JP7604122B2 - Towing dolly - Google Patents

Description

Article 30, paragraph 2 of the Patent Act applies. 1. Announced at the International Logistics Exhibition 2020 INNOVATION EXPO, February 19-21, 2020

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a towing dolly.

Trolleys and pallets are known as devices for loading and moving cargo on factory production lines and the like. For example, trolleys and pallets are connected to or placed on a transport vehicle and transported together with the cargo they carry. For example, an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) is known as a transport vehicle that runs unmanned and is guided by magnetism emitted by magnetic tapes or magnetic bars laid on the floor. In addition, a towing trolley that can transport multiple trolleys by being towed by an AGV is also known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

Patent No. 6464304

The towing dolly described above is configured with a dolly placed on the inside, which makes the towing dolly wider. This means that the width of the road on which the towing dolly runs is required to be wider. Since the AGV's travel route is laid inside a factory, in some places the road may be narrow and it may be necessary to ensure a walking area for people.

In addition, when a towing dolly is towed by a transport vehicle and travels along a curved transport path, it is necessary to be able to prevent the travel path of the towing dolly from expanding. For example, it is possible to use fixed wheels on the casters, but the structure of the fixed wheels makes the base portion larger, which creates the problem of a larger installation area when attached to the towing dolly. This also causes the width dimension of the towing dolly to increase. For these reasons, there is a demand for a towing dolly with a small width dimension.

In addition, if the width of a towing dolly becomes large, it will require a large storage space and will be heavier due to the increased amount of materials used, so there is a demand for a towing dolly with a smaller width.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide a towing dolly that can tow multiple dollies and has a small width dimension.

In one aspect of the present invention, the towing dolly includes a frame that can be inserted between a pair of protrusions of a first dolly having a pair of protrusions in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction, and in which a plurality of the first dolly can be arranged in the traveling direction, and a base that is fixed to a front end of the frame, has a rectangular frame-shaped vertical frame that is formed to have a width equal to or greater than that of the first dolly and is erected in the direction of gravity, and has a pair of protruding retained parts that are spaced apart so that the base can be inserted between them in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and is formed in a frame shape in which a plurality of second dollies that do not have the pair of protrusions different from the first dolly can be arranged inside, and the second dolly that is arranged on the inside has a pair of retained parts that are spaced apart so that the base can be inserted between the base and the pair of protrusions that are different from the pair of protrusions of the first dolly. The device comprises a sub-base having a fixed frame that can abut against the side of a vehicle's cargo bed or on which an object can be placed, a plurality of casters provided on the base and the fixed frame, and a first connecting part fixed to the base and connectable to a transport vehicle, the fixed frame having at its front end a pair of arms with holes formed therein and a pair of pins inserted into the holes, the base having a second connecting part provided on the vertical frame and having holes formed therein that overlap with the holes in the arms, and in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, the spacing between the pair of arms and the spacing between the second connecting part are greater than the spacing between the pair of held parts.

The present invention provides a towing dolly that can tow multiple dollies and has a small width when towing the dollies.

1 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a towing dolly according to a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly according to a second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of a sub-base used in the towing dolly. FIG. FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention.

(First embodiment)
Hereinafter, a towing dolly 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

Figures 1 and 2 are perspective views showing the configuration of a towing dolly 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Note that Figure 1 shows the state in which a flatbed cart 200 is placed on the towing dolly 1, and Figure 2 shows the state when the flatbed cart 200 is placed. Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1. Figure 4 is a side view showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1, and Figure 5 is a plan view showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1.

As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the towing dolly 1 is connected to the transport vehicle 100 by a coupling part 12, and moves along the floor surface by casters 13 as the transport vehicle 100 moves. In addition, the towing dolly 1 is towed by the transport vehicle 100 while holding multiple flatbed cars 200 by the base 11.

First, we will explain the transport vehicle 100 and the platform car 200.

The transport vehicle 100 is an unmanned transport vehicle such as an AGV (Automatic Guided Vehicle) or a manned transport vehicle such as a turret truck. The transport vehicle 100 is, for example, an AGV, and in this embodiment, the transport vehicle 100 will be described as an AGV 100 below. The AGV 100 travels unmanned, guided by magnetism emitted by magnetic tapes or magnetic bars laid on the floor along the transport route, for example, to transport luggage within a factory. The AGV 100 has a connected part 100a that is connected to the towing cart 1.

The platform 200 includes a loading platform 211 and a plurality of casters 212 attached to the loading platform 211. The loading platform 211 is formed, for example, in a rectangular flat plate shape so that luggage can be placed on it. The loading platform 211 also includes a pair of protrusions 211a protruding at a predetermined interval in one direction on the underside. Here, the one direction is a direction (width direction) perpendicular to the running direction of the towing platform 1 when the platform 200 is placed on the towing platform 1. The predetermined interval between the pair of protrusions 211a is an interval at which the base 11 of the towing platform 1, which will be described later, can be placed between the pair of protrusions 211a. For example, the pair of protrusions 211a may be arranged at a predetermined interval in the width direction. For example, as shown in Figures 4 and 5, the pair of protrusions 211a may be so-called two pairs of protrusions 211a in which the pair of protrusions 211a is provided at two locations aligned in the running direction, or a pair of protrusions 211a in which one protrusion 211a is provided in the width direction. The shape of the protrusion 211a may be a rectangular column, or may be a flat plate whose main surface extends in the running direction.

The casters 212 are capable of supporting the loading platform 211 and allowing it to move on the floor surface, and are provided, for example, at each of the four corners of the loading platform 211. The four casters 212 are, for example, swivel wheels.

Next, the towing dolly 1 will be described. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the towing dolly 1 includes a base 11, a connecting portion 12, and a plurality of casters 13. As shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the base 11 includes a frame 21, a base portion 22, and a stopper 23. The frame 21 is formed in a rod shape that is long in one direction. For example, the frame 21 is formed by arranging a plurality of rectangular columnar or rectangular cylindrical shafts 21a that are long in one direction in parallel at a predetermined interval in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (width direction) and connecting them, for example, three of them. The frame 21 is provided with a base portion 22 at one end and a stopper 23 at the other end. The frame 21 is set to a length that allows a plurality of flatbed dollies 200, for example, six flatbed dollies 200 in this embodiment, to be arranged between the base portions 22 and the stoppers 23 provided at both ends.

The width of the frame 21 is formed to be slightly smaller than the distance between the pair of protrusions 211a of the flatbed truck 200. In other words, the frame 21 is set to a width that allows it to be placed between the pair of protrusions 211a. The widthwise side of the frame 21 faces the pair of protrusions 211a provided on the flatbed truck 200 in the widthwise direction, so that when the flatbed truck 200 moves in the widthwise direction, it abuts against the inner surfaces of the pair of protrusions 211a, restricting the movement of the flatbed truck 200 in the widthwise direction.

The base 22 is fixed to the front end of the frame 21. The base 22 is long in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame 21. The width of the base 22 is set, for example, to be the same as or slightly larger than the width of the platform car 200. The base 22 is configured to be able to abut against the side of the platform car 200. In other words, the base 22 abuts against the front side of the platform car 200 that is located at the forefront among the multiple platform carts 200 arranged on the frame 21, thereby restricting the movement of the platform cart 200 in the forward direction.

The base 22 also includes a number of cushioning materials for when it comes into contact with the platform cart 200, the luggage placed on the platform cart 200, and obstacles on the travel route. As a specific example, the base 22 includes a first cushioning material 22a provided on the rear surface that abuts against the platform cart 200, a rectangular vertical frame 22b that stands upright in the direction of gravity, a second cushioning material 22c provided on the vertical frame 22b, and a third cushioning material 22d provided on the lower end side in the width direction of the vertical frame 22b.

The first cushioning material 22a absorbs the impact when the platform cart 200 comes into contact with it. The vertical frame 22b is provided on the base 22 with the main surface direction of the rectangular frame shape extending in the width direction. The second cushioning material 22c is formed in a flat plate shape with the main surface direction extending in the width direction and the direction of gravity. For example, the second cushioning material 22c is formed in a flat plate shape by combining multiple rectangular columnar members. The second cushioning material 22c is provided on the front end side in the traveling direction of the base 11, and restricts movement such as tipping or jumping out of luggage placed on the loading platform 211, 311 of the platform cart 200 in the traveling direction.

The third cushioning material 22d is provided on the lower end side of the vertical frame 22b. The third cushioning material 22d cushions the impact when it comes into contact with an obstacle on the travel path, and prevents damage to the obstacle or the vertical frame 22b. The first cushioning material 22a, the second cushioning material 22c, and the third cushioning material 22d are made of elastically deformable materials capable of cushioning impact or protecting non-contacting objects, such as cushions made of rubber materials, foamed resin materials, or hollow materials.

The stopper 23 is rotatably fixed to the rear end of the frame 21. One end of the stopper 23 is rotatably fixed to the rear end of the frame 21, for example, by a fixing bolt 23a. The stopper 23 rotates between two positions: a horizontal position along the longitudinal direction of the frame 21 shown in FIG. 2 and a vertical position along a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the frame 21 shown in FIG. 1. The stopper 23 is fixed in each of the horizontal and vertical positions and can maintain the position. The fixing method of the stopper 23 in each position can be set appropriately, and for example, it may be fixed by a fixing pin, or a locking mechanism may be provided. As shown in FIG. 2, in the horizontal position, the upper surface of the stopper 23 in the horizontal position is flush with the upper surface of the frame 21 or is lower than the upper surface of the frame 21.

As shown in Figs. 1 and 5, in the upright position, the upper surface (tip) of the stopper 23 is higher than the upper surface of the frame 21 and higher than the lower surface of the platform 211 of the platform cart 200. That is, as shown in Figs. 1 and 4, the stopper 23 in the upright position is formed so that it can abut against the side of the platform cart 200. As a result, the stopper 23 allows the platform cart 200 to be placed on the frame 21 in the lateral position, and in the upright position, restricts movement of the platform cart 200 placed on the frame 21 in the opposite direction to the traveling direction.

Each corner 23b in the width direction of the other end of the stopper 23 is inclined, for example, in a chamfered shape. In other words, the other end of the stopper 23 is inclined from the end side connected to the frame 21 by the bolt 23a toward the other end (tip) so that the width gradually decreases. Here, the other end (tip) of the stopper 23 is the end opposite the end fixed to the frame 21 by the fixing bolt 23a, which is the rear end in the horizontal position and the upper end in the vertical position. The inclination of the corner 23b at the other end of the stopper 23 serves as a guide surface when inserted between the pair of protrusions 211a of the platform truck 200.

The connecting part 12 is configured to be able to connect the base 11 and the AGV 100. As a specific example, as shown in Figs. 1 to 5, the connecting part 12 is fixed to the base part 22 of the base 11, for example. As shown in Fig. 3, the connecting part 12 includes, for example, an attachment part 31 fixed to the base part 22, and a fixing part 32 formed integrally with the attachment part 31 and fixed to the connected part 100a of the AGV 100. The attachment part 31 is fixed to the vertical frame 22b of the base part 22, for example.

The fixing part 32 is formed in a rod shape extending from the mounting part 31, and is configured so as to be fixed to the coupled part 100a of the AGV 100. For example, if the coupled part 100a of the AGV 100 is configured with a cylindrical pin, the fixing part 32 has a hole at the tip into which the pin is inserted, and the fixing part 32 is fixed to the coupled part 100a by engaging the pin with the hole. Note that the fixing part 32 is connected to at least one of the mounting part 31 and the coupled part 100a so as to be rotatable around an axis along a direction perpendicular to both the travel direction and the width direction (the direction of gravity) so that the towing cart 1 can easily travel along curved routes in the travel route.

As shown in FIG. 3, the caster 13 includes an attachment portion 13a attached to the frame 21 or the base 22, a main body 13b provided on the attachment portion 13a, and a wheel 13c attached to the main body 13b via an axle. For example, the caster 13 is attached to the frame 21 or the base 22 by a bolt 13d or the like, with the attachment portion 13a serving as a bolt seat. For example, the caster 13 is provided at multiple locations on either the frame 21 or the base 22 in the longitudinal direction (travel direction) of the frame 21, and multiple casters 13 are provided in the width direction at each position in the longitudinal direction.

For example, in this embodiment, the casters 13 are provided at four locations on the base 11 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, and at each position in the longitudinal direction, for example, two are provided in the width direction. That is, four pairs of casters 13 are provided on the base 11. For example, a pair of casters 13 is provided on each end side of the base 11 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, and two pairs of casters 13 are provided in the center of the base 11 in the longitudinal direction. For example, the two pairs of casters 13 provided on both ends of the base 11 in the longitudinal direction are swivel wheels, one pair of casters 13 is provided on the base 22, and the other pair of casters 13 is provided on the rear end side of the frame 21. In addition, the pair of casters 13 provided on the base 22 is provided on both ends of the base 22 in the longitudinal direction (width direction).

The two pairs of casters 13 provided on the center side of the frame 21 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21 are fixed wheels and are provided close to the center side of the frame 21. Note that if the width of the frame 21 is small and the casters 13 cannot be attached in pairs, the casters 13 provided on the frame 21 may be configured to be provided singly at each position in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, rather than in pairs. Note that even in this configuration, pairs of casters 13 are provided on the base 22.

In the above description, the casters 13 are provided at four locations on the base 11 in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, but the casters 13 may be provided at three locations: the base 22, the center of the frame 21, and the rear end of the frame 21. In such a configuration, it is preferable that the casters 13 provided at the base 22 and the rear end of the frame 21 are swivel wheels, and the casters 13 provided at the center of the frame 21 are fixed wheels. The casters 13 provided on the frame 21 may be single or in pairs at each position in the longitudinal direction.

Furthermore, the casters 13 may be provided in two locations, with a pair of casters 13 with swivel wheels provided on the base 22 and a single or pair of casters 13 with fixed wheels provided on the frame 21. When the casters 13 are provided in two locations, if the frame 21 is long, the casters 13 provided on the frame 21 may be located closer to the center than the rear end of the frame 21, rather than at the rear end, in order to reduce the radius of rotation of the base 11. In other words, the positions at which the casters 13 are provided can be set appropriately, so long as the position is set so that the base 11 does not tip over and the base 11 can be rotated appropriately.

The towing dolly 1 configured in this manner is set to the following relationship with the flatbed cart 200. As shown in FIG. 4, when the height from the contact surface of the caster 13 to the top surface of the frame 21 is H1, the height from the contact surface of the caster 212 of the flatbed cart 200 to the bottom surface of the loading platform 211 is H2, and the height from the contact surface of the caster 212 of the flatbed cart 200 to the bottom end of the protrusion 211a is H3, the relationship is set to H3<H1<H2. When the height from the contact surface of the caster 13 to the top surface of the stopper 23 in the upright position is H4, the relationship is set to H2<H4. Moreover, the base 22 is formed so that it can abut against the side of the flatbed cart 200.

Therefore, by setting the towing dolly 1 and the platform car 200 in this relationship, when the towing dolly 1 is towed by the AGV 100 or the like, the platform car 200 abuts against the base 11 in the running direction and the width direction. To be more specific, in the running direction, the front side of the platform car 200 located at the forefront can abut against the rear side of the base 22, and the rear side of the platform car 200 located at the rearmost can abut against the front side of the stopper 23 in the upright position. In addition, in the width direction, the inner side of the protrusion 211a of each platform car 200 can abut against the outer side in the width direction of the frame 21. In addition, the opposing sides of the multiple platform cars 200 arranged in the running direction can abut against each other. Therefore, when the towing dolly 1 runs, the platform car 200 abuts against the base 11, so the towing dolly 1 can tow the platform car 200.

With the towing dolly 1 configured in this manner, the multiple flatbed cars 200 are held by the frame 21 arranged between a pair of protrusions 211a on the flatbed car 200, and the base 22 and stoppers 23 provided at both ends of the frame 21 while the towing dolly 1 is traveling. Therefore, the maximum width of the towing dolly 1 while traveling is either the width of the base 22, the width of the flatbed car 200, or the width of the cargo placed on the flatbed car 200. Therefore, since the width of the towing dolly 1 while traveling can be made as small as possible, multiple flatbed cars 200 can be transported by the towing dolly 1 even when the width of the travel path of the travel route is narrow.

The base 11 of the towing dolly 1 is mainly composed of the frame 21, and the shape of the frame 21 can be made small, which reduces the weight of the towing dolly 1. Also, less material is required to manufacture the frame 21, so the towing dolly 1 can be manufactured at low cost.

In addition, the operation of placing the platform car 200 on the frame 21 can be easily performed by simply placing the stopper 23 in a horizontal position and moving the platform car 200 from the tip of the stopper 23 to the frame 21. After placing a predetermined number of platform carts 200 on the frame 21, the platform car 200 can be held on the base 11 by simply rotating the stopper 23 from a horizontal position to a vertical position and fixing the stopper 23. In addition, the operation of removing the platform car 200 from the frame 21 can be easily performed by simply rotating the stopper 23 from a vertical position to a horizontal position and moving it along the frame 21. Therefore, the towing platform car 1 can easily place and remove the platform car 200.

The stopper 23 also has a corner 23b that is inclined at the tip so that it tapers, making it easier to insert the stopper 23 between the pair of protrusions 211a of the platform car 200. This makes it even easier for the towing cart 1 to place the platform cart 200 on the base 11. In particular, since the pair of protrusions 211a are arranged on the underside of the platform cart 200, it is difficult for an operator to visually recognize the protrusions 211a. However, the corner 23b of the stopper 23 forms a guide surface, which improves the ease of inserting the platform cart 200 into the stopper 23, and as a result, the towing cart 1 has high workability.

As described above, the towing dolly 1 according to this embodiment is capable of towing multiple dollies 200, and can reduce the width of the dollies when towing.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the towing dolly 1 may be configured to include a sub-base 14 capable of transporting a dolly other than the multiple dollies (flat dollies) 200 that can be towed by the base 11, such as a basket dolly 300.

Second Embodiment
A second embodiment of the towing dolly 1 including such a sub-base 14 will be described below with reference to Figures 6 to 9. Among the components of the towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment, the same components as those of the towing dolly 1 according to the first embodiment described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment, and Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the base 11 and sub-base 14 of the towing dolly 1 separated. Figure 8 is an exploded perspective view showing the configuration of the sub-base 14, and Figure 9 is a plan view showing the configuration of the sub-base 14.

The towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment includes a base 11 and a sub-base 14 that is detachably formed on the base 11.

The sub-base 14 is configured to be capable of towing a basket cart 300, which is a cart different from the platform cart 200. Note that the cart different from the platform cart 200 is not limited to the basket cart 300, but at least the cart that can be towed by the sub-base 14 is a cart whose height from the floor surface of the transport path (the contact surface of the casters 43) to the bottom surface of the loading platform is higher than the height from the floor surface to the top surface of the frame 21 of the base 11.

First, the basket cart 300 will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the basket cart 300 includes a loading platform 311, a fence 312, and a number of casters 313 attached to the loading platform 311. The loading platform 311 is formed, for example, in a rectangular flat plate shape so that luggage can be placed thereon. The fence 312 is provided, for example, along three sides of the loading platform 311 perpendicular to the luggage placement surface, and prevents luggage from falling off the loading platform 311. The fence 312 may be provided along all four sides of the loading platform 311, with some of the fences being openable and closable.

The casters 313 are capable of supporting the loading platform 311 and moving on the floor surface, and are provided, for example, one at each of the four corners of the loading platform 311. The casters 313 are, for example, swivel wheels. The casters 313 of the basket cart 300 are configured to have a larger diameter than the casters 212 of the platform cart 200. As a result, when the platform cart 200 and the basket cart 300 are in contact with the ground, the underside of the loading platform 311 of the basket cart 300 is at a higher position than the underside of the loading platform 211 of the platform cart 200.

Next, the sub-base 14 will be described. The sub-base 14 comprises a fixed frame 41 having a gate 41a on a portion thereof, a movable frame 42 that opens and closes the gate 41a, and casters 43. The sub-base 14 also comprises a sub-movable frame 44 that can divide the area enclosed by the fixed frame 41 and the movable frame 42. The sub-base 14 also has cushioning material 45 on a portion of the inner surface that abuts against the car trolley 300, for example, the rear surface on the front end side of the fixed frame 41, the front surface of the movable frame 42, and the front surface of the sub-movable frame 44.

The sub-base 14 is formed so that it can surround multiple basket carts 300 with the fixed frame 41 and the movable frame 42. The sub-base 14 may also be formed so that it can place objects such as pallets on it. When the frame 21 moves, the sub-base 14 pushes the basket cart 300 surrounded by the fixed frame 41 and the movable frame 42, or the fixed frame 41 and the sub movable frame 44, thereby moving the basket cart 300.

For example, the fixed frame 41 has a gate 41a at a part, for example, the rear end, through which the basket trolley 300 can pass. The inner surface of the fixed frame 41 is formed so as to be able to abut against the side of the basket trolley 300. For example, the fixed frame 41 has a trolley pusher 41b that can press against the widthwise side of the basket trolley 300 and the front side of the foremost basket trolley 300. Note that a cushioning material may be provided on the inner surface of the trolley pusher 41b that abuts against the side of the basket trolley 300.

The fixed frame 41 also has, at its front end, a connected part 51 that is connected to the base 22 of the base 11, and a held part 52 that abuts against the frame 21 of the base 11. The connected part 51 includes, for example, a pair of rod-shaped arms 51a with holes formed therein, and a pin 51b that is inserted into the hole of each arm 51a. As shown in FIG. 7, a pair of connecting parts 22f having holes to which the pins 51b are attached are provided on, for example, the vertical frame 22b of the base 22 of the base 11. With the hole of the arm 51a and the hole of the connecting part 22f of the vertical frame 22b overlapping, the vertical frame 22b and the arm 51a are connected by the pin 51b by inserting the pin 51b into these holes.

The held portion 52 is provided on the underside of the front end of the fixed frame 41 and is formed by a pair of rectangular columnar protrusions 52a that protrude at a predetermined interval in the width direction. The predetermined interval between the pair of protrusions 52a is an interval that allows the frame 21 of the base 11 to be positioned between the pair of protrusions 52a. The held portion 52 faces the side surface of the frame 21 in the width direction. The held portion 52 is held by the frame 21 by abutting against the frame 21, thereby restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the sub-base 14.

The fixed frame 41 is mechanically connected to the base 22 of the base 11 by the connected part 51, and the held part 52 restricts the movement in the width direction when the towing cart 1 is traveling. In addition, the fixed frame 41 can be removed from the base 11 by removing the pin 51b of the connected part 51.

The movable frame 42 opens and closes the gate 41a of the fixed frame 41. When the movable frame 42 is closed, it becomes a rectangular frame that is long in the running direction and forms a rectangular area together with the fixed frame 41 in which the car trolley 300 is placed. For example, one end of the movable frame 42 is attached to the fixed frame 41 with a bolt or the like so that it can rotate around an axis along the running direction. When the movable frame 42 is in the horizontal position shown in FIG. 6, closing the gate 41a enables it to abut against the rear side of the rearmost car trolley 300. In other words, the movable frame 42 constitutes a trolley pushing section that can press against the rear side of the rearmost car trolley 300 when the gate 41a is closed.

8, the caster 43 includes an attachment portion 43a attached to the underside of the fixed frame 41, a main body 43b provided on the attachment portion 43a, and a wheel 43c attached to the main body 43b via an axle. For example, the caster 43 is fixed to the fixed frame 41 by a bolt 43d or the like, with the attachment portion 43a serving as a bolt seat. The casters 43 are provided at multiple locations on the fixed frame 41, and in this embodiment, at three locations in the longitudinal direction (travel direction) of the fixed frame 41, with two casters provided in the width direction at each position in the longitudinal direction of the fixed frame 41. That is, three pairs of casters 43 are provided, each consisting of two pairs. For example, a pair of casters 43 is provided at each end of the longitudinal direction of the fixed frame 41, and a pair of casters 43 is provided in the center of the fixed frame 41. For example, the two pairs of casters 43 provided at both ends of the fixed frame 41 in the longitudinal direction are swivel wheels, and the pair of casters 43 provided at the center of the fixed frame 41 in the longitudinal direction are fixed wheels. The casters 43 may be provided at two locations in the longitudinal direction, with the front casters 43 being swivel wheels and the rear casters 43 being fixed wheels. The arrangement of the casters 43 may be set as appropriate.

The casters 43 are configured to have a larger diameter than the casters 13 of the base 11, and a smaller diameter than the casters 313 of the car trolley 300. As a result, when the sub-base 14 is in contact with the ground, the bottom surface of the fixed frame 41 is higher than the top surface of the frame 21, and is lower than the bottom surface of the loading platform 311 of the car trolley 300.

The sub-movable frame 44 divides, for example, a rectangular area in which the cage trolley 300 is arranged, which is composed of the fixed frame 41 and the movable frame 42. For example, the sub-movable frame 44 divides the rectangular area in which the cage trolley 300 is arranged into areas in which, for example, one cage trolley 300 can be arranged, and can abut against the rear side of the cage trolley 300. That is, when the sub-movable frame 44 is closed, it forms a trolley pushing section that can press the rear side of the cage trolley 300 arranged in the divided area in which the cage trolley 300 can be arranged. For example, one end of the sub-movable frame 44 is attached to the fixed frame 41 by a bolt or the like so as to be rotatable around an axis along the traveling direction. As a specific example, the movable frame 42 and the sub-movable frame 44 have the same configuration, and only the position at which they are provided on the fixed frame 41 is different.

The towing dolly 1 thus configured is equipped with a sub-base 14 that can be attached and detached to the base 11, and is therefore capable of towing a dolly (cage dolly) 300 that is different from the dolly (flat dolly) 200 towed by the base 11. Since the sub-base 14 is formed so as to be attached and detached to the base 11, the mode of use can be selectively changed according to the dolly to be towed and the width of the running path. For example, when a wide width can be secured for the running path, it is possible to select whether to tow the flat dolly 200 with the base 11 or tow the cage dolly 300 with the sub-base 14. Also, when the width of the running path is narrow, the flat dolly 200 can be towed by the base 11 without using the sub-base 14. Furthermore, since the sub-base 14 has a sub-movable frame 44, the number of cage dollies 300 to be towed can be changed. The number of dollies that can be towed by the sub-movable frame 44 can be set appropriately.

The towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment configured in this way is capable of towing different types of dollies 200, 300 that are selected, and can selectively reduce the width of the dolly when towing.

Third Embodiment
Next, a third embodiment of the towing dolly 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 10. Among the components of the towing dolly 1 according to the third embodiment, the same components as those of the towing dolly 1 according to the first embodiment and the towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a towing dolly 1 according to the third embodiment. The towing dolly 1 according to the third embodiment includes a base 11 and a sub-base 14A that is detachably formed on the base 11.

The sub-base 14A is not configured to be able to tow the flatbed cart 200 or the basket cart 300, but is configured to be able to place objects such as pallets, cardboard boxes, and folding containers on it. In this embodiment, an example of the sub-base 14A on which a pallet can be placed is described.

The sub-base 14A includes a rectangular frame 41A, casters 43, anti-slip surfaces 45A provided on the upper surface of the frame 41A, and stoppers 46 that regulate the movement of the pallet placed on it.

The frame 41A can be appropriately set as long as a pallet can be placed on the upper surface. The fixed frame 41A has a connected part 51 at the front end that is connected to the base 22 of the base 11. The frame 41A may have a held part 52 that abuts against the frame 21 of the base 11. The connected part 51 includes, for example, a pair of rod-shaped arms 51a with holes formed therein and a pin 51b that is inserted into the hole of each arm 51a. A pair of connecting parts 22f having holes to which the pins 51b are attached is provided on, for example, the vertical frame 22b of the base 22 of the base 11. Such a base 22 and fixed frame 41 are connected to the vertical frame 22b and the arm 51a by the pin 51b by inserting the pin 51b into the hole while overlapping the hole of the arm 51a and the hole of the connecting part 22f of the vertical frame 22b.

The casters 43 have the same configuration as the casters 43 attached to the frame 41 according to the second embodiment described above. As a specific example, the two pairs of casters 43 provided at both ends of the fixed frame 41A in the longitudinal direction are swivel wheels, and the pair of casters 43 provided at the center of the fixed frame 41A in the longitudinal direction are fixed wheels.

The anti-slip surface 45A prevents the pallet from moving when it is being transported. Note that the anti-slip surface 45A may also function as a cushioning material, or may not be provided at all.

The stoppers 46 prevent the pallet placed on the frame 41A from moving and falling off the frame 41A, for example, when the towing cart 1 is being transported. For example, the stoppers 46 are provided at multiple locations on the front and rear edges of the frame 41A. The number, position, and shape of the stoppers 46 can be set appropriately as long as they can regulate the movement of the pallet placed on the frame 41A. For example, if the transport path has many curves, the stoppers 46 may be provided on the outer periphery of the frame 41A.

The towing dolly 1 configured in this manner is equipped with a sub-base 14A that can be attached and detached to the base 11, making it possible to transport items such as pallets placed on the frame 41A separately from the dolly (flat dolly) 200 that is towed by the base 11. In addition, because the sub-base 14A is formed so as to be detachable from the base 11, the mode of use can be selectively changed between towing the dolly 200 and transporting a pallet or the like.

Furthermore, frame 41A can be set to a width according to the width of the items to be placed on it, such as a pallet, and can be made the smallest width possible in terms of design. Furthermore, because frame 41A is configured to place a pallet or the like on its upper surface, it is easy to secure space to attach casters 43 to the underside of frame 41A. Therefore, even if fixed wheels, which require a relatively large mounting area, are used for casters 43, it is easy to secure the mounting space, and there is no need to increase the width dimension of frame 41A depending on the type of caster 43.

The towing dolly 1 according to the third embodiment configured in this way can transport the selected dolly 200 or pallet, etc., and can reduce the width of the dolly when towing.

(Fourth embodiment)
Next, a fourth embodiment of the towing dolly 1 will be described below with reference to Fig. 11. Among the components of the towing dolly 1 according to the fourth embodiment, the same components as those of the towing dolly 1 according to the first embodiment and the towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figure 11 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1 according to the fourth embodiment.

The towing dolly 1 according to the fourth embodiment includes a base 11 and a sub-base 14B formed so as to be detachable from the base 11. The towing dolly in this embodiment is configured to transport a dolly 400 that does not have a pair of protrusions 211a on its underside by means of the sub-base 14B. The dolly 400 that does not have a pair of protrusions 211a on its underside is a flatbed dolly or a dolly. In this embodiment, an example in which a dolly is used as the dolly 400 will be described. Below, the dolly 400 will be described as a dolly 400.

The sub-base 14B is formed so that it can tow a dolly 400, which is a dolly different from the platform cart 200. The dolly 400 different from the platform cart 200 is not limited to a dolly, but at least the dolly that can be towed by the sub-base 14B is a dolly whose height from the floor surface of the transport path (the contact surface of the casters 43) to the bottom surface of the loading platform is higher than the height from the floor surface to the top surface of the frame 21 of the base 11.

First, the dolly 400 will be described. As shown in FIG. 11, the dolly 400 includes a loading platform 411 and a number of casters 413 attached to the loading platform 411. The loading platform 411 is formed, for example, in a rectangular flat plate shape so that luggage can be placed thereon, and has an edge on the outer periphery that is set in the direction of gravity.

The casters 413 are capable of supporting the platform 411 and moving on the floor surface, and are provided, for example, at each of the four corners of the platform 411. The casters 413 are, for example, swivel wheels. The casters 413 of the dolly 400 may have the same diameter as the casters 212 of the platform cart 200, or may have a different diameter.

Next, the sub-base 14B will be described with reference to FIG. 11. The sub-base 14B includes a fixed frame 41B having a gate 41a on one side thereof, and casters 43. In addition, the sub-base 14B includes a cushioning material 45 on a portion of the inner surface that contacts the dolly 400, for example, on the rear surface on the front end side of the fixed frame 41B.

The sub-base 14B is formed so that it can surround multiple dollies 400 with the fixed frame 41B and the stopper 23 provided at the rear end of the frame 21 of the base 11. For example, the inner dimension in the width direction of the fixed frame 41B is set to be slightly larger than the width dimension of the dollies 400. The sub-base 14B may be formed so that a pallet can be placed on it. When the frame 21 moves, the sub-base 14B pushes the dollies 400 surrounded by the fixed frame 41B and the stopper 23, thereby moving the dollies 400.

For example, the fixed frame 41B has a gate 41a at a part, for example at the rear end, through which the dolly 400 can pass. The inner surface of the fixed frame 41B is formed so that it can abut against the side of the dolly 400. For example, the fixed frame 41B has a cart pushing part 41b that can press against the width direction side of the dolly 400 and the front side of the foremost dolly 400. In addition, a cushioning material may be provided on the inner surface of the cart pushing part 41b that abuts against the side of the dolly 400.

The fixed frame 41B has, at its front end, a connected part 51 that is connected to the base 22 of the base 11, and a held part 52 that abuts against the frame 21 of the base 11. The connected part 51 includes, for example, a pair of rod-shaped arms 51a with holes formed therein, and a pin 51b that is inserted into the holes of each arm 51a. A pair of connecting parts 22f having holes to which the pins 51b are attached are provided on, for example, the vertical frame 22b of the base 22 of the base 11. With the holes of the arms 51a and the holes of the connecting parts 22f of the vertical frame 22b overlapping, the vertical frame 22b and the arms 51a are connected by the pins 51b by inserting the pins 51b into these holes.

The held portion 52 is provided on the underside of the front end of the fixed frame 41B and is formed by a pair of rectangular columnar protrusions 52a that protrude at a predetermined interval in the width direction. The predetermined interval between the pair of protrusions 52a is an interval that allows the frame 21 of the base 11 to be positioned between the pair of protrusions 52a. The held portion 52 faces the side surface of the frame 21 in the width direction. The held portion 52 is held by the frame 21 by abutting against the frame 21, thereby restricting movement in a direction perpendicular to the running direction of the sub-base 14.

The fixed frame 41B is mechanically connected to the base 22 of the base 11 by the connected part 51, and the held part 52 restricts the movement in the width direction when the towing cart 1 is traveling. The fixed frame 41B can be removed from the base 11 by removing the pin 51b of the connected part 51.

The casters 43 are, for example, all swivel wheels.

The sub-base 14B according to the fourth embodiment differs from the sub-base 14 according to the second embodiment described above in that the dolly 400 is the towed object, all of the casters 43 are swivel wheels, there is no movable frame 42 and sub movable frame 44, and the movement of the dolly 300 is restricted by the stopper 23.

The towing dolly 1 configured in this manner is equipped with a sub-base 14B that can be attached and detached to the base 11, making it possible to tow a dolly (dolly) 400 that is different from the dolly (flat dolly) 200 towed by the base 11. In addition, since the sub-base 14B is formed so as to be detachable from the base 11, the mode of use can be selectively changed according to the dolly to be towed and the width of the travel path. For example, when towing a dolly 200 having a pair of protrusions 211a, the dolly 200 can be towed by the base 11, and when the dolly 400 does not have a pair of protrusions 211a, it is possible to select to tow the dolly 400 by the sub-base 14B.

In addition, the dolly 400 and the objects to be transported by the dolly 400 are relatively light. In such a case, as described above, all the casters 43 can be swivel wheels, and the only fixed wheels are the casters 13 provided on the base 11. Therefore, only a small space is required to attach the casters 43, which are swivel wheels, to the sub-base 14B, and the width of the fixed frame 41B can be reduced.

The towing dolly 1 according to the fourth embodiment configured in this way is capable of towing different types of dollies 200, 400 that are selected, and can selectively reduce the width of the dolly when towing. In addition, the sub-base 14B of the towing dolly 1 can reduce the width of the fixed frame 41B.

Fifth Embodiment
Next, a fifth embodiment of the towing dolly 1 will be described below with reference to Figures 12 and 13. Among the components of the towing dolly 1 according to the fifth embodiment, the same components as those of the towing dolly 1 according to the second embodiment and the towing dolly 1 according to the fourth embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Figures 12 and 13 are perspective views showing the configuration of the towing dolly 1 according to the fifth embodiment.

The towing dolly 1 according to the fifth embodiment includes a base 11 and a sub-base 14C formed integrally with the base 11. The towing dolly 1 in this embodiment is configured such that a sub-base 14C for towing a dolly different from the dolly 200 towed by the base 11 is provided integrally with the base 11. Note that in this embodiment, a dolly 400 is described as an example of a dolly different from the dolly 200 towed by the base 11, but instead of the dolly 400, a cage dolly 300 may also be used, and a flat dolly 300 may also be used that does not have a pair of protrusions 211a.

Next, the sub-base 14C will be described with reference to Figures 12 and 13. The sub-base 14C includes a fixed frame 41C having a gate 41a on one side thereof, and casters 43. In addition, the sub-base 14C includes a cushioning material 45 on a portion of the inner surface that contacts the dolly 400, for example, on the rear surface on the front end side of the fixed frame 41C.

The sub-base 14 is formed so that it can surround multiple dollies 400 with the fixed frame 41C and the stopper 23 provided at the rear end of the frame 21 of the base 11. For example, the inner dimension in the width direction of the fixed frame 41C is set to be slightly larger than the width dimension of the dollies 400. The sub-base 14 may be formed so that a pallet can be placed on it. When the frame 21 moves, the sub-base 14 pushes the dollies 400 surrounded by the fixed frame 41C and the stopper 23, thereby moving the dollies 400.

For example, the fixed frame 41C has a gate 41a at a part, for example, at the rear end, through which the dolly 400 can pass. The inner surface of the fixed frame 41C is formed so as to be able to abut against the side of the dolly 400. For example, the fixed frame 41C has a cart pushing part 41b that can press against the width direction side of the dolly 400 and the front side of the foremost dolly 400. Note that a cushioning material may be provided on the inner surface of the cart pushing part 41b that abuts against the side of the dolly 400. The front end of the fixed frame 41C is formed integrally with the base part 22 of the base 11.

The casters 43 are, for example, all swivel wheels. The fixed frame 41C is configured integrally with the base 11, so even if all are swivel wheels, the fixed casters 13 of the base 11 can reduce the turning radius of the base 11 and fixed frame 41C.

The sub-base 14C according to the fifth embodiment is different from the sub-base 14 according to the second embodiment and the sub-base 14B according to the fourth embodiment in that it is integral with the base 11.

The towing dolly 1 configured in this manner is capable of towing a dolly (dolly) 400 that is different from the dolly (flat dolly) 200 towed by the base 11, by forming the sub-base 14C integrally with the base 11. For example, when towing a dolly 200 having a pair of protrusions 211a, by placing the dolly 200 within the sub-base 14C, the dolly 200 can be towed by the base 11 even if the width dimension of the dolly 200 is smaller than the inner width dimension of the sub-base 14C. Furthermore, when the dolly 400 does not have a pair of protrusions 211a, the dolly 400 can be towed by the sub-base 14C.

In addition, since the sub-base 14C is integrated with the base 11, by making some of the casters 13 fixed wheels, all of the casters 43 of the sub-base 14C can be swivel wheels, regardless of the weight of the cart being towed and the object placed on the cart. Therefore, only a small space is required to attach the casters 43, which are swivel wheels, to the sub-base 14C, and the width of the fixed frame 41C can be reduced.

The towing dolly 1 according to the fifth embodiment configured in this way is capable of towing different types of dollies 200, 300, 400 that are selected, and can selectively reduce the width of the dolly when towing. In addition, the sub-base 14C of the towing dolly 1 can reduce the width of the fixed frame 41C.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the dolly towed by the base 11 is not limited to the flatbed dolly 200, but may be another dolly as long as it has a pair of protrusions 211a. In addition, the above-described sub-base 14 has been described as having a dolly pushing section 41b, but this dolly pushing section 41b may be configured to be able to place multiple selected different types of dollies inside and to place multiple pallets on the top surface, as disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6464304. In such a configuration, the sub-base 14 may be configured so that the height of the dolly pushing section 41b can be changed.

In the above example, the base 11 has a stopper 23 at the rear end of the frame 21, but is not limited to this. For example, the base 11 may have a single or multiple stoppers 23 in addition to the stopper 23 at the rear end. With this configuration, the number of carts that can be placed on the frame 21 and towed by the base 11 at one time can be changed. As a specific example, by having a stopper 23 at the center in the longitudinal direction of the frame 21, the base 11 can transport half the maximum number of carts that can be towed. Furthermore, by providing the same number of stoppers 23 as the maximum number N that can be towed, the base 11 can select the number of carts that can be towed from 1 to N. In this configuration, the positions of the multiple stoppers 23 are set to positions that can abut against the rear side of the rearmost cart in each number.

In the second embodiment described above, an example was described in which the sub-base 14 has movable frames 42, 44 as stoppers that restrict the movement of the cart 300 placed in the fixed frame 41. In the fourth and fifth embodiments described above, an example was described in which the stopper 23 of the frame 21 of the base 11 restricts the movement of the cart 400 placed in the sub-bases 14B, 14C. However, the stoppers for the carts placed in the sub-bases are not limited to these configurations.

For example, as in the sub-base 14D of the towing dolly 1 according to the sixth embodiment shown in FIG. 14, a removable stopper 23D may be provided on the fixed frame 41D. For example, the stopper 23D includes two outer bodies 90a and an inner body 90b. The stopper 23D is connected to the inner body 90b using bolts or the like so that the two outer bodies 90a can each move relative to the inner body 90b.

The overall length of the stopper 23D can be changed by moving the outer body 90a relative to the inner body 90b. In other words, the worker can widen or narrow the longitudinal width of the stopper 90B by changing the position of the outer body 90a relative to the inner body 90b. The stopper 23D can also be fixed to the fixed frame 41D. Since the length of the stopper 23D is adjustable, the stopper 23D can also be fixed to, for example, the fixed frame 41 that pulls the car trolley 300.

The towing dolly 1 in FIG. 14 shows an example in which the sub-base 14D is integrally formed with the base 11, but in this configuration, for example, the dolly 200 having a pair of protrusions 211a and the dolly 300 not having a pair of protrusions 211a may both be towed by abutting against the sub-base 14D. In this configuration, as shown in FIG. 14, the length of the frame 21 of the base 11 may be a length that allows the caster 13, which is a fixed wheel, to be placed in a suitable position. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 14, the length of the frame 21 is such that the frame 21 extends to the center position of the sub-base 14D, and the caster 13, which is a fixed wheel, is placed at the rear end of the frame 21. In addition, at least one of the movable frames 42 and 44 is provided on the sub-base 14D as a stopper, or a stopper 23D is provided. With this configuration, the towing dolly 1 can obtain the effect of the fixed wheel.

The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the present invention. The embodiments may be combined as appropriate, and in that case, the combined effect can be obtained. Furthermore, the above-mentioned embodiment includes various inventions, and various inventions can be extracted by combinations selected from the multiple components disclosed. For example, if the problem can be solved and the effect can be obtained even if some components are deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment, the configuration from which the components are deleted can be extracted as an invention.
The following provides a description equivalent to the invention described in the original claims of this application.
[1] A base that can be inserted between a pair of protrusions of a carriage having a pair of protrusions in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction and that can arrange a plurality of the carriages in the traveling direction;
A plurality of casters provided on the base;
A coupling part fixed to the base and connectable to a transport vehicle;
A towing dolly equipped with a towing dolly.
[2] The towing dolly described in [1], wherein the base has a stopper at a rear end for restricting movement of the dolly.
[3] A towing trolley as described in [1] or [2], which has a pair of protruding retained portions provided on the underside of the front end in the traveling direction, which are spaced apart so that the base can be inserted therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, and which is formed in a frame shape on the inside into which multiple trolleys can be arranged, and which is equipped with a sub-base that can abut against the side of the loading platform of the trolley arranged on the inside.
[4] The towing dolly described in [3], wherein the sub-base has a fixed frame having a gate through which the dolly can pass, and a movable frame that opens and closes the gate.
[5] A towing cart as described in [1] or [2], comprising a sub-base formed integrally with the base, the sub-base being formed in a frame shape inside which multiple carts can be arranged, and capable of abutting the side of the loading platform of the cart arranged on the inside.
[6] A towing cart as described in [1] or [2], comprising a sub-base on which an object can be placed, the sub-base having a pair of protruding retained portions provided on the underside of the front end in the traveling direction, the protruding portions being spaced apart so that the base can be inserted therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction.

1... towing dolly, 11... base, 12... connecting part, 13... caster, 13a... mounting part, 13b... main body, 13c... wheel, 13d... bolt, 14, 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D... sub-base, 21... frame, 21a... shaft, 22... base, 22a... first cushioning material, 22b... vertical frame, 22c... second cushioning material, 22d... third cushioning material, 22f... connecting part, 23... stopper, 23a... bolt, 23b... corner, 31... mounting part, 32... fixed part, 41, 41A, 41B, 41C, 41D... fixed frame, 41a... gate, 41b... base Wheel pusher, 42...movable frame, 43...caster, 43a...mounting part, 43b...main body, 43c...wheel, 43d...bolt, 44...sub-movable frame, 45...cushion, 51...connected part, 51a...arm, 51b...pin, 52...held part, 52a...projection, 100...transport vehicle, 100a...connected part, 200...platform cart (cart), 211...loading platform, 211a...projection, 212...caster, 300...basket cart (cart), 311...loading platform, 312...fence, 313...caster, 400...dolly (cart), 311...loading platform, 313...caster.

Claims (3)

a frame that can be inserted between a pair of protrusions of a first carriage having a pair of protrusions in a direction perpendicular to a traveling direction and that can arrange a plurality of the first carriages in the traveling direction; and a base that is fixed to a front end of the frame and has a rectangular vertical frame that is formed to have a width equal to or greater than a width of the first carriage and is erected in the direction of gravity;
a sub-base having a pair of protruding retained portions provided on the underside of the front end portion in the traveling direction, the protruding retained portions being spaced apart so that the base can be inserted therebetween in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, the sub-base being formed in a frame shape on which a plurality of second carts that do not have the pair of protrusions different from the first cart can be arranged inside, the sub-base having a fixed frame that can come into contact with a side surface of the loading platform of the second cart arranged inside or on which an object can be placed;
A plurality of casters provided on the base and the fixed frame;
A first coupling part fixed to the base and connectable to a transport vehicle;
Equipped with
the fixed frame has a coupled portion at a front end, the coupled portion having a pair of arms with holes formed therein and a pair of pins to be inserted into the holes;
the base portion has a second connecting portion provided on the vertical frame, into which the pin is inserted, and having a hole formed therein that overlaps with the hole of the arm;
A towing cart, wherein in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction, the distance between the pair of arms and the distance between the second connecting portions are greater than the distance between the pair of held portions. The towing dolly according to claim 1, wherein the base has a stopper at the rear end that restricts the movement of the first dolly. the fixed frame has a gate through which the second carriage can pass,
The towing dolly of claim 1 , wherein the sub-base has a movable frame that opens and closes the gate.