An auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly and multi-state transport device

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of transportation device technology, and discloses an auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly and a multi-state transportation device. The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly includes a support frame, wheels mounted on the support frame, and an extension support portion extending from the support frame towards the load-bearing structure. The extension support portion is at least partially located below the load-bearing structure and forms a supporting engagement with the load-bearing structure, allowing at least a portion of the load of the load-bearing structure to be transferred to the support frame via the extension support portion. The support frame can fix the front wheel and rear wheel together to form an integral wheel assembly structure. In some embodiments, the support frame can form a continuous load-bearing structure with external components. The multi-state transportation device includes a main structure, a deformable unit, a load-bearing base plate, and the auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly. In the unfolded state, the load-bearing base plate is at least partially located above the extension support portion and forms a supporting engagement with the extension support portion, allowing at least a portion of the load of the load-bearing base plate to be transferred to the support frame via the extension support portion. This invention, by forming an additional load-bearing path between the caster assembly and the load-bearing structure, can reduce localized stress concentration in the installation connection area and improve overall load-bearing stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of transportation equipment technology, and in particular to an auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly and a multi-state transportation device. Background Technology

[0002] In existing transportation devices, folding transport vehicles, or deformable transport devices, casters are typically used to contact the ground and enable rolling movement, while also bearing the basic load-bearing function of the overall structure.

[0003] In existing structures, casters typically bear the load through the mounting connection area between their support frame and external components, transferring the load to the wheel and the ground. For deformable transport devices with a load-bearing base plate, the load of the base plate usually needs to be transferred to the caster mounting area through the main structure, deformable unit, or connectors, while the caster support frame itself typically does not extend below the load-bearing base plate to form additional direct support.

[0004] Therefore, there is usually no additional load-bearing path between the load-bearing base plate and the caster assembly, which can easily cause localized stress concentration in the caster installation connection area or adjacent connection structure. After long-term use, problems such as local deformation, shaking or fatigue in the connection area may occur.

[0005] In addition, most existing casters are installed independently, and there is a lack of overall linkage between the front and rear wheels. During unfolding, folding, or moving, uneven movement, swaying, or deflection on one side can easily occur, thus affecting the overall stability.

[0006] Meanwhile, in the concealed state, existing casters usually lack a limiting fit structure between themselves and the load-bearing structure, which can easily lead to problems such as irregular concealed state, local shaking, or relative displacement.

[0007] Therefore, how to enable the caster assembly to form a direct support and cooperation with the load-bearing structure on the basis of the original rolling load-bearing function of the caster, and improve the overall load-bearing stability, motion consistency and housing regularity, has become a technical problem that needs to be solved in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0008] I. Purpose of the Invention The purpose of this invention is to provide an auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly and a multi-state transportation device to solve the problem of the lack of an additional load-bearing path between existing caster assemblies and load-bearing structures. Technical solution

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly includes: Support frame, used to mount the wheels and form a connection with external components; Wheels mounted on the support frame; And an extension support portion extending from the support frame toward the load-bearing structure; in, The extended support portion is at least partially located below the load-bearing structure and forms a supportive engagement with the load-bearing structure; At least a portion of the load on the load-bearing structure is transferred to the support frame via the extended support portion.

[0010] Furthermore, At least one wheel is installed at the front end and the rear end of the support frame, respectively; The front wheel and the rear wheel are fixedly connected by the same support frame to form an integral wheel assembly structure.

[0011] Furthermore, The extended support portion forms at least one support fit with the load-bearing structure, which is surface contact, line contact, or point contact.

[0012] Furthermore, The extended support portion is provided with at least one protrusion; The protrusion is used to engage with the corresponding groove on the load-bearing structure to limit the relative displacement of the caster assembly with respect to the load-bearing structure and improve the stability of the engagement under the supported state.

[0013] Furthermore, The protrusion can be columnar, strip-shaped, block-shaped, or intermittent.

[0014] Furthermore, The extended support portion is integrally formed with the support frame, or the extended support portion is fixedly connected to the support frame.

[0015] Furthermore, The wheel is a swivel wheel, a fixed wheel, or a lockable wheel with a braking mechanism.

[0016] Furthermore, The extended support is located above the wheel and extends toward the load-bearing structure.

[0017] Furthermore, The load-bearing structure is at least one of a load-bearing base plate, a mounting plate, a support platform, or a deformable structure.

[0018] The present invention also provides a multi-state transportation device, comprising: Main structure; At least one deformable unit that can be deployed relative to the main structure; Auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly disposed at the bottom of the deformable unit; and the supporting base plate; in, In the unfolded state, the supporting base plate is at least partially located above the extended support portion and forms a supporting engagement with the extended support portion; At least a portion of the load on the load-bearing base plate is transferred to the support frame via the extended support portion.

[0019] In this article, "additional load-bearing path" refers to the additional load-bearing path formed between the extended support and the load-bearing structure, in addition to the original load-bearing path of the caster assembly's installation connection area.

[0020] In this article, "integrated wheel assembly structure" refers to a structural form in which multiple wheels are connected by the same support frame to form a unified motion unit. Beneficial effects

[0021] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: 1. By setting up an extended support section, the caster assembly can further form a direct support cooperation with the load-bearing structure on the basis of its original rolling load-bearing function, thereby forming an additional load-bearing path; 2. By adding a load-bearing path, part of the load on the load-bearing structure can bypass the support frame installation and connection area and be directly transferred to the wheel body, thereby reducing the local stress concentration in the installation and connection area and improving the overall load-bearing stability; 3. The integral wheel assembly structure can improve the consistency of front and rear wheel movement, reduce swaying, deflection or jamming during movement, and improve the appearance regularity in the storage state. 4. The limiting fit between the protrusion and the groove can improve the stability of the fit between the caster assembly and the load-bearing structure; 5. By extending the support and cooperating with the load-bearing structure, the auxiliary load-bearing capacity of the load-bearing base plate in the unfolded state can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram (sectional view) of the additional bearing path in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation between the protrusion and the groove in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the multi-state transportation device in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention.

[0024] In the following description, directional terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front," and "back" are used only based on the relative positional relationships in the accompanying drawings and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention.

[0025] Example 1: Integrated auxiliary load-bearing structure like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, this embodiment provides an auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly.

[0026] I. Overall Structure The caster assembly includes a support frame 100, a wheel body 200 mounted on the support frame 100, and an extension support portion 300 extending from the support frame 100 toward the load-bearing structure 400.

[0027] In some embodiments, the support frame 100 forms a continuous structure with the external components.

[0028] For example, in a multi-state transport device, the support frame 100 may be integrally formed with the deformable unit 600 so that a continuous load-bearing structure is formed between the extended support 300, the support frame 100 and the deformable unit 600.

[0029] In this continuous load-bearing structure, some loads can be transferred directly to the wheel 200 via the continuous structure without being transferred through independent connecting parts.

[0030] The wheel 200 is mounted on the lower part of the support frame 100 for contact with the ground and to provide rolling support. The wheel 200 can be a swivel wheel, a fixed wheel, or a lockable wheel with a braking mechanism. In this embodiment, the wheel 200 is preferably a fixed wheel.

[0031] An extension support 300 is disposed on the side of the support frame 100 near the load-bearing structure 400 and extends from the support frame 100 toward the load-bearing structure 400. The extension support 300 is located above the wheel body 200 and extends downward toward the load-bearing structure 400.

[0032] The extension support 300 can be a plate-like structure, a beam-like structure, a bent structure, or other structural forms that can form a cantilever support.

[0033] In some embodiments, the extended support 300 may be partially bent, extended, or integrally formed from the support frame 100.

[0034] The extended support 300 and the support frame 100 can be an integrally formed structure or a fixedly connected structure.

[0035] In other embodiments, the support frame 100 may also be provided as an independent structural component and fixedly connected to external components.

[0036] II. Additional load-bearing path like Figure 2 As shown, in the supported state, the load-bearing structure 400 and the extended support part 300 form a supporting fit.

[0037] Specifically, the lower surface of the load-bearing structure 400 and the upper surface of the extended support portion 300 form a contact support. The contact form can be surface contact, line contact, or point contact.

[0038] When the load-bearing structure 400 bears a load, at least a portion of the load on the load-bearing structure 400 is transferred to the support frame 100 via the extended support 300, and further transferred to the ground via the wheel body 200, thereby forming an additional load-bearing path.

[0039] Specifically, the load on the load-bearing structure 400 forms the following two transmission paths: First carrying path: Load-bearing structure 400 → Extended support 300 → Support frame 100 → Wheel body 200 → Ground; Second carrying path: Load-bearing structure 400 → External components → Support frame 100 connection area → Wheel body 200 → Ground.

[0040] By extending the additional load-bearing path formed by the support 300, part of the load on the load-bearing structure 400 can bypass the mounting connection area of ​​the support frame 100 and be directly transferred to the wheel body 200, thereby reducing the concentrated stress in the mounting connection area.

[0041] In this embodiment, in addition to forming a support fit, the extended support portion 300 is also used to change the transmission path of part of the load, so that part of the load is no longer transmitted only through the installation connection area between the support frame 100 and the external component, but is directly transmitted to the support frame 100 and the wheel body 200 through the extended support portion 300, thereby improving the overall stress state and dispersing the local load of the load-bearing structure 400 to different areas of the support frame 100.

[0042] III. Integral Wheelset Structure like Figure 1 As shown, at least one wheel 200 is installed at the front end and the rear end of the support frame 100.

[0043] In this embodiment, the support frame 100 has a front wheel body 201 at the front end and a rear wheel body 202 at the rear end.

[0044] The front wheel assembly 201 and the rear wheel assembly 202 are fixedly connected by the same support frame 100 to form an integral wheel assembly structure.

[0045] During the deployment, stowage, or movement of the transport device, the front wheel 201 and the rear wheel 202 move in coordination through the same support frame 100, thereby maintaining the consistency of unilateral movement.

[0046] Compared to the structure of two independent casters installed separately, the integrated wheel assembly structure in this embodiment can reduce the swaying, deflection or jamming caused by inconsistent movement of the front and rear wheels on one side.

[0047] IV. Anti-displacement structure like Figure 3 As shown, at least one protrusion 310 is provided on the extension support portion 300.

[0048] Correspondingly, the support structure 400 is provided with a groove 410 that matches the protrusion 310.

[0049] When the load-bearing structure 400 and the extended support portion 300 form a support fit, the protrusion 310 is embedded in the groove portion 410.

[0050] The mechanical engagement between the protrusion 310 and the groove 410 restricts the relative displacement of the caster assembly with respect to the load-bearing structure 400 and improves the stability of the engagement under the supported state.

[0051] The relative displacement includes undesired movements such as lateral swaying, longitudinal lurching, twisting, or tilting.

[0052] The protrusion 310 can be a columnar protrusion, a strip-shaped protrusion, a block-shaped protrusion, or an intermittent protrusion.

[0053] Example 2: Multi-state transport device like Figures 4 to 5 As shown, this embodiment provides a multi-state transportation device.

[0054] I. Overall Structure The multi-state transport device includes a main structure 500, at least one deformable unit 600 that can be unfolded relative to the main structure 500, an auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly disposed at the bottom of the deformable unit 600, and a load-bearing base plate 700.

[0055] The main structure 500 constitutes the main frame of the device.

[0056] The deformable unit 600 is movably connected to the main structure 500 and can switch between a concealed state and an unfolded state.

[0057] The caster assembly is located at the bottom of the deformable unit 600 and moves synchronously with the deformable unit 600.

[0058] The load-bearing base plate 700 is disposed between the main structure 500 and the deformable unit 600 to form a load-bearing space in the extended state.

[0059] II. Auxiliary support in the deployed state like Figure 5 As shown, in the unfolded state, the deformable unit 600 unfolds outward relative to the main structure 500, and the caster assembly moves with the deformable unit 600 to the ground support position.

[0060] The wheel 200 contacts the ground and forms a rolling support.

[0061] At this time, the supporting base plate 700 is at least partially located above the extended support portion 300 and forms a supporting cooperation with the extended support portion 300.

[0062] Specifically, the lower surface of the supporting base plate 700 and the upper surface of the extended support portion 300 form a contact support.

[0063] At least a portion of the load on the load-bearing base plate 700 is transferred to the ground via the extended support 300, the support frame 100, and the wheel body 200, thereby forming an additional load-bearing path.

[0064] Therefore, in the unfolded state, the caster assembly, in addition to undertaking the rolling load-bearing function, also participates in the load transfer of the base plate 700.

[0065] Compared to the method of transmitting loads solely through the main structure 500 and the deformable unit 600, the caster assembly in this embodiment can provide auxiliary load-bearing support for the load-bearing base plate 700.

[0066] In this embodiment, part of the load on the base plate 700 is directly transferred to the support frame 100 and the wheel 200 via the extended support part 300, thereby reducing the concentrated stress in the connection area between the main structure 500 and the deformable unit 600 and improving the overall load-bearing stability in the unfolded state.

[0067] The support fit between the extended support part 300 and the bearing base plate 700 can expand the effective support area of ​​the bearing base plate 700 in the unfolded state.

[0068] III. State Transition Process When transitioning from the contained state to the deployed state, the deformable unit 600 unfolds outward relative to the main structure 500, and the caster assembly moves outward synchronously with the deformable unit 600.

[0069] When the deformable unit 600 moves to the unfolded position, the supporting base plate 700 and the extended support part 300 form a supporting cooperation.

[0070] When transitioning from the unfolded state to the retracted state, the supporting base plate 700 releases its support from the extended support 300, the deformable unit 600 retracts inward relative to the main structure 500, and the caster assembly is retracted synchronously with the deformable unit 600.

[0071] In its concealed state, multiple caster components are stored around or inside the main structure 500.

[0072] The limiting fit between the protrusion 310 and the groove 410 can improve the stability of the overall structure in the extended state.

[0073] IV. Technical Effects In this embodiment, the auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly enables the caster assembly to further participate in the load transfer of the load-bearing structure 400 on the basis of its original rolling load-bearing function.

[0074] The extended support 300 forms an additional load-bearing path, thereby reducing the local load concentration in the connection area of ​​the support frame 100.

[0075] The integral wheelset structure improves the consistency of movement between the front and rear wheels.

[0076] The limiting fit between the protrusion 310 and the groove 410 improves the stability between the load-bearing structure 400 and the caster assembly.

[0077] Therefore, this embodiment can simultaneously take into account mobility, load-bearing capacity, and containment regularity.

Claims

1. Claim 1 An auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly, characterized in that, include: Support frame, used to mount the wheels and form a connection with external components; Wheels mounted on the support frame; And an extension support portion extending from the support frame toward the load-bearing structure; in, The extended support portion is at least partially located below the load-bearing structure and forms a supportive engagement with the load-bearing structure; At least a portion of the load on the load-bearing structure is transferred to the support frame via the extended support portion.

2. Claim 2 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: At least one wheel is installed at the front end and the rear end of the support frame, respectively; The front wheel and the rear wheel are fixedly connected by the same support frame to form an integral wheel assembly structure.

3. Claim 3 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The extended support portion and the load-bearing structure form at least one support fit among surface contact, line contact, or point contact.

4. Claim 4 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The extended support portion is provided with at least one protrusion; The protrusion is used to engage with the corresponding groove on the load-bearing structure to limit the relative displacement of the caster assembly with respect to the load-bearing structure and improve the stability of the engagement under the supported state.

5. Claim 5 An auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 4, characterized in that: The protrusion can be columnar, strip-shaped, block-shaped, or intermittent.

6. Claim 6 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The extended support portion is integrally formed with the support frame, or the extended support portion is fixedly connected to the support frame.

7. Claim 7 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The wheel is a swivel wheel, a fixed wheel, or a lockable wheel with a braking mechanism.

8. Claim 8 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The extended support is located above the wheel and extends toward the load-bearing structure.

9. Claim 9 The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The load-bearing structure is at least one of a load-bearing base plate, a mounting plate, a support platform, or a deformable structure.

10. Claim 10 A multi-state transport device, characterized in that, include: Main structure; At least one deformable unit that can be deployed relative to the main structure; The auxiliary load-bearing caster assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9 is disposed at the bottom of the deformable unit; and the supporting base plate; in, In the unfolded state, the supporting base plate is at least partially located above the extended support portion and forms a supporting engagement with the extended support portion; At least a portion of the load on the load-bearing base plate is transferred to the support frame via the extended support portion.

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