Track belt locking device, continuous track device, and transport trolley

Abstract

To provide a track belt lock device that is able to maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped, without complicating a structure.SOLUTION: A lock frame 41 is fixed to an end of an upper frame 11 and is a substantially inverted U-shape member whose lower part and front and rear surfaces are open. A cam portion 42 is fixed to a swing shaft 42a having a leftward and rightward axial direction and supported by the upper frame 11 and is swingable relative to the lock frame 41. An operation portion 43 is fixed to the cam portion 42 and changes the posture of the cam portion 42 to press a leaf spring 44, which will be described next, to switch between an open posture and a lock posture. One end of the leaf spring 44 is fixed to the inner upper side of the lock frame 41, and a lock portion 45A is detachably provided at the other end of the leaf spring. The lock portion 45A is a member formed in a substantially L-shape in a side view and is detachably attached to the distal end of the leaf spring 44.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a locking device for a track belt, an endless track device equipped with the locking device, and a transport cart provided with the endless track device. [Background Art]

[0002] Conventionally, wheels such as casters are generally used for traveling mechanisms without a prime mover that are used by being attached to hand-pushed transport carts and the like. However, on unpaved ground or in places with many steps, wheels sink and make traveling impossible, or cannot climb over steps, which limits the areas where such transport carts can travel.

[0003] As a traveling device capable of traveling even on terrain where it is difficult for a wheeled transport cart to travel, Patent Document 1 discloses an endless track device applying the structure of so-called grass skis. The endless track device is configured such that a track belt covers an annular rail from the outer circumference. The track belt is configured such that track shoes fixed to elements provided with rollers, which are support portions for the rail, and track shoes fixed to elements not provided with rollers are alternately fixed to a core belt. [Prior Art Documents] [Patent Documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent No. 7397551 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent No. 7007694 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2017-196916 [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] Incidentally, the tracked vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1 does not have a prime mover, so the resistance when circulating the track belt is mainly caused by the rotational resistance of the rollers provided on the elements. In particular, since bearings are generally used in such rollers, the rotational resistance is extremely small.

[0006] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 discloses a tracked vehicle with a frame equipped with road wheels, which differs from the tracked vehicle disclosed in Patent Document 1. Even with such a tracked vehicle structure, the rotational resistance of the road wheels is extremely small, resulting in low resistance when circulating the track belt.

[0007] The low resistance to circulating the track belt is an advantageous factor for a running gear, but in other words, it can be easily moved by external forces. This creates a problem where the track system can easily move, for example, if it is placed on an inclined surface or if the user unintentionally comes into contact with it.

[0008] Therefore, if a caster (wheel) is used, a braking device such as the one disclosed in Patent Document 3 can be employed. The caster braking device disclosed in Patent Document 3 presses a leaf spring 3 against the outer surface of the wheel 8 shown in the same document, increasing the frictional force between the leaf spring 3 and the wheel 8, thereby making the wheel 8 unable to rotate.

[0009] However, in the case of tracked rail systems such as those disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2, it is difficult to generate sufficient braking force even when the track plate is pressed perpendicularly to its contact surface from the outer circumference of the rail. The reasons for this include the fact that the contact surface of the track plate is not uniform in shape like the contact surface of the wheel, but has slopes and irregularities; the positional relationship between the track plate and the pressing member is not constant, making the pressing force unstable; and while wheels are solid, track plates are often formed with a concave cross-section, so increasing the pressing force accelerates the wear of the track plate.

[0010] In other words, when a track plate with uneven surfaces is pressed, the braking force may change depending on the actual pressing position, or the pressing member and the track plate may separate due to the circulation of the track belt, resulting in a decrease in pressing force. If the pressing force is excessively increased in an attempt to address these problems, it will lead to a shortened lifespan for the track plate.

[0011] Adding a mechanism to adjust the pressing force according to the positional relationship between the brake device and the track plate to solve these problems would lead to increased structural complexity. Furthermore, if the brake device is designed to conform to the shape of the track plate's contact surface, it would require modifications to the brake device each time the track plate is replaced, creating extra work.

[0012] For the reasons stated above, it is difficult to adopt a braking system that simply repurposes the wheel braking system for a tracked vehicle.

[0013] In view of these circumstances, the present invention aims to provide a track belt locking device that can maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped while avoiding structural complexity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0014] The first invention is a track belt locking device mounted on a track vehicle, comprising an annular track belt with track plates attached in a row to a core belt, and a track frame that supports the track belt so that it can circulate, wherein the track frame moves when subjected to an external force, causing the track belt to circulate, and the locking device comprises a locking part that restricts the circulation of the track belt, and an operating part that operates the locking part, wherein the operating part can switch between a released position in which the locking part is separated from the track belt and a locked position in which a part of the locking part is inserted into the gap between an adjacent pair of track plates to restrict the circulation of the track belt.

[0015] The second invention is a track belt locking device characterized in that the locking portion described in the first invention has a tapered shape that, when in the locked position, contacts both of the track plates constituting the gap at an angle capable of restricting the circulation of the track belt in both directions.

[0016] The third invention is a locking device for a track belt, characterized in that the locking part described in the first invention has a shape that forms a ratchet pawl with the track belt acting as a ratchet tooth.

[0017] The fourth invention is a track belt locking device characterized in that the gap into which the locking portion described in any of the first to third inventions is inserted is between a pair of track shoes located in the upper part of the arc-shaped portion of the track belt.

[0018] The fifth invention is a locking device for a track belt, characterized in that the locking portion described in any of the first to third inventions is held in the locked position with a predetermined biasing force applied toward the inner circumference of the track belt.

[0019] The sixth invention is a locking device for a track belt, characterized in that the locking portion and operating portion described in the fourth invention are provided on a locking frame attached to the track frame, the locking portion comprises a locking portion that is inserted into the gap and an elastic portion with one end fixed to the locking frame and the other end having the locking portion, the operating portion is supported so as to be able to swing around an axis along the left-right direction of the track belt and comprises a cam portion that presses the elastic portion, and the cam portion is shaped such that, in the locked position, the locking portion can exert a predetermined biasing force toward the inner circumference of the track belt by pressing the elastic portion.

[0020] The seventh invention is a locking device for a track belt, characterized in that the lock frame described in the sixth invention is detachable from the track frame.

[0021] An eighth invention provides a track belt locking device, characterized in that, in the lock portion according to any one of the first to third inventions, a portion inserted into the gap and another portion are detachable.

[0022] A ninth invention provides a crawler track device, characterized by comprising the track belt locking device according to any one of the first to third inventions.

[0023] A tenth invention provides the crawler track device, characterized in that the track belt locking device according to the ninth invention is disposed at an upper portion of a longitudinal end portion of the track frame, at a position where an upper part of the locking device has a height not exceeding an uppermost part of the track frame.

[0024] An eleventh invention provides a transport cart, characterized by comprising the crawler track device according to the ninth invention. Effects of the Invention

[0025] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a track belt locking device that can avoid complication of the structure and can maintain a state in which circulation of the track belt is stopped. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing a cart provided with the crawler track device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] (a) is a side view and (b) is a rear view showing the structure of the crawler track device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] It is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, wherein (a) shows an unlocked posture and (b) shows a locked posture. [Figure 4] (a) is a view corresponding to the cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 2, showing a locked posture of a lock portion according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and (b) is a view showing the lock portion. [Figure 5](b) This figure corresponds to the cross-sectional view along line AA in Figure 2 and shows the locked position of the locking part according to the third embodiment of the present invention. (b) This figure shows the locking part. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical or similar parts are denoted by the same or similar reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are omitted. Furthermore, the embodiments shown below are illustrative examples of devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments in terms of the material, shape, structure, markings, etc., of the components.

[0028] In subsequent descriptions and drawings relating to the configuration or structure of the locking device, track device, and transport trolley, unless otherwise specified, the upper left side in perspective views and the left side in side views will be referred to as the "front side," the lower right side in perspective views and the right side in side views will be referred to as the "rear side." Furthermore, the top of each figure will be referred to as the "upper side," and the bottom as the "lower side." Note that the definitions of "right side" and "left side" are determined based on the definitions of front / back and top / bottom, and therefore detailed definitions will be omitted. According to this definition, the direction along a hypothetical straight line horizontally connecting the front and rear sides is defined as the "forward-backward direction," the direction along a hypothetical straight line horizontally connecting the left and right sides is defined as the "left-right direction," and the direction along a hypothetical straight line vertically connecting the top and bottom sides is defined as the "up-down direction." Furthermore, the circulation of the track belt on the side in which the tracked vehicle moves forward is defined as the forward circulation, and the circulation on the opposite side is defined as the backward circulation. In this embodiment, the tracked device 3 is configured symmetrically in the front-to-back and left-to-right directions, so the distinction between front-to-back and left-to-right is for convenience only.

[0029] <First Embodiment> [Structure of the transport cart] The structure of the transport trolley 1 will be explained with reference to Figure 1. The transport trolley 1 is equipped with a pair of continuous track devices 3 on the left and right sides of the underside of the trolley top plate 2. In addition, a pair of handles 4 are provided on the upper surface of the rear of the trolley top plate 2. Specifically, the continuous track device 3 is fixed to the underside of the trolley top plate 2, with a track belt locking device 40 positioned at the rear of the transport trolley 1, so that the circulation direction of the track belt 30 faces the front-to-back direction. In the following description, the track belt locking device 40 will be referred to simply as the locking device 40.

[0030] [Structure of a tracked vehicle] The structure of the tracked device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The continuous track device 3 does not have a prime mover and moves when the user grasps the handle 4, etc., and pushes or pulls it in the direction of travel. That is, the track frame 10 fixed to the trolley top plate 2 moves when subjected to external force, causing the track belt 30, which will be described later, to circulate. Although the tracked device 3 according to the present invention is usually used in combination of two or more units, since devices of the same structure can be arranged side by side, only one unit will be described, and known parts will be omitted or only briefly described.

[0031] The continuous track device 3 includes a track frame 10 which serves as a fixing part when attached to the top plate 2 for the trolley, a rail 20 which is held by the track frame 10 and forms part of it, and a track belt 30 which covers the rail 20 from the outer periphery.

[0032] A locking device 40 is attached to the rear end of the track frame 10. The detailed structure of the locking device 40 will be described later, but it is positioned such that its upper part is at approximately the same height as the upper part of the track frame 10, and its lower part is positioned higher than the part of the curved section of the track belt 30 in which the contact surface of the track plate 34 faces the ground.

[0033] [Track frame structure] The track frame 10 comprises an upper frame 11 with an inverted U-shaped cross-section that is long in the front-rear direction, a lower frame 12 with a U-shaped cross-section that is fixed to three places on the lower part of the upper frame 11, a square bar-shaped reinforcing member 13 that is fixed across the three lower frames 12, and an annular rail 20 whose bottom is fixed to the bottom of the reinforcing member 13. The rail 20 is formed in a long, ring-shaped form in the front-to-back direction by connecting the ends of plate-shaped members, with substantially horizontal straight sections formed at the top and bottom, and arc-shaped sections formed to connect the front ends and rear ends of the straight sections, respectively.

[0034] [Structure of the track belt] Next, the structure of the track belt 30 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3. The track belt 30 is constructed by alternately fixing roller elements 35 and non-roller elements 36 to a core belt 31. The roller elements 35 and non-roller elements 36 are spaced so that a gap of less than or equal to the thickness of the track plate 34 is formed between them. In the following description, the gap between adjacent pairs of track plates 34 located in the upper part of the arc-shaped section before and after the track belt 30 will be referred to as gap G. Gap G is the part into which a portion of the locking part 45A, which will be described later, is inserted.

[0035] The core belt 31 is made of a deformable material and is annular in shape, with pin holes (not shown) and bolt holes (not shown) throughout its entire length. The roller element 35 and non-roller element 36 are positioned on the core belt 31 from the inner circumference side at the locations of the pin holes and bolt holes, and are attached to the core belt 31 by fixing the lower element (not shown) from the outer circumference side. The lower element has claws formed therein for fixing the track plate 34, and the track plate 34 is fixed by inserting these claws into the claw receiving grooves of the track plate 34.

[0036] A sliding plate (not shown) is fixed to the upper roller element 32 at a position that contacts the inner circumferential surface of the rail 20, and a main roller (not shown) is mounted so as to be rotatable around a horizontal axis at a position that contacts the outer circumferential surface. With this structure, the roller element 35 sandwiches the rail 20 between the sliding plate and the main roller, supporting the track belt 30 so that it can circulate along the rail 20. The rollerless upper element 33 does not have a contact portion with the rail 20, and is used to sandwich the core belt 31 between itself and the lower element, thereby defining the position of the track plate 34 on the core belt 31.

[0037] [Steel sole structure] The structure of the track plate 34 will be explained with reference to Figure 3. For convenience, in the explanation of the track plate 34, the front, back, left, right, up, and down directions will be defined based on the part located at the bottom of the rail 20 and in contact with the horizontal ground. The track plate 34 has a U-shape when viewed from the front-rear and side-to-side directions, with rounded corners and a slightly raised central portion. When viewed from the top-down direction, it is a rectangular member with rounded corners. The raised portion is the contact surface, and a rectangular flat portion that is elongated in the front-rear direction is formed therein.

[0038] [Structure of the locking device] Next, we will describe the structure of the locking device 40 with reference to Figure 3. The locking device 40 comprises a locking frame 41, a cam section 42, an operating section 43, a leaf spring 44, and a locking section 45A.

[0039] The lock frame 41 is a roughly inverted U-shaped member with its lower and front and rear surfaces open, and is fixed to the upper part of the rear end of the upper frame 11, at a position where its upper part is at a height below the top of the upper frame 11. The cam portion 42 is a plate material whose axial direction is aligned with the left-right direction and which is fixed to a pivot shaft 42a supported by the upper frame 11, and which is supported so as to be able to pivot relative to the lock frame 41. The operating unit 43 is fixed to the cam unit 42 and changes the orientation of the cam unit 42 to press the leaf spring 44, which will be described next. The leaf spring 44 is the elastic part described in the claim, with one end fixed to the upper inside of the lock frame 41 and the other end detachably provided with a locking part 45A. The locking portion 45A is a component formed in a roughly L-shape when viewed from the side, and is detachably attached to the tip of the leaf spring 44.

[0040] As shown in Figure 3(a), when the operating section 43 is in the open position, it is angled upward with respect to the horizontal plane. At this time, the cam section 42 is at an angle such that the leaf spring 44 is in a nearly natural state and exerts only enough repulsive force to maintain the angle of the operating section 43. As shown in Figure 3(b), when changing from the open position to the locked position, the operating part 43 is operated to a position where it is angled downwards with respect to the horizontal plane. At this time, the angle of the cam part 42 changes, pressing and deforming the leaf spring 44, and the locking part 45A fits into the gap G. Simultaneously, the reaction force of the leaf spring 44 acting on the cam part 42 reverses from pushing the operating part upwards to pushing it downwards. As a result, the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 changes from a direction that tries to maintain the open position to a direction that tries to maintain the locked position. In this way, the rotation direction of the cam part 42 changes due to the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44, maintaining the position and completing the position change operation.

[0041] As shown in Figure 1, the portion of the locking device 40 from the rear end of the lock frame 41 to the connection part with the track frame 10 is located within the ridge of the trolley top plate 2 when viewed from above, and the operating part is fixed so as to protrude from the rear side of the trolley top plate 2. As described above, the operating unit 43 swings around a horizontal axis, changing its position between the open position and the locked position. However, since the range of motion of the operating unit 43 is set to less than 180 degrees, the operating unit protrudes from the rear of the trolley top plate 2 regardless of the selected position.

[0042] [Operation and Function of the First Embodiment] Next, with reference to Figure 3, the operation and function of the locking device 40, the track device 3, and the transport trolley 1 shown in the first embodiment will be explained. The leaf spring 44 of the locking device 40 is pressed by the cam portion 42 when in the locked position, and also receives a reaction force that attempts to further press the lock portion 45A inserted into the gap G. This reaction force acts in a direction that disengages the lock portion 45A from the gap G, with the contact point between the leaf spring 44 and the cam portion 42 as the fulcrum. As a result of this reaction force, the leaf spring 44 deforms, generating a repulsive force that acts in a direction that pushes the lock portion 45A into the gap G. This repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 acts as a force that maintains the state in which the lock portion 45A is inserted into the gap G.

[0043] The repulsive force that attempts to insert the locking part 45A into the gap G is still active even when the locking part 45A is riding on the track plate 34. Therefore, by circulating the track belt 30 in this state and moving the track plate 34, the insertion part automatically fits into the gap G, and the track belt 30 is locked.

[0044] [Effects of the First Embodiment] The present invention provides a locking device for an endless track system, which is a suitable braking device for an endless track system 3 where the caster's brake structure is unsuitable. In particular, the locking device for the tracked vehicle according to the present invention is composed of a locking frame, an operating part, a cam part, a leaf spring, and a locking part, and can be applied to existing tracked vehicle systems equipped with a track frame without modification. Therefore, it is possible to maintain a state in which the circulation of the track belt is stopped while avoiding structural complexity.

[0045] As described above, the transport trolley 1 has the track system 3 fixed to it such that the operating part 43 of the locking device 40 protrudes further to the rear from the rear end of the trolley top plate 2. Since the user of the transport trolley 1 typically operates it by standing on the side of the handle 4 and pushing or pulling the trolley, the track device 3 is fixed in such a position that the operating unit 43 is positioned in this way, allowing the user to easily operate the locking device 40.

[0046] <Second Embodiment> A second possible embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 4. Since the only difference between the second embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the locking portion 45A, we will omit further explanation of the other parts. In other words, the second embodiment is a configuration in which the locking part 45A of the first embodiment is replaced with one of a different shape.

[0047] [Structure of the locking mechanism] As shown in Figure 4(b), the locking portion 45B according to the second embodiment includes an insertion portion 46 which is roughly V-shaped in side view, and a mounting portion 47 which extends from one end thereof at an angle of approximately 90 degrees toward the tip of the leaf spring 44. The insertion portion 46 is the part that is inserted into the gap G when in the locked position, and the mounting portion 47 is the part that is fixed to the leaf spring 44.

[0048] The locking portion 45B is formed in a tapered shape that contacts both sides of the track plate 34 forming the gap G and the track belt 30 at an angle that can restrict circulation in both directions. That is, the insertion portion is formed by bending a plate material at an angle such that the force acting in the direction of separation from the gap G due to the pressing force when the track belt 30 tries to circulate does not exceed the biasing force of the leaf spring 44. However, the structure of the insertion portion may be made of a material other than a plate, and a solid member or the like may be formed in the tapered shape at the angle described above.

[0049] [Effects and Effects of the Second Embodiment] As described above, the locking portion 45B shown in the second embodiment contacts both of the track plates 34 that form a gap G when the track is locked. Therefore, no gap (backlash) is formed that allows the track belt 30 to circulate when the track is locked, and the rattle of the track belt 30 in the circulation direction is reduced to an extremely small degree. In other words, since the track device 3 does not move substantially from the stopping position when the track is locked, a locking portion 45B with such a structure is particularly suitable for the locking device 40.

[0050] <Third Embodiment> A third possible embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 5. Since the only difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment is the shape of the locking portion 45A, we will omit further explanation of the other parts. In other words, the third embodiment is a configuration in which the locking part 45A of the first embodiment is replaced with one of a different shape.

[0051] [Structure of the locking mechanism] As described above, the locking part 45A of the first embodiment and the locking part 45B of the second embodiment were inserted into the gap G when in the locked position to restrict the bidirectional circulation of the track belt 30. However, the locking part 45C of the third embodiment of the present invention has a structure that acts as a ratchet pawl with the track belt 30 as the ratchet teeth.

[0052] Specifically, as shown in Figure 5(b), the locking portion 45C according to the third embodiment comprises a roughly V-shaped insertion portion 48 and a mounting portion 49 extending from one end thereof, the mounting portion 49 extending from the end of the insertion portion 48 at an angle of approximately 120 degrees. Furthermore, of the insertion portion 48, the side on which the mounting portion 49 is formed, with the tip portion in between, is formed to be longer. Due to this structure, the locking portion 45C according to this embodiment is mounted at an angle toward the end side where the leaf spring 44 is fixed, compared to the locking portion 45B according to the second embodiment.

[0053] [Effects and Effects of the Third Embodiment] As shown in Figure 5(a), the insertion portion 48 is installed at this angle, causing its tip to abut against the track plate 34 that forms the gap G, specifically the one on the forward side in the circulating direction. When the track belt 30 circulates in the reverse direction, the tip of the insertion portion 48 of the locking portion 45C is pressed, but the repulsive force of the leaf spring 44 maintains the state in which it is inserted into the gap G. However, when the track belt 30 circulates in the forward direction, the locking portion 45C contacts the track plate 34 on the reverse side at a large angle of attack. At this time, the force acting to dislodge the locking portion 45C from the gap G, which is exerted by the pressing force of the track plate 34, is stronger than in other embodiments. Therefore, the locking portion 45C is pushed up in accordance with the circulation of the track belt 30, and the insertion portion 48 rides up onto the track plate 34, allowing the track belt 30 to circulate. Subsequently, as the track belt 30 circulates, the locking portion 45C is inserted into the gap G again, but as long as the direction of circulation does not change, it operates in the same manner as above, and circulation is permitted.

[0054] In other words, while the locking device 40 shown in the first and second embodiments is a member that restricts the circulation of the track belt 30 in both directions, the locking device 40 shown in the third embodiment has a structure that restricts the circulation of the track belt 30 in only one direction and allows circulation in the other direction.

[0055] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] Since the locking section 45C restricts circulation in only one direction, for example, when a trolley equipped with a continuous track device 3 is driven uphill, the insertion section 48 can be attached in a direction that restricts circulation in the reverse direction, thereby restricting the circulation of the track belt in the downhill direction. Therefore, it can be used as a device to assist movement when transporting heavy objects, etc.

[0056] In particular, when restricting only one-way circulation, if casters (wheels) are used, a special product with an internal ratchet mechanism must be used, which complicates the structure and increases the cost of implementation. However, with a locking device 40 like this, it is easy to attach to the outside of the track device 3, and the degree of freedom in component placement is high, thus avoiding the cost increase caused by structural complexity and the use of small, high-strength components.

[0057] <Effects common to the first to third embodiments> The locking device for the tracked vehicle according to the present invention inserts the locking portion into the gap G in the arc-shaped portion of the track belt. Since this portion is where the gap G is larger, the locking portion can be made larger than in other parts. Since the locking portion is subjected to particularly heavy loads, increasing its size makes it easier to increase its strength.

[0058] In the locking device 40 according to the present invention, the locking portion is held in a state where a biasing force is applied to the gap G when in the locked position. Therefore, even when the track belt 30 attempts to circulate or when vibration is applied, the locking portion does not easily detach from the gap G, and the circulation of the track belt 30 can be continuously restricted.

[0059] Since the locking device 40 according to the present invention shares a structure other than the locking parts 45A to 45C, its function can be easily changed according to the work, and it has high customizability.

[0060] The locking device 40 according to the present invention is configured to be detachably attached to the track frame 10. Furthermore, since the operating unit 43 and locking units 45A to C are supported only by the track frame 10, it can be attached regardless of whether it is on the front or rear of the tracked device 3. Due to this structure, the locking device can be attached to any side of the user of the tracked device 3, providing a high degree of customizability according to the work.

[0061] <Variation> Up to this point, we have described an endless track system 3 equipped with rails 20 as the track frame 10, but the present invention is also applicable to endless track systems with other structures. For example, a tracked vehicle can be considered that has a track roller frame equipped with multiple road wheels at the bottom of the part corresponding to the upper frame 11, and guide wheels for folding the track belt back and forth. The track roller frame is a modified version in which the support structure for the track belt 30 is changed from rails 20 to rollers and guide wheels. However, in the application of the present invention, the difference in the support structure of the track belt 30 is not a problem. That is, the present invention restricts circulation by inserting a locking part from the outer circumference into the gap between the tracks of the track belt 30, which is supported in a circulating manner by some means. Therefore, the method of supporting the track belt can be arbitrarily changed. In other words, since the track roller frame is a structure that is incorporated into the track frame, it can be modified.

[0062] In the first to third embodiments, the locking parts 45A to 45C had rounded corners at their tips. However, by not rounding these corners, it is possible to improve the ability of the locking parts 45A to 45C to bite into the core belt 31 and further lock the track belt 30. However, in that case, measures against wear and tear will be necessary, such as improving the strength of the locking parts 45A to 45C and the core belt 31 against tearing and abrasion.

[0063] In the descriptions of the first to third embodiments, a transport trolley 1 equipped with a handle 4 on the rear side of the trolley top plate 2 was used as an example, but the transport trolley 1 according to the present invention is not limited to such a structure. For example, it may be a structure in which a track device 3 is fixed to a trolley top plate 2 that does not have a handle 4, or a cage-shaped structure with walls attached on all four sides. Even in that case, by fixing the track device 3 so that the operating part 43 protrudes from either end face, it is possible to make the operating part 43 easily operable by the user of the transport trolley 1. That is, the locking device 40 may be attached to either the front or rear of the track device 3, and when fixing a pair of track devices 3 to the trolley top plate 2, etc., the locking devices 40 do not necessarily have to be adjacent to each other on the left and right. Furthermore, the continuous track device 3 according to the present invention is not necessarily used for transport trolleys, but can also be used as a driven wheel for self-propelled robots and the like. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1...Transport trolley, 3...Continuous track system, 10...Track frame, 20...Rail, 30...Track belt, 34...Clip plate, 40...Locking device, 41...Locking frame, 42...Cam section, 43...Operating section, 44...Leaf spring, 45A~C...Locking section, 46,48...Insertion section, 47,49...Mounting section, G...Gap

Claims

1. A track belt locking device mounted on an endless track system comprising an annular track belt with track plates attached in a row to a core belt, and a track frame that supports the track belt so that it can circulate, wherein the track frame moves when subjected to an external force, causing the track belt to circulate, A locking mechanism that restricts the circulation of the aforementioned track belt, It comprises an operating unit for operating the locking unit, A track belt locking device characterized in that, by operating the control unit, it is possible to switch between a released position in which the locking unit is separated from the track belt and a locked position in which a part of the locking unit is inserted into the gap between an adjacent pair of track plates to restrict the circulation of the track belt.

2. The locking device for a track belt according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking portion has a tapered shape that contacts both of the track plates constituting the gap at an angle capable of restricting the circulation of the track belt in both directions when in the locked position.

3. The locking mechanism for a track belt according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking portion has a shape that forms a ratchet pawl with the track belt acting as a ratchet tooth.

4. The locking device for a track belt according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the gap into which the locking portion is inserted is between a pair of track shoes located in the upper portion of the arc-shaped part of the track belt.

5. The locking mechanism for a track belt according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the locking portion is held in the locked position with a predetermined biasing force applied toward the inner circumference of the track belt.

6. The locking mechanism and the operating mechanism are provided on a locking frame that is attached to the track frame. The locking portion comprises an insertion portion that is inserted into the gap, and an elastic portion whose one end is fixed to the locking frame and whose other end is provided with the insertion portion. The operating unit is supported so as to be able to swing around an axis along the left-right direction of the track belt and includes a cam that presses against the elastic part. The locking device for a track belt according to claim 4, characterized in that the cam portion is shaped such that, when in the locked position, the insertion portion presses against the elastic portion so that a predetermined biasing force can be exerted on the inner circumference side of the track belt.

7. The locking device for a track belt according to claim 6, characterized in that the locking frame is detachable from the track frame.

8. The locking part is characterized in that the part that is inserted into the gap and the other part are detachable, as described in any one of claims 1 to 3.

9. A tracked vehicle characterized by comprising a track belt locking device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

10. The track belt locking device is positioned in the upper part of the front-rear end of the track frame, such that its upper part is at a height below or equal to the top of the track frame, as described in claim 9.

11. A transport trolley characterized by being equipped with the continuous track device described in claim 9.

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