Magnetic wheel with direction lock

Abstract

The application discloses a magnetic wheel with a direction lock, which comprises a frame shell structure, a wave plate structure, a locking structure, a caster and a magnetic attraction structure, the frame shell structure is arranged on the caster, the wave plate structure is arranged on the frame shell structure, a limiting structure is arranged on the wave plate structure, the magnetic attraction structure is arranged on one side of the caster and the frame shell structure, the locking structure is arranged on the frame shell structure, the lower end of the locking structure is connected with the magnetic attraction structure, and the upper end of the locking structure is connected with the limiting structure, the magnetic attraction structure, the locking structure and the limiting structure are matched to limit the rotation angle of the caster or make the caster rotate in the circumferential direction. The magnetic wheel with the direction lock is driven by the magnetic attraction and locked, which not only effectively prevents the shopping cart from being pushed out of the specified area, but also has a simple structure and can greatly reduce the production cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of caster technology, and more particularly to a magnetic wheel with a directional lock. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional shopping carts lack locking mechanisms on their casters, resulting in numerous usability drawbacks. For example, the casters lack boundary restraints, allowing customers to move the carts out of designated supermarket areas, leading to a large number of carts being left in parking lots, roads, and residential areas. This not only occupies public passageways and creates road safety hazards but also accelerates cart wear and tear. Furthermore, businesses need to employ dedicated personnel to collect these carts, incurring ongoing costs for labor and cart replacement.

[0003] To address this shortcoming, shopping carts with anti-theft features have emerged on the market, including two types: coin-operated carts that are linked together and carts with individual electronic gear locks on each cart. Coin-operated carts have a complex operation process and a poor customer experience; while electronic gear locks have numerous parts, complex mechanical structures, and lengthy assembly processes, resulting in high manufacturing costs. Furthermore, they are prone to malfunctions with long-term use, leading to high maintenance costs and hindering widespread adoption in small and medium-sized supermarkets.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to improve existing technologies. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the problems existing in the prior art. To this end, one object of the present invention is to propose a magnetic wheel with a directional lock, which uses magnetic attraction to drive the caster to lock. Its structure is simple and can significantly reduce production costs.

[0006] The above objective is achieved through the following technical solution: A magnetic wheel with a directional lock includes a frame structure, a pulsator structure, a locking structure, a caster, and a magnetic attraction structure. The frame structure is disposed on the caster, the pulsator structure is disposed on the frame structure, and a limiting structure is disposed on the pulsator structure. The magnetic attraction structure is disposed on one side of the caster and on the frame structure, and the locking structure is disposed on the frame structure. The lower end of the locking structure is connected to the magnetic attraction structure, and the upper end is connected to the limiting structure. The magnetic attraction structure, the locking structure, and the limiting structure cooperate to limit the rotation angle of the caster or allow the caster to rotate circumferentially.

[0007] In some embodiments, the frame structure includes a frame, an outer shell, and a brake disc. A main receiving space is provided on the lower side of the outer shell. The frame covers the upper part of the outer shell. The caster is disposed in the main receiving space. The brake disc is disposed in the main receiving space and on the outside of the caster. A primary receiving space is formed between the outside of the brake disc and the outer shell. The magnetic attraction structure is disposed in the secondary receiving space. The frame structure, the caster, the locking structure, and the magnetic attraction structure are connected together by a screw.

[0008] In some embodiments, the upper side of the outer shell is recessed with an outer shell groove, a steel ball receiving part is provided on the upper side of the outer shell groove, and a locking groove is provided on the lower side of the steel ball receiving part and on the outer shell groove. The locking structure includes a first steel ball and a large swing needle. The limiting structure includes a brake limiting block, which is fixed on the pulsator structure. The brake limiting block has a brake groove on the side facing the first steel ball. The first steel ball is limited to the steel ball receiving part. The large swing needle is disposed in the secondary receiving space. The large swing needle includes an upper swing needle. The upper end of the upper swing needle is provided with a limiting rib. The limiting rib can pass through the locking groove and reciprocate back and forth in the locking groove. When the limiting rib moves backward, it can insert into the lower part of the steel ball receiving part and lock the first steel ball into the steel ball receiving part, thereby allowing the caster to rotate circumferentially. When the limiting rib moves forward, it moves away from the steel ball receiving part, and the first steel ball is engaged in the brake groove, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the caster.

[0009] In some embodiments, the locking structure further includes a small pendulum needle and an engagement structure, wherein the small pendulum needle and the large pendulum needle are connected through the engagement structure.

[0010] In some embodiments, the meshing structure includes a first external toothed ring, a second external toothed ring, and a limiting ring. The first external toothed ring is fixed to the lower end of the upper swing needle. A brake disc rib is provided on the outer side of the brake disc. The first external toothed ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the brake disc rib. The lower end of the second external toothed ring is fixed to the small swing needle. A screw hole is provided below the brake disc rib. The second external toothed ring is sleeved on the outer periphery of the screw hole. The limiting ring is fixedly connected to the first external toothed ring and sleeved on the outer periphery of the second external toothed ring. The first external toothed ring and the second external toothed ring can mesh and rotate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the magnetic attraction structure includes a second steel ball, a third steel ball, a first magnetic particle, and a second magnetic particle. The lower end of the small oscillating needle is provided with the first magnetic particle, and the third steel ball is fixed to the front side of the brake disc and is on the oscillation trajectory of the first magnetic particle. The second steel ball is fixed at the lower end of the large pendulum needle, and the second magnetic particle is fixed on the rear side of the brake disc and on the swing trajectory of the second steel ball; When the first magnetic particle and the third steel ball are magnetically attracted together, the first outer toothed ring and the second outer toothed ring mesh and rotate, causing the second magnetic particle to be magnetically attracted to the second steel ball, thereby moving the limiting rib away from the first steel ball.

[0012] In some embodiments, the frame covers the outer casing groove, and the wave plate structure includes a large wave plate and a small wave plate. The small wave plate is disposed between the brake limit block and the frame, and the large wave plate is disposed on the frame. A lead screw passes through the brake limit block, the small wave plate, the frame, and the large wave plate sequentially from bottom to top to connect the four components together.

[0013] In some embodiments, a plurality of ball bearings are respectively provided between the small wave plate and the frame, and between the frame and the large wave plate.

[0014] In some embodiments, a positioning part is provided on the front side of the upper swing needle, and a positioning rib is provided at the position where the brake disc is adapted to it, and the positioning part can abut against the positioning rib.

[0015] In some embodiments, a connecting rib is provided on the inner side of the housing near the brake disc, and a connecting groove is provided at the position where the brake disc is adapted to the connecting rib. The connecting rib is inserted into the connecting groove, thereby connecting the housing and the brake disc together.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The present invention proposes a magnetic wheel with a directional lock, which uses magnetic attraction to drive the caster to lock, effectively preventing the shopping cart from being pushed out of the designated area. Moreover, its simple structure can significantly reduce production costs. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the magnetic wheel in the embodiment; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic wheel in the embodiment (in its normal state); Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the magnetic wheel in the embodiment (locked state). Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the large pendulum needle in the embodiment; Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the outer casing in the embodiment; Figure 6 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of the brake disc in the embodiment.

[0018] In the diagram: 1. Frame structure; 11. Frame; 12. Outer shell; 121. Main receiving space; 122. Secondary receiving space; 123. Outer shell groove; 124. Steel ball receiving part; 125. Locking groove; 126. Connecting rib; 13. Brake disc; 131. Brake disc rib; 132. Screw hole; 133. Positioning rib; 134. Connecting groove; 2. Wave plate structure; 21. Large wave plate; 22. Small wave plate; 3. Locking structure; 3 1. First steel ball; 32. Large swing needle; 321. Upper swing needle; 3211. Limiting rib; 3212. Positioning part; 33. Small swing needle; 4. Caster; 5. Magnetic structure; 51. Second steel ball; 52. Third steel ball; 53. First magnetic particle; 54. Second magnetic particle; 6. Limiting structure; 61. Brake limiting block; 611. Brake groove; 7. Meshing structure; 71. First external toothed ring; 72. Second external toothed ring; 73. Limiting ring. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following embodiments illustrate the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Modifications to the specific embodiments of the present invention or equivalent substitutions for some technical features, without departing from the spirit of the present invention, should all be covered within the scope of the technical solutions claimed in the present invention.

[0020] like Figure 1-6 As shown, this embodiment provides a magnetic wheel with a directional lock, including a frame structure 1, a pulsator structure 2, a locking structure 3, a caster 4, and a magnetic attraction structure 5. The frame structure 1 is disposed on the caster 4, the pulsator structure 2 is disposed on the frame structure 1, and a limiting structure 6 is disposed on the pulsator structure 2. The magnetic attraction structure 5 is disposed on one side of the caster 4 and on the frame structure 1, and the locking structure 3 is disposed on the frame structure 1. The lower end of the locking structure 3 is connected to the magnetic attraction structure 5, and the upper end is connected to the limiting structure 6. The magnetic attraction structure 5, the locking structure 3, and the limiting structure 6 cooperate to limit the rotation angle of the caster 4 or allow the caster 4 to rotate circumferentially.

[0021] The present invention proposes a magnetic wheel with a directional lock, which uses magnetic attraction to drive the caster to lock, effectively preventing the shopping cart from being pushed out of the designated area. Moreover, its simple structure can significantly reduce production costs.

[0022] Furthermore, the frame structure 1 includes a frame 11, an outer shell 12, and a brake disc 13. A main receiving space 121 is provided on the lower side of the outer shell 12. The frame 11 covers the outer shell 12. The caster 4 is disposed in the main receiving space 121. The brake disc 13 is disposed in the main receiving space 121 and outside the caster 4. A primary receiving space 122 is formed between the outer side of the brake disc 13 and the outer shell 12. The magnetic attraction structure 5 is disposed in the secondary receiving space 122. The frame structure 1, the caster 4, the locking structure 3, and the magnetic attraction structure 5 are connected together by a screw.

[0023] The caster 4 is located in the main receiving space 121, and the magnetic attraction structure 5 and the locking structure 3 are located in the secondary receiving space 122. The spatial partitioning arrangement can effectively avoid mutual interference of components and ensure smooth sliding of the caster 4.

[0024] Furthermore, the upper side of the outer shell 12 is recessed with an outer shell groove 123, and a steel ball receiving portion 124 is provided on the upper side of the outer shell groove 123. A locking groove 125 is provided on the lower side of the steel ball receiving portion 124 and on the outer shell groove 123. The locking structure 3 includes a first steel ball 31 and a large swing pin 32. The limiting structure 6 includes a brake limiting block 61, which is fixed to the pulsator structure 2. The brake limiting block 61 has a brake groove 611 on the side facing the first steel ball 31. Located within the ball bearing receiving section 124, the large swing needle 32 is disposed within the secondary receiving space 122. The large swing needle 32 includes an upper swing needle 321, the upper end of which is provided with a limiting rib 3211. The limiting rib 3211 can pass through the locking groove 125 and reciprocate back and forth within the locking groove 125. When the limiting rib 3211 moves backward, it can insert into the lower part of the ball bearing receiving section 124 and engage the first ball bearing 31 within the ball bearing receiving section 124, thereby allowing the caster 4 to rotate circumferentially. When the limiting rib 3211 moves forward, it moves away from the steel ball receiving part 124, and the first steel ball 31 is engaged in the brake groove 611, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the caster 4.

[0025] The brake limit block 61, the first steel ball 31, and the large swing pin 32 are ingeniously designed. Their simple structure, through their mutual cooperation, enables the locking or circumferential rotation of the caster 4.

[0026] Specifically, the locking structure 3 also includes a small pendulum needle 33 and an engagement structure 7, wherein the small pendulum needle 33 and the large pendulum needle 32 are connected through the engagement structure 7.

[0027] The small pendulum needle 33 and the large pendulum needle 32 have simple structures, and they mesh with each other to achieve stable power transmission.

[0028] Furthermore, the meshing structure 7 includes a first external toothed ring 71, a second external toothed ring 72, and a limiting ring 73. The first external toothed ring 71 is fixed to the lower end of the upper swing needle 321. A brake disc rib 131 is provided on the outer side of the brake disc 13. The first external toothed ring 71 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the brake disc rib 131. The lower end of the second external toothed ring 72 is fixed to the small swing needle 33. A screw hole 132 is provided below the brake disc rib 131. The second external toothed ring 72 is sleeved on the outer periphery of the screw hole 132. The limiting ring 73 is fixedly connected to the first external toothed ring 71 and is sleeved on the outer periphery of the second external toothed ring 72. The first external toothed ring 71 and the second external toothed ring 72 can mesh and rotate.

[0029] The protruding rib 131 on the brake disc and the screw hole 132 confine the meshing structure 7 within the secondary receiving space 122, ensuring stable transmission between the small pendulum needle 33 and the large pendulum needle 32.

[0030] Furthermore, the magnetic attraction structure 5 includes a second steel ball 51, a third steel ball 52, a first magnetic particle 53, and a second magnetic particle 54. The lower end of the small pendulum needle 33 is provided with the first magnetic particle 53, and the third steel ball 52 is fixed to the front side of the brake disc 13 and is on the swing trajectory of the first magnetic particle 53. The second steel ball 51 is fixed at the lower end of the large pendulum needle 32, and the second magnetic particle 54 is fixed on the rear side of the brake disc 13 and on the swing trajectory of the second steel ball 51. When the first magnetic particle 53 and the third steel ball 52 are magnetically attracted together, the first external toothed ring 71 and the second external toothed ring 72 mesh and rotate, causing the second magnetic particle 54 to be magnetically attracted to the second steel ball 51, thereby causing the limiting rib 3211 to move away from the first steel ball 31.

[0031] It is worth mentioning that the magnetic wheels in this embodiment are preferably used in shopping carts. Of course, their application is not limited to shopping carts; any type of trolley equipped with casters and capable of magnetic locking can adopt the structure of this embodiment. In practical applications, supermarkets can install a magnetic strip at the boundary of a designated area, replacing the two ordinary casters diagonally on the shopping cart with the magnetic wheels of this embodiment.

[0032] When the shopping cart moves within the designated area and the magnetic wheels are in their normal state, the second steel ball 51 and the first magnetic particle 53 are magnetically attracted and perpendicular to each other. The limiting rib 3211 inserts into the lower part of the steel ball receiving part 124 and locks the first steel ball 31 into the steel ball receiving part 124, thus allowing the caster wheel 4 to rotate circumferentially. When the shopping cart approaches the magnetic strip at the boundary, the first magnetic particle 53 repels and separates from the magnetic strip, causing the first magnetic particle 53 to move and magnetically attract the third steel ball 52. At this time, the first external toothed ring 71 and the second external toothed ring 72 mesh and rotate, and the limiting rib 3211 moves forward, moving away from the steel ball receiving part 124. At this time, the wheel itself is not locked, and the shopping cart can still move forward in a straight line. As long as the shopping cart is slightly moved to the side, the first steel ball 31 is engaged in the brake groove 611, thereby limiting the rotation angle of the caster wheel 4. At this time, the shopping cart is in a locked state. Subsequently, staff only need to bring a magnetic strip close to the magnetic wheel to separate the first magnetic particle 53 from the third steel ball 52, making unlocking easy. The structure is simple, significantly reducing production costs; it is easy and safe to operate, and has low maintenance costs.

[0033] Furthermore, the frame 11 covers the outer casing groove 123, and the wave plate structure 2 includes a large wave plate 21 and a small wave plate 22. The small wave plate 22 is disposed between the brake limiting block 61 and the frame 11, and the large wave plate 21 is disposed on the frame 11. A lead screw passes through the brake limiting block 61, the small wave plate 22, the frame 11 and the large wave plate 21 from bottom to top in sequence so that the four are assembled and connected together.

[0034] The arrangement of the wave plate structure 2 not only makes the connection between the frame 11 and the outer shell 12 smoother and more stable, but also makes the connection between the magnetic wheel and the vehicle body more stable.

[0035] In addition, several ball bearings are respectively provided between the small wave plate 22 and the frame 11, and between the frame 11 and the large wave plate 21.

[0036] The ball bearings make the magnetic wheel rotate more smoothly.

[0037] Furthermore, a positioning part 3212 is provided on the front side of the upper swing needle 321, and a positioning rib 133 is provided at the position of the brake disc 13 that is adapted to it, and the positioning part 3212 can abut against the positioning rib 133.

[0038] The positioning rib 133 and the positioning part 3212 limit the range of motion of the upper swing pin 321 and prevent it from shifting.

[0039] Furthermore, the outer casing 12 is provided with a connecting rib 126 on the inner side near the brake disc 13, and a connecting groove 134 is provided at the position where the brake disc 13 and the connecting rib 126 are adapted. The connecting rib 126 is inserted into the connecting groove 134, thereby connecting the outer casing 12 and the brake disc 13 together.

[0040] The connection between the connecting rib 126 and the connecting groove 134 strengthens the connection between the outer shell 12 and the brake disc 13, preventing the brake disc 13 from shifting.

[0041] The above descriptions are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the inventive concept of the present invention, and these all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock, characterized in that: The system includes a frame structure (1), a pulsator structure (2), a locking structure (3), a caster (4), and a magnetic structure (5). The frame structure (1) is mounted on the caster (4), the pulsator structure (2) is mounted on the frame structure (1), and a limiting structure (6) is mounted on the pulsator structure (2). The magnetic structure (5) is mounted on one side of the caster (4) and on the frame structure (1). The locking structure (3) is mounted on the frame structure (1). The lower end of the locking structure (3) is connected to the magnetic structure (5), and the upper end is connected to the limiting structure (6). The magnetic structure (5), the locking structure (3), and the limiting structure (6) work together to limit the rotation angle of the caster (4) or to allow the caster (4) to rotate circumferentially.

2. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 1, characterized in that: The frame structure (1) includes a frame (11), an outer shell (12), and a brake disc (13). A main receiving space (121) is provided on the lower side of the outer shell (12). The frame (11) covers the outer shell (12). The caster (4) is located in the main receiving space (121). The brake disc (13) is located in the main receiving space (121) and outside the caster (4). A secondary receiving space (122) is formed between the outer side of the brake disc (13) and the outer shell (12). The magnetic structure (5) is located in the secondary receiving space (122). The frame structure (1), the caster (4), the locking structure (3), and the magnetic structure (5) are connected together by a screw.

3. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 2, characterized in that: The outer shell (12) has a recessed outer shell groove (123) on its upper side. A steel ball receiving part (124) is provided on the upper side of the outer shell groove (123). A locking groove (125) is provided on the lower side of the steel ball receiving part (124) and on the outer shell groove (123). The locking structure (3) includes a first steel ball (31) and a large swing needle (32). The limiting structure (6) includes a brake limiting block (61). The brake limiting block (61) is fixed on the wave plate structure (2). The brake limiting block (61) has a brake groove (611) on the side facing the first steel ball (31). The first steel ball (31) limits... Located within the ball receiving section (124), the large pendulum needle (32) is disposed within the secondary receiving space (122). The large pendulum needle (32) includes an upper pendulum needle (321). The upper end of the upper pendulum needle (321) is provided with a limiting rib (3211). The limiting rib (3211) can pass through the locking groove (125) and move back and forth within the locking groove (125). When the limiting rib (3211) moves backward, it can be inserted below the ball receiving section (124) and the first ball (31) is inserted into the ball receiving section (124), thereby allowing the caster (4) to rotate circumferentially. When the limiting rib (3211) moves forward, it moves away from the steel ball receiving part (124), and the first steel ball (31) is engaged in the brake groove (611), thereby limiting the rotation angle of the caster (4).

4. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 3, characterized in that: The locking structure (3) also includes a small pendulum needle (33) and a meshing structure (7), wherein the small pendulum needle (33) and the large pendulum needle (32) are connected through the meshing structure (7).

5. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 4, characterized in that: The meshing structure (7) includes a first external toothed ring (71), a second external toothed ring (72), and a limiting ring (73). The first external toothed ring (71) is fixed to the lower end of the upper pendulum needle (321). A brake disc rib (131) is provided on the outer side of the brake disc (13). The first external toothed ring (71) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the brake disc rib (131). The lower end of the second external toothed ring (72) is fixed to the small pendulum needle (33). A screw hole (132) is provided below the brake disc rib (131). The second external toothed ring (72) is sleeved on the outer periphery of the screw hole (132). The limiting ring (73) is fixedly connected to the first external toothed ring (71) and sleeved on the outer periphery of the second external toothed ring (72). The first external toothed ring (71) and the second external toothed ring (72) can mesh and rotate.

6. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 5, characterized in that: The magnetic structure (5) includes a second steel ball (51), a third steel ball (52), a first magnetic particle (53), and a second magnetic particle (54). The lower end of the small pendulum needle (33) is provided with the first magnetic particle (53). The third steel ball (52) is fixed to the front side of the brake disc (13) and is on the swing trajectory of the first magnetic particle (53). The second steel ball (51) is fixed at the lower end of the large pendulum needle (32), and the second magnetic particle (54) is fixed on the rear side of the brake disc (13) and on the swing trajectory of the second steel ball (51); When the first magnetic particle (53) and the third steel ball (52) are magnetically attracted together, the first external toothed ring (71) and the second external toothed ring (72) mesh and rotate, causing the second magnetic particle (54) to be magnetically attracted to the second steel ball (51), thereby causing the limiting rib (3211) to move away from the first steel ball (31).

7. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to any one of claims 3-6, characterized in that: The frame (11) covers the outer shell groove (123). The wave plate structure (2) includes a large wave plate (21) and a small wave plate (22). The small wave plate (22) is disposed between the brake limit block (61) and the frame (11). The large wave plate (21) is disposed on the frame (11). A lead screw passes through the brake limit block (61), the small wave plate (22), the frame (11) and the large wave plate (21) from bottom to top in sequence so that the four are assembled and connected together.

8. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 7, characterized in that: Several ball bearings are respectively arranged between the small wave plate (22) and the frame (11), and between the frame (11) and the large wave plate (21).

9. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 6, characterized in that: The upper pendulum needle (321) is provided with a positioning part (3212) on its front side, and the brake disc (13) is provided with a positioning rib (133) at a position that is compatible with it. The positioning part (3212) can abut against the positioning rib (133).

10. A magnetic wheel with a directional lock according to claim 8, characterized in that: The outer shell (12) is provided with a connecting rib (126) on the inner side near the brake disc (13), and a connecting groove (134) is provided at the position where the brake disc (13) and the connecting rib (126) are adapted. The connecting rib (126) is inserted into the connecting groove (134), thereby connecting the outer shell (12) and the brake disc (13) together.

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