A caster capable of detecting a slope state

Abstract

The application discloses a caster capable of detecting slope states, which comprises a caster support and a wheel body arranged on the caster support. The caster support comprises a fixing base, an upper support rotatably connected to the fixing base and a lower support hingedly connected to the upper support. The wheel body is arranged on the lower support. The bottom of the upper support is provided with first protrusions on both sides. The top of the lower support is provided with second protrusions on both sides. A first support plate is arranged between the two first protrusions. A second support plate is arranged between the two second protrusions. A detection mechanism for detecting slope states is arranged on the first support plate. A damping mechanism is arranged between the first support plate and the second support plate. A reset mechanism capable of keeping the caster support in the front-back direction is arranged between the fixing base and the upper support. The application can accurately detect the uphill, downhill and flat road states of the caster, has good damping performance and direction reset function, and has high detection stability and strong anti-interference capability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of casters, and more particularly to a caster capable of detecting slope conditions. Background Technology

[0002] Casters are an important component of mobile devices widely used in trolleys, medical trolleys, logistics equipment, and industrial equipment. With the development of automation and intelligence, the functional requirements for casters are increasing. They not only need to have basic movement and load-bearing functions, but also need to be able to sense the external environment to achieve intelligent control.

[0003] Currently, some caster products have begun to integrate slope detection functionality. For example, patent document CN117818252A discloses an adjustable-speed caster that uses a slope sensor mounted on the caster bracket to detect the slope information of the roller and control the caster's rotation speed based on the slope information. In this technical solution, the slope sensor adopts a structure where a container holds liquid and a liquid level sensor is used, and the sensor is triggered by the inclination of the liquid on the slope. However, casters are subjected to impacts and vibrations from the ground during operation. Without an effective shock absorption mechanism, not only will the stability of walking be affected, but the accuracy of the detection mechanism will also be interfered with. At the same time, casters are easily affected by external forces during operation and may deflect in direction. Without an effective direction reset mechanism, this has a significant impact on the stability and reliability of the detection. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a caster that can detect slope status, accurately detect the caster's uphill, downhill and flat road status, and at the same time has good shock absorption performance and direction reset function.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is as follows: A caster capable of detecting slope includes a caster bracket and a wheel body mounted on the caster bracket. The caster bracket includes a fixed base, an upper bracket rotatably connected to the fixed base, and a lower bracket hinged to the upper bracket. The wheel body is mounted on the lower bracket. The upper bracket has forward-extending first protrusions at its bottom and on both its left and right sides. The lower bracket has forward-extending second protrusions at its top and on both its left and right sides. A first support plate is provided between the two first protrusions, and a second support plate is provided between the two second protrusions. A detection mechanism for detecting slope is provided on the first support plate. A shock-absorbing mechanism is provided between the first support plate and the second support plate. A reset mechanism is provided between the fixed base and the upper bracket to keep the caster bracket in the forward and backward direction.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the bottom of the upper bracket is provided with a first through hole, and the top of the lower bracket is provided with a second through hole communicating with the first through hole. The first through hole and the second through hole are provided with rivets that can hinge the lower bracket to the upper bracket.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first support plate is provided with first latching protrusions on both the left and right sides, and the first protrusions are provided with first latching grooves that engage with the first latching protrusions. The second support plate is provided with second latching protrusions on both the left and right sides, and the second protrusions are provided with second latching grooves that engage with the second latching protrusions.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the top of the lower support is provided with a rearwardly recessed area, the first support plate is located in the recessed area, and there is a gap between the first support plate and the sidewall of the recessed area.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the detection mechanism includes a liquid level tank disposed on the first support plate, a first liquid level sensor disposed on the front side of the liquid level tank, and a second liquid level sensor disposed on the rear side of the liquid level tank.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a downwardly extending partition is provided inside the liquid level tank and on its upper side wall. The partition divides the upper side of the liquid level tank into a first cavity located on the front side and a second cavity located on the rear side. The detection head of the first liquid level sensor is located in the first cavity, and the detection head of the second liquid level sensor is located in the second cavity.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a control module communicatively connected to the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor is further included. The control module determines the slope state of the caster based on the liquid level signals from the first liquid level sensor and the second liquid level sensor. When the liquid level in the first cavity is higher than the liquid level in the second cavity, the caster is determined to be in a downhill state. When the liquid level in the second cavity is higher than the liquid level in the first cavity, the caster is determined to be in an uphill state. When the liquid level in the first cavity is equal to the liquid level in the second cavity, the caster is determined to be in a level road condition.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first support plate is provided with a third through hole on both the left and right sides, and the second support plate is provided with a fourth through hole on both the left and right sides. The shock absorption mechanism includes a fixed rod disposed in the fourth through hole and extending through the third through hole to the top of the first support plate, a shock absorption spring sleeved on the fixed rod, and a locking nut disposed at the extended end of the fixed rod and pressing the shock absorption spring onto the first support plate. The third through hole is a strip-shaped hole.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a first washer is provided between the upper end of the shock-absorbing spring and the locking nut, and a second washer is provided between the lower end of the shock-absorbing spring and the first support plate.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the reset mechanism includes a connecting rod disposed on the rear side of the fixed base, a connecting head disposed on the rear side of the upper bracket, and a return spring disposed between the connecting rod and the connecting head.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: The present invention sets a liquid level tank on the first support plate, and sets a first liquid level sensor and a second liquid level sensor on the front and rear sides of the liquid level tank respectively. At the same time, a partition is set in the liquid level tank to divide the upper side into a first cavity and a second cavity. In this way, when the caster is in different slope states, the distribution of liquid in the cavity changes accordingly. Thus, the different liquid level signals detected by the two liquid level sensors can be used to determine whether the caster is in an uphill, downhill or flat road state.

[0016] By placing the detection mechanism on the first support plate, and connecting the first support plate to the second support plate via a shock-absorbing mechanism, the interference of ground vibration during caster movement on the detection mechanism is reduced, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of slope detection.

[0017] By providing a reset mechanism between the fixed base and the upper bracket, the caster can automatically return to the forward and backward direction when it is deflected by external force, ensuring the directional stability of the caster and thus ensuring the accuracy of slope detection. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the caster bracket in this invention; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the first support plate, the second support plate, and the shock absorption mechanism in this invention; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the detection mechanism in this invention; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the lower side of the caster in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This invention provides a caster capable of detecting slope, comprising a caster bracket 1 and a wheel body 2 disposed on the caster bracket 1. The caster bracket 1 includes a fixed base 11, an upper bracket 12 rotatably connected to the fixed base 11, and a lower bracket 13 hinged to the upper bracket 12. The wheel body 2 is disposed on the lower bracket 13. The lower bracket 12 has a first protrusion 121 extending forward on both the bottom and left and right sides. The lower bracket 13 has a second protrusion 131 extending forward on both the top and left and right sides. A first support plate 14 is disposed between the two first protrusions 121, and a second support plate 15 is disposed between the two second protrusions 131. A detection mechanism 3 for detecting slope is disposed on the first support plate 14. A shock-absorbing mechanism 4 is disposed between the first support plate 14 and the second support plate 15. A reset mechanism 5 for maintaining the caster bracket 1 in the front-back direction is disposed between the fixed base 11 and the upper bracket 12. By mounting the detection mechanism 3 on the first support plate 14, and connecting the first support plate 14 to the second support plate 15 via the shock-absorbing mechanism 4, the interference of ground vibration on the detection mechanism 3 during caster movement is reduced, thereby improving the stability and accuracy of slope detection. Furthermore, the first support plate 14 is mounted on the forward-protruding first protrusion 121, providing a good support platform for the installation of the detection mechanism 3, facilitating its assembly and making the structure more compact. Additionally, a reset mechanism 5 is provided between the fixed base 11 and the upper bracket 12, so that if the caster is deflected due to external force, it can automatically return to the forward and backward direction, ensuring the directional stability of the caster's movement and thus ensuring the accuracy of slope detection.

[0021] In this design, the upper support 12 has a first through hole 122 at its bottom, and the lower support 13 has a second through hole 132 at its top that communicates with the first through hole 122. Rivets 6 are provided in both the first and second through holes 122 to hinge the lower support 13 to the upper support 12. This hinged connection between the upper support 12 and the lower support 13 is achieved via the rivets 6, allowing the lower support 13 to swing up and down within a certain range relative to the upper support 12, thereby achieving a shock absorption function.

[0022] In this design, the first support plate 14 has first latching protrusions 141 on both its left and right sides, and the first protrusions 121 have first latching grooves 123 that engage with the first latching protrusions 141. The second support plate 15 has second latching protrusions 151 on both its left and right sides, and the second protrusions 131 have second latching grooves 133 that engage with the second latching protrusions 151. This secure connection between the first support plate 14 and the two first protrusions 121 is achieved through the engagement of the first latching protrusions 141 and the first latching grooves 123, and the secure connection between the second support plate 15 and the two second protrusions 131 is achieved through the engagement of the second latching protrusions 151 and the second latching grooves 133. This latching connection method is not only convenient to install but also provides a reliable connection.

[0023] In this design, the top of the lower support 13 is provided with a rearwardly recessed area 134, and the first support plate 14 is located within the recessed area 134. There is a gap between the first support plate 14 and the side wall of the recessed area 134. This gap provides space for the vertical movement of the first support plate 14, avoiding interference between the first support plate 14 and the side wall of the recessed area 134.

[0024] In this design, the detection mechanism 3 includes a liquid level tank 31 mounted on a first support plate 14, a first liquid level sensor 32 mounted on the front side of the liquid level tank 31, and a second liquid level sensor 33 mounted on the rear side of the liquid level tank 31. The liquid level tank 31 contains an appropriate amount of detection liquid and is fixed to the first support plate 14, moving synchronously with the first support plate 14.

[0025] Furthermore, a downwardly extending partition 311 is provided inside the liquid level tank 31 and on its upper side wall, thereby dividing the upper side of the liquid level tank 31 into a first cavity 312 located on the front side and a second cavity 313 located on the rear side. The partition 311 extends downward from the upper side wall of the liquid level tank 31 but does not contact the bottom of the liquid level tank 31, so that the first cavity 312 and the second cavity 313 are interconnected at the bottom. The detection head of the first liquid level sensor 32 is located in the first cavity 312, and the detection head of the second liquid level sensor 33 is located in the second cavity 313. The first liquid level sensor 32 and the second liquid level sensor 33 can be common liquid level detection elements in the art, such as capacitive liquid level sensors.

[0026] This solution also includes a control module that is communicatively connected to the first liquid level sensor 32 and the second liquid level sensor 33. The control module can be an independent controller or integrated into the main control system of an external device. The control module can communicate with the first liquid level sensor 32 and the second liquid level sensor 33 via wired or wireless means.

[0027] The control module determines the slope of the caster based on the liquid level signals from the first liquid level sensor 32 and the second liquid level sensor 33. When the caster is in a downhill state, the liquid in the liquid level tank 31 flows forward under the action of gravity, so that the liquid level in the first chamber 312 is higher than the liquid level in the second chamber 313. That is, the liquid level detected by the first liquid level sensor 32 is higher than the liquid level detected by the second liquid level sensor 33. Based on this, the control module determines that the caster is in a downhill state.

[0028] When the caster is in an uphill state, the liquid in the liquid level tank 31 flows backward under the action of gravity, so that the liquid level in the second chamber 313 is higher than the liquid level in the first chamber 312. The liquid level detected by the second liquid level sensor 33 is higher than the liquid level detected by the first liquid level sensor 32. Based on this, the control module determines that the caster is in an uphill state.

[0029] When the casters are on a level surface, the liquid level in the liquid level tank 31 remains horizontal, the liquid level in the first cavity 312 is the same as the liquid level in the second cavity 313, and the liquid levels detected by the first liquid level sensor 32 and the second liquid level sensor 33 are the same. Based on this, the control module determines that the casters are on a level surface.

[0030] In this design, the first support plate 14 has third through holes 142 on both its left and right sides, and the second support plate 15 has fourth through holes 152 on both its left and right sides. The shock absorption mechanism 4 includes a fixed rod 41 disposed in the fourth through hole 152 and extending through the third through hole 142 to the top of the first support plate 14, a shock absorption spring 42 sleeved on the fixed rod 41, and a locking nut 43 disposed at the extended end of the fixed rod 41 and pressing the shock absorption spring 42 onto the first support plate 14. The third through hole 142 is a strip-shaped hole. Furthermore, a first washer 44 is provided between the upper end of the shock absorption spring 42 and the locking nut 43, and a second washer 45 is provided between the lower end of the shock absorption spring 42 and the first support plate 14. When the caster encounters an uneven surface during its movement, the lower support 13 drives the second support plate 15 to swing up and down relative to the upper support 12, and the fixed rod 41 moves up and down accordingly. During this process, the shock-absorbing spring 42 undergoes elastic deformation during the up and down movement of the fixed rod 41, absorbing and buffering the impact energy from the ground, thus achieving the shock absorption function.

[0031] In this design, the reset mechanism 5 includes a connecting rod 51 located on the rear side of the fixed base 11, a connector 52 located on the rear side of the upper bracket 12, and a return spring 53 located between the connecting rod 51 and the connector 52. When the caster is affected by an external force and its direction deflects, the upper bracket 12 rotates relative to the fixed base 11, the connector 52 rotates with the upper bracket 12, and the return spring 53 is stretched or compressed to generate an elastic force. When the external force disappears, the elastic force of the return spring 53 drives the upper bracket 12 to rotate back to its initial position, allowing the caster to resume forward and backward movement.

[0032] The working principle of the casters in this solution is as follows: During the movement of the caster, the fixed base 11 is fixedly connected to the external equipment, the upper bracket 12 can rotate horizontally relative to the fixed base 11, and the lower bracket 13 is hinged to the upper bracket 12 and can swing up and down.

[0033] When the caster travels on a slope, the detection liquid in the level tank 31 tilts due to gravity. When the caster is going downhill, the liquid flows forward, and the liquid level in the first chamber 312 is higher than the liquid level in the second chamber 313. The first level sensor 32 detects a high liquid level signal, and the second level sensor 33 detects a low liquid level signal. When the caster is going uphill, the liquid flows backward, and the liquid level in the second chamber 313 is higher than the liquid level in the first chamber 312. When the caster is on a level surface, the liquid levels in the two chambers are equal.

[0034] The control module receives detection signals from two liquid level sensors, determines the slope state of the caster according to the above judgment logic, and can use this state information for subsequent control operations (such as adjusting the speed of the caster).

[0035] Meanwhile, during the caster's movement, the shock absorption mechanism 4 absorbs and buffers the impact and vibration from the ground through the elastic deformation of the shock absorption spring 42, keeping the first support plate 14 roughly parallel to the ground, thereby ensuring the relative stability of the liquid level in the liquid level tank 31 and improving the accuracy of slope detection. Furthermore, the reset mechanism 5 automatically restores the caster to its forward / backward direction after it deflects, ensuring the directional stability of the caster's movement.

[0036] Based on the above-described preferred embodiments of the present invention, and through the foregoing description, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the inventive concept. The technical scope of this invention is not limited to the contents of the specification, but must be determined according to the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A caster capable of detecting slope status, comprising a caster bracket (1) and a wheel body (2) disposed on the caster bracket (1), characterized in that, The caster bracket (1) includes a fixed base (11), an upper bracket (12) rotatably connected to the fixed base (11), and a lower bracket (13) hinged to the upper bracket (12). The wheel body (2) is disposed on the lower bracket (13). The bottom of the upper bracket (12) and both sides are provided with forward-extending first protrusions (121). The top of the lower bracket (13) and both sides are provided with forward-extending second protrusions (131). A first support plate (14) is provided between the two first protrusions (121), and a second support plate (15) is provided between the two second protrusions (131). A detection mechanism (3) for detecting the slope status is provided on the first support plate (14). A shock-absorbing mechanism (4) is provided between the first support plate (14) and the second support plate (15). A reset mechanism (5) that can keep the caster bracket (1) in the front-back direction is provided between the fixed base (11) and the upper bracket (12).

2. The caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the upper bracket (12) is provided with a first through hole (122), and the top of the lower bracket (13) is provided with a second through hole (132) that communicates with the first through hole (122). The first through hole (122) and the second through hole (132) are provided with rivets (6) that can hinge the lower bracket (13) to the upper bracket (12).

3. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first support plate (14) has a first latching protrusion (141) on both the left and right sides, and a first latching groove (123) on the first protrusion (121) that engages with the first latching protrusion (141). The second support plate (15) has a second latching protrusion (151) on both the left and right sides, and a second latching groove (133) on the second protrusion (131) that engages with the second latching protrusion (151).

4. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 1, characterized in that, The top of the lower support (13) is provided with a recessed area (134) that is recessed backward, and the first support plate (14) is located in the recessed area (134). There is a gap between the first support plate (14) and the side wall of the recessed area (134).

5. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The detection mechanism (3) includes a liquid level tank (31) disposed on the first support plate (14), a first liquid level sensor (32) disposed on the front side of the liquid level tank (31), and a second liquid level sensor (33) disposed on the rear side of the liquid level tank (31).

6. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid level tank (31) has a downwardly extending partition (311) inside and on the upper side wall. The partition (311) divides the upper side of the liquid level tank (31) into a first cavity (312) on the front side and a second cavity (313) on the rear side. The detection head of the first liquid level sensor (32) is located in the first cavity (312), and the detection head of the second liquid level sensor (33) is located in the second cavity (313).

7. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes a control module that is communicatively connected to the first liquid level sensor (32) and the second liquid level sensor (33). The control module determines the slope state of the caster based on the liquid level signals from the first liquid level sensor (32) and the second liquid level sensor (33). When the liquid level in the first cavity (312) is higher than the liquid level in the second cavity (313), it is determined that the caster is in a downhill state; When the liquid level in the second cavity (313) is higher than the liquid level in the first cavity (312), it is determined that the caster is in an uphill state; When the liquid level in the first cavity (312) is equal to the liquid level in the second cavity (313), the caster is determined to be in a level road state.

8. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first support plate (14) has a third through hole (142) on both the left and right sides, and the second support plate (15) has a fourth through hole (152) on both the left and right sides. The shock absorption mechanism (4) includes a fixed rod (41) disposed in the fourth through hole (152) and extending through the third through hole (142) to the top of the first support plate (14), a shock absorption spring (42) sleeved on the fixed rod (41), and a locking nut (43) disposed at the protruding end of the fixed rod (41) and pressing the shock absorption spring (42) onto the first support plate (14). The third through hole (142) is a strip-shaped hole.

9. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 8, characterized in that, A first washer (44) is provided between the upper end of the shock-absorbing spring (42) and the locking nut (43), and a second washer (45) is provided between the lower end of the shock-absorbing spring (42) and the first support plate (14).

10. A caster capable of detecting slope status according to claim 5, characterized in that, The reset mechanism (5) includes a connecting rod (51) disposed on the rear side of the fixed base (11), a connector (52) disposed on the rear side of the upper bracket (12), and a return spring (53) disposed between the connecting rod (51) and the connector (52).

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