JP7789736B2 - Electrically assisted trolley - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to an electrically assisted cart, and more specifically to an electrically assisted cart such as a hose cart.

As an example of this type of prior art, Patent Document 1 discloses a fire hose cart. This fire hose cart comprises a carrier, a main body having a battery box housing a battery and a control box housing a control board, a handle attached to the front of the main body, a pair of wheels attached to the left and right sides of the main body, and an electric motor integrated into each of the pair of wheels. The fire hose cart also comprises a contact-type linear displacement sensor attached to the rear of the shaft that constitutes the handle, and a tensile force detection unit that detects and outputs the amount of change in the distance traveled by the shaft due to the tensile force applied to the handle during assisted driving, and uses this output data to adjust the driving force of the electric motor. The tensile force detection unit further comprises a sliding shaft welded to the rear end of the shaft that constitutes the handle. The sliding shaft slides in the tensile direction (forward) due to the tensile force applied to the handle during assisted driving, controlling the extension and contraction of the tip of the displacement sensor, and a sliding shaft holder that guides the sliding of the sliding shaft.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-42426

As described above, with the fire hose cart disclosed in Patent Document 1, when the handle is pulled diagonally forward, the sliding shaft may not slide smoothly relative to the sliding shaft holder. In this case, the pulling force applied to the handle cannot be detected correctly, and the desired assist force is not output, resulting in poor operability.

Therefore, the primary object of this invention is to provide an electrically assisted cart that provides the desired assist force and is easy to operate.

To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, an electrically assisted cart is provided, which includes a loading platform, a pair of wheels attached to the loading platform, an electric motor for assisting the driving of the pair of wheels, a handle attached to the front of the loading platform for towing the loading platform, a slide member that can reciprocate in the front-rear direction relative to the loading platform in conjunction with the handle, and a guide member attached to the outside of the slide member for guiding the reciprocating movement of the slide member, a connecting member connecting the handle and the loading platform, an elastic member attached to the handle for urging the slide member rearward, a stroke sensor for detecting the stroke amount of the slide member, and a control unit for controlling the amount of assistance provided by the electric motor based on the detection result of the stroke sensor, and the connecting member further includes at least two first guide rollers attached between the slide member and the guide member for restricting left-right movement of the slide member while sliding the slide member relative to the guide member, and at least two second guide rollers attached between the slide member and the guide member for restricting up-down movement of the slide member while sliding the slide member relative to the guide member.

In this invention, at least two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the guide member restrict the left-right movement of the slide member while allowing it to slide relative to the guide member. Furthermore, at least two second guide rollers provided between the slide member and the guide member restrict the up-down movement of the slide member while allowing it to slide relative to the guide member. This further restricts the rotational movement of the slide member. Therefore, even if the handle is pulled in any direction, including a diagonal forward direction, the slide member, which can move back and forth along with the handle, can slide smoothly forward and backward relative to the guide member. As a result, the stroke amount of the slide member can be properly detected by the stroke sensor, and the amount of assistance provided by the electric motor can be properly controlled based on the detection result of the stroke sensor, resulting in an electric assist cart that provides the desired assist force and is easy to operate.

Preferably, at least one of the slide member and the guide member has at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller or the second guide roller fits. In this case, the first guide roller or the second guide roller provided between the slide member and the guide member fits into a groove formed in either the slide member or the guide member and extending in the front-rear direction. Here, the first guide roller or the second guide roller fitted into the groove can move in the front-rear direction along the groove, but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction. Therefore, by fitting the first guide roller into the groove, the left-right movement of the slide member can be restricted by a single guide roller. Furthermore, by fitting the second guide roller into the groove, the up-down movement of the slide member can be restricted by a single guide roller. This allows the movement of the slide member to be restricted with fewer guide rollers.

Preferably, the guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member and a second guide plate provided on the other side, with two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the first guide plate and two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the second guide plate. In this case, the slide member is supported from both sides so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction by the two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the first guide plate and the two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and left-to-right movement of the slide member can be appropriately restricted.

More preferably, the guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member, a second guide plate provided on the other side, a third guide plate provided above, and a fourth guide plate provided below, with one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate, and a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which the first guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface of the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate. In this case, the slide member is supported not only from both sides but also from above or below so as to be slidable in the front-to-rear direction by the one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, the one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and the one first guide roller provided between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate and fitted into the groove, thereby appropriately restricting the slide member's left-to-right movement. Here, the first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate fit into grooves extending in the front-to-rear direction, allowing them to move in the front-to-rear direction along the grooves, but restricting movement perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting left-to-right movement of the slide member. Therefore, left-to-right movement of the slide member can be restricted with a small number of first guide rollers.

Preferably, the guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member, a second guide plate provided on the other side, a third guide plate provided above, and a fourth guide plate provided below. Two first guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate, and at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding first guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate. In this case, the slide member is supported from above or below by the two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the third or fourth guide plate and fitting into the corresponding grooves, allowing it to slide in the front-rear direction. Here, because the two first guide rollers fit into corresponding grooves extending in the front-rear direction, they can move in the front-rear direction along the grooves, but are restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting left-right movement of the slide member. Therefore, left-right movement of the slide member can be appropriately restricted with fewer first guide rollers.

Preferably, two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the first guide plate are provided with at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits, and two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the second guide plate are provided with at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits. In this case, the slide member is supported from one side by the two second guide rollers provided between the slide member and the first guide plate and fitted into the corresponding grooves so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and the slide member is supported from the other side by the two second guide rollers provided between the slide member and the second guide plate and fitted into the corresponding grooves. Here, because each second guide roller fits into a corresponding groove extending in the front-rear direction, it can move in the front-rear direction along the groove but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-and-down movement of the slide member. Therefore, the vertical movement of the slide member can be appropriately restricted using a small number of second guide rollers.

More preferably, one second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, the opposing surface between the slide member and the first guide plate is provided with a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits, and two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and the opposing surface between the slide member and the second guide plate is provided with at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits. In this case, the slide member is supported from one side by the one second guide roller provided between the slide member and the first guide plate and fitted into the groove so as to be slidable in the front-rear direction, and the slide member is supported from the other side by two second guide rollers provided between the slide member and the second guide plate and fitted into corresponding grooves. Here, because each second guide roller fits into a corresponding groove extending in the front-rear direction, it can move in the front-rear direction along the groove but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-and-down movement of the slide member. Therefore, the vertical movement of the slide member can be appropriately restricted using fewer second guide rollers.

Preferably, one second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, the opposing surface between the slide member and the first guide plate is provided with a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits, and one second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, the opposing surface between the slide member and the second guide plate is provided with a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits. In this case, the slide member is supported from one side by the one second guide roller provided between the slide member and the first guide plate and fitted into the groove so that it can slide in the front-rear direction, and the slide member is supported from the other side by the one second guide roller provided between the slide member and the second guide plate and fitted into the groove. Here, because each second guide roller fits into a corresponding groove extending in the front-rear direction, it can move in the front-rear direction along the groove but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-and-down movement of the slide member. Therefore, the vertical movement of the slide member can be appropriately restricted with even fewer second guide rollers.

Preferably, the stroke sensor is provided below the sliding member. In this case, the stroke sensor is not located above the sliding member, and is therefore less susceptible to loads from above. This reduces damage to the stroke sensor due to loads from above.

More preferably, the connecting member further includes a damper for damping the reciprocating movement of the slide member. In this case, even if the handle is suddenly pushed or pulled, the damper can damp the sudden reciprocating movement of the slide member, and therefore the handle. This can mitigate sudden changes in the stroke amount of the slide member, thereby suppressing sudden fluctuations in the amount of assistance. As a result, a smoothly changing amount of assistance can be achieved, resulting in an electrically assisted cart with good operability.

Preferably, the first guide roller and the second guide roller each include a cam follower or a roller follower. In this case, the first guide roller and the second guide roller can be easily configured.

The electrically assisted cart of this invention can be suitably used as a hose cart that can carry fire hoses on the loading platform.

In this invention, the "facing surface between the slide member and the first guide plate" refers to the surface of the slide member that faces the first guide plate, or the surface of the first guide plate that faces the slide member. The same can be said for the facing surface between the slide member and the second guide plate, the facing surface between the slide member and the third guide plate, and the facing surface between the slide member and the fourth guide plate.

In addition, in this invention, "the slide member sliding relative to the guide member" includes the case where the slide member moves relative to the guide member via a guide roller without directly contacting the guide member.

This invention provides an electrically assisted cart that provides the desired assist force and is easy to operate.

1 is a side view showing an electric assist cart according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a plan view showing the electrically assisted cart of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a front view showing the electrically assisted cart of FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view showing a configuration of a connecting member and its surroundings. 1A is a plan view of a slide member, FIG. 1B is a front view of the slide member, and FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the vicinity of the slide member and guide member when four first guide rollers and four second guide rollers are used, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a partially cross-sectional plan view with the third guide plate removed. 8A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line B-B in FIG. 8. FIG. 4 is a side view showing the connecting member and its vicinity. FIG. 10 is a bottom view illustrating the connecting member and its vicinity. 9 is a front view of the vicinity of the connection portion of the connecting member as viewed from the C direction in FIG. 8 . 10 is a plan diagrammatic view showing a stroke of a slide member and a swing of a stroke arm. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the vicinity of the slide member and guide member when three first guide rollers and three second guide rollers are used, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a partially cross-sectional plan view with the third guide plate removed. 10A and 10B are diagrams showing the vicinity of the slide member and guide member when two first guide rollers and two second guide rollers are used, where (a) is a side view and (b) is a partially cross-sectional plan view with the third guide plate removed.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, "Fr" indicates front, "Rr" indicates rear, "R" indicates right, "L" indicates left, "U" indicates up, and "Lo" indicates down.

Referring to Figures 1 to 3, an electrically assisted cart 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is a hose cart and includes a rectangular parallelepiped loading platform 12. A fire hose (not shown) can be loaded onto the loading platform 12. The loading platform 12 includes a bottom plate 14, a pair of side frames 16a, 16b, a front frame 18, a rear cover 20, and an upper frame 22. The rear cover 20 and the upper frame 22 are openable and closable. This allows the hose to be removed from the rear and upper portions of the loading platform 12.

A pair of wheels 24a, 24b is provided on the loading platform 12. The pair of wheels 24a, 24b is attached to the loading platform 12 via a pair of axles 26a, 26b. The pair of wheels 24a, 24b are provided at approximately the center of the loading platform 12 in the fore-and-aft direction, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction so as to sandwich the loading platform 12.

A pair of electric motors 28a, 28b are provided below the loading platform 12 to assist in driving the pair of wheels 24a, 24b. The electric motors 28a, 28b are provided coaxially with and connected to the axles 26a, 26b, respectively.

A number of batteries 30 and an electrical box 32 are provided below the cargo bed 12. The batteries 30 are arranged in a line in the fore-and-aft direction between the electric motors 28a, 28b. The electrical box 32 is located in front of the batteries 30 and includes a control unit 34. The control unit 34 controls the amount of assistance provided by the electric motors 28a, 28b based on the detection results of a stroke sensor 146 (described below). Therefore, electric assistance is possible simply by pushing or pulling the handle unit 44 (described below).

A pair of stands 36a, 36b are provided at the lower front of the loading platform 12, spaced apart in the vehicle width direction. When the user lets go of the handle 44 and moves away from the electric assisted trolley 10, the pair of wheels 24a, 24b and the stands 36a, 36b support the electric assisted trolley 10 on the ground. A pair of tire guards 38a, 38b are provided below the loading platform 12 and in front of the pair of wheels 24a, 24b. A switch box 40 is attached to the upper right of the front frame 18 of the loading platform 12. A front climb prevention guard 42 is provided below the loading platform 12 and behind the pair of wheels 24a, 24b.

A handle portion 44 is provided at the front of the loading platform 12 for towing the loading platform 12. The handle portion 44 includes a roughly T-shaped handle body 46 and a pair of grips 48a, 48b attached to both widthwise ends of the front of the handle body 46. The rear end of the handle body 46 is formed with a locking portion 50 with a roughly oval cross section that can be locked into a hole 68 (described below), and a screw hole 52 is formed at the rear end of the handle body 46 (see Figures 4 and 6). A parking brake lever 54 and an emergency stop switch 56 are attached to the left side of the handle body 46 near the grip 48b.

The handle portion 44 and the carrier 12 are connected by a connecting member 58. Referring to Figure 4, the connecting member 58 includes a slide member 60, a guide member 62, and a connecting portion 64.

Referring also to FIG. 5, the slide member 60 is reciprocable in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the cargo bed 12 in conjunction with the handle portion 44. It is formed in a generally rectangular parallelepiped shape and includes a through-hole 66 extending in the fore-and-aft direction. The through-hole 66 has a hole 68 with an oval cross section that can engage with the locking portion 50 of the handle body 46. Referring further to FIG. 6, two grooves 70 extending in the fore-and-aft direction are formed at the front and rear of the lower portion of one side of the slide member 60, and two grooves 70 extending in the fore-and-aft direction are formed at the front and rear of the lower portion of the other side of the slide member 60. A recess 72 is provided in the lower surface of the slide member 60 at approximately the center in the fore-and-aft direction, extending in the width direction. That is, the recess 72 is provided to separate the two front grooves 70 from the two rear grooves 70. A hole 74 is formed in the approximate center of the recess 72, into which a pin 158 (described below) is press-fit.

The guide member 62 is provided outside the slide member 60 to guide the reciprocating movement of the slide member 60. The guide member 62 includes a first guide plate 76a provided on one side of the slide member 60, a second guide plate 76b provided on the other side, a third guide plate 78 provided above, a fourth guide plate 80 provided below, and a front plate portion 82 provided in front.

The first guide plate 76a has a recess 84a extending in the front-to-rear direction on each of its front and rear sides. A groove 86a extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided on the inner surface of the first guide plate 76a, approximately in the center in the up-down direction. The groove 86a is located below the two recesses 84a. The second guide plate 76b is configured symmetrically with the first guide plate 76a. That is, the second guide plate 76b has two recesses 84b and two grooves 86b similar to the two recesses 84a and two grooves 86a of the first guide plate 76a. The third guide plate 78 and the fourth guide plate 80 are formed in a generally rectangular plate shape. The fourth guide plate 80 has a through-hole 88 for mounting the stroke sensor 146. The front plate 82 is formed in a rectangular plate shape, and a through-hole 90 extending from front to back is formed in the front plate 82.

The front plate 82 is sandwiched between the inner front ends of the first guide plate 76a and the second guide plate 76b and connected to the first guide plate 76a and the second guide plate 76b by multiple bolts 92. In this state, the third guide plate 78 is attached to the upper surfaces of the first guide plate 76a, the second guide plate 76b, and the front plate 82 by multiple bolts 94, and the fourth guide plate 80 is attached to the lower surfaces of the first guide plate 76a, the second guide plate 76b, and the front plate 82 by multiple bolts 96.

The slide member 60 is housed within this guide member 62. The handle body 46 is inserted from the front into the through-hole 66 of the slide member 60 and the through-hole 90 of the front plate portion 82, and a bolt 100 is inserted from the rear into the through-hole 66 of the slide member 60 with a washer 98 sandwiched between them. The bolt 100 is threaded into the threaded hole 52 at the rear end of the handle body 46 within the slide member 60. By engaging the engagement portion 50 of the handle body 46 with the hole 68 of the slide member 60, the handle member 44 becomes unrotatable relative to the slide member 60. This unites the handle body 46 and the slide member 60. A dust seal 102 is inserted within the through-hole 90 of the front plate portion 82 between the front plate portion 82 and the handle body 46. A spring 104, serving as an elastic member, is fitted around the outer periphery of the handle body 46 and is provided between the front plate portion 82 and the slide member 60. The spring 104 biases the slide member 60 rearward.

Referring to Figures 4, 6, and 7, the connecting member 58 further includes four first guide rollers 106 and four second guide rollers 108. In this embodiment, the first guide rollers 106 and the second guide rollers 108 are cam followers, with the first guide roller 106 including an outer ring 106a and a mounting shaft 106b, and the second guide roller 108 including an outer ring 108a and a mounting shaft 108b. The outer diameter of the outer ring 108a is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width W1 of the groove 70.

Each first guide roller 106 is provided between the slide member 60 and the guide member 62 to restrict left-right movement of the slide member 60 while allowing the slide member 60 to slide relative to the guide member 62. More specifically, two first guide rollers 106 are provided between the slide member 60 and the first guide plate 76a, and two first guide rollers 106 are provided between the slide member 60 and the second guide plate 76b. Each first guide roller 106 is provided so that its mounting shaft 106b extends vertically. On the first guide plate 76a side, the mounting shaft 106b of one first guide roller 106 passes from the front recess 84a to the groove 86a and is threaded into a nut 110, and the mounting shaft 106b of the other first guide roller 106 passes from the rear recess 84a to the groove 86a and is threaded into a nut 110. Similarly, on the second guide plate 76b side, the mounting shaft 106b of one first guide roller 106 passes through from the front recess 84b to the groove 86b and is screwed into the nut 110, and the mounting shaft 106b of the other first guide roller 106 passes through from the rear recess 84b to the groove 86b and is screwed into the nut 110.

Each second guide roller 108 is provided between the slide member 60 and the guide member 62 to restrict the up-and-down movement of the slide member 60 while allowing the slide member 60 to slide relative to the guide member 62. More specifically, two second guide rollers 108 are provided between the slide member 60 and the first guide plate 76a, and two second guide rollers 108 are provided between the slide member 60 and the second guide plate 76b. Each second guide roller 108 is provided so that its mounting shaft 108b extends in the left-right direction (width direction). On the side of the first guide plate 76a, the outer ring 108a of one of the second guide rollers 108 fits into a groove 70 provided at the front of one side of the slide member 60, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the first guide plate 76a and screwed into a nut 112, and the outer ring 108a of the other second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided at the rear of one side of the slide member 60, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the first guide plate 76a and screwed into the nut 112. Similarly, on the second guide plate 76b side, the outer ring 108a of one second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided in the front part of the other side of the slide member 60, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the second guide plate 76b and screwed into a nut 112, and the outer ring 108a of the other second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided in the rear part of the other side of the slide member 60, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the second guide plate 76b and screwed into a nut 112.

Furthermore, two parallel pins 114 are inserted between the front plate portion 82 and the first guide plate 76a, and two parallel pins 114 are inserted between the front plate portion 82 and the second guide plate 76b (see Figure 4).

Referring to Figures 4 and 8 to 10, the connection portion 64 includes a bracket 116, two holders 118a and 118b, a lock pin 120, two springs 122, and a lock lever 124.

The bracket 116 has a recess 126 and is formed in a roughly U-shape. The bracket 116 is connected to the rear end surfaces of the first guide plate 76a and the second guide plate 76b by multiple bolts 128. A stopper 130 fitted into the recess 126 is interposed between the rear surface of the slide member 60 and the bracket 116. The stopper 130 is made of rubber, for example, and also functions as a damper. Therefore, even if the slide member 60 receives a force from the front, the stopper 130 prevents the rear surface of the slide member 60 from colliding with the bracket 116 and buffers the force from the front. Two parallel pins 132 are interposed between the bracket 116 and the first guide plate 76a and second guide plate 76b.

The holders 118a, 118b are attached at a distance from each other to the upper part of the front frame 18 of the loading platform 12 using multiple fastening members 134. Both sides of the bracket 116 are attached to the holders 118a, 118b via pins 136 so that they can swing freely. Two elongated holes 138a are provided in the holder 118a, and two elongated holes 138b are provided in the holder 118b. Lock pins 120 extending in the left-right direction are inserted into all of the elongated holes 138a, 138b. A push nut 140 is fitted onto the tip of the lock pin 120. A pin 142 is attached to the front end of each holder 118a, 118b. A spring 122 is attached inside holder 118a between the lock pin 120 and the pin 142 on the holder 118a side, and a spring 122 is attached inside holder 118b between the lock pin 120 and the pin 142 on the holder 118b side. The spring 122 biases the lock pin 120 forward of the elongated holes 138a and 138b.

The lock lever 124 is attached between the approximate centers of the holders 118a and 118b by multiple bolts 144 so that it can swing freely in the forward and backward directions. The upper part of the lock lever 124 engages with the lock pin 120. In the locked state shown in Figure 8, the lock lever 124 hangs down, and the lock pin 120 is restrained approximately in the center within the elongated holes 138a and 138b and abuts against the rear end of the bracket 116. This prevents the bracket 116 and, therefore, the handle 44 from swinging, resulting in a locked state. In this locked state, the handle 44 is fixed by the connecting member 58 in a state extending forward relative to the loading platform 12. Pulling the lower end of the lock lever 124 forward from this state rotates the lock lever 124 as a whole. As a result, the lock pin 120 is moved rearward by the upper part of the lock lever 124, allowing the bracket 116 and, therefore, the handle 44 to swing, and the lock is released. In the unlocked state, the handle 44 can be swung in the front-to-back direction (vertical direction) indicated by arrow P relative to the loading platform 12 (see Figure 1), and the handle 44 can be swung relative to the loading platform 12 and folded, allowing the electrically assisted cart 10 to be loaded onto a fire engine.

When the handle portion 44 is in a locked state extending forward relative to the loading platform 12, the slide member 60, surrounded by the guide member 62 and the bracket 116, moves forward and backward as the handle portion 44 is pushed or pulled.

A stroke sensor 146 is provided below the slide member 60. The stroke sensor 146 has a throttle arm 148. The stroke sensor 146 is attached to the underside of the fourth guide plate 80 with multiple bolts 150 so that the throttle arm 148 is positioned above the fourth guide plate 80. The stroke sensor 146 does not protrude laterally beyond the guide member 62. The stroke sensor 146 is covered from below by an undercover 152. The undercover 152 is attached to the underside of the fourth guide plate 80 with multiple bolts 154 and a collar 156. A pin 158 is attached to the hole 74 of the recess 72 of the slide member 60 so as to extend in the vertical direction (see Figures 5 and 8). Referring to Figure 11, the pin 158 is movable in the front-rear direction together with the slide member 60. The throttle arm 148 is engaged with the pin 158 and swings as the pin 158 moves in the front-rear direction together with the slide member 60. The stroke sensor 146 detects the stroke amount of the slide member 60 based on the swing angle of the throttle arm 148.

Referring to Figures 4 and 9, a damper 160 is provided on the connecting member 58 to damp the reciprocating movement of the slide member 60. The front end of the damper 160 is attached to the handle body 46 via a bracket 162, and the approximate center of the damper 160 is attached to the first guide plate 76a by a bolt 166 via a collar 164. In this manner, the damper 160 is provided to extend in the fore-and-aft direction. The damper 160 can reciprocate in the fore-and-aft direction in conjunction with the fore-and-aft reciprocating movement of the handle portion 44 and, by extension, the slide member 60. In this embodiment, the slide member 60, pin 158, and damper 160 can all reciprocate by a stroke S, and the throttle arm 148 can swing by an angle r accordingly (see Figures 9 and 11).

With this type of electrically assisted cart 10, the four first guide rollers 106 provided between the slide member 60 and the guide member 62 restrict the left-right movement of the slide member 60 while allowing it to slide relative to the guide member 62. Furthermore, the four second guide rollers 108 provided between the slide member 60 and the guide member 62 restrict the up-down movement of the slide member 60 while allowing it to slide relative to the guide member 62. This further restricts the rotational movement of the slide member 60. Therefore, even if the handle portion 44 is pulled in any direction, including a diagonal forward direction, the slide member 60, which can reciprocate along with the handle portion 44, can smoothly slide forward and backward relative to the guide member 62. As a result, the stroke amount of the slide member 60 can be appropriately detected by the stroke sensor 146, and the amount of assistance provided by the electric motors 28a, 28b can be appropriately controlled based on the detection result of the stroke sensor 146. This allows the electrically assisted cart 10 to achieve the desired assist force and excellent operability.

Two first guide rollers 106 are provided between the slide member 60 and the first guide plate 76a, and two first guide rollers 106 are provided between the slide member 60 and the second guide plate 76b, supporting the slide member 60 from both sides so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction, and appropriately restricting the slide member 60's movement in the left-to-right direction.

The slide member 60 is supported from one side by two second guide rollers 108 provided between the slide member 60 and the first guide plate 76a and fitted into corresponding grooves 70, allowing it to slide in the front-to-rear direction. The slide member 60 is supported from the other side by two second guide rollers 108 provided between the slide member 60 and the second guide plate 76b and fitted into corresponding grooves 70. Because each second guide roller 108 fits into a corresponding groove 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction, it can move in the front-to-rear direction along the groove 70, but is restricted from moving perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60. Therefore, the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60 can be appropriately restricted with fewer second guide rollers 108 than when second guide rollers are provided on the top and bottom surfaces of both the left and right sides of the slide member.

When the handle portion 44 is not folded, the stroke sensor 146 is not located above the slide member 60, and is therefore less likely to be subjected to loads from above. This reduces damage to the stroke sensor 146 due to loads from above.

Even if the handle portion 44 is suddenly pushed or pulled, the damper 160 can dampen the sudden reciprocating movement of the slide member 60 and, ultimately, the handle portion 44. This can mitigate sudden changes in the stroke amount of the slide member 60, thereby suppressing sudden fluctuations in the amount of assistance. As a result, a smoothly changing amount of assistance can be achieved, resulting in an electrically assisted cart 10 with good operability.

The first guide roller 106 and the second guide roller 108 are each made up of a cam follower, making them easy to construct. Furthermore, with a compact configuration, rotation of the slide member 60 in response to operation of the handle portion 44 can be restricted.

The first guide roller 106 and the second guide roller 108 are provided on the sides of the slide member 60, and are not provided above or below the slide member 60. This allows the thickness of the third guide plate 78 and the fourth guide plate 80 to be reduced, and the vertical dimension of the guide member 62 to be reduced.

The electrically assisted cart 10 of this invention can be suitably used as a hose cart that can carry fire hoses on the loading platform.

In the above embodiment, the groove 70 extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits is provided in the slide member 60, but this is not limited to this. The groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may be provided in the first guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the first guide plate face each other. Furthermore, the groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may be provided in the second guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the second guide plate face each other.

In the above embodiment, two grooves 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed on the opposing surfaces of the slide member 60 and the first guide plate 76a, but this is not limited to this. A single groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which two second guide rollers 108 fit may also be formed on the opposing surfaces. Furthermore, while two grooves 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed on the opposing surfaces of the slide member 60 and the second guide plate 76b, this is not limited to this. A single groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which two second guide rollers 108 fit may also be formed on the opposing surfaces.

In the above embodiment, four first guide rollers 106 and four second guide rollers 108 were used, but this is not limited to this.

At least two first guide rollers 106 should be provided between the slide member and the guide member, and at least two second guide rollers 108 should be provided between the slide member and the guide member.

Referring to Figure 12, an embodiment in which three first guide rollers 106 and three second guide rollers 108 are used will be described.

The connecting member 58a in this embodiment includes a slide member 60a and a guide member 62a.

A single groove 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed approximately in the center of the lower part of one side of the slide member 60a, and two additional grooves 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed at the front and rear of the lower part of the other side of the slide member 60a. A single groove 168 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed in the rear center of the top surface of the slide member 60a. A recess 72a is provided in the approximately center of the front-to-rear direction on the bottom surface of the slide member 60a. The rest of the configuration of the slide member 60a is the same as that of the slide member 60, so repeated explanations will be omitted.

The guide member 62a includes a first guide plate 170a provided on one side of the slide member 60a, a second guide plate 170b provided on the other side, a third guide plate 172 provided above, a fourth guide plate 80 provided below, and a front plate 82 provided in front. The fourth guide plate 80 and front plate 82 are the same as those in the previous embodiment.

A single recess 84a extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the front portion of the upper surface of the first guide plate 170a. As in the previous embodiment, a groove 86a extending in the front-to-rear direction is provided in the inner surface of the first guide plate 170a at approximately the center in the up-down direction (see Figure 4). The groove 86a is located at least below the recess 84a. The second guide plate 170b is configured approximately bilaterally symmetrical to the first guide plate 170a. That is, the second guide plate 170b has one recess 84b and one groove 86b similar to the one recess 84a and groove 86a of the first guide plate 170a. The third guide plate 172 is formed in the shape of a thick, approximately rectangular plate.

Furthermore, the connecting member 58a includes three first guide rollers 106 and three second guide rollers 108. As in the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the first guide rollers 106 and second guide rollers 108 are made up of cam followers, with the first guide roller 106 including an outer ring 106a and a mounting shaft 106b, and the second guide roller 108 including an outer ring 108a and a mounting shaft 108b. The outer diameter of the outer ring 106a is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width W2 of the groove 168, and the outer diameter of the outer ring 108a is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width W1 of the groove 70.

One first guide roller 106 is provided between the slide member 60a and the first guide plate 170a, another first guide roller 106 is provided between the slide member 60a and the second guide plate 170b, and another first guide roller 106 is provided between the slide member 60a and the third guide plate 172. Each first guide roller 106 is provided with its mounting shaft 106b extending in the vertical direction. On the first guide plate 170a side, the mounting shaft 106b of one first guide roller 106 passes from the recess 84a to the groove 86a and is threaded into the nut 110. On the second guide plate 170b side, the mounting shaft 106b of one first guide roller 106 passes from the recess 84b to the groove 86b and is threaded into the nut 110. Additionally, the outer ring 106a of one of the first guide rollers 106 fits into a groove 168 provided on the upper surface of the slide member 60a, and the mounting shaft 106b is inserted through the third guide plate 172 and screwed into the nut 110.

One second guide roller 108 is provided between the slide member 60a and the first guide plate 170a, and two second guide rollers 108 are provided between the slide member 60a and the second guide plate 170b. Each second guide roller 108 is provided with an attachment shaft 108b extending in the left-right direction (width direction). On the first guide plate 170a side, the outer ring 108a of one second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided approximately in the center of the lower part of one side of the slide member 60a, and the attachment shaft 108b is inserted through the first guide plate 170a and threaded into a nut 112. On the second guide plate 170b side, the outer ring 108a of one second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided in the front part of the other side of the slide member 60a, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the second guide plate 170b and screwed into the nut 112; the outer ring 108a of the other second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided in the rear part of the other side of the slide member 60a, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted into the second guide plate 170b and screwed into the nut 112.

The rest of the configuration of the connecting member 58a is the same as that of the connecting member 58 in the previous embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In this embodiment, the three first guide rollers 106 provided between the slide member 60a and the guide member 62a restrict the left-right movement of the slide member 60a while allowing the slide member 60a to slide relative to the guide member 62a. Furthermore, the three second guide rollers 108 provided between the slide member 60a and the guide member 62a restrict the up-down movement of the slide member 60a while allowing the slide member 60a to slide relative to the guide member 62a. This further restricts the rotational movement of the slide member 60a.

The slide member 60a is supported from above as well as from both sides so that it can slide in the front-to-rear direction by one first guide roller 106 provided between the slide member 60a and the first guide plate 170a, one first guide roller 106 provided between the slide member 60a and the second guide plate 170b, and one first guide roller 106 provided between the slide member 60a and the third guide plate 172 and fitted into a groove 168, thereby appropriately restricting the left-to-right movement of the slide member 60a. Here, the first guide roller 106 provided between the slide member 60a and the third guide plate 172 fits into the groove 168 extending in the front-to-rear direction, so it can move in the front-to-rear direction along the groove 168, but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting the left-to-right movement of the slide member 60a. Therefore, the left-to-right movement of the slide member 60a can be restricted with a small number of first guide rollers 106.

The slide member 60a is supported from one side by one second guide roller 108 that is provided between the slide member 60a and the first guide plate 170a and fits into a groove 70, allowing it to slide in the front-to-rear direction. The slide member 60a is supported from the other side by two second guide rollers 108 that are provided between the slide member 60a and the second guide plate 170b and fit into corresponding grooves 70. Because each second guide roller 108 fits into a corresponding groove 70 that extends in the front-to-rear direction, it can move in the front-to-rear direction along the groove 70, but is restricted from moving perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60a. Therefore, the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60a can be appropriately restricted with fewer second guide rollers 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the groove 168 extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits is provided in the slide member 60a, but this is not limited to this. The groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits may be provided in the third guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the third guide plate face each other. Furthermore, the groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits may be provided in either the slide member or the fourth guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the fourth guide plate face each other. In this case, one first guide roller is provided between the slide member and the fourth guide plate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the groove 70 extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits is provided in the slide member 60a, but this is not limited to this. The groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may also be provided in the first guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the first guide plate face each other. Furthermore, the groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may also be provided in the second guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the second guide plate face each other.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, two grooves 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the second guide plate, but this is not limited to this. Alternatively, a single groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which two second guide rollers 108 fit may be formed on the opposing surfaces.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 12, the left and right configurations may be reversed. That is, the first guide plate 170a, which has one groove 70 and one second guide roller 108, may be located on the left, and the second guide plate 170b, which has two grooves 70 and two second guide rollers 108, may be located on the right.

Furthermore, with reference to Figure 13, an embodiment in which two first guide rollers 106 and two second guide rollers 108 are used will be described.

In this embodiment, the connecting member 58b includes a slide member 60b and a guide member 62b.

One groove 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed slightly below the center of one side of the slide member 60b, and another groove 70 extending in the front-to-rear direction is formed slightly below the center of the other side of the slide member 60b. In addition, two grooves 168 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed in the front and rear centers of the top surface of the slide member 60b. The rest of the configuration of the slide member 60b is the same as that of the slide member 60, so redundant explanations will be omitted.

The guide member 62b includes a first guide plate 174a provided on one side of the slide member 60b, a second guide plate 174b provided on the other side, a third guide plate 176 provided above, a fourth guide plate 80 provided below, and a front plate 82 provided in front. The first guide plate 174a, second guide plate 174b, and third guide plate 176 are formed as thick, roughly rectangular plates. The fourth guide plate 80 and front plate 82 are the same as those in the previous embodiment.

Furthermore, the connecting member 58b includes two first guide rollers 106 and two second guide rollers 108. As in the previous embodiment, in this embodiment, the first guide rollers 106 and second guide rollers 108 are made up of cam followers, with the first guide roller 106 including an outer ring 106a and a mounting shaft 106b, and the second guide roller 108 including an outer ring 108a and a mounting shaft 108b. The outer diameter of the outer ring 106a is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width W2 of the groove 168, and the outer diameter of the outer ring 108a is set to be approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width W1 of the groove 70.

Two first guide rollers 106 are provided between the slide member 60b and the third guide plate 176. Each first guide roller 106 is provided with its mounting shaft 106b extending vertically. The outer ring 106a of one first guide roller 106 fits into a groove 168 provided in the front part of the top surface of the slide member 60b, and the mounting shaft 106b is inserted into the third guide plate 176 and screwed into the nut 110. The outer ring 106a of the other first guide roller 106 fits into a groove 168 provided in the rear part of the top surface of the slide member 60b, and the mounting shaft 106b is inserted into the third guide plate 176 and screwed into the nut 110.

One second guide roller 108 is provided between the slide member 60b and the first guide plate 174a, and another second guide roller 108 is provided between the slide member 60b and the second guide plate 174b. Each second guide roller 108 is provided with its mounting shaft 108b extending in the left-right direction (width direction). On the first guide plate 174a side, the outer ring 108a of one second guide roller 108 fits into a groove 70 provided slightly below the center of one side of the slide member 60b, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted through the first guide plate 174a and threaded into a nut 112. On the second guide plate 174b side, the outer ring 108a of one of the second guide rollers 108 fits into a groove 70 provided slightly below the center of the other side of the slide member 60b, and the mounting shaft 108b is inserted through the second guide plate 174b and screwed into the nut 112.

The rest of the configuration of the connecting member 58b is the same as that of the connecting member 58 in the previous embodiment, so duplicated explanations will be omitted.

In this embodiment, two first guide rollers 106 provided between the slide member 60b and the guide member 62b restrict the left-right movement of the slide member 60b while allowing the slide member 60b to slide relative to the guide member 62b. Furthermore, two second guide rollers 108 provided between the slide member 60b and the guide member 62b restrict the up-down movement of the slide member 60b while allowing the slide member 60b to slide relative to the guide member 62b. This further restricts the rotational movement of the slide member 60b.

The slide member 60b is supported from above by two first guide rollers 106 that are provided between the slide member 60b and the third guide plate 176 and fit into corresponding grooves 168, allowing it to slide in the front-to-rear direction. Because the two first guide rollers 106 fit into corresponding grooves 168 that extend in the front-to-rear direction, they can move in the front-to-rear direction along the grooves 168, but are restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting the left-to-right movement of the slide member 60b. Therefore, the left-to-right movement of the slide member 60b can be appropriately restricted with fewer first guide rollers 106.

The slide member 60b is supported from one side by a second guide roller 108 that is provided between the slide member 60b and the first guide plate 174a and fits into a groove 70, allowing it to slide in the front-to-rear direction. The slide member 60b is supported from the other side by a second guide roller 108 that is provided between the slide member 60b and the second guide plate 174b and fits into a groove 70, allowing it to slide in the front-to-rear direction. Because each second guide roller 108 fits into a corresponding groove 70 that extends in the front-to-rear direction, it can move in the front-to-rear direction along the groove 70, but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction, thereby restricting the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60b. Therefore, the up-to-down movement of the slide member 60b can be appropriately restricted with even fewer second guide rollers 108.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the groove 168 extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits is provided in the slide member 60b, but this is not limited to this. The groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits may be provided in the third guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the third guide plate face each other. Furthermore, the groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller 106 fits may be provided in either the slide member or the fourth guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the fourth guide plate face each other. In this case, two first guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the fourth guide plate.

In the embodiment shown in Figure 13, two grooves 168 extending in the front-to-rear direction are formed on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the third guide plate, but this is not limited to this. A single groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which two first guide rollers 106 fit may also be formed on the opposing surfaces. The same applies when a groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which the first guide rollers 106 fit is formed on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the fourth guide plate.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the groove 70 extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits is provided in the slide member 60b, but this is not limited to this. The groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may also be provided in the first guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the first guide plate face each other. Furthermore, the groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller 108 fits may also be provided in the second guide plate, as long as it is on the surface where the slide member and the second guide plate face each other.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6, four first guide rollers 106 and four second guide rollers 108 are used, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, three first guide rollers 106 and three second guide rollers 108 are used, and in the embodiment shown in FIG. 13, two first guide rollers 106 and two second guide rollers 108 are used, but these combinations may be changed as appropriate. That is, a combination of four first guide rollers 106 and two or three second guide rollers 108, a combination of three first guide rollers 106 and two or four second guide rollers 108, or a combination of two first guide rollers 106 and three or four second guide rollers 108 are possible.

In addition, this invention may be configured so that at least one of the slide member and the guide member has at least one groove extending in the front-to-rear direction and into which the first guide roller or the second guide roller fits. In this case, the first guide roller or the second guide roller provided between the slide member and the guide member fits into a groove formed in either the slide member or the guide member and extending in the front-to-rear direction. Here, the first guide roller or the second guide roller fitted into the groove can move in the front-to-rear direction along the groove, but is restricted from moving in a direction perpendicular to the front-to-rear direction. Therefore, by fitting the first guide roller into the groove, the left-to-right movement of the slide member can be restricted by a single guide roller. Furthermore, by fitting the second guide roller into the groove, the up-to-down movement of the slide member can be restricted by a single guide roller. This allows the movement of the slide member to be restricted with fewer guide rollers.

Roller followers may be used for the first and second guide rollers. In this case, an axially extending mounting shaft is preferably attached to the inner ring of the roller follower, achieving the same effect as when cam followers are used.

The driving of the pair of wheels 24a, 24b may be assisted by a single electric motor.

This invention is not limited to hose cars and can be applied to any electrically assisted trolley.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Electrically assisted dolly 12 Loading platform 24a, 24b Wheels 28a, 28b Electric motor 34 Control unit 44 Handle portion 58, 58a, 58b Connecting member 60, 60a, 60b Slide member 62, 62a, 62b Guide member 64 Connection portion 70, 86a, 86b, 168 Groove 76a, 170a, 174a First guide plate 76b, 170b, 174b Second guide plate 78, 172, 176 Third guide plate 80 Fourth guide plate 82 Front plate portion 104, 122 Spring 106 First guide roller 108 Second guide roller 146 Stroke sensor 160 Damper

Claims (12)

The loading platform and
A pair of wheels provided on the loading platform;
an electric motor for assisting the driving of the pair of wheels;
a handle portion provided at the front of the loading platform for towing the loading platform;
a connecting member that connects the handle portion and the loading platform, the connecting member including a slide member that can reciprocate in the front-rear direction relative to the loading platform in association with the handle portion and a guide member that is provided outside the slide member to guide the reciprocating movement of the slide member;
an elastic member provided on the handle portion for biasing the slide member rearward;
a stroke sensor for detecting a stroke amount of the slide member;
a control unit that controls an amount of assist by the electric motor based on a detection result of the stroke sensor,
The connecting member is
at least two first guide rollers provided between the slide member and the guide member to restrict left-right movement of the slide member while sliding the slide member relative to the guide member;
an electrically assisted cart further including at least two second guide rollers provided between the slide member and the guide member to restrict vertical movement of the slide member while sliding the slide member relative to the guide member; The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the slide member and the guide member has at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller or the second guide roller fits. The guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member and a second guide plate provided on the other side of the slide member,
two first guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the first guide plate;
The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1 , wherein two of the first guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the second guide plate. the guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member, a second guide plate provided on the other side, a third guide plate provided above, and a fourth guide plate provided below,
one first guide roller is provided between the slide member and the first guide plate,
one first guide roller is provided between the slide member and the second guide plate,
one first guide roller is provided between the slide member and the third guide plate or the fourth guide plate,
The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1 , wherein a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the first guide roller fits is provided on an opposing surface between the slide member and the third guide plate or the fourth guide plate. the guide member includes a first guide plate provided on one side of the slide member, a second guide plate provided on the other side, a third guide plate provided above, and a fourth guide plate provided below,
two first guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the third guide plate or the fourth guide plate;
2. The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1, wherein at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding first guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface between the slide member and the third guide plate or the fourth guide plate. Two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, and at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the first guide plate,
6. An electric assist cart according to claim 3, wherein two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the second guide plate. The second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, and a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface between the slide member and the first guide plate,
6. An electric assist cart according to claim 3, wherein two second guide rollers are provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and at least one groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the corresponding second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surfaces of the slide member and the second guide plate. The second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the first guide plate, and a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface between the slide member and the first guide plate,
6. An electric assist cart according to claim 3, wherein one second guide roller is provided between the slide member and the second guide plate, and a groove extending in the front-rear direction and into which the second guide roller fits is provided on the opposing surface between the slide member and the second guide plate. The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1 , wherein the stroke sensor is provided below the slide member. The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1 , further comprising a damper provided on the connecting member for damping the reciprocating movement of the slide member. The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1 , wherein the first guide roller and the second guide roller each include a cam follower or a roller follower. 6. The electrically assisted cart according to claim 1, wherein the cart is a hose cart capable of carrying a fire hose on the loading platform.