a wire (not shown). The brake lever 186 receives a braking force applied by an operator, and transmits the braking force to the roller brake 129 via the wire, thereby activating the roller brake 129.

[0064] Figure 9 is a diagram showing the transport vehicle 100 climbing a slope. As shown in Figure 9, when climbing a slope, the transport vehicle 100 moves in the direction of arrow A1 by the driving force of the electric motor of the drive unit 120, with a total of four wheels, namely the drive wheels 122, the driven wheels 124, and the two auxiliary wheels 170, on the ground. By simply holding the handle 160, the worker 300 can operate the transport vehicle 100 with a heavy object 200 loaded on it, with almost no arm strength.

[0065] 10 is a diagram showing the transport cart 100 climbing stairs. When climbing stairs, the worker 300 drives the transport cart 100 in the direction in which he pulls the handle 160. As a result, the auxiliary wheels 170 do not touch the ground, and only the drive wheels 122 and driven wheels 124 touch the ground. With only the drive wheels 122 and driven wheels 124 touching the ground, the transport cart 100 moves in the direction of arrow A2 by the driving force of the electric motor of the drive unit 120. By simply holding the handle 160, the worker 300 can climb stairs with a heavy object 200 loaded on it, with almost no arm strength.

[0066] In order to climb stairs, the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment has the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 arranged near the center of the frame 140 in the first direction, and the auxiliary wheels 170 arranged near the platform 150, as shown in Fig. 10 . In other words, the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are positioned closer to the center of the transport cart 100 than the auxiliary wheels 170 in the first direction. With this configuration, as shown in Fig. 10 , the auxiliary wheels 170 do not come into contact with the stairs, and only the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 come into contact with the stairs. This prevents the auxiliary wheels 170 from coming into contact with the stairs when climbing stairs, allowing for smooth climbing up the stairs.

[0067] As described above, according to this embodiment, the support unit 130 supports the drive unit 120 and also supports the driven wheels 124 arranged alongside the drive wheels 122 of the drive unit 120. This makes the support structure for the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 extremely rigid, and even when a very heavy object 200 is loaded, the weight of the object 200 is reliably supported. Furthermore, because the load of the object 200 is supported by the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124, the lengths of the axles 112, 125 of the drive wheels 122 and the driven wheels 124 are sufficiently short. This reliably prevents deformation, such as bending, of the axles 112 and 125, even when a very heavy object 200 is loaded on the loading unit 110.

[0068] The following describes the effects of the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment, particularly when the transport object 200 is an LP gas cylinder. The workers who deliver LP gas cylinders to homes are aging. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the workload of workers when delivering heavy LP gas cylinders. The transport cart 100 according to this embodiment allows even elderly workers to deliver heavy LP gas cylinders with relative ease.

[0069] It can also be said that the image of LP gas cylinder delivery work as a "tough workplace" has been firmly established. However, with the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment, even a female worker can deliver heavy LP gas cylinders relatively easily, which can dispel this image. Therefore, by applying the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment to LP gas cylinder delivery work, the possibility of securing new human resources is expanded, and the industry related to LP gas cylinder delivery work can be revitalized.

[0070] Furthermore, when the transport object 200 is an LP gas cylinder, delivery costs can be reduced by using the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment. Generally, LP gas cylinder containers (cylinders) are available in 50 kg containers that can hold 50 kg of LP gas, 30 kg containers that can hold 30 kg of LP gas, and 20 kg containers that can hold 20 kg of LP gas. Currently, the utilization of these three types of containers is roughly 50% for 50 kg containers, 10% for 30 kg containers, and 40% for 20 kg containers. By increasing the size of the containers, the number of deliveries per location, i.e., the number of deliveries per household, can be reduced, thereby reducing delivery costs. However, increasing the size of the containers is subject to various constraints, such as the presence of obstacles such as slopes or stairs along the delivery route. Therefore, although the industry is working to increase the size of containers, the reality is that increasing the size of containers has not actually improved delivery efficiency.

[0071] If the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment can overcome obstacles such as slopes or stairs, it is possible to increase the number of 50 kg containers and reduce the number of 20 kg containers. Table 1 below compares the current usage of three types of containers, assuming five 50 kg containers, one 30 kg container, and four 20 kg containers, with the introduction of the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment, increasing the number of 50 kg containers by one and halving the number of 20 kg containers. As can be seen from Table 1, by halving the number of 20 kg containers from four to two, the total amount of LPG delivered remains the same at 360 kg, but the total number of containers is reduced from 10 to 8.8.

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] Therefore, it can be seen that by introducing the transport cart 100 according to this embodiment, the overall number of times that LP gas cylinders are replaced during deliveries can be reduced by approximately 10%.

[0074] (Second embodiment) Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described. Fig. 11 is a diagram showing a transport cart 100 according to the second embodiment. The transport cart 100 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the frame 140. The configuration of the transport cart 100 according to the second embodiment, other than the frame 140, is basically the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 11, the transport cart 100 according to the second embodiment includes a loading section 110, a driving section 120, and a support section 130.

[0075] Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the transport cart 100 as seen from above in the state shown in Fig. 11. As in the first embodiment, the frame 140 is configured to have a plurality of first members extending in a first direction and a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The plurality of first members include two outer members 142a located on the outer side of the transport cart 100 in the second direction, and two inner members 142b located on the inner side of the transport cart 100 in the second direction. The following will mainly describe the configuration of the frame 140 that is different from the first embodiment.

[0076] The second members include a reinforcing member 144a fixed to both the outer member 142a and the inner member 142b, and a reinforcing member 144e fixed to the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134. The second members also include a reinforcing member 144f fixed to the support member 132b of the pair of first support members 132 located on the inner side in the second direction and the support member 134b of the pair of second support members 134 located on the inner side in the second direction, near the mounting portions 133 and 135. The reinforcing members 144a, 144e, and 144f are each formed of, for example, a hollow metal pipe. In the second embodiment, the handle 190 is fixed to the reinforcing member 144a.

[0077] 13 is a diagram showing the frame 140 as viewed from below with the drive unit 120 and the driven wheels 124 removed. In the second embodiment, one of the pair of first support members 132 is connected to a first member extending in a first direction, and the other of the pair of first support members is connected to a second member extending in a second direction. Specifically, of the pair of first support members 132, the first support member 132a located on the outer side in the second direction has both ends fixed to the outer member 142a. On the other hand, of the pair of first support members 132, the support member 132b located on the inner side in the second direction has both ends fixed to the reinforcing member 144a.

[0078] Similarly, one of the pair of second support members 134 is connected to a first member extending in the first direction, and the other of the pair of second support members 134 is connected to a second member extending in the second direction. Specifically, of the pair of second support members 134, second support member 134a located on the outer side in the second direction has both ends fixed to outer member 142a. On the other hand, of the pair of second support members 134, support member 134b located on the inner side in the second direction has both ends fixed to reinforcing member 144a.

[0079] As described above, in the second embodiment, the outer support member 132a and the inner support member 132b of the pair of first support members 132 are fixed to different objects, and the outer support member 132a is fixed to an outer member 142a extending in a direction parallel to the support member 132a. On the other hand, the inner support member 132b is fixed to a reinforcing member 144a extending in a direction perpendicular to the support member 132b. Similarly, the outer support member 134a and the inner support member 134b of the pair of second support members 134 are fixed to different objects, and the outer support member 134a is fixed to the outer member 142a extending in a direction parallel to the support member 134a. On the other hand, the inner support member 134b is fixed to a reinforcing member 144a extending in a direction perpendicular to the support member 134b. This increases the rigidity of the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134.

[0080] 13, the base 150 side of the inner support member 132b is fixed to the reinforcing member 144a, and further extends toward the base 150 and is fixed to the inner member 142b. Similarly, the base 150 side of the inner support member 134b is fixed to the reinforcing member 144a, and further extends toward the base 150 and is fixed to the inner member 142b.

[0081] Reinforcing member 144e is fixed to each of the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134. Furthermore, reinforcing member 144f is fixed to each of support members 132b and support member 134b near mounting portions 133 and 135. These reinforcing members 144e and 144f have the function of integrating the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134. This increases the rigidity of the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134.

[0082] As described above, according to the second embodiment, in the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134, the outer support member and the inner support member have different fixed objects, so that it is possible to increase the rigidity of the pair of first support members 132 and the pair of second support members 134. [Explanation of symbols]

[0083] 100 Transport cart 110 Loading section 120 Drive unit 122 Drive wheels 124 driven wheel 129 Roller Brake 130 Support part 132, 132a, 132b First support member 134, 134a, 134b Second support member 140 frames 142a Outer member 142b Inner member 144a, 144e, 144f Reinforcing members 144b, 144c Support member 160 Handle 182 Input Devices 186 Brake lever 200 Transported objects

Claims

1. a loading section for loading an object to be transported; a drive unit including a drive wheel that transmits a driving force to the ground and an electric motor that drives and rotates the drive wheel; a driven wheel disposed adjacent to the drive wheel in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the drive wheel and driven by contact with the ground; a support portion provided below the loading portion and supporting the driving wheels and the driven wheels; Equipped with The support portion is a pair of first support members that support the drive wheels from both sides of the rotation shaft of the drive wheels in the axial direction; a pair of second support members that support the driven wheel from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the driven wheel; and Further, a frame constituting the loading section is provided, The frame is a plurality of first members extending in a first direction, which is a vehicle length direction of the transport carriage; a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; The pair of first support members are connected only to the second member. Transport cart.

2. a loading section for loading an object to be transported; a drive unit including a drive wheel that transmits a driving force to the ground and an electric motor that drives and rotates the drive wheel; a driven wheel disposed adjacent to the drive wheel in an axial direction of a rotation shaft of the drive wheel and driven by contact with the ground; a support portion provided below the loading portion and supporting the driving wheels and the driven wheels; Equipped with The support portion is a pair of first support members that support the drive wheels from both sides of the rotation shaft of the drive wheels in the axial direction; a pair of second support members that support the driven wheel from both sides in the axial direction of the rotation shaft of the driven wheel; and Further, a frame constituting the loading section is provided, The frame is a plurality of first members extending in a first direction, which is a vehicle length direction of the transport carriage; a plurality of second members extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; one of the pair of first support members is connected to the first member, and the other of the pair of first support members is connected to the second member; Transport cart.

3. Further provided with auxiliary wheels that are driven by contact with the ground, 3. A transport cart as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein in a first direction which is the vehicle length direction of the transport cart, the drive wheels and the driven wheels are positioned closer to the center of the transport cart than the auxiliary wheels.

4. 2. The transport cart according to claim 1, wherein the pair of second support members are connected only to the second member.

5. 3. The transport cart according to claim 2, wherein one of the pair of second support members is connected to the first member, and the other of the pair of second support members is connected to the second member.

6. a brake device that brakes the driving wheels or the driven wheels; a pair of handles provided at the ends of a frame constituting the loading section and held by an operator with both hands; Equipped with an input device provided on one of the pair of handles for inputting operations to control the rotation speed of the drive wheels and the forward and reverse rotation of the drive wheels; 3. The transport cart according to claim 1, wherein the other of the pair of handles is provided with a brake lever for actuating the brake device.

7. 3. The transporting cart according to claim 1, wherein the object to be transported is an LPG cylinder.

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