Trundle detection equipment and application method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of trundle detection, in particular to trundle detection equipment, which comprises a rack, a load bearing mechanism, a driving mechanism, a laser scanner and a balancing weight, and is characterized in that the driving mechanism is used for driving a to-be-detected trundle to roll, and horizontal floating areas are arranged at the two ends of the output end of the driving mechanism and are used for assisting the to-be-detected trundle to rotate; and a scanning lens of the laser scanner faces the to-be-detected caster and is used for acquiring wheel surface three-dimensional contour data of the to-be-detected caster. The reciprocating linear walking state of the caster in actual use is simulated through the driving mechanism, the caster is assisted in rotating through the horizontal floating area, the free steering behavior of the caster at a path turning point in the actual push-pull process is simulated, and the authenticity of the test working condition is remarkably improved; meanwhile, the integrated laser scanner serves as a non-contact measuring unit, three-dimensional contour data of the trundle surface can be obtained in real time under the condition that the trundle is not stopped, and the detection accuracy and the overall efficiency are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of caster testing technology, and in particular to a caster testing device and its application method. Background Technology

[0002] Casters, especially swivel casters, are key moving components of various mobile devices, and their wear resistance and service life are core indicators for measuring product quality. Current caster wear resistance testing mainly utilizes caster travel testing machines. A typical approach involves using a horizontal rotating disc to drive the caster's movement (such as a caster load testing device, application publication number CN114370996A), applying a load to simulate load-bearing movement. However, swivel casters primarily move in straight-line reciprocating motion in practical applications, while the rotating disc drive method essentially forces the caster to continuously roll along a fixed circular path. This differs significantly from real-world working conditions, leading to insufficient accuracy in test results.

[0003] Furthermore, existing technologies generally rely on manual visual inspection or contact measurement methods (such as calipers) after the machine has stopped to assess the degree of wear. This method is inefficient, prone to subjective errors, and cannot obtain continuous data on the wear process, making it difficult to achieve dynamic monitoring of wear evolution. With the development of industrial inspection technology, non-contact measurement, especially three-dimensional topography acquisition technology based on laser scanning, is widely used in the industrial field due to its high precision, high efficiency, and online monitoring capabilities, but it has not yet been effectively integrated into caster wear resistance testing equipment.

[0004] Therefore, existing caster testing equipment has obvious shortcomings in terms of motion simulation realism and the real-time and objective nature of wear detection. There is an urgent need for a testing device and method that can more realistically simulate straight-line walking conditions and integrate laser measurement and other equipment to achieve online and quantitative wear assessment. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the present invention proposes a caster testing device and its application method, aiming to solve the problems of motion condition simulation distortion and low efficiency and poor accuracy in wear detection in existing caster measuring devices. The present invention simulates the reciprocating linear movement of a caster in actual use through a drive mechanism, and uses a horizontal floating zone to assist caster rotation, simulating the free turning behavior of the caster at path turning points during actual pushing and pulling, significantly improving the realism of the test conditions. Simultaneously, the integrated laser scanner serves as a non-contact measurement unit, enabling real-time acquisition of the three-dimensional contour data of the caster surface without stopping the machine, improving the accuracy and overall efficiency of the detection.

[0006] The technical solution of this invention is implemented as follows: On one hand, the present invention provides a caster detection device, including a frame, a load-bearing mechanism, a drive mechanism, a laser scanner, and a counterweight, wherein, The load-bearing mechanism is slidably mounted vertically on the frame, with the top of it detachably connected to the caster to be tested and the bottom of it detachably connected to the counterweight. The drive mechanism is fixed on the frame, and its output end can move horizontally back and forth in a straight line to drive the caster under test to roll. The two ends of its output end are provided with horizontal floating areas to assist the caster under test to rotate. The laser scanner is fixed on the frame, with its scanning lens facing the caster to be tested, for acquiring the three-dimensional contour data of the caster's surface.

[0007] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, it also includes an electric telescopic rod, wherein the load-bearing mechanism includes a sliding rod, a bracket, and a counterweight tray, wherein... The upper end of the sliding rod is fixedly connected to the bracket, and the lower end passes through the top of the frame; The bottom of the bracket is connected to the caster to be tested by bolts. The counterweight tray is fixed to the lower end of the sliding rod, and the counterweight block is placed on top of the counterweight tray; The electric telescopic rod is located below the sliding rod and fixed to the bottom of the frame, and is used to adjust the initial height of the sliding rod.

[0008] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, a guide sleeve is fixed to the top of the frame, wherein... The sliding rod passes through the guide sleeve and is slidably connected; The guide sleeve is provided with a mounting arm extending toward the laser scanner; The laser scanner is fixed to the end of the mounting arm.

[0009] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the driving mechanism is an electric linear slide structure, with a traveling plane at the top of its output end. The wheel surface of the caster to be tested is in contact with the walking plane; The walking plane has two conical sinkholes at both ends, and a frustum-shaped floating plate is elastically connected to the inner side of each conical sinkhole by a return spring. The top surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate is horizontally aligned with the traveling plane, and the horizontal floating area is formed by the cooperation of the conical sinkhole, the frustum-shaped floating plate and the return spring. The top diameter of the conical sink is smaller than the bottom diameter, and a conical receiving hole is provided on the bottom of the conical sink. The opening diameter of the conical receiving hole is larger than the bottom diameter. The lower end of the return spring is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tapered storage hole, and the upper end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate. Multiple omnidirectional balls are embedded in the bottom of the conical sinkhole, and the ball heads of the multiple omnidirectional balls are supported on the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate and are connected by rolling. There is a reserved space between the side of the conical sinkhole and the side of the frustum-shaped floating plate, and the side of the conical sinkhole is provided with a rubber coating.

[0010] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the bottom of the conical sink is provided with an embedding hole, wherein, One end of the omnidirectional ball is embedded inside the embedding hole, and the top of the ball head of the omnidirectional ball protrudes upward from the bottom of the conical groove.

[0011] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the frustum-shaped floating plate includes a circular inner plate and a conical outer ring, wherein, The conical outer ring is fitted around the outer periphery of the circular inner plate and is connected by ball bearings, and the three together form a bearing-like structure. The bottom of the circular inner plate is fixedly connected to the upper end of the return spring and abuts against the ball head of the universal ball.

[0012] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, a clearance gap is reserved between the bottom of the conical sink and the bottom surface of the circular inner plate; an annular air bladder is embedded inside the opening of the conical receiving hole; and a pressure plate is fixed to the outer periphery of the top of the return spring. The top of the annular airbag is slidably connected to the bottom of the circular inner plate, and an air inlet is provided on the outer periphery of the annular airbag. The side of the pressure plate is used to squeeze the inner wall of the annular air bladder so that the air inlet blows air into the clearance gap.

[0013] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the top of the output end of the drive mechanism is provided with an opening slot, wherein... The opening groove is located between the two conical sinkers, with one side open. A walking plate is horizontally inserted into the inner side of the opening groove along the opening direction, and the bottom of the walking plate is magnetically connected to the bottom of the opening groove, and the top of the walking plate is horizontally aligned with the top of the frustum-shaped floating plate. A push rod is provided through the side of the opening slot along the open direction, and one end of the push rod abuts against the side end of the walking plate; The walking board includes multiple simulation boards, with adjacent simulation boards connected by a mortise and tenon structure, and the top surface of the simulation board is provided with friction texture.

[0014] Based on the above technical solutions, preferably, the bracket includes a crossbeam, an adjusting rod, a hand-tightening screw, and a mounting plate, wherein, The crossbeam is fixed to the top of the sliding rod, and the two are arranged in a T-shape. One adjusting rod is vertically inserted through each end of the crossbeam, and the adjusting rod and the crossbeam are slidably connected. A hand-tightening screw is provided on the side of each adjusting rod. The hand-tightening screw is screwed to the side of the crossbeam, and one end of it abuts against the side of the adjusting rod at the corresponding position; One mounting plate is fixed to the lower end of each adjusting rod, and one caster to be tested is provided at the bottom of each mounting plate; Each of the casters to be tested is provided with a corresponding drive mechanism and a laser scanner; The two drive mechanisms are arranged in parallel, and the sliding rod is located between the two sets of drive mechanisms.

[0015] On the other hand, the present invention also provides a method for applying the caster detection device, which includes the following steps: S1. Install the caster to be tested on the top of the load-bearing mechanism, and install the counterweight block at the bottom of the load-bearing mechanism. After the counterweight is applied, the wheel surface of the caster to be tested abuts against the top surface of the output end of the drive mechanism. S2. Start the drive mechanism so that its output end moves horizontally back and forth in a straight line, thereby driving the caster under test to roll. During the process, the horizontal floating area on the output end of the drive mechanism assists the caster under test to rotate.

[0016] The caster testing device and its application method of the present invention have the following advantages over the prior art: (1) The drive mechanism simulates the reciprocating linear movement of the caster in actual use, and the horizontal floating area simulates the free turning behavior of the caster at the turning point of the path during the actual pushing and pulling process, which significantly improves the realism of the test conditions. At the same time, the integrated laser scanner, as a non-contact measurement unit, can acquire the three-dimensional contour data of the caster surface in real time without stopping the machine, thereby improving the accuracy and overall efficiency of the test.

[0017] (2) By setting horizontal floating zones at both ends of the walking plane, consisting of conical sinkers, frustum-shaped floating plates, and return springs, the caster rotation is assisted, facilitating the simulation of the rotation force state. When the caster under test rotates, its rim can push the floating plate to elastically deflect in the horizontal plane, effectively absorbing the lateral force brought by the rotation, avoiding hard jamming or abnormal wear, and realistically simulating the force behavior of the caster in a free rotation state. The omnidirectional ball supports the bottom surface of the floating plate, providing stable support and allowing it to float freely in the horizontal plane; the movement space provides sufficient stroke for the deflection of the floating plate; the rubber coating buffers the collision between the floating plate and the side wall of the sinker, reducing noise and extending service life. This structure achieves "flexible adaptation" of the driving surface, significantly improving the stability and realism of the test process.

[0018] (3) By designing the frustum-shaped floating plate as a bearing-like structure consisting of a circular inner plate, a conical outer ring, and ball bearings, the relative rotation capability within the floating plate is achieved. When the caster under test rotates during rolling, the conical outer ring can rotate relative to the circular inner plate, further releasing structural stress and avoiding excessive compression or jamming caused by angular mismatch between the floating plate and the conical groove. This structure not only enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the floating system but also reduces frictional resistance during movement, making the floating response more sensitive and smoother, thus more realistically simulating the free rotation behavior of the caster and further improving the realism of the test and the stability of the equipment operation.

[0019] (4) By setting a detachable walking plate at the output end of the drive mechanism and using magnetic connection to achieve quick installation and replacement, the equipment's ability to simulate different test environments is enhanced. Meanwhile, the walking plate is composed of multiple simulation plates with different friction textures, spliced ​​together by mortise and tenon joints, allowing for flexible combination according to test requirements to simulate various actual road surface conditions such as cement, wood flooring, and carpet. The push rod design facilitates pushing the walking plate out of the slot for quick replacement. This structure breaks through the limitations of traditional fixed drive surfaces, enabling the equipment to comprehensively evaluate the wear resistance of casters under different friction conditions, significantly improving the diversity, realism, and practicality of the test, and meeting the verification needs of multiple scenarios.

[0020] (5) By pressing the inner wall of the annular air-blowing airbag with the pressure plate, the annular air-blowing airbag can be compressed, thereby blowing air into the clearance gap to clean up dust, debris and other debris that enter the clearance gap, and prevent debris from accumulating in the clearance gap and affecting the offset of the frustum-shaped floating plate. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a caster testing device according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is a partial perspective view of a caster testing device according to the present invention; Figure 3 for Figure 2 A stereoscopic view from another perspective; Figure 4 A 3D view of the output end of the drive mechanism; Figure 5 for Figure 4 A partial exploded view; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure of the settling tank section; Figure 7 for Figure 6 Sectional view along axis AA; Figure 8 for Figure 6 A partial structural diagram; Figure 9 for Figure 8 A partial structural diagram; In the diagram: 1. Frame; 2. Load-bearing mechanism; 3. Drive mechanism; 4. Laser scanner; 5. Counterweight; 6. Electric telescopic rod; 9. Caster to be tested; 11. Guide sleeve; 12. Mounting arm; 21. Sliding rod; 22. Bracket; 23. Counterweight tray; 31. Return spring; 32. Frustum-shaped floating plate; 33. Universal ball; 34. Annular air bladder; 35. Walking plate; 36. Push rod; 221 1. Crossbeam; 222. Adjusting rod; 223. Hand screw; 224. Mounting plate; 301. Walking plane; 302. Conical recess; 303. Conical storage hole; 304. Activity space; 305. Embedded hole; 306. Avoidance gap; 307. Opening slot; 311. Pressure plate; 321. Circular inner plate; 322. Conical outer ring; 323. Ball bearing; 341. Air inlet; 351. Simulation plate. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to specific embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this invention, and not all of them. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] like Figure 1-9 As shown, a caster testing device of the present invention includes a frame 1, a load-bearing mechanism 2, a drive mechanism 3, a laser scanner 4, and a counterweight 5.

[0025] The load-bearing mechanism 2 is vertically slidably mounted on the frame 1. Its top is detachably connected to the caster 9 under test, and its bottom is detachably connected to a counterweight 5, simulating the load state of the caster in actual use. The drive mechanism 3 is fixed to the frame 1, and its output end can reciprocate horizontally in a straight line to drive the caster 9 under test to roll. Horizontal floating areas are provided at both ends of the output end of the drive mechanism 3 to assist the rotation of the caster 9 under test. The laser scanner 4 is fixed to the frame 1, with its scanning lens facing the caster 9 under test, to acquire the three-dimensional contour data of the wheel surface of the caster 9 under test.

[0026] Two horizontal floating zones are respectively set at the beginning and end of the linear travel of the caster 9 under test. When the output end of the drive mechanism 3 moves to the maximum travel in one end, the caster 9 under test is located at the top of the horizontal floating zone at the beginning of the travel. At this time, the drive mechanism 3 moves in the opposite direction, and the output end drives the caster 9 under test to return to its original position. Its wheel rim undergoes adaptive rotation under the action of the horizontal floating zone at the beginning, realizing a smooth transition in the direction of movement. As the output end continues to move in the opposite direction to the maximum travel in the other end, the caster 9 under test moves to the top of the horizontal floating zone at the end of the travel and completes preparation for the next turn in this area.

[0027] Under the continuous reciprocating drive of the drive mechanism 3, the caster under test 9 sequentially completes its rotational movement in the horizontal floating zones at both ends of its stroke, achieving an alternating connection between rolling and turning. During this process, the horizontal floating zone can elastically deflect with the caster under test 9, adapting to its rotational motion. This design simulates the free turning behavior of the caster at the turning point of the path during actual pushing and pulling, avoiding jamming and making the entire testing process closer to real-world usage conditions, significantly improving the realism of the test and the continuity of dynamic response.

[0028] By replacing the traditional rotary disc drive structure with the aforementioned linear reciprocating drive structure, the push-pull linear walking condition of the caster in actual use is realistically simulated. Furthermore, the rotational motion of the caster 9 during rolling is adaptively adjusted by a horizontal floating zone. This floating zone's flexible guidance and elastic adaptation of the rotational motion prevents jamming and effectively replicates the force behavior of the caster in free-turning mode, significantly improving the realism of the test conditions. Simultaneously, the integrated laser scanner 4, as a non-contact measurement unit, can acquire the three-dimensional contour data of the caster surface in real time without stopping the machine. This enables online, dynamic, and quantitative monitoring of the wear process, eliminating the need for manual observation of the wheel surface after machine shutdown, thereby improving the accuracy and overall efficiency of the inspection.

[0029] Based on the above embodiments, the testing equipment further includes an electric telescopic rod 6, and the load-bearing mechanism 2 includes a sliding rod 21, a bracket 22, and a counterweight tray 23. The upper end of the sliding rod 21 is fixedly connected to the bracket 22, and the lower end passes through the top of the frame 1, allowing it to slide freely in the vertical direction. The bottom of the bracket 22 is bolted to the caster 9 to be tested, ensuring a secure connection and easy replacement. The counterweight tray 23 is fixed to the lower end of the sliding rod 21, and the counterweight 5 is placed on top of the counterweight tray 23 to achieve stable application of the load. The electric telescopic rod 6 is located below the sliding rod 21 and fixed to the bottom of the frame 1. Its telescopic end pushes the sliding rod 21 upward, which can be used to adjust the initial height of the sliding rod 21.

[0030] The electric telescopic pole 6 can be any telescopic device with lifting function in the prior art, such as a new type of electric power lifter (authorization announcement number CN213326511U), or a cylinder can be used instead.

[0031] Before installing the caster 9 to be tested, the electric telescopic rod 6 is activated, its telescopic end extends and pushes against the sliding rod 21, causing the bracket 22 to rise vertically. This provides sufficient operating space at the bottom of the bracket 22, facilitating the quick and easy installation of the caster 9 to be tested onto the bottom of the bracket 22. After installation, the electric telescopic rod 6 is gradually retracted, and the sliding rod 21 descends smoothly under its own weight, causing the bracket 22 and the caster 9 to move down synchronously until the wheel surface of the caster 9 gently abuts against the walking plane 301 at the output end of the drive mechanism 3. Subsequently, the electric telescopic rod 6 is fully retracted, and its telescopic end separates from the sliding rod 21, ensuring that the load-bearing mechanism 2 generates vertical load only through the counterweight during subsequent testing, without interference from additional support forces. Finally, a counterweight block 5 of preset weight is placed on the counterweight tray 23 at the lower end of the sliding rod 21, and the load is evenly transferred to the caster 9 to be tested through the load-bearing mechanism 2, realizing the load simulation under real working conditions. This operation process achieves the orderly separation of caster installation, pre-contact alignment, and loading, improving clamping efficiency and loading consistency, and ensuring the accuracy and repeatability of the test start state.

[0032] Furthermore, the lower end of the sliding rod 21 is in the shape of a Chinese character '匚', that is, the lower end of the sliding rod 21 is bent backward, downward, and then forward in sequence, forming a concave bearing part with an opening facing forward. Inside the concave bearing part, multiple layers of counterweight trays 23 are fixedly arranged in the vertical direction. The trays of each layer are arranged at intervals up and down, and counterweight blocks 5 can be independently placed on the top of each layer of counterweight tray 23. By selecting to load counterweight blocks 5 at different levels or loading them simultaneously on multiple layers, the size and center of gravity distribution of the total load can be flexibly adjusted, so as to adapt to the test requirements of different types of casters, and achieve hierarchical and combined counterweight. This design significantly improves the flexibility and adaptability of the equipment load application, not only meets the wide-range test requirements from light load to heavy load, but also facilitates the simulation of asymmetric or dynamic load conditions, enhancing the comprehensiveness and engineering practicability of the detection.

[0033] In addition, the bottom of the frame 1 is designed as a cabinet-like structure, with a cabinet door at the front end, which is convenient for maintenance and operation. The counterweight trays 23 are integrally arranged inside the cabinet, and the counterweight blocks 5 can be conveniently operated after opening the cabinet door. In order to further improve the flexibility and convenience of the counterweight operation, multiple layers of storage trays are fixedly arranged on the inner side of the cabinet. The number of layers of the storage trays is the same as that of the counterweight trays 23, and each layer of storage tray is horizontally aligned with the corresponding counterweight tray 23. <e

[0034] All the counterweight blocks 5 are pre-placed on the storage trays. According to the test requirements, an appropriate number of counterweight blocks 5 are selected from the storage trays and slid horizontally to the corresponding counterweight trays 23 to complete the transfer of the counterweight blocks 5. Since the storage trays are horizontally aligned with the counterweight trays 23, this process is simple and fast, reducing the handling distance and improving the operation efficiency. After the test is completed, the counterweight blocks 5 are dragged back from the counterweight trays 23 to the storage trays in the reverse operation to restore the initial state. Then, the cabinet door is closed to ensure the cleanliness and safety of the equipment, and to prevent the accidental dropping or loss of the counterweight blocks 5.

[0035] On the basis of the above embodiments, a guide sleeve 11 is fixedly arranged on the top of the frame 1. The sliding rod 21 passes through the guide sleeve 11 and is slidably connected to form a stable guiding pair. It is used to limit the sway of the sliding rod 21 in the horizontal direction, ensuring that it only moves in the vertical direction, so as to ensure that the caster 9 to be tested is always vertically stressed, and avoid abnormal wear or test deviation caused by eccentric loading.

[0036] An installation arm 12 extending towards the laser scanner 4 is arranged on the outside of the guide sleeve 11, and the laser scanner 4 is fixed at the end of the installation arm 12. Through this structure, the relative position between the laser scanner 4 and the caster 9 to be tested is kept constant, and the scanning angle and distance are stable, greatly improving the repeatability and accuracy of the three-dimensional contour data acquisition.

[0037] Based on the above implementation method, the drive mechanism 3 is an electric linear slide structure, and its output end has a traveling plane 301 at the top. The wheel surface of the caster 9 under test abuts against the traveling plane 301, and rolls back and forth in a straight line under the drive of the drive mechanism 3.

[0038] The electric linear slide structure includes a guide rail, on which a slider is slidably mounted. The slider serves as the output end of the drive mechanism 3, and its top surface has a traveling plane 301. A lead screw nut is mounted on the side of the slider, and a lead screw is threaded onto the inner side of the lead screw nut. The lead screw is rotatably mounted on the top of the frame 1, and one end of it is connected to a motor. By controlling the forward and reverse rotation of the motor, the lead screw is rotated, thereby driving the lead screw nut and the slider to reciprocate linearly along the guide rail, achieving stable drive of the caster 9 under test. The forward and reverse rotation control technology of the motor is an existing mature technology and will not be described in detail in this embodiment.

[0039] Two conical grooves 302 are provided at both ends of the traveling plane 301. A frustum-shaped floating plate 32 is elastically connected to the inner side of each conical groove 302 via a return spring 31. The top surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 is horizontally aligned with the traveling plane 301, forming a continuous driving surface. The aforementioned horizontal floating area is formed by the cooperation of the conical grooves 302, the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, and the return spring 31.

[0040] The lower end of the return spring 31 is fixedly connected to the bottom of the conical receiving hole 303, and the upper end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32. Multiple omnidirectional balls 33 are embedded in the bottom of the conical recess 302, and the ball heads of the multiple omnidirectional balls 33 are supported on the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 and are connected by rolling. An active space 304 is reserved between the side of the conical recess 302 and the side of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, and the side of the conical recess 302 is provided with a rubber coating.

[0041] The top diameter of the conical sink 302 is smaller than its bottom diameter, forming an inwardly expanding conical structure that provides sufficient space for the deflection of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32. A conical receiving hole 303 is provided at the bottom of the sink 302, with an opening diameter larger than the bottom diameter, matching the shape of the return spring 31. This structural design allows the return spring 31 to tilt and deform accordingly when the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 deflects horizontally, effectively avoiding interference between the spring and the hole wall and ensuring smooth elastic deformation. Simultaneously, the inner wall of the conical receiving hole 303 guides and limits the return spring 31, preventing it from dislodging or becoming stuck due to excessive displacement of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 during deflection, significantly improving the stability and reliability of the floating structure.

[0042] When the caster 9 under test rotates during rolling, its rim pushes the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 to deflect in the horizontal plane. The return spring 31 provides elastic restoring force, achieving automatic reset after deflection. The bottom of the conical groove 302 is provided with a conical receiving hole 303. The lower end of the return spring 31 is fixed to the bottom of the hole, and the upper end is connected to the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, ensuring the stability of the elastic connection. Multiple omnidirectional balls 33 are embedded in the bottom of the conical groove 302, and their ball heads support the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, providing stable support while allowing it to float freely in the horizontal plane. An activity space 304 is reserved between the side wall of the conical groove 302 and the side wall of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 to provide sufficient stroke for deflection. The side wall is provided with a rubber coating to buffer collisions and reduce noise. This horizontal floating area achieves "flexible adaptation" of the driving surface, effectively absorbing the lateral force brought by rotation, avoiding hard jamming, and significantly improving the stability and authenticity of the testing process.

[0043] In this structure, the bottom of the conical recess 302 is provided with an embedding hole 305. One end of the universal ball 33 is embedded in the embedding hole 305 for a stable installation. The top of the ball head of the universal ball 33 protrudes upward from the bottom of the conical recess 302, ensuring that it can continuously and reliably support the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32. This structure prevents the universal ball 33 from loosening or falling off during long-term use, improving the stability and durability of the support system. The protruding design ensures that the contact point between the universal ball 33 and the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 is always in the optimal support position, ensuring the smoothness and responsiveness of the floating plate's movement, further enhancing the reliability of the horizontal floating area, and ensuring that the equipment maintains stable performance during high-frequency, long-term testing.

[0044] Furthermore, the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 includes a circular inner plate 321 and a conical outer ring 322. The conical outer ring 322 is fitted around the outer periphery of the circular inner plate 321 and is rotatably connected by ball bearings 323, and the three together form a bearing-like structure. The bottom of the circular inner plate 321 is fixedly connected to the upper end of the return spring 31 and abuts against the ball head of the universal ball 33. When the caster 9 under test rotates, the conical outer ring 322 can rotate relative to the circular inner plate 321, releasing structural stress and avoiding excessive compression or jamming between it and the conical groove 302. This structure enhances the flexibility and adaptability of the floating system, reduces motion friction resistance, and makes the floating response more sensitive and smoother, thereby more realistically simulating the free rotation behavior of the caster and further improving the realism of the test and the stability of the equipment operation.

[0045] Furthermore, a clearance gap 306 is provided between the bottom of the conical trough 302 and the bottom surface of the circular inner plate 321. This gap ensures that the rotating pair between the circular inner plate 321 and the conical outer ring 322 can operate normally. This prevents structural interference caused by assembly errors or temperature changes, avoids the bearing-like structure from getting stuck or experiencing accelerated wear due to compression, ensures the long-term smooth operation of the floating system, and improves the reliability and service life of the equipment.

[0046] Furthermore, an annular airbag 34 is embedded inside the opening of the conical storage hole 303, and a pressure plate 311 is fixed to the outer periphery of the top of the return spring 31. The top of the annular airbag 34 is slidably connected to the bottom of the circular inner plate 321, and its outer side is adhered and fixed to the hole wall of the conical storage hole 303. An air inlet 341 is provided on the outer periphery of the annular airbag 34, which faces the clearance gap 306. The pressure plate 311 is a circular plate structure with a diameter equal to that of the return spring 31, and the two are embedded or welded together. At the same time, the pressure plate 311 is fixed to the circular inner plate 321 by bolts. In addition, a structure similar to the pressure plate 311 is also fixed to the lower end of the return spring 31, and this structure is connected to the bottom of the conical storage hole 303 by bolts.

[0047] When the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 shifts, it causes the return spring 31 and the pressure plate 311 to shift as well. The pressure plate 311 is used to squeeze the inner wall of the annular air bladder 34, compressing the annular air bladder 34 so that the air inlet 341 blows air into the clearance gap 306. This is used to clean up dust, debris, and other impurities that have entered the clearance gap 306, preventing the accumulation of impurities in the clearance gap 306 from affecting the normal shift of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32. The movable space 304 is connected to the clearance gap 306. When air is blown, the impurities in the clearance gap 306 pass through the movable space 304 and leave the conical sink 302. When the caster 9 under test leaves the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, the return spring 31 pulls the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 back to its original position, and the annular air bladder 34 depressurizes and rebounds to a state where it is not squeezed. The frustum-shaped floating plate 32 is centered inside the conical sink 302, and the return spring 31 is centered inside the conical receiving hole 303.

[0048] In this structure, return springs 31 are provided at least three times along the circumference of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32 to improve the return effect. The top of the annular air bladder 34 is wedge-shaped, which reduces the contact area between the annular air bladder 34 and the circular inner plate 321. When the pressure plate 311 squeezes the annular air bladder 34, the part of the top of the annular air bladder 34 in contact with the circular inner plate 321 is small, and the two are not easily over-compressed, which is conducive to the smooth flow of air inlet 341. At the same time, a 0-1mm fitting gap is reserved between the top end face of the annular air bladder 34 and the circular inner plate 321. In the uncompressed state, the top of the annular air bladder 34 and the bottom of the circular inner plate 321 can slide relative to each other, thereby reducing the influence of the annular air bladder 34 on the offset of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32.

[0049] Furthermore, the air inlet 341 has a circular hole structure, with multiple holes spaced around the annular air inlet 34. Each air inlet 341 has a metal tube liner embedded inside the hole to ensure that the air inlet 341 is in the open state and to prevent the air inlet 341 from being accidentally closed when the annular air inlet 344 is deformed.

[0050] Based on the above embodiment, the top of the output end of the drive mechanism 3 is provided with an opening slot 307. The opening slot 307 is located between two conical recesses 302, with one side open. A traveling plate 35 is horizontally inserted into the inner side of the opening slot 307 along the open direction. A permanent magnet is embedded in the bottom of the opening slot 307. After the traveling plate 35 is installed, its bottom is magnetically connected to the bottom of the opening slot 307, and its top is horizontally aligned with the top of the frustum-shaped floating plate 32, ensuring the continuity of the drive surface and the stability of the structure.

[0051] A push rod 36 is provided through the side of the opening slot 307 along the open direction, and one end of the push rod 36 abuts against the side end of the traveling plate 35. Pushing the push rod 36 can push the traveling plate 35 out for easy replacement.

[0052] The walking plate 35 comprises multiple simulation plates 351, with adjacent simulation plates 351 connected by a mortise and tenon structure (such as tongue and groove joints). The top surface of each simulation plate 351 has friction patterns, and each walking plate 35 has a different friction pattern (such as imitation wood flooring, imitation cement flooring, imitation carpeting, etc.). By changing different combinations of simulation plates 351, various real-world road conditions can be simulated, comprehensively evaluating the wear resistance of the casters under different friction conditions. This structure breaks through the limitations of traditional fixed drive surfaces, significantly improving the diversity, realism, and practicality of the test. Furthermore, the top surface of the simulation plate 351 can also be smooth, i.e., without friction patterns, for simple flat surface walking tests.

[0053] Based on the above embodiment, the bracket 22 includes a crossbeam 221, an adjusting rod 222, a hand-tightening screw 223, and a mounting plate 224. The crossbeam 221 is fixed to the top of the sliding rod 21, and the two are arranged in a T-shape. One adjusting rod 222 is vertically inserted through each end of the crossbeam 221, and the adjusting rod 222 and the crossbeam 221 are slidably connected. A hand-tightening screw 223 is correspondingly provided on the side of each adjusting rod 222.

[0054] The hand-tightening screw 223 is screwed onto the side of the crossbeam 221, with one end abutting against the side of the adjusting rod 222 at the corresponding position. Specifically, tightening the hand-tightening screw 223 will press against the side wall of the adjusting rod 222, thereby locking the height.

[0055] Mounting plate 224 is fixed at the lower end of each adjusting rod 222, and a caster 9 to be tested is set at the bottom of each mounting plate 224. A drive mechanism 3 and a laser scanner 4 are set at each caster 9 to be tested. The two drive mechanisms 3 are arranged in parallel, and the sliding rod 21 is located between the two sets of drive mechanisms 3. This structure realizes a dual-station design, which more realistically simulates the actual use of multi-caster equipment and can simultaneously evaluate the collaborative performance of two casters.

[0056] In addition, auxiliary components such as the main unit, monitor, and operation panel are also provided on the frame 1. The monitor is communicatively connected to the laser scanner 4 to display the three-dimensional contour image and wear analysis data of the caster wheel surface in real time, facilitating intuitive monitoring of the testing process by the operator. The non-contact three-dimensional contour data scanning of the object surface by the laser scanner 4 is a mature technology. Its specific structure, working principle, and related data processing methods have been fully disclosed in existing technologies (such as a drill bit wear monitoring method, application publication number CN107560542A), and will not be repeated in this embodiment. Furthermore, this embodiment does not limit its structure, parameters, etc. By integrating human-computer interaction and data visualization functions, the ease of operation of the equipment and the readability of the test results are further improved.

[0057] When the above-mentioned caster testing equipment is actually applied to caster testing work, it includes the following steps: S1. Install the caster 9 to be tested on the top of the load-bearing mechanism 2, and install the counterweight 5 at the bottom of the load-bearing mechanism 2. After the counterweight is applied, the wheel surface of the caster 9 to be tested and the top surface of the output end of the drive mechanism 3 are in contact.

[0058] S2. Start the drive mechanism 3 so that its output end moves horizontally back and forth in a straight line, thereby driving the caster 9 under test to roll. During the process, the horizontal floating area on the output end of the drive mechanism 3 assists the caster 9 under test to rotate.

[0059] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A caster testing device, characterized in that: It includes a frame (1), a load-bearing mechanism (2), a drive mechanism (3), a laser scanner (4), and a counterweight (5), wherein, The load-bearing mechanism (2) is slidably mounted on the frame (1) in a vertical direction. Its top is detachably connected to the caster (9) to be tested, and its bottom is detachably connected to the counterweight (5). The drive mechanism (3) is fixed on the frame (1), and its output end can move horizontally back and forth in a straight line to drive the caster (9) under test to roll. The two ends of its output end are provided with horizontal floating areas to assist the caster (9) under test to rotate. The laser scanner (4) is fixed on the frame (1), and its scanning lens is directed toward the caster to be tested (9) to obtain the three-dimensional contour data of the wheel surface of the caster to be tested (9).

2. The caster testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an electric telescopic rod (6), and the load-bearing mechanism (2) includes a sliding rod (21), a bracket (22), and a counterweight tray (23), wherein, The upper end of the sliding rod (21) is fixedly connected to the bracket (22), and the lower end passes through the top of the frame (1); The bottom of the bracket (22) is connected to the caster to be tested (9) by bolts; The counterweight tray (23) is fixed to the lower end of the sliding rod (21), and the counterweight block (5) is placed on top of the counterweight tray (23); The electric telescopic rod (6) is located below the sliding rod (21) and fixed to the bottom of the frame (1) for adjusting the initial height of the sliding rod (21).

3. The caster testing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: A guide sleeve (11) is fixed to the top of the frame (1), wherein, The sliding rod (21) passes through the guide sleeve (11) and is slidably connected; The guide sleeve (11) is provided with a mounting arm (12) extending toward the laser scanner (4) on its outer side. The laser scanner (4) is fixed to the end of the mounting arm (12).

4. The caster testing device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The drive mechanism (3) is an electric linear slide structure, and its output end has a walking plane (301) at the top. The wheel surface of the caster to be tested (9) abuts against the walking plane (301); The walking plane (301) has two conical sinkholes (302) at both ends, and a frustum-shaped floating plate (32) is elastically connected to the inner side of each conical sinkhole (302) by a return spring (31). The top surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate (32) is horizontally aligned with the walking plane (301), and the horizontal floating area is formed by the cooperation of the conical sinkhole (302), the frustum-shaped floating plate (32) and the return spring (31); The top diameter of the conical sink (302) is smaller than the bottom diameter, and a conical receiving hole (303) is provided on the bottom of the conical sink (302), with the opening diameter of the conical receiving hole (303) being larger than the bottom diameter. The lower end of the return spring (31) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the tapered storage hole (303), and the upper end is fixedly connected to the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate (32). Multiple omnidirectional balls (33) are embedded in the bottom of the conical sink (302), and the ball heads of the multiple omnidirectional balls (33) are supported on the bottom surface of the frustum-shaped floating plate (32) and are connected by rolling. An active space (304) is reserved between the side of the conical sinker (302) and the side of the frustum-shaped floating plate (32), and the side of the conical sinker (302) is provided with a rubber coating.

5. The caster testing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The tapered sinker (302) has an embedding hole (305) on its bottom, wherein, One end of the universal ball (33) is embedded in the embedding hole (305), and the top of the ball head of the universal ball (33) protrudes upward from the bottom of the conical groove (302).

6. The caster testing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The frustum-shaped floating plate (32) includes a circular inner plate (321) and a conical outer ring (322), wherein, The conical outer ring (322) is fitted around the outer periphery of the circular inner plate (321) and is rotatably connected by ball bearings (323), and the three together form a bearing-like structure. The bottom of the circular inner plate (321) is fixedly connected to the upper end of the return spring (31) and abuts against the ball head of the universal ball (33).

7. The caster testing device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A clearance gap (306) is reserved between the bottom of the conical sink (302) and the bottom surface of the circular inner plate (321). An annular air bladder (34) is embedded inside the opening of the conical receiving hole (303). A pressure plate (311) is fixed to the outer periphery of the top of the return spring (31). The top of the annular airbag (34) is slidably connected to the bottom of the circular inner plate (321), and an air inlet (341) is provided on the outer periphery of the annular airbag (34). The side of the pressure plate (311) is used to squeeze the inner wall of the annular air bladder (34) so ​​that the air inlet (341) blows air into the clearance gap (306).

8. The caster testing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The top of the output end of the drive mechanism (3) is provided with an opening groove (307), wherein... The opening groove (307) is located between the two conical sinkers (302), with one side open; A walking plate (35) is horizontally inserted into the inner side of the opening groove (307) along the opening direction, and the bottom of the walking plate (35) is magnetically connected to the bottom of the opening groove (307), and the top is horizontally aligned with the top of the frustum-shaped floating plate (32). A push rod (36) is provided through the side of the opening slot (307) along the opening direction, and one end of the push rod (36) abuts against the side end of the walking plate (35). The walking board (35) includes multiple simulation boards (351), and two adjacent simulation boards (351) are connected by a mortise and tenon structure. The top surface of the simulation board (351) is provided with friction texture.

9. The caster testing device as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The bracket (22) includes a crossbeam (221), an adjusting rod (222), a hand-tightening screw (223), and a mounting plate (224), wherein, The crossbeam (221) is fixed to the top of the sliding rod (21), and the two are arranged in a T-shape; One adjusting rod (222) is vertically installed at each end of the crossbeam (221). The adjusting rod (222) and the crossbeam (221) are slidably connected. A hand-tightening screw (223) is provided on the side of each adjusting rod (222). The hand-tightening screw (223) is screwed to the side of the crossbeam (221), and one end of it abuts against the side of the adjusting rod (222) at the corresponding position; One of the mounting plates (224) is fixed at the lower end of each of the adjusting rods (222), and one of the casters (9) to be tested is provided at the bottom of each mounting plate (224). Each of the casters to be tested (9) is provided with a drive mechanism (3) and a laser scanner (4). The two drive mechanisms (3) are arranged in parallel, and the sliding rod (21) is located between the two sets of drive mechanisms (3).

10. A method for applying a caster testing device, wherein the caster testing device as described in any one of claims 1-9 is used, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S1. Install the caster to be tested (9) on the top of the load-bearing mechanism (2), and install the counterweight block (5) at the bottom of the load-bearing mechanism (2). After counterweighting, the wheel surface of the caster to be tested (9) and the top surface of the output end of the drive mechanism (3) abut against each other. S2. Start the drive mechanism (3) so that its output end moves horizontally back and forth in a straight line, thereby driving the caster to be tested (9) to roll. During the process, the horizontal floating area on the output end of the drive mechanism (3) assists the caster to be tested (9) in rotating motion.

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