Transport cart

Abstract

The present invention provides a transport cart that has improved stability when moved straight ahead and makes it possible to easily select, from various directions, the direction in which the transport cart is moved. The transport cart includes: free casters 3a to 3d, in which the traveling directions of wheels are freely changeable, provided near four corners of the rear surface of a rectangular platform 10; and fixed casters 4, 6, in which the traveling directions of wheels are fixed. The fixed casters 4, 6 include, on a rear surface 11 of the platform 10, a first fixed caster 4 disposed at an intermediate position between a pair of free casters 3c, 3d on the rear side and a second fixed wheel 6 disposed at a center position among the four free casters 3a to 3d. At least the first fixed caster 4 is provided on the rear surface 11 of the platform 10 such that the state thereof can be selected from a state in which the fixed caster 4 is in contact with the ground and a state in which the fixed caster 4 is away from the ground.

Description

Transport cart

[0001] The present invention relates to a transport vehicle, and more particularly to a transport vehicle that is manually operated, has excellent running stability, and can easily select from a variety of travel directions.

[0002] A known transport cart has swivel casters at both front ends of the platform that allow the wheels to move in any direction, and fixed casters at both rear ends of the platform that fix the wheels' direction of movement. While this type of transport cart is excellent for straight-line maneuverability, it has the drawback of being difficult to turn around in tight spaces.

[0003] In view of this, a transport cart has been proposed that is rotatable around the center of the platform, allowing the transport cart to rotate and move in any direction (see Patent Document 1).

[0004] Figures 18 and 19 show the above-mentioned conventional transport cart, with Figure 18 being a perspective view from the back and Figure 19 being a bottom view. As shown in the figures, this transport cart 100 is provided with swivel casters 113a to 113d, whose direction of travel is freely changeable, near the four corners of the back of a rectangular loading platform 110. Furthermore, a fixed caster 114, whose direction of travel is fixed, is provided approximately in the center of the swivel casters 113a to 113d.

[0005] By providing a fixed caster 114 at the approximate center of the surrounding swivel casters 113a to 113d, the loading platform 110 turns around the fixed caster 114 as a fulcrum when changing direction, improving the rotational operability and providing a maneuverable transporting cart 100.

[0006] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-80517

[0007] The rear casters 113c and 113d of the transport cart 100 described above are swivel casters, which causes the rear swivel casters 113c and 113d to swing in the direction of travel when the transport cart 100 travels straight, resulting in the drawback of the rear of the loading platform 110 becoming unsteady when the transport cart 100 travels straight.

[0008] In addition, when using a transport cart, there are cases where the operator wants to stop the transport cart from a straight-ahead state and move the transport cart in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform. However, the transport cart 100 described above can only rotate around the fixed caster 114 as a fulcrum, and cannot move in the perpendicular direction.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a transport vehicle that has improved stability when traveling straight and that can be easily moved in various directions.

[0010] The inventors have studied the straight-line running ability and turning ability of the transporting vehicle, and as a result of their intensive study, have come up with the following configuration.

[0011] A transport cart according to one embodiment of the present invention is provided with swivel casters located near the four corners of the underside of a rectangular loading platform, which allow the direction of travel of the wheels to be freely changed, and fixed casters whose direction of travel is fixed.The fixed casters consist of a first fixed caster located on the underside of the loading platform at a midpoint between a pair of rear swivel casters, and a second fixed caster located at the center of the four swivel casters, and at least the first fixed caster is located on the underside of the loading platform so that it can be set to either be in contact with the ground or be spaced apart from the ground.

[0012] According to the above-described configuration, the effective operating direction of the transport cart can be changed by selecting a state in which the first fixed caster is in contact with the ground or a state in which it is separated from the ground. For example, by selecting a state in which the first fixed caster is in contact with the ground, the first fixed caster and the second fixed caster improve straight-line running ability and improve maneuverability for straight-line running. When the first fixed caster is separated from the ground, the cart can rotate around the second fixed caster, making it easy to change direction and perform other operations.

[0013] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the transport cart of the present invention includes the following configuration: At least the second fixed caster is rotatably attached to the loading platform, and the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed caster can be selected to be either the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform or a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform.

[0014] As described above, when the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed casters is selected to be perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform, the transport cart can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform, thereby moving the transport cart to a predetermined position and then moving the transport cart to a position where the direction of travel is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform.

[0015] From another viewpoint, it is preferable that the transport cart of the present invention includes the following configuration: the first fixed caster is rotatably attached to the loading platform via a hinge, and the first fixed caster is folded relative to the loading platform to keep the first fixed caster away from the ground.

[0016] As described above, the first fixed caster is rotatably attached to the loading platform via a hinge, so that the first fixed caster can be folded relative to the loading platform and spaced apart from the ground. In this way, the rotation of the first fixed caster by the hinge makes it easy to select between a state in which the first fixed caster abuts the ground and a state in which the first fixed caster is spaced apart from the ground.

[0017] From another viewpoint, the transporting cart of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The transporting cart has a handle frame detachably attached to the loading platform.

[0018] From another viewpoint, the transport cart of the present invention preferably includes the following configuration: The transport cart is provided with a stopper that stops the movement of at least one of the swivel casters, and the stopper may be configured to be released when the handle frame is attached to the loading platform.

[0019] In the following description, numerous specific examples are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific examples.

[0020] Accordingly, the following disclosure is to be considered as illustrative of the present invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated by the following drawings or description.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to provide a transport vehicle that has improved stability when traveling straight and that can easily select a traveling direction from various directions.

[0022] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a transport platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side, showing a state in which the first fixed caster is folded. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side, showing a state in which the first fixed caster is folded and the traveling direction of the wheels of the second fixed caster is perpendicular to the front and rear of the platform. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side, showing a state in which the first fixed caster and the second fixed caster are in contact with the ground. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, as seen from the rear side, with the second fixed caster omitted. FIG. 7A is a schematic view showing the movement direction of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, showing a state in which the first fixed caster and the second fixed caster are in contact with the ground. FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing the movement direction of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the first fixed caster is folded and the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed caster is the front-to-rear direction of the platform. FIG. 7C is a schematic diagram showing the movement direction of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, in which the first fixed caster is folded and the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed caster is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the platform. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention is being moved forward. FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention is being moved in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the platform. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention has completed movement in the direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the platform. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a conventional transport platform is being moved forward and then turned. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a conventional transport platform is being turned 90 degrees and then moved forward. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a conventional transport platform is being turned 90 degrees and then moved forward. Fig. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a conventional transport vehicle is moved forward and then turned, and Fig. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the conventional transport vehicle has been turned 90 degrees and stopped at a predetermined position.Fig. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the transporter cart of the reference example is moved forward and then moved backward. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a transporter cart according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 18 is a perspective view of a conventional transporter cart as seen from the rear. Fig. 19 is a bottom view of a conventional transporter cart.

[0023] Next, a transport cart according to an embodiment of the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the transport cart according to the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown below, and can be appropriately modified and implemented within the scope of the present invention.

[0024]

[0023] Figures 1 to 6 are diagrams showing the configuration of a transport platform according to a first embodiment of the present invention, with Fig. 1 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 2 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, Fig. 3 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, showing a state in which the first fixed caster is folded, Fig. 4 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment as seen from the rear, showing a state in which the first fixed caster is folded and the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed caster is perpendicular to the front and rear of the platform, Fig. 5 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, with the first and second fixed casters in contact with the ground, and Fig. 6 being a perspective view of the transport platform according to the first embodiment of the present invention as seen from the rear, with the second fixed caster omitted.

[0025] As shown in Figures 1 to 6, the transport cart 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a rectangular loading platform 10, swivel casters 3a to 3d, a first fixed caster 4 whose wheel 41 has a fixed direction of travel, a second fixed caster 6 whose wheel 61 has a fixed direction of travel, and a handle frame 2 for manually operating the movement of the transport cart 1.

[0026] The handle frame 2 is provided near a short side of the top surface 12 of the platform 10. The operator grips the handle frame 2 with their hands to move the transport cart 1 in the desired direction. In this embodiment, the short side on which the handle frame 2 is provided is referred to as the rear, and the opposite short side is referred to as the front.

[0027] As shown in Figure 2, swivel casters 3a to 3d that can freely change the direction of travel are provided near the four corners of the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10. The swivel casters 3a to 3d can freely change the direction of travel of the wheels. In this embodiment, the swivel casters 3a and 3b constitute the front wheels, and the swivel casters 3c and 3d constitute the rear wheels.

[0028] The swivel caster 3a includes a wheel 31, a support arm 33 that rotatably supports the wheel 31, and a swivel base 32 to which the support arm 33 is fixed. The wheel 31 is made of metal, ceramic, plastic, or the like, and the outer periphery of the wheel 31 is covered with a frictional member (rubber, etc.) as needed.

[0029] The swivel base 32 is attached to the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10 via mounting members 5 or the like by welding, screwing, or other methods. The swivel base 32 supports the wheel 31 so that it can rotate freely relative to the loading platform 10. This allows the swivel caster 3a to freely change the direction of travel of the wheel 31. The other swivel casters 3b to 3d are configured in a similar manner.

[0030] The transport cart 1 of the first embodiment has two fixed casters: a first fixed caster 4 and a second fixed caster 6. The first fixed caster 4 is located midway between the pair of rear swivel casters 3c, 3d. The second fixed caster 6 is located at the center of the four swivel casters 3a to 3d.

[0031] The first fixed caster 4 is attached to the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10 so that it can be set to either a state in which it abuts against the ground or a state in which it is spaced apart from the ground.

[0032] The first fixed caster 4 comprises a fixed base 40 having a wheel 41 and a support arm 42 that rotatably supports the wheel 41. The fixed base 40 has a support plate 42a to which the support arm 42 is attached by welding, screwing, or other methods. A movable member 45 that constitutes one member of a hinge 49 is attached to the support plate 42a by welding, screwing, or other methods so that the support plate 42a can be switched between a state in contact with the ground and a state in which it is spaced apart from the ground.

[0033] At the midpoint between a pair of swivel casters 3c, 3d on the rear side of the back surface 11 of the cargo bed 10, a support part 46 constituting the other component of the hinge 49 is attached by welding, screwing, or other means, and a support arm 47 is attached to this support part 46 by welding, screwing, or other means.

[0034] The movable member 45 is rotatably supported by the support arm 47 via a hinge pin 48, and the first fixed caster 4 can be selected to be in a state where it abuts against the ground or a state where it is spaced apart from the ground.

[0035] The first fixed caster 4 is configured to be able to maintain either a state in contact with the ground or a state spaced apart from the ground. The movable member 45 is provided with a pedal 45a extending toward the rear of the loading platform 10. When the operator steps on this pedal 45a, the movable member 45 rotates toward the front of the loading platform 10 and moves away from the ground.

[0036] For example, a configuration can be made in which a biasing spring (not shown) that biases the movable member 45 toward the rear side of the loading platform 10 is provided to maintain the first fixed caster 4 in contact with the ground. Then, the pedal 45a is depressed against the biasing force of the biasing spring to place the wheel 41 of the first fixed caster 4 in a state where it is spaced apart from the ground. For example, a configuration can be made in which a stopper mechanism (not shown) that maintains the state where the wheel 41 of the first fixed caster 4 is spaced apart from the ground is provided, and once the pedal 45a is depressed to place the wheel 41 of the first fixed caster 4 in a state where it is spaced apart from the ground, that state can be maintained. Then, when the pedal 45a is further depressed, the stopper mechanism is released, and the first fixed caster 4 returns to a state where it is in contact with the ground.

[0037] The second fixed caster 6 is disposed at the center of the four swivel casters 3a to 3d. The second fixed caster 6 is rotatably attached to the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10, and the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 can be selected to be the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10 or a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10.

[0038] The second fixed caster 6 comprises a fixed base 60 having a wheel 61 and a support arm 62 that rotatably supports the wheel 61. The fixed base 60 has a support plate 62a to which the support arm 62 is attached by welding, screwing, or other methods. The support plate 62a is provided with a support portion 65 that rotatably supports the fixed caster 6 with respect to the platform 10. The support portion 65 includes a leg 63 fixed to the support plate 62a, an attachment arm 64 attached to the leg 63 by a pin 64c, a fixed plate 64a to which the attachment arm 64 is fixed, and a gear 64b fixed to the fixed plate 64a.

[0039] The gear 64b is rotatably attached to the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10 at a position corresponding to the center position of the swivel casters 3a to 3d.

[0040] The second fixed caster 6 is rotatably supported on the rear surface 11 of the loading platform 10 via a fixed base 60 and a support portion 65 .

[0041] A slider 7 having a knock gear 71 that meshes with the gear 64b of the support portion 65 of the second fixed caster 6 is movably attached to the back surface 11 of the loading platform 10. The slider 7 is movable in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10, and by moving the slider 7, the gear 64b can be rotated.

[0042] Rotation of the gear 64b causes the support portion 65 to rotate relative to the loading platform 10. This changes the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6, which is rotatably supported on the support arm 62 fixed to the support plate 62a to which the support portion 65 is attached, to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10 or a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10. In other words, the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 can be selected between the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10 and a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10 by moving the slider 7.

[0043] Since the rack gear 71 of the slider 7 and the gear 64b are engaged with each other, when the slider 7 is not being moved, the gear 64b does not rotate, and the rotation direction of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 is maintained.

[0044] 2 to 6, the slider 7 is attached to the back surface 11 of the loading platform 10 in the center thereof so as to be movable in a direction (indicated by the arrow in the figure) perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10. A handle 72 is provided at the end of the slider 7 located on the outer periphery of the loading platform 10 to be used for holding when pushing or pulling the slider 7.

[0045] 4, when the slider 7 is moved in the direction of arrow A in the figure so as to push it into the center of the loading platform 10, the rack gear 71 of the slider 7 moves toward the center of the loading platform 10. When the rack gear 71 moves toward the center of the loading platform 10, the gear 64b that meshes with the rack gear 71 rotates clockwise in the figure (in the direction of arrow a). The rotation of the gear 64b rotates the support part 65, and the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 rotates and moves so that the traveling direction of the wheel 61 is perpendicular to the front and rear of the loading platform 10.

[0046] When the slider 7 is moved toward the outside of the loading platform 10 by pulling it toward the front, the rack gear 71 of the slider 7 moves toward the outside of the loading platform 10. When the rack gear 71 moves toward the outside of the loading platform 10, the gear 64b that meshes with the rack gear 71 rotates counterclockwise in the figure. The rotation of the gear 64b rotates the support part 65, and the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 rotates and moves so as to be parallel to the front and rear of the loading platform 10.

[0047] 7A to 7C, we will explain the operating direction of the transport cart 1 depending on the traveling direction of the wheels 61 of the first fixed caster 4 and the second fixed caster 6. In these drawings, the first fixed caster 4 shown by the dashed line shows the state in which the caster is folded and the wheel 41 is spaced apart from the ground.

[0048] Figure 7A shows the state when the first fixed caster 4 and the second fixed caster 6 are in contact with the ground. In the state shown in Figure 7A, the transport cart 1 can move forward, backward, turn left, and turn right. When the first fixed caster 4 is in contact with the ground between the swivel casters 3c and 3d, the direction of travel of the wheel 41 of the first fixed caster 4 is parallel to the front-to-back direction of the loading platform 10. Furthermore, the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 is parallel to the front-to-back direction of the loading platform 10. The first fixed caster 4 and the second fixed caster 6 improve straight-line stability, allowing for smooth forward and backward movement in a straight line. Furthermore, when turning right or left, the transport cart behaves in the same way as a transport cart with swivel front wheels and fixed rear wheels.

[0049] 7B shows a case where the first fixed caster 4 is folded, the wheel 41 is separated from the ground, and the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 is parallel to the front-to-rear direction of the cargo bed 10. In this case, it is possible to move forward, backward, and turn left and right around the second fixed caster 6. In the case shown in FIG. 7B, it is possible to turn around the second fixed caster 6, making it easy to perform operations such as changing direction.

[0050] 7C shows a case where the first fixed caster 4 is folded, the wheel 41 is separated from the ground, and the traveling direction of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the platform 10. In the case shown in FIG. 7C, the platform 10 can be moved in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. This allows the transport platform 1 to be moved to a predetermined forward position, and then moved to a position where the transport platform 1 is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. As a result, the transport platform 1 can be moved even in narrow spaces.

[0051] Next, the travel paths of the transport cart 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the transport cart 100 having the conventional structure shown in Figures 18 and 19 for comparison, and the transport cart of the reference example in which the front wheels of the loading platform are swivel casters and the rear wheels are fixed casters will be explained with reference to the drawings.

[0052] First, the movement path of the transporting vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0053] As shown in Figure 8, the transport cart 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention is moved forward from position (A) in the direction of arrow A and stopped at the forward position (B). At this time, the first fixed caster 4 and the second fixed caster 6 are in contact with the ground.

[0054] Next, the transport cart 1 is moved from position (B) to the final position (S). As shown in Figure 9, the first fixed caster 4 is folded, the wheel 41 is moved away from the ground, and the second fixed caster 6 is rotated so that the direction of travel of the wheel 61 of the second fixed caster 6 is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10. Then, the transport cart 1 is moved in the direction of arrow B, which is perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the loading platform 10.

[0055] 10, the transport cart 1 is then moved to the final position (S) in a direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the platform 10, thereby completing the movement. As described above, according to the transport cart 1 of the first embodiment of the present invention, the transport cart 1 can be moved perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the platform 10, so that the transport cart 1 can be moved even in a narrow space.

[0056] Next, the movement path of the conventional transporting cart 100 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15.

[0057] As in the present invention, the transport cart 100 is moved from position (A) through position (B) to the final position (S).

[0058] 11, the transport cart 100 is moved forward from position (A) in the direction of arrow A and stopped at the forward position (B). Then, at position (B), the transport cart 100 is rotated in the direction of arrow B (to the right in the drawing) around the fixed caster 104.

[0059] Next, as shown in Figure 12, the transport cart 100 is rotated 90 degrees and then moved forward (in the direction of arrow C). Then, as shown in Figures 13 and 14, the conventional transport cart 100 is moved to the final position (S). At this time, the platform 110 of the transport cart 100 remains facing sideways at the final position (S). At the (S) position, the transport cart 100 is rotated in the direction of arrow D (to the left in the figure) around the fixed caster 104.

[0060] As shown in Figure 15, a conventional transport vehicle 100 is rotated 90 degrees and stopped at the final position (S). As such, the conventional transport vehicle 100 requires a space to the side of the final position (S) for the front part of the transport vehicle 100 to be located, and a space behind the final position (S) for an operator to enter. Therefore, it is necessary to secure these spaces, and it is difficult to accommodate in a narrow space.

[0061] Next, the travel path of the transport platform 100a of the reference example will be described with reference to Fig. 16. In the transport platform 100a of the reference example, the front wheels of the loading platform 110 are swivel casters 113a, 113b, and the rear wheels are fixed casters 114a, 114b.

[0062] As in the present invention, the transport cart 100a is moved from position (A) through position (B) to the final position (S).

[0063] As shown in Figure 16, the transport cart 100a is moved forward from position (A) in the direction of arrow A, then moved diagonally forward from the forward position (B) in the direction of arrow B, and stopped at position (C). Thereafter, the transport cart 100a is moved backward in the direction of arrow C, and stopped at the final position (S).

[0064] In this reference example, a space is required in front of the final position (S) for moving the transport cart 100a, and a space is required behind the final position (S) for an operator to enter. Therefore, it is necessary to secure these spaces, and it is difficult to accommodate in a narrow space.

[0065] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figure 17. In a transport cart 1a of this second embodiment, a handle frame 2 is provided so as to be detachable from a loading platform 10. For this reason, an insertion hole 12a into which the handle frame 2 is inserted is provided on the top surface 12 of the loading platform 10. The rest of the configuration is the same as that of the transport cart 1 of the first embodiment, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0066] In this second embodiment, after the transport cart 1a has been moved to a predetermined position, the handle frame 2 can be removed and the transport cart 1a can be used as a loading platform. At this time, the wheels 61 of the second fixed casters 6 are oriented in a direction perpendicular to the fore-and-aft direction of the loading platform 10. Therefore, the resistance of the wheels 61 of the second fixed casters 6 restricts the fore-and-aft movement of the loading platform 10. Furthermore, if necessary, a wheel chock may be provided on at least one of the swivel casters 3a to 3d to reliably stop the movement of the loading platform 10.

[0067] Also, stoppers may be configured to act on the swivel casters 3c, 3d in response to the attachment and detachment of the handle frame 2. That is, when the handle frame 2 is attached to the loading platform 10, the stoppers are released, allowing the swivel casters 3c, 3d to move freely. When the handle frame 2 is detached, the stoppers are activated, preventing the swivel casters 3c, 3d from moving.

[0068] In the above-described embodiment, the first fixed caster 4 is attached to the back surface 11 of the loading platform 10 so as not to be rotatable, but the first fixed caster 4 may also be configured to be foldable and rotatable relative to the loading platform 10.

[0069] 1: Transport cart 2: Handle frame 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d: Swivel caster 4: First fixed caster 6: Second fixed caster 7: Slider 10: Loading platform 11: Back surface 12: Top surface

Claims

1. A hand-pushed transport cart for carrying goods, The rectangular loading platform is equipped with swivel casters located near the four corners on its underside, which allow the direction of the wheels to be freely changed, and fixed casters whose direction of movement is fixed. The fixed casters consist of a first fixed caster positioned midway between a pair of rear swivel casters on the underside of the loading platform, and a second fixed caster positioned at the center of the four swivel casters, wherein at least the first fixed caster is provided on the underside of the loading platform so as to be selectable between a state in contact with the ground and a state separated from the ground, in a transport trolley.

2. In the transport trolley according to claim 1, A transport trolley in which at least the second fixed caster is rotatably mounted on the platform, and the direction of travel of the wheels of the second fixed caster can be selected to be in the front-to-rear direction of the platform or in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction of the platform.

3. In the transport trolley according to Claim 2, The second fixed caster is positioned at the center of the four swivel casters. The second fixed caster is rotatably supported on the underside of the loading platform via a fixed base and a support part. The support portion is equipped with a gear, A slider having a knock gear that meshes with the gear is movably mounted on the underside of the cargo bed. A transport trolley that rotates the gear by moving the slider, thereby selecting the direction of travel of the fixed caster's wheel in the front-to-back direction of the loading platform or in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-back direction of the loading platform.

4. In the transport trolley according to claim 1, A transport trolley wherein the first fixed caster is rotatably attached to the platform via a hinge, and the first fixed caster can be folded relative to the platform, lifting the first fixed caster off the ground.

5. In a transport trolley according to any one of claims 1 to 4, A transport trolley having a handle frame that can be detachably attached to the loading platform.

6. In the transport trolley described in claim 5, A transport trolley is provided with a stopper that stops the movement of at least one of the swivel casters, and the stopper is released when the handle frame is mounted on the loading platform.