A hamster wheel apparatus

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of hamster running wheel devices, including support, running wheel assembly and locking bolt, the axial center of the running wheel assembly is equipped with central assembly through-hole, the first stepped counterbore is coaxially opened in the both ends of central assembly through-hole along axial direction, and the bearing is respectively pressed into in the both ends first stepped counterbore;The locking bolt is fixed on support through locking nut after sequentially penetrating the inner ring of both ends bearing. The utility model is integrally formed by wheel hub, web end cover, annular rim, improves overall structural strength. By the bearing of central assembly through-hole along axial direction both ends, cooperate with the axial locking of locking bolt, realize radial fixed and axial balanced support, guarantee running wheel assembly when rotating reduce noise, and the long axis design of locking bolt ensures smooth rotation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of pet supplies technology, and in particular to a hamster running wheel device. Background Technology

[0002] Hamster running wheels are essential exercise equipment for small pets, and their structural stability and durability directly affect the pet's user experience and the product's lifespan. Traditional hamster running wheels have significant shortcomings in their structural design:

[0003] Firstly, running wheel assemblies generally adopt a separate assembly structure consisting of a hub, spoke end caps, and annular rim, with each component primarily secured by screws. Under the vibration and impact loads generated by the hamster's continuous running, these screw connections are prone to loosening, not only generating noise but also reducing the precision of the fit between components, ultimately leading to instability of the overall running wheel structure and affecting operational stability. Secondly, the separate structure itself increases assembly complexity, and after long-term use, material fatigue or stress concentration can easily cause deformation or damage to screw holes or connectors.

[0004] Secondly, the running wheel assembly is usually connected to the bracket via a central shaft. However, the central shaft generally adopts a short shaft design, and the central shaft is connected to the running wheel assembly via a bearing. The cantilever support structure is not rigid enough. When the hamster runs vigorously, the running wheel assembly is prone to axial movement and radial swaying, which not only generates noise but also accelerates bearing wear and shortens the overall service life. Utility Model Content

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a hamster running wheel device.

[0006] The technical solution of this utility model includes a bracket, a running wheel assembly, and locking bolts.

[0007] The running wheel assembly has a central mounting through hole at its axial center. The two ends of the central mounting through hole are coaxially provided with first stepped countersunk holes, and bearings are press-fitted into the first stepped countersunk holes at both ends. The locking bolts pass through the inner rings of the bearings at both ends and are then fixed to the bracket by locking nuts.

[0008] A further technical solution is as follows: the running wheel assembly includes an integrally formed hub, a spoke end cap, and an annular rim. The spoke end cap is located at one end of the hub along the axial direction, and its radial outer periphery is connected to the inner wall of the annular rim. The central mounting through hole is located at the axial center of the hub.

[0009] A further technical solution is as follows: a second stepped countersunk hole extends from the inner side of the first stepped countersunk hole; the diameter of the second stepped countersunk hole is larger than the diameter of the central mounting through hole and smaller than the diameter of the first stepped countersunk hole, so as to form an axial clearance groove for the inner ring of the bearing.

[0010] A further technical solution is as follows: the bracket includes a base and a vertical plate; the bearing closer to the vertical plate is defined as the first bearing, and the bearing farther from the vertical plate is defined as the second bearing; a boss gasket is provided between the vertical plate and the first bearing, the boss gasket including an annular boss and an annular flange; the annular boss faces the first bearing and abuts against the inner ring end face of the first bearing; the annular flange faces the vertical plate and abuts against the end face of the vertical plate; the screw of the locking bolt passes through the boss gasket.

[0011] A further technical solution is that the included angle α between the vertical plate and the base is an obtuse angle, and the running wheel assembly is installed within the obtuse angle range.

[0012] A further technical solution is that the vertical plate is provided with an adjustment groove extending in the vertical direction.

[0013] A further technical solution is as follows: the locking bolt is a slotted cylindrical head bolt, and the bolt of the locking bolt passes through the inner ring of the second bearing, the inner ring of the first bearing and the adjusting groove in sequence, and its end is locked and fixed to the vertical plate by a locking nut; the nut of the locking bolt abuts against the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing.

[0014] A further technical solution is that the central mounting through hole and the screw of the locking bolt adopt a clearance fit.

[0015] A further technical solution is that a locking knob is fitted onto the locking nut, and a through polygonal hole is provided in the center of the locking knob to accommodate and drive the locking nut to rotate.

[0016] A further technical solution is that the vertical plate is provided with several vertical reinforcing ribs on the side away from the running wheel assembly, the reinforcing ribs extend in the vertical direction, and their lower ends are connected to the base.

[0017] The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are as follows: The overall structural strength is improved by integrally molding the hub, spoke end caps, and annular rim. Bearings at both ends of the central mounting hole along the axial direction, combined with axial locking bolts, achieve radial fixation and balanced axial support, ensuring reduced noise during wheel assembly rotation. Furthermore, the long axis design of the locking bolts ensures smooth rotation. The obtuse angle between the vertical plate and the base optimizes the center of gravity of the wheel assembly, effectively reducing the risk of tipping over due to dynamic loads during hamster running compared to a vertical structure. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0019] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the overall structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the bracket of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the boss gasket structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the specific structure of the running wheel assembly of this utility model;

[0023] The components include: 1. Bracket; 11. Base; 12. Vertical plate; 13. Adjustment groove; 14. Reinforcing rib; 2. Running wheel assembly; 21. Center assembly through hole; 22. Wheel hub; 23. Annular rim; 24. Spoke end cap; 3. Locking bolt; 4. First stepped countersunk hole; 5. Second stepped countersunk hole; 6. First bearing; 7. Second bearing; 8. Boss gasket; 81. Annular boss; 82. Annular flange; 9. Locking knob. Detailed Implementation

[0024] In order to better understand the technical means of this utility model and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the specific embodiments of this utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate this utility model, but are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, the hamster running wheel device of this utility model includes a bracket 1 and a running wheel assembly 2. The running wheel assembly 2 has a central mounting through hole 21 at its axial center. A locking bolt 3 passes through the central mounting through hole 21, and the running wheel assembly 2 is mounted on the bracket 1 by means of the locking bolt 3.

[0026] The central assembly through hole 21 has first stepped countersunk holes 4 coaxially opened at both ends along the axial direction. Each first stepped countersunk hole 4 is press-fitted with a bearing through an interference fit. The bearings at both ends are symmetrically distributed to provide radial load balance, ensure operational stability, and at the same time ensure low noise when the running wheel assembly 2 rotates.

[0027] Preferably, a second stepped countersunk hole 5 extends from the inner side of the first stepped countersunk hole 4. The diameter of the second stepped countersunk hole 5 is larger than the diameter of the central mounting through hole 21 and smaller than the diameter of the first stepped countersunk hole 4, so as to form an axial clearance groove for the bearing inner ring, so that the bearing inner ring and the axial inner end face of the first stepped countersunk hole 4 maintain an isolation gap to prevent axial movement caused by contact friction.

[0028] The bracket 1 includes a base 11 and a vertical plate 12. The vertical plate 12 has an adjusting groove 13 extending vertically. The adjusting groove 13 is a vertical through groove, and its width matches the diameter of the locking bolt 3. By adjusting the position of the locking bolt 3 within the adjusting groove 13, the installation height of the running wheel assembly 2 is adjusted. The bearing closer to the vertical plate 12 is defined as the first bearing 6, and the bearing farther from the vertical plate 12 is defined as the second bearing 7. In this embodiment, the locking bolt 3 is a slotted cylindrical head bolt. The screw of the locking bolt 3 sequentially passes through the inner ring of the second bearing 7, the inner ring of the first bearing 6, and the adjusting groove 13, and its end is locked in place by a locking nut. The nut of the locking bolt 3 abuts against the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing 7, forming an axial preload.

[0029] Preferably, the central mounting through hole 21 and the screw of the locking bolt 3 are fitted with a clearance to form a radial isolation space, preventing the locking bolt 3 from contacting the inner wall of the central mounting through hole 21, reducing noise and extending service life.

[0030] Preferably, a boss gasket 8 is provided between the first bearing 6 and the bracket 1. The boss gasket 8 includes an annular boss 81 and an annular flange 82. The annular boss 81 faces the first bearing 6 and abuts against the inner ring end face of the first bearing 6. The annular flange 82 faces the vertical plate 12 and abuts against the end face of the vertical plate 12. The screw of the locking bolt 3 passes through the boss gasket 8.

[0031] The axial force exerted on the inner ring of the bearing by the locking bolt 3 is transmitted through the annular boss 81 to the annular flange 82, and then through the end face of the annular flange 82 to the vertical plate 12, thus achieving precise axial force transmission.

[0032] Preferably, a nut washer is added between the locking nut and the vertical plate 12 to increase their pressure-bearing contact area.

[0033] Preferably, a locking knob 9 is fitted onto the locking nut. The locking knob 9 is cylindrical, with a through polygonal hole in its middle to accommodate the locking nut. The locking nut can be driven to rotate synchronously by simply rotating the locking knob 9, thereby achieving axial movement and tightening, which is very convenient.

[0034] The locking nut has a detachable decorative piece on its nut, and the decorative piece is embedded with a magnet. The decorative piece is detachably connected to the nut under the magnetic attraction of the magnet.

[0035] In this embodiment, the included angle α between the vertical plate 12 and the base 11 is an obtuse angle (90°<α≤93°, preferably, α=91.5°), and the running wheel assembly 2 is installed within the obtuse angle range. This design shifts the center of gravity projection of the running wheel assembly 2 toward the geometric center of the base 11, which effectively reduces the risk of tipping over caused by dynamic loads when the hamster runs, compared to a 90° vertical structure.

[0036] Preferably, the vertical plate 12 is provided with a plurality of vertical reinforcing ribs 14 on the side away from the running wheel assembly 2. The reinforcing ribs 14 extend in the vertical direction and their lower ends are connected to the base 11 to form full-strength bending support for the vertical plate 12.

[0037] The running wheel assembly 2 includes a hub 22 and an annular rim 23 coaxially arranged. One axial end of the hub 22 is provided with a spoke end cap 24, the outer periphery of which is connected to the inner wall of the annular rim 23. The central mounting through hole 21 is located at the axial center of the hub 22. In this embodiment, the hub 22, spoke end cap 24, and annular rim 23 are integrally injection molded, and together they define a semi-enclosed annular running track compartment, serving as the annular running track area for the hamster. The inner wall of the annular rim 23 serves as the contact surface for the hamster's running, while the spoke end cap 24 forms the hamster's lateral protective surface.

[0038] In this embodiment, the hub 22, spoke end caps 24, and annular rim 23 are injection molded from polylactic acid (PLA) material. PLA has a high surface gloss and a delicate feel after injection molding, reducing friction damage to the hamster's paws when running. Furthermore, as an environmentally friendly material, PLA's degradation products are non-toxic and harmless, so even if the hamster chews on it, it will not ingest harmful substances. Moreover, PLA has the property of inhibiting the growth of bacteria and mold, reducing the risk of pathogens coming into contact with the hamster's feet even when exposed to a humid environment for a long time.

[0039] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present utility model, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A hamster running wheel device, comprising a bracket (1), a running wheel assembly (2), and a locking bolt (3), characterized in that: The running wheel assembly (2) has a central mounting through hole (21) at its axial center. The central mounting through hole (21) has a first stepped countersunk hole (4) coaxially opened at both ends along the axial direction. Bearings are press-fitted into the first stepped countersunk holes (4) at both ends respectively. The locking bolt (3) passes through the inner rings of the bearings at both ends in sequence and is fixed to the bracket (1) by locking nuts.

2. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The running wheel assembly (2) includes an integrally formed hub (22), a spoke end cap (24) and an annular rim (23). The spoke end cap (24) is located at one end of the hub (22) along the axial direction, and its radial outer periphery is connected to the inner wall of the annular rim (23). The central mounting through hole (21) is located at the axial center of the hub (22).

3. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first stepped countersunk hole (4) extends into a second stepped countersunk hole (5); the diameter of the second stepped countersunk hole (5) is larger than the diameter of the central mounting through hole (21) and smaller than the diameter of the first stepped countersunk hole (4) to form an axial clearance groove for the bearing inner ring.

4. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bracket (1) includes a base (11) and a vertical plate (12); the bearing closer to the vertical plate (12) is defined as the first bearing (6), and the bearing farther from the vertical plate (12) is defined as the second bearing (7); a boss gasket (8) is provided between the vertical plate (12) and the first bearing (6), the boss gasket (8) includes an annular boss (81) and an annular flange (82); the annular boss (81) faces the first bearing (6) and abuts against the inner ring end face of the first bearing (6); the annular flange (82) faces the vertical plate (12) and abuts against the end face of the vertical plate (12); the screw of the locking bolt (3) passes through the boss gasket (8).

5. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The included angle α between the vertical plate (12) and the base (11) is an obtuse angle, and the running wheel assembly (2) is installed within the obtuse angle range.

6. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vertical plate (12) is provided with an adjustment groove (13) extending in the vertical direction.

7. A hamster running wheel device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The locking bolt (3) is a slotted cylindrical head bolt. The bolt of the locking bolt (3) passes through the inner ring of the second bearing (7), the inner ring of the first bearing (6) and the adjusting groove (13) in sequence, and its end is locked and fixed on the vertical plate (12) by the locking nut. The nut of the locking bolt (3) abuts against the end face of the inner ring of the second bearing (7).

8. The hamster running wheel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The central mounting through hole (21) and the screw of the locking bolt (3) are fitted with a clearance fit.

9. A hamster running wheel device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A locking knob (9) is fitted onto the locking nut. The locking knob (9) has a through polygonal hole in the middle to accommodate and drive the locking nut to rotate.

10. A hamster running wheel device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The vertical plate (12) is provided with several vertical reinforcing ribs (14) on the side away from the running wheel assembly (2). The reinforcing ribs (14) extend in the vertical direction and their lower ends are connected to the base (11).

Images