JP7464155B2 - Transport trolley - Google Patents

Description

This embodiment relates to a transport cart.

Transport carts for transporting food and other loads have been used in stores, factories, and other places for some time now. Such transport carts have a cart body with a pair of side frames, and a heat-insulating cart cover is attached to the cart body to keep the food and other loads warm, cold, or protected. One such transport cart is known, for example, from Patent Document 1.

JP 2013-233970 A

However, conventional trolley covers for transport trolleys are generally made of, for example, sewn sheet material, and are thin and flexible (see, for example, Patent Document 1). For this reason, conventional trolley covers have the problem that it is difficult to sufficiently improve the heat insulation performance or sufficiently protect the load inside.

On the other hand, it is also possible to assemble the panels into a box shape and mount them on the trolley body, but in this case, the work of disassembling and folding the panels may become complicated. Furthermore, if parts of the panels are not firmly fixed to the trolley body, the relative positions of the panels when assembled may shift, causing gaps to appear between adjacent panels or causing the panels to deform, making it difficult to obtain the desired insulation performance. Furthermore, if the panels are fixed to the trolley body with adhesive or the like, problems arise in that it is difficult to use the trolley body alone or to replace the panels from the trolley body.

The objective of this disclosure is to provide a transport cart that can securely fasten panels to the cart body.

The transport cart according to this embodiment is a transport cart that includes a cart body having a pair of side frames and a connecting member that connects the pair of side frames to each other, and a side panel fixed to the outside of the side frames, and the side panel is detachably attached to the side frames by an attachment member.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the mounting member may include a hook-and-loop fastener.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the side panel may be provided with a positioning member for positioning with the side frame.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the positioning member may cover the outer periphery of the side frame.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the mounting member may be a cap fitted to the upper end of the side frame.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the mounting member may be a block-shaped fitting member that is fitted into the side frame.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the mounting member may have a claw portion that hooks onto the side frame.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the mounting member may be a support member that is attached to the cart body and supports the lower end of the side panel.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the support member may have a side support portion that supports the main surface of the side panel from the side.

In the transport cart according to this embodiment, the cart body has a handle for pushing the cart body, and the handle may have a deformable structure.

This embodiment allows the panel to be securely fixed to the trolley body.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a transport cart according to one embodiment, with each panel in an unfolded state. FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the transport cart according to the embodiment, with only the front panel in a folded state. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the transport cart according to the embodiment, showing each panel in a folded state. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the carriage body. FIG. 5 is a partially enlarged front view of the carriage body. FIG. 6 is a view of the mounting member as seen from the front side. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing each panel. 8(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the vacuum insulation materials of each panel. 9(a) to 9(c) are plan views showing a process of changing the front panel of the transport cart from an unfolded state to a folded state according to one embodiment. 10(a) to 10(c) are front views showing a process of changing the top panel of the transport cart from an unfolded state to a folded state according to one embodiment. 11(a) and (b) are plan views showing a process of changing the rear panel of the transportation cart according to the embodiment from an unfolded state to a folded state. FIG. 12 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the first modified example. 13(a) and 13(b) are views of the second side panel and the mounting member according to the first modification example viewed from the first side panel side. FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the second modification. 15(a) and 15(b) are views of the second side panel and the mounting member according to the second modification, viewed from the first side panel side. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the third modification. 17(a) and 17(b) are views of the second side panel and the mounting member according to the third modified example, viewed from the first side panel side. FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the fourth modification. 19(a) and 19(b) are views of the second side panel and the mounting member according to the fourth modification, viewed from the first side panel side. FIG. 20 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the fifth modification. 21(a) and (b) are views of the second side panel and the mounting member according to the fifth modification, viewed from the first side panel side. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the sixth modification. 23(a) and 23(b) are respectively a partially enlarged front view and a plan view showing a transportation cart according to the sixth modification. FIG. 24 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the seventh modification. 25(a) to (c) are front views showing the state in which the handle of the transport cart according to the seventh modification is deformed. FIG. 26 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the eighth modified example. 27(a) to (c) are plan views showing the state in which the handle of the transport cart according to the eighth modification is deformed. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a transportation cart according to the ninth modification. 29(a) and (b) are plan views showing the state in which the handle of the transport cart according to the modified example 9 is deformed.

An embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Each of the figures shown below is a schematic illustration. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are appropriately exaggerated to facilitate understanding. In addition, appropriate modifications can be made without departing from the technical concept. In each of the figures shown below, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed explanations may be omitted. In addition, the numerical values such as dimensions of each member and the material names described in this specification are examples of an embodiment, and are not limited to these, and can be selected and used as appropriate. In this specification, terms that specify shapes or geometric conditions, such as parallel, orthogonal, and vertical, are intended to include substantially the same state in addition to their strict meanings.

In the following embodiments, the "X direction" refers to a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the transport cart and parallel to the floor surface on which the transport cart is placed, and the "Y direction" refers to a direction perpendicular to the X direction and parallel to the floor surface on which the transport cart is placed. The "Z direction" refers to a direction parallel to the vertical direction. The "front" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that faces the direction in which other transport carts enter when nesting, and the "back" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that faces the front. The "top surface" refers to a surface parallel to the floor surface that faces the upper side of the transport cart, and the "bottom surface" refers to a surface parallel to the floor surface that faces the lower side of the transport cart. The "side surface" refers to a surface perpendicular to the floor surface that faces the longitudinal end side of the transport cart.

(Configuration of the transport cart)
The configuration of the transport dolly according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 6. Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the transport dolly according to this embodiment in an unfolded state. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the transport dolly according to this embodiment, in which only the front panel is folded. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the transport dolly according to this embodiment in a folded state. Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the dolly body. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged front view of the dolly body. Fig. 6 is a view of the second side panel and the mounting member as seen from the front side. Note that the transport dolly is "unfolded" when each panel of the transport dolly is unfolded, assembled into a box shape, and a heat insulating space is formed between the multiple panels. Also, the transport dolly is "folded" when each panel of the transport dolly is folded, and no heat insulating space is formed between the multiple panels.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the transport cart 10 according to this embodiment comprises a cart body 50 and a number of panels (six in this case) 11-16 that are each attached to the cart body 50 so as to be freely unfolded and folded. Of these, the multiple panels 11-16 can be unfolded and assembled into a box-like unfolded state (see Figure 1), or folded so that the multiple panels 11-16 can be folded and nested with other transport carts (see Figure 3).

The transport cart 10 is used, for example, in stores, factories, logistics processes, etc., when storing or transporting cargo that requires cooling or heating. Such a transport cart 10 is configured so that the storage space 20 capable of storing cargo is surrounded by six panels 11-16, thereby minimizing temperature changes inside the transport cart 10. On the other hand, when the transport cart 10 is not in use, it can be nested with other identical transport carts 10 (part of the transport cart 10 overlaps with another transport cart 10 adjacent in the horizontal direction), allowing multiple transport carts 10 to be stored compactly.

Next, the configuration of the trolley body 50 will be described with reference to Figure 4. As shown in Figure 4, the trolley body 50 has a first side frame 51, a second side frame 52, and a connecting member 53 that connects the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 to each other. In this case, the trolley body 50 has six wheels 61 to 66, and the wheels 61 to 66 are each attached downward from the connecting member 53.

The first side frame 51 is provided at one end of the longitudinal direction (negative end in the X direction) of the bogie body 50, and protrudes upward (positive side in the Z direction) from the connecting member 53. The first side frame 51 is formed in a ladder shape and has a pair of vertical bars 55 extending in the vertical direction (Z direction) and a plurality of horizontal bars 56 extending horizontally (Y direction) between the pair of vertical bars 55. The multiple horizontal bars 56 are arranged at equal intervals from each other along the vertical direction (Z direction). Two wheels 61, 62 are provided below the first side frame 51. One of the pair of vertical bars 55 (positive side in the Y direction) is directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 69 (described later). On the other hand, the other vertical bar 55 (negative side in the Y direction) is not directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 69 and is spaced apart from the wheel mounting frame 69. This prevents the central frame 57 of the other transport cart 10 from interfering with the vertical rod 55 during nesting. The horizontal rail 56 located at the bottom is connected to the wheel mounting frame 69 by the central connecting rod 54. However, this is not limited to the above, and both of the pair of vertical rods 55 may not be directly connected to the wheel mounting frame 69, and the first side frame 51 may be connected to the wheel mounting frame 69 only by the central connecting rod 54.

The second side frame 52 is provided at the other longitudinal end (positive end in the X direction) of the carriage body 50, and protrudes upward (positive side in the Z direction) from the connecting member 53. The configuration of the second side frame 52 is substantially the same as the configuration of the first side frame 51 described above, and is arranged so as to be point-symmetrical with the first side frame 51 in a plan view. Two wheels 65, 66 are provided below the second side frame 52.

The connecting member 53 is roughly O-shaped in plan view (two "E" letters back to back), and has a central frame 57 that extends in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the bogie body 50, and three wheel mounting frames 67 to 69 each connected to the central frame 57.

The central frame 57 is located approximately in the center of the width direction (Y direction) of the trolley body 50. This central frame 57 is strong enough to hold the weight of the transport trolley 10 and its cargo, but is narrow enough not to interfere with nesting the transport trolleys 10 together. The central frame 57 is located higher than the wheel mounting frames 67-69 so as not to interfere with the wheel mounting frames 67-69 of other transport trolleys 10 when nesting.

The three wheel mounting frames 67-69 each extend in a direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the central frame 57. The wheel mounting frames 67-69 consist of a first wheel mounting frame 67 located on the first side frame 51 side, a second wheel mounting frame 68 located between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52, and a third wheel mounting frame 69 located on the second side frame 52 side.

The first wheel mounting frame 67 and the second wheel mounting frame 68 are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the bogie body 50. The second wheel mounting frame 68 and the third wheel mounting frame 69 are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction (X direction) of the bogie body 50. In this case, the distance between the first wheel mounting frame 67 and the second wheel mounting frame 68 may be equal to or different from the distance between the second wheel mounting frame 68 and the third wheel mounting frame 69.

The first wheel mounting frame 67 is provided at one longitudinal end (negative end in the X direction) of the central frame 57. A first wheel 61 and a second wheel 62 are attached to both longitudinal ends (both ends in the Y direction) of the first wheel mounting frame 67, respectively.

The second wheel mounting frame 68 is provided at the longitudinal center (X-direction center) of the central frame 57. A third wheel 63 and a fourth wheel 64 are attached to both longitudinal ends (Y-direction ends) of the second wheel mounting frame 68, respectively. The width (length in the X-direction) of the second wheel mounting frame 68 is narrow enough so as not to interfere with nesting the transport carts 10 together.

The third wheel mounting frame 69 is provided at the other longitudinal end (the positive end in the X direction) of the central frame 57. A fifth wheel 65 and a sixth wheel 66 are attached to both longitudinal ends (both ends in the Y direction) of the third wheel mounting frame 69, respectively.

As described above, the wheels 61 to 66 are composed of the first wheel 61, the second wheel 62, the third wheel 63, the fourth wheel 64, the fifth wheel 65, and the sixth wheel 66. Of these, the first wheel 61, the second wheel 62, the fifth wheel 65, and the sixth wheel 66 are free wheels, each of which rotates along a horizontal axle and can be swiveled around a swivel axis extending in the vertical direction (Z direction). On the other hand, the third wheel 63 and the fourth wheel 64 are fixed wheels, each of which rotates along a horizontal axle but cannot be swiveled around a vertical axis (Z direction).

When the transport cart 10 is traveling with a load on it, the wheels 61 to 66 may be combined to ground the ground by combining the central fixed wheel (third wheel 63 and fourth wheel 64) and one of the front and rear free wheels (first wheel 61 and second wheel 62, or fifth wheel 65 and sixth wheel 66) so that the cart can travel straight ahead stably. When no load is loaded on the transport cart 10, the central fixed wheel (third wheel 63 and fourth wheel 64) may not be grounded, and only the front and rear free wheels (first wheel 61, second wheel 62, fifth wheel 65 and sixth wheel 66) may be grounded in order to facilitate turning and nesting and to improve maneuverability. However, this is not limited to this, and the cart body 50 may have four wheels 61, 62, 65, and 66, and may not have the second wheel mounting frame 68 and the third wheel 63 and the fourth wheel 64.

A foldable bottom plate 58 is provided on the connecting member 53. The bottom plate 58 is substantially rectangular, extends between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 in the longitudinal direction (X direction), and has substantially the same length as the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 in the lateral direction (Y direction). The bottom plate 58 also has sufficient strength to support the load of the transport cart 10.

The bottom plate 58 is movable relative to the connecting member 53, and can be in an unfolded state in which it is disposed on the connecting member 53 (see Figures 1, 2 and 4), or in a folded state in which it is lifted up relative to the connecting member 53 and folded around the second side frame 52 (see Figure 3). That is, when the panels 11-16 are unfolded and assembled into a box-like unfolded state (see Figures 1, 2 and 4), the bottom plate 58 is positioned in a horizontal unfolded state. On the other hand, when the multiple panels 11-16 are folded up to assume the folded state (see Figure 3), the bottom plate 58 is lifted up vertically and positioned in a folded state.

As shown in FIG. 5, the bottom plate 58 can be rotated around a fulcrum 58a provided on the inside (negative side in the X direction) of the central connecting rod 54 and the vertical rod 55. This fulcrum 58a is located below (negative side in the Z direction) the bottom panel 16 (described later). In this case, the entire connecting portion (fulcrum 58a) connecting the bottom plate 58 to the central connecting rod 54 or the vertical rod 55 is located outside the panels 11 to 16. As a result, when the periphery is surrounded by a heat insulating material as described later, the connecting portion is not disposed across the storage space 20 (described later) and the outside air, and it is possible to prevent the connecting portion from becoming a heat bridge and reducing the insulation of the storage space 20. In addition, there is no risk of the connecting portion (fulcrum 58a) interfering with the panels 11 to 16 while the bottom plate 58 is moving between the folded state and the unfolded state.

(Panel composition)
Next, the configuration of the panels 11 to 16 will be described with reference to FIGS.

The panels 11 to 16 are provided as a whole so that they can be freely unfolded and folded relative to the trolley body 50, and as described above, can be in an unfolded state (Figure 1) where they are unfolded and assembled into a box shape, and in a folded state (Figure 3) where they can be nested. Also, Figure 2 shows the case where only the front panel 12 of the panels 11 to 16 is in the folded state.

As shown in FIG. 1, the panels 11 to 16 have a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape in the unfolded state, and include the top panel 11, the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the first side panel 14, the second side panel 15, and the bottom panel 16. The main surfaces of the top panel 11, the front panel 12, the back panel 13, the first side panel 14, the second side panel 15, and the bottom panel 16 (the pair of widest surfaces facing opposite each other among the six surfaces constituting each panel) are each substantially rectangular. The main surfaces of the front panel 12 and the back panel 13 have substantially the same size, and the main surfaces of the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15 have substantially the same size. Each of the panels 11 to 16 is made of a rigid plate-like member, and is designed not to flexibly deform when in use.

In the unfolded state, the six panels 11 to 16 surround the container 10, forming a storage space 20 for storing cargo. When the panels 11 to 16 are unfolded, a storage space 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed between the panels 11 to 16. When the storage space 20 is surrounded by a heat insulating material as described below, the inflow and outflow of heat from the outside is restricted, and the heat insulating properties can be maintained. In addition, at least a part of the six panels 11 to 16 is provided so as to be movable relative to the other adjacent panels 11 to 16. This allows the transport cart 10 to be changed from the unfolded state in which the storage space 20 is formed to the folded state in which the storage space 20 is not formed, and from the folded state to the unfolded state. Therefore, when the transport cart 10 is not in use, the panels 11 to 16 are folded, allowing it to be nested with other transport carts 10. In addition, when deployed, the edges of each of the six panels 11-16 are in close contact with one of the other panels 11-16, ensuring that the storage space 20 is airtight.

As described below, each of the six panels 11-16 includes an insulating panel having an insulating portion 40 including a vacuum insulating material 41 (see FIG. 7). In this embodiment, each of the six panels 11-16 includes a vacuum insulating material 41, but this is not limited to this. Some or all of the panels 11-16 may include an insulating material such as a foam insulating material.

Next, the configuration of each of the panels 11 to 16 will be further explained. Note that in the following, "panels 11 to 16 (partial panels) are parallel (perpendicular) to a specified surface" means "the main surface of panels 11 to 16 (partial panels) is parallel (perpendicular) to the specified surface."

(Top panel)
The top panel 11 is a panel located on the top side (positive side in the Z direction) in the unfolded state ( FIG. 1 ) and is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In addition, in the unfolded state, the top panel 11 is arranged above the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 of the cart body 50, the first side panel 14, and the front panel 12. The top panel 11 is also arranged closer to the front side (negative side in the Y direction) than the rear panel 13, and closer to the first side surface side (negative side in the X direction) than the second side panel 15.

The top panel 11 has a structure that allows it to be partially opened and closed, and has a first top partial panel 11a located on the first side frame 51 side, and a second top partial panel 11b located on the second side frame 52 side and larger than the first top partial panel 11a. Of these, the first top partial panel 11a is foldably attached to the first side panel 14 via a first top hinge member 21c (see Figures 10(a)-(c)). The second top partial panel 11b is foldably attached to the first top partial panel 11a via a second top hinge member 21d (see Figures 10(a)-(c)).

In the unfolded state (Figure 1), the first top surface partial panel 11a and the second top surface partial panel 11b are both arranged horizontally (parallel to the XY plane). In the folded state (Figure 3), the first top surface partial panel 11a is arranged horizontally, while the second top surface partial panel 11b is folded downward and arranged to hang down from the first top surface partial panel 11a. At this time, the second top surface partial panel 11b is arranged around the inside of the first side frame 51 and is parallel to the YZ plane.

The top panel 11 is detachably connected to the adjacent back panel 13 by a detachable member (hook and loop fastener) not shown. Specifically, the first top partial panel 11a is detachably connected to the first back partial panel 13a (described below), and the second top partial panel 11b is detachably connected to the first back partial panel 13a and the second back partial panel 13b (described below). In addition, the second top partial panel 11b is detachably connected to the adjacent second side panel 15.

(Front panel)
In the unfolded state (FIG. 1), the front panel 12 is located below the top panel 11 and above the bottom panel 16, and is located closer to the front (negative side in the Y direction) than the back panel 13, and is disposed perpendicular to the horizontal plane (XY plane) (parallel to the ZX plane). In the unfolded state, the front panel 12 is disposed between the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15.

The front panel 12 has a foldable structure, and includes a first front partial panel 12a located on the first side frame 51 side, a second front partial panel 12b located in the middle, and a third front partial panel 12c located on the second side frame 52 side. Of these, the first front partial panel 12a is foldably attached to the first side panel 14 via a first front hinge member 22a (see Figures 9(a)-(c)). The second front partial panel 12b is foldably attached to the first front partial panel 12a via a second front hinge member 22b (see Figures 9(a)-(c)). Furthermore, the third front partial panel 12c is foldably attached to the second front partial panel 12b via a third front hinge member 22c (see Figures 9(a)-(c)).

In the unfolded state (FIG. 1), the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b, and the third front partial panel 12c are all arranged perpendicular (parallel to the ZX plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (FIG. 3), the first front partial panel 12a is located on the front side (negative Y side) of the first side panel 14. The second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are folded so as to overlap each other, and are further rotated around the vertical axis (Z axis) to be arranged on the outside (negative X side) of the first side panel 14. At this time, the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are folded and arranged around the outside of the first side frame 51, and are parallel to the YZ plane.

In this way, by arranging the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c on the outer side (negative side in the X direction) of the first side frame 51 in the folded state, the storage space 20 for storing the load can be secured widely. In addition, when the bottom plate 58 is lifted toward the second side frame 52, the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b, and the third front partial panel 12c are prevented from interfering with the moving bottom plate 58. The width (length in the X direction) of the first front partial panel 12a is shorter than the width (length in the X direction) of the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c, and the width (length in the X direction) of the second front partial panel 12b is approximately the same as the width (length in the X direction) of the third front partial panel 12c. In addition, the width of the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c is approximately the same as the width (length in the Y direction) of the first side frame 51, or is longer than the width of the first side frame 51.

The front panel 12 is detachably connected to the adjacent top panel 11 by a detachable member (hook and loop fastener) not shown. Specifically, the first front partial panel 12a is detachably connected to the first top partial panel 11a, and the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are each detachably connected to the second top partial panel 11b. The front panel 12 is also detachably connected to the adjacent bottom panel 16 by a detachable member (hook and loop fastener) not shown. Specifically, the first front partial panel 12a, the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are each detachably connected to the bottom panel 16. Furthermore, the third front partial panel 12c of the front panel 12 is detachably connected to the adjacent second side panel 15.

(Rear Panel)
In the unfolded state (Figure 1), the rear panel 13 is a panel that is located on the rear side (positive side in the Y direction) of the top panel 11, front panel 12, first side panel 14, second side panel 15, and bottom panel 16, and is arranged perpendicular (parallel to the ZX plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane).

The rear panel 13 has a foldable structure, and has a first rear partial panel 13a located on the first side frame 51 side, and a second rear partial panel 13b located on the second side frame 52 side. Of these, the second rear partial panel 13b is foldably attached to the first rear partial panel 13a via a first rear hinge member 23a (see Figures 11(a)-(c)). In addition, the first rear partial panel 13a is fixed to the first side panel 14.

In the unfolded state (FIG. 1), the first rear partial panel 13a and the second rear partial panel 13b are both arranged perpendicular (parallel to the ZX plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (FIG. 3), the second rear partial panel 13b is folded so as to overlap the first rear partial panel 13a, and is arranged outside (positive Y direction) the first rear partial panel 13a. At this time, the first rear partial panel 13a remains on the rear side without being folded. That is, the first rear partial panel 13a is in the same position as in the unfolded state even in the folded state, and is arranged perpendicular (parallel to the ZX plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In addition, the first rear partial panel 13a and the second rear partial panel 13b are folded and arranged perpendicular to the first side frame 51, and are parallel to the ZX plane. In this way, in the folded state, the second rear partial panel 13b is removed, and the rear panel 13 is opened. The open portion of the rear panel 13 has a predetermined width in the horizontal direction (X direction) (Figure 3). Depending on how the first rear partial panel 13a and the second rear partial panel 13b are folded, the entire rear panel 13 may be open in the horizontal direction (X direction).

The second rear partial panel 13b of the rear panel 13 is detachably connected to the adjacent second side panel 15 by a detachable member (hook and loop fastener) not shown. Furthermore, the rear panel 13 is detachably connected to the adjacent bottom panel 16 by a detachable member (hook and loop fastener) not shown.

(First side panel)
The first side panel 14 is a panel located on the first side frame 51 side (negative side in the X direction) in both the unfolded state (FIG. 1) and the folded state (FIG. 3), and is arranged perpendicular (parallel to the YZ plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). This first side panel 14 is composed of a single plate-shaped member. In both the unfolded state (FIG. 1) and the folded state (FIG. 3), the first side panel 14 is arranged around the outside of the first side frame 51 of the dolly body 50 without moving, and is parallel to the YZ plane. The first side panel 14 is large enough to cover the entire outside of the first side frame 51.

The configuration of the first side panel 14 is substantially the same as the configuration of the second side panel 15 described below, and the first side panel 14 is detachably attached to the first side frame 51 by an attachment member (not shown) substantially the same as the attachment member 81 described below.

(Second side panel)
The second side panel 15 is a panel located on the second side frame 52 side (positive side in the X direction) in both the unfolded state (FIG. 1) and the folded state (FIG. 3), and is arranged perpendicular (parallel to the YZ plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). This second side panel 15 is composed of a single plate-shaped member. In both the unfolded state (FIG. 1) and the folded state (FIG. 3), the second side panel 15 is arranged around the outside of the second side frame 52 of the dolly body 50 without moving, and is parallel to the YZ plane. The second side panel 15 is large enough to cover the entire outside of the second side frame 52.

The second side panel 15 is fixed to the outside (positive side in the X direction) of the second side frame 52 and is attached to the second side frame 52 by mounting members 81. Multiple mounting members 81 (four) are attached to the second side panel 15, with two at the top (positive side in the Z direction) and two at the bottom (negative side in the Z direction) of the second side panel 15. Specifically, two mounting members 81 are detachably attached to the uppermost horizontal rail 56 of the second side frame 52, and two mounting members 81 are detachably attached to the lowermost horizontal rail 56 of the second side frame 52.

As shown in FIG. 6, the mounting member 81 is made of a flexible string-like member. Specifically, the mounting member 81 is made of a pair of cloth pieces 82a, 82b fixed by sewing or the like to the main surface of the second side panel 15 on the negative side in the X direction. Each mounting member 81 includes one hook-and-loop fastener (hook or loop portion) 83a attached to one cloth piece 82a and the other hook-and-loop fastener (loop or hook portion) 83b attached to the other cloth piece 82b. The pair of cloth pieces 82a, 82b are placed above and below the cross rail 56, respectively, and the pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 83a, 83b are brought into close contact with each other, thereby mounting the mounting member 81 to the cross rail 56. The pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 83a, 83b are peeled off from each other, and the pair of cloth pieces 82a, 82b are pulled away from the cross rail 56 (phantom line in FIG. 6), thereby removing the mounting member 81 from the cross rail 56. In this way, the second side panel 15 is removably attached to the cross rail 56 of the second side frame 52 using the attachment member 81. Note that the attachment member 81 only needs to be attached to a part of the second side frame 52. That is, the attachment member 81 is not limited to the cross rail 56, and may be removably attached to the vertical rod 55 or the central connecting rod 54. Also, the attachment member 81 does not necessarily have to be fixed (attached) to the second side panel 15, and may be removably attached to the second side panel 15 by, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener.

(Bottom Panel)
The bottom panel 16 is a panel located on the bottom side (negative side in the Z direction) in the unfolded state (FIG. 1), and is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In the unfolded state, the bottom panel 16 is arranged on the bottom plate 58 of the dolly body 50, between the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52. The bottom panel 16 is composed of a single plate-like member, and has a structure that can be folded by lifting it up. The bottom panel 16 is attached to the first side frame 51 via a bottom hinge member (not shown) so as to be freely foldable.

In the unfolded state (Fig. 1), the bottom panel 16 is arranged parallel to the horizontal plane (XY plane). On the other hand, in the folded state (Fig. 3), the bottom panel 16 is folded so as to overlap the inside of the first side frame 51 (the positive side in the X direction) and is positioned around the inside of the first side frame 51. That is, in the folded state, the bottom panel 16 is arranged perpendicular (parallel to the YZ plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). At this time, the bottom panel 16 is detachably attached to the first side frame 51 via, for example, a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown).

The top hinge member 21a, the first front hinge member 22a, the second front hinge member 22b, the third front hinge member 22c, the first rear hinge member 23a, the second rear hinge member 23b and the bottom hinge member (not shown) may each be made of, for example, a foldable connecting cloth (connecting member). In this way, by making each hinge member 21a, 22a, 22b, 22c, 23a, 23a, 23b, 26a out of a connecting cloth, each panel (partial panel) can be easily unfolded or folded.

As described above, FIG. 3 shows the panels 11 to 16 in a folded state. As shown in FIG. 3, in the folded state, at least a portion of each of the panels 11 to 16 is folded around the first side frame 51 or the second side frame 52, respectively.

That is, from the outside (negative side in the X direction), the second front partial panel 12b, the third front partial panel 12c, the first side panel 14, the bottom panel 16, and the second top partial panel 11b overlap around the first side frame 51. The first side frame 51 is located between the first side panel 14 and the bottom panel 16. The second side frame 52 is also located from the outside (positive side in the X direction), and the second side panel 15 and the bottom plate 58 overlap around the second side frame 52. The second side frame 52 is located between the second side panel 15 and the bottom plate 58.

In this case, a first panel group G1 and a second panel group G2 are formed around the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52, respectively. The first panel group G1 is composed of the second front partial panel 12b, the third front partial panel 12c, the first side panel 14, the first side frame 51, the bottom panel 16, and the second top partial panel 11b. The second panel group G2 is composed of the second side panel 15, the second side frame 52, and the bottom plate 58. In this embodiment, the first panel group G1 (second panel group G2) includes not only all or part of each panel 11 to 16, but also the first side frame 51 (second side frame 52) and the bottom plate 58.

The thickness of each of the panels 11 to 16 is preferably, for example, 5 mm or more and 50 mm or less. In this embodiment, the panels 11 to 16 are described taking as an example a case in which the panels are all the same thickness, but the panels 11 to 16 may be different in thickness. In addition, the thickness (length in the X direction) of the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 is, for example, 10 mm or more and 50 mm or less.

(Internal structure of the panel)
Next, a description will be given of the structure of each of the panels 11 to 16. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the heat insulating portion 40 of each of the panels 11 to 16. Figs. 8(a) and (b) are cross-sectional views showing the vacuum heat insulating material 41 included in the heat insulating portion 40.

As shown in FIG. 7, the insulation section 40 of each panel 11 to 16 includes a vacuum insulation material 41, a foam insulation material 42, an insulation outer enclosure 43, an insulation material protection member 44, and a heat shielding sheet 45.

The vacuum insulation material 41 is attached to the foam insulation material 42. The vacuum insulation material 41 is composed of a core material 41a and an exterior material 41b provided around the core material 41a. The foam insulation material 42 is arranged on the storage space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material 41 (the lower side in Figure 7). This reduces the risk of the vacuum insulation material 41 being damaged when it is hit by a load placed in the storage space 20.

The foam insulation material 42 can be disposed adjacent to at least the storage space 20 side of the vacuum insulation material 41. The foam insulation material 42 can be a known foamable insulation material, and may be, for example, one or both of polyurethane foam and polystyrene foam.

The heat-insulating outer periphery 43 is formed to surround the vacuum insulation material 41. This heat-insulating outer periphery 43 is arranged on the foam insulation material 42 and fixed to the foam insulation material 42. By arranging the heat-insulating outer periphery 43 to surround the vacuum insulation material 41, the heat-insulating performance is improved compared to when the heat-insulating outer periphery 43 is not arranged. In addition, it is possible to make the vacuum insulation material 41 have approximately the same area as the foam insulation material 42 and to configure the panel without using the heat-insulating outer periphery 43. In this case, the heat-insulating performance can be further improved, but since there is no heat-insulating outer periphery 43, there is a risk that the vacuum insulation material 41 may be vulnerable to breakage due to the intrusion of a sharp object from the side. In addition, a small gap is formed between the heat-insulating outer periphery 43 and the vacuum insulation material 41, so that the vacuum insulation material 41 can be contained within the heat-insulating outer periphery 43 even if the size of the vacuum insulation material 41 changes slightly.

The heat insulating material protection member 44 is provided on the heat insulating outer casing 43 and mainly serves to protect the vacuum heat insulating material 41. For example, a protective material made of an organic polymer can be used as the heat insulating material protection member 44.

The heat shielding sheet 45 is arranged to encase the entire outer periphery of the vacuum insulation material 41, the foam insulation material 42, the thermal insulation outer periphery 43, and the insulation material protection member 44. This heat shielding sheet 45 can be arranged to cover the entire vacuum insulation material 41 and the foam insulation material 42. Examples of the heat shielding sheet 45 include a multi-layer sheet including metal foil, and a vapor deposition sheet in which a vapor deposition layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet.

Next, the vacuum insulation material 41 will be further described. As shown in FIG. 8(a), the vacuum insulation material 41 is composed of a core material 41a and an exterior material 41b having gas barrier properties, and is an insulation material obtained by reducing the pressure inside the exterior material 41b. FIG. 8(b) is another example of the vacuum insulation material 41. In FIG. 8(a), voids are formed at both ends inside the vacuum insulation material 41, but in FIG. 8(b), no voids are formed. The voids may or may not be formed depending on the manufacturing method of the vacuum insulation material 41.

The core material 41a may be a material that is used as the core material of conventionally known vacuum insulation materials, for example, a powder such as silica, a foam such as urethane polymer, or a porous material such as a fiber material such as glass wool.

The exterior material 41b is a member that covers the outer periphery of the core material 41a, and may be a flexible sheet in which a heat-sealed layer and a gas barrier layer are laminated in this order from the core material. The gas barrier layer may be a metal foil or a vapor deposition sheet in which a vapor deposition layer is formed on one side of a resin sheet. The metal foil may be made of aluminum, for example. The vapor deposition layer may be made of aluminum, aluminum oxide, or silicon oxide, for example.

(Disassembly and assembly of transport carts)
Next, there will be described the operation when disassembling and assembling the transport cart 10. Figures 9 to 11 are diagrams for explaining some of the steps for disassembling the transport cart 10 in order.

(Disassembly of transport cart)
First, assume that the six panels 11 to 16 of the transport cart 10 are unfolded and assembled into a box shape (unfolded state) as shown in Fig. 1. At this time, a storage space 20 having a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape is formed between each of the panels 11 to 16. Although not shown, food or other cargo may be stored in the storage space 20.

Next, as shown in FIG. 2, the front panel 12 is folded, causing the front panel 12 to transition from the unfolded state to the folded state.

During this process, first, as shown in FIG. 9(a), the third front partial panel 12c is folded so as to overlap the second front partial panel 12b. Specifically, the third front partial panel 12c rotates clockwise in a plan view relative to the second front partial panel 12b around the third front hinge member 22c.

Next, as shown in FIG. 9(b), the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c overlap each other, and in this state rotate clockwise in a plan view relative to the first front partial panel 12a around the second front hinge member 22b.

9(c), the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c move to the outer periphery of the first side frame 51. Specifically, the first front partial panel 12a rotates clockwise in a plan view with respect to the first side panel 14 around the first front hinge member 22a. At this time, the first front partial panel 12a is located on the front side (negative side in the Y direction) with respect to the first side panel 14, and the second front partial panel 12b and the third front partial panel 12c are located on the outer side (negative side in the X direction) with respect to the first side frame 51. In this way, the front panel 12 is folded, and the front side of the transport cart 10 is completely opened in the horizontal direction (X direction) (see FIG. 2). If a load is stored in the storage space 20, the load may be taken out from the front side in this state.

Next, the bottom panel 16 is folded, causing the bottom panel 16 to transition from the unfolded state to the folded state (see FIG. 3). At this time, the bottom panel 16 is rotated counterclockwise in a front view relative to the first side frame 51. As a result, the bottom panel 16 is folded so as to overlap the inside of the first side frame 51 (the positive side in the X direction), and is positioned around the inside of the first side frame 51. In other words, the bottom panel 16 is positioned perpendicular (parallel to the YZ plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In this case, the bottom panel 16 is attached to the first side frame 51 by a hook-and-loop fastener (not shown).

Next, the bottom plate 58 is folded, transitioning from the unfolded state to the folded state (see FIG. 3). During this time, the bottom plate 58 rotates clockwise in front view relative to the second side frame 52, is folded so as to overlap the inside of the second side frame 52 (the negative side in the X direction), and is positioned around the inside of the second side frame 52. In other words, the bottom plate 58 is positioned perpendicular (parallel to the YZ plane) to the horizontal plane (XY plane). In this case, the bottom plate 58 is attached to the second side frame 52 by a fixing means (not shown).

Next, as shown in Figures 10(a)-(c), the top panel 11 is folded, causing the top panel 11 to change from the unfolded state to the folded state.

During this time, first, as shown in Figures 10(a) and (b), the first top surface partial panel 11a rotates counterclockwise in a front view relative to the first side panel 14 around the first top surface hinge member 21c, and the second top surface partial panel 11b rotates clockwise in a front view relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a around the second top surface hinge member 21d.

Next, as shown in FIG. 10(c), the second top surface partial panel 11b moves to the inner periphery of the first side frame 51. Specifically, the first top surface partial panel 11a rotates clockwise in a front view relative to the first side panel 14 around the first top surface hinge member 21c, and the second top surface partial panel 11b rotates clockwise in a front view relative to the first top surface partial panel 11a around the second top surface hinge member 21d. As a result, the second top surface partial panel 11b is folded downward and arranged so as to hang down from the first top surface partial panel 11a. At this time, the second top surface partial panel 11b is arranged around the inner periphery of the first side frame 51 and on the inside (positive side in the X direction) relative to the bottom panel 16.

Next, as shown in Figures 11(a) and (b), the rear panel 13 is folded, causing the rear panel 13 to change from the unfolded state to the folded state.

During this time, as shown in Figures 11(a) and 11(b), the second rear partial panel 13b rotates counterclockwise in a plan view around the first rear hinge member 23a relative to the first rear partial panel 13a. As a result, the second rear partial panel 13b is folded so as to overlap the first rear partial panel 13a, and is positioned outside the first rear partial panel 13a (the positive side in the Y direction). Meanwhile, the first rear partial panel 13a maintains the same position in the folded state as it does in the unfolded state.

In this way, all six panels 11 to 16 of the transport cart 10 are folded. As described above, when the transport cart 10 is not in use, the panels 11 to 16 can be folded up to minimize the overall volume for storage and transportation.

(Assembly of transport carts)
The transport cart 10 can be assembled by performing the above-described disassembly method in the reverse order.

First, start with the reverse operation of Figures 11(a) and (b). That is, change the rear panel 13 from a folded state to an unfolded state. Next, perform the reverse operation of Figures 10(a)-(c). That is, change the top panel 11 from a folded state to an unfolded state. Next, change the bottom plate 58 and bottom panel 16 from a folded state to an unfolded state. Finally, assembly is completed by changing the front panel 12 from a folded state to an unfolded state, which is the reverse operation of Figures 9(a)-(c).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the multiple panels 11-16 can be in an unfolded state in which they are unfolded and assembled into a box shape, or in a folded state in which they can be nested with other transport carts 10. As a result, by unfolding the panels 11-16, a highly airtight storage space 20 capable of storing loads can be formed inside the panels 11-16. On the other hand, when the transport cart 10 is not in use, the panels 11-16 can be folded up to nest with other identical transport carts 10 for compact storage. In this way, the folding and assembly operations of the panels 11-16 can be easily performed.

In addition, according to this embodiment, the first side panel 14 is removably attached to the first side frame 51 by an attachment member (not shown), and the second side panel 15 is removably attached to the second side frame 52 by an attachment member 81. This allows the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15 to be securely fixed to the trolley body 50.

Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the mounting member 81 includes a pair of hook-and-loop fasteners 83a, 83b that can be detachably attached to the first side frame 51 or the second side frame 52. This allows the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15 to be securely fixed to the trolley body 50, and also allows the first side panel 14 and the second side panel 15 to be easily removed from the trolley body 50 as necessary. For example, when using only the trolley body 50 or when replacing the panels 14, 15, the panels 14, 15 can be easily removed.

(Modification)
Next, various modified examples of the transport dolly will be described with reference to Figures 12 to 29. Figures 12 to 29 are diagrams showing various modified examples of the transport dolly. In Figures 12 to 29, the same parts are given the same reference numerals and detailed description will be omitted. Note that in each of the modified examples shown in Figures 12 to 23, the second side panel 15 will be taken as an example for description, but the first side panel 14 can also be configured in the same way.

(Variation 1)
12 and 13(a) and (b) show the transport cart 10 according to the first modification. In FIG. 12, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by an attachment member 81A, which is a cap fitted to the upper end of the second side frame 52. The attachment member 81A made of the cap has a substantially rectangular box shape that opens downward (to the negative side in the Z direction). A pair (multiple) of attachment members 81A are fixed to the upper part (positive side in the Z direction) of the second side panel 15, and the pair of attachment members 81A are detachably fitted to the upper ends of the pair of vertical rods 55 of the second side frame 52, respectively.

The mounting member 81A may be attached to the second side panel 15 by a removable or non-removable method such as stitching or hook-and-loop fastener. The material of the mounting member 81A is not particularly limited, but it is preferable to use a material with elasticity. In this case, by fitting the mounting member 81A firmly to the upper end of the vertical rod 55 while allowing it to elastically deform slightly, it is possible to prevent the second side panel 15 from wobbling from side to side.

As shown in Figures 13(a) and 13(b), the second side panel 15 can be detachably attached to the second side frame 52 by fitting a pair of mounting members 81A fixed to the second side panel 15 from above into a pair of vertical rods 55 of the second side frame 52.

In this case, by placing the mounting member 81A made of a cap over the vertical rod 55 of the second side frame 52, the second side panel 15 is firmly fixed to the second side frame 52 by its own weight, and the second side panel 15 is less likely to shift. Furthermore, if the mounting member 81A is elastic, the second side panel 15 can be attached to the second side frame 52 more stably by placing the mounting member 81A over the vertical rod 55 of the second side frame 52 with elastic deformation. This makes it easy to attach and remove the second side panel 15, and also increases the stability of the second side panel 15 against positional shifts, etc.

(Variation 2)
14 and 15(a) and (b) show the transport cart 10 according to the second modification. In FIG. 14, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by the attachment member 81B. In this case, the attachment member 81B is made of a fitting member that is fitted into the second side frame 52. The fitting member 81B is made of a block-shaped member having a generally inverted concave shape with an opening 84 on the lower side. The attachment members 81B are fixed in pairs (multiple) at intervals from each other on the top and bottom (Z direction) of the second side panel 15, and the pair of attachment members 81B are detachably fitted into the gaps formed by the vertical bars 55 and the horizontal bars 56.

The mounting member 81B may be attached to the second side panel 15 by a removable or non-removable method, such as stitching or hook-and-loop fastener. The material of the mounting member 81B is preferably a hard and somewhat flexible material, although it is not particularly limited to rubber, foam, plastic, etc. For example, the mounting member 81B may be made of a polystyrene foam material, making the mounting member 81B disposable. In this way, the mounting member 81B can be firmly fitted into the gap between the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal rail 56, thereby positioning and fixing the second side panel 15 in the correct position on the second side frame 52.

As shown in FIG. 15(a), the mounting member 81B does not need to fill the entire gap between the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal bar 56, and only needs to have a shape that does not shift up, down, left, right (both sides in the Z direction and both sides in the Y direction) within the gap. In addition, by having a lower opening 84 in the mounting member 81B, when a removable intermediate shelf 59 is provided on the first side frame 51 and the second side frame 52 (phantom line in FIG. 14), this intermediate shelf 59 can be prevented from interfering with the mounting member 81B. If there is not enough space to avoid the intermediate shelf 59, the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal bar 56 may be in contact with them only in three directions, the top and the left and right (the positive side in the Z direction and both sides in the Y direction) within the gap between the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal bar 56 (FIG. 15(b)). In this case, thin spacers (not shown), such as thin metal pieces, that do not interfere with the intermediate shelf 59 may be provided at both the left and right lower ends (both lower ends in the Y direction) of the mounting member 81B.

The mounting member 81B is fixed in the gap between the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal bar 56 by its elastic force, with elastic deformation. The mounting member 81B enters the gap between the vertical rod 55 and the horizontal bar 56 by elastic deformation, so that the second side panel 15 can be reliably positioned on the second side frame 52. Furthermore, the mounting member 81B does not easily come off the second side frame 52 due to elastic deformation, but the mounting member 81B can be removed from the second side frame 52 as necessary.

(Variation 3)
16 and 17(a) and (b) show the transport cart 10 according to the third modification. In FIG. 16, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by an attachment member 81. In this case, the attachment member 81 is composed of a string-like member as in the above-mentioned embodiment (see FIG. 6). The second side panel 15 is provided with a positioning member 85 for positioning the second side frame 52. A plurality of (four) positioning members 85 are attached to the second side panel 15, and specifically, the positioning members 85 include two positioning members 85a provided on both sides (both sides in the Y direction) of the second side panel 15 and two positioning members 85b provided above and below (Z direction) the second side panel 15. Of these, the two left and right positioning members 85a restrict the movement of the second side panel 15 in the lateral direction (both sides in the Y direction), and the two upper and lower positioning members 85b restrict the movement of the second side panel 15 in the downward direction (negative side in the Z direction). In addition, since the second side panel 15 is unlikely to move upward (toward the positive side of the Z direction) due to its own weight, there is no need to restrict the upward movement of the second side panel 15.

The positioning members 85 may be attached to the second side panel 15 by a removable or non-removable method such as stitching or hook-and-loop fastener. The material of the positioning members 85 may be a somewhat flexible material such as rubber, or a hard material such as hard plastic, metal, or carbon. The two left and right positioning members 85a may be arranged on the outside of the second side frame 52 (FIG. 17(a)), or may be arranged on the inside of the second side frame 52 (FIG. 17(b)). If the two left and right positioning members 85a interfere with the front panel 12 or the back panel 13, it is preferable to arrange these positioning members 85a on the inside of the second side frame 52 (FIG. 17(b)).

In this way, by providing the positioning member 85 on the second side panel 15, the movement of the second side panel 15 in the up, down, left and right directions is restricted, and the positional deviation of the second side panel 15 can be suppressed.

(Variation 4)
18 and 19(a) and (b) show the transport cart 10 according to the fourth modification. In FIG. 18, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by an attachment member 81. In this case, the attachment member 81 is composed of a string-like member as in the above-described embodiment (see FIG. 6). The second side panel 15 is provided with a positioning member 86 for positioning the second side frame 52. The positioning member 86 covers the entire outer periphery of the second side frame 52 except for the lower side. Specifically, the positioning member 86 includes two positioning members 86a that cover both sides (both sides in the Y direction) of the second side frame 52 and a positioning member 86b that covers the upper side (positive side in the Z direction) of the second side frame 52. Of these, the two left and right positioning members 86a restrict the movement of the second side panel 15 in the lateral direction (both sides in the Y direction), and the upper positioning member 86b restricts the movement of the second side panel 15 in the downward direction (negative side in the Z direction). In addition, since the second side panel 15 is unlikely to move upward (toward the positive side in the Z direction) due to its own weight, there is no need to restrict the upward movement of the second side panel 15.

The positioning members 86 may be attached to the second side panel 15 by a removable or non-removable method, such as by stitching or hook-and-loop fastener. The positioning members 86 may be made of a disposable material, such as polystyrene foam. The two left and right positioning members 86a and the upper positioning member 86b may be made of separate members (FIG. 19(a)). Alternatively, the positioning member 86 may be made of an integrated member that covers both the left and right sides and the upper part of the second side frame 52 (FIG. 19(b)).

In this way, by providing a positioning member 86 that covers the outer periphery of the second side frame 52, the stability of the positioning of the second side panel 15 can be further improved.

(Variation 5)
20 and 21(a) and (b) show a transport cart 10 according to modified example 5. In Fig. 20, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by an attachment member 81C. In this case, the attachment member 81C has a claw portion 87 that hooks onto the second side frame 52. Specifically, the claw portion 87 of the attachment member 81C hooks onto the horizontal rail 56 of the second side frame 52 from above (the positive side in the Z direction), so that the second side panel 15 is detachably attached to the second side frame 52.

The mounting member 81C may be attached to the second side panel 15 by a removable or non-removable method such as sewing or hook-and-loop fastener. The material of the mounting member 81C may be resin or metal. The second side panel 15 is unlikely to move upward (positive Z direction) due to its own weight. On the other hand, in order to restrict the movement of the second side panel 15 in the lateral direction (both sides in the Y direction), two mounting members 81C may be arranged adjacent to the vertical rods 55, for example, on the inside of the pair of vertical rods 55 (FIG. 21(a)). Also, four mounting members 81C may be arranged, one pair each on the upper part (positive Z direction) and lower part (negative Z direction) of the second side panel 15 (FIG. 21(b)).

In this case, the second side panel 15 can be attached to the second side frame 52 simply by hooking the claw portion 87 of the mounting member 81C provided on the second side panel 15 onto the cross rail 56 of the second side frame 52, making it easy to install the second side panel 15.

(Variation 6)
22 and 23(a) and (b) show the transport cart 10 according to the sixth modification. In FIG. 22, the second side panel 15 is attached to the outside of the second side frame 52 by the attachment member 81D. In this case, the attachment member 81D is a support member that is attached to the cart body 50 and supports the lower end (negative side in the Z direction) of the second side panel 15. Specifically, the attachment member 81D is fixed to the outside (positive side in the X direction) of the wheel attachment frame 69 of the cart body 50, and extends upward (positive side in the Z direction) from the wheel attachment frame 69. The attachment member 81D also has a lower end support portion 88a that supports the lower end of the second side panel 15, and a side support portion 88b that supports the main surface of the second side panel 15 from the side (positive side in the X direction). A gap is formed between this side support portion 88b and the second side frame 52, and by inserting the second side panel 15 into this gap, the second side panel 15 is supported by the lower end support portion 88a, and the second side panel 15 is attached to the second side frame 52 in a manner that allows it to be freely attached and detached.

The material of the mounting member 81D may be resin, metal, or the like. The mounting member 81D has a generally T-shape in side view, and restricts the outward (positive X-direction) and downward (negative Z-direction) movement of the second side panel 15 (FIG. 23(a)). In addition, the height (Z-direction distance) of the side support portion 88b is lower than the height (Z-direction distance) of the second side frame 52 (FIG. 23(a)).

As shown in FIG. 23(b), when the mounting member 81D is also provided on the first side frame 51 side, it is preferable that the mounting member 81D on the second side frame 52 side and the mounting member 81D on the first side frame 51 side are arranged point-symmetrically in a plan view with respect to the center of the cart body 50. In this case, the mounting member 81D on the second side frame 52 side is arranged at a position on the positive side of the Y direction on the wheel mounting frame 69, and the mounting member 81D on the first side frame 51 side is arranged at a position on the negative side of the Y direction on the wheel mounting frame 67. This prevents the mounting member 81D from interfering with other transport carts 10 during nesting.

When attaching the second side panel 15, the second side panel 15 can be easily fixed by simply inserting the second side panel 15 from above between the mounting member 81D and the second side frame 52. Furthermore, with this configuration, there is no member (heat bridge) that transfers heat to the inside and outside of the second side panel 15, so the insulation performance of the storage space 20 can be prevented from decreasing. The mounting member 81D can also improve the overall strength of the cart body 50 and the panels 11 to 16. Furthermore, even if a material that is easily damaged is used for the second side panel 15, the second side panel 15 can be reliably positioned and fixed to the second side frame 52 without any processing of the second side panel 15.

When the second side panel 15 is attached to the second side frame 52 using, for example, a string-like attachment member 81 in addition to the attachment member 81D, the attachment member 81D may be composed of only the lower end support portion 88a and may not have the side support portion 88b. In addition, the position at which the attachment member 81D is attached to the trolley body 50 is not limited to the wheel attachment frame 69. In other words, the attachment position of the attachment member 81D is an area below the upper surface of the bottom plate 58 of the trolley body 50 (negative side in the Z direction), and the attachment member 81D can be attached to any location that does not interfere with other transport trolleys 10 when nesting the transport trolleys 10. For example, the attachment member 81D, which is approximately L-shaped in side view, may be attached to the central connecting rod 54.

(Variation 7)
24 and 25(a)-(c) show a transport cart 10 according to Modification 7. In Fig. 24, the cart body 50 has a handle 91 for pushing the cart body 50, and the handle 91 has a deformable structure. The handle 91 has a pair of horizontal frames 91a, a pair of vertical frames 91b each extending upward (positive side in the Z direction) from each of the horizontal frames 91a, and a handle tip portion 91c extending outward (positive side in the X direction) from the vertical frames 91b.

The horizontal frame 91a protrudes outward (positive X-direction side) from the lower end (wheel mounting frame 69) of the dolly body 50. Each vertical frame 91b is made of a hollow pipe-shaped member, and has a slit 91d formed at the upper end. The handle tip 91c can rotate around an axis in the horizontal direction (Y-direction) perpendicular to the traveling direction of the transport dolly 10, and can be stored inside the vertical frame 91b by rotating the handle tip 91c around the axis. That is, the handle tip 91c is rotated counterclockwise in front view and faces vertically (Fig. 25(a)(b)). After that, the guide part 91e of the handle tip 91c is lowered along the slit 91d of the vertical frame 91b, so that the handle tip 91c is stored inside the vertical frame 91b (Fig. 25(c)).

In this way, by simply deforming the handle 91 and storing the handle tip 91c inside the vertical frame 91b, the size of the transport cart 10 in the direction of travel (X direction) can be reduced, allowing for better nesting of the transport cart 10.

(Variation 8)
26 and 27(a)-(c) show a transport cart 10 according to Modification 8. In Fig. 26, the cart body 50 has a handle 91 for pushing the cart body 50, and the handle 91 has a deformable structure. The handle 91 has a pair of horizontal frames 91a, a pair of vertical frames 91b each extending upward (positive side in the Z direction) from each horizontal frame 91a, and a handle tip portion 91c extending outward (positive side in the X direction) from the vertical frames 91b.

In this case, the handle tip 91c can rotate around the vertical frame 91b (vertical axis) of the transport cart 10, and by rotating the handle tip 91c around the vertical frame 91b, the handle tip 91c can be folded toward the second side frame 52 (positive side in the X direction) and stored. That is, the handle tip 91c is rotated clockwise in a plan view and deformed toward the front direction (negative side in the Y direction) (Fig. 27(a)(b)). This allows the handle tip 91c to be retracted in the horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the traveling direction (X direction) of the transport cart 10 (Fig. 27(c)). Note that, as shown in Figs. 27(a)-(c), a spring (biasing body) 91f that biases the handle tip 91c in the folding direction may be provided, so that the handle tip 91c naturally folds when the hand is released from the handle tip 91c.

In this way, by simply deforming the handle 91 and retracting the handle tip 91c in the horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of travel (X direction), the size of the transport cart 10 in the direction of travel (X direction) can be reduced, allowing for better nesting of the transport cart 10.

(Variation 9)
28 and 29(a) and (b) show a transport cart 10 according to Modification 9. In Fig. 28, the cart body 50 has a handle 91 for pushing the cart body 50, and the handle 91 has a deformable structure. The handle 91 has a pair of horizontal frames 91a, a pair of vertical frames 91b extending upward (to the positive side in the Z direction) from each of the horizontal frames 91a, and a connecting rod 91g connecting the pair of vertical frames 91b to each other.

In this case, the pair of vertical frames 91b can rotate at their lower ends around a horizontal (Y-direction) axis perpendicular to the traveling direction of the transport cart 10. The pair of vertical frames 91b are also connected to the pair of horizontal frames 91a via a link mechanism 91h. This link mechanism 91h allows the vertical frame 91b to be held in a tilted state toward the rear side (positive X-direction) of the traveling direction of the transport cart 10 relative to the horizontal frame 91a. When the vertical frame 91b is folded and faces the vertical direction (Z direction), the vertical frame 91b is fixed to the second side frame 52 by the stopper member 91i connecting the horizontal frame 91a and the vertical frame 91b (FIG. 29(a)). On the other hand, when the vertical frame 91b is tilted by a certain angle, the rotation is restricted by the link mechanism 91h, and the tilted state at the predetermined angle is maintained (FIG. 29(b)). As shown in Figures 29(a) and 29(b), a spring (biasing body) 91j may be provided to bias the vertical frame 91b in the folding direction, so that the vertical frame 91b naturally folds when the connecting rod 91g is released. Instead of the link mechanism 91h, a one-way mechanism may be used that does not return to its original position unless the vertical frame 91b is tilted to its maximum angle.

In this case, the pair of vertical frames 91b and the connecting rod 91g rotate integrally about a horizontal (Y-direction) axis perpendicular to the traveling direction of the transport cart 10, and the pair of vertical frames 91b and the connecting rod 91g can be tilted in the traveling direction like a lever. Furthermore, when the pair of vertical frames 91b and the connecting rod 91g are tilted to a predetermined angle, the link mechanism 91h keeps them from tilting beyond the predetermined angle.

In this way, by simply deforming the handle 91 and retracting the connecting rod 91g in the horizontal direction (Y direction) perpendicular to the direction of travel (X direction), the size of the transport cart 10 in the direction of travel (X direction) can be reduced, allowing the transport cart 10 to be nested well.

The handle 91 shown in Figures 25 to 29 may also be provided on the transport cart 10 (variations 1 to 6) shown in Figures 12 to 23.

The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and modifications may be combined as needed. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 10 Transport dolly 11 Top panel 12 Front panel 13 Rear panel 14 First side panel 15 Second side panel 16 Bottom panel 20 Storage space 50 Dolly body 51 First side frame 52 Second side frame 58 Bottom plate 81 Mounting member

Claims (5)

A transport cart,
A carriage body having a pair of side frames and a connecting member connecting the pair of side frames to each other, the carriage body having an open front side;
and a separate side panel secured to an exterior of the side frame;
The side frame has a pair of vertical bars and a plurality of horizontal bars extending between the pair of vertical bars,
The side panels are removably attached to the outside of the side frames by mounting members. The transport cart according to claim 1, wherein the mounting member is detachably attached to the cross rail or the vertical rod of the side frame. The transport cart according to claim 1, wherein the side frames are connected to the connecting members by a central connecting rod, and the mounting members are detachably attached to the central connecting rod. The transport cart according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mounting member includes one hook-and-loop fastener attached to one piece of fabric and another hook-and-loop fastener attached to the other piece of fabric, and the mounting member is attached to the side frame by bringing the one hook-and-loop fastener and the other hook-and-loop fastener into close contact with each other. 5. The transport cart according to claim 1, wherein the side panel is attached to the outside of the side frame by the attachment members disposed on an upper portion of the side panel and a lower portion of the side panel, respectively.

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