JP2024060250A - Intermediate unit and trolley - Google Patents

Abstract

[Problem] To provide an intermediate tool unit and a dolly capable of suppressing deformation of a hose. [Solution] An intermediate tool unit according to one embodiment includes an intermediate tool main body including a first end and a second end, an intermediate tool having a first connection part located at the first end and a second connection part located at the second end, and a fluid flows along a first direction from the first end to the second end, and a dolly on which the intermediate tool is mounted. The dolly includes a frame body having a first frame that is provided downstream of the first connection part in the first direction and supports the first end, and a second frame 52 that is provided upstream of the second connection part in the first direction and supports the second end, and a plurality of wheels that are provided on the frame body so that the frame body moves in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction. [Selected Figure] Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to a carrier unit and a trolley.

For example, strainers and various valves are known as intermediate devices for connecting multiple flow paths. Such intermediate devices are connected to pipes such as a pair of fire hoses. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a strainer in which a cylindrical screen is detachably stored in the strainer body, characterized in that a dipping layer made of an elastic material such as rubber or resin is provided on both or either one of the ends of the screen stored in the strainer body.

JP 2006-326413 A

For example, a hose expands, contracts, and moves when liquid passes through it. As the diameter of the connected hose increases, the mass of the intermediate device also increases. As a result, the movement of a hose connected to an intermediate device with a large diameter is restricted by the intermediate device. This can result in the hose becoming deformed. Examples of hose deformation include twisting, bending, and kinking.

If water is passed through a deformed hose, for example, there is a risk that the pressure inside the hose will rise suddenly, or that the bent hose will rub against the surface on which it is placed, causing the hose to break. As such, there is still room for improvement in terms of preventing hose deformation when water is passed through it.

Therefore, one of the objectives of the present invention is to provide an intermediate unit and a cart that can suppress deformation of the hose.

The intermediary unit according to one embodiment includes an intermediary body including a first end and a second end, a first connection part located at the first end, and a second connection part located at the second end, and includes an intermediary through which a fluid flows in a first direction from the first end toward the second end, and a cart on which the intermediary is mounted.

The cart has a frame body having a first frame that is disposed downstream of the first connection portion in the first direction and supports the first end, and a second frame 52 that is disposed upstream of the second connection portion in the first direction and supports the second end, and a plurality of wheels that are provided on the frame body so that the frame body moves in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction.

The plurality of wheels may be provided on the frame body so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a second direction intersecting the first direction. The plurality of wheels may include a first wheel, a second wheel aligned with the first wheel in the second direction, a third wheel located downstream of the first wheel in the first direction, and a fourth wheel aligned with the third wheel in the second direction, and the first connection portion may be located between the first wheel and the second wheel, and the second connection portion may be located between the third wheel and the fourth wheel.

The intermediate tool may be a strainer. The intermediate tool body may further include a drain portion located between the first end and the second end, and the frame body may further include a third frame that connects the first frame and the second frame 52 and supports the drain portion.

The cart according to one embodiment has an intermediate body including a first end and a second end, a first connection part located at the first end, and a second connection part located at the second end, and is a cart on which an intermediate body is mounted through which a fluid flows along a first direction from the first end to the second end, and has a frame body having a first frame that is provided downstream of the first connection part in the first direction and supports the first end, and a second frame 52 that is provided upstream of the second connection part in the first direction and supports the second end, and a plurality of wheels provided on the frame body so that the frame body moves in the first direction and in a direction opposite to the first direction.

The present invention provides an intermediate unit and a trolley that can suppress deformation of the hose.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a water supply system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of an intermediate unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic side view of an intermediary unit according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the joint set shown in FIG. FIG. 5 is a schematic plan view showing the intermediate tool shown in FIG. 2. As shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a schematic plan view of the carriage shown in FIG. FIG. 7 is a schematic side view of the dolly shown in FIG.

One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the disclosure is merely an example, and appropriate modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive of while maintaining the gist of the invention are naturally included within the scope of the present invention. Also, the drawings may be shown more diagrammatically than the actual embodiment in order to make the explanation clearer, but they are merely an example and do not limit the interpretation of the present invention.

In each figure, the reference numerals may be omitted for identical or similar elements arranged consecutively. Furthermore, in this specification and each figure, the same reference numerals may be used for components that perform the same or similar functions as those described above with respect to the previous figures, and duplicate detailed descriptions may be omitted.

Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of the water supply system 100 according to this embodiment. Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of the intermediary unit 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 3 is a schematic side view of the intermediary unit 1 according to this embodiment. Figure 4 is a schematic plan view showing an example of the joint set 40 shown in Figure 2. Figure 5 is a schematic plan view showing the intermediary 10 shown in Figure 2. Figure 6 is a schematic plan view of the cart 20 shown in Figure 2. Figure 7 is a schematic side view of the cart 20 shown in Figure 2.

In this embodiment, a first direction X, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z are defined as shown in each figure. The first direction X, the second direction Y, and the third direction Z are perpendicular to each other, but may intersect at an angle other than 90°.

In this embodiment, the third direction Z is defined as up or upward, and the direction opposite to the third direction Z is defined as down or downward. In this embodiment, the first direction X corresponds to the direction in which the fluid flows. In Figures 3 and 7, the intermediary unit 1 is viewed from the direction opposite to the first direction X.

As shown in FIG. 1, the water supply system 100 includes an intermediate unit 1 and hoses H1 and H2. The water supply system 100 is applied to, for example, hose installation lines in nuclear power plants and the like, where large-diameter hoses (for example, 100A or more) are used. The water supply system 100 can be used, for example, in the field of firefighting. However, the water supply system 100 can also be used for various purposes other than the field of firefighting, such as in the industrial and agricultural fields.

Hoses H1 and H2 are an example of piping. For example, hoses H1 and H2 are fire hoses, but are not limited to this example. Hoses H1 and H2 extend along the first direction X. Intermediary unit 1 is located between hose H1 and hose H2. Hose H1 is located upstream of intermediary unit 1 in the first direction X, and hose H2 is located downstream of intermediary unit 1.

Hose H1 is connected to a fluid supply source S. The supply source S is, for example, a fire engine, a pump, etc. Hose H2 is connected to a nozzle N, etc. Each of hoses H1 and H2 may be composed of a single hose or may be composed of multiple hoses. The water supply system 100 may be configured to further include a supply source S and a nozzle N, etc.

The intermediary tool unit 1 according to this embodiment is installed on an installation surface G (shown in FIG. 3), such as the ground. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the intermediary tool unit 1 includes an intermediary tool 10 and a cart 20 on which the intermediary tool 10 is mounted. The intermediary tool 10 is, for example, a strainer.

In this embodiment, a Y-shaped strainer is shown as an example of the intermediary tool 10. The strainer removes foreign matter contained in a fluid such as a liquid. In one example, the size of the intermediary tool 10 is 100A. The size of the intermediary tool 10 can be changed as appropriate depending on the diameter of the hoses H1 and H2.

The intermediary tool 10 has an intermediary tool body 11, a first connection part 31, a second connection part 32, and a drain connection part 33. The intermediary tool body 11, the first connection part 31, the second connection part 32, and the drain connection part 33 are, for example, integrally formed. However, the intermediary tool body 11, the first connection part 31, the second connection part 32, and the drain connection part 33 may each be formed from a different member.

The intermediary device body 11, the first connection part 31, the second connection part 32, and the drain connection part 33 are formed from a metal material such as cast iron, stainless steel, or an aluminum alloy. As another example, the intermediary device body 11, the first connection part 31, the second connection part 32, and the drain connection part 33 may be formed from a resin material.

The first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 32, and the drain connection portion 33 are, for example, flanges. The first connection portion 31, the second connection portion 32, and the drain connection portion 33 may be of a type other than a flange, such as, for example, a screw. For example, the size of the first connection portion 31 is equal to the size of the second connection portion 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, a fitting set 40 is attached to each of the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32. The fitting set 40 may be included in the water supply system 100. The fitting set 40 is formed from a metal material such as cast iron, stainless steel, or an aluminum alloy. As another example, the fitting set 40 may be formed from a resin material.

The joint set 40 has a flange 41 corresponding to the first connection part 31 and the second connection part 32, and a connector 42. The first connection part 31 and the flange 41 are fixed by bolts and nuts (not shown), and the second connection part 32 and the flange 41 are fixed by bolts and nuts (not shown). The gap between the first connection part 31 and the flange 41, and the gap between the second connection part 32 and the flange 41 are sealed by a gasket or the like (not shown).

The connector 42 is, for example, a connector that does not distinguish between male and female. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the connector 42 has a main body 43 attached to the flange 41, a plurality of protrusions 44 protruding from the end of the main body 43, recesses 45 between adjacent protrusions 44, and a ring-shaped seal material 46. The main body 43 has a cylindrical shape.

Hose H1 is connected to the fitting set 40 attached to the first connection part 31 via a connector 48 provided at the end. Hose H2 is connected to the fitting set 40 attached to the second connection part 32 via a connector 48 provided at the end.

The connector 48 has a structure similar to that of the connector 42. However, the connectors 42 and 48 can have various shapes. For example, the connectors 42 and 48 can have a male-female structure.

As shown in FIG. 5, the intermediary body 11 includes a first end 12, a second end 13, and a drain portion 14 located between the first end 12 and the second end 13. Here, the first end 12 is a portion located on the upstream side of the intermediary body 11 including one end of the intermediary body 11 in the first direction X and the area nearby, and the second end 13 is a portion located on the downstream side of the intermediary body 11 including the other end of the intermediary body 11 in the first direction X and the area nearby.

The drain portion 14 extends in a direction different from the first end 12 and the second end 13. A first connection portion 31 is located at the end of the first end 12 in the direction opposite to the first direction X, a second connection portion 32 is located at the end of the second end 13 in the first direction X, and a drain connection portion 33 is located at the end of the drain portion 14. In the intermediary device 10 of this embodiment, the fluid flows from the first end 12 toward the second end 13.

A screen (not shown) is provided inside the drain portion 14 to remove foreign matter from the fluid. When the fluid that flows into the intermediate device 10 from the first end 12 passes through the screen, the fluid from which the foreign matter has been removed flows out from the second end 13. From another perspective, the first end 12 is provided upstream of the second end 13 in the first direction X.

The drain section 14 is closed by a closing flange 49. The drain connection section 33 and the closing flange 49 are fixed by bolts and nuts (not shown). The space between the drain connection section 33 and the closing flange 49 is sealed by a gasket or the like (not shown). Although not shown, the closing flange 49 may be provided with a valve for discharging fluid.

Next, the carriage 20 will be described.
As shown in Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, the trolley 20 includes a frame body 50 and a plurality of casters (for example, four) provided on the frame body 50. The frame body 50 is formed, for example, from a steel pipe. One example of a steel pipe is a square steel pipe. As another example, the frame body 50 may be formed from a steel material such as an angle iron. However, the frame body 50 may also be formed from a resin material.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the frame body 50 has a rectangular shape when viewed in the direction opposite to the third direction Z. The frame body 50 has a first frame 51, a second frame 52, a third frame 53, and a fourth frame 54.

The first frame 51 and the second frame 52 extend in the second direction Y and are aligned in the first direction X. The first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are aligned in this order in the first direction X. The length of the first frame 51 in the second direction Y is substantially equal to the length of the second frame 52 in the second direction Y.

The third frame 53 and the fourth frame 54 extend in the first direction X and are aligned in the second direction Y. The fourth frame 54 and the third frame 53 are aligned in this order in the second direction Y. The length of the third frame 53 in the first direction X is substantially equal to the length of the fourth frame 54 in the first direction X.

The third frame 53 is connected to one end of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, and the fourth frame 54 is connected to the other end of the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. In the third direction Z, the third frame 53 and the fourth frame 54 are, for example, located higher than the first frame 51 and the second frame 52. From another perspective, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are located between the third frame 53 and the fourth frame 54 and the installation surface G.

The frame body 50 further has a side surface 56 and a side surface 57 located downstream of the side surface 56 in the first direction X. The side surface 56 faces in the opposite direction to the first direction X, and the side surface 57 faces in the first direction X. The side surface 56 is formed by the first frame 51, the third frame 53, and the fourth frame 54.

The side surface 57 is formed by the second frame 52, the third frame 53, and the fourth frame 54. For example, the side surfaces 56 and 57 are surfaces that are substantially parallel to the Y-Z plane formed by the second direction Y and the third direction Z.

The multiple casters include caster 60A, caster 60B, caster 60C, and caster 60D. Casters 60A and 60B are attached to side surface 56, and casters 60C and 60D are attached to side surface 57.

As shown in FIG. 2, casters 60A and 60B are attached at a predetermined interval so as not to interfere with the first connection part 31, the joint set 40, etc. As shown in FIG. 2, casters 60C and 60D are attached at a predetermined interval so as not to interfere with the second connection part 32, the joint set 40, etc.

The caster 60A includes a mounting plate 61A, a pair of caster frames 62A, an axle 63A, and a wheel 64A (first wheel). The mounting plate 61A is attached to the side surface 56. The mounting plate 61A has, for example, a rectangular shape. The pair of caster frames 62A extend from the mounting plate 61A in a direction opposite to the first direction X.

The axle 63A is attached to a pair of caster frames 62A. The axle 63A has a rotation axis CXA that extends in the second direction Y. The wheel 64A is located between the pair of caster frames 62A. The wheel 64A is attached to the axle 63A so as to rotate about the rotation axis CXA.

The caster 60B includes a mounting plate 61B, a pair of caster frames 62B, an axle 63B, and wheels 64B (second wheels). The mounting plate 61B is attached to the side surface 56. The mounting plate 61B has, for example, a rectangular shape. The pair of caster frames 62B extend from the mounting plate 61B in a direction opposite to the first direction X.

The axle 63B is attached to a pair of caster frames 62B. The axle 63B has a rotation axis CXB that extends in the second direction Y. The wheel 64B is located between the pair of caster frames 62B. The wheel 64B is attached to the axle 63B so as to rotate about the rotation axis CXB.

The caster 60C includes a mounting plate 61C, a pair of caster frames 62C, an axle 63C, and a wheel 64C (third wheel). The mounting plate 61C is attached to the side surface 57. The mounting plate 61C has, for example, a rectangular shape. The pair of caster frames 62C extend from the mounting plate 61C in the first direction X.

The axle 63C is attached to a pair of caster frames 62C. The axle 63C has a rotation axis CXC that extends in the second direction Y. The wheel 64C is located between the pair of caster frames 62C. The wheel 64C is attached to the axle 63C so as to rotate about the rotation axis CXC.

The caster 60D includes a mounting plate 61D, a pair of caster frames 62D, an axle 63D, and a wheel 64D (fourth wheel). The mounting plate 61D is attached to the side surface 57. The mounting plate 61D has, for example, a rectangular shape. The pair of caster frames 62D extend from the mounting plate 61D in the first direction X.

The axle 63D is attached to a pair of caster frames 62D. The axle 63D has a rotation axis CXD that extends in the second direction Y. The wheel 64D is located between the pair of caster frames 62D. The wheel 64D is attached to the axle 63D so as to rotate about the rotation axis CXD.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, in the first direction X, the fourth frame 54 is located between the mounting plates 61A and 61C, and the third frame 53 is located between the mounting plates 61B and 61D. The mounting plates 61A to 61D are fixed to the frame body 50 by, for example, screws, welding, etc.

Here, the positional relationship of the casters 60A to 60D will be described.
In the first direction X, the casters 60C and 60D are located downstream of the casters 60A and 60B. From another perspective, in the first direction X, the wheels 64C and 64D are located downstream of the wheels 64A and 64B.

In the first direction X, caster 60A is lined up with caster 60C, and caster 60B is lined up with caster 60D. In the second direction Y, caster 60A is lined up with caster 60B, and caster 60C is lined up with caster 60D. Caster 60A and caster 60B are lined up in this order in the second direction Y. Caster 60C and caster 60D are lined up in this order in the second direction Y.

From the perspective of the wheels 64A-64D, in the first direction X, wheel 64A is aligned with wheel 64C, and wheel 64B is aligned with wheel 64D. In the second direction Y, wheel 64A is aligned with wheel 64B, and wheel 64C is aligned with wheel 64D. From another perspective, in the second direction Y, the axis of rotation CXA is aligned with the axis of rotation CXB, and the axis of rotation CXC is aligned with the axis of rotation CXD.

That is, the multiple wheels 64A-64D are provided on the frame body 50 so as to move in the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X. This allows the trolley 20 to move in the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X by the multiple wheels 64A-64D.

The wheels 64A-64D are attached to the frame body 50 so as not to rotate around an axis along the third direction Z. This restricts the movement of the cart 20 in any direction other than the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X.

In the example shown in FIG. 6, the distance between wheels 64A and 64B in the second direction Y is smaller than the distance between the fourth frame 54 and the third frame 53 in the second direction Y. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the distance between wheels 64C and 64D in the second direction Y is smaller than the distance between the fourth frame 54 and the third frame 53 in the second direction Y. This allows the length of the trolley 20 in the second direction Y to be reduced.

Next, the positional relationship between the intermediary tool 10 and the trolley 20 in the intermediary tool unit 1 will be explained using Figures 2 and 3.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first frame 51 is disposed downstream of the first connection portion 31 in the first direction X. The first frame 51 supports the first end portion 12. From another perspective, the upper surface 58 of the first frame 51 is in contact with the first end portion 12.

The second frame 52 is provided upstream of the second connection portion 32 in the first direction X. The second frame 52 supports the second end portion 13. From another perspective, the upper surface 59 of the second frame 52 is in contact with the second end portion 13. That is, in the first direction X, the first frame 51 and the second frame 52 are located between the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32.

Furthermore, the second connection portion 32 is a flange having a larger diameter than the second end portion 13. As shown in FIG. 3, the second connection portion 32 has a portion located below the upper surface 59 of the second frame 52. Similarly, the first connection portion 31 has a portion located below the upper surface 58 of the first frame 51. These portions limit the movement of the first end portion 12 and the second end portion 13 along the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X.

As shown in FIG. 2, the first end 12 is located between mounting plates 61A and 61B, and the second end 13 is located between mounting plates 61C and 61D. The mounting plates 61A to 61D restrict the movement of the first end 12 and the second end 13 along the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y.

In this embodiment, the mounting plates 61A-61D function as stoppers to limit the movement of the first end 12 and the second end 13 along the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y.

The third frame 53 supports the drain section 14. In the example shown in FIG. 3, the third frame 53 contacts the drain connection section 33, but the drain section 14 may be supported by contacting a part of the drain section 14 other than the drain connection section 33 or the closing flange 49.

As described above, the third frame 53 is located above the first frame 51 and the second frame 52, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the drain connection portion 33 is located above the first connection portion 31 and the second connection portion 32. From another perspective, the intermediary device 10 is inclined away from the installation surface G along the second direction Y when viewed in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

Here, the center of the flow path along the first direction X of the intermediary device 10 is defined as center C (shown in FIG. 3). The distance L1 from center C to the installation surface G is greater than the distance L2 from center C to the outer peripheral surface SF of the second connection part 32 (L1>L2).

From another perspective, the second connection portion 32 is not in contact with the installation surface G. A gap GA (shown in FIG. 3) is formed between the second connection portion 32 and the installation surface G. For example, the gap GA may be a gap that does not interfere with a user wearing gloves or the like performing the connection work between the intermediary tool 10 and the joint set 40. Here, the relationship between the second connection portion 32 and the installation surface G has been described, but the same applies to the relationship between the first connection portion 31 and the installation surface G.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the first connection portion 31 is located between caster 60A and caster 60B, and the second connection portion 32 is located between caster 60C and caster 60D.

More specifically, the first connection portion 31 is located between the wheels 64A and 64B, and the second connection portion 32 is located between the wheels 64C and 64D. From the viewpoint of the hoses H1 and H2, the hose H1 is located between the casters 60A and 60B, and the hose H2 is located between the casters 60C and 60D.

The intermediary unit 1 configured as described above can suppress deformation of the hoses H1, H2 connected to the intermediary 10. More specifically, the cart 20 on which the intermediary 10 is mounted includes a frame body 50 and a number of wheels 64A-64D attached to the frame body 50 so that the frame body 50 moves in the first direction X and in the direction opposite to the first direction X.

For example, in the water supply system 100, when water is passed through the hoses H1, H2, the hoses H1, H2 expand, contract, and move. As the diameter of the connected hoses H1, H2 increases, the mass of the intermediary device 10 also increases. Therefore, for example, when connected to an intermediary device 10 with a large diameter, the movement of the hoses H1, H2 as described above is restricted, and the hoses H1, H2 may twist, bend, or kink.

The cart 20 can move in the first direction X along the fluid flow direction and in the direction opposite to the first direction X by using the multiple wheels 64A-64D. Since the intermediary tool 10 is mounted on the cart 20, when water is passed through the hoses H1, H2 and a force is applied to the intermediary tool 10 via the hoses H1, H2, the intermediary tool 10 can move together with the cart 20 in the first direction X and in the direction opposite to the first direction X. From another perspective, the intermediary tool unit 1 can be made to follow the movement of the hoses H1, H2.

By moving the intermediary tool 10 together with the cart 20, the movement of the hoses H1, H2 in the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X is less restricted, so the hoses H1, H2 are less likely to be deformed, such as twisted, bent, or kinked. As a result, this embodiment can provide an intermediary tool unit 1 and a cart 20 that can suppress deformation of the hoses H1, H2 connected to the intermediary tool 10.

By making the hoses H1, H2 less likely to deform, it is possible to reduce the risk of the pressure inside the hoses H1, H2 increasing suddenly when water is passed through them, or of the corners of the bent hoses H1, H2 rubbing against the installation surface G, causing damage to the hoses H1, H2. As a result, the intermediate tool unit 1 and the cart 20 according to this embodiment can improve the safety of the water supply system 100.

If the hoses H1, H2 are deformed while water is passing through them, it is necessary to stop the water flow and correct the deformation of the hoses H1, H2. However, with the intermediary tool unit 1 according to this embodiment, the deformation of the hoses H1, H2 connected to the intermediary tool 10 is suppressed, so work to correct the deformation of the hoses H1, H2 is less likely to occur. This improves the workability of the water supply system 100.

In this embodiment, the wheels 64A to 64D rotate about rotation axes CXA to CXD that extend in the second direction Y. This allows the carriage 20 to move in the first direction X and in a direction opposite to the first direction X, while restricting the carriage 20 from moving in any direction other than the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X.

For example, by making it difficult for the intermediary device 10 to move in any direction other than the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X, the hoses H1, H2 are less likely to move in any direction other than the first direction X and the direction opposite to the first direction X, and deformation of the hoses H1, H2 connected to the intermediary device 10 can be further suppressed.

As described with reference to FIG. 3, in the intermediary unit 1 of this embodiment, a gap GA is formed between the first connection portion 31 and the installation surface G, and between the second connection portion 32 and the installation surface G.

Because a worker can insert a hand or a tool into the gap GA, the fitting set 40 can be easily attached to and detached from the intermediary device 10. As a result, the workability of the water supply system 100 can be improved. Furthermore, because the fitting set 40 connected to the intermediary device 10 is not in contact with the installation surface G, the connecting device 48 can be easily attached to and detached from the fitting set 40.

When viewed in the direction opposite to the first direction X, the intermediary device 10 is inclined in the second direction Y away from the installation surface G. From another perspective, a gap is formed between the drain connection portion 33 and the installation surface G. This also makes it easier to attach and detach the closing flange 49 to the drain connection portion 33.

In other words, by mounting the intermediary tool 10 on the cart 20, it becomes easier to perform maintenance such as replacing and cleaning the intermediary tool 10, thereby improving the workability of the water supply system 100.

As the size of the intermediary tool 10 increases, the mass of the intermediary tool 10 also increases, and particularly when the size of the intermediary tool 10 is 100A or more, it becomes difficult for workers to transport the intermediary tool 10. With the intermediary tool unit 1 according to this embodiment, the intermediary tool 10 is mounted on the dolly 20, so the intermediary tool 10 can be easily transported to the destination by the dolly 20, improving the transportability of the intermediary tool 10.

For example, when laying a large-diameter hose (e.g., 100A or more), the burden on the worker can be reduced. If the intermediary tool 10 is mounted on a cart 20, even a single worker can easily transport the intermediary tool 10.

The intermediate tool 10 mounted on the cart 20 is unlikely to shift position relative to the frame body 50. More specifically, the second connection part 32 has a portion located below the top surface 59 of the second frame 52, and the first connection part 31 has a portion located below the top surface 58 of the first frame 51, so that movement of the first end part 12 and the second end part 13 in the first direction X and in the direction opposite to the first direction X is restricted.

Furthermore, the mounting plates 61A-61D limit the movement of the first end 12 and the second end 13 along the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y. From another perspective, the intermediary tool 10 is less likely to shift relative to the cart 20 without using any member for fixing the intermediary tool 10 to the cart 20.

In this embodiment, casters 60A and 60B are attached to side surface 56, and casters 60C and 60D are attached to side surface 57. This allows the height of the cart 20 to be lower than when casters 60A to 60D are attached to the underside of the frame body 50.

From another perspective, the position of the center of gravity of the intermediary tool 10 mounted on the cart 20 can be lowered. As a result, the intermediary tool 10 mounted on the cart 20 can be transported more stably. Furthermore, deformation of the hoses H1 and H2 connected to the intermediary tool 10 can be reduced.

In this embodiment, the third frame 53 supports the drain section 14, but the intermediate device 10 may be mounted on the frame body 50 so that the fourth frame 54 supports the drain section 14.

The dolly 20 may further include a handle for pushing or pulling the dolly 20. Providing the dolly 20 with a handle makes it easier to move the dolly 20 with the intermediary tool 10 mounted on it. The handle extends upward from the frame body 50, for example. A string, chain, or the like may be attached to the frame body 50 in order to pull the dolly 20 instead of a handle.

The casters 60A-60D may further include a locking mechanism that stops the rotation of the wheels 64A-64D. In this embodiment, the mounting plates 61A-61D function as stoppers that limit the movement of the first end 12 and the second end 13 along the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y, but the movement of the first end 12 and the second end 13 along the second direction Y and the direction opposite to the second direction Y may be limited by other members (e.g., plates or bars) instead of the mounting plates 61A-61D.

In this embodiment, the hose H1 connects the supply source S and the intermediary tool 10, but other intermediaries such as a strainer and a valve may be provided between the supply source S and the intermediary tool 10. In this embodiment, the hose H2 connects the intermediary tool 10 and the nozzle N, but other intermediaries such as a strainer and a valve may be provided between the intermediary tool 10 and the nozzle N. In the above-mentioned case, each of the intermediaries may be mounted on the cart 20.

In this embodiment, a strainer is disclosed as an example of the intermediary tool 10, but the intermediary tool 10 may be a valve such as a ball valve or a butterfly valve. The frame body 50 may further have a member that supports the intermediary tool 10 depending on the shape of the intermediary tool 10. The water supply system 100 can also be applied when the diameter of the hoses H1 and H2 is smaller than 100A.

All intermediate tool units and carts that can be implemented by a person skilled in the art through appropriate design modifications based on the intermediate tool units and carts described above as embodiments of the present invention also fall within the scope of the present invention, so long as they include the gist of the present invention. Within the scope of the concept of the present invention, a person skilled in the art can come up with various modified versions, and these modified versions are also considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

For example, if a person skilled in the art appropriately adds or removes components or modifies the design of the above-mentioned embodiment, or adds or omits processes or modifies conditions, these are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they maintain the essence of the present invention.

Furthermore, with regard to other effects brought about by the aspects described in the above embodiments, those that are clear from the description in this specification or that would be appropriately conceived by a person skilled in the art are naturally understood to be brought about by the present invention.

1...Intermediate unit, 10...Intermediate, 11...Intermediate body, 12...First end, 13...Second end, 14...Drain section, 20...Cart, 31...First connection section, 32...Second connection section, 33...Drain connection section, 50...Frame body, 51...First frame, 52...Second frame, 53...Third frame, 54...Fourth frame, 60A-60D...Casters, 100...Water supply system.

The cart includes a frame body having a first frame that is provided downstream of the first connection portion in the first direction and supports the first end, and a second frame that is provided upstream of the second connection portion in the first direction and supports the second end , a first caster frame extending from the first frame in a direction opposite to the first direction, a second caster frame extending from the first frame in a direction opposite to the first direction and aligned with the first caster frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, a third caster frame extending from the second frame in the first direction, and a fourth caster frame extending from the second frame in the second direction. The vehicle has a fourth caster frame extending in a first direction and aligned with the third caster frame in the second direction, a first wheel attached to the first caster frame to rotate about a first rotation axis extending in the second direction, a second wheel attached to the front second caster frame to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the second direction, a third wheel attached to the front third caster frame to rotate about a third rotation axis extending in the second direction, and a fourth wheel attached to the front fourth caster frame to rotate about a fourth rotation axis extending in the second direction. The first wheel, the second wheel, the third wheel, and the fourth wheel do not rotate about an axis along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction.

The first frame may have a first upper surface in contact with the first end. The second frame may have a second upper surface in contact with the second end. The first connection portion may have a first portion formed with a larger diameter than the first end and located below the first upper surface. The second connection portion may have a second portion formed with a larger diameter than the second end and located below the second upper surface. The dolly may further have a pair of first stoppers provided on the first frame to limit movement of the first end along the second direction and a direction opposite to the second direction, and a pair of second stoppers provided on the second frame to limit movement of the second end along the second direction and a direction opposite to the second direction. The first connection portion may be located between the first wheel and the second wheel , and the second connection portion may be located between the third wheel and the fourth wheel.

The intermediate tool may be a strainer. The intermediate tool body may further include a drain portion located between the first end and the second end, and the frame body may further include a third frame connecting the first frame and the second frame and supporting the drain portion. The third frame may be located above the first frame and the second frame. The drain portion may be located above the first connection portion and the second connection portion.

A dolly according to one embodiment is a dolly on which an intermediate tool is mounted, the intermediate tool having an intermediate tool main body including a first end and a second end, a first connection part located at the first end, and a second connection part located at the second end, and in which a fluid flows along a first direction from the first end to the second end, the dolly comprising a frame main body having a first frame that is provided downstream of the first connection part in the first direction and supports the first end, and a second frame that is provided upstream of the second connection part in the first direction and supports the second end, a first caster frame extending from the first frame in a direction opposite to the first direction, and a second caster frame extending from the first frame in a direction opposite to the first direction and aligned with the first caster frame in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction. The vehicle has a second caster frame, a third caster frame extending from the second frame in the first direction, a fourth caster frame extending from the second frame in the first direction and aligned with the third caster frame in the second direction, a first wheel attached to the first caster frame to rotate about a first rotation axis extending in the second direction, a second wheel attached to the front second caster frame to rotate about a second rotation axis extending in the second direction, a third wheel attached to the front third caster frame to rotate about a third rotation axis extending in the second direction, and a fourth wheel attached to the front fourth caster frame to rotate about a fourth rotation axis extending in the second direction. The first wheel, the second wheel, the third wheel, and the fourth wheel do not rotate about an axis along a third direction perpendicular to the first direction and the second direction. The dolly may further include a pair of first stoppers provided on the first frame to limit movement of the first end along the second direction and a direction opposite to the second direction, and a pair of second stoppers provided on the second frame to limit movement of the second end along the second direction and a direction opposite to the second direction. The dolly may further include a first mounting plate attached to the first frame and from which the first caster frame extends, a second mounting plate attached to the first frame and from which the second caster frame extends, a third mounting plate attached to the second frame and from which the third caster frame extends, and a fourth mounting plate attached to the second frame and from which the fourth caster frame extends. The first mounting plate and the second mounting plate may be the pair of first stoppers, and the third mounting plate and the fourth mounting plate may be the pair of second stoppers. The first end may be located between the first mounting plate and the second mounting plate, and the second end may be located between the third mounting plate and the fourth mounting plate.

Claims (6)

an intermediate body including a first end and a second end, a first connection portion located at the first end, and a second connection portion located at the second end, and a fluid flows in a first direction from the first end to the second end;
A cart on which the intermediate tool is mounted,
The cart is
a frame main body including: a first frame provided downstream of the first connection portion in the first direction and supporting the first end; and a second frame provided upstream of the second connection portion in the first direction and supporting the second end;
a plurality of wheels provided on the frame body so that the frame body moves in the first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction;
Intermediate unit. The plurality of wheels are provided on the frame body so as to rotate about a rotation axis extending in a second direction intersecting with the first direction.
The intermediate unit according to claim 1 . the plurality of wheels include a first wheel, a second wheel aligned with the first wheel in the second direction, a third wheel positioned downstream of the first wheel in the first direction, and a fourth wheel aligned with the third wheel in the second direction;
The first connection portion is located between the first wheel and the second wheel, and the second connection portion is located between the third wheel and the fourth wheel.
The intermediate unit according to claim 2 . The medium is a strainer.
The intermediate unit according to claim 1 . The intermediate body further includes a drain portion located between the first end and the second end,
The frame body further includes a third frame that connects the first frame and the second frame 52 and supports the drain portion.
The intermediate unit according to claim 4. A cart on which an intermediate tool is mounted, the intermediate tool having an intermediate tool body including a first end and a second end, a first connection part located at the first end, and a second connection part located at the second end, through which a fluid flows along a first direction from the first end to the second end,
a frame main body including: a first frame provided downstream of the first connection portion in the first direction and supporting the first end; and a second frame provided upstream of the second connection portion in the first direction and supporting the second end;
a plurality of wheels provided on the frame body so that the frame body moves in the first direction and a direction opposite to the first direction;
Trolley.

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